'The Joy of the Shepherd'

Student Reflection

Heavenly angels fill the sky with radiating light and announce that an infant, who is our saviour, Jesus, has arrived. The humble shepherds gaze towards Bethlehem, with eyes bulging in excitement. The angel reassures the shepherds not to be afraid and be filled with joy. One of the shepherds appears to be overwhelmed and confused by the situation. The light of the star shines across the mountains illustrating the harmony between Heaven and nature.  

I used fine black artliners and a white pencil on grey watercolour paper to create my artwork. The piece was done in a unique artistic style of scumbling, using a combination of  delicate cross hatching and purposeful scribbling. This linear effect creates a sense of light and shade, drama and the divine, detail and simplicity. There are minuscule details in the shepherd’s clothing, depicting the nativity scene and the three kings staring into the distance as they journey to find the new king.  

The expressions on the Shepherd’s faces remind me of when I first saw my little cousin. I felt a great sense of joy and excitement at her arrival. The message of my artwork is to convey the joy felt by the shepherds on that cold Christmas night.