The Emissaries, painting of a weimaraner dog dressed like a cardinal, painting with red  cardinal bird, art with catholic priests, pious, painting about religion and love, painting meaning happy positive joyful state of being, art abour unconditional love of pet, soulful uplifting inspirational art, soul stirring illusion art, romantic art,  surrealism, surreal art, dreamlike imagery, fanciful art, fantasy art, dreamscape visual, metaphysical art, spiritual painting, metaphysical painting, spiritual art, whimsical art, whimsy art, dream art, fantastic realism art, limited edition giclee, signed art print, fine art reproduction, original magic realism oil painting by Paul Bond

Having grown up as the son of an Episcopal minister, I had an early interest in religion. Yet one of my issues with organized practices was that an intermediary between myself and God – be it a priest, a book or a messiah – was often required. Even as a teen I’d had enough spiritual experiences to know these weren’t necessary. My subsequent relationship with the divine has become personal and unfiltered. Nature provides all the church I need. The unconditional love of a pet a truer reflection of God than any sermon. Thus, the emissaries shown here reflect both the absurdity of religions as big-business spiritual tour guides, and the fact that any experience can be a doorway to a deeper awareness. Granted, religions often help individuals out of crisis and can be a positive force for social causes. But, give me a smile on a dog any day to remind me of my own divine nature. Perhaps an entire order of dog priests… with a bird choir? Now that’s a church I could join.

The Emissaries

15 x 12 - Oil On Panel - Sold, Private Collection