Paul Swift - Goliath

-Actual Size-

I had a short stay in Elk Grove California.
During my 1 year 9 month stint I produce a large number of works. I also expanded into larger sized paintings. "Goliath" was painted on a 9X12 foot canvas.

Prior to painting "Goliath," I had been asked to make a large painting for Grace Church, in Elk Grove California for display in the church sanctuary. I had painted, "I Believe I'll Go Back Home" (my version of the Prodigal Son) on a canvas of the same size. Pastor Eric suggested it be designed to serve as a visual aid for a new series of sermons centered around the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. After completion, the Prodigal Son piece hung in the church for at least a year. Some of the children who went to the church were impressed by the over-all size of the painting and so they requested a new painting (of like proportions) to be displayed as part of their summer program. That summer, the kids would be studying the Philistine giant, Goliath. The biblical account indicates that he once stood at about 9 feet 10 inches tall. Those were the measurements that were given to me when I was asked to make the "Life Sized" Goliath.

It was great fun for me to paint the giant as I'm glad to help out churches and other organizations when I can. The letters of appreciation that I received when the program ended were of great reward...

Paul,

"Thank you so much for painting Goliath for Summer Spectacular. I taught the 4, 5, and 6 year olds, and it was so good for us to be able to stand beside Goliath. It was so visual. Thanks for using your gifts."

Dear Paul,

"Thank you again for 'Goliath'. He was an awesome visual tool. Even on Sunday the kids made their parents stand next to him. I'm looking forward to being able to display him permanently in our new facility. God bless you!'