Author: Dennis McNally

New York born and bred, this painter has three degrees from New York schools and one from Weston Jesuit School of Theology. He studied for a year in Italy, an experience that has infused his work with Renaissance influences. His Jesuit training in the Spiritual Exercises puts the use of imagination in the attempt to connect with God at the very center of his prayer life; that, too, shows in his work. The theme of what God must think of the way we conduct our lives is often given great consideration in the images that come about from his own interior struggles with how this or that tragedy could possibly have been perpetrated. The paintings are a way to pray. With God’s grace they will help others to pray. Dennis is currently Professor of Art at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

23
May

I want to see Him

Cross-cropped canvas bears a pendant dark Lord   dying into the center space, crown ablaze with…

23
May

Dealing with Death

Since my brother’s death I have been in a fugue state of some kind. To be…

28
Oct

Malevolent Moon

In an idyllic town the ambitious moon arouses a predator.     Does the…

06
Oct

Two Standards

In the Exercises St. Ignatius of Loyola posits two earthly leaders, both extremely appealing, prototypical heroes….

03
Oct

Anima Christi

I do love this prayer, Anima Christi, Soul of Christ.             Father Ignatius incorporated it into…

07
Sep

An horizon of fearful power and joyful play

There is a contrast between comforting darks and explosive lights. It looks like a volcano or…

30
Aug

Remembering 9/11

How we all felt that day, remember? Like the world was coming down around us.  …

22
Aug

agony in the garden

I was painting this one in class with my painting students. I had to keep leaving…

15
Aug

America the Beautiful

I’ve been thinking about the Americas for so many years, sometimes feeling that we have built…

05
Aug

Christ in the Levant 2016

How do they do these horrific things? Fill the bucket with body parts, line ‘em up…