Grace Abounds: The Story Behind the Painting
There’s something about vintage glass that draws me in—especially old jars and jugs with their gentle curves, imperfections, and the way light plays through them. On a quiet afternoon, I wandered into a local antique store and discovered a beautiful brown glass jug. It was simple yet rich in character, and I immediately envisioned it holding something delicate, something full of life. I did not know yet what flowers I would use, but I knew this vessel had a story to tell.
Later, I found the perfect match: soft hydrangea blooms in shades of cream, white, and subtle hints of green and blush pink. Their gentle petals looked stunning against the warm brown tones of the jug. As light poured through my studio window, it filtered through the glass and danced across the tabletop—illuminating not just the still life but something deeper.
And that’s how the watercolor painting “Grace Abounds” came to life.
Watercolor painting, “Grace Abounds” by Amy Boardman
The Meaning Behind the Title
"But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more."
— Romans 5:20 (ESV)
This Scripture speaks to the heart of this piece. As followers of Christ, we all fall short—we struggle, we sin, we stumble. But God’s grace isn’t limited by our failures. It overflows, cleansing and covering even the deepest wounds. That’s the beauty of grace: it is freely given, undeserved, and more than enough.
The brown jug in the painting represents us—earthly vessels, imperfect and worn, yet chosen and filled by the Creator. The hydrangeas, delicate and light-filled, reflect the purity and transformation that only grace can bring. When God’s light shines through us, it reveals a beauty that goes beyond the surface.
Why I Kept the Wicker Pumpkin
Tucked in the background of the scene is a simple wicker pumpkin. I could have left it out for a cleaner composition, but I chose to keep it because it adds warmth, character, and honesty to the piece. I love scenes that feel a little lived-in—imperfect but full of soul.
Wicker often symbolizes resilience and adaptability—two qualities that deeply resonate with a life of faith. It reminds me that in Christ, we are shaped to bend without breaking. We’re woven together by God’s hand, strengthened by trials, and able to endure by His grace.
The rustic touch of the pumpkin brings a seasonal grounding and visual texture that supports the quiet message of the painting: that grace is not just beautiful, but sustaining.
Painting as Worship
As an artist, I see painting as a form of worship. Each brushstroke is a prayer, a reflection, a testimony of what God is doing in and through me. "Grace Abounds" is not just a still life—it’s a spiritual metaphor. It’s a reminder that no matter how flawed or fragile we feel, God can fill us with His beauty, His light, and His redeeming grace.
My hope is that this painting stirs something in your heart—a gentle whisper that you are not beyond redemption. That God’s grace still abounds, right in the middle of your everyday life, with all its rustic textures and imperfect moments.
Happy Painting!
—Amy Boardman
Blog: Amy’s Palette Perspective
