Grace Abounds: The Story Behind the Painting

Jun 4

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

Amy Boardman

Hello, I'm an artist based in Huntsville, Alabama, deeply inspired by the natural world and guided by my faith. My creative journey began in the rural Midwest, surrounded by the serene beauty of farmland and rustic barns, and now flourishes amidst the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains.

From a young age, I was captivated by art through my father’s teenage sketches. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for painting, which has become a peaceful escape and a means of personal and spiritual expression. My work primarily explores landscapes and a variety of subjects, including pets, animals, still lifes, and food. I work with watercolor, acrylic, and digital media, and occasionally delve into gouache, each medium offering a unique way to express my vision.

Art is more than a creative outlet for me; it’s a conduit for sharing hope, joy, and smiles. My life’s journey—shaped by a nomadic lifestyle across the USA—has profoundly influenced my artistic perspective. Each new place I've called home has offered fresh inspiration, enriching my appreciation for America's diverse landscapes and deepening my connection to nature.

My art blends my love for nature, my Christian faith, and my American heritage. I strive to reflect the beauty of the natural world and the divine in my paintings, offering encouragement, love, and hope to those who encounter my work. Each piece is created with the intention of fostering gratitude and optimism, brightening the world, and uplifting spirits—one painting at a time.

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. Happy painting!

https://www.AmyBoardmanArt.com