Inspired by Saints

Recently, Wilde Meyer artist Linda Carter Holman has been inspired by saints. In particular, the Santos, which are the beautiful paintings of saints found in churches throughout Mexico. Like the Greek Orthodox icons, the Santos have become an art form, and they are painted away from church settings by artists who are enamored of the symbolism and stories associated with each saint. In New Mexico, they are called “retablos,” and their folk art charm has wide appeal.

Linda has done her own interpretation of the Santos. She’s painted a series of eight retablos on 12" x 9" wood panels, each with its own decorated stand. Linda is the perfect artist for this genre. She’s used her strong colors and folk art style to depict the saints that were inspiring to her. The back of each panel tells the story of that saint.


The Virgin of the Dove is my favorite. The figure has such a peaceful face – so characteristic of Linda’s work:



"Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion Immaculada"
by Linda Carter Holman
oil on wood 14" x 11" x 4"

 The virgin’s hands join together to cradle flowers and the white dove, which symbolize purity and exemption from the sins of the world. According to Linda, this is one of the more popular Mexican Santos.


Although the figure in "The Holy Child of Atocha" is a young man, he looks very much like the women in Linda’s paintings:

"The Holy Child of Atocha"
by Linda Carter Holman
oil on wood 14" x 11" x 4"

The shackles on his feet represent imprisonment, since he is the saint people pray to for freedom from confinement of any nature. His serene expression and the primary colors of his clothing embody Linda’s distinctive style. The stand has painted hands reaching out – a symbol of hope.


Patron saints can be practical, too. According to Linda, La Madre Santisima de la Luz – the saint of light – is now the patron saint of electricians! Her retablo depicts her in the traditional sense, as a mythic figure, lifting a sinful soul from hell and surrounded by angels and clouds. On her left arm she carries her divine son. A kneeling angel presents a basket filled with hearts.


"La Madre Santisima de La Luz"
by Linda Carter Holman
oil on wood 14" x 11" x 4"



You can see Linda’s eight retablos at Wilde Meyer’s Tucson gallery.