I paint using a mix of paint markers & traditional acrylic & oil paint. I use both acrylic and oil paint ...purposely - when viewing, light affects the painting - which gives a viewer two unique perspectives - messages either pop out or disappear depending on the angle you view it. I also paint with invisible ink, when a blue light is shown on the piece a whole new image appears on the canvas.

Like "Where's Waldo," I hide a ton of imagery, symbolism, and hidden messages (in numerous languages & in secret code). A minimum of 50 hours of research goes into each piece so that I may truly tell a story with it and I have to map it all out in my head before I begin.

I used this quote, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" to show in my piece. What is the only thing that can conquer flesh & blood? Love. What is love? God.

The piece is called 'What is Love?' because as 1 John 4:7-8 says, "Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love." The piece shows the irony of what we believe as a society "love" means & what True Love really means. Also, what is sin? Sin is an action you make devoid of love. Therefore, I painted the Spiritual Battle found in Ephesians, which is essentially the human battle between Love & the choice to act without it.

You'll notice Bonnie & Clyde at the top of the painting upside down - we idolize stories in society but we have it all backwards. You'll notice a rose piercing thorns of Romeo & Juliet's hands, drawing blood - like rain. There is an umbrella covering a couple - this couple symbolizes True Love & shows that if love is pure, you will be protected from the forces of evil, rulers of the world and satan. Hence, you'll also notice this couple is standing above a pile of weapons.

The piece also highlights the 5 love languages - you'll see this by looking at the middle right & connected puzzle pieces. Blessed mother is hovering over the rose, holding the hands of the couple whose fingers are pricked by thorns....this is to show that no matter how much wrong you do, how much sin, there is always mercy, forgiveness & the ability to come back to the light. She is always with you, praying to her son Jesus Christ for your sins. "John 3:16" is also hidden throughout.

In invisible ink, the Full Armour of God is seen as well as it's prayer. Love is the answer, God is love. This is what 'What is Love?' is all about. There is a ton more hidden messages in the painting, but these are a couple of my main symbols.

Brian Nealon (Quill) - painter

This is an original work - this piece is worth $3,500.
If you want to purchase, please contact me at quill@whoisquill.com.

Direct Commissions:
Custom commission with up to 10 symbols - $2500
Custom commission with up to 20 symbols - $3000