I discovered these fascinating 18th-century missions while bicycling the Mission Trail along the San Antonio River in Texas. The quality of the light, as well as the colourful Spanish culture in the region provided the inspiration for the series. I first took a photo of each mission and then placed the image in a composition that simulated a stained glass window. I included Christian symbols such as the shell and drops of water (for baptism), the pomegranate, crown, dove, etc. and the suggestion of a text inscription. The imaginary light streaming through the windows added to the illusion of stained glass.
MISSION SAN FRANCISCO DE LA ESPADA, acrylic on canvas, 23 ½” x 31 ½” 
MISSION SAN JOSE, acrylic on canvas, 23 ½” x 31 ½” 
MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, acrylic on canvas, 23 ½” x 31 ½” 
MISSION CONCEPCION, acrylic on canvas, 23 ½” x 31 ½” 
MISSION SAN ANTONIO DE VALERO, acrylic on canvas, 23 ½” W x 31 ½” H
All images and text © Marlene Herbst, 2025
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