evangelization
R
ising toward the ceiling above the altar of Christ the King Church is an imposing, framed 10’ x 6’ painting of the Crucifixion,
the Sorrowing Mother and Saint Mary Magdalene. The artist, James Langley, is an American figurative painter whose work develops forms that are “recognizably derived from life,” as his website states. In other words, there is a realness to his figures.
Finding God’s creation in art By Marty Denzer | Photos by Megan Marley and Mike Jones
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Catholic Key • April/May 2022 • catholickey.org
His liturgical work, Langley said, “is inspired by faith and the presence of God in the sacraments.” Christ the King is one of two churches in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to display his artwork. In addition to the Crucifixion altarpiece, a Madonna and Child hangs in the St. Julian Peter Eymard Perpetual Adoration Chapel in the church. There is a Langley Divine Mercy painting at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Gladstone. In addition to liturgical art, Langley’s work encompasses portraiture, figure art, murals and decorative botanical studies. The artist, 61, grew up in Colorado, where his art-loving mother supplied him with a camera, paper and art supplies with which he entertained himself inside the house and outdoors, instead of watching TV. Inspired by his mother, entertainment grew into a love of drawing, he said. After attending Catholic schools, he earned advanced degrees from the Rhode Island Academy of Art and the New York Academy of Art. Originally a studio artist, Langley taught art for 15 years at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. In the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic drove professors and teachers worldwide into virtual platforms, but, Langley said, it’s difficult to teach art online. Recently, Langley returned to his studio.
