Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) GREO Prints

Graphical Representation of Essential Oil Paintings.  

 This painting of Boswellia sacra essential oil is rich with symbolism, spirituality, and personal reflection, infused with layers of meaning tied to Christian beliefs and the story of this revered tree.

At its core, the painting reflects the belief—however unsubstantiated—that this might have been the frankincense given to baby Jesus. Created over Christmas, the artwork is steeped in themes of faith and renewal. The corners of the canvas are filled with symbolic colours to eliminate white space:

• Yellow for gold, a gift fit for royalty.
• Brown for wood, representing the cross.
• Blue for royalty, tied to Jesus as the ultimate King.
• Green for new life and resurrection, symbolic of both the tree’s resurgence and Jesus’s resurrection.

The centre of the painting features red blotches, powerfully symbolizing the blood of Christ on the cross. Overhead, a star shines brightly, representing the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to Jesus. A crown is present as well, a tribute to Jesus’s royalty and His role as the ultimate King.  As well as the role this species plays in the royalty of the region, the Sultan.

In the background, subtle markings of a cross are hidden, inviting viewers to discover this deeper layer of meaning.

One of the most striking elements is the inclusion of eight black slashes, each dripping with red and gold. These slashes symbolize the tapping process of Boswellia sacra trees, with the red representing the tree’s “lifeblood” and the gold its immense value. The choice of eight slashes was deliberate, reflecting the biblical significance of the number: new life and resurrection. This ties both the Messiah and the trees into a shared narrative of rebirth and renewal, underscoring the profound connection between humanity, nature, and spirituality.

This deeply personal and evocative painting weaves together faith, symbolism, and the natural beauty of the Boswellia sacra tree, offering a meditative exploration of life, sacrifice, and resurrection.

These are prints of Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) GREO.  Representing the top 4-5 main constituents in the essential oil.  The painting was done on canvas in egg tempera.  The artist, Lucas Anderson, makes each paint himself, adds a couple drops of the essential oil into the paint to capture the energetics of the oil in the painting.  

Each print comes with a couple drops of the oil for a multi sensory experience.

This GREO was produced in collaboration with the Airmid Institute.  50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Airmid Institute for use in setting up educational programs to strengthen the Frankincense supply chain.