Gifted Artists

Do you ever wish you could ‘see’ the images described so vividly throughout the Scriptures?  I do!  I have a very literal mind and minimal artistic ability.  As I read through books like Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation, I long to have a straight-from-Scripture glimpse of the passages.  Over the years, as I searched for quality depictions of the Word, whimsical representations were all I could find.  Longing for pictures with scriptural accuracy, I continued my search.  One morning after a particularly poor drawing in my prayer journal (made by me) of the ‘wheel in the middle of the wheel,’ I invested some extra time in my search.  Today, I am excited to share with you two “finds” I have enjoyed immensely.  Perhaps they will bring joy to you as well.

First, is artist Pat Marvenko Smith. Preparing to teach a class of teens about the book of Revelation, Pat desired to have quality visuals for her class.  She began searching for accurate Revelation artistry.  Finding none, she prayerfully launched into the process of creating her own.  Investing hours or research and rejoicing in the experience of feeling the Holy Spirit flow through her paintbrush, Pat created forty full-color portrayals of the book of Revelation.   Others rapidly showed their appreciation for her work and soon after she and her husband formed Revelation Productions.  Her galleries expanded and her artwork has been enjoyed by thousands, including such notable ministries as Jack Van Impe Ministries, Walk Thru The Bible Ministries, and Prophecy In the News (J.R. Church).

Another option for Biblically-inspired artwork is Digital Artwork by Ted Larson.  Offering renditions from Exodus, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Daniel and Revelation, Larson says all of his inspiration comes from his daily Bible Study.  A devout reader of Scripture, Larson uses the challenging passages as inspiration.  Blending the classical influences of art he learned from his mother with modern digital photography and digital software, Larson offers a look inside the Word that blesses immensely.  His own words provide a powerful insight into the heart of the artist, “I feel awe and a humbleness being able to glorify God through my art. Sometimes I feel like I’m soaring the heights of secret treasures found in the pages of scripture.”

Celebrating the artistic gifts of these individuals seems to be a great way to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend!  Our Creator loves to see His gifts appreciated.  May you enjoy these pages–and your own gifts!