Art and Faith During Troubled Times

In Inspired by Faith, author Robin Landa address the why to creating artworks of faith.  "Artists choose to paint religious and spiritual works in order to reveal their beliefs to themselves, to others, and to God...Painting, one of the most dynamic and complex mediums we have ever invented, allows us to seach out our minds and souls, revealing our inner worlds.  Art makes ideas, feelings, and beliefs visible to ourselves, as we create it, and to others, when they see the finished work.  Art affects its viewers, influencing people, awakening their perceptions, stimulating their senses and enlightening their minds and souls." 

My painting teacher who taught me much about color theory often talked about an artist having "soul" in their work.  Although I was not a color theorist, nor my works impressionistic as his were, I admired much about his work, and sought to emulate his use of color.  I tried to incorporate the color knowledge he taught me within my own style of painting. He told me that my work had a lot of "soul."  It's not something I can thoroughly explain but what an artist believes comes out, indescribly, through their work.

We have reasons for creating.  Something moves us.  If we experience much in our hearts as a result of our faith, then we somehow want to express this visually so that others might share our experience.  We want to make our faith come alive for other people.  As I painted Jesus Coming Forth From the Grave during an Easter worship service, someone in the congregation remarked to the person sitting beside them, "I've always known about Jesus, but when I saw this painting I realized He is alive!"  This brought tremendous meaning to me and made all the long hours of learning to paint worthwhile.

Especially in times of widespread difficulty it is often artists that capture images that express what many feel.  Such days are with us now.  We search for comfort and meaning in the aftermath of horrible violence.  Artists of faith paint, photographers of faith take pictures, musicians of faith play new music and writers of faith compose sensitive compositions to light the candle of belief and trust in God and give others a way to share their hope.

In these days may you use your God-given talent to encourage someone with faith.

Introduction to Drawing Part I

Drawing is the basic componet of any artwork.  Like piano playing to a musician, a knowledge and growing skill of drawing gives a good foundation and raises the maturity level of our artwork.  A few components to consider as we pursue drawing:

• Draw everyday!  We artists tend to think that inspiration has to hit us before we start to create.  Nonsense!  That approach will make the creation of art sporatic and will elongate the learning process unnecessarily.  If at all possible, try to draw, even a little bit, everyday.  An athelete practices, a musician practices, a writer writes and an artist draws (or paints or sculpts, etc.).  If we want to take our skill level up it becomes something we habitually do and we work it into our rhythm of life - on purpose.

• Use the whole sheet of paper.  Start to think overall composition and how to make each area of the paper or canvas attractive.

• Really observe shadow and light.  Make sure there is enough contrast.  Squint your eyes to see the polarization of black verses white.  If you can't differientate your sketch when you are squinting then there is more contrast work to be done. 

• Make special note of the outline of your subject.  Again, observe intently the shape of the lines and imitate what you see.  Would your drawing be interesting if it was only the outside lines?  Are the shapes attractive? 

• Look at the negative space.  The areas around your subject - are the outlines and negative shapes interesting? 

• Consider texture.  Is the texture of the subject you are replicating convincing?  Need more observation and practice?  Remember to draw what you really see (not what you 'think' you see.)  Don't make assumptions about the texture of a familiar object.  Try to observe it as for the first time.

• Enjoy what you do.  Be encouraged with progress!  Keep older drawings for a sense of history to see how far you have come. And don't forget to sign and date your drawings for the same reason.  You have a unique way of viewing the world - so sign that paper or canvas!