I have recently been awed anew by God’s creative genius as I have observed the incredible palette of sky in the Southwest United States. The intense hue of periwinkle or turquoise as it contrasts the terra cotta landscape is an inspiration for many an artist. Yours truly included.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1
It was when I first attempted to paint God’s heavenly handiwork that I learned the difference between light and pigment. Our eyes see color as light. Paint attempts to express that color in pigment. The best way I can explain the difference is to share what happens when colors are mixed.
With light, the presence of all colors results in white light. Color from light is considered additive. That is why you will see multiple colored spotlights focused on a theatrical stage. Together they brighten the scene—white light is the presence of all color.
If, as a painter, I mix the three primary colors of blue, red, and yellow, I would end up with a brownish, gray, mess. Pigmented color is subtractive—as the pigments combine they subtract certain wavelengths of light until almost nothing reflects back to the eye.
The question then is, as a painter, how can I possibly attempt to represent what I see so beautifully displayed in the heavens? How can I as a prophetic painter begin to express on canvas what the heavens so beautifully express about the glory of God?
The Hebrew word for glory in Psalm 19:1 is “kevod.” It speaks to the weighty Presence of God. Painting a canvas of the sky which tells of God’s manifest Presence almost seems like a fool’s errand. It reminds me of 2 Timothy 3:5 when Paul warned Timothy about people who showed form without the power.
“Holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.” 2 Timothy 3:5
Mixing pigment on a palette and applying it to a canvas may imitate the “form”’ of the sky, but could deny the emotional response of awe I feel. It’s enough to stop an artist from even beginning a painting based on the amazing vistas of so many places.
Except I have discovered something that is a game changer for my art and my life.
The key to representing the glory of God in my artistic work is to invite Him into my process. Each stroke of the palette knife or brush is an act of worship.
The same is true for you and me in our daily lives. Live your life as an act of worship.
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17
What does that look like?
- Take worship songs out of the church and into your car or into your ear.
- Recognize there is no difference between secular and sacred work.
- Pray without ceasing. Talk to God throughout your day.
- Practice breath prayers: Breathe in a truth of God. Breathe out a promise of God.
- Show kindness to others with a heart of love and gratitude.
I have learned that approaching the easel with a heart of worship opens the way for the Lord to teach me practical ways to fulfill His assignment. There ARE techniques an artist can learn and apply to bring an ethereal quality to paint pigment. He has taught them to me.
I suggest that when you invite God into the day-to-day activities of life, God shows you the techniques that might transform the pigment and canvas of your life to His light and power.
Approach each brushstroke of your daily life with a heart of worship and Holy Spirit will teach you what you need to know to take the next step. With God at your side, and your mind and heart set on worship, you will experience the power of God.
How can you add more brushstrokes of worship into your life today?
Live a life of worship, fully engaged as who you were created to be. When you do, I am confident that you—like the heavens—will declare the glory of God to those around you.
Praise be to God!