Hello Everyone,
We are continuing to try and grow Christian Art Contest, so we have started another contest. We changed up a few things, so take a look at the site www.christianartcontest.com. We want to thank all of you that have supported us in the past.
Thanks & be sure to spread the word.
For God's Glory!
JoAnn
http://www.christianartcontest.com/
info@christianartcontest.com
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Featured Artist: Howard Lyon
"Light of the World" by Howard Lyon, copyright
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” – John 8:12
This simple passage of scripture defines much of what it means to be Christian. To follow Christ means a life of compassion and service. It does not mean that there will not be heartache or trials. It does not mean we will not stumble and fall. Hardship is part of life, but Christ, through His atonement will be there to clear the path back to the light, bringing hope to an imperfect people trying to be better.
This simple passage of scripture defines much of what it means to be Christian. To follow Christ means a life of compassion and service. It does not mean that there will not be heartache or trials. It does not mean we will not stumble and fall. Hardship is part of life, but Christ, through His atonement will be there to clear the path back to the light, bringing hope to an imperfect people trying to be better.
"From Fear to Faith" by Howard Lyon, copyright
The account in the Gospels of the Savior calming the tempest is a compelling witness of His power and authority over the elements, His compassion and testimony of His divine nature. The story is also a lesson for us of the power of faith.
As children of our Father in Heaven, we will all face trials in this life. There will be times when the sea is raging around us. It may feel as if we are destined to fail, that the storms are too great and that we are helpless to save ourselves.
As children of our Father in Heaven, we will all face trials in this life. There will be times when the sea is raging around us. It may feel as if we are destined to fail, that the storms are too great and that we are helpless to save ourselves.
This painting depicts a range of emotions that we may all relate to when the trials come. Note the disciple on the back of the boat. He is trying to save himself, bailing water from the boat. He looks out at the storm, overcome by fear. As a result, he sits in darkness, he cannot see the Savior. The next two disciples are still trusting in their own strength, trying to right the mast and gather in the rigging, but they have started to turn to Christ and are entering into his light. Standing behind the mast, this disciple has just let go of the sail. After having done all that he could, he is turning towards the savior. His faith is displacing his fear.
The next three disciples are focused completely on the Savior, faith has nearly pushed their fears away. They look in wonder at their Lord, standing calmly before them, Master of all. Lastly, we come to Peter, kneeling at the feet of Christ. Just a moment before, the storm raging, he had the faith to lay his fears completely at the feet of the Lord and he was blessed with peace.
We will all face difficult moments in our life, when it feels that all is lost. We often try to save ourselves, but when we turn ourselves over to the Lord, having done all that we can, He will save us. We will hear those magnificent words spoken in our hearts, “Peace, be still.”
"Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" by Howard Lyon, copyright
In this painting, I wanted to portray Mary in a way that I believe many mothers can relate to. She has found a brief quiet moment to contemplate. There is a little concern in her eyes, knowing that there will be pain and hardship in the life of her child, but hope as well, for she knows that God loves her and has a plan for her and her child. She smiles as she reflects on the joy she feels when thinking of her son, turning to the future, confident and anxious, but faithful.
Motherhood brings many emotions. Fear, joy, pain, and hope, concern and nearly inexpressible love can all be part of motherhood. No doubt Mary felt inadequate, but steadfast and faithful; humbled, though honored to have been chosen to have been part of Christ’s life.
Mary must have often thought of the heavenly messenger that brought her such momentous news, the miracle of his birth, the sign in the heavens, the wise men, the shepherds and angels that bore witness. As Christ grew, she surely marveled at His wisdom and obedience, knowing that he was the Son of God.
“Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19
Featured Artist: Howard Lyon
I am an artist that was born and raised in Mesa, Az where I still reside. I am the youngest of five children. I had very supportive parents, who even when I was very young, made sure I had the materials and education to hone my talents. While attending high school I met his wife, Shari Lunt. We married, and now have three children.
I began my career studying illustration working with artists such as Robert Barrett, Don Seegmiller, James Christensen and Greg Olsen. Over the past 15 years I have worked in the video game industry as an Art Director, concept artist and freelance illustrator. For much of my career I have painted dragons and trolls or scenes from science fiction. My work can be found in products from Dungeons and Dragon’s books, World of Warcraft cards, Magic the Gathering and Star Wars.
I have studied art in Italy, France and most recently at the Grand Central Academy in New York. I have combined these experiences to expand my subject matter to create inspirational pieces in the style of some of my favorite old masters: William Bouguereau, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, and John William Waterhouse.
I have taken this year to do something I have always wanted to do, paint images of my faith. I have dedicated the year to images found in the New Testament, and I hope that through my paintings I can strengthen my own testimony of Christ and the testimonies of those who enjoy my paintings as well.
Howard Van Lyon Fine Art and Illustration
480.241.7907
I began my career studying illustration working with artists such as Robert Barrett, Don Seegmiller, James Christensen and Greg Olsen. Over the past 15 years I have worked in the video game industry as an Art Director, concept artist and freelance illustrator. For much of my career I have painted dragons and trolls or scenes from science fiction. My work can be found in products from Dungeons and Dragon’s books, World of Warcraft cards, Magic the Gathering and Star Wars.
I have studied art in Italy, France and most recently at the Grand Central Academy in New York. I have combined these experiences to expand my subject matter to create inspirational pieces in the style of some of my favorite old masters: William Bouguereau, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, and John William Waterhouse.
I have taken this year to do something I have always wanted to do, paint images of my faith. I have dedicated the year to images found in the New Testament, and I hope that through my paintings I can strengthen my own testimony of Christ and the testimonies of those who enjoy my paintings as well.
Howard Van Lyon Fine Art and Illustration
480.241.7907
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Featured Artist: Marcus Hilden, Blacksmith
Cross/Lilly by Marcus Hilden, Blacksmith
Candelabra by Marcus Hilden, Blacksmith
Toilet Paper Holder by Marcus Hilden, Blacksmith
Prayer Bench by Marcus Hilden, Blacksmith
Lectern by Marcus Hilden, Blacksmith
Featured Artist: Marcus Hilden, Blacksmith
I enjoy collaborating with clients and bringing their vision to reality.
I acknowledge what talent I have is a gift from God. Doing so I am obligated to glorify God in my work. Not to expect to be applauded for saying I am a believer while performing poorly. God does not do shoddy work neither should we.
Proverbs 1:24- "You completely ignored me and refused to listen." Describes my walk, yet we are still loved.
Web site: http://www.anvildo.com/
Marc Hilden
Saturday, June 4, 2011
My Plans for You 6) Suffering Yields Faith
Earthquakes, tsunamis and tornadoes have captured our attention, changed our lives and shook our world. What are we to think? How does this kind of suffering fit in God’s plan? In the last devotion, we learned one overarching reason for suffering being for the glory of God. Then five secondary reasons for suffering as related to faith, growth, punishment, witness and comfort.
Natural disasters, unforeseen calamity and sudden harm all seem to raise the question of “Why?” The thought today, whether we actually say it or just quietly think it, is no different than in the day of Job. The reason it has not changed in over 3,500 years is because of mans strong, yet limited, sense of fairness and justice. Suffering must be punishment for wrongdoing or sin! Even Job pleaded his case before God.
In the days of Jesus, some Galileans were murdered during worship and Jesus responded by saying, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no!” - Luke 13: 2, 3a. Jesus then went on to add, “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no!” - Luke 13: 4, 5a. The lesson here is to never judge someone by their hardships and afflictions.
So then really . . . “Why?” The answer lies in verses 3b and 5b, where Jesus repeats the statement, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” The answer does not lie in whether those who died are more sinful than those who were spared, but in a completely different question. The real question is, “How are you going to respond now that you have been sparred to breathe another day?” These sufferings of life make us either more defiant in our pride or more thankful in our humility. Job ultimately responded to the disasters in his life by saying, “I had heard of you (Lord) by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:5,6.
Suffering causes our faith to be challenged and hopefully strengthened as we learn to trust more completely in Almighty God.
For some it may be new found faith as they trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior for the first time and for others it may be a return to faith or a deepening of faith. Jesus told his disciples on the way to see Lazarus, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may BELIEVE. But let us go to him.” - John 11:14a, 15.
So quit asking “Why?” and instead ask, “Will our breath be filled with repentance turning from sin or will we go on unchanged? Will our lives become filled with spiritual fruit or will we go on centered around self?”
Peace be with you.
Paul LaBathe
Natural disasters, unforeseen calamity and sudden harm all seem to raise the question of “Why?” The thought today, whether we actually say it or just quietly think it, is no different than in the day of Job. The reason it has not changed in over 3,500 years is because of mans strong, yet limited, sense of fairness and justice. Suffering must be punishment for wrongdoing or sin! Even Job pleaded his case before God.
In the days of Jesus, some Galileans were murdered during worship and Jesus responded by saying, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no!” - Luke 13: 2, 3a. Jesus then went on to add, “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no!” - Luke 13: 4, 5a. The lesson here is to never judge someone by their hardships and afflictions.
So then really . . . “Why?” The answer lies in verses 3b and 5b, where Jesus repeats the statement, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” The answer does not lie in whether those who died are more sinful than those who were spared, but in a completely different question. The real question is, “How are you going to respond now that you have been sparred to breathe another day?” These sufferings of life make us either more defiant in our pride or more thankful in our humility. Job ultimately responded to the disasters in his life by saying, “I had heard of you (Lord) by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:5,6.
Suffering causes our faith to be challenged and hopefully strengthened as we learn to trust more completely in Almighty God.
For some it may be new found faith as they trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior for the first time and for others it may be a return to faith or a deepening of faith. Jesus told his disciples on the way to see Lazarus, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may BELIEVE. But let us go to him.” - John 11:14a, 15.
So quit asking “Why?” and instead ask, “Will our breath be filled with repentance turning from sin or will we go on unchanged? Will our lives become filled with spiritual fruit or will we go on centered around self?”
Peace be with you.
Paul LaBathe
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Featured Artist: Jan Renegar
Featured Artist: Jan Renegar
“My name is Jan and own Mosaic Crosses and Crafts. I am an artist living in north Alabama. I make handcrafted wooden crosses, frames, and other shapes all using mosaic glass, stones, and glass pieces. Each and every piece is unique, not one is ever the same. Just like the way God made us (Psalm 139: 13,14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well).
I got into this business through my sister, Sara. She lived in Huntsville while her husband was serving in Afghanistan, and we would work together creating crosses to sell at local art shows. Sara moved away when her husband came home, and now it’s just me (with a little help from Chase, my husband). I enjoy creating beautiful, unique pieces through mosaic art. God made the world with so many beautiful colors, different shapes, sizes, and resources… it’s fun to use my talents to create and for display in someone’s home to enjoy! (Romans 12:6,7 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching”)
The cross represents what Christ did on the cross, may we never forget the sacrifice that was made for us! Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
http://www.facebook.com/mosaiccrossesandccrafts
Jan Renegar
(256) 361-4899
Green Tree Photography
{ Web } http://www.greentreephotography.net/
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