Inspirational Art Moment - The Creativity of Words

(Pillars of Creation photo taken by Hubble Space Telescope)

Click here to watch first. Creation Narrative (from the Message)

Whether you watch and listen to the 5 minute narrative of creation above or read about it in Genesis chapter 1 one of the phrases that stands out is that "God spoke". The Message version reads like a work of art in itself but when coupled with the music and videography above, one is left in awe of the creativity of God. Even just being outside for a little while it doesn't take long, if you're paying attention, to realize the power and majesty of the Word of God that created it all. Read the following passages and just let them sink in for a minute:

First this: God created the Heavens and Earth - all you see all you don't see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God's Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss. [Then] God spoke... From Genesis 1 (The Message)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.  From John 1 (NASB)

For He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. From Colossians 1 (NASB) 

Sometimes we forget that perhaps one of the most amazing art supplies we carry with us is our words. Because we are made in the image of God our words also have great power of creativity. We can speak life over others or we can speak words of destruction:

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 (NASB)

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

When I was in middle school, I was the quiet unconfident girl who wanted so desperately to be affirmed and valued by others. Instead, the cruel words and actions of bullies cut me down so much that it put me into a big depression and I started having thoughts of harming myself. Praise God that I finally relinquished my suffering and self-worth to the Lord Jesus, THE Living Word. His life giving Spirit hovered over the surface of the deep hurt and darkness I was in and spoke, "Let there be LIGHT!"

Thirty two years have passed since then and I am so very grateful to be able to speak light and life over the middle and high school students in my little art classes and it's all because of Jesus. Truly, I can't take any credit except for be willing to take a step of faith and sharing with them what the Lord puts on my heart and in my mouth.

If you are in a mess of hurt, chaos, confusion, or whatever is leaving you feeling in the dark I pray you too will let the One who created you and holds all things together speak over your soul today. He loves you so very much. You are one of His masterpieces!

High School Art 1 Geometric Tape Paintings

This past week our Art 1 High School students created some fantastic acrylic paintings of different sizes using painter's tape. First they used painter's tape to create a design on the canvas. Then they painted over and around the tape with fun colors and designs. After it was dry they removed the tape. Some students chose to paint in the taped off areas once the tape was removed. I love their designs! In addition, a few of our Art 1 students chose to display/sell their tape paintings at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery. We were invited by the Gallery to participate in their rotating high school art area. The Grace Preparatory High School art display and sale will be going on there beginning November 1 until December 15, 2018. New Braunfels Art League Gallery is located at 349 West San Antonio Street in downtown New Braunfels.

(Click on the photos to see closer.) 

High School Art 2 & 3 Abstract Expressionist Paintings

After learning about Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism our Grace Prep High School Art 2 and Art 3 students had fun creating their own paintings in that style! They turned out great! In addition, a many of our Art 2 and Art 3 students chose to display/sell their expressionism paintings at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery. We were invited by the Gallery to participate in their rotating high school art area. The Grace Preparatory High School art display and sale will be going on there beginning November 1 until December 15, 2018. New Braunfels Art League Gallery is located at 349 West San Antonio Street in downtown New Braunfels. 

(Click on photos to see up close.)

Middle School Chinoiserie

This last week in Middle School Art we learned about the European imitation of Chinese art and ceramics which began in the 18th century. It is called Chinoiserie (pronounced "Sheen-wa-zuree") which based on the French word for Chinese. One form of Chinoiserie is the monochromatic decorative plates you might see in someone's home. They are frequently done in blue and will have a repetitive design around the edge and a decorative scene or motif in the middle.  The students got to decorate their own plate sized piece of paper. It was fun seeing what they came up with! 

(Click on photos to see artwork more closely.)

Middle School Art - Aboriginal Dot Paintings

In the Middle School Art classes we began our trip around the world looking at art from different cultures and countries. Our first project was based on our look at the dot paintings produced by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. Students used acrylic paints to make their own dot painting. So colorful and unique!

(Click on the photos to see more closely.)

High School Art 1 - Autumn Leaf Prints

The colder weather we have had this week got us inspired in the High School Art 1 classes with our autumn leaf prints. First students painted a background and then used their painted leaves to produce a nice composition. Acrylic paints were used for this project. 

Aren't they beautiful? 

(Click on pictures to see up close.)

High School Art 2/3 - Postage Stamps

Over the past several weeks, in High School Art 2/3 students have been creating their personal postage stamp. We learned about the American folk artist, Grandma Moses, who began her painting career in her 70's (which shows you're never too old to start something new!). One of her paintings was featured on a United States postage stamp. We also looked at other postage stamps for inspiration. They had to include their name or initials and how much they wanted their stamp to be so they got to practice lettering. I love what each student came up with for their stamp!

(Click on each picture to see their artwork more closely.)