This newsletter is a long time coming and also refreshing. I have been taking some time over the past couple weeks to enjoy my family, disconnect and take time to actually make some soulful art and finish up some commissions.

These past few weeks have been informative, eye opening and peaceful. My wife and kids and I have been camping and traveling and spending quality time with each other unplugged before summer comes to a close here in the Midwest.

I am an Artist (Saying it boldly)

For the first time in our interactions with other people and meeting new faces on our travels I was faced with that dreaded question. What do you do for a living? Most of those were preceded with my daughter or son proudly telling another friend or adult “guess what? My dad is an Artist!” which usually followed with really? what kind of art? as they look over at a burly grizzled middle aged guarded white male that looks like they just walked out of the woods or off of a construction site.

me- “I draw and paint beautiful pictures of Jesus and faith-based work and things that inspire me.”

Them- “Oh, can I see some of your work?

me -Yeah sure

Them- “Followed by looking back at me and my work multiple times trying to figure out how this can be?”

me- smiling and sharing my process nervously

Them- “This is unreal and how long does it take you?”

me -” depends on my vision and how determined I am to finish it.

Them- “There eyes get bigger, and they want to know more”

Then the discussion gets deeper, and we share our stories, and they share their background, and a deep connection is made.

The moral of this is that I realized there is such a stigma around being an “Artist” or being a “Christian”.

People tend to think you are supposed to look a certain way or talk a certain way but in reality, isn’t that what Jesus came to represent? He was not the Messiah that they thought he would be but yet he fulfilled every prophecy.

I learned that you can’t let those preconceived notions keep you from making deep connections with people.

I do this to myself in thinking I am supposed to fit in this box or be a certain way. Instead, I am reminded in these interactions what God is doing in my life and I need to step into that boldly. This was my dream as a kid to be a Professional Artist and provide a beautiful life for my family and I am living that. The key is confidently stepping into what you are called to do.

So, if there is anything you can learn from this as a reader it is to spend time with God and figure out what journey he has you on and step boldly into that. If that means disconnecting from the noise and being gracious to yourself then do it. Take that time to spend with those you love and remind yourself of the important things in life.

Over the past couple weeks, I have asked multiple people in our travels if they had every bill or responsibility taken care of, and you could do anything with your life what would it be? The answers were surprising and also inspiring. The way people’s eyes light up just imagining that life or thinking back to something that has been stored away in their imagination for many years is something to see. The amazing thing is that the vast majority would say something along the lines of helping people or serving in some way which gives you a glimmer of hope in humanity as a whole. There are some truly amazing people out there and making those connections is an adventure in itself. You really start to see God moving.

This is my ministry and the way I serve, and I hope my journey inspires you to do your thing whatever that may be!

“REDEEMER” RELEASE AUGUST 31ST

Mark your calendars for this and there will be surprise giveaways and some of my other work will be available with this release.

The next Newsletter will contain all the details you will need to be ready!

Recent Work

I have already finished 3 pieces over the past couple weeks that I am offering to you first as the paint has dried and these are ready for their new home.

1. “Grit and Grace”

2. “Father Forgive Them”

3. “Shadows of Freedom”

Please reach out me personally for inquiry as these are offered to you first here before making live on my website.

Newsletter subscribers can use code: SUMMER40

40% off for those loyal customers on select prints.

New Work Inspiration / Passion Projects

My most recent passion work will depict different scenes from scripture. They are as follows.

1. Jesus walking on Water

2. David and Goliath

3. Moses and the Burning Bush

The walking on water scene is already in stage 1 as I laid down a thin wash of burnt sienna and will start adding color this week.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Share Jesus with someone today!

2 Corinthians 7:1

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”