The Artist

Displayed on this web site are some of my paintings and photographs. Most of my artwork is done in watercolors or transparent acrylics. As you can see, my favorite subjects are flowers and landscapes.

One way I think of doing a painting or making a photo is to compare it to a conversation. It is like going to a good friend's house, and he is showing you how he is remodeling his home, or she is showing you what she has done with her garden this summer, or they are showing you the latest addition to their collection. If you are interested, and ply your friends with questions, they point out the finer points of their place and you get caught up in their enthusiasm for their project. And, as you listen, you get to know your friends just a little better as they reveal what is dear to them. In a similar way, I see painting, not just as interaction with my environment, but as a discovery tour of the creation as God's "place."

As one hymn puts it:

This is my Father's world:
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

One outcome of these conversations is that I feel I get to know God just a little better as a friend who shares what is dear to His heart. And, like the afterglow of a good evening with family or friends, I feel happier when I paint and photograph. Beyond that, I see the creation as a way “to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD.” (Psalm 27:4)

My artwork is my response in the dialogue, the nonverbal part of my conversation with Christ and His Holy Spirit. I think of my colors as singing a love song to Jesus, the “Beautiful Savior, King of creation.” My goal is to do “a beautiful thing” for him. (Mark 14:6)

In sharing my artwork, I share my conversations with you. It is like saying "Guess what the Lord showed me the other day.” In the process, I hope people will sense an inner glow radiating from my paintings and pictures. I hope that certain things will shine through, things like profound joy, deep peace, patient attention, a timeless rest, a gentle touch, a quiet order, a loving fascination, and an endless wonder.

For me, painting is a rewarding way to participate in what I understand to be the highest purpose of humankind: to love the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy Him forever. Furthermore, it is a way to invite others to that joy by “declaring the praises of him who called... (us) into his wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9)

To paraphrase the psalmist,

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my art
be pleasing in your sight, O LORD,
my Rock and my Redeemer.

Pastor Joe Veltman

Floral Artwork