Perhaps we need to dig down below the surface to really answer this question. The answer must start with creation: Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
We are made in God’s image. The depths of this concept probably have not be reached, even after these thousands of years. What exactly does that look like, to be made in God’s image?
I only want to focus on the creative aspect of this. The desire and gifting God put in us to make things, to sculpt, to sew, to draw and paint, among many, many other things we do that illustrates the simply fact that we were made in God’s image.
But, back to the question… Why do Artist paint? Recently Donna and I traveled 4.5 hours to an art exhibit featuring the works of two national artists: Scott Christensen and Quang Ho.
We were not disappointed.
Two works by Scott Christensen at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas
The exhibit was well worth all it took to get there. The combined work of these two artists, about 100 works of art, some very large, was overwhelming. The difference between seeing an image of a painting on a computer screen and in person is like the difference between someone describing the taste of an exquisite dish and tasting it yourself. The work of these two artists was incredible.
Although Quang Ho is indeed a master and his work simply incredible, we especially loved the landscapes of Scott Christensen. The color, the values, the (for me) incomprehensible use of brush strokes and paint captured the grandeur of his subject and spoke in a clear language the answer to the question at hand – Artists paint to give voice to that need in each of us to proclaim that the physical world God created, even in its broken state, is truly awesome. We have a need to share the this beautiful creation with others. As if to say “Look at this… this is a beautiful thing…”
I have no idea of Scott Christensen’s world view, whether he believes in a God or biblical truth, but I do know that we as people, made in the image of God, do exhibit some of His attributes, even if we don’t believe He exist.
Standing in the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas, looking at a large masterpiece depicting a vast landscape of mountains, valleys, skys and streams of Wyoming and Idaho, I can say I caught a glimpse of the world as it should be. I know that is why I paint… each painting quietly says “Look at this… This is from the hand of a loving God”.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse
