The Beauty Inside

In the world of an artist, things are not what most people would see.

Every moment I'm outside in my yard taking in the greens, the trees, the bushes, I'm captivated by all I see. The sound of birds constantly chirping, the breeze rustling through the pine and willow trees; it causes my soul to take a deep breath and for a moment I'm glad to be alive.

When life's stresses fill your world so that things look gray and bleak, it's a time for reflection and gathering of the beauty around you. I've had a kind of bad week, so I've been on an emotional roller coaster. Today I sat with my son and we ate Popsicles together in the back yard, rocking gently on our big porch swing.

I glanced over the yard, the deck and the scene before me, thinking, "I could paint this." I would end up titling it 'my backyard' or something else equally bland, but it would be calming -- serene.

Have you ever seen a piece of art that struck you that way? I know I've talked about this before, but I can't help it -- that's what draws me to art. It's the power of the vision we have, the core of what brings joy to our lives, a gift from a loving and understanding Heavenly Father.

There are many people who collect certain pieces of art. Usually, it's something that is worth a lot of money, but then again, sometimes it's just because that person's work appeals to them; calls out to something deep inside of them and makes them happy, brings them joy. They have to have the painting or sculpture or whatever, simply because it brings something into their lives that is otherwise missing.

We can each bring something like that into our own homes. Be it a copy of a painting, print, original, or otherwise, even something painted by your own hand -- art can be in your home.

We've been told that our homes are like a haven -- a place of piece, a temple of our own that our families can feel at peace and love. Perhaps the artwork on the walls should reflect that. Pictures of the temples, photographs of family members, pictures of the Savior in all the varieties He's been painted. What brings a calming spirit to your home? What artwork is displayed there?

I have a wonderful painting in large postcard form done by Greg Olsen of Jesus Christ that sits on my desk. Any time I sit there to work on the computer, that picture is there with his calm loving visage gazing out over the distance, and I feel sure that He is watching over me.

Now, this doesn't always help with my writing, but I like to think it does. Since this is also the majority of where I do my painting, I feel he is watching over that too. Since all gifts come from Him anyway, I figure it's appropriate. I hope that His guidance will help me put into words something that will help someone else, or perhaps something I draw or paint will bring peace to someone's soul. One can only hope.

So, I'm thankful for the vision I have, and the life around me. I'm thankful everyday for the beauty of this world -- the amazing sunrises and sunsets, the plants and animals that are amazing creations of our loving Father in Heaven.

Where is the beauty in your life?

I hope before you leave you'll think about:

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