The Shadow of the Almighty

The Cultivating Artist is a column that seeks to encourage and empower fellow makers. The work of an artist—that reach toward something beautiful—can feel daunting, especially at the beginning. Negative thoughts threaten to steal away sparkling possibilities. I’ve learned that by dwelling on thoughts that are lovely and true, I can fight discouragement and keep moving forward one brush stroke at a time. I want to help you fight and persevere in your work too. Here, I’ll be coming alongside you with encouragement and stories from my own life, reminding you that you’re not alone.

Last week, I stood in my studio for many hours painting a lovely scene—a green and gold clearing with wintery trees looking hazy in the background, and soft white clouds swept over a gray-blue sky. The focal point was an ancient tulip tree covered in early pink blooms—a herald of spring. 

As I painted, I listened to the audiobook Beauty by Robin McKinley, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The story’s mood perfectly matched that of my painting and for hours at a time I was lost in color, mood, and story. 

One line in the audiobook struck me. It came at a point in the story where the beast is Beauty’s only audience. She cannot even behold herself because there are no mirrors in the castle. When she expresses her belief that she’s not a pretty girl, the beast says, “since I am the only one who sees you, why are you not then beautiful?” [1]

I pressed pause and let the words sink in. I listened to them a second time and then a third.   

The beast’s words reminded me of a prayer I whisper often as I walk through my neighborhood, marveling at treetops and clouds. I tell the Lord, I am Your audience and You are mine. I say it repeatedly, wanting to grasp the enormity of it. And as I do more and more, wonder washes over me, always followed by a deep sense of freedom and fortitude.

I believe this is the “large place” mentioned in Psalm 118:5—“From my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.” And it’s also “the secret place” and “the shadow of the Almighty” mentioned in Psalm 91:1—“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

As a professional artist, I do much of my work with an aim to please my clients, to give them paintings they love and illustrations that capture what they’re wanting to say. If I’m not intentionally remembering the Lord, I can begin to think my clients are my source of inspiration and my primary audience, and when I do this, my inspiration dries up. 

But my imagination stirs when I intentionally turn my heart again and again to the shadow of the Almighty. God’s presence is the source of more beauty than my mind can conjure up on its own—it’s a place of refreshment. And when I create out of that place, I begin to reflect the beauty I’m dwelling on. I become a herald of Heaven just as the pink tree in my painting is a herald of spring. It reminds me of Psalm 71:7—“I have become a marvel to many; for Thou art my strong refuge.” 

Dear fellow artists, when you’re feeling dull and weary in creating, remember to dwell on God’s loving gaze which is always upon you. In the deepest sense this is always true—He is your audience and you are His. As you gaze back at Him, you will experience the freedom and fortitude found in the shadow of the Almighty, and your imagination will leap!

[1] Robin McKinley, Beauty, Harper Teen, 1978.

The featured image, “Maranatha,” is courtesy of Ariel Lovewell and is used with her kind permission for Cultivating.

Amy Grimes

“For me, it all starts with a story. As a child, fairytales and fantastic illustrations captivated my mind and sparked my passion for beautiful artwork and writing. Although I’ve created many kinds of art over the years, my favorite works of art are those inspired by stories. All of my art originates from the stories I write. I see my “story paintings” as windows that provide just enough to start the observer down the path but leave a little mystery to ignite their imagination. Light shining out of the darkness is my favorite and most recurring theme. I believe that artwork that reflects goodness and truth can bring light into people’s lives, encouraging them and giving them hope. My inspiration comes from long walks, rambling prayers, starry skies, and dreamy fairy tales. I enjoy a quiet life with my husband and two daughters, in a house full of treasured books and bright colors. A sleek, black cat and a nervous, brown rabbit keep me company each day while I paint.” ~ Amy Grimes

www.storypaintings.net/