Art, Murals, and Ministry

Loving People Who Don't Love You Back

2012-01-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

Difficult situations are sometimes put into our lives to help us climb the spiritual ladders toward being conformed to Christ's image. The bad thing is these are never easy climbs...hence the "difficult" part.

Ironically, I'm studying John 13:31-35 for this week's lesson in Sunday school, specifically John 13:34. And, honestly, it's kicking my rear end.

Love...sounds easy doesn't it?...especially at this time of year. But, it's certainly not that simple. When Jesus says, "Love one another...", it definitely gets complicated. It's easy for me to love myself...it's easy for me to love those who treat me the way I want to be treated. But, to love one another... even when they're unlovable, or for them to love me when I'm unlovable...this command takes something supernatural in order to fulfill it

The scenario goes something like this: 2 parties...both were offended. One party admits their wrong, apologizes, and seeks forgiveness. The other party accepts their apology but fails to recognize their own guilt in the matter. So, what is the first party to do?

This is a tough situation and it's compounded when it's someone close to you such as friends or family.

So, we have to ask, "What is the Christian thing to do?" I hear the old cliche "what would Jesus do?" ringing in my ears.

Let's look at John 13 for some answers. John 13:34 says:

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

Notice the bold part...when we examine its immediate context, we see that He gave us an example in the beginning of the chapter...the washing of the disciples' feet, John 13:1-20. Jesus, Lord and Master, humbles Himself to the place of a slave by performing a "low status" task. If anyone shouldv'e had their feet washed, we, of course know, Jesus would've been the One qualified. Yet, He is the very one who removes His outer garments, and lowers Himself to wash those who were, in every way, beneath Him.

Our reaction is usually one of, "Ohhhh...look at the humble Jesus. Isn't He amazing!" But, the real kicker here is that He expects the same from us. If that's not a high expectation, it only gets worse...Guess who was in the midst of these disciples and got his feet washed? Judas Iscariot. Yikes...now it does get sticky.

Can you imagine washing the feet of one you knew would betray you to die? Man, that is hardcore. That is hardcore humility. That is hardcore love. My flesh detests this teaching. My carnal nature wants to spit some beechnut in Judas' eye, like Hank Williams Jr. in the Country Boy can Survive song. But, Jesus, in His perfect love, loved those who were unlovable and loved and served those who He knew would never return the favor...in fact, He loved and ministered to those who boldly hated Him.

Notice John 13:17,

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

This verse tells us that our blessedness...our most complete joy...stems not from the knowledge of this humiliating service...but from doing it.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:43-48,

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Again, it's easy to love those who reciprocate the love...but anyone can do this...even the publicans. But, the greater reward is found in loving those and doing for those who you know will never pay you back.

Easy preaching, but hard living. I know...I've been there and still go there. I've had a person in my past who I loved dearly, hurt me badly. Being falsely accused of plagiarism, not only to yourself, but to your peers as well is a hurtful thing for me. The person who did this probably has no idea of the pain it's caused me. I have forgiven this person and there is no bitterness between either of us...however, I never received an apology, and probably never will...in this person's eyes, I'm sure they truly believe they were right. So, I often have to practice Jesus' words to forgive 7 times 70...every time the root of bitterness starts to spring up, I have to deal with it. Forgiving others is not for their benefit, but for ours.

I'm learning that this love that Christ commands us to do is supernatural and certainly doesn't stem from ourselves. This fruit of the Spirit comes from us abiding in the Vine...abiding in Christ, and Him in us..."for without me ye can do nothing" John 15:5.

Being conformed to Christ's image is not an easy task...and it surely isn't always fun. But, it certainly will be rewarding. May God give us grace in loving and serving others even when we know it won't be reciprocated.

.

Strawberries in Still Life

2012-01-31T08:36:00.000-05:00

Stawberries

11x14 acrylic on canvas

Here's another still life I painted for the upcoming "Red Show" to be held at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery in Salisbury, NC. I began this painting by first, arranging my items. I knew I wanted to paint these delicious strawberries...for one, they're red...two, it's almost Valentine's Day, and I always think of my wife's chocolate covered strawberries that she makes. Plus, I get to eat them when I'm done painting. Ellie, my 4 year old daughter thought that eating them after the painting was done was just too long to wait...so, after my numerous warnings not to touch the objects, and while I wasn't looking, she swiped a couple of juicy strawberries. Needless to say, I just about turned into Mr. Hyde.

I also needed another element in the still life so, I found this little cup and saucer in the china cabinet. It would make a nice contrast with my dark fabric I had draped.

The painting began with a painted sketch of the scene using cadmium red medium...just to lay out the composition and key in the values...the darkest areas will be straight red from the tube, and the lightest areas were a red wash...just to get rid of the white canvas.

Then, it was just a matter of painting my darkest darks first, working my way to the light colors and highlights last. Within a few hours, it's done!

The art displayed in the show will be used to raise funds for the American Red Cross. The show will start Feb.2 and run until March 31.

For more information on the Red Show, contact Rail Walk Studios at info@railwalkgallery.com .

The Gospel In Noah's Ark

2012-01-30T10:14:00.000-05:00

Noah's Ark

16x20 acrylic on canvas, painted at Carolina Memorial Baptist Church, Thomasville, NC

Is Noah's ark a myth, a fairy tale, or is it a factual account recorded in the bible? Our children are being bombarded with the notion that the earth is millions of years old and the geologic structure of the earth is the result of millions of years worth of erosion. However, the bible states the contrary. So, which set of lenses will we look at the evidence with...will we examine the evidence with a secular worldview or with a biblical worldview?

The picture above is a view of the Grand Canyon located in Arizona. Notice the winding Colorado River at the bottom. According to secular evolutionists, this river, given millions of years, is the cause of the Grand Canyon. They propose that a little water with long periods of time can carve this massive canyon. However, the picture below will testify that canyons can be formed over very short periods of time with
lots of water.

This is a picture of a place called the Little Grand Canyon, located near Mt. Saint Helens in the state of Washington. Notice also the little river running through the bottom. Most secularists would automatically assume that this little river is the cause of this 100, or so, feet deep canyon. Notice also the rock layers...surely this is the result of long periods of time, right? Actually this canyon was formed in one day...May 18, 1980. The canyon is the result of a mud flow after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Interestingly, there is a 25 ft. rock layer consisting of hundreds of smaller layers which was not formed in millions of years, but in a single day...possibly a few hours. This event has caused even many secular scientists and geologists to reevaluate their theories on the formation of the Grand Canyon.

So, with this little God given illustration, we can see the devastating effects that a lot of water can have on the structure of the earth...which brings us back to Noah.

Get in the boat boys, the crick's a swellin!
Due to man's wickedness and corruption of the earth, God warned Noah of a coming judgment. He instructed Noah on how to escape His wrath...build a boat.

One reason why so many children, even adults, find the concept of all these animals, along with Noah and 7 of his family members, being able to fit on the ark is due to the misconceptions we have of the ark. Most art or representations of the ark look like this:

Wow...no wonder people have a hard time believing.

If we go by the bible's description and use a little common sense, we can see that Noah's ark is very believable.

The ark's dimensions are 300 cubits long (approx. 450'), 50 cubits wide (75') and 30 cubits tall (45'), Genesis 6:15. It was to be 3 stories tall and have a window finished above the ark, 1 cubit (it doesn't give the length of the window, so we can assume it ran the length of the ark's top...like a modern day ridge vent). The space of the ark is big enough to hold 522 railroad boxcars.

What about all the animals?
Another misconception is that Noah would've had to take thousands and thousands of large animals. 2 German shepherds, 2 chiwawas, 2 golden retrievers, etc... This is not the case, though. He took 2 of every kind, 7 of the clean animal kinds. He only had to take 2 of a generic canine kind...probably something like a wolf. We get all of our different types of dogs from inbreeding and selective breeding.
Something else to consider, seeing that Noah was 600 years old (I imagine he was a pretty smart guy), he most likely didn't take full grown adult animals. He probably took young animals...old enough to keep themselves, but small enough not to take up much room. And, since young animals sleep a lot, especially when in a confined space, they probably weren't much to keep up. Given this, the average size animal is the size of a sheep. You can fit 240 sheep on one railroad boxcar, which means you could fit 50,000 animals on 209 boxcars...which is not even half of the ark.

What does the flood teach us, today?
First, it teaches us that God is good and He's a God of justice. Because God is good, He must punish sin. For instance, if someone hurt your family member, and you took the criminal to court...if the judge let them go free, he would not be a good judge. A good judge upholds justice.

This was the case in the flood. Mankind had corrupted his ways on the earth. So God had to punish the wickedness. However, the good news is that God showed a man named Noah, grace. He gave Noah some undeserved favor by showing him a way of escape...through the ark.

In the same way, Jesus Christ has provided a way of escape from God's wrath. There is a coming judgment day, but all who are in Christ will be spared. To be in Christ is to fully trust Him...to find your all satisfaction in Him...not just believing in Him as a historical figure. Salvation is not found in any "repeated prayer" or the fact that you "asked Jesus into your heart" at whatever age, or any other religious activity you might have done. Salvation is in a Person...Jesus Christ. All who were on the ark were saved, as all who are IN CHRIST will also be saved. Find your refuge IN HIM.

We'd like to give a special thanks to Carolina Memorial Baptist Church in Thomasville, NC for allowing us the opportunity to minister. The painting at the top is my 15-20 minute rendition of Noah's ark that I completed while the children sang. Below is another painting of Noah's ark I completed several years ago...prints are available, just visit my website: www.jeremysams.com

For more info on Noah's ark, visit Answers in Genesis.

Oranges In Still Life

2012-01-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

Oranges

11x14 acrylic on canvas

I think this was the first time I had ever seen an orange with the leaves still attached. Can you tell I don't get to the tropical states much? All the oranges I ever see come packaged in a red mesh bag. But when Crystal brought this little beauty home, I knew I had to paint it. Besides, that's why she bought it...just for me to paint. What a great wife! The unique wine bottle is from Zimmerman Vineyards. They were kind enough to give me several of their empty bottles just for still life paintings. I decided on this particular bottle due to it's unique shape and its brilliant blue color, which I thought would be a nice contrast with the oranges.

I haven't painted a still life for some time now but, when I first started painting, as a teen, I would set up a small scene of fruit, pottery, or whatever else I could find of some interest. It was great practice, learning to paint what was right in front of you. I began learning a lot of foundational principles back then such as: composition, values, form, etc... It's also a great way to hone your drawing skills, which, I believe, is the foundation of any good painting. You really can't beat painting from life.

Mixing Your Greens...For Desert!

2012-01-24T22:51:00.001-05:00

Most people already know yellow and blue make green. But how does it taste? The only acrylic paint I ever tasted was by accident, and it wasn't an experience I'd like to repeat. However, I have concocted some greens that are absolutely delicious!...and I've been repeating the experience for several days now.

By adding more blue, you can make a cooler green. If you're looking for a warmer, more earthy green, try adding more yellow and just a touch of red...these are the greens you're most likely to see in the more natural colored sunny landscapes. But before you start licking your palette, let me inform you that the drinkable greens I'm referring to are not acrylic paints.

The greens we've been drinking in the Sams' household as of late consist of apples, oranges, carrots and spinach. Spinach??? Yes! and it's delicious! Tonight's juice mix contained 2 apples, 1 orange, 2 carrots, and 3 large handfuls of spinach...all total about the size of one monstrous salad. The cost for a full 12 or so oz. cup of this delicious green brew was approximately $1.40. However, I think we can go cheaper if we buy our fruits and veggies in bulk.

My wife, Crystal, and I decided to start our new year off trying to eat healthier. We watched a couple of really good documentaries to get us motivated, and I highly recommend them. They are "Forks Over Knives" and "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead".

Forks Over Knives (trailer)

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (extended trailer)

Randolph Art Guild Drawing Sessions

2012-01-06T10:07:00.000-05:00

Joe

11x14 acrylic on canvas

Every first and third Thursday of the month, the Randolph Arts Guild hosts a drawing session. The cost is $10 per session, or you can pay $30 for 6 sessions and runs from 6-8pm. The Guild will hire models to model for the class or they'll set up a still life or, if weather is permitting, go outside for some plein air sketching/painting.

The sessions usually start off with some 1 minute quick sketching...these exercises are basically just to capture the gesture and for warm up. With only one minute, details are just not an option. After the 1 minute sketches, you might move up to a 2-5 minute pose.

The painting above is of our model for the night, Joe. It's a 20 minute quick-sketch...or quick-paint in this case.

Another 20 minute quick sketch in charcoal with Joe wearing a toboggan.

He also brought a machete and a sombrero.

The last 20 minute quick sketch of the night in charcoal.

For more information about the drawing sessions, feel free to contact the Randolph Arts Guild.

Living In Sin...In God's Will

2012-01-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

Divorce is the social norm of today. Marriage vows are simply sweet words and a marriage license is just a piece of paper. According to a recent study, the divorce rate among evangelical Christians is 42%. That's a pretty high number for those professing Jesus as Lord and Savior and claiming the authority of the Scriptures.

After becoming a Facebook user this past year, I've been appalled at some of the statuses that "Christians" put up. People claiming to be "right where God wants me", "in God's will", or "in God's plan" while living in open sin and rebellion to God is just plain disgusting. I've seen spouses who've walked out of their marriage (for un-biblical reasons) post these kinds of phrases while all their carnal friends condone and praise their rebellious situation and refusal to submit to God's Word. Sorry ladies, your husband's failure to send flowers or give you compliments is not a biblical cause for divorce...and, fellas, your wife's refusal to wear lingerie and lack of cleaning and cooking skills is not a reason either.

Sadly, unbiblical divorce is not the only issue faced in people claiming to be in God's will...you see the pics of people partying it up, then the next day claiming they're glad they're in God's will. Are you kidding me???

Now, let me remind you...I'm all about God's sovereignty. I try to live according to it and have experienced it in my life, especially this past year. But, here's where it gets tricky. If we believe in a God who is in control of all aspects of our life: birth, health, finances, weather, salvation, sanctification, death, etc... does this mean that God is in control of our sin as well? I've had several people, while contemplating God's sovereignty, ask me, "If God is sovereign and He has planned for everything that's ever going to happen...this must mean that it's ok for me to sin, because ultimately, God is the One who planned it...right?"

First of all, those who claim God's grace or His sovereignty as a license to sin have a twisted mentality and their "damnation is just" according to Romans 3:8.

Second, let's again consult the Scriptures to make sense of this dilemma by examining the prophecy of Peter's denial in Luke 22:31-32. In this passage we'll see God's sovereignty over our temptations:

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Satan is definitely at work here, but he is not sovereign in it, nor is Peter...Notice that the temptation comes from Satan, not from God, for God tempts no man to sin (James 1:13). Notice also, that Jesus, after proclaiming His intercessory prayer, says "when you are converted"...he doesn't say, "if you're converted"...No, He says "when". In essence, He's saying, "Peter, Satan wants you and you will fail miserably, but I have prayed for you and WHEN you repent and turn back, strengthen your brothers. You will fail, but I've made sure your failure will not be final."

We can also see God's sovereignty over man's sin in Acts 2:23:

"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:"

Notice first, that it was God's determined purpose and prearranged plan that Jesus would be crucified and murdered...in this predetermined plan was the involvement of man's sin. But notice secondly, their predetermined sinful actions were not condoned. Acts 2:36-37 shows that they were completely responsible and we see their reaction.

So, is God schizophrenic? Does He plan for us to sin then punish us for doing what He planned? How do we understand these things? Again, let's consult the Scriptures.

In Deuteronomy 29:29, we see the two wills of God. We see His will of Decree and His will of Precept.

"The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law."

"The secret things" are God's will of decree. These are the things God has predetermined such as Peter's temptation and the crucifixion of Jesus...Basically, this is God's business and not meant for us to know. He is:

"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" Isaiah 46:10.

He also tells us in Daniel 4:35,

"And all the inhabitants of the earth [are] reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and [among] the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"

His ways are higher than our ways for sure, and wouldn't it be sad if He left us in the dark as to what His will is? However, when we read the rest of Deut. 29:29, we see that He doesn't leave us clueless as to how we should live: "but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law."

What are those things which are revealed? These are His commandments, His Words, His precepts. When God says, "Thou shalt" or "Thou shall not", He is revealing His preceptive will to us. These are not suggestions, but commands. So, if we ignore what God tells us or rebel against His revealed commands, then we are NOT living according to God's will. Oh, you may be in His "plan", but you are rebelling against His revealed preceptive will.

This is a terrifying place to be..."in His plan" but rebelling against His will. Consider Pharoah in Romans 9:17-18,

"For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth."

When you read the story of Pharoah in Exodus, we see that Pharoah was definitely in God's will of decree, but he was certainly not acting according to God's preceptive will...and we see the purpose was that God's power be made manifest...even in Pharoah's destruction.

In closing, be warned if you're living against God's revealed will. He may be raising you up to crush you and magnify His glory in giving you justice. If this concerns you at all, be like Peter and be converted so you can show God's glory in giving you grace and mercy. If you feel that you've failed in remaining in God's preceptive will, know that your failure doesn't have to be final. Turn from your sin and find mercy in Christ. For those who love God and are the called according to His purpose, He's working all things for good...even your failures. But, if your mentality is to do evil that good may come, your damnation is just (Romans 3:8).

New Homemade Pochade Box

2012-01-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

What's more enjoyable than plein air painting?... Of course! making your own gear for plein air painting! This is my newest home made pochade box. It measures 9.25x11.5" and the palette area is 1.5" deep. I went with a smaller box because I needed a box that catered to my smaller plein air pieces and takes up less space in a backpack. This box will hold, at the largest, an 8x10" horizontally, and probably a 9x12" vertically. The new feature is my hinged flip-out brush holder (the little rectangular piece of wood with holes on the left). Now, instead of having to insert my brush holder, while carrying it as a separate piece, I just open the box and flip it out.

Here is the hinged brush holder in its closed position. The lid of the box closes down while leaving a little space in case you want to keep your canvas panel attached to the pochade box lid. Because of the deepness of the box (1.5"), your wet paint remains untouched on the bottom.

In the side view, you can see what keeps the box locked in the open painting position...just a friction lid support with a threaded knob instead of the tightening screw. You can purchase these at your local hardware store for just a few dollars. The hanger that will hold my portable brush cleaner/water is a wire hanger loop that holds the wire on the back of picture frames.

Here you can see my glass palette in place. I paint on glass because it's just easier to work and clean my acrylic paints. You'll notice 2 brass shelf pins inserted in 5 mil. holes that are holding the palette down. With the deepness of the tray, I can now leave my canvas panel attached to the lid, close it, and use it as its own wet panel carrier and not be worried about the glass palette hitting my wet painting. When I'm done painting, I just remove the shelf pins, then remove the glass and wash it.

closed and locked position...ready to stuff into a backpack.

Several people have asked me about how I mount the box to my tripod. This is it. It's a wood insert nut (this one is brass which is a softer metal...I broke the first one attempting to screw it into the hard wood. I think I used a different metal on my last pochade box which has given me no trouble for the past year of use). You simply drill a hole smaller than the threads of the insert, and screw it into a .5" block of oak. This block measures 3.5x4". After you drill your hole and screw in your insert (making sure to screw it into the wood from the opposite side that you'll attach your tripod), attach the block on the underside of your box about 1" from the back and in the center of the box using wood glue, and some brads or screws, nailed or screwed from the inside of the box. It's very important that you get a good bond here.

To see more details on how to build a box like this, visit Jim Serrett's site (this box is an alteration of Jim's unique an easy to build design) or my other blogs concerning pochade boxes: Homemade Pochade Box and Pochade Box Updates.

Happy building and happy painting!

Cauble Creek Artist Invitational Winner

2011-12-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

Cauble Creek Vineyards was kind enough to host an artist invitational show this past November. Each artist was invited to submit up to three pieces of art, one of which should be wine/vineyard related in subject matter. The Vineyard had over 400 visitors walk through to view the artwork...and what a view they had. There were some absolutely beautiful pieces of art on display from some extremely talented artists.

This past week, I received a letter from Cauble Creek Vineyards announcing to me that I was their Artist Invitational Winner. All I can say is, "Wow". What an honor and what a complete shock! If you could have viewed all the artwork, you would understand my shock. But, I am truly grateful and humbled by their decision.

A special thanks to all who purchased my paintings, and for all the gracious comments left by the voters...Thanks for helping feed my family! Thanks to Adele Goodman (An excellent artist who speaks my language...along with her signature, she signs her work with the initials "SDG"...for "Soli Deo Gloria!") for organizing the event, and thanks to Cauble Creek Vineyards for hosting. Be sure to stop by their beautiful vineyard if you're ever in the Salisbury area.

Time For Violence...Battling Depression and Anxiety

2011-12-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

The Christian life is a violent life. We are told to "fight the good fight of faith"...We're also told that if we "through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live." Mortify doesn't exactly mean to be embarrassed here...It means to KILL. These violent metaphors of war-waging run all through-out Scripture.

However, we must ask ourselves, to whom or what is this violence directed? Does this mean we're to be violent to others? God forbid. Violent to our enemies? Yes...but, our enemies are not defined as being our neighbors, or people of other religions, or even people who've done us wrong. Our enemies can be found in two places: The first place is the spiritual realm where Satan and his evil minions dwell. He's a very real threat and many have been wounded and killed by this roaring lion. However, one of our biggest and most troublesome enemies can be found within us.

The Christian life, contrary to what the prosperity preachers tell you, is not "Your Best Life Now"...Sorry Joel, if you're living your best life now, then that means your life to come is going to be a hot one (cough-hell-cough). With that being said, our lives are filled with a roller-coaster of emotional highs and heart crushing lows. Let me be real honest here...losing two of my babies within 8 months HURTS. Holding their limp cold bodies HURTS. Watching dirt fill their graves HURTS. I can assure you, this has, by far, been one of the worst years of my life.

After experiencing these heart crushing lows, that stinking flesh in me wants to plunge my whole being into depression. My flesh is at constant war with my spirit and its battlefield is my mind. This holds true for my wife, Crystal as well. Her enemy is anxiety...anxious about death, possible diseases, sicknesses, abnormalities, will we ever have another live baby, etc... And from what she's been through, it's very understandable to have these feelings. It's like a cruel cycle of trauma-grief-anxiety-depression-anxiety-depression, etc...which seems impossible to break free from. She hates it...I hate seeing her suffer.

We're tired of playing defense in this fight for joy. So, we've decided to get violent. Tonight we started our first phase of attack. Our plan, so far, is to fight these enemies with a two-pronged attack:

Fight with the Sword of the Spirit...the Word of God. We started tonight memorizing Matthew 6:25-34. After we get this passage, we'll move on to other anxiety/depression-crushing verses. Our goal is to renew our minds with the truth of God's Word so that when these feelings of anxiety or depression come along, we'll have some ammunition to hurl at the enemy. What we have to understand is that feelings come and go and you certainly can't trust them...they lie...However, Jesus is the TRUTH...He's the reality and His word is truth and in them is life. Scripture memory will be key in this renewal process.
Ministering to others. By taking the focus off ourselves and looking to the needs of others will be another great way to "fight for joy". This could be accomplished in several ways like giving the gospel, encouraging someone else, helping those less fortunate, etc...

This is going to be an interesting journey and we know God has placed us on this path for a reason. The last thing I want to do is waste my trial. So, I pray: God, help me to learn, teach me thoroughly, but please be gentle with us and give us the grace we need to persevere. We thank You in advance for the good that You're bringing us to.

Would you like to go with us on this journey? Let's begin with memorizing Matthew 6:25-34 and look for ways to minister. Keep a sharp eye out...I bet God will be quick to place someone in your path. Be sure to check out another post I wrote earlier dealing with the subject of joy in Farming for Joy. Be sure to give any biblical suggestions you might have in this battle for peace of mind and joy.

Soli Deo Gloria

Celebrating The Ultimate Artist...God

2011-11-22T18:18:00.000-05:00

"Psalm 104:24"

24x30 acrylic on canvas

"O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." Psalm 104:24

As an artist, it's impossible for me to view such magnificent scenes of God's creation and not be overwhelmed with awe. In my quest to duplicate colors and moods, it becomes very plain for me to see my inadequacies. I struggle just trying to duplicate a scene in front of me. The problem lies in that I'm merely duplicating...but, on the other hand, God is no duplicator...He's no copyist...He's not building according to someone or something else...He's the original artist.

On Nov. 4, 2011, I was invited by Friendly Avenue Baptist Church to participate in the "Festival of Tables" where they honored God as the ultimate artist. It was a lovely night with music, dining, a wonderful testimony of a family on the mission field, and a special song by my wife Crystal..."I was Born To Serve the Lord". During these couple of hours, on stage, I was privileged with the opportunity to indulge in my own expression of thanks to God by painting this scene of Yosemite National Park, above.

We'd like to say a special thank you to Friendly Avenue Baptist Church for the hospitality, the prayers, and the opportunity to minister.

Our Little Girl, Selah...A Gift of Joy

2011-11-18T17:19:00.001-05:00

Some nightmares seem to never end. Too often we've all had those reoccurring nightmares in the same night of sleep. It's as if you know it's not real but you if you could just wake up, you could find escape. Sadly, there are experiences in life that truly are nightmares, but there is no "waking up" for it to all go away.

Early Thursday morning, I was woken by my wife who obviously had not been sleeping. There was a slight panic in her voice. She had been experiencing, the day before, some pretty uncomfortable cramping. But this morning, she was fully aware that these were not normal cramps. She felt as if they were labor pains. So, to be safe and to alleviate our fears, we went immediately to see her doctor at the women's birthing center in Statesville. While I held my sleeping daughter Ellie in the waiting room, I heard a very familiar cry of agony coming from the examination room.

The nightmare has returned. I will never forget those horrifying screams as I rushed into the room, they were all too familiar. Once again, an ultrasound confirmed no heart beat.

We were left to weep and pray. We then decided to return to High Point to be near our family and friends and to examine what our next step should be. We were given different options of going ahead to induce labor or wait. It was obvious that the cramps she was experiencing was her body's way of taking care of itself by going into labor.

We called our doctor in High Point and began to make arrangements to deliver our baby. A couple of our midwives also came by to check on her at our house which was a great encouragement.

At around 5:30, the contractions began to become more intense, so we made our way to the hospital. I watched my wife with the help of our doula/friend Jennifer pace in the ER trying to walk through the contractions. Could these people who check you in have been any slower??? My goodness, what was only a few minutes seemed like an eternity as I watched her breathe and groan in the check-in office. Jennifer was pretty adamant telling the people to get her to labor and delivery NOW, of which the lady finally complied.

Finally, we were checked into our room and Crystal was checked for dilation. She was a zero. Crystal mocked her pain saying, "yeah, it's just my luck to be having these kind of contractions and not be dilated at all!" Her contractions were lasting up to 2.5-3 minutes with only about 30 seconds of rest in between each one. She walked around the room and rocked in her standing position refusing to take anything for pain. I stood in amazement and fear as I watched my wife and her doula dance this unusual dance of labor.

After 30 minutes or so of enduring some pretty intense contractions, Crystal cried out that she had to use the bathroom. Complaining of the extreme pressure caused Jennifer to hit the "call" button for the nurses. But, everything was happening too fast...Crystal stood and cried, "The head's coming out!" Jennifer and I were close by as she yelled "catch it, catch it!" So, I dove to the floor, held out my hands as Crystal stood, and caught this little warm sack.

I couldn't believe it...in my hands was my precious little girl still in the birth sack. My hands were trembling...bloody...but I was holding a miracle. Even though I knew I was holding just a little lifeless body, it was still a very overwhelming experience. Now, I can see why doctors and midwives do what they do, as this rush of joy flooded through my soul knowing I helped deliver one of God's greatest miracles. This miracle may have not been alive, physically, but I can assure you, she is more alive than any of us!

If a doctor or midwife no longer gets joy out of delivering babies, he/she needs to hang up the towel. What an absolutely rewarding experience they must have. This caused me to think...if we, as fallen humanity, can be so filled with joy at the birthing of a child...how much more is Christ flooded with joy as He births His own? I'm a sinner...however, redeemed... but still, every aspect of my being has been affected by the curse of sin...my emotions, especially. If I can get that much overwhelming joy out of delivering a physically lifeless child, how much more does the perfect Creator of joy...Creator of emotion...Creator of life...Creator of ALL things...how much more joy and pleasure does He get in the new birth of His children! Oh, can you imagine what He feels when he breathes life into a soul!

Why did He go to the cross??? For JOY! WE are a part of HIS JOY!

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Not only is He joyous for giving spiritual life, but I can imagine the joy He will feel when He resurrects our bodies to a glorified life. What an incredible event will take place when he gathers His children from the four corners of the earth, gathered together as His bride...Oh, what joy He will feel! We, as believers, are His treasures...not because of some inherent worth in ourselves, but because we are gifts from the Father!

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" John 6:37

"And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." John 6:39

Our security and worth as believers is based on the fact that we are gifts from the Father...the value of the gift is not measured in itself, but by the Giver of the gift. We are precious to Christ because we were given of the Father. All children should be precious to us because they also are gifts from our heavenly Father.

We chose to name our little gift, Selah. In Hebrew, it means to praise or exalt. It's also a term used to indicate a pause or a time to meditate and "think on this". For us, after our ordeal with losing our son, Zion, God gave us a little time of praise. She was a little pause in our life to praise God and a time of healing. Psalm 66 is the chapter that sealed our decision to use this name... read it carefully, meditate on it, and heed it:

" ¹Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
²Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
³Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
⁴All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.
⁵Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
⁶He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.
⁷He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
⁸O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
⁹Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
¹⁰For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
¹¹Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
¹²Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
¹³I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,
¹⁴Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
¹⁵I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.
¹⁶Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
¹⁷I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
¹⁸If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
¹⁹But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
²⁰Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."

In closing, I must ask you...are you a gift of the Father? How does one know if they are? It's simple...have you received the gift that God has provided? We are all sinners by birth, by action, and by our failure to treasure God and His glory. He, on the other hand, is a just God who will not at all acquit the wicked (Nahum 1:3) Because He is good and righteous, He must punish sin and not sweep it under the rug...He will not let the wicked go free. The good news is that this same just God sent His Son to die as a substitute for all who will believe. He is just and the justifier of those which believe in Jesus. If you reject this gift, you will prove to all creation that you in fact, were never a gift of the Father. But, now, God commands all men everywhere to repent and believe the gospel...do not reject Him...He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but He has overwhelming joy for all who come to Him. Make your calling and election sure...prove that you are part of the "joy set before Him" by believing in Christ...which means valuing Him as your most supreme treasure.

I was asked by my good friend, Rick Cope, this morning, "Jeremy, what are you thankful for today?" In short, I am thankful for the gift of my daughter and that I am a part of His joy!...Selah

Soli Deo Gloria.

Grandfather Mountain Plein Air

2011-11-17T06:38:00.000-05:00

Grandfather Mountain in Fall

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

On October 21, 2011, plein air artists from all over North Carolina once again swarmed over the Sweetgrass Community in Blowing Rock, NC. I couldn't pass up this opportunity to paint along side of some incredibly talented artists.

The weather was beautiful with nice sunny skies...the only drawback was the wind and the chill. The last time I was here, in July, I ended up freezing my rear-end off in a downpour of rain... in JULY! It's October now, so I came prepared: 2 pair of thermal underwear, fleece, windbreaker, toboggan, gloves, 2 pair of socks, etc... I felt like the Pillsbury dough-boy all wrapped up. But hey, I wasn't frostbitten.

Me...warm, but cold-faced

I was privileged to paint with a good friend of mine, artist, Scott Boyle, founder of the Charlotte Plein Air Painters... a group that I'm currently a member of. We both share a passion for magnifying God and His glory through our paintings.

While scoping out the property, we settled on a lake view with Grandfather Mountain in the distance. It was quite beautiful with the most brilliant blues reflecting in the water. So brilliant, in fact, that it almost looked unbelievable. I attempted to paint it...I mixed...I painted...I struggled...I got frustrated...I had a breakthrough!

Landscape painter extraordinaire, Scott Boyle

Yep, I had a breakthrough...I turned my easel into the sun. I had straight sunlight shining on my palette and my canvas panel. Suddenly, the colors looked so dull. So, what do I do but react with artistic speed and precision! I was feeling good...feeling like I was accomplishing something. Then, at the epitome of my artistic fury, Scott reminds me, "Jeremy, be sure to turn your easel into the shade just to see what it looks like in different light." I believe the words that came out of my mouth at that time were something like, "HOLY COW!" The painting that I thought looked so awesome turned out to be one of the darkest valued paintings I think I've ever done. It was embarrassing it was so bad. It's so bad, I haven't even taken a digital picture of it, so don't expect to see it posted here. It goes in my "bad painting" pile...that same pile is growing, by the way. (Scott assures me that his bad painting pile is now several feet tall...so, that's encouraging)

So, lesson learned: paint in the shade, or at least have your canvas and palette shaded, if possible. Painting in the direct sunlight can make for an extremely dark painting, especially when you bring it indoors.

The painting at the top of the page was my second painting of the day. The wind died down enough for me to set up my shadebuddy umbrella and paint under it...Ahhhh, relief! What a difference a ~~day~~...a little shade makes!

Farming For Joy!

2011-11-14T08:59:00.002-05:00

Have you ever planted a garden? I had the privilege of growing some of my own vegetables this past summer and oh what a treat it is to be able to step out your backdoor and pick your supper! What a gratifying experience!

I thought I would be a real man this past year and do this the "old school" way...by hand. I got my shovel and ho and went to work. Two days and many blisters and sore back muscles later, I had cultivated my own small garden. (note to self: tillers are our friend, don't deny them) After planting my little plants and a few weeks later, I began to see the fruits of my labor budding out. What a cool experience...work a little, plant seeds, water, then watch it grow.

Throughout this experience, I witnessed an interesting thing...did I cause the seeds to grow? No, they were underground. I had no clue what was taking place under there. The only responsibility I had was to plant and water. So, who or what caused these seeds to grow into these tall beautiful plants yielding delicious vegetables?

This is where an old principle that is taught throughout the bible begins to take a whole new meaning. One passage in particular comes to mind, 1 Corinthians 3:6-8:

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour."

Notice who does the planting and watering: Paul and Apollos...people...like you and me. But, it's God who "gives the increase". This principle runs all throughout the Scriptures in almost all areas of our lives. We witness and evangelize, but it's God who gives the increase. When people are born again, they are born of God and His will, not by blood or the will of the flesh, or the will of man (John 1:13). yet, it is our responsibility to sow and water...how shall they believe in whom they have not heard? (Romans 10:14)

This principle also applies to JOY. I must be honest here...over the past few months, one of my greatest struggles is maintaining joy. We know that true joy is a fruit of the Spirit according to Galatians 5:22. I say "true joy" because I want to make sure we differentiate deep satisfying joy with the fleeting temporal emotion we call "happiness". Don't get me wrong, being joyful will bubble out to your emotions causing happiness but you can also have joy in the midst of extreme suffering...However, we all know it's hard to be happy when you're suffering. True joy is finding satisfaction in God. He is our source of true joy.

The problem lies in, how do I get this joy? Can I wake up in the morning and command my heart to be satisfied in Christ? Can I command myself to not be depressed, like I command my fingers what to type here? The answer is, NO. I'm utterly useless in this area.

So, how do we solve this? Are we doomed to just sit and wait for God to miraculously produce joy in ourselves? How miserable we would be!

Our answer lies in the biblical principle of sowing, watering and reaping. If I want God to produce joy in me, then I must be satisfied in Him and this is accomplished by me doing my part of the cultivation process. I must sow and water. I'll list a few things that help me...there could be more for you, I suppose there's no exact formula.

Daily bible reading...even if you don't want to. Sometimes you have to force feed yourself. When you're sick, the last thing you want to do is eat...but it's usually the eating of nutrition that will stop the sickness.
Listening to Christ-honoring music. Music plays an important role in your emotions. Feed it with quality food.
Witness...a passion of mine is evangelism. Joy is an almost automatic result when I overcome those barriers of fear and tell someone the gospel or share a testimony.
Study Theology...read a book or an article on the promises of God or His attributes. Our understanding of God is directly related to how we will live our lives. If my knowledge and understanding of God is shallow, then I shouldn't expect to live in much victory. The more I learn of my wife, the more I love her...the same applies with God.
Get Inspired...when I get stagnant as an artist, I surround myself in inspirational places and with inspirational people. Surround yourself with other Christians...joy can be contagious.
Take care of your physical body...be active and get rest
Pray...just be honest with God and ask Him to produce fruit in you. The more you spend in relationship with God, the more He will manifest Himself to you.

So, are you caught in the funk of little or no joy? Rejoice in the fact that God has designed you to find no satisfaction outside of Christ. He is our Bread of Life and our Living Water. It's now time to start cultivating! Get your spiritual garden tools out and get to work! The fruit of joy is waiting!

The Ascension of Christ

2011-09-29T08:44:00.000-04:00

Ascension of Christ

This mural was painted in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Banks of Thomasville, NC. The dimensions are approx. 10x24'. The mural was painted using latex wall paint. Feel free to contact me for pricing details if you're interested in a mural.

Acts 1:1-11

¹The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ²Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
³To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
⁴And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
⁵For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
⁶When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
⁷And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
⁸But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
⁹And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
¹⁰And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
¹¹Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Zion's Death

2011-09-14T14:33:00.001-04:00

After months of answering questions and hearing twisted versions of what happened to us with our stillborn son, Zion, we have decided to write a list of frequently asked questions. It is our hopes that this will answer any question that people have had or may be afraid to ask, and to stop the mouths of the gossipers who embellish and twist the facts to make their story more juicy. So, here we go:

What caused his death?
According to Dr. "D" and the labor and delivery nurses, the cause of his death is unknown. He was perfectly healthy until the moment his heart stopped. According to their examinations, there were no problems with him physically, no problem with the umbilical chord (no knots, discolorations, abnormalities), no problem with the placenta, and no problem with Crystal's blood. All the medical tests that could be administered, apart from a full autopsy, showed no cause or reason for death.

According to Dr. D, "There is not one thing you did or you did not do that would have changed the outcome...sometimes, we just don't know."..."He is perfect, I just don't understand."

Why did you not have an autopsy?
We were advised by our Dr. not to put ourselves through that experience. According to the Dr., "Realistically, we're probably not going to be able to tell you anything that we can't tell you now."
Besides, really...what good would it do us? The fact is, he was healthy, Crystal was healthy, then he died. Does it really matter as to exactly how? What would it change? Will that help a grieving parent or will it cause even more emotional distress? So, thankfully, we took the Dr.'s advice.

How long did you carry Zion?
40 weeks and 2 days.

Were there any symptoms or any clues as to something being wrong?
No, up until that day, he had maintained a perfect heart rate of around 160 bpm and was a normal active baby in the womb. Crystal had not even had a day of morning sickness. There were absolutely NO physical indicators to Crystal that anything was wrong until about 6pm when she realized that she had not felt him kick since that morning. He was confirmed dead by ultrasound at 8pm. So, for those who are saying that Crystal had intense pains that day and she should've went to the hospital at that moment, please get your facts right. She was perfectly fine as we went shopping that morning until the afternoon. It would be illogical for a 40 week pregnant woman who's in excruciating pain to be out walking around all day don't you think?

Did he die because you were planning a home birth?
No. We never had the opportunity to attempt a certified professional midwife assisted home birth. As ignorant and asinine as this question is, you'd be surprised at the people who ask or imply it.

Again, according to Dr. D: "It would not have mattered where you were at or whose care you were under, there's nothing I nor this hospital could have changed. You did everything you could have done and so did your midwife." According to the docs and nurses in the labor/delivery, they admit that stillbirths happen more frequently than they care to admit. I am amazed at the volume of parents I've met through this trial who've experienced the same thing we have, even through doctor care...death is no respector.

Were you having contractions?
Yes. Crystal was having the normal braxton-hicks contractions leading up to the time of the due date. These contractions were sporadic and not consistent in length, intensity or time which is absolutely normal. We believe she may have been in early stages of labor the day he died, because her contractions had just started to become more consistent.

Why didn't you get help when you noticed the first contractions?
Even with a hospital birth, they recommend you not to check yourself in until the contractions are at least 5 minutes apart, consistently, ...or, if your water has broke. Neither of these were our case. However, the midwives were in constant contact with us looking for the progression of possible labor, which was not time yet.

Why were you allowed to go past your due date?
Due dates are approximations. It is very common to go as long as 2 weeks past your "due date"...some longer. Every woman's body is different. Zion was delivered 3 days past his due date which was the same for our first child, which is very much right on time.

Did you deliver your baby vaginally?
Yes.

Did you have to be induced?
Yes. The Dr. broke her water and after little labor progression, they started her on pitocin.

Why did you not opt for a c-section?
It's a well known fact that vaginal births are the healthiest choice, if applicable. Besides, how horrible would it be for Crystal to have to endure the effects of a major surgery with no baby to make it all worthwhile?

Was he a normal baby?
Yes. Everything was intact and he weighed 7lbs. 9 oz., with big feet and broad shoulders. He had very little skin tear (a common occurrence to still born babies) which means he hadn't been dead but for a short while. His color was even a little pink when he came out...while watching his ruby red lips, it seemed as though you could almost see him breathe.

Was it hard to deliver a child that you knew was not alive?
Extremely. But, God gave Crystal and I a peace which is unexplainable and we were able to praise and worship Him during the delivery despite the many tears. We were also surrounded by family, good friends and an excellent hospital staff.

Is there anything you would have done differently?
No. God makes no mistakes.

In closing, I would like to explain our Christian worldview. When I say "God makes no mistakes and we wouldn't do anything different", some will automatically be thinking of what we should have done, as if we were the ones in control of our child's destiny. Many believe in a god, but they believe that we are the ones in control of life. According to the Bible, they are guilty of idolatry because they have made a god of their own imaginations. Their god is no God at all. Deuteronomy 32:39 says,

"See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand."

1 Samuel 2:6 says,

"The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."

Psalm 68:20 also states,

"He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death."

The bottom line is this: God is sovereign over ALL His creation, not just bits and pieces and only the "good" things. If He is not upholding all things by the word of His power, then He is not God. Every man has an appointment to die just as Hebrews 9:27 states. Zion met his appointment at precisely the right time...not a second too soon, or a second too late. You will also meet yours at God's appointed time.

Even Nebuchadnezzar knew God's sovereignty, notice what he says in Daniel 4:35,

"And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?"

So, we'll either conform our thinking to God and His Word or we will base our thinking on humanistic philosophies. We'll either bow to God and His sovereignty or we'll be rebels against Him. For those who have a hard time swallowing the hard verses in the bible, I say, let it conquer you...quit trying to twist and redefine God. He is who He is and there is none like Him, there is none who can control Him, there is none who can advise Him, there is none His equal, and there is none who will escape His appointed time. he is the Supreme Ruler over ALL...even life and death.

Bush Hill Heritage Festival

2011-09-12T06:04:00.000-04:00

Bush Hill

10x8 acrylic on masonite en plein air

This is my painting of the Bush Hill Heritage Festival which takes place every year in Archdale, NC. I thought it would be nice to do some plein air painting while attending my art booth this year. Everyone likes to watch someone performing their craft and painting is no exception. I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and had the privilege to share the gospel with several as well. Overall we had a great time and I'd like to say thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth and their encouraging words. We'll also be at the Asheboro Fall Festival Oct. 1 and 2nd... hope to see you there!

Need Refreshing?

2011-09-08T09:04:00.000-04:00

Cool Water

6x8 acrylic on masonite en plein air

The title is a bit of an understatement; I should've named this painting, "Freezing Cold Water". After walking up this creek (which filters into the New River near Fleetwood, NC) nearly a half mile, my feet get numb from the cold. The interesting thing about this creek is that it doesn't matter what time of year it is, whether July or September, the temperature of this water is always frigid.

As painful as it can be to tread through cold water, it is such a refreshing experience...and makes for a nice spiritual analogy. No matter the temperature change of the surrounding landscape, this water is always constant and unchanging. In the heat of the day, it offers cool refreshment and is never stagnant. Kind of reminds you of Jesus Christ, doesn't it? He is the unchanging God, who is never altered by outside circumstance and He offers refreshment to those who are weary and thirsty. From this creek, there springs forth life...I saw a deer drinking from the bubbling brook...trees draw nourishment from this life-source and grow strong and tall. The same goes for Christ; He is our source of life and nourishment. Our spiritual growth depends upon our dwelling in Him. Are we satisfied with the dead, stagnant, temporary and unfullfilling pleasures of this world? or, are we thirsting for true satisfaction that can only be found in Christ?

Ho, Everyone who thirsts, come ye to the waters!

Painting Animals in Plein Air

2011-09-06T10:04:00.001-04:00

Evening Stroll

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Oh the elegance and the sophistication of a swan, how prestigious they are! They're like the "cats" of the waterfowl world...always on display and doing their own thing. My daughter always associates them with princesses thanks to her numerous "Swan-Princess" movies. However, as proud as they seem, they do make for good subject matter in a painting. The only problem is, they don't usually remain still.

So, how does one capture animals in a plein air painting? Good question...I'm still figuring this thing out. But, here's what I do:

Do a small thumbnail sketch on a separate sheet of paper, sketchbook, etc.... This helps tremendously when trying to figure out your composition. It's better to get the design down first before delving into a painting only to realize your composition is horrible and then be forced to fix it, wasting valuable time. this step includes locating your center of interest. Will it be in the bottom right corner? Top left? etc...
Capture the landscape. The sun light is moving slower than the animals, in most cases. So, paint the surrounding landscape first to make sure your values and color is right.
Add the animals last. You can then place them at whatever focal point you choose and arrange them in the best compatible composition if there's more than one animal.
Be sure you don't alter the setting so much that you lose the scene that inspired you in the first place. Try to keep it as close to that first initial "Ah-hah!" moment that captured you.

Chetola Lake, located in Blowing Rock, NC, was the setting for this plein air painting.
To purchase this painting, click the button below. The price is $150 with $12 shipping and handling. If you don't need it shipped, feel free to email me at jeremy@jeremysams.com

Banner Elk Plein Air Competition

2011-09-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

Shawneehaw Greens

8x10 acrylic on masonite

What an experience! On Friday, August 26th, I had the privilege of testing out some oil paints under the instruction of fellow landscape artist and plein air painter, Scott Boyle. He had offered a plein air workshop in conjunction with the Avery County Arts Council in Linville, NC. After the long yet informative day of oil painting, fellow-shipping with other artists, and visiting an art show opening with some friends and fellow artists, I was ready for Saturday.

On Saturday, The Art Cellar, a fine art gallery located in Banner Elk, NC, hosted a plein air painting competition. This was my first plein air event where my work would be judged along side of other artists' work. Was this nerve racking? Absolutely... Was I intimidated? Absolutely! Was I ready to have a great time? you guessed it...Absolutely!

We started early that morning scoping out a place to paint after registering for the event. I settled on a path in Tate Park looking at one of its bridges. I had the opportunity to paint along side with some pretty incredible artists at this location. After finishing the Tate Park Bridge painting and lunch, I headed back toward the gallery in search of another inspiring scene.

Eureka! I found my perfect scene of the day along the banks of the Shawneehaw River. Mountains in the distance covered by fog, the gallery on the left hillside, a sunlit field, fir trees, bushes, foliage, and water...what more could you ask for?

It took me about 2 hours to finish the painting en plein air. The time seemed to fly by...especially since I knew I was on a time restraint. I tried to capture the atmospheric perspective of the humid day with the bluish background mountains and trees. When the overcast sky would occasionally break, the sun would lay these beautiful highlights on the field, so this too had to be attempted. Overall, I was fairly pleased with the result.

However, not only was I racing against time and the changing light, but now my paintings would be set beside everyone else's to be...JURIED!!! These kind of events can wreak havoc on you if you have an inferiority complex. Or, so I thought.

The show was nothing like what my imagination had foretold. The other artists were so kind and everyone was strolling through the gallery chit chatting, and recounting the events of the day. It didn't seem as much like a competition as it did an artist fellowship. So, in that, I was eased.

Eventually, we were all called to the room with all the plein air pieces on display. It was time to announce the winners. I wasn't that nervous. I hoped to place, but I had already viewed the other artists' work, which was exceptional. So, I thought, at best, I might get 3rd place. You can imagine my shock to hear my name announced for 1st place. Did they make a mistake? Did they not see the other paintings? There was a lot of talent there and I was truly humbled just to paint along side with these experienced artists, and even more so to place in the show.

Thanks also to Sarah Gilley for sending me a picture of the painting... In all of my excitement, I forgot to take pics.

Old Salem en Plein Air

2011-08-19T10:00:00.003-04:00

Bank Street

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

This was my first trip to Old Salem. I had driven by this community hundreds of times, but never took the time to actually stop in to look around. Well, all that changed yesterday. I believe I walked every square foot of that place...with all my painting equipment, of course. (Note to self: next time leave equipment in the car while you scope out a place to paint.)

After chatting with several wonderful people about their favorite scenes of Old Salem, I finally settled in at the corner of Bank Street and Main Street. I haven't painted many street scenes, so I was excited for the challenge. Again, at several points, I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew. But, with some perseverance, I was able to block in the masses and along with some fine tuning, I ended up with the painting we have here. I believe this would make a nice larger studio painting...we'll see.

If you're interested in purchasing this original painting, the price is $150. If you'll need it shipped, you can order it here:
If you don't need it shipped, and will pick it up, order here:

Vineyard Painting

2011-08-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

18x24 acrylic on canvas

This is a scene from Zimmerman's Vineyards in rural Randolph County, NC. This is a preparation painting for an upcoming show at Cauble Creek Vineyards near Salisbury, NC.

This is definitely an experimental piece for me. I used my palette knife to apply thick paint for the red clay soil and rocks. I also used heavy texture in the leaves while keeping the background trees smooth in an attempt to give it some "textural" perspective.

Psalm 1 Plein Air Painting

2011-08-15T14:58:00.000-04:00

Psalm 1

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

¹Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ²But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
³And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
⁴The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
⁵Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
⁶For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

This is a scene located on the New River in Fleetwood, NC, which is near West Jefferson, NC. The trees on the left are actually set on a small island that is surrounded by the river. This is a nice little place to kayak...if you ever go here, take the left passage, it's deeper.

Early mornings are particularly beautiful on the New River with its wonderful colors and vibrant blues in the distant background mountains. Of course we all know mountains aren't really blue. However, the atmosphere that stands between you and the mountain (or distant tree, buildings, etc...) gives the object a bluish hue. I painted this scene while standing under a bridge which was pleasant...nice cool breeze with no sun to contend with, in my eyes or on my palette and panel. The only noises you could hear were crickets, the trickling river, the occasional car overhead, and the jumping of the fish...NICE!

Bicentennial Park Plein Air

2011-08-10T10:49:00.001-04:00

"The Student"

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

This plein air painting was painted on location at Bicentennial Park in Greensboro, NC. Of all the beautiful subject matter to paint at Bicentennial Park, I couldn't pass this little scene up. In the early evening, the sun's light accents all of these trees, exotic plants, shrubs and sculpture...and who doesn't like a nice stone bridge? The sculpture is called "The Student" and makes a nice focal point of the painting.

I'm learning a lot about myself in this painting journey. I'm learning that most of the time, I tend to bite off more than I can chew. I see this spectacular scene that I feel will make a great painting. So, I drop my gear and set it up immediately. As I begin my initial sketch on the panel, I begin to see some composition problems...one tree is leading your eye out of the painting. So, I compromise reality and "fix it". Now, the trees are pointing in the painting, keeping the viewer's eyes within the confines of the painted panel. What do I do with this bush that's right in front of the statue? If I take it out, I'll have this massive empty space of mulch...not attractive. So, I leave it. The list went on and on like this for about 30 minutes. Fix this...fix that...and so on.

At this point, I'm wondering: "Should I have tried painting this?...should I have chosen a more simple subject?" So goes my lot in life. Why do I always choose the hard road? Why not take the safe route and keep things simple? Everyone's heard the phrase of K.I.S.S.: "Keep It Simple Stupid." But, somehow, I always forget this. Besides, do you ever really grow if you never go through the growing pains. Stretching yourself to be and do better comes with a price...not only in painting, but in life...especially your spiritual life.

When you get to the point in a painting where you're torn between "what was I thinking??? just wipe it out!" and "If I can make this work, it's going to be great"...your decision will reveal your willingness to be safe or grow. Trust me here, I'm NOT saying I pulled this painting off and it's just fabulous. I am saying, however, that I didn't paint over it. Am I satisfied with the final product? No, but the experience was prize enough. I realize there is much that could be better and I hope to improve that in a future painting, but, I do know this: I'm not satisfied with mediocrity.

As stated earlier, this principle also applies to your spiritual life. Are you satisfied to be an "average" Christian, like all the other modern day, so-called, "Christians"...those who do their religious duty by showing up to a building with a steeple a few times a week, while wearing the proper attire, and are never willing to go through the struggles or to pay the price in order to grow. If this is you, examine yourself. If there's no growth, no fruit...then you're a withered branch that will be cut off. However, if you're a fruit bearing Christian, you will be pruned and you will give more fruit. The pruning process is not always easy, but it is certainly beneficial.

Don't settle for mediocrity, do hard things! In the power of the Holy Spirit and in accordance with grace we can do that which is impossible to the "average" man. Grow!

Treasuring Jesus Ministry Paintings

2011-08-08T10:50:00.000-04:00

The last week of July, I was invited by Bethany Baptist Church in Thomasville to bring a series of messages on the subject of "treasure". A brief overview of each lesson is listed below:

Which is worth more, a bottle of water or all the gold in Ft. Knox? If you're reading this with your belly full, you'd of course choose the gold. However, change the scenario a bit and you might have a different choice. Imagine you're 4 days in the dessert without having any water...your life is coming to an end through lack of fluids...suddenly the water takes on infinite value.

The same goes for us spiritually. You'll not see water as a treasure until you are desperate to live. Jesus proclaims Himself as the Living Water who completely satisfies and gives life. He makes Himself freely available to all who are thirsty. Those who do not desire Him will never come to Him. Only those who see their condition as hopeless and destitute would ever be willing to deny all worldly pursuits and come to Him in order to quench their thirst.

Day 2:
On Thursday morning, we looked at the Shepherd as the treasure of the sheep. In order for the sheep to see the Shepherd as his true treasure, He must first see his own condition: ruined, helpless, dirty, separated, and dead. Were it not for the initiative and work of the Shepherd, the sheep would remain in that ruined condition, unable to help himself.

Sheep are not well known for their intelligence, they need to be led!

Day 3:

Friday morning we explored 2 of the kingdom parables of Matthew 13: the treasure hid in the field and the pearl of great price. These two treasures were so valuable to these individuals that they were willing to sell everything they owned in order to acquire this one single treasure. Christ demands that we see Him as this valuable...that we're willing to forsake ALL, even if it means family, comfort, wealth, etc... in order to have Him. Is Jesus worth the price that we might have to pay? If He's worth it, are we willing?

Special thanks to Bro. Tom Fields and the people and kids of Bethany Baptist Church for allowing me to come and minister.

Painting At Linville Falls, NC

2011-07-22T09:46:00.000-04:00

Upper Linville Falls

8x6 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Linville Falls has always been a favorite place of mine to visit ever since I was a child. It's a great place to hike and behold God's glory as pointed out by His creation. Listening to the roar of the falls and seeing the enormous amount of water that cascades through this rocky gorge is such an awe inspiring experience. This is one of those places where you get just a very small glimpse of the bigness of God and the smallness of man.

This was a great day to paint, the sun was out but it wasn't too hot. I set up on the overlook at the top of the falls looking upstream to the upper set of falls (there is another waterfall located left of the painting subject that I could not fit in from my perspective). I met many wonderful people that day, some from as far away as Holland, some from Baton Rouge and some from right down the road. That's one of the perks of plein air painting...mingling with people and enjoying God's creation together.

Sweetgrass Plein Air Paint-out

2011-07-22T09:31:00.000-04:00

Sweetgrass Rain

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Someone said, "If you want to end a drought, plan a plein air event!" Boy, was that the truth for the Sweetgrass Plein Air Paint Out on July 15, 2011. If the Blowing Rock community was a little water deficient, it certainly got cured that day. It poured rain for what seemed like forever. Not wanting to waste the experience, I put on my coat and hat and grabbed the umbrella for some rainy day plein air painting!

Here I am painting the "Sweetgrass Rain" scene. Photo by Scott Boyle.

Boone Fork Creek

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Boone Fork Creek that runs through the Sweetgrass community was the subject of my second painting of the day. Fellow artists, Scott Boyle and Craig Franz, and I found this neat little spot to set up and paint. This was one of those places that your first reaction is "Nice spot!" but after 45 minutes into the painting you're contemplating, "What was I thinking??"

I struggled with this painting mainly because the values were so close. It was in the shadows with no overhead sunlight due to the rainy weather. If this scene were on a gray-scale or a black and white photo, there would be very little contrast between the lights, midtones and darks. So, it was an exercise in painting contrasts using colors rather than values. Every painting is a learning experience.

Thanks to artist, Kevin Beck, for hosting the event, and Sue from Blowing Rock Realty for catering to some 25 artists. Check out Charlotte Plein Air Painters if you're interested in these type of events.

A Young Man's Attitude Toward Women

2011-07-12T16:44:00.002-04:00

"Although our American culture has blurred the lines between masculinity and femininity, Christians are to be different in the way that they treat the opposite sex. In this teaching session on Biblical manhood, Paul Washer explains what kind of attitude that young men are supposed to have toward young women." -quoted from Sermonaudio.com

Here's an awesome video for any age male or female, married or unmarried from Bro. Paul Washer of HeartCry Missionary Society. It's a very practical look at the role of men and women from a biblical perspective. Watch it!

Old Randolph County Courthouse Painting

2011-07-08T10:46:00.001-04:00

Old Randolph Co. Courthouse

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Every first and third Thursday night, the Randolph Arts Guild hosts a drawing session for anyone who would like to practice their drawing skills. It's a great way to gather with other like minded artists who are eager to create, learn and just have good fellowship. This was my first time participating with the group and I decided to do a plein air painting. Our subject matter for the evening was the old Randolph County courthouse located on Worth St. in Asheboro, NC.

One thing I've learned recently, one of the hardest parts of painting in plein air is to simply get started. I walked around the place, up and down parking lots, in the shade, out of the shade, etc...looking for that perfect perspective and composition. After wasting about 20 minutes of good daylight painting time, I finally settled on the view above. I chose not to paint the bank teller shelter in the parking lot that is actually located on the bottom left. I was afraid it would 1) cover too much of my main subject, 2) be too much to paint in the given time.

Why should I be concerned for the time? Well, when you're painting in the evening, beginning at around 6pm...you will only have about 2 hours of that same light. From around 8pm on, you're going to have a more sunset type of lighting. If you're going to paint sunset light, then it's no big deal to start your drawing early and wait to paint your shadows and color shades till later. But, if you're going for that 6pm light and color shades, you're going to have to put the pedal to the metal with that paintbrush. Another factor last night was rain. Throughout the session, we tried to avoid the occasional rain drop while looking over our shoulders at the upcoming rain cloud. Possible rain showers is a great motivator for painting quickly.

Overall, it was a great night. I was so impressed with the talent that we have here in Randolph Co. Feel free to email Les Caison at the Randolph Arts Guild for any details or questions.

Contact me for purchasing information.

Old House at Badin

2011-07-06T10:46:00.001-04:00

House at Badin

10x8 acrylic on masonite en plein air

What a pleasure to paint in the shade when it's early July, 96 degrees, and so humid you can see it.

This is a little scene located near Badin Lake, NC. Eager to paint, I drove around for a while searching for a subject that would catch my eye. I found several scenes that I liked...most of which would have placed me in an open field under the blazing sun. If you've ever painted outdoors with acrylics, you could understand my hesitation. Thankfully, I found this scene with a nice shady spot to paint. After a couple of hours of flicking ants and ticks off my legs, the painting was finished!

I like this painting's simplicity...just an old house with a nice rusted tin roof accompanied by some shade trees. I debated on painting the telephone poles. I painted them in, then painted them out. Without the poles, it was just too simple and plain looking. So, I left the poles which adds some perspective and helps lead your eye into the painting right to the subject matter.

By the way, the pole in the foreground isn't really curved...that's the product of my poor digital camera skills.

Daylilies

2011-07-06T10:26:00.001-04:00

Daylilies

10x8 acrylic on masonite in plein air

Ahhh, the joys of tribulation! Sometimes paintings just flow and work out and it feels like you have somehow, in spite your depravity, found glorious favor with the Almighty God. What a wonderful feeling! It's too bad this state of being doesn't last forever.

The painting you see here has been through much working and re-working. I've added to it, I've taken away from it...but this is what I've finally settled on. Am I happy with it? Hmmm...well, I'm happy with parts of it. My first initial struggle was that it looked like something from a Disney cartoon. I'm not sure where I went wrong...most likely, it was a culmination of several things: wrong values, exaggeration of colors...the list could probably go on.

However, after some advice and perseverance, I think I've finally come to a place of finality with the painting...maybe. I haven't signed it yet, so we'll see. Sometimes it helps to take a break from a painting when it seems like every brush stroke is a struggle. Come back later and get a fresh perspective.

I would like to thank Harold and Leslie Frontz for allowing me along with Plein Air Carolina to come to their home and studio to paint, and for the great tips. What a blessing to have those who are more experienced take the time to share some of their knowledge with young artists. Thanks Harold and Leslie!

LaGrange, NC, The Garden City

2011-07-06T09:51:00.000-04:00

LaGrange, NC

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

This is a plein air painting that I completed during the reception of my art show in LaGrange, NC. I drove around that morning looking for the perfect scene that would capture my vision of LaGrange. I found many beautiful scenes because there is much to choose from ranging from historic buildings with the most beautiful architecture to acres and acres of crops, fields, etc... However, this place really captured my attention as, to me, it is the essence of LaGrange: a huge grain bin (I guess that's what you'd call this massive place) surrounded by open fields with a long straight railroad disappearing into the distance. I'm sure the locals have many ideas of the essence of this small town but, for me, this scene is what intrigued me...a portrait of small town, hard-working, agricultural NC.

The scene was painted on an overcast, humid morning in May, 2011. If you look carefully, you may see some of the mosquitoes that found their way in my wet paint.

New Book Cover Painting

2011-06-30T16:36:00.000-04:00

"Fearless Heart" by Gail Cauble Gurley

Artwork by Jeremy Sams

Gail's new book Fearless Heart has been released by World Castle Publishing. Here's a little tid bit about the book:

The Blairs are stranded in New York after the market crash of 1929. Robert walks to the river docks each day, seeking work to feed his wife Ellen and their four year old son Stephen and pay the $8.00 rent for the slum in which they live. Their faith and courage are tested as they struggle.
He provides a small Christmas for his family but then the dock work shuts down and he is desperate to find work of any kind.
He is approached by a stranger who will direct and influence the Blairs in a startling manner. He is jolted by events that promise to turn his life asunder, shaking the foundation of the person that he is. He is in an unknown world, given information of which he has never dreamed. Will they be opportunities or burdens? Will he be able to marry his life to this new direction or will he abandon a life so different from any he has ever experienced? He has his family’s and friends’ support as he struggles with the shocking torrent of choices he is given to make.
Fearless Heart has gentle, colorful, believable characters who touch the heart and raise the spirit. It is truly a feel-good work.
Order online at worldcastlepublishing.com. Click on Available Titles. Use code UYTQJ2F9 at checkout for 20% discount. Also available at Amazon.com. Order the e-book from Barnes and Noble.

Printed book $10.99, e-book $5.99. Suitable for all readers. Check out the author’s website www.scribesvalley.com .

Little Country Church Painting

2011-06-22T13:41:00.000-04:00

This is a commissioned painting that measures 18x24, acrylic on canvas.

Legacy Gardens Plein Air

2011-06-21T17:34:00.000-04:00

Legacy Gardens

8x10 acrylic on masonite

Today, I was privileged to be invited to paint with the fine artists of Piedmont Outdoor Painting Society. The location of our paint out was Legacy Gardens located on Burlington Rd., Greensboro, NC. This was a beautiful little place that was well worth the trip to see the blooming flowers, lilly-ponds, sunlit paths and garden decorations. The early morning shades made for a great place to paint. However, when the sun moved my shadows, the sweat began to roll. Standing, facing the blazing June sun can be very demanding. Demanding in that it forces me to paint extra fast! That's another good reason to make sure you have plenty of fluids and a good hat when you paint outdoors.

Contact me for pricing or ordering information. Thanks to the ladies at POPS for allowing me to paint with them. They are very talented artists and I'm eager to see their finished products.

God's Perfect Will or God's Permissive Will?

2011-06-18T14:46:00.003-04:00

What child doesn't like playing with play-dough? Many pounds of play-dough have been ruined here at the Sams' house from my daughter's love and neglect of this pliable medium. Maybe she'll be a potter or a sculptor one day.
In high school, I once tried putting my hands to the potter's wheel. I had these plans in my head of the exact pot I would make. It would have a large bowl area at the bottom, a tapered more narrow neck opening up to a wider spout with a little dip in the top for pouring liquids. As much as I could envision the final product, my hands and my inexperience prevented this work of art from coming to pass. As much as I loved getting dirty, I found out rather quickly that my artistic area was painting. So, I made a few ashtrays to accompany my leaning pots and called it quits.

However, in the bible, we have typologies and references to God as being the Master Potter. You can rest assured that this Master Potter is unable to make mistakes or have (as the PBS artist, Bob Ross would call) "happy little accidents". This brings us to question our understanding of God's will and His purpose. Does God have a permissive will which is separate and distinct from His perfect will? Or, is God's permissive will one in the same as God's perfect will? In a practical sense, does God, as the potter, begin forming a pot with a planned piece in mind (God's perfect will) only to have something go wrong...then, He changes His plans to form it into something else (God's permissive will)?
Read more »

Portrait of Charlie

2011-06-13T08:30:00.002-04:00

Charlie

16x20 acrylic on canvas

This portrait was commissioned by Archdale's author and writer Mrs. Gail Gurley. You might remember her name from "Red Dirt Rising", a movie which is based on her book, "Red Dirt Tracks". Here's a brief description of Charlie from Gail, his grandmother:

Pvt. Ronald Charles "Charlie" Peters, Jr., of the U. S. Marine Corps graduated from Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, class of 2010. He joined the U. S. Marine and completed his boot camp in April 2011 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Ca. He is in the school of infantry attached with Company G, 3rd Platoon, Camp Pendleton, Ca. He will attend Communications School at Twenty-nine Palms, Ca., and will then be assigned to a permanent base. He is the son of Denise Gurley of Katy, Texas and has a brother and sister. His brother Spencer is 17 years old and sister Madison is 13. He is the grandson of Ed and Gail Gurley of Archdale, N. C.

Thanks Gail, I hope you and your family enjoy the portrait.

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-06-06T07:42:00.000-04:00

Strawberry Field

16x20 acrylic on canvas

I can't help but think of that old Beatles song, "Strawberry Fields Forever" when viewing this painting. This was painted from a plein air study that I painted one day last week while watching my daughter, Eliora, pick strawberries at Ingram's Farm near High Point and Archdale, NC.

This painting is currently in the Randolph Arts Guild's 29th annual juried art show hanging at the Sara Smith Self Gallery in the Moring Arts Center in Asheboro, NC. The opening reception is June 7th, 5:30-7:30 pm, everyone is invited.

Pisgah Covered Bridge and Sanctification

2011-06-06T07:26:00.002-04:00

Pisgah Covered Bridge

10x8 acrylic on masonite

June 3rd's paint out with Plein Air Carolina was held at Pisgah Covered Bridge in Randolph County, NC.

This was a challenging scene of which at several times during the painting, I thought maybe I bit off more than I could chew. After searching for the perfect set up spot, I finally found this angle in the middle of the creek. I set my tripod up on a big rock and commenced to paint. Wow, was there a lot of subject matter or what! It's so easy to get distracted by the details that you forget the big picture...this was my struggle here. I had to force myself not to spend too much time on the background foliage and not forget the foreground reflections.

This was one of those paintings that really stretch you as an artist...it may not seem so complicated while viewing the finished product, but I can assure you there was much struggle in getting there. You know, that kind of reminds me of our process of sanctification as believers. When you look at some of the older matured saints, we may have the tendency to view them as being pieces of God's artwork molded with tender grace and simplicity...their conforming to Christ's image was an overnight success!...while viewing ourselves (as works in progress) as receiving God's harsher treatments and having to endure things no-one else has endured. It's as if we say the previous saints had it so much easier and boy, do we have it tough. However, we must remember that we're viewing God's work (older saints) as nearly completed works. We don't get to see the process of struggle they had to endure to be conformed to the image of Christ. So, let's not despise God's processes of sanctification but embrace these struggles knowing that a piece that is struggled with, in the end, is highly favored.

Plein Air Carolina will have the opening reception of their "Glimpses of Carolina" plein air art show at Railwalk Gallery in Salisbury, NC, Saturday, June 11, 1-5 pm. The exhibit will run through June 30th. Everyone is invited to attend.

Always Work To Do

2011-05-31T10:35:00.001-04:00

Always Work To Do

10x8 acrylic on masonite en plein air

This is my latest plein air painting from Zimmerman Vineyards. Every time I visit, I see Norman out there in the field somewhere working. No matter how blistering the heat or pleasant the breeze, there's always work to do.

This painting reminds me of Galatians 6:9,

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Zimmerman Pergola

2011-05-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Here is last Thursday's plein air painting at Zimmerman Vineyards. The pergola was lit up from the evening sun which created some cool shadows and warm highlights.

Zimmerman Pergola

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

No Hunting

2011-05-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

No Hunting

8x10 acrylic on masonite in plein air

This is this morning's plein air painting which I painted just a few miles from my house on Hwy. 62 in Trinity. The sign on the post says "POSTED...No Hunting" with locked gates...I didn't see a sign that said no plein air painting so I took advantage of the opportunity.

Zimmerman's Patio in plein air

2011-05-25T11:32:00.000-04:00

Zimmerman Patio

9x12 acrylic on masonite

This is yesterday's painting down at Zimmerman Vineyards in Trinity, NC. I took some artistic liberty to paint the umbrellas red instead of what they truly are, which is green. I felt like there was too much green in the painting and the umbrellas got lost in the background trees. I also experimented with a more limited pallet using cadmium yellow light, cadmium red deep, ultramarine blue and white.

Shepherd and the Lost Sheep Print Now Available

2011-05-23T13:13:00.002-04:00

"For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" Luke 19:10

The prints are finally available! This print is a celebration of God's grace in saving lost sinners. You can order a 16x20 giclee on archival paper print for $75 or if you want a 24x36 canvas reproduction just like the original, you can order one for $250.

The 16x20's require no special custom framing, but should fit right into a ready made frame with glass that you can purchase at your local craft/frame shop. The canvas prints do not require glass.

Place your orders here!

If you need a custom sized print, we can make that happen too...just contact me.

Outer Banks Plein Air

2011-05-23T11:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a few paintings that I was able to paint while on our Outer Banks trip with the Miles family.

Salvo Beach, 6x8 acrylic on masonite

This is the typical beach scene at the Outer Banks. Broad sandy beaches with tire tracks running down the beach. The cool thing about these beaches is that most are accessed by 4 wheel drive vehicles, except for the "bird nesting and turtle egg areas"...these areas are strictly forbidden to humans without a special degree in tree hugging. This painting was done on a cool overcast day.

Pamlico Morning 6x8 acrylic on masonite

Avon Pier 6x8 acrylic on masonite

This was an interesting pier located in the town of Avon, NC. It looks like this pier has seen its better day, but the crooked lines and hurricane battered shape give it much character.

Silver Lake on Ocracoke 10x8 acrylic on masonite

Ever wondered what happened with the infamous Blackbeard the Pirate? Here's where he lost his head...a little island called Ocracoke. This natural lake makes a perfect place for boats to find a safe harbor on Ocracoke Island, NC.

Here, I'm doing a little touch up on a painting right before we roasted weenies on our beach campfire...try doing that at Myrtle Beach! Overall, this was a great trip and a nice time to relax.

Art Show Video

2011-05-21T14:50:00.002-04:00

Here's a video of the La Grange Art Show featuring my work. Brent Gallant, from Community Baptist Church in La Grange, NC, was kind enough to put this up for me...of which I believe he did an excellent job! Thanks, Brent! I'll have to make sure he gets a copy of my newest print.

Jeremy Sams Art Exhibit from Community Baptist Church on Vimeo.

The opening reception turned out to be a great night. I met a lot of new people and was reaquainted with a lot of familiar faces. The painting I'm working on in the video is a plein air piece that I painted just down the road a couple of miles from the Arts Center. La Grange is a beautiful small town surrounded by picturesque farmlands and lots of character.

I'd like to thank all those who had a hand in making this happen and for all who came out. What a blessing!

Also, feel free to visit Community Baptist Church's Vimeo site to see a sermon from our good friend Jeremy Varner.

Art Showing at La Grange Arts Center

2011-05-11T10:27:00.000-04:00

Friday, May 13, is the opening reception of the show featuring my artwork in La Grange, NC. The reception is from 6-8pm.

The location is La Grange Arts Center,
104 W Railroad Street La Grange, NC 28551

A Godley Painting

2011-05-06T14:46:00.001-04:00

Godley's Garden

10x8 acrylic on masonite en plein air

While driving down Statesville Blvd., I peer through the windshield of my little VW wagon and see a very Godley sight...No, it wasn't an apparition of Mary glowing in the blown tire on the side of the road. It was a sign....a sign like no other...a sign from Godley's!

Friday's paint out with Plein Air Carolina was held at Godley's Garden Center in Salisbury, NC. This place was packed full of gardening supplies, plants, trees, and all kinds of colorful things to paint. This is the scene I chose which is located behind the store.

I must say, this is the most Godley painting I've ever done.

Zimmerman Vineyards Plein Air

2011-05-05T09:27:00.000-04:00

Zimmerman Vineyards

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

What a beautiful setting Randolph County has in the rolling hills at Zimmerman Vineyards. This is a painter's paradise with great mountain views, vineyards, pergolas, stone patios, ponds...you name it, it's probably there. They're located just off of Tabernacle Church Rd. in the Trinity area. Lord willing, I'll be visiting again very soon.

Pochade Box Updates

2011-05-04T13:06:00.001-04:00

I've done some reconfiguring on my homemade pochade box. If you're interested in making your own, the design comes from Jim Serrett.

Below are some pics of my improvements. I took off the friction lid supports from the sides and installed friction hinges to keep the lid at whatever angle desired. The friction lid support brackets worked great but could get in the way sometimes, especially in transport. For a better design using friction lid supports, visit Josef Sy's design.

As you can see, the lid brackets are gone, resulting in a little less weight, less parts, and an overall sleeker look. The friction hinges seem to work perfectly. You can also see some of my plein air essentials: portable brush washer, adjustable view-finder, sealable pallet (craft-bead jars and box from Walmart) and brushes.

Here's a detail of the friction hinges. They're some form of hard plastic material...very lightweight yet strong. After running all around town trying, with no avail, to find these things...I finally ordered them online. I got the idea from Bryan Mark Taylor.

Here you can see my homemade brush holder. It's basically a strip of 1/2"-3/4" square dowel (left over from the pochade project) glued and nailed to a 3"x9" strip of 1/4" birch plywood (also left over from the pochade project). I drilled various sized holes in the plywood to accommodate my brushes. On the underside of the brush holder are 2, 1/4 round dowel rods attached to the strip of square dowel. The side of the pochade box has 2 holes drilled to match these round dowel pins so that it will slide into the holes and become stable. I mounted it on the left side because I'm right handed and didn't want the brushes to interfere with me working.

Here's a detail of the underside of the brush holder with the dowel pins. When not attached, it lays perfectly inside the box when it's closed. Notice the sealable clear jars from the craft section at Walmart...this is a must if using acrylics outdoors. I wasted so much unused paint before these little contraptions. Maybe when I get a little more experienced and quicker with the brush, I can go to a more limited pallet of 4 colors...but I haven't got that far yet.

Also, the tripod is a Sunpak 7575 that I bought on sale from www.buy.com for $25 and free shipping! It's a little bulky though, but I wanted something that could hold some weight.

Go here to see the pochade box process.

Art Daze at Creekside Park

2011-05-02T10:17:00.000-04:00

Swinging at Creekside

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

The Northwest Randolph Arts Council hosted Art Daze this past Saturday at Creekside Park, Archdale, NC. The painting above was part of a plein air demonstration. There were several other art venues there as well including a Japanese drum group, a guitarist, a storyteller, and several tables of crafting supplies for the kids to make their own artistic creations. Oh yeah...free pizza was there for everyone to enjoy! Thanks NWRAC!

"His Witness Ministries" Feature of the Month

2011-05-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out His Witness Ministries, my Luke 19:10 painting is the feature for the month of May, 2011.

Ashe County Plein Air

2011-04-28T15:01:00.000-04:00

Below are a few paintings that I completed while on a family trip to the West Jefferson area of Ashe County, NC. This is a beautiful area engulfed with Christmas tree farms and the New River coursing its way through the valleys.

Ashe County Farm

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Spring on the New

6x8 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Ashe County Tree Farm

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

God's Sovereignty In Calamity

2011-04-19T11:31:00.003-04:00

Watch the video below. Does the question, "Why would God allow this to happen?", ever come to your mind?

As a result of the storms that ravaged through NC this past Saturday, at least 23 lost their lives and more than 130 were injured. Several of those who died were children and I can't imagine the pain that many families are experiencing right now. When we're faced with tragedies like these, one would certainly be justified by asking the question, "Was this God's will?"

Read more »

Hollybrook Stables and Plein Air Carolina

2011-04-15T19:35:00.001-04:00

The Lone Ranger

8x10 acrylic on masonite en plein air

I'd like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Joyce Metters for inviting Plein Air Carolina to come out and paint at her beautiful horse farm near Lexington, NC. Also, a special thanks to Plein Air Carolina for inviting me to come. It was a beautiful day and there was plenty of subject matter to capture.

Here's the scene I chose...of course, the shadows are totally different than when I began the painting. I also removed some of the fence posts I had painted in. I love my homemade pochade box, by the way.

Below are some of the other talented artists I had the privilege of painting with today...

Mrs. Joyce Metters

Mrs. Norma Owen

Mr. Rex White...view his blog.

Mrs. Sharon Forthofer...view her website.

Mrs. Rachel Lee also attended, but I wasn't quick enough to get her photo...maybe next time! You can view her website here.

Night of the Cossack

2011-04-14T09:24:00.001-04:00

Night of the Cossack

Tom Blubaugh

cover art by Jeremy Sams

Night of the Cossack is finally available. I just received my personally autographed copy last week. It's pleasantly odd to see your work on the cover of a book, and I think it turned out nicely. You can purchase the book through Amazon. The book was published by Bound By Faith Publishers and written by Tom Blubaugh. If you're interested, you can review the book by reading the introduction along with the first chapter online.

About the Author: Tom Blubaugh

Tom Blubaugh, author of Night of the Cossack, is a freelance writer. He has written nonfiction most of his adult life. He resides with his wife Barbara in Southwest Missouri where he is currently writing fiction. Tom and Barbara have six children and fourteen grandchildren. In addition to writing, Tom loves macro photography. He is president of Jericho Commission, Inc. Tom believes that retirement is about continuing to fulfill God's purpose.
Find out more about Tom and follow his blog.

To see the process of the painting, click here.

Psalm 29:11

2011-04-13T10:11:00.001-04:00

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

9x12 acrylic on masonite en plein air

Tall standing oak trees are great examples of strength, even when the ground they're attached to is covered in thick thorns and briers. What a testimony this is to believers in Christ as well. God gives strength in the midst of adversity. When the circumstances that surround you seem as nothing but thorns and reflections of the curse of the earth, that's when these giant oaks become trophies of God's persevering strength that He gives to His people.

Psalm 23:3

2011-04-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

9x12 acrylic on masonite en plein air

This is another scene that I painted Wednesday, April 6, at Creekside Park in Archdale, NC. The trees are just beginning to bud and the colors of these young buds are just brilliant. The warm sandy paths and moss covered rocks along the creek were the inspiration of this painting. The smoothness of the gessoe prepped masonite panel was a pleasure to work on in comparison to the Fredrix canvas boards that I usually paint on.

Psalm 118:19

2011-04-05T10:51:00.000-04:00

Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

8x10 acrylic on canvas board in plein air

It's good therapy to get out of the house and out in the open field with sunshine, the smell of green grass, and a cool "breeze"...maybe "breeze" isn't the correct word for this painting trip that my wife and I took this past Monday, April 4. A more accurate word would be gusts. On several occasions, I had one hand on my pochade box, trying to prevent it from becoming a wooden kite, and the other on a paintbrush. Other than that, it was great to get out of the house with my little wife, Crystal.

From my wife, Crystal

2011-04-01T10:42:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for your prayers and support. God has been so good to us and I still praise Him for the hardest time of my life. His love and His grace is holding us up. But, I just wanted everyone to know that we are so thankful for everything everyone has done. We love you all.

- Crystal Sams

Celebration of Life Service

2011-03-31T12:56:00.001-04:00

The service will be at the graveside at Randolph Memorial Park at 2 pm on Saturday. We're asking everyone to bring their own chair so you won't have to stand the whole time. Thank you all for the love and prayers that you have all given. We are deeply appreciative. God is good.

He Being Dead, Yet Speaketh

2011-03-31T01:15:00.002-04:00

What a beautiful sound to hear your baby's heartbeat on a monitor. But dreams become nightmares when all you hear is silence. For 40 weeks, we dreamed about our upcoming birth. We dreamed of what this child would look like and who's features he/she would have. We prayed even before the child was conceived that God would give us a little preacher boy. On March 29, 2011, God answered our prayers.

However, he's not your typical preacher boy. You see, the day before he was delivered, we found out through ultrasound that our baby had already gone home to meet his Lord. So, how does he preach?

His name is Zion Jeremiah Sams. The Hebrew root of the word Zion means waymark or sign. It was often used of an object or place to help people find their way. "Jeremiah" means of whom Jehovah has appointed. Of the Old Testament prophet, God said,

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

My little preacher boy has already preached God's sovereignty and God's grace to people all over the world, literally. God's sovereignty is preached in the fact that his death was a sovereign act of our Creator. Job 1:21 says,

"...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

The Doctor and hospital staff had no explanation as to his death. He was a beautiful healthy baby boy. "There was nothing anyone could have done or done differently", the Dr. told us. This was unexplainable to man, but not to God.

Little Zion is preaching God's grace in the fact that the grace of God is presently encompassing my family. Crystal and I spent much time alone holding our little preacher while watching the sunset, praising God, and rejoicing in His goodness. We are hurting bitterly. We weep...but not as those who have no hope. Our heart is broken, yet something strengthens us. My dear friend, Pastor Jeremy Varner gave me this verse that explains it so well, found in Psalm 73:26,

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."

But, how does this happen? How can those grieving the loss of a child still have joy amidst the tears? How can a mother laboring to deliver a lifeless child raise her hands in praise as we listen to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing Psalm 3? One small, beautiful, powerful word explains it: GRACE...God's undeserved, unearned favor and goodness.

I will post more later as this will be therapeutic for me. To God be the glory.

Skipping Class

2011-03-28T16:28:00.000-04:00

"Skipping Class" is an 8x10 acrylic on canvas board, painted in plein air. I couldn't resist painting this group of college students while soaking up some rays at Hurley Park in Salisbury, NC. The spring colors were beautiful along with the cool breeze, so if this rowdy crew really was skipping class...I can't say that I blame them.
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Thornburg Barn

2011-03-28T16:01:00.001-04:00

This is a 9x12 acrylic on canvas board. The painting was done in plein air at the old Thornburg place on Lassiter Mill Rd. near Farmer, NC. I started painting at around 6:45 pm trying to capture the golden fleeting sunlight across the top of the barn and trees. This was a real struggle for me in a race against time to catch the mood of the scene before the sun hid itself behind the trees.
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Homemade Pochade Box

2011-03-23T11:45:00.002-04:00

First of all...what is a "pochade box"? In a nutshell, it's a small portable easel used to paint in the open air. It comes from the French word for "pocket". Since I've started painting in plein air, I've noticed the weight and bulkiness of my french easel while carrying it around. I have nothing against that easel...it's pretty cool with all the features on hand. But, why paint a small painting on a large easel if it's not necessary?

So, I did a little research and found a site with great instructions by Jim Serrett. Here's my finished product...well, almost finished:

Creekside Park Plein Air

2011-03-18T10:34:00.000-04:00

This plein air painting measures 9x12 and was painted with acrylics on canvas board. The subject matter is "Muddy Creek" located inside of Creekside Park in Archdale, NC. It was nice to paint out where the public was passing by. I met several nice people who curiously wandered in to watch every now and then.
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Southwest Park Plein Air

2011-03-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. This 6x8 acrylic on masonite plein air painting was painted at Southwest Park in Guilford County, NC. This is by far, not my favorite painting.
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Uwharrie River Plein Air

2011-03-14T14:40:00.001-04:00

This plein air painting depicts one of my favorite childhood swimming holes. It's located behind my parents' house on the Uwharrie River near Farmer, NC. Many memories have been made here around these big rocks, from snakes, mud fights, and tree swings, to slipping in the mud and busting your rear...like I did yesterday. Don't worry, I didn't hurt the mud.
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Saturday Night Painting

2011-03-14T14:36:00.001-04:00

I painted this 8x10 Saturday night. My usual Saturday nights are consumed with study time for Sunday School at my church. Yeah, I know...some of you preachers will say, "Don't wait until Saturday to do your study!" But, I'm not one of those fortunate enough to be able to study as a full time job. So, my study takes place in my spare time. This past Saturday night, I was able to enjoy some painting time since Evang. Michael Grant would be teaching for me on Sunday.

New Premiere Pediatrics Mural

2011-03-09T09:33:00.004-05:00

Premiere Pediatrics in Asheboro, NC now has a tropical beach mural to add to their collection of scenes. Dr. Wayne Connors is the pediatrician and the only male in the office...poor fellow. He desperately needs our prayers. Actually, he's surrounded by a good group of ladies dedicated to their profession, so they make a good team.
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Wheatmore High School FCA

2011-03-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

I'd like to say thank you to the Wheatmore High School FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) for allowing me and my wife to come this Friday morning to give a gospel presentation through art. Can you get the gospel into the public schools? Absolutely!

Tobacco Barn Painting en Plein Air

2011-03-03T14:14:00.000-05:00

This is this morning's plein air painting. It's a 9x12 acrylic on canvas board.

Birth Freedom March

2011-03-03T13:55:00.001-05:00

What an inspiring day it was yesterday in Raleigh, NC! My wife and I carpooled with our activist friends to the state capital to be a part of the "Birth Freedom March" hosted by North Carolina Friends of Midwives. It was a beautiful site to see so many families there to support the legalization of Certified Professional Midwives.

design copyright by Jeremy Sams

In honor of this special day, Crystal and I sported our home-made homebirth shirts of which we had many compliments.
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Open field en plein air

2011-03-01T17:42:00.001-05:00

This is today's plein air painting. It measures 6"x8". This painting took about an hour and a half, which was surprising for its small size. One of my challenges is that I want to keep adding detail and smooth lines, etc...

Another challenge for me is that I automatically want to start with my background without drawing the composition out first. But, is there an exact formula for this? I'm sure there is, and I'm probably learning the hard way.

problem #1... when I paint my whole sky in first, with no other drawing, the paint gets grey-ed out when I paint on top of it...so, I'll need to paint my composition in first.

problem #2... the sun was out today and I had to keep adjusting my easel for the best light on my canvas. At first, it was completely in the shade while my eyes were looking into a sunny landscape. So, when I looked back at my canvas, I couldn't determine the colors. My eyes were constantly having to adjust.

So, I'm learning. Every day is a new experience.

Plein Air!

2011-02-28T13:49:00.001-05:00

Well, I finally did it! After watching video after video from youtube and vimeo, and after looking at picture after picture...I got so inspired by these plein air painters, that I just had to try it myself. "Plein air"??? what is that, you might say. Well, it pretty much means what it looks like: painting in plain or open air.

I found this little scene in the woods behind my house.

The Patriot

2011-02-23T11:08:00.001-05:00

I was asked recently if I would be willing to donate some artwork for an upcoming auction at Fayetteville St. Christian School. I gladly accepted since this school holds a special place in my childhood.

The Patriot is the school's mascot, so I thought it would be fitting to paint a portrait of one.
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North Carolina Friends of Midwives

2011-02-22T16:29:00.001-05:00

Visit their website at http://www.ncfom.org/

Support Your Local Midwife

2011-02-22T15:58:00.000-05:00

If you have a facebook account, blog, or anything else that's social media-related, please post this on your site:

This tab is in support of a local midwife who was arrested recently for providing care for a newborn. What a twisted system we have. If you choose to kill your baby in the womb, then by all means do so, you'll even have government help to do it. But, if you keep the baby and you just so happen to live in NC, then you're not allowed the opportunity to choose who will help deliver the baby. It's your choice to kill but not your choice to who delivers.

I can only think of one verse for this infuriating twisted logic which is found in Isaiah 5:20,

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! "

Please pray for her and let's seek the proper means and legislature to have these sickening policies abolished.

Winter Landscape

2011-02-18T12:49:00.002-05:00

I figured I should post this snow scene quickly since it's 70 some degrees outside this February day. This is a painting I started a couple of weeks ago, but I've just found time to actually complete it. I don't have a title for this 16x20 original acrylic on canvas painting, as of yet, but I'm sure I'll think of something.

Below are some pictures of its progression.

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Our Trip to Mt. Moriah

2011-02-17T10:40:00.001-05:00

Mt. Moriah has been the place of several significant events in Jewish and Christian history. It was the mountain to which God told Abraham to offer his only son, Isaac (a type that was fulfilled with God offering His only begotten Son). It was also the place that God chose to let Solomon build the temple...a place designated for God to manifest His glory and holiness. With all the glorious events that have taken place on this mountain, it seems very fitting to name a church after it.

We were privileged to minister this past Sunday morning, Feb. 13, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church located in Marshville, NC.
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Level Cross Elementary Art

2011-02-04T17:58:00.001-05:00

This past Wednesday, Feb.2, I was honored to present some of my artwork to the art students of Level Cross Elementary, Level Cross, NC. There were about 40 or so students attending and wow! what a blessing they were!
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What Sends Men to Hell?

2011-01-26T21:49:00.002-05:00

The audience sits in a trance, soaking up the feel good message of the speaker. "You don't go to hell for telling a lie! You don't go to hell for getting drunk, people go to hell because they don't believe in Jesus!" says the modern day preacher. Hypnotised by the charisma of a man wearing a suit and tie behind a pulpit, while speaking with an open bible, the people naively swallow everything that is said. Surely it's true, he's a "man of God".

Many today, leave their brains and their bibles at the door of the church. They would rather have someone else tell them what to believe. And just like babies, they need someone else to chew their food and deliver it to their mouths with a silver spoon.
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Recent Features

2011-01-26T13:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Ascribing Artists blog for adding my link. Graciously, they will have a feature of my work in Feb.

Be sure to check out their blog, HERE.

Also check out the Christian Artist Resource for including my Luke 19:10 painting.

In Faux-cus

2011-01-25T16:48:00.002-05:00

Faux: it's pronounced "foe" for you English speaking gents and ladies, or "phoe" for the Greek savvy. It basically means "false". So, when you hear of someone having a faux finish painted, you'll now be able to understand that they're implying they're having a specialty finish painted to make something look like something it's not.
Here's one of my latest faux projects:

Pilot Mountain Painting

2011-01-12T21:30:00.003-05:00

Finally! I just took this pic. of my first completed canvas painting for 2011. It measures 12"x24" and is an original acrylic on canvas. The quality of the digital, however, looks a little "shady" compared to the original.
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Ashland St. Baptist Church Mural

2011-01-11T14:03:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Ashland St. Baptist Church, Archdale, NC for their commissioning of this mural. The mural resides behind the choir loft inside their sanctuary.
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Book Cover Painting

2011-01-10T14:11:00.005-05:00

"Night of The Cossack"

by Tom Blubaugh
Artwork by Jeremy Sams

Bro. Dennis Vance of Bound By Faith Publishers commissioned me to paint this scene as a book cover for one of their new releases. Dennis is a fellow graduate of the School of Biblical Evangelism. If you're not familiar with this online school, you can visit Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron's Way of the Master website.

Acrylic Painting Lessons!

2011-01-05T18:02:00.002-05:00

Have you ever watched someone paint and thought to yourself, "I would love to try that, I think I could do it!" After watching Bob Ross on PBS for several years as a toddler, I, myself, finally tried it. He made it look so easy and his soft voice would just about make you fall asleep...if it wasn't for the bobbing of that big afro, I probably would have. Well, that's one more "thanks" we can give to big-afro-people: the ability to keep someone's attention.

Ever since I started painting, I have absolutely enjoyed myself. There is something so gratifying to watch nothing turn into something by your own hands. For a while now, I've thought about how to bring others to find some satisfaction and enjoyment in this little world of painting. This past Monday night, I finally got my chance.
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One of the coolest houses ever!

2011-01-01T15:32:00.002-05:00

This style of house and the lifestyle that accompanies it, has been the subject of many of my daydreams.

The Jesus Way...Great News For Sinners

2010-12-24T09:53:00.000-05:00

An excerpt from one of John Piper's sermons. To view the complete sermon, click here.

The Last Santa Post...for this year

2010-12-23T23:58:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I know...is there anything else worth talking about? Sure there is, and we'll get to that some time later. I would like to post this last blog article which was written by Noel Piper, the wife of Pastor John Piper. Please visit his Desiring God website. It has tons of great resources, most of which is free.

This article reflects so well my views of Santa, so I just had to share it. You can view the complete post here. It's called, "Thinking About Santa", by Noel Piper.
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A response from the weaker brother

2010-12-23T00:19:00.010-05:00

Before Ellie was born, I tried to work out almost every day. I could bench press a person and a half, and do 10-12 pull-ups with a 45 lb. weight attached to my waist. I made Arnold Schwarzenegger look like...well, a really huge guy with big muscles. I was nothing like that. But now, several years later, along with the average of 4 seasonal trips to the gym, atrophy has left me looking more like this:

Yes folks, take away the glasses and the shaggy hair and there ya have me. Apart from my high weight/low reps workout routine and high protein intake, I have become...weak. I admit it.
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"Santa Claus is a Liar!"

2010-12-21T10:55:00.001-05:00

Oh what joyous memories the Christmas season brings! Long lines at the malls and department stores, no parking places for miles, more rude agitated customers than you can shake a stick at, and of course, parents who lie to their kids with a big smile on their face...all of these things have marked the modern reality of the Christmas season.

"What's Santa gonna bring you, little girl?", this has been the most popular question asked to my 3 year old daughter for the past 3 weeks. What the questioners don't realize is that at my house, we don't condone lying to our children. Yeah, I know, we're fanatics. I've been called that more times than once. And, surely, telling your kids about Santa is not that bad, right? It's just all fun and games, right?

The Greatest Gifts...Christmas painting sermon

2010-12-13T22:38:00.003-05:00

JESUS: He shall save His people from their sins.

Tis the season for giving!...or getting, depending on your personality. Ask any child what their most favorite part of Christmas is and without hesitation, most will say "Presents!"
Well, approximately 2,000 years ago, God the Father gave the greatest gifts to His Son and also to us.
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Kersey Valley Christmas

2010-11-30T14:00:00.001-05:00

The good folks over at Kersey Valley are at it again this Christmas. I was priviledged to paint a few photo-ops and signs for them this year. If you live in the High Point, NC area, you really need to check this place out...they have about everything you need from Christmas trees, wreaths that you can decorate as you like, hot chocolate, and even their brand new "zip line" for all those who have an adventurous streak in them.
I would recommend that if you go, go at night...or at least make a trip back at night to see the beautiful light display. It took me forever to drag my 3 year old, Ellie, away.

Here are some of the things I painted:

If any man thirst...

2010-11-22T18:50:00.004-05:00

What makes us thirsty? Have you ever thought about that? What is it inside of us that alerts our bodies to tell us we need liquids? It's amazing to see how our bodies were designed to inform us through "thirst" that we need water. When we become thirsty, we then naturally seek satisfaction. Without "thirst", we would never realize our body's physical need of water and we would surely perish.

During the last and great day of the Feast of Booths ( Feast of Tabernacles, or Feast of Ingathering), Jesus stood and proclaimed, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:37-38. Without a proper understanding of Jewish culture and festival practices, one might think this was an unusual setting for Christ's words. But, John always gives valuable details of his journeys with Christ so that we might believe and be saved.
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Archdale Elementary Arts Day

2010-11-15T11:05:00.003-05:00

Archdale Elementary School hosted a day of the arts on Friday, Nov.12 of which I was invited. Each participating artist was set up in a specific classroom while the students rotated to each class every 20 minutes. I brought a couple of my most colorful paintings to show, "But Noah Found Grace" and "The Seed Sower". Instead of going through a boring lecture about my art and how I paint, I decided to do an actual painting demonstration so the kids could see first hand how a painting is started and how it progresses.

Bread of Life Painting Sermon

2010-11-10T14:10:00.002-05:00

How despairing it is to observe an empty painting of an empty plate. We are all consumed with emptiness and we spend our entire lives attempting to fill that empty plate within our souls. In John 6, we see a demonstration of this vain attempt. The multitude of John 6 was guilty of wrong motives and wrong methods in their quest to fulfill their void.
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Pastor Appreciation

2010-11-01T10:28:00.001-04:00

This is my latest painting that was painted for our Pastor Appreciation Day. October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month and churches are encouraged to show their love and gratefulness to the undershepherd of the local flock of believers.

My pastor, John Miles is a huge history buff who shares a common love that I do...old clipper ships. I remember a book that my parents had bought me when I was a little fella, called "How to Draw Ships, Trains and Airplanes". It was the greatest thing since sliced bread. This began my love affair with drawing. I also remember reading a great book titled "Kidnapped" when I was in elementary school. This book is responsible for many daydreams of sailing on old clipper ships and pirate vessels.

So, in my own feeble way, I'd like to say thanks to my pastor, John Miles, for his stand on the truth of the Scriptures and his rejection of the humanistic modern bible interpretations that plague our churches today. May God give him many more years of minsitry.

My First Pentecostal Holiness Experience

2010-11-01T09:37:00.001-04:00

"Where do you guys keep the snakes?", was one of my first statements after stepping in the pulpit at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church of Thomasville, NC. (I just couldn't resist the above picture!) Luckily, we all agreed that the only proper way to handle a snake is the way the Apostle Paul did, by shaking it off in a fire!
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