Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 107
April 27, 2022
April 26, 2022
iPainting Pond In The Light
This iPainting Pond In The Light highlights the relationship between light and water, how they bounce off of each other.
April 25, 2022
iPainting Light Through The Trees
This is another iPainting Light Through The Trees inspired by Nick’s first trip to the zoo. It’s an example of what light can do as it shines through. Problems come to mind, if we allow The Light to shine through, our problems pale in comparison.
In The Beginning God
Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Have you ever considered the first four words in Genesis? Yes, He created the heavens and the earth and all that there is, and I believe that with every fiber of my being. What is amazing though, is that the first four words in English, are two words in Hebrew.
In the beginning in Hebrew is one word, which means among other things, the first in place, time, order, or rank, the firstfruit. It goes on to mean the chiefest, the choice part, and the principal thing. Too often I think we’re tempted to look at the first four words as only a placeholder in time.
While it describes the moment when God created the worlds, it describes more than when all things began. It goes beyond that, to describe God Himself. The comma could easily be placed after the word God rather than beginning, and it would be just as accurate. He is not only The Creator of Heaven and Earth, The Lord is the first in place, time, order, and rank.
He is the firstfruit of all existence, and as the one definition says, God is the principal thing. This same word is translated as firstfruits in other places in scripture. The firstfruits of the universe wasn’t the sun, earth, or even man, but God Who made it all.
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV)
9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
When you consider this and then view Isaiah 46:9-10, it places it in perfect context. When we remember anything that is, we should remember God. There would nothing without God. Along these lines, I would like to ask just a couple of questions to my friends who are atheists, agnostics, or non believers.
For example, if something as simple as a chair can not be produced accidentally, how could a cosmic accident form the universe? A baby lion in the wild would die without something to take care of it, an amoeba is credited as starting man? Without any intent of disrespect, if something as simple as taking a vacation requires planning, how can you explain away humanity as a product of chance?
Here’s another question, how can everyone’s view of God be accurate There’s an old saying, all roads lead to Rome, but even that isn’t accurate. You can’t get to Rome from First Ave in Topeka Kansas without getting on a plane. How can all roads lead to Heaven, and yet you can take the wrong road to Arkansas?
One last question. In an age when everyone believes their identity is so important and that their voice needs to be heard do we honestly expect The God of the universe to be ambivalent of Who we think He is? It seems to me that if a God Who made a world of order, has an orderly way to come to Him.
It’s no secret that as a Christian, a Minister, and a student of history I believe that the God of Genesis is The God of John 3:16. As evidence I would point out that every culture shares not only a creation story, but the story of a world wide flood. In other words all of them point to what God spoke through Moses thousands of years ago.
There is ample evidence of an Abraham, a Moses, a David, and The Lord Jesus. We just came through Easter, but I would point out His tomb is still empty. I believe The Creator Of Genesis One is The Word of John One, and that He gave His life for our sins.
Colossians 1:15 (KJV)
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Before you dismiss this as Christian opinion, I would ask what if it isn’t just an opinion? What if Genesis One is true and real, and if that’s the case, what do you do with the fact that God is real?
It’s a domino effect that leads directly to Jesus according to the apostle Paul in Colossians. If everything points to God, and He pointed us all to Calvary, what should be our reaction? Shouldn’t you at least consider what Jesus said about the past and the future?
If He’s right, then we all have a choice to make. I can tell you, when you choose Jesus, He still creates new things, it’s in God’s nature. He’s done it for me, and He will for you, if you allow Him too.
The greatest moment in my life is when I asked The Lord Jesus into my heart. He has made every moment better, even in those dark moments when I had more questions than answers. I watched Him create hope, and shine His Light in my darkness. He made all things new for me, and He will do that for you too.
I am so thankful, not only for the beginning of all things, but for The Beginner of everything. Because of Him, I live, I breathe, and I can do, well anything. Whether you’re already a Christian, or just want to know Him, I would encourage you today to return to Genesis. Only this morning, look not at what was spoken into existence, but Who was speaking, In The Beginning God.
April 23, 2022
April 22, 2022
iPainting Mammoth Bubbles Abstract
This abstract was inspired by TJ’s son Nick’s love for bubbles and is also available from our online store.
Art Unboxed – Take A Trip
On Good Friday Ashley and I took our son Nicholas on his first trip to the Nashville Zoo. My first priority was my family, and the second was getting some pictures to draw and paint later. This was not going to be a Plein Air trip, but it was going to improve my art.
I was closer than I ever imagined I would be to everything from a kangaroo to a red panda. I was even sprayed by a dinosaur, albeit a mechanical one. The other animals were real enough, and I took plenty of pictures.
I understand that the pictures do not do the animals justice, and the differences in the lighting etc with the photograph. However, I didn’t just buy some photos, I took them. I saw the richness of the pink in the flamingos, the characteristics of the meerkats, and even a playful squirrel which I didn’t expect to see.
As a result I’ve sketched four animals, and did digital paintings of two animals. I’m just started opening the treasure trove that this trip produced in the terms of the art. The most important was not a painting, but the experience. The richness of the red panda’s fur, and the miniature size of the blue frogs stands out in my mind.
There was a vibrancy in the almost monochrome colors of the porcupines that I didn’t expect. In one picture the quills actually reminded me of a peacock in a strange way. If you find that your art has gotten a little stale, or you just need some new reference material, I would encourage you to take a trip.
It doesn’t have to be an African safari, or even a trip to the zoo. It could be a walk around your neighborhood. Anywhere you are not normally can provide new things to draw and paint. There are wonderful opportunities all around us, if we will just go out and find them.
