Art in Your Bible: 3 Ideas For Newbies and Artists Alike!
Updated: Jun 10, 2022
The very first words in the Word of God are “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…” (Genesis 1:1, ESV). It seems only natural that one of the ways we can engage the Word of God is with our own creativity. The great 20th century theologian, Francis Schaeffer said that, “Art is a reflection of God’s creativity, an evidence that we are made in the image of God.” In other words, part of being created in the image of our Creator, is being creative ourselves. Whether you draw stick figures, are a professional artist, or fall somewhere in the middle like me – there is a way for you to creatively and artistically express yourself in your Bible. Today, we’re going to explore three ways to do this, but first I want to share the story of my artistic journey.
As a child I loved art and my grandma, a great artist, once let me paint with her! Then, as many of us have similarly experienced, I had a hyper-critical third grade teacher shut down that belief in myself that I could create art. So I focused on music as my creative outlet. I limited myself artistically to stick figures and awkward doodles. However, several years ago I was introduced to “prophetic art.” A ministry team would come to our church every year from a ministry school in California and as we worshipped they would have artists painting near the platform. After worship they would share the meaning behind their art and give it so someone in the congregation they felt God highlight to them. I admired even the ones that weren’t gifted in arts. I could never have gotten up in front of people with my little stick figures (I guess I had an issue with pride).
Then a couple years later our church was asked to send some people to help with one of these ministry events in a neighboring state. I didn’t know that signing up for the trip meant I would have to paint in front of people. I guess my desire to be obedient was greater than my pride, because I did it. I felt led to paint a gigantic eye. I don’t remember the meaning behind it but I remember it coming out better than I thought and I remember how encouraging it was to the person who received it. That trip stretched me in so many ways and it planted a desire in me to create art.
I was not very good at first, but I discovered that you don’t just have to be born an artist. That with time, and practice, I could produce a painting or drawing that communicated something about God and His world. I took a few drawing lessons but most of what I’ve learned is self-taught through trial and error. I’m still not a professional, but art has become a way I worship. All this to say, that if you have a desire to create art, don’t limit yourself. Like most things in life you just need some time, practice, and maybe guidance from someone a little farther down the road.
Here is some of my guidance from what I’ve learned about art, Bible journaling, and worship.
1. Coloring Bible
Can’t draw? No problem. There are several beautiful coloring Bible’s like this one from DaySpring and all you need are some colored pencils (I recommend Prismacolors, Arteza, or Crayola Signature Series).
I haven’t started coloring this Bible yet but I’ve done a lot of coloring in adult color books with my Tombow dual-brush water based markers and Prismacolor colored pencils.
I scanned this picture into my computer, shrunk it down, colored it and put it in my Bible before starting the big version. Now I kind of wish I would have waited until I colored it to scan it and put it in my Bible – but maybe I’ll do that too!
If you are an artist you can use your own sketches as coloring pages and do the same. I enjoy using my iPad to create drawings that I can print in any size – for my Bible or for a full size coloring page.
2. Bible Doodles with Colored Pencils
It is possible to use all kinds of mediums in your Bible with proper care and preparation. However, on the fly I grab my trusty Prismacolors and do a little doodle to respond to the passage I’m reading. The other morning I was reading Matthew 4:19 where Jesus tells his disciples that he will make them fishers of people. I got to thinking about how Jesus had “caught” me and how I could reflect the characteristics that attracted me to Jesus.
3. Full on Art in an Illustrating Bible
If you’re a serious artist or even a scrapbooker you may want to check out the Illustrating Bible from DaySpring. This Bible is huge – not the kind you take to church – but it leaves a lot of space in the margins for artwork. Here is my first piece from Luke 2:40 where it says that Jesus grew in stature, wisdom, and favor with God and man. I used watercolors, Inktense pencils, and my Tombow markers. I also attached a journaling card to be able to go back later and write down some thoughts I’m having about it.
I could see this being used almost like a scrapbook as well. You could create a legacy Bible to be passed down to your children and grandchildren with all kinds of art, prayers, and other messages you want them to remember after you’re gone. There are several styles to choose from so use this link to check it out on DaySpring.com.
So how do you express yourself creatively and how could that be adapted to help you engage the Word of God? Comment below and let me know. Also, let me know any ideas or questions you have about Bible Journaling. I’m so excited to share this new adventure with you! I hope you will join me!
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