Sherry Thomas Artist Statement 2009

Discovering my love for oil painting, combined with my forty-five years of Bible School classes for children, led me to a new goal of illustrating Bible characters for future children's books. As Moses, Daniel, Sarah, and others have marched into my field of vision, they have also become my friends. I think about their lives and struggles as I research backgrounds, cultural facets, and clothing of the era.
As each painting progresses and a form emerges from my brush, I feel a person being "born" in hues of flesh and eyes of light. Inspiration for each Bible character has arrived in various ways. A glimpse of a white beard, a dark complexion, or a mid-eastern dress has led to ideas for my illustrations. Live models, photographs, and sketches capture natural poses conveying messages of a character's moment in Biblical history.
Utilizing some of the glazing methods of Rembrandt and Nerdrum has helped my portraits to also emanate a glow of light. Sky and clouds become ominous with a glaze of umber and blue. The darkness of a woolen tent interior is formed with umber, blue and black glaze over a preliminary red oil substrate. Oil highlighting is brushed in bold over strokes of lighter tones, lifting the topography of a face or garment and illuminating areas that have been touched by the sun or candlelight.
Humanizing the men and women of God's Word and revealing the emotions and faith of God's people strengthens my own faith. Children's Biblical literature is lacking in professional renderings that can stir one's imagination of the reality of God's Word. It is my hope that children and adults may glean a further insight into the message of God through my illustrations.

Jacob Wrestles With God

The photo on the left is the basis for my next painting... Jacob Wrestles With God.

My models, Warren Greene and Chad Thompson. Warren was my art instructor. Chad is a member from church.

New Studio!

The new studio is progressing! We are ready for the inside laborers. My shoulder is still painful, but I am continuing with therapy at Sports Plus, trying to avoid surgery still. I feel somewhat better and hope that time will take care of things. I will love being able to paint again. We are making the new studio with the idea that it can also be utilized as a guest house. I ordered a sleeper sofa in leather. I am framing my diplomas to go near my desk. I purchased fabric for the two front windows but will leave the large windows uncovered for lots of daylight. My son is wiring the studio and will install several spot lights. I am excited about my space. 

Progression of Shaphan

Shaphan, the Scribe

Shaphan as modeled by Don Shull, an English professor from the university. The lower rendition is painted roughly for placement and the upper painting is with a burnt umber glaze and some overpainting is begun on the head and face correcting dimensions

Sunset over Russia

The painting of Sunset over Russia was painted from a photograph enroute to Ekaterinburg, Russia in 2006.

Senior Exhibit-Daniel

The painting of Daniel was exhibited with my other paintings on May 8 - May 12, 2007.