LIGHT ARISES IN THE DARKNESS:
A Journal of Comfort, Encouragement, and Inspiration
Celebrating 25 Years of Doing Commissioned Art
It all started back in 1991 at age 14, when my mom’s friend asked me to do a drawing of her friend who had passed away and paid me for it. Backing up just a bit, shortly before that I had just learned how to draw realistically from a photo. I had drawn OK up until that point, but suddenly, faithfully reproducing the details of a photograph “clicked” for me. Here is that commissioned portrait, a montage of several photos put together into one cohesive drawing. One of my first realistic drawings was of one of my favorite bands, Metallica. I did two of them, one of the whole band, and then one of the lead guitarist, James Hetfield. I don’t have that first drawing, but here is the second one–pencil on paper. While doing that first drawing of Metallica, I was so engrossed in what I was doing that I don’t think I took a break for hours. My eyes were glued to the paper, close in so I could capture all the detail. I came downstairs after several hours of working. My pulled me aside and asked me, “Matt I need to talk to you. Are you, umm…on drugs?” “Mom, you know me better than that!” “Well, your eyes are all dilated.” I then explained how I was drawing for hours (probably with poor lighting) and we both got a little laugh out of it. But those realistic drawings, if I remember correctly, is what she showed to her friend, and that spurred on the first commission. I had a couple more from teachers in high... read more
New Studio Open House
Recently I’ve shared about how I moved into a new art studio at the beginning of the year. It took some setting up, but I’m finally settled in. I’ve completed a couple paintings, a drawing, and working on two more paintings. God has been good to me. He’s provided rent for me (often just at the last minute) and I have room to work on big canvases like my current 48″ x 72″ project. More on that later. Right now though, I would like to invite you to my Open House event Saturday, February 20th, from 1-4 pm. I’d love to meet with you and chat, show what I’m working on right now and a few older pieces as well. There will be some hors d’ ouevres and refreshments. It’s a little tricky to find my studio, since the address doesn’t show up on Google Maps yet, but here’s a map I made to help you out: Fine Art by Matt Philleo @Artisan Forge Studios 1106 Mondovi Rd, Eau Claire, WI I hope to see you there and thanks for supporting me as an artist! Share Your Thoughts! If you have any comments or questions about this post, please leave me your feedback below! I will personally get back to you. Can you help me spread the word? Please share this post with your family and friends by using the social media links below. Thank... read more
New Artwork: Picking Up the Mantle
Everybody has a calling; a unique reason for being here on planet earth. It all starts with God as the foundation, since He created us, just like the engineer of a finely tuned watch knows what its purpose is. And just like that watch will give honor to its maker by operating as it is supposed to, so will we, when we do what God has created us for. In fact, the whole purpose of our lives is to bring glory to God. The first and biggest way we can do that is accept the fact that we need Him and receive His forgiveness for our sins, His gift of eternal life to us through the accomplishment of His Son’s death and resurrection. After that, step by step, we go on a journey to let the glory of God shine in our lives moment by moment, day by day, walking in dependence upon Him and bringing every blessing and every trial as a gift of thanks and a petition for help. In the Bible, the prophet Elijah was about to be taken up to heaven. His special role as a messenger to God’s people would be transferred to His student and successor, Elisha. These were big shoes to fill: Elijah had prayed for a drought to cause the nation of Israel to seek God again, and God shut up the heavens for three years. Elijah asked God to show His glory by fire on Mount Carmel so the Israelites would stop worshiping idols, and God sent the fire. And Elijah prayed again for it to rain, and sure enough,... read more
The Brevity and Blessing of Life
I was recently asked to do a pencil drawing, a memoriam portrait for my neighbor Laura, whose boyfriend had just passed away several days ago. I had been to their home a few times, reading the Bible with them, and praying with them. Unfortunately, the man’s health was declining and he suddenly took a turn for the worse and was gone, at age 53. It makes you realize how short life is. I’ve gotten to know quite a few of my neighbors and I’ve seen many of them pass away at younger ages than you’d like to see people go. But when it’s time for someone to go, it’s time. Death is an appointment we all have to keep. The Bible says “…it’s appointed for man once to die, and after this the judgment.” But we also have a great promise that Jesus Christ conquered death by suffering the penalty of sin–death–on the cross for our benefit. Then, He rose again to prove that the work was accomplished! All we have to do is trust in Him, what He did for us–taking the punishment of sin we deserve (death) and receive that benefit of eternal life. And the reason God sent His son to die for us is because He loves us! Life is too short to avoid the risk of sounding a little preachy. If you’re reading this and don’t know Jesus, think about what I’m saying–what God is speaking to your heart. Take it in. What sounds like bad news–the brevity of life or certain trials and difficulties–can become your greatest blessing. Many blessings are hidden in... read more
How to Paint Highlights in Acrylic (Video)
For quite a while, I’ve wanted to do some instructional videos on painting and drawing. Here is my very first video! This is very off the cuff, and impromptu.
Basically, I’m just talking and showing you a behind the scenes peek as I work in my studio on a current…
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About Me
Hi, I’m Matt Philleo. I create artwork to comfort, encourage, and inspire. For those who are discouraged, brokenhearted and experiencing loss, my artwork has special meaning, often by guiding them to the One who can bring true peace and lasting joy.
I’ve been doing art on commission and exhibition on a part-time basis since 1991, and exclusively full-time since 2013. Currently, I live in Eau Claire, WI with my wife and three children.
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