LIGHT ARISES IN THE DARKNESS:
A Journal of Comfort, Encouragement, and Inspiration
Remembering Jesus on Easter
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Portrait Painting I Did While Camping at the Yurt
Is it possible to do portrait painting while you’re away from your home, your usual studio area? This was something I’ve always wanted to do: create art while camping. And for all the years I’ve gone camping, I’ve never been able to successfully do it. But finally, at the end of June, my brother and I decided to go camping at a rustic yurt up in Cable, WI. Where is that? Let’s just say, it’s “way up north.” 🙂 And what is a yurt? It’s a round tent-like house, a permanent structure made of lattice wood, bound together with steel cable, and covered with fabric. We rented it through Airbnb for two days. We parked at the bottom of the hill and carried our gear up about a mile. We realized how out of shape we were! I also had my painting supplies: easel, palette, and brushes with me. In the middle of hiking and cooking, we decided to both do a little work: my brother wrote (he’s an author) and I painted. I know. You’re probably thinking I should have painted the scenery up there, and yes, it was beautiful. But I had a commissioned portrait from a photo to get done: a painting of a veteran that served in the gulf war. And I love painting people, so it hardly seemed like work. After bacon, eggs, and oatmeal for breakfast, it was time for painting. Here is a video showing the beginning part of the process. In this video, I am basically blocking in the values with just raw umber dark and ultramarine blue. Of course, it’s... read more
Telling the Easter Story Through a Big Painting
Every time it rolls around to the Easter Season, I’m amazed at how fast the last year went by. It seems like just yesterday that my children were running around our church looking for little chocolate delights hidden under chairs and on stairs. I got really busy this year moving into a new house and studio that the Lord provided for us after renting for 16 years and creating art out of a tiny inner-city apartment with three children. Here’s how that came about… We moved last weekend, but there’s still a lot to be done. I don’t have my studio moved into the new place yet, as I write. My brother-in-law and his family came up to help. He’s a handyman, and he is helping us do some renovation in the bathroom, so we can do laundry there. My daughter also helped a little on one of the projects. Removing old wallpaper and painting her bedroom. I’m sure YOU are busy too with projects: spring cleaning, planning out summer for your family, and the myriads of other things that life can throw at you. It’s easy to forget about one of the greatest things that happened in human history. I found myself getting so busy, that I made some time this morning to spend with the Lord and remember what He did for me. He did it for all of us. Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins and rose again to give us new life. I painted a 4′ x 28′ mural with a friend that tells more about this amazing story.... read more
Get a Free Greeting Card of My Painting, “Smoldering Wick”
I’ve made up cards of one my favorite paintings, “Smoldering Wick.” I was really in some darkness before I painted this picture. I felt despair over my sins (yes, even as a Christian.) I got on my knees, with my Bible open, and just poured out my heart before God. The promise in Isaiah 42: “A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out…” just came alive as I prayed and saw those words. I felt like that bruised reed and smoldering wick. But I knew God would not abandon me. Light arose in the darkness. Tears of joy flowed down my face, and my hands raised upwards to God. I wanted to commemorate the moment of God’s presence and peace and share it with others. So I painted this picture ( 30″ x 40″ acrylic on canvas) to symbolize what God did for me and bring encouragement to them as well. The original painting sold at the end of 2016–shown above in the collector’s home right after I delivered it–but I have sold several limited edition prints since then. I’d like for you to have your own copy. So I am making up some full resolution greeting cards that you can print and share with your friends. You may print off as many as you like (to be given for free only, thanks! ) The card fits on standard 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper. It has the painting description on the back, and the scripture text from Isaiah 42 written elegantly on the inside within a custom lamp design. Printable... read more
Finished 48″ x 72″ Portrait of a Couple Hiking in New Zealand
Eau Claire acrylic portrait painter Matt Philleo with his painting, a 48″ x 72″ acrylic on canvas portrait.
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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. Â Currently, I live in Eau Claire, WI with my wife and three children.
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