LIGHT ARISES IN THE DARKNESS:
A Journal of Comfort, Encouragement, and Inspiration
Just Passing Through
On my way to band practice at church last Thursday, I saw a vehicle with its flashers on. Instinctively, I pulled over and asked if the motorist needed help. Apparently the clutch went out on his car, and to top it off, his cellphone didn’t work! So I let him use mine. He wasn’t able to get a hold of someone to help, and since he was on his way to work, he asked if it wasn’t too much trouble if I could drop him off. “Absolutely,” I said. During our brief drive I got acquainted with him a little more. He was effusively thankful that I took him to work, even though I was supposed to be at band practice. He apologized that he caused me to miss my appointment. “You are more important than that,” I shared. “God has been good to me. And so I just want to show that love to other people.” As I chatted with this man, I discovered he was a Muslim. I briefly shared with him how I came to know Jesus (Isa is what Muslims call Him) and why I know I’m going to heaven not based on anything good I have done, but because of what He did for me. We did not argue theologically at all. He just listened to me share, and then he shared a bit about his beliefs, and about his job. And by that time, I dropped him off at his workplace and he thanked me again. “I want to let you know I love you, and may... read more
Falling Leaves Art Studio Tour 2016
On my way to Bushel and a Peck Apple Orchard last Saturday, I noticed the tops of trees were already aflame with the crimson and gold colors of the approaching fall season. They rarely turn that fast in the city. But somehow in the country, the air seems to be colder and flows freer, causing the stalwart deep green foliage of summer to retreat just enough to let the autumn hues emanate into the leaves again. As an artist, it makes me think of the beautiful, idyllic drive or walk in the country that many folks will be taking as they travel on the Falling Leaves Art Studio Tour. I’ve been a part of it for over five years, and it’s been something I look forward to and prepare for all year long. (At least I try to 🙂 Better than just going to a gallery show or a arts and crafts fair, on the tour, people have a chance to visit the artist in their own environment, see some of them at their craft, whether it be painting a canvas , throwing a pot on a wheel or fashioning a creation out of yarn. In between the stops, you can take in the sights that the rural Augusta and Fall Creek, WI area have to offer during the beginning of autumn. Last year, I had a great time as a guest artist over at Ron La Blanc’s house and studio. Ron does some colorful, detailed landscape paintings and high quality, functional pottery. Not only that, but he and his family are fantastic cooks. Every year, I am blessed... read more
New Art and Getting Back in the Game
It’s been way too long since I posted on my blog. Please forgive the lapse. I feel like I’m getting back in the game in working on my blog again. This past month, I was away from home much of the time over in Minnesota, creating a large scale mural like I did last year for the Montessori School. The same client who asked me to paint the massive portrait of his family, hanging out together in their 20’s with New York and Minneapolis in the background had me do another for him. This time, it was a 8′ x 18′ mural of the new US Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. Even a Packer fan has to appreciate the excellence of the Viking’s new venue. Their stadium is a fantastic design, and I heard has tons of artwork on display, as well as several clubs for people to hang out at. My client, Jim, had mentioned this idea back when I delivered the painting to him in April. He showed me his media room, complete with five big-screen TVs on one wall. (Are you kidding me?) His idea was to have the Viking’s new stadium as the backdrop, and then install a score ticker on the top, roughly matching the size that it would be in the actual stadium. I loved it, and I could visualize bringing it to life for him. This would be more than just a picture decorating the room. A mural is not just a painting on a wall–it’s a painted environment. In August, things lined up and Jim pulled the trigger. So I... read more
How I Learned to Save on Acrylic Paint
One of the biggest costs for a painter is the canvas and, of course, the paint. I’ve been painting for over 20 years and during that time, I’ve had many fine brands of acrylic to choose from like Liquitex, Windsor & Newton, and Golden. But tubes of paint are…
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Father and Son Reunion
Will we get to see our lost loved ones again after we die? This is a question that has both haunted and comforted humanity for thousands of years. The answers people have given to this question have caused the rise and fall of empires from ancient Egypt to the schism in the Catholic Church during the Reformation. No book discusses this issue more plainly than the Bible. In its pages, you can find the meaning of life today and discover amazing hope for the next life as well. The Bible teaches clearly that all who believe in Jesus for salvation will get to see their lost loved ones, who have also believed, after death. It will be a glorious, happy reunion, where God promises to wipe every tear. Here is what Jesus said about it in the book of John 11, verse 25: “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” Earlier in the month, I finished this commissioned 16″ x 20″ drawing for a lady named Karla I met on Facebook through a mutual friend from church. She went through the unfortunate, tragic event of her husband disappearing almost four years ago and being declared dead. Then her son, who had special needs and health problems, died several months ago. What incredible suffering and loss to have to go through! I could scarcely imagine it. She asked me if I could draw a portrait of what their reunion might have been like in heaven. I was thrilled to be able to draw this for her, to capture that special... read more
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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