This month I have a featured show of my retrospective and current art work at one of our local library branches. This is always such a great opportunity and I am grateful to them for hosting area artists on a regular basis. The theme of my art show is The King’s Creatures.
As I prepared for this show, I looked back over the years discovering that animals are frequent images in my work and are there because of Scriptures that impacted me. More recently, when I was isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, I turned to the study and artwork of animals. The love and respect I have for all of God’s creation comes from my belief that one Creator is the source of all things good and beautiful. This is more than a cursory or lighthearted feeling. It is deeply rooted in the reality that our Master Designer is delighted in and supports all the animals in his creation. Therefore, I respect them and take great delight in them. I have watched countless documentaries on animals from around the world. I have done my best to respect all animals in the areas I have lived in. I have deliberately sought out ways to view wild animals in their habitats. I have marveled at the complexity and diversity in God’s creation and want to celebrate it any way I can. That happens not only through artwork, but through praise, wonder and thanksgiving.
As I prepared for this art show, I had a wonderful time searching out and studying the Scriptures about animals and reveling in how so much of the animal kingdom is represented in the Bible. Below are some of the descriptions of my artwork (many viewable at https://www.redbubble.com/people/mrHydeArt/shop) and the verses that have either fed the idea for the works or have informed my Biblical understanding of the King’s creatures.
My hope for this Bible study is that you will take a good look at the animals in your part of the world, that you will celebrate in awe and wonder what God did in creating them, and that you will find ways to respect and honor those creatures so that you can glorify God. Perhaps you have not taken time to think about what you believe about animals and how you respond to them might be a reflection of how you view all of God’s creation. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to know in this regard.
As you read through the Scriptures cited below, I challenge you to find other Scriptures that represent the King’s creatures. Write down what you have learned and how this has informed your understanding and responses to the creatures of this earth.
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.
And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
-Genesis 1:20-25
Artwork Descriptions (Alphabetical by Title)
1873
The year that the repeating rifle was created brought about many changes to the American plains. Through its use and abuse, millions of buffalo were slaughtered by settlers, hunters, and poachers in a very short amount of time. By the late 1800s only a few hundred remained, depleting not only the herds but also the sources of livelihood for many First Nations peoples of the plains. While wildfires and the expansion of the west for farming and ranching made significant contributions to these losses, rifles were one of the most potent sources for near extinction of one of the Creator’s works. As the old saying goes: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
2023
Prismacolor and Vellum and Brown Paper
Bears in Grass
In the Tongass National Forest and near the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska we encountered black bears (Ursus americanus), in particular a weary looking mother and her older cub. The National Forest Service maintains bear viewing areas and we were at a safe distance above them. I just loved the contrast of the verdant grasses and the blackness of these bears.
2022
Acrylic on Canvas
Cherith
God’s provision is a theme that runs through my art. There is a wonderful story about God’ sufficient provision for an embattled prophet named Elijah. The Scriptures tell us that God directed the ravens to supply him with food while he rested next to a stream called Cherith.
2001
Graphite on Paper
Chiron
While visiting a small ranch in Wyoming, the owner of a beautiful horse with long scars on its chest described how the horse had become caught in barbed wire. Her description of the long process to save the horse and bring it back to health reminded me of the healing that comes through suffering.
Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
2008
Linoleum Cut Print on Rice Paper
Christus Victor
Having studied old Norse Christianity and having seen deer as symbols of Christ in their metal work and jewelry, I had become more and more focused on this same symbol in my artwork. During the COVID pandemic in 2020, while sequestered from the world, I had a dream of Christ as the champion of the world as a radiant buck surrounded by vibrant colors.
2020
Prismacolor on Paper
Faithful and True
Inspired by the depictions of Christ in the book of Revelation, I wanted to try to capture the sense of victory.
2018
Scratchboard
Fearless
While at Rock Ledge Ranch in Colorado Springs, I observed a small bird dancing and flitting about between the legs of horses. I was encouraged by this display of fearlessness and it reminded me that no matter how big the threat around me, I can be fearless because of God’s love and leadership.
2019
Prismacolor on Paper
Foxes Have Holes
These creatures fascinate me and are found all over the world. I am particularly drawn to their rich coats, which in this piece, are reflective of the fallen leaves.
Prismacolor and Graphite
2023
Frolic Like Well-Fed Calves
Facing a difficult health issue that required serious surgery, I was drawn to delightful and positive things to help ease the burden of this time. A Bible verse, Malachi 4:2, helped to lift my spirits. From there I started watching videos of calves being let out of barns after winter. If you need a lift, watch these wonderful things and think of the joy and thanksgiving that is possible when difficult days are past.
Acrylic on Canvas
2022
In the Winter
Winter in the mountain regions is a stark and cold season with little activity visible. Crows, in any season are ever-present. Their black wings are thick marks among the bare branches. Even on the darkest and coldest of days, God is still providing for birds – from sparrows to crows.
Graphite and Prismacolor on Blue Paper
2009
Isn’t She Lovely
While driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, a beautiful cow elk stood in the middle of the road. She was stunning in the high mountain afternoon sunshine. As I waited for her to cross, it took a long time for me to understand why she just stood there. She was on high alert looking out over the edge of the road and she was vocalizing in a soft but urgent way. A few minutes later her calf bounded up the side of the hill and joined her. Then they turned and walked up the mountainside together. This scene set me to singing about how wonderful and great God is.
Acrylic on Canvas
2022
Leviathan of the Prairie
While observing the mighty bison on the prairies in Badlands National Park, I was fascinated by how the grass moved like water. Wanting to depict the kind of power that moves from and around these large beasts, I sought to mirror how water moved before and away from the bow of a mighty ship. In the Bible the leviathan (a curious and indecipherable creature scripturally) is so large and powerful it can only be controlled by God.
2023
Acrylic on Canvas
Little Lion
Inspired by another one of my rescue cats, this image reflects the small-scale and striking similarities to the large wild lions on another continent. Is it any wonder that the Bible describes our Messiah as the Lion of the tribe of Judah! The power and regal nature of a lion is subdued by the peace that will come in
Psalm 34:10, Isaiah 11:6-9, Revelation 21:1-4
Linoleum Cut Print on Rice Paper
2008
Old Boy
While on a trip to Badlands National Park, I encountered one of the massive bison up close. He was aged and wore battle scars, but his spirit seemed undaunted. I watched him closely for some time and was mystified by the size and power of such a beast that simply fed on prairie grass planted by the King.
Watercolor and Gouache
2022
Poh
The genesis of outlining animals in contrasting colors started with this little drawing of my rescue cat Poh. It was her luxurious spine that intrigued me. As I looked down on her, I marveled at how God had created all such creatures – the quadrupeds.
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
Ram in the Thicket
The Old Testament story of Abraham being asked by God to
sacrifice his promised son Isaac has elicited many works of art over the
centuries. Rather than focusing on the sacrifice, I focused on the provision
and its unlikely source. This piece was done in 2001, and nineteen years later
I returned to that focus in
“Rams in Queue”.
Graphite on Paper
2001
Rams in Queue
We came upon a group of rams, some twelve to fifteen in number, on the snowy grounds of Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. We learned from the grounds keeper that the rams gather just before rutting season in this small canyon. It brought to mind the abundant provision just waiting to be distributed to those who follow God as Abraham did.
Genesis 22:13, Philippians 4:19
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
Resting Stag (Graphite, and Ink Drawings)
Penrose House, near the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, has lovely grounds where deer find protected resting places. A beautiful buck was underneath one of the broad branches of a very old and expansive tree. I thought of Christ resting after his work. I received peace from that image, knowing that the spiritual comfort of our Peace that came at such a price!
Graphite on Paper
2023
Running Reindeer
I love watching animal documentaries. Those with creatures running through snow are particularly fascinating to me. These hearty, short animals are amazing for their adaptability to snow. How each of God’s creatures are suited for their environment is a source of wonder to me.
Scratchboard
2022
Safely In
There is a wolf and wildlife center in the mountains above Colorado Springs which I have visited frequently. While it is difficult for me to see animals in cages or enclosures, I am glad for the closer encounters with them in such preserves. On one such visit I watched foxes run in and out of their holes and imagined the safety in their shelter. Even Jesus used this imagery to call us to him.
Prismacolor on Folder Paper
2021
Sleeping Cat
Inspired by the colors and composition of one of my favorite artists, Wayne Thiebaud, I wanted to explore the various modes of sleeping that I saw in my cat Poh. I loved the late afternoon shadows cast by the chair and the cat. Here again the idea of spiritual as well as physical rest provided by the Creator’s sun and Son fed this exploration in light and shadow.
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
Snow Jesus
Since I live in the Rocky Mountains, my context for many things are aspens, snow and wildlife. I wanted to explore what it be if Jesus were born in an aspen grove and accompanied by regal deer rather than camels, cows and sheep. It also brings to mind one of my favorite Christmas songs “Some Children See Him” (Lyrics by Wihla Hutson, Music by Alfred Burt).
Prismacolor on Red Paper
2015
Sweet Dreams of Bobo
There is nothing so restful to look at than a cat that sleeps away its day. This drawing was from one of my rescue cats and always makes me smile at the memory of his companionship. How has God provided places of relaxation for you?
Gold Acrylic Ink on Paper
1990
The No-Barn Dance
After observing, with delight, the joyous dance of calves in the spring, I had to render this as jubilantly as possible and hopefully capturing the glorious spring sunshine. I imagined myself being freed by my Savior from the things that bound me and unapologetically dance with joy.
Acrylic on Paper
2022
The Pathfinder
This scene is based on the incredible setting near Jenny Lake in Grand Tetons National Park—one of my favorite places in the world. In ancient Norse Christianity, the deer was a representation of Jesus Christ and that symbol shows up frequently in their metal work and jewelry. In this work the young buck, in full and vibrant velvet, also represents the role of Jesus as the Pathfinder and Guide.
Prismacolor on Paper
2022
The Power of Peace
Peace can appear to be void of power, just like a standing Percheron horse. But inside of that creature is incredible strength. Walking next to one of these horses at places like the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, that power is palpable. The embossed foil matt was designed to demonstrate the natural sustaining source of that power in the plants of the earth. This piece is to be set in direct contrast to the drawing entitled “They are for War”.
2021
Silver Acrylic Ink
They Are for War
Percheron horses were early bred to become war horses. You can see them frequently in Renaissance art carrying men decked out in military finery. Because of their size and power, they also became valuable modes of power for coaches and agriculture. In our time of Putin’s war on Ukraine, I wanted to deal with the kind of godless power that is evident in wars of such aggression. This piece is to be set in direct contrast to the piece entitled “The Power of Peace”.
2023
Prismacolor and Gold Leaf
Torbjorn
I am deeply fascinated by polar bears due to their size as well as their relative isolation. This creature’s great power can remind us the strength that God has and uses for our good.
Scratchboard
2022
Wild Horse Dreams
The only self-portrait to date comes from a photo of me as a child riding a fake bronco while on a family vacation. I remember being thrilled by it. It is definitely a Polly-Anna view of horses. I love horses but am terrified of them, so this work always makes me laugh. Underneath this, however, is the reality of the cruel use of horses, and many other creatures, for sport. The Bible describes that God will render judgment on those who abuse animals.
Acrylic on Canvas Board
2022
Zack
My family has long taken in rescue animals. Zack was one of these. At a family picnic he jumped up on the empty picnic table covered with one of our favorite tablecloths. He was a fantastic looking dog with wonderfully golden eyes and luxuriant black hair. He was also a spaz. But we loved him for the time he was in our family. Delighting in animals and being patient with them is, I believe, an act of worship and celebration of the King’s creatures.
Prismacolor on Paper
2021
Barukh Attah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha-Olam
(“Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe”)
Amen
© M.R.Hyde 2023
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