ABOUT
JOHN BRYANT

As a boy I was fascinated by our world, by what we call Creation. All of it gave me glimpses of the One to whom I gave my life, the One who chose me before he created any of the beauty I beheld. From the birds in the trees in our backyard, to the woods where I walked as a youth, to the mountains where I would trek on forest roads for miles on end. All of it bathed my soul in wonder and freedom and joy as I heard the voices of creation proclaim the glory of my Savior and Lord, Jesus!

After more than sixty years I still am fascinated by it all. I only need to close my eyes to remember scenes of beauty he left for me to find throughout my life. Today I paint many of those scenes and others. There is joy for me in worshiping him in this way, by recreating the scenes and how they touched my soul. In those moments, I can feel the breeze sweeping through the tall grass, hear the wind in the trees as it comes down the mountainside and breathe deeply as the notes of fir or pine reach my nose. I hear the buzz of bees and thrill to the sound of hummingbird wings zoom past me. I smell the fallen leaves and the fertile earth. I smell the coming rain. I feel the chill of the winter storm. I smile at the warmth of sunshine on my face as I emerge from the canopy of the forest. I can hear the ducks rising from the pond, the chattering of the squirrel announcing my presence, the song of the Western Meadowlark in the fields nearby. In fact, I hear all kinds of birds in the trees as I walk. I hear the rushing river and the quieter mountain streams. The water streaming by endlessly makes me think of his infinite love for me and all of his children. So many times and places have provided me an oasis where in brief moments of wonder, I have known his presence. And peace.

So I paint landscapes. Some are of places where I have been. Some are places I want to go. Most capture scenes and moments that cause me to wonder at my Lord’s amazing love that he would create them for me to find and enjoy.

I hope you enjoy them too.