Wave of Glory!

Christine Nichols, 2012

This abstract was painted in March 2012 at First Love's Art Workshop in LeSueur Minnesota. All my paintings begin with prayer. I ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance from beginning to end (from choosing the canvas and paint colors to the last brush stroke), that the Lord's message would go forth through the art, and that Father God would be glorified. 

I believe all prophetic art has a message, but what the Holy Spirit speaks to me about a specific piece of art, may be different than what the Spirit says to you. Seek Him for a personal interpretation.

The Lord has given a few abstracts that can be displayed in multiple ways. Here's individual views, which I think, changes the feel of the painting. When hung horizontally, it reminds me of the curvature of the earth, God's glory, and the heavenlies.

Original Acrylic Abstract, 2012 - Christine Nichols

While a vertical view reminds me of a surfer riding a huge wave. It gives one pause to realize the raw strength and beauty of God's creation, but none stronger than the Creator, Himself. He in control. He reigns Sovereign over ALL!

A number of titles have been suggested for this painting such as Illumination, King of the Universe, and Sea Wave. My working title is "Mystery." I love a good mystery and this painting still intrigues me. 

One of my favorite passages of Scripture reveals a mystery! Paul writes, "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— ⁵² in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”^{[Isaiah 25:8]}

⁵⁵ “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”^{[Hosea 13:14]}

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Wave of Glory - Christine Nichols, 2012

Find more Contemporary Christian Art on my website, Christine Nichols Fine Art.  Look me up on Facebook and like the page if you have been blessed by the art. 

^>^>^>ART PRINTS NOW AVAILABLE!<^<^<^

Wave of Glory - Vertical ^

Wave of Glory - Horizontal >

May the Lord be glorified and may the art speak to your heart!

Thanks for reading this blog. 

Feel welcome to comment below.

Blessings,

Christine

Untitled Abstact II

You Name It

Christine Nichols

I asked a Facebook group of Christian Prophetic Artists what the Holy Spirit spoke to them about this painting. The comments were many and greatly varied but three themes stood out: 

• The Lord's presence
• Worship
• Washing/Cleansing

I can see all three, but it mainly looks like a small snapshot of continuous praise to me as if the entire painting is too expansive to capture on earth and it goes on perpetually in breadth and length, depth and height, just as Christ's love for us is described in Ephesians 3. Perhaps the reason I perceive this piece in such a way is because found this gem as a photograph of the creative process, but I fully feel it is a piece of art on it's own merit.

 

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— ¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

Untitled Abstract II, Christine Nichols, 2009

I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
² My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
³ Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 34:1-3 

 

I was told by a few artists that the painting reminded them of the song, 
"Wash Over Me" by Jami Smith.

 
Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

Psalm 42:7

My Painting Technique

All my paintings begin with prayer. I ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance from beginning to end (from choosing the canvas and paint colors to the last brush stroke), that the Lord's message would go forth through the art, and that Father God would be glorified. 
I believe all prophetic art has a message, but what the Holy Spirit speaks to me about a specific piece of art, may be different than what the Spirit says to you. Seek Him for a personal interpretation.
You can find more Christian Abstract paintings that the Lord has given me on my Facebook page, Christine Nichols-Art, in a Photo Album called "FOR HIS GLORY" 

 

Ultimate Sacrifice

The Ultimate Sacrifice 

The Ultimate Sacrifice is a series of two images taken from one painting entitled, Believe.  

Believe - Christine Nichols, 2009

12x12 Canvas, Acrylic

I began painting the 12x12 canvas in a church I was attending in 2009. The Holy Spirit choose the hues of sky blue with wisps of white and and dabs of red and directed the movement of the paintbrush as such. At one point, I was told by the Spirit to paint the number seven (7) on the canvas. The pastor of the church walked by and saw the seven in the middle of canvas. We talked about how seven represents perfection in the Bible. A short time later, the Holy Spirit told me to place a paper towel layer over the wet canvas. I obeyed and lightly patted the paper towels like a mother gently comforting her infant child. Carefully lifting up the paper towel, I laid it down to dry and stared at the image that had been lifted up from the canvas. 

Ultimate Sacrifice Series - Christine Nichols, 2009

The pastor walked by again and I asked him what he saw. He said, "Christ being taken down off the cross." I needed the confirmation because I had NOT painted an image of Christ or a cross. Just the number seven. I knew that a miracle had taken place. I was a bit shaken, but the Lord wasn't done yet. He compelled me to continue painting. Again, I obeyed and began painting as the Spirit lead, adding layers of paint and movement. Eventually, the movement turned into swirls of paint like a red ribbon weaving across and down the canvas. For the second time, the Lord told me to place a layer of paper towels over the wet canvas. I wondered what would happen this time as I followed His instructions. 

Ultimate Sacrifice Series - Christine Nichols, 2009

Lifting up the paper towel, I saw three separate images - again, none that I had painted. The top image represents the Lord's body as if it was tightly wrapped and laying on a slab in a tomb. If you look closely, you will even see the imprint of eyes, nose and a mouth. The middle image is Christ sitting up in the tomb. The third is a pile of His burial cloths and He is gone! The resurrection of Jesus Christ!! 

I would never presume to paint such a scene of Christ being taken down from the cross or of His blessed resurrection. I consider both "lifted up" images to be miracles. There is no other explanation. 

Succession of images taken from the painting, Believe. It wasn't until I bought the images and canvas home that the Lord instructed me to paint the word, "Believe"in gold on the canvas and gave me the Scripture verse, Romans 10:9. "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Yeshua means Savior

Yeshua means Savior

In English, we call the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In Hebrew, His name is Yeshua Ha' Mashiach (pronounced ya-shew-ah ha-ma-she-akh) which translated means Jesus, the Messiah. The name Yeshua means "the Lord saves."  In Matthew 1:21 it is written, "She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus ("Yeshua" in the Complete Jewish Bible), because He will save His people from their sins.” And in Acts 4:12, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 

This painting represents Christ's blood shed for the world's salvation. For your salvation and mine. The red horizontal streaks symbolizes the "stripes" across Christ's back while being flogged (scourged) by the Roman soldiers, before His crucifixion, for our transgressions. Scripture tells us that "By His stripes, we are healed!" Isaiah 53:5. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Note how the deep hues of crimson. It signifies the depth of His love for you! The center circle represents the earth and the markings, the earth's population. All cultures, all people of the earth.

This painting was created through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A line of red paint was laid across one end of the canvas and tilted upright for the paint to meander downward, and then repeated on the opposite end for the two to meet in the middle. The center design was created by painting my hand red and placing it on the canvas, then rotating my hand multiple times to create a full circle. The palm of my hand became the earth and my fingers, people. Upon completion, as I looked at the canvas, the name "Yeshua" immediately sprang to mind.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8a 

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

Yeshua Means Savior, Christine Nichols, 2009
16x20 Canvas, Acrylic

ART PRINTS NOW AVAILABLE!

All my paintings begin with prayer. I ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance from beginning to end (from choosing the canvas and paint colors to the last brush stroke), that the Lord's message would go forth through the art, and that Father God would be glorified. 

I believe all prophetic art has a message, but what the Holy Spirit speaks to me about a specific piece of art, may be different than what the Spirit says to you. Seek Him for a personal interpretation.

Find more Contemporary Christian Art on my website, Christine Nichols Fine Art.  Look me up on Facebook and like the page if you have been blessed by the art. 

May the Lord be glorified and may the art speak to your heart!
Thanks for reading this blog. 

Feel welcome to comment below.

Blessings,
Christine

Be Still and Know that I am God.

"Be Still" 
18x24 Acrylic Painting, 2009.

In the midst of chaos, God's children are called to be still (as if dead) and know that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations; He will be exalted on the earth! Scripture text for this painting is Psalm 46:10.

Psalm 46

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

 
¹¹ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

"Be Still" by Christine Nichols
18x24 Canvas-board, Acrylic, 2009

All my paintings begin with prayer. I ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance from beginning to end (from choosing the canvas and paint colors to the last brush stroke), that the Lord's message would go forth through the art, and that Father God would be glorified. 

I believe all prophetic art has a message, but what the Holy Spirit speaks to me about a specific piece of art, may be different than what the Spirit says to you. Seek Him for a personal interpretation.

You can find more Christian Abstract paintings that the Lord has given me on my Facebook page, Christine Nichols-Art, in a Photo Album called "FOR HIS GLORY" 

2012 S7EEN Art Calendar

Reserve an inspirational 2012 calendar that glorifies the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through Prophetic Art. The calendar features an original Christian Abstract each month, plus the cover. Scripture verses are given for each painting. The calendar also highlights Hebrew Feast Days and U.S. holidays. The printer's estimated delivery date is December 16th. To reserve your unique calendar for 2012 contact me at nichols.christine@gmail.com. The one-of-a-kind calendar makes a wonderful gift for only $24.00 USD. Order one for yourself and a friend today!

January: THE KING KNOCKING

 February: NO GREATER LOVE

March: BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

 April: DRENCHED

May: KING OF GLORY

 June: WHENCE & WHITHER

July: COMETH AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT

  

 August: KING OF KINGS

September: RISE FIRST

October: HIDE ME IN THE FOLDS OF YOUR TENT

November: HOLY FLOOD OF GOD'S LOVE

December: CROWN OF GLORY

ART: My Spirit

This prophetic painting is entitled "My Spirit" as in God's Holy Spirit. 
 
Painted in 2009, I've forgotten specific details about this painting, but the creative swiftness and anointing of the Spirit remains ever-present in my memory.  The painting process from beginning to end was no more than a half an hour tops. I was amazed how quickly the piece was completed. I remember applying a heavy coat of Gesso for the undercoat and then placing dabs of colors as directed by the Holy Spirit. Long, curved brush strokes from one side of the canvas to the other created the water or wave-like effect on the bottom half of the canvas. Shorter, straight brush strokes in a fan-like motion finished the top of the painting. The distinctive orange in the middle is a dove. If you look closely, you'll see an eye and the beak. 

Interestingly enough, when I took this painting to share at the church I was attending, some of the congregation saw a dove while others saw an orange boat. I can see both. The glory above the dove like heaven opening and the sweeping curves of blue beneath the dove could represent Jesus' baptism where the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove. On the other hand,  the boat angle and the motion of the water reminds me of the storm where Jesus calmed the wind and the waves merely by His commanding words, "Peace! Be still!" His disciples went from fearing the storm and losing their lives to fearing the Son of God with holy reverence. They exclaimed with wonder, "Who is this man that even the wind and the waves obey Him?" The painting could also represent the boat that was tossed about by the sea and Jesus appeared to the disciples as He walked on the water. 

Examine the painting, read the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom. It may well be that He will reveal a new revelation about this painting meant especially for you.


JOHN BAPTIZES JESUS
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
¹⁵ But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
¹⁶ When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. ¹⁷ And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

 Prophetic painting by Christine Nichols ©2009

 
WIND AND WAVES OBEY JESUS
On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” ³⁶ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. ³⁷ And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. ³⁸ But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
³⁹ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” ⁴¹ And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41


JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER
Immediately (after feeding the 5,000 with five loaf of bread and two fish) Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. ²³ And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. ²⁴ But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
²⁵ Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶ And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
²⁸ And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
²⁹ So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
³³ Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33

 

The common denominator of the three stories is that Jesus is clearly declared the Son of God! Jesus is part of the Godhead: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Three in one.