Wonderfully Made

The other day a friend asked me how I decide where to add little details into my paintings. I told her that I just ask myself what I wanted to see as a child. What little embellishments would have delighted me? Then I let those memories guide me.

The details have always been my favorite part of any illustration—the patterns on fabric, the weave on a hot air balloon basket, the tiny flowers, birds and butterflies in a forest scene. And those are my favorite parts to paint. When you see the children in my tiniest hot air balloon paintings, keep in mind that their faces are smaller than my pinky fingernail! I use the tiniest brush to paint those expressions and let me tell you—even that tiny brush feels awkwardly big for painting the itty bitty eyes and cheery smiles. It takes me hours to get the details just right. But they are joyful hours to be sure!

Psalm 139:14  says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. And Matthew 10:30 says that even the hairs of your head are numbered. And then 1 Peter 5:7 calls you to cast all your cares on the Lord because He cares for you. 

You are the work of God’s hands. Clearly He delights in the details, so take heart—He cares for you!

Blessings to you. May you find quiet moments to remember God’s great love for you and to offer Him praise.

~Amy