
"Forgiven" by Thomas Blackshear
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Thomas Blackshear, one of my favorite artists, was interviewed by author J. Scott McElroy in his book “Finding Divine Inspiration”. Scott asks the artist “How does God work with you in your creative process?”
Now if you don’t recognize Blackshear by name, I’m sure you’ve seen his work if you’ve been anywhere near a Christian bookstore within the past few years. One of his most famous paintings, “Forgiven”, touches the spirit of many that view it, even to the point where some have fallen to their knees in tears.

Thomas Blackshear
Scott’s interview with Blackshear addresses that. Without giving it all away, so that you can see for yourself, here’s a brief overview:
Willing to Wait:
Blackshear describes how part of his process is going to God in prayer, asking that God would reveal to him the vision of the work he is suppose to create and to wait on it to come. He has learned to be patient and wait until God reveals the image rather than getting ahead of God and creating something “pretty” that doesn’t accomplish anything.
Neutrality:
Scott’s interview with Blackshear also discusses that although he may have his own ideas about the next project, Blackshear allows those ideas to take a backseat to the ideas revealed to him by God.
Fasting and Praying:

"Watchers In The Night" by Thomas Blackshear
I don’t think that God meant for us to play “guessing games” when it comes to hearing His voice. I believe that He’s always speaking, but we have a lot of noise drowning out what he was saying. Blackshear uses the time during fasts to shut out distractions as he waits to sense what God wants to create through him.
- Be patient?
- Be willing to follow God’s instruction, even if it is opposite of your idea?
- Give God your time so that you can hear His voice, especially over the noise of life?
Post your comments about hearing from God, Thomas Blackshear, or anything related:
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How do I contact Thomas Blackshear? The painting image Forgivin is an identical painting of me in the purple shirt. I would like to know how he got the idea and vision, because the guy in the image is actactley what i look like…
I’m not sure how to reach him or his representatives, but I’d start here at his official website:
http://www.blackshearonline.com/index.php
I have a one and only The Vessel by Thomas Blackshear ll. It is a one and only because Thomas and Don King crossed paths at the convention center in San Diego, CA., and Don King was asked by Thomas to sign this 2088/5000 and Don obliged.
Yes, Thomas Blackshear’s Forgiven is awe-inspiring! It’s phenomenal! Click on the link below to see all of the formats that are available to you with the Forgiven image:
http://www.collectorhub.com/cgi-bin/cat9990144887690.cgi?categoryid=9990153120782
Thank you, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@collectorhub.com, or call us toll free at (877) 599-8599.
God Bless,
Collector Hub
Well said, Christopher!
Well said!
Tony-
We keep ourselves ever ready to hear from God when we first take time to meditate on His word both day and night. If we couple this practice with drawing everyday, we can be most useful for the Kingdom. Let’s encourage each other to service.
Be blessed,
Christopher
Thanks for your feedback, Meagan.
Be Blessed as you continue to pursue your teaching career!
Tony-
I am an artist and i am studying to be an Art teacher. This speaks to me so much! Thank You for using your talents for God.
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Thank YOU, Gimel.
Well said.
Tony-
The Lord’s art work should be what water is to a parshed throat and what bread is to an empty belly…refreshing.
I pray to be saved from Artistic assumption.
Thank you, brother, for the reminder.