The Layers Beneath: How I Use Art Journaling to Create Hope-Filled Paintings

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
Psalm 62:8

When you look at one of my paintings, you may notice a hint of something beneath the surface — a texture, a word, a mark just peeking through the layers.

That’s intentional.

Many of my pieces begin not with paint, but with words.

Before I ever pick up a brush, I often start by journaling directly onto the canvas or paper. Sometimes you’ll see those layers shining through — sometimes they remain hidden, between me and the Lord. And some days? The words are too tender, too raw, and they get completely covered in paint. And that is good and right too.

This practice has become a lifeline for me.

There are days when the weight of life feels heavy — fears, worries, heartbreak, prayers that feel too big to hold. On those days, I come to my studio and pour it all out first — right there on the page. I give voice to what’s troubling my heart, and somehow, as I write and pray, space is made for peace to return.

Then I begin to paint.

Layer upon layer of bright, hopeful color. With each brushstroke, I remember the truth of God’s Word: “His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

If the burdens feel heavier than “light” — they don’t belong to me.

The Story Beneath This Piece

For this particular painting, I was meditating on one of my favorite passages — 2 Chronicles 20:1–29. It’s the story of King Jehoshaphat, when three vast armies rose up against him and all of Judah.

Jehoshaphat didn’t panic. He called the people to fast and seek the Lord. And God answered through the prophet Jahaziel:

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s... You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you... Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."

Jehoshaphat believed — and the next morning, he sent out worshipers at the front of the army. They sang:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever."

And the Lord delivered them. The invading armies were defeated, and God gave Jehoshaphat peace on every side.

Why This Matters

Our God still fights for us.

The same God who delivered Judah fights for you, for me — for all who call upon His name.

That is what this painting carries in its layers. A visual prayer. A declaration of trust. I've titled it Peace on Every Side.

I hope that when a collector brings this piece into their home, they’ll be reminded that the battles they face are not theirs alone. That worship can still go first. That peace is still possible, even in the hardest seasons.

An Invitation

If you’ve ever felt drawn to the story behind a painting, know that there is much more beneath the surface than brushstrokes and color.

There are prayers.
There is scripture.
There is the heart of an artist who longs for you to feel God’s peace and presence in your space.

That’s my hope for every piece I create.

Thank you for being part of this journey. And may you be encouraged today — the battle is not yours. It belongs to the Lord. 💛