christ

The Fifth and final Joyful Mystery: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. Young Jesus is so cool, can you just immagine all the wisdom and grace pouring out of him at Nazareth? "That kid is amazing!" the temple elders and priests probably said but they had no idea how amazing he actually is, because he's God! Super power packed! lol Luke Chapter 2: 40-52 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him. 41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, 42 And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43 And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. 44 And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. 45 And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. 48 And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? 50 And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.

The 4th Joyful Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus. I put Joseph up front because he had a very important part not only in the Circumsision of Jesus after 8 days but also the Presentation of Jesus after 40 days. In fact the Fathers are the ones who offer the sacrifice in private (with other jewish priests etc.) in order to "Redeem" the child. Hence one of Saint Joseph's titles: "The Redeemer of the Redeemer". He also has the unique title of the "Savior of the Savior" because in the flight to Egypt after this event Joseph saved Jesus from the hands of Herod. Oh and I got to see the tomb of Saint Simeon! It's in Zadok and we got to see his body, he still had flesh but his beard had fallen out (poor guy, lol). He was a very holy man, I could feel the graces there. ^_^ St. Simeon and St. Anna the Prophetess, pray for us! Luke 2: 22-39 22 And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him (Jesus) to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: 23 As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: 24 And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons: 25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. 26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; 30 Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; 35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. 37 And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. 38 Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed o the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. 39 And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth

It's Christmas in July! The Third Joyful mystery: The Nativity, the Birth of Jesus. Jesus has his iconic Halo now and you can see the divine graces pouring out in the classic Iconic way, some deep theology drawn here. ^_^ Of course Saint Joseph is in deep contemplation, Mary is tucking Jesus in and even the animals are in wonder. :) Holy Family, pray for us.

The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary by the Archangel Gabriel. This is also considered the Incarnation of Jesus. Those letters "ICXC" are an abbreviation of the Greek name of "Jesus Christ" ("IHCOYC XPICTOC"), hence she is conceiving Jesus by the Holy Spirit and power of the Most High. ^_^ That's why the light is going towards her. Her arms are crossed in humility as if she was saying "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word". Gabriel the Archangel and Blessed Mama Mary, pray for us! O:)

Saint John the Evangelist SUPERCHARGED!!! lol. I decided to digitaly colorize him so he fits in with the other Evangelists. ^_^ Yeah and the Eagle because of his High Christology and focus on the Divinity of Christ. He's flying high in the Fiat now! :)

And Finally it's Saint Matthew giving a high-five to his Symbolic Angel (Or "human with wings" technically)! I Made it more like a fairy or something, it's not like a mount like the other symbols of the evangelists. So Matthew looks a little more Fatherly because in the Gospel of Matthew the theme of God the Father is the strongest of the gospels (mentioned more times etc.), also it's the only account that gives the account of the Annunciation to St. Joseph and lots of details on St. Joseph, the virginal Father of Jesus on Earth. (I should probably redo St. John since I did the others with more detail, I actually I did that version of St. John a few years ago but I finally decided to color and outline it recently. All the others are new though.) Let me know if you want to see anything! I'll probably do the mysteries of the Rosary next. ^_^

I'm on a role so I might as well complete the Evangelists. :) This is St. Mark the gospel writer of yeah, you guessed it, Mark. He's on his symbolic Lion, besides the Regal symbolism I always thought the Lion was also because there are more exorcisms in Mark than any other Gospel (When ya think Lions ya think of battles and for him spiritual ones). But yeah, He's all about Christ the King n stuff, you know how they say that the Lion is the King of the Jungle, well Big J.C. is King of the Universe! :P

It's St. Luke the Evangelist on his symbolic Winged Ox! I actually visited his tomb in Padua before my first vows awhile back. And I saw his painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bologna. He is definately the Evangelist I am most devoted to because he is the patron of Artists! He is also a physician and because my religious name Raphael means "God Heals" and the Divine Physician there is also that connection. St. Luke Physician, Artist and Evangelist, pray for us! ^_^

St. John the Apostle riding on his symbolic eagle! XD

I came across a photo of the actor Christopher Lloyd looking very forlorn, which inspired this spare drawing.

Quick little doodle of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I had to make one because it's all about that Holy Family! :P (I have a big devotion to them) I'll probably make a much more detailed one in the future but this will do for now. ^_^ Holy Family, pray for us!

I learned about Christoph Niemann Sunday Drawings and decided to d my own. I recommend you check them out. Here's a link to some of them: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Christoph+Niemann+Sunday+Drawings&form=HDRSC2&adlt=strict&first=1&scenario=ImageBasicHover

Happy Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist! He who prophesied the Christ in the Womb! Our Church is called St. John the Baptist so it is a particular special feast for us. It was also the name one of the Churches that St. Benedict started. Why? Because St. John the Baptist (along with Elijah and Moses) is a type or model of the Monk. Jesus of course is himself the Ideal Monk to follow, in whom all true monks follow the example of. Of course I'm talking Christian Catholic Monks. St. John the Baptist, Pray for Us!

CHRISTMAS SNOWMAN

TheStephen Vattimo 7 mins The Three Witnesses Acrylic on Canvas Size :48"x68" Year finished: 2004-14 This painting illustrates three witnesses who are taking part in the salvation of a homeless person. the figure in the background is angled, this imposed by them being Positioned on second-floor balconies, symbolizing they are not humans, they are a higher class of beings. To the left side of the painting a demon and to the right side an angel of God . the kingdoms they serve are identified by the breastplate emblems of their armor. The demon has a dragon head overlaid on a pentagram. The angle of God has a lions head overlaid on a cross. The demon face is partly hidden by a hood which represents deception, where in contrast the angle of God is wearing nothing on his head that hiders the view of his face., representing honest. Angel is always involved in the affairs of the human race. The demon is warring against man to turn their heart against God, and lead them to destruction. God's angel is always warring lead mankind to salvation through Jesus the Christ, and lead him away from the path of destruction that comes from sinful living. The ally way is representing three kingdoms, to the left, the kingdom o Hell. The center road, the kingdom of mankind. To the right side, the kingdom of Heaven. The path of these kingdoms is represented by the direction of stairs. To go the way of Hell is to take the stairs down to the sub-level door. To the go, the way of heaven is to take the fire escape upward. The lighting and the condition of the structures of the walls also identify the nature of the kingdoms they represent. The kingdom of Hell is represented by the dark and crumbling wall. Man's kingdom is represented by a boarded up windowed wall that is a dead end. Symbolizing that mankind only has two roads to chose from, there is no such thing as a third reality. The left side of the paint is a cardboard box and a newspaper floor which serve as a makeshift shelter for the homeless man. The turned over bottle reveals which devise he had that lead him to a life of living in the street. The tipped over trash can which spills its trash onto the light source that is lighting the alleyway, which is in the shape of a cross, represents mankind's sin which Jesus The Christ paid in full the debt which God demand for the payment for sin which is death. So that The guiltless took the place of the guilty, that by faith in this truth all will escape Hell and enter the Kingdom of God as children and heirs of The Highest God. The Homeless man, who is dirty,ill-clothed, cold, tired, hungry, hopeless, symbolizes the condition of Mankind outside a flourishing relationship with God. The Christian witness is better dressed implying he is walking with God, and his life is blessed through God provision. The witness is showing compassion and the love of Christ to this homeless man by wrapping his arm around the shoulder of the dirty smelly homeless man. He points the homeless man in the direction of the path that leads to salvation through faith in the work of Jesus The Christ which is His work on the Cross, receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior. That through a relationship with the Christ, He can receive the guidance, the strength, the willpower to leave his old life of being a drunkard and living in the street. Because in Christ old thing pass away, and all thing are made new. The light that falls on the Christian witness and the homeless man and opens up in the shape of the cross in the alleyway, comes from a heavenly source outside the picture. Written by Stephen J.Vatttimo June 16, 2014

Peter took His Eye off Jesus and began to sink. Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 11”x 15” Date: 2019-2020 This illustration is one of nine, in a mural about the ministry of Christ. This image is block number 7. This painting illustrates Jesus rescuing peter, as he start to sink in to the sea, because he lost his faith when took his eyes off Jesus, and focused on the violence of the winds and waves of the storm. Matthew 14:22-33 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Jesus Walks on the Water 22 Immediately He [a]made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already [b]a long distance from the land, [c]battered by the waves; for the wind was [d]contrary. 25 And in the [e]fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out [f]in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” When I did my research, I Found very few biblical accurate illustrations of the event. Very few captured the darkness and valiance of a stormy sky taking place at 3:00 am in the morning (which is the forth watch of the night. Many illustrations I found, their skies were too bright and calm. I found that the seas in these illustration had the same lack of movement and violence, the sea would have in a storm that was so strong the disciples were not able to make any headway in their crossing the lake. I notice that all illustrations of Jesus walking on water, show the viewer His feet. In reality the waves would most likely block the viewer from seeing his feet on top of the water. The unavoidable black eye in most of these illustrations of Jesus walking on water, is the ridicules and unrealistic possess they have Jesus in, of Him rescuing Peter. You know the ones where He is making some kind of sign with one hand, as it is held up toward the sky, and one hand reaching down to peter. What was I trying to accomplish in my illustration? I want to be careful, to being accurate with costumes styles, and colors worn by the poor people of Galilean society. I wanted to be accurate in illustrating a storm on the sea of Galilee. I looked over numerous photos on line, of storms taking place on the Sea of Galilee. To understanding how the water and sky behave during a storm I studied the colors of sky, clouds, and water, during these conditions, in this location of the world? Showing movement in the air and the water. I used stylist brush strokes, to create movement in the sky and in the water. I am hoping to make people feel the storm’s violent energy. Showing power of the wind blowing against the bodies of Jesus and peter, through the movement of clothes, and hair. Showing the anxiety of Pete, with his body swallowed up to the waist, his face looking up to Jesus to rescue him from drowning. Showing that Jesus offers security to Peter, from being swept away by the wave of the sea. By his secure grasp of Peter’s back arms. He is able to lift Peter out of the water. The message I want my view to receive, is that everyone who comes into the world will experience trials and tribulation. We can overcome our fears and be filled with courage, to enable us to battle our ways through these storm in life. When we place our trust in the one who has authority over the power of the storm, who is Jesus a member of the trinity of God that created all things. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 3/16/2020

Sower and the Seed This painting illustrates the parable “The Sower and the Seed,” a teaching of Jesus recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 13. The four hearts in the sky represent four different responses of those who hear the Gospel message. The heart on the lower left represents those who have heard the gospel but reject it. The devil then comes and takes it away from their hearts. This is illustrated by the crows flying away with the seed that fell on the road side. The second heart on the upper left side of the sky represents those who receive the gospel message with joy, but it doesn’t take root in their faith, and their faith is temporal, falling away when trials or affliction come their way because of the gospel. This is illustrated by a grape vine withering away in the heat of the day due to a lack of a deep root system. The heart in the upper right corner of the sky represents those who received the gospel and believe, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. This is illustrated by the grapevine being choked out by a purple, flower-bearing, climbing, strangling vine called, morning glory. These vines produce pretty flowers, but they are an organic farmer’s enemy because they will choke out his crops. I learned this firsthand in organic farming when I was a missionary for a couple of summers. The heart in the lower right corner of the sky represents those who hear, believe, and are committed to living for the gospel, so they produce much fruit. This is illustrated by a healthy, strong, fruit-bearing grapevine. The tilled field represents the world that God has prepared to receive the Gospel message. The sower represents all Christians that are commanded to go into the world and proclaim the gospel message. The seed being thrown by the sower represents the gospel message going out to the world. The seed bag has written on it, “The Word Seed Co.” (October 28, 2017)

Victory Through Prayer Medium: Water Color Markers on Illustration Board Size 2' x 4' Year completed: 1991 This illustration is part of a collection of artwork I did while in the military entitled, "The Army Years", I served in the Army National Guard for 5 years, and the regular Army for 4 years. One of the main reasons I got out of the military is because I didn't have much time to do my artwork. While I was stationed in Germany I did a few posters, and banners for a German/ American Playhouse, and I was in a European art show. This illustration was done during The Desert Shield / Desert Storm, during this war, many soldiers were afraid that our military equipment would fail to function due to the desert sand. While I was stationed in Germany, I attended a Christian hospitality house, that ministered to military personnel, and their families. I knew and heard of soldiers who died or were wounded in the war, we prayed for God's protection for those we knew were in harm's way. I believe the reason the casualties were low for the collision force is that God gave them a swift victory on the battlefield. No one should think that it was just might, and smart bombs, Iraq had the 4th largest military in the world. The Bible teaches that God causes the rise and the fall of nations. Decoding the symbolism : The " v " with lightning bolt shooting out of it =God giving the collision forces victory over Iraq's military. The large bold eagle with the arrows in its right talon, and with it's left talon open to attack, = the U.S. attacking Iraq. The banner made up of the flag of the collision, tie to the eagle's open talon= The U.S. leading the collision nation in the war against Iraq. The necklace with the cross attached to it, around the eagle's neck = God protect around the U.S. forces, the result of intercessory prayer of Christians. The flag of Iraq illustrated in the shape of the geological area mass of country, being shattered by the lighting = God judging Iraq, by giving the collision power to conquer Iraq and occupy her land. The land mass colored red at the bottom corner of Iraq = the country Kuwait, that Iraq invaded, that was the cause of the war. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo October 12, 2008

Split Sally & Jack nightmare before christmas

Title: Windows to the Soul Medium: Ink on sketch Book Paper Size: 10” X 14” Year: 01/09/2020 This Illustration is a pulmonary design/study for a future painting. Theme was born from a poem I wrote a couple years ago, by the same title. The main massage is that Christians are to be windows that Jesus Christs can shine His light of, Love, truth, mercy, salvation, hope, new life, in to a darkened world by the power of sin. The power of sin is what subjects all creation under destruction, suffer, death, decay. The Devil, and countless fallen angel use these tools to destroy the human race. Christians Have victory, through faith in Christ, from being a salves to sin, they have obtain adoption into God’s family, and removed from the coming damnation that is for the rebellious angels and the humans. Christian still are still temped to commit sin, and still make bad choices. Christian’s sin, hinder their effectiveness to be a witnesses for God’s kingdom, their short comings are like black drapes, that hang in a widow, that hinder the sunlight from brightening and warming a dark cold room. The massage communicated by symbolism The stair well leading down with the railing around it: The railing: The 3 petal flower is a Keltic symbol for the trinity of God. The railing around the stair well: Represents, God’s desire that none should perish but to repent. It also represents that people go to hell by their own choice, through their deliberate rebellious living against God. No ne accidently end up on the wrong side of the railroad tracks. The Stairs going down: Represents sinful humanity that is separated from a holy God. Without a spiritual intervention, we all have one destination that is the lake of fire, which is the finale judgement for sin. The open glass pane door: Represents God wants humanity to except his invitation to commune with Him, receive the new life He offers to provide for them. The stair case without railings: Represents the path to TheHeaven, which must me travailed by faith. The partly open drapes hanging in the Picture widow. Represent sin that try to prevent the light of truth to penetrate the darkness of deception. The railing with the fishes and crosses: This represent the Heavenly destination of Christian. It also stand for Christian being God’s Life guard. While living in the world, their mission is to take the salvation message into all the world. The second Floor open door, the entrance filled with light: This represents the entrance to Heaven. The globe sculpture represents a world needing to be repossessed, from the power of the curse of sin. By the hand of God, it will made new, absent of rebellious angel and humans. Absent from destruction, suffering, death, decay. Stephen J. Vattimo 1/10/2020

Acrylic on 9 x 12 canvas

Girl playing violin

(HB pencil on 147mm x 96mm card) An image used on my 2019 Christmas cards of a character taken from the story included within them (the story has the same title as above). You can read it here: https://www.skavart.co.uk/2019/12/merry-christmas-2019-bollocks-to.html

Mixed media (pencil, markers, brush pens, collage) on A3. This is based on some old doodles from around 2003 (I think). I glued the old thing on a bigger paper and completed it this Christmas/New Year 2019.

Unfortunately, I broke up and separated with my girlfriend prior to Christmas. If there is an upside, it is that moving by myself has led me going through old work I’d packed up in various boxes - not opened for years. This is just an abstract biro doodle (+ markers for colour) I doodled, while working in a stupid telephone interview job in my early 20s.

I did this piece for Christmas. I got some Princeton brushes as a gift, so I figured I’d make a painting (Princeton brushes are awesome, by the way. If you can afford them, buy them). I hope you enjoy, and I will try and post often.

Cette année encore, Sylvette s’est portée volontaire pour assister son grand-père dans sa tournée. Joyeux Noël à ceux qui le fêtent, bonnes fêtes aux autres ! — Once again, this year, Sylvette volunteered to help her grandfather in his rounds. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, happy holidays to everyone else ! --- Print available on my redbubble! https://www.redbubble.com/fr/i/carte-postale/L-assistante-du-P%C3%A8re-no%C3%ABl-par-kineko/42728934.V7PMD