Recently I led a workshop on “Painting the Inward Journey” at Emmaus House in Des Moines, “an oasis of prayer and quiet in the midst of the busyness of modern life.” I went early and stayed at the Victorian-style house the night before, and found it a very special spiritual place, peaceful and full of love. In the morning I was ready for the workshop with this group of 15 faith-filled people.

You can see that we practiced watercolor techniques, but art is not just about painting a picture! Otto Rank said that “pessimism comes from the repression of creativity.” By looking inward, seeking the depths and daring to embrace our fears as well as our dreams, we can allow creativity to bring about transformation. This is Art as meditation, as prayer.

Painting at Emmaus House

Some of the Emmaus workshop group with their creations