I will find out in time. For now, here is my best Jesus Christ digital art based on research, impressions, and artistic license. Each iterated over several months. Hover/click each image above to see art direction. His curly hair is shown in various colors and most trimmed shorter than my early long hair sketches of Christ illustrated below.
How did I make this series? In mid-2023, I started by using a variety of local beta AI tools to create starting elements to enhance my digital creative flow, not to replace it. I claim authorship* to each crafted prompt, and by manually rebuilding and refining each composite element with Photoshop: eyes, nose, mouth, hair, facial hair, ears, cheeks, skin, neck, forehead, shoulders, clothes, hands, feet, all facial features restructured, and backgrounds, through countless iterations in each phase. Each portrait in this series went through multiple phases and over a hundred hours to manually capture the desired expression and look I wanted. These were completed early 2024.
He is the light in darkness, see Him. He is peace and joy, feel Him. He knows what you need, hear Him. He is our heavenly advocate, pray with Him. He is almighty, follow Him. He is loving and forgiving, embrace Him. He is real, believe Him.
Having an image of Christ in your home is a great reminder of His love and sacrifice. A nudge to follow Him. It can also be a great conversation starter for those looking for a mighty change in their life. It does NOT matter if it looks exactly like Him. His full name and symbolic image will ALWAYS invite His spirit into your home and heart. That is what matters.
Ever ask yourself, "Who am I? Is there a God?" Growing up, I had plenty of alone time to ponder those questions, search the scriptures, and pray. This direct approach helped me be more aware of His hand in my life. For example, a pivotal childhood moment was simply during a prayer. I was on my knees sobbing heartbroken and feeling misunderstood as kids do. After a while, I distinctly felt a flood of peace and light from head to toe. Something I will never forget and so started my personal testimony. A loving touch that eased my burden and gave me hope.
At 17, I wanted to prepare to go on a mission and share the Gospel of Christ. That God wants all to return to His warm embrace. Preaching by itself rarely converts people, but humble personal prayer and scripture study does. It is when we feel God's peaceful spirit touch our lives directly that we gain a testimony of Him. I continued to pray and search the scriptures, mainly focusing on The Atonement of Jesus Christ. The greatest Gift ever given. I needed to draw what I felt.
While drawing, I turned off my normal music and prayerfully listened to classical hymns. The Hallelujah Chorus sounded like countless angels. I drew Jesus with a strong neck as He was not weak. He is looking up - they know not what they do. Blood into tears for physical and spiritual sacrifice. A bruised forehead from when he fell carrying the cross. His beaten swollen cheeks. My Crown of Thorns sketch is not a picture of defeat, but of immense inner strength and love for us
So who am I? I am not perfect and make many "learning" mistakes. I am not a mistake. I am a child of God who is grateful for all I have been given. I am a believer in the healing Atonement of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. I'm a good person who seeks forgiveness every day. I am nothing without our Father in Heaven.
At 19, I finally ended up in Hong Kong on my mission. I would sometimes hand out my Crown of Thorns sketch after our Gospel discussions. My first assignment was the new territories bordering China. It was a rural countryside dotted with creative ways to find food and shelter. One evening walking along a small plank bridge, we saw a man carrying a stick. As we got closer, it turned out to be a live cobra from his hut. At another home, I had to stop our conversation and point out a spider bigger than my open hand in a web above her head. She just laughed and we continued our Gospel discussion.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ touches and brings healing to people on a personal, individual level. Soon after my mission, I wanted to redraw Jesus to reflect that. I said a prayer and blindly sketched the Lord Looketh picture from my heart. I wanted to capture that Christ knows each one of us personally. He is the Only Begotten Son of God. And so empowered, has felt our deepest anguish and paid for each of our sins. His love is pure empathy and forgiveness. He lights our journey's path back home.
Knowing who you are is THE journey! Go to the Source of Truth and humbly pray to your Heavenly Father in Jesus Christ's name, "Who am I?" From there, be aware of His hand in any of your daily activities. What you will see unfold is not your imagination or a happy coincidence. It is from God.
May God bless and protect you on your journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Both church invite text and bookmark text are editable. Freely share your Christ prints with others!
*Terms: By downloading, you agree NOT to alter or sell my art.
Print 8.5 x 11 handouts, 2 x 6 bookmarks, 4 x 6 invites, or 11 x 14 portrait for your home.
If not interested in printing, see the Inspiration Library
We are all children of God. He knows and loves each of us - even if you don't feel worthy. He sent you here to learn sorrow and joy. To discover true happiness and peace. He even sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to heal us and pave our way home. God has already helped you in many aspects of your life, with more blessings in store as you look to Him.
If life ever feels empty, clear the mental chaos from your day, be awake, be still, and humbly pray to your loving Heavenly Father. While praying, speak or think clearly, with heartfelt intent. Every righteous petition is recorded and planned out by His Will. End with "In Jesus Christ's Name, Amen" to send it. Keep a prayer of gratitude in your heart daily and you will become aware of His Hand in your life. Mighty miracles happen even with the smallest belief in God, many times through other inspired people. He is always listening and with you. Just ask.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God".
Visit the Inspiration Library to read more about how God can inspire us.