painting stories

I sell paintings.

I like selling them. It defrays the costs of my equipment and supplies — some of which are very expensive — and allows me to say, "I value my work — thank you for valuing it too."

It's also quite a buzz. 

To be honest though, selling is not my primary aim. I guess that's supported by the fact that I've given so many away. Just last week I gave a lovely print away to someone who needed it far more than I, and for whom selling it would have been just not right! It needed to be given, gone with a prayer that it would provide a source of encouragement and uplifting whenever it was viewed.  (Don’t misunderstand me in this: It’s a real buzz to sell, and watercolour painting can be an expensive activity.)

Gifting or selling, it doesn't really matter. The real value of my work — the whole purpose of my painting — is to bring glory to the Creator. It's what He asked me to do.  I like to think that is what is occurring. I see it happening when viewers have deep responses to the paintings. He has used the painting to touch, stimulate, awaken, challenge. I read of it when recipients of my paintings email how the paintings have significantly affected their lives, their plans, their future. Wow.

"... that one picture is mine and will stand in a prominent place on my wall as a reminder
of the incredible transformation God has done in my life..."
Catherine, 2017

I don't usually know anything of these people's stories or history or what moves them. God does though. When He prompts me to paint a scene or an object, He already knows who it is for, and He has already scheduled an appointment for that painting and that person. His timing. He knows.

Often what moves me to paint is not just the visual response but sometimes a quite visceral response: a profound emotion, a conviction, a word, something seen beyond what is in front of me. It's usually accompanied by goosebumps and by a sense of the Holy Spirit's presence. It was quite unsettling at first, and still it surprises me. I draw from these experiences heavily when I paint, and I use these same experiences to write about the painting. 

Sometimes, the purchaser of a painting wants to know more about what they’ve just bought and even about why I painted it. If that’s something that interests you, do let me know. I’ll send you my thoughts.

Scroll down to find the links to some of those writings. I don’t always write as much, but they’ll give you an idea of what you might receive.
I trust that they will move you to walk a little deeper in Christian faith.

God bless.
Russell Perry.

"Peep Show"       —      The Painting of Peep Show.pdf
"Too Cold For Swimming"   —   The Painting of Too Cold For Swimming.pdf