LATTER-DAY SAINT ARTWORK: RE-INTRODUCING: JAY BRYANT WARD
Jay Bryant Ward is one of our bestselling Latter-day Saint artists. And we are so excited to be re-introducing him and his awe-inspiring art style.
He is still going full-force as an inspired creator. If you are familiar with Jay’s style, you will know that his pieces capture a remarkable depth of emotion. He uses a combination of vivid colors and gentle lighting in his scenes, breathing life and softness into each piece of religious art.
Read on to learn more about who Jay is. Enjoy his latest Jesus Christ paintings and get a small sneak peek of where he is taking his art style next.
Jay’s Classic LDS Art
You will likely recognize these pieces. They are some of Jay’s most memorable LDS paintings and have stood the test of time, warming homes and inspiring individuals for years.
This painting of Jesus Christ is remarkable for multiple reasons, from the flawless brushstrokes to the calming colors.
But perhaps it is the light in the child’s gaze that has become the most eye-catching artistic choice Jay made for this piece.
There is so much trust, humility, and joy reflected in the child's face. That expression, along with the selected color scheme, offers a soft sense of reassurance.
We--and many others since--have become big fans of this LDS painting. It calls to mind a well-known verse of scripture in the New Testament where Christ taught:
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me“ (Matthew 18:4-5).
Jay’s painting naturally draws out a gentle self-reflection of our own relationship with the Savior.
This second piece of classic LDS art has a similar subject matter: Christ spending time with children. In this instance, Christ is doing more than offering comfort and safety. The child is trying to be a shepherd, like Him, and Christ is guiding him.
It is a symbolic scene, representing us on our journey as we seek to become like the Savior. Often, as we serve others or try to magnify Church callings and positions, we feel small or inadequate.
However, the Savior can guide us and give us strength through His example and personal revelation. Jesus Christ is the ultimate leader because He helps us become leaders ourselves.
Jay’s New LDS Art
Jay’s new art has quickly picked up steam, so you have likely seen these LDS art paintings as well. If you have not, then enjoy these four popular pictures of Jesus Christ. As with the rest of the art in Jay’s collection, they carry a message of hope, light, and healing.
Christ’s teachings are more than just nice sentiments. They are sent straight from God to transform us.
God, as a loving Father, wants each of us to achieve our potential. In this painting by Jay, we again see the Savior inspiring leadership.
Often, God may direct us to a task or a phase of life that seems immense. Or perhaps we feel like it is too small in comparison to our talent and capabilities.
In either case, if we trust in the Savior, He can open our eyes and our hearts to the miracles He has in store. This principle is especially true as we try to follow His command to serve others.
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me“ (Matthew 18:4-5).
This beautiful painting focuses not just on the scar in Christ’s hand. It also focuses on His extending His reach toward us. The angle that Jay chose for this painting makes it appear as if Christ’s invitation will lift us to a higher plane from where we currently stand.
Additionally, the use of lighter colors behind Christ’s hand indicates that His invitation will also bring us out of the darkness of our confusion, troubles, and mistakes and into the light. After all, we read in the New Testament: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).
As with most of Jay’s LDS art, this painting is also full of light and gentle colors. While the bible story itself takes place well into the fourth watch of the night (Matthew 14:25), we love Jay’s artistic choice here. The unsettled sea appears robbed of its power against the light of the one who can help us tread across all of life’s storms.
This panoramic picture of Jesus Christ, though newer, has already inspired many. We love that Christ is placed in the center, making him the focus amid the expansive and restless waves. This scene reminds us that Christ offers peace even during the most chaotic and frightening seasons of our life.
As with most of Jay’s LDS art, this painting is also full of light and gentle colors. While the bible story itself takes place well into the fourth watch of the night (Matthew 14:25), we love Jay’s artistic choice here.
The unsettled sea appears robbed of its power against the light of the one who can help us tread across all of life’s storms.
The Future of Jay’s Paintings
Like a true artist, Jay likes to explore the roads less traveled. Even with the impressive collection of masterpieces under his belt, he has recently decided to branch out. Jay has been experimenting with some new art styles and subject matters. For example, right now he is working at recreating many timeless masterpiece paintings and reimagining them through a new perspective.
We are eager to see the sort of inspirational flair he brings to these new collections. We do not have any examples to share just yet. But whatever he explores, Jay’s beliefs still drive his creativity, and we look forward to more uplifting, comforting art pieces from him. For further updates, stay tuned to our blog!
What is your favorite piece by Jay Bryant Ward? Let us know in the comments!