by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
People will have a chance to see a Bible story “come alive” in the form of a colorful painting in action when Paul Oman presents “Drawn to the Word” three times at Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell.
Everyone is welcome to attend the free program, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. on three consecutive Wednesdays: Dec. 4, 11 and 18.
Oman, who hails from Deer Park, Wis., is a former teacher and pastor who is now a full-time freelance watercolor and acrylic artist. For his “Drawn to the Word” events, he travels to churches, schools and other organizations throughout the Upper Midwest where he displays his expertise in painting. During “Drawn to the Word” events, people ask him to evoke a Bible story through his watercolor painting on a big (5-foot x 7-foot) blank artist’s canvas. Audience members are always astonished at how Oman, in no time at all, transforms his white canvas into the shapes and images of a story from the Bible.
It’s the first time Oman will present “Drawn to the Word” at Celebration Lutheran Church. He is in demand at churches far and wide. The people at Celebration heard of his program through good word-of-mouth and decided to invite him.
“My gift to others is to inspire life-changing emotion by sharing visual experiences through painting,” Oman said. “My hope is to bring the Bible story to life, touching lives and inspiring faith through the creative process of the visual arts.
From a very early age, Oman was aware he had a knack for art. In grade school in Wisconsin, he won a prestigious prize and was given an award by the state’s governor. He now shares his art gift with others by teaching many workshops and visits to demonstrate his painting at schools, retreats, conventions and churches. He also offers an anti-bullying program for which he uses his art works.
Painter Paul Oman, who lives in Deer Park, Wis. paints this landscape in the open air in Door County, Wis. Oman excels in a number of art genres, including landscapes and religious themes from the Bible.
This painting, entitled “Along the Shores of Galilee,” is just one example of the many art works created by Paul Oman during his “Drawn to the Word” events. He will paint during three sessions at Celebration Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. The free programs are open to all people.
This evocative painting by Paul Oman is entitled, simply, “Old Brick House.”
Northern landscapes are one of Paul Oman’s specialities. He calls this peaceful lakescape “Northern Reflections.”
