April, 2014 | Chris Cook Artist

House of Thomas

Friday came…They nailed our savior to a cross, and laid his body in the tomb.

Everything you’d worked for, devoted your life to, and placed your hope in was laid in that tomb with him.

The cross was empty, his body was in the tomb, and your mind and heart are full of doubts and questions.

I find it easy to identify with Thomas to have lots of questions and fears in the midst of what he was facing and feeling in the days following the crucifixion.

This painting portrays an “inside looking out” perspective from what Chris poses is the house of Thomas. Things inside the house seem dark, the disciples have understandably retreated into safety and hiding. It serves as a great reminder of what it might have been like to be a 1st century follower of “The Way”.

The good news for us as believers is the truth that he is not still on the cross, nor is he still in the tomb that they laid him in! We have a hope through the Resurrection on Easter Sunday that God has not abandoned us, and Jesus can live in each of our hearts for eternity because of the sacrifice made that day!

Chris Cook is a premier southern artist and owner of Madison Studios, a web design, maintenance, and e-commerce and marketing company. For his artist biography, contact information, or to view more of his work, click HERE

Robyn

All artists have inspirations and muses. There is something that sparks creativity and inspires each artist to create their beautiful masterpieces. For many of Chris’ works, his Christian faith inspires him to create; for others, it’s his southern heritage, and be beauty of the landscapes that surround him. For this one, it’s obviously the woman that he loves so dearly, his wife, Robyn.

I really don’t know much to say about this painting other than to add that I have observed the way he talks to her, about her, and goes out of his way to provide for her and cherish her as his beloved. Chris’ faith in Jesus tells him to love her like Christ loved the church, and he without a doubt does.

It’s a beautiful thing to see a friend, an artist, and a mentor express the love that he has for his bride in a manifestation of a painting. I know that this painting couldn’t possibly express all that he feels for her, but I do feel that it helps to share a little bit of how much he cares for her.

“The Lake”

Madison is right in the heart of Georgia’s “Lake Country”. Lakes like Sinclair, Oconee, and Lanier being so close, make it easy to take a little weekend getaway to get your toes in the water for a bit of relaxation, excitement, and recreation.

The waters and shores of Georgia’s lakes are filled with fishing holes, lazy lagoons for houseboats, and expanses of open water for skiing, tubing, and the likes.

This painting by Chris captures a snapshot of the respite and tranquility that a trip to the lake can offer. I would venture to say that, short of loading up the family and driving 4+ hours to the Atlantic, a getaway to the lake is the perfect way for those who believe in the healing and therapeutic powers of sitting in the sun by a large body of water to reap the healing benefits.

As I look at this painting, I can almost hear the wakes and breeze-driven waves lapping against the shoreline, and feel the sunshine hitting my face. It’s safe to say that I have the itch to find a large body of H2O and park myself for an extended period of time.

I love how Chris’ paintings can transform his viewers to a particular place in time. There’s something special about an artist that can accomplish that with his brushstrokes.