• From Stuck to Spirit-Led: How the Foundations Course Transforms Artists from the Inside Out

    From Stuck to Spirit-Led: How the Foundations Course Transforms Artists from the Inside Out

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    Have you ever felt like your creativity was trapped behind an invisible wall? Like no matter how many tutorials you watch, books you read, or marketing tactics you try, you just can’t seem to find your rhythm again?

    You’re not alone.

    As Christian artists, we’re not just trying to master a technique or build a business—we’re trying to honor God with our creativity. And that means the roadblocks we face aren’t always technical… they’re spiritual, emotional, and deeply personal.

    I created the Foundations Course™ because I’ve walked that road myself—and I’ve helped thousands of artists just like you find freedom, purpose, and joy on the other side of their struggle.

    “This course didn’t just make me a better artist. It made me a whole person.” – Anita C.

    What Artists Are Really Struggling With

    Most artists don’t struggle with making art. They struggle with:

    • Fear of not being good enough
    • Comparison to other artists
    • Feeling overwhelmed or disorganized
    • A lack of confidence in their calling
    • Uncertainty about how God fits into their creative life

    And that struggle? It doesn’t get better with more strategy. It only gets better when you deal with what’s going on in your heart.

    “I’ve been a believer for decades… this course helped me finally understand my identity in Christ as an artist.” – Linda A.

    Why Strategy Isn’t Enough

    Let’s be honest—strategy can help. But without identity, alignment, and healing, you’ll stay stuck.

    “I no longer feel pressure to strive for success. My job is simply to create and trust that God will take care of the rest.” – Shannon

    What I’ve found is that when artists begin to see themselves the way God sees them, everything shifts. They stop creating out of fear and start creating from rest. They stop comparing and start connecting. They stop hiding and start shining.

    “I feel free—free to create, free to dream again, and free to follow God’s plan without fear.” – Janice M.

    What Makes the Foundations Course Different?

    The Foundations Course isn’t just about art—it’s about you. It’s about your heart, your healing, and your walk with God as a creative.

    Inside the course, you’ll discover:

    • How to renew your mind using biblical truth
    • How to overcome perfectionism, fear, and creative paralysis
    • How to create from a place of freedom, not striving
    • How to align your art with your Kingdom calling
    • How to cultivate confidence in your identity as God’s artist

    “It’s like someone finally turned the lights on. I can see what God is doing in and through my creativity.” – Paul H.

    This is discipleship for artists. It’s not fluff. It’s not hype. It’s the real, Spirit-led transformation your soul has been crying out for.

    Real Stories of Real Transformation

    “This course changed my life! It opened the door to hear God’s voice more clearly, and now I create with joy and confidence.” – Brenda W.

    “The clarity I now have about my calling is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I finally feel aligned with God’s purpose for my creativity.” – Joanne C.

    “I’m 74, and I thought I was too late to take my art seriously. This course gave me clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose!” – Roxanne S.

    Ready to Begin?

    Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s me. I’m ready. I just need help getting started.”

    There are two ways you can begin your Foundations journey right now:

    📘 1. Grab the Foundations Book

    Perfect for artists who want a physical, guided journey with Scripture, journaling prompts, and creative activations. It’s also a great tool for small groups and church art communities.

    👉 Order the book now

    💻 2. Enroll in the Full Online Course

    If you want video teaching, coaching, a thriving community, and $2000+ in bonuses to accelerate your growth, this is the path for you.

    👉 Enroll in the Foundations Course

    Overcoming the Price Objection: What’s Staying Stuck Costing You?

    I get it—spending money on a course feels like a risk. But let me ask you: What is staying stuck costing you?

    Your peace?
    Your purpose?
    Your ability to show up and create the way God designed you to?

    This course is an investment in your healing, your clarity, and your future as a thriving Christian artist. And honestly? You’re worth it.

    “Before this course was even over, God opened unexpected doors for me! I would have talked myself out of the opportunity before, but this time, I said ‘YES!’” – Wendy B.

    You’re Not Too Late. You’re Right on Time.

    There is no expiration date on your calling. Whether you’re 24 or 74, your creativity still matters. Your voice still matters. And God still wants to move in and through your art to reveal His glory.

    “I encountered God in this course. He healed my heart, spoke life over my creativity, and gave me a vision for what’s next.” – Darlene K.

    “This course revealed God’s vision for my creativity and healed wounds I didn’t know I had. I’ve gone from doubting my artistic calling to recognizing it as a divine assignment.” – Barbara D.

    🎯 Final Call to Action

    If you’re ready to…

    ✅ Overcome fear, comparison, and creative blocks
    ✅ Align your heart with God’s design
    ✅ Experience lasting transformation in your art and faith…

    Then it’s time.

    👉 Enroll in the Foundations Course Now
    👉 Get the Foundations Book

    You were created to thrive. Let’s walk this journey together.

    Cheering you on,
    Matt Tommey

  • Recognizing God’s Voice in Your Art

    Recognizing God’s Voice in Your Art

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    ISSUE #018

    You ever have one of those moments in the studio where something just clicks—where your hands are moving, the paint is flowing, and suddenly you realize you’re not just making art… you’re being led? That still small voice isn’t just for prayer closets or quiet time. It shows up right there in the swirl of color, the rhythm of your process, and the ideas that come out of nowhere yet land with eternal purpose. This week, we’re diving into what it means to recognize God’s voice in the midst of your creativity—and how to cultivate a life that’s tuned in and ready to respond.

    Isaiah 30:21 reminds us, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.” When you embrace that truth as an artist, everything changes. You stop striving, start listening, and find a flow that’s not just beautiful—it’s sacred. Whether you’re picking up the brush for the first time in a while or you’re in the thick of creating something new, I hope this issue encourages you to lean in and let God lead the way.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – If you’re ready to go deeper in hearing God’s voice—not just in your art, but in every part of your life—I want to personally invite you to start the Foundations Course. This is where I teach the core principles that help Christian artists renew their minds, overcome fear, clarify God’s vision for their life and confidently walk in alignment with God’s voice and purpose. 

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    CONNECT

    “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go.’” – Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

    God doesn’t just speak to pastors and prophets—He speaks to artists, too. And more often than not, He speaks in the process. That moment when you’re deciding on a color palette or composition and a sudden clarity washes over you? That can be Him. Learning to recognize God’s voice in your creative flow starts by expecting that He wants to speak.

    Prayer
    Lord, I want to hear Your voice clearly as I create. Quiet the noise, calm my fears, and tune my heart to Yours. Help me recognize Your guidance in every brushstroke, sketch line, and moment of inspiration. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step: Before your next creative session, pause and ask the Holy Spirit, “What do You want to express through me today?” Write it down. Trust it. Create from it.

    CLARIFY

    If God really is speaking, the question becomes: are you making space to listen? The creative life is full of motion—ideas, deadlines, distractions—but clarity comes when we slow down enough to ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me this week about my art, my goals, and my calling?” The more you practice that alignment, the more confident you’ll become in your direction.

    Whether you’re planning a new collection or wondering which opportunities to pursue, don’t just look at the numbers or what’s popular—ask God. He loves to partner with you.

    Reflection Prompt: Where in your creative life do you need clearer direction this week?

    Action Step: Write down 3 current goals. Next to each, ask: “Did God lead me here, or am I just filling space?” Then, revise your priorities to reflect what feels truly Spirit-led.

    CREATE

    You don’t need to wait for a booming voice from heaven to know that God’s in your studio. Often, His presence shows up in peace. In joy. In the little nudges that whisper, “Try this.” Maybe it’s layering in a new texture, experimenting with color, or revisiting an old sketch with new eyes. That’s where creativity becomes collaboration.

    And here’s the thing—when you trust that flow, you don’t just make better art… you make art with a message. Whether it’s subtle or bold, your creative offering becomes a seed that the Holy Spirit can breathe on.

    Studio Action Step: Choose one piece of art in progress. Ask God what message or emotion He wants to convey through it. Then finish it, not from pressure, but from presence.

    CULTIVATE

    Recognizing God’s voice doesn’t stop in the studio—it moves through your audience as well. When your art speaks to someone’s heart, you’re witnessing a divine echo. That’s why sharing your work matters. You never know who’s been waiting for what only your voice can release.

    Ana Quintana’s journey is proof that showing up daily, building community, and staying aligned with God can open unexpected doors—like magazine features and gallery opportunities that started with a simple “yes.” Be bold in showing your work. Be faithful in connecting.

    Outreach Action Step: Choose one recent piece that carries a story. Share that story in a social media post or email this week, highlighting how God led you in the process. Ask your audience how it speaks to them.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Meta Business Suite is your one-stop command center for managing Instagram and Facebook. You can schedule content, reply to messages, and most importantly—analyze what’s actually working.

    Click on the Insights tab this week and take note of your top 3 performing posts from the last month. Were they personal? Process-driven? Studio shots? Use that insight to shape your future posts and align more deeply with your audience.

    Use Meta Business Suite

    Action Step: Jot down your top 3 posts. What themes or visuals stood out? What responses did you get? Ask yourself, “What felt authentic and aligned with my message?”

    INSPIRE

    Trashing Trash – Turning Sea Debris into Art That Educates

    This week’s story comes from a beautiful partnership between artists and National Parks educators. Instead of tossing collected marine litter like water bottles and fishing nets, artists turned it into sculptures that now grace coastal trails. The installations don’t just spark curiosity—they inspire action.

    As Kingdom creatives, this is our reminder: your art can make change. You can reflect beauty and purpose even from broken pieces.

    Read the Full Story

    LISTEN / WATCH

    LISTEN NOW

    Have you ever wondered if the inspiration you feel while creating could actually be God speaking to you? What if your art isn’t just a product of your imagination but a divine invitation into deeper relationship and purpose?

    In this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, How to Hear God’s Voice When You Create, we explore practical and spiritual ways to recognize and respond to God’s whispers during your creative process.

    Drawing from Isaiah 30:21, we talk about:

    • How to cultivate a quiet, sacred space to hear God clearly
    • Journaling, sketching, and reflection practices to amplify your spiritual sensitivity
    • Overcoming fear and stepping out in faith to release your work boldly
    • Trusting that God will use your art to speak to others in ways you could never imagine

    Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, or any kind of maker, this episode will inspire you to embrace your creativity as a sacred dialogue with the Lord.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Ana Quintana

    Fluid Art, Divine Flow, and a Bold Leap into Calling
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Ana Quintana, art is more than a creative pursuit—it’s a bold surrender to God’s timing, movement, and unexpected surprises. After a thriving career in the tech industry and a lifetime of appreciation for beauty, Ana followed a divine nudge to fully embrace her calling as an artist—and she hasn’t looked back.

    Ana is a fluid acrylic artist who creates expressive works using her hands, intuition, and a willingness to let go of control.

    “I don’t use brushes—just my hands and a desire to let the paint speak,” she says. “Each painting is a dance between intention and surrender, like life itself.”

    She draws inspiration from the natural world, spiritual themes, and the vibrant landscapes of the American Southwest and Mountain West. Her pieces feature rich pigments, shimmering mica, and mesmerizing textures that pull the viewer into a visual and emotional journey.

    “Color is my creative language,” Ana shares. “Each painting is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends chemistry, passion, and divine influence.”

    Ana’s spiritual and artistic breakthrough came through the Foundations Course.

    “Week 7 was a game-changer. I realized I had been defining success by sales, but God showed me that true success is obedience, joy, and purpose. That shift freed me.”

    And God has been opening doors. One of Ana’s church elders introduced her to a local publisher, which led to a magazine cover feature and a commission from a new collector. “None of that would’ve happened without being planted in my church community,” she reflects. Another divine connection came through a friend’s request for a Northern Lights-inspired series—a project that challenged Ana’s approach but led to stunning results and a reconnection in faith and friendship.

    Ana’s creative process is steeped in daily inspiration and spiritual sensitivity. She fills her studio with printed quotes, Scriptures, and podcast insights from The Thriving Christian Artist, and seeks the Holy Spirit’s guidance before beginning each series.

    “I’m always wondering, ‘What will He inspire me to create next?’”

    Her advice to fellow creatives is rooted in faith and diligence:
    🎨 “Be patient and stay encouraged. Network, take opportunities seriously, and do something every day to move forward in your calling. God blesses what you put your hands to—so make space for Him to move.”

    Today, Ana’s work is featured in galleries in Denver and Santa Fe, and she’s expanding her reach through juried exhibitions via platforms like CaFE.org. Her steady faith, vibrant voice, and daily obedience are turning her creative calling into a growing movement of color, energy, and worship.

    Ana Quintana is living proof that when you embrace the process, trust the timing, and surrender the outcome, God will do more than you ever imagined—one fluid masterpiece at a time.

    Ana Quintana_Fluid Art_Ice & Snow – No. 1 – 24 x 24
    Ana Quintana_Southwest Splendor_24 x 24
    Ana Quintana_Planetary Windstorm_24 x 24

    Apply to Be a Featured Artist

    Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9

    Resources for Christian Artists

    If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.

  • Dirt Becomes Destiny: Creating with God in the Kingdom

    Dirt Becomes Destiny: Creating with God in the Kingdom

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    Have you ever really stopped to think about what a miracle it is that God invites us — yes, you and me — to create with Him? Not just to make pretty things, not just to keep ourselves busy, but to co-create with the Creator of the universe.

    This morning on my walk (where God seems to love talking to me!), I felt Him pouring out this powerful download that I knew I had to share with you right away. Because here’s the thing: as Christian artists, we’re not here to just decorate the world. We’re here to transform it.

    Our creativity isn’t just a talent or a hobby — it’s a Kingdom assignment. It’s a sacred invitation to partner with God and become living intersection points where heaven meets earth through our art.

    The Divine Blueprint: God’s Original Creative Process

    When we look back to Genesis, we see something incredible. God spoke the world into being — light, sky, land, plants, animals — all with His words. But when it came to creating humanity, He did something different. He stooped down, took dirt from the earth, and formed Adam with His own hands. Then He breathed His very life into him (Genesis 2:7).

    Why did God get His hands dirty when He made us? Because He wanted to model what it looks like to create from a place of intimacy and partnership. He wanted to show us that transformation doesn’t happen from a distance — it happens when heaven touches earth through willing, surrendered hands.

    Dirt became destiny.

    Art as an Intersection of Heaven and Earth

    As Christian artists, we take raw materials — clay, paint, fabric, wood, metal, words — and we offer them up to God. We invite the Holy Spirit into our creative process. And just like that dirt in the garden, when the breath of God meets our work, transformation happens.

    Your studio is not just a workspace. It’s a sanctuary. Every brushstroke, every woven fiber, every piece of clay molded in your hands becomes an altar where God’s presence dwells. When people interact with your art, they’re not just seeing your technique — they’re encountering something deeper, something eternal, something from the heart of God.

    Ordinary Materials, Extraordinary Purpose

    Think about the first miracle Jesus performed at the wedding in Cana (John 2). He didn’t start His ministry with some flashy, showy act. Instead, He took ordinary water — the simplest, most common substance — and turned it into the finest wine. Why? Because He was moved by compassion, connected to the Father’s heart, and fully surrendered to the Spirit’s leading.

    Or consider the blind man in John 9. Jesus didn’t just speak healing from afar. He bent down, made mud with His own spit and the earth, and applied it to the man’s eyes. Again, God took something natural and infused it with divine power, bringing transformation and new life.

    Friend, do you see the pattern? Over and over, Jesus modeled how heaven and earth collide through simple, surrendered acts. And as artists, we’re invited to do the same.

    Your Art Is a Prophetic Act

    When you create with God, your art becomes more than decoration — it becomes a prophetic act. Your paintings, sculptures, writings, music, and designs become invitations for people to encounter God’s love and presence in a tangible way.

    Your art carries His heartbeat. It carries His compassion. It carries His transformative power. When someone stands before your work and feels deeply moved, when they say, “I don’t know why, but this piece speaks to me,” that’s not just about your skill. That’s the Holy Spirit working through you.

    This is why your art matters so deeply. It’s why the world needs what you carry. It’s why the enemy fights so hard to keep you small, stuck in striving and comparison, and disconnected from your true calling.

    The Power of Participation

    Romans 12:2 urges us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation requires your participation.

    God isn’t looking for passive spectators. He’s looking for sons and daughters willing to get their hands dirty — willing to co-labor with Him. When you yield your hands, your imagination, your materials, and your process to Him, something supernatural happens.

    The kingdom isn’t about performance, hustle, or proving yourself. It’s about intimacy and obedience. It’s about saying, “Lord, I don’t just want to make art; I want to make art with You. I want my life and my creativity to be an ongoing encounter with heaven.”

    Heaven’s Invitation to You

    Your “dirt” — your raw materials, your ideas, your stories, even your weaknesses — can become your destiny when surrendered to God.

    God wants to take the mundane and make it miraculous. He wants to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. He wants to take your art and make it an instrument of healing, hope, and transformation for the world.

    He’s not waiting for you to be perfect. He’s not waiting for you to have it all figured out. He’s simply waiting for your yes.

    When you step into your creative process with Him, you begin to experience what it means to truly thrive — not just survive or get by, but to flourish in the fullness of who He’s created you to be.

    P.S. If you’re ready to go deeper, to break free from striving and step fully into creating with God, I invite you to check out my Foundations Course for artists. It’s designed to help you renew your mind, align your heart with His, and confidently walk out your Kingdom calling as an artist.

    Remember — in His hands, your dirt becomes destiny. And you, my friend, were created to thrive.