Joy 8x10 Print

It is my feeling that life’s greatest joys come from loving people. Jesus, of course, set the perfect example for us, living a life completely focused on others. And in all His ministry, I see His time spent interacting with children as most precious to Him. In this piece, I wanted to depict our Savior in a moment of complete joy, simply enjoying the innocent goodness of children. I see Jesus smiling, joking, laughing light-heartedly with them. I don’t picture Him solemn, somber, or removed, as is sometimes depicted in paintings. If it’s human nature to manifest feelings of love with a smiling, joyful expression… then I have to believe that would especially be the case for the One who is the embodiment of every good and righteous instinct of human nature.

David Bowman

Following his service as a missionary in the Philippines, David Bowman graduated with a degree in illustration from Brigham Young University. He has since served as a release-time seminary instructor as well as a counselor and speaker as numerous EFY conferences. David’s special love is making the scriptures come to life for young people, authoring and illustrating several books for kids and teens. He is also the artist of fine-art depictions of the Savior titled “Expressions of Christ.” David and his wife, Natalie, and their five children live in Arizona.