What do Catholics believe about images?

[migencluz]

I was asked by a faithful Catholic woman to paint her an icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help. I do my share of painting images of saints, the Blessed Mother, and biblical people. But I always thought that it would be better to “leave it to the professionals.” Does the Catholic church have anything against those who want to make images of the saints or the Blessed Virgin, or Jesus, but are not professional iconographers or santeros?

 

[1ke]

Does the Catholic church have anything against those who want to make images of the saints or the Blessed Virgin, or Jesus, but are not professional iconographers or santeros?

No.

From the 5 year old who draws a picture of Mary with crayons to the professional artist who is commissioned to do a work, we are free to express our faith in artwork as we are able.

Why would the Church have anything to say on the matter at all?

 

[migencluz]

No.

From the 5 year old who draws a picture of Mary with crayons to the professional artist who is commissioned to do a work, we are free to express our faith in artwork as we are able.

Oh my! I didn’t think of it that way.

 

[captainrick]

No. I can’t imagine why the Church would have any objection.

 

[AnneElizabeth]

I was asked by a faithful Catholic woman to paint her an icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help. I do my share of painting images of saints, the Blessed Mother, and biblical people. But I always thought that it would be better to “leave it to the professionals.” Does the Catholic church have anything against those who want to make images of the saints or the Blessed Virgin, or Jesus, but are not professional iconographers or santeros?

I think people gravitate to "the professionals’ as you put it because its the norm and also maybe because sometimes the painters are in religious life, like monks and nuns. Its a way to support them and people want to do so plus have an item lovingly made from someone devoted to God.

I don’t’ think there is any rule where only a certain sort of person can paint an icon or picture of a saint or such. Paint away! Best wishes on your endeavors! God bless!

 

[migencluz]

I think people gravitate to "the professionals’ as you put it because its the norm and also maybe because sometimes the painters are in religious life, like monks and nuns. Its a way to support them and people want to do so plus have an item lovingly made from someone devoted to God.

I don’t’ think there is any rule where only a certain sort of person can paint an icon or picture of a saint or such. Paint away! Best wishes on your endeavors! God bless!

You know, that is absolutely true! But tbh, I may have a vocation to the priesthood. Maybe when I grow up to be a priest, I would be one of those “professionals” and I can help my parish.

 

[newcalling]

I am incredibly grateful for the print of a painting my sponsor gave me for my confirmation this year. It was a painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe she did, and it was a nice large print in a nice frame. If I could paint I’d love to do something like that. The first one I would paint, sculpt etc would be my patron saint, the Archangel Michael. What a great devotion and a way to use the talents God gives you to serve Him.

 

[Ophelia23]

Goodness, no!!

My mom is a hobby artist, but she makes the most beautiful oil on canvas paintings. I keep a painting of the Blessed Mother cradling the infant Jesus that my mama painted hanging in our nursery. It is my favorite image in our home.

 

[phil19034]

You know, that is absolutely true! But tbh, I may have a vocation to the priesthood. Maybe when I grow up to be a priest, I would be one of those “professionals” and I can help my parish.

That would be wonderful.

In the meantime, perhaps you can contact a Catholic apostolate, like Lighthouse Catholic Media, about mass producing your paintings and providing them to the faithful.

 

[midori]

When writing icons, there’s a lot of symbolism in the shapes of lines, color choices, the different layers of paint, light sources, and so on, that’s important to be aware of. Studying up on it will help you be mindful of that layer of “hidden” meaning as you build it up and depict it accurately.

So yes! Definitely make some beautiful art! But if you’re trying to do an icon, be aware of what particular style you’re working in, and the layers of meaning within it.

 

[His_helpmeet]

I see nothing disrespectful about drawing or painting your own pictures, as long as they are done with reverence (as I’m sure you would do).

There is a Catholic book and supply store in our area that sells colouring books for children. I’ve bought some for my nephews. In the front of the books there is a little prayer that goes something like this:

Dear Jesus, these pictures are about You. As I colour the pictures, help me to learn more about You. Amen.

HARDLY a problem with that, IMHO.