"I love painting and I want to reflect God's creativity and the diversity of his creation."

For 15-year old Joshua Tiessen, that viewpoint dictates not only the subjects of his various paintings, but his deep desire to produce artwork that is both positive and uplifting, drawing people's attention to the God of creation. These are lofty goals for any artist, let alone a teen taking his first steps along a career path.

But add a massive amount of talent and you find a budding young world-class artist who is attracting the attention of one of this country's most famous artists, Robert Bateman. So much so that Bateman, himself, invited Josh to attend a week-long seminar at a retreat centre in British Columbia.

"You are indeed very good," the renowned 80-year old artist told Josh. "You would likely be the youngest person here, but judging by your talent, you would benefit from it." Such seminars are rare, Josh was told, and very few budding artists are invited to participate.

The teen showed his talent early. His parents, Doug and Julie Tiessen, were International Workers with The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, posted in Krasnodar, Russia. Josh was born in Moscow and lived in Russia until he was 10 before returning, with his parents and younger brother Zack, to Canada.
 
Unlike most young children, Josh didn't want to waste his time with colouring books. "I wanted to do my own, right from the start," he says. His Russian nanny nurtured the first artistic stirrings. "She would hold up  stuffed animals and taught me how to show perspective and shadings," Josh remembers.

His return to Canada and Burlington (Ontario) Alliance in particular, found him in a midweek club at the church where his elective in art led to his 'discovery' by a local Horizons Photography I enjoy working in acrylics because they are so flexible and I can get some great detail with them His art is inspired within himself, a God-given talent he readily acknowledges artist, Valerie Jones.

Since then, Josh's art has gained a widespread following with one-man shows in Hamilton and Burlington, culminating last winter in a month-long show at the Burlington Art Gallery. He recently won the Best Overall award at a fine arts festival sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International.

Many artists today, he reflects, are post-modern. "There are no rules. They show chaos and a world of randomness, hopelessness and despair." He says his own art, in contrast "tries to communicate God's order and beauty in the world, and give a sense of hope and joy!" 
 
His art is inspired within himself, a God-given talent he readily acknowledges.

His paintings often begin with photos - either ones he has taken or is attracted to, he explained. As he examines the photo of a landscape, of a nesting swan or other natural scene, the concept of the painting develops.

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