Apostles as Artists

President Boyd K. Packer, artwork. Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Image via LDS.org

Everyone who’s a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints knows the apostles Elder Henry B. Eyring, Richard G. Scott, and Boyd K. Packer as they provide inspiring messages at devotionals and General Conference sessions.

But even the many members of the Church don’t know that these apostles are incredible artists, inspiring others not only through their words, but also through their art.

1. President Henry B. Eyring

The First Counselor of the First Presidency produces incredible pieces of art through watercolor and sketching mediums.

Concerning his art, President Eyring remarked

When you get a watercolor working right, the feeling of illumination is like a deeply spiritual thing.

 

Sketching, President Eyring, Wife Kathy
Image via LDS Living

 

Watercolor Painting done by President Henry B. Eyring. Image via LDS Living.
Watercolor Painting done by President Henry B. Eyring. Image via LDS Living.

 

Airport sketch done by President Henry B. Eyring. Image via LDS Living.
Airport sketch done by President Henry B. Eyring. Image via LDS Living.

More of his artwork can be found in his book, I Will Lead You Along.

2. President Boyd K. Packer

The President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has been intrigued with God’s creations since he was a boy.

LDS.org reports,

His artistic impulses first drew him to the birds and wildlife that were native to the woods and wetlands outside his hometown of Brigham City, Utah. Young Boyd Packer sketched insects, farm animals, and waterfowl on discarded scraps of papers.

President Packer works with a variety of mediums, including sketching materials, woodworking and carving, and oil and acrylic paints.

President Packer's Oil Painting of Plowing Horses. Image via LDS.org.
President Packer’s Oil Painting of Plowing Horses. Image via LDS.org.

 

Wood and copper carving. Image via LDS.org
Wood and copper carving. Image via LDS.org

 

Fire place hand carved by President Packer. Image via LDS.org.
Fire place hand carved by President Packer. Image via LDS.org.

See more of President Packer’s art at churchofjesuschrist.org.

3. Elder Richard G. Scott

Elder Richard G. Scott was first inspired to develop the talent of being an artist when he and his wife visited a friend who was an artist. Over the years he has improved his artistic skills and works primarily with watercolors. See the images below for examples of his work.

Image via LDS Living.
Image via LDS Living.

 

Asiatic Man
Image via LDS Living.

 

Image via LDS Living.
Image via LDS Living.

All three of the apostles have been enlightened through their pursuit of the arts, learning and growing as they discover new tricks and methods for improving their work. They have also learned important gospel principles as they incorporate religious symbolism into their work. As Elder Richard G. Scott told KSL

Gigantic waves represent trials and temptations that we can be unaware of. 

To see more of the apostles’ art work, please visit Ldsliving.com.

Natalie New is a writer and intern for LDS.net and a current English student at BYU-Idaho. She was born and raised in an LDS home and has attending two Mormon universities up to this point. Natalie has also held a variety of Church callings and has had unique experiences, giving her a unique outlook on life. You can contact Natalie via email.