Inktober | Day 23

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #23

Welcome to Day 23 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Firefly”, and I chose to draw Saint Francis of Assisi.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Firefly ”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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🕊 Saint Francis of Assisi 

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; 
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 
Where there is injury, pardon; 
Where there is doubt, faith; 
Where there is despair, hope; 
Where there is darkness, light; 
And where there is sadness, joy. 

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console; 
To be understood, as to understand; 
To be loved, as to love; 
For it is in giving that we receive, 
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. 
Amen.

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🗣 Artist Tag Questions

• Favorite Animal?
• Favorite Franciscan Saint?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 22

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #20

Welcome to Day 22 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Button”, and I chose to draw Saint Carlo Acutis.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Rivals”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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🎮 Saint Carlo Acutis

Saint Carlo Acutis is known as the first millennial saint or the gamer saint because he loved to play video games. And even more he loved the Eucharist and going to see Jesus in adoration. He created a website of many Eucharistic miracles that you can still visit today.

Carlo's Website - Link

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🗣 Questions for Readers

• Favorite Game?
• Favorite Vacationing area?
• Favorite place to pray?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 21

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #21

Welcome to Day 21 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Rivals”, and I chose to reflect on Saint Ignatius Loyola.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Blast”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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🏴 Saint Ignatius Loyola

During battle Saint Ignatius was hit in the leg by a cannonball and it saved his soul. Before this he did not practice the faith well. During his recovery he was stuck in a hospital bed where all he had to read were spiritual texts and that ended up converting him. I will have to thank the Writer for suggesting this, it is the perfect saint for the word, BLAST.

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🗣 Artist Tag Questions

• What is one thing that has changed your life?
• Have you ever been in battle?
• Favorite event in history?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 19

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #19

Welcome to Day 19 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Arctic”, and I chose to reflect on Our Lady of the Snows.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Arctic”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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🕊 Our Lady of the Snows 

I thought it appropriate to draw Our Lady of the Snows for the word Arctic since we live in this cold state and rarely get much snow! I should pray we get lots of snow so I’ll have something to shovel this winter!

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🗣 Questions for Readers

• Favorite snow sport?
• Do you like snow?
• Favorite winter activity?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 18

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #18

Welcome to Day 18 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Deal”, and I chose to reflect on Jesus’ Betrayal. By far, this drawing has taken the longest to draw for the inktober series. As you can tell there is a lot of ink on the paper!

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Deal”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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🕊 Matthew Chapter 27

And when morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients of the people took counsel against Jesus, that they might put him to death.  2 And they brought him bound, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.  3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing that he was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, 4 Saying: I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is that to us? look thou to it.  5 And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed: and went and hanged himself with an halter.

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 17

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #17

Welcome to Day 17 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Ornate”, and I chose to draw an ornate monstrance.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Ornate”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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🕊 The Monstrance

I drew a monstrance for this prompt, for I believe it represents the word ornate quite well. I am definitely falling behind in getting these posted. Hope I can get through the rest of the month!

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• What is one thing you’d like to see/ visit that you haven’t yet?
• Most beautiful place you’ve been?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 16

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #16

Welcome to Day 16 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Blunder”, and I chose to reflect on Saint Augustine.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Blunder”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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✟ Saint Augustine of Hippo

Saint Augustine didn't exactly live a holy life to begin with. He eventually converted through his mother's, Saint Monica, prayers and became Bishop of Hippo. That's why I chose to draw Saint Augustine for the prompt, blunder.

"Shortly before Augustine's death, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that had converted to Arianism, invaded Roman Africa. The Vandals besieged Hippo in the spring of 430 when Augustine entered his final illness. According to Possidius, one of the few miracles attributed to Augustine, the healing of an ill man, took place during the siege. Augustine has been cited to have excommunicated himself upon the approach of his death in an act of public penance and solidarity with sinners. Spending his final days in prayer and repentance, he requested the penitential Psalms of David be hung on his walls so he could read them and upon which led him to "[weep] freely and constantly" according to Possidius' biography. He directed the library of the church in Hippo and all the books therein should be carefully preserved. He died on 28 August 430. Shortly after his death, the Vandals lifted the siege of Hippo, but they returned soon after and burned the city. They destroyed all but Augustine's cathedral and library, which they left untouched.

Augustine was canonized by popular acclaim, and later recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1298 by Pope Boniface VIII. His feast day is 28 August. He is considered the patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, and a number of cities and dioceses. He is invoked against sore eyes."

Credit

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• Favorite book by Saint Augustine?
• Favorite Doctor of the Church?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 15

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #15

Welcome to Day 15 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Ragged”, and I chose to reflect on The Prodigal Son.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Ragged”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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😁 The Prodigal Son

And he said: A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father: Father, give me the portion of substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his substance. And not many days after, the younger son, gathering all together, went abroad into a far country: and there wasted his substance, living riotously. And after he had spent all, there came a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want. And he went and cleaved to one of the citizens of that country. And he sent him into his farm to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him.  And returning to himself, he said: How many hired servants in my father's house abound with bread, and I here perish with hunger? I will arise, and will go to my father, and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee: I am not worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And rising up he came to his father. And when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and running to him fell upon his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, I am not now worthy to be called thy son. And the father said to his servants: Bring forth quickly the first robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and make merry: Because this my son was dead, and is come to life again: was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing:

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said to him: Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe. And he was angry, and would not go in. His father therefore coming out began to entreat him. And he answering, said to his father: Behold, for so many years do I serve thee, and I have never transgressed thy commandment, and yet thou hast never given me a kid to make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son is come, who hath devoured his substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

But he said to him: Son, thou art always with me, and all I have is thine. But it was fit that we should make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was dead and is come to life again; he was lost, and is found.

Luke 15:11-32

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🗣 Questions the Readers

• Have you ever found something you lost after a long time?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 14

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #14

Welcome to Day 14 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Trunk”, and I chose to reflect on The Ark of the Covenant.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Trunk”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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🕊 INSERT BIO TITLE

And they shall make me a sanctuary, and I will dwell in the midst of them:  9 According to all the likeness of the tabernacle which I will shew thee, and of all the vessels for the service thereof: and thus you shall make it: Frame an ark of setim wood, the length whereof shall be of two cubits and a half: the breadth, a cubit and a half: the height, likewise, a cubit and a half.

And thou shalt overlay it with the purest gold within and without: and over it thou shalt make a golden crown round about: And four golden rings, which thou shall put at the four corners of the ark: let two rings be on the one side, and two on the other. Thou shalt make bars also of setim wood, and shalt overlay them with gold. And thou shalt put them in through the rings that are in the sides of the ark, that it may be carried on them. And they shall be always in the rings, neither shall they at any time be drawn out of them.

And thou shalt put in the ark the testimony which I will give thee. Thou shalt make also a propitiatory of the purest gold: the length thereof shall be two cubits and a half, and the breadth a cubit and a half.  18 Thou shalt make also two cherubims of beaten gold, on the two sides of the oracle.  19 Let one cherub be on the one side, and the other on the other. Let them cover both sides of the propitiatory, spreading their wings, and covering the oracle, and let them look one towards the other, their faces being turned towards the propitiatory wherewith the ark is to be covered.

In which thou shalt put the testimony that I will give thee. Thence will I give orders, and will speak to thee over the propitiatory, and from the midst of the two cherubims, which shall be upon the ark of the testimony, all things which I will command the children of Israel by thee. Thou shalt make a table also of setim wood, of two cubits in length, and a cubit in breadth, and a cubit and half in height. And thou shalt overlay it with the purest gold: and thou shalt make to it a golden ledge round about. And to the ledge itself a polished crown, four inches high: and over the same another little golden crown.

Thou shalt prepare also four golden rings, and shalt put them in the four corners of the same table over each foot. Under the crown shall the golden rings be, that the bars may be put through them, and the table may be carried. The bars also themselves thou shalt make of setim wood, and shalt overlay them with gold to bear up the table. Thou shalt prepare also dishes, and bowls, censers, and cups, wherein the libations are to be offered of the purest gold. And thou shalt set upon the table loaves of proposition in my sight always.

Thou shalt make also a candlestick of beaten work of the finest gold, the shaft thereof, and the branches, the cups, and the bowls, and the lilies going forth from it. Six branches shall come out of the sides, three out of the one side, and three out of the other. Three cups as it were nuts to every branch, and a bowl withal, and a lily; and three cups, likewise of the fashion of nuts in the other branch, and a bowl withal, and a lily. Such shall be the work of the six branches, that are to come out from the shaft: And in the candlestick itself shall be four cups in the manner of a nut, and at every one, bowls and lilies. Bowls under two branches in three places, which together make six coming forth out of one shaft.

Exodus 25:8-35

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• Have you ever built anything with confusing instructions?
• After reading this scripture verse, could you build the Ark of the Covenant?
• Have you built anything without instructions?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 13

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #13

Welcome to Day 13 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Drink”, and I chose to reflect on Our Lord's Last Supper.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Drink”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

🍲 INSERT BIO TITLE

I drew Jesus blessing the bread wine at the Last Supper. I took inspiration from a holy card I found. I should say I used the Holy card for my reference photo.

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• If you could choose your last meal, what would you eat?
• Favorite food?
• What did you have for your last meal? (this requires a bit of thinking, doesn't it?)
• How many holy cards do you have?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 12

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #12

Welcome to Day 12 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Shredded”, and I chose to reflect on The Scourging at the Pillar.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Shredded”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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😭 Scourging at the Pillar

Then therefore, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platting a crown of thorns, put it upon his head; and they put on him a purple garment. And they came to him, and said: Hail, king of the Jews; and they gave him blows. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith to them: Behold, I bring him forth unto you, that you may know that I find no cause in him. (Jesus therefore came forth, bearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment.) And he saith to them: Behold the Man.

John 19:1-5

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🗣 Questions for Readers

• Hardest physical activity you ever took part in?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 11

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #11

Welcome to Day 11 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Sting”, and I chose to reflect on The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Sting”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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💗 The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Historically, the devotion to the Sacred Heart is an outgrowth of devotion to what is believed to be Christ's sacred humanity. During the first ten centuries of Christianity, there is nothing to indicate that any worship was rendered to the wounded Heart of Jesus. The revival of religious life and the zealous activity of Bernard of Clairvaux and Francis of Assisi in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, together with the enthusiasm of the Crusaders returning from the Holy Land, gave a rise to devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ and particularly to practices in honour of the Sacred Wounds.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart developed out of the devotion to the Holy Wounds, in particular to the Sacred Wound in the side of Jesus. The first indications of devotion to the Sacred Heart are found in the eleventh and twelfth centuries in the fervent atmosphere of the Benedictine or Cistercian monasteries. It is impossible to say with certainty what were its first texts or who were its first devotees.

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The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque are as follows:

1.    I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2.    I will establish peace in their homes.

3.    I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

4.    I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.

5.    I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

6.    Sinners will find in my Heart a fountain of mercy.

7.    Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8.    Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

9.    I will bless those places wherein the image of my Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored.

10.    I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11.    Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.

12.    In the excessive mercy of my Heart, I will grant the grace of final penitence to those who have                 been devoted to my Sacred Heart.

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• Favorite time of Day?
• Favorite place to read?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 10

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #10

Welcome to Day 10 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Sweep”, and I chose to reflect on Saint Catherine of Siena. I chose Saint Catherine (because Miss K suggested it) because she was a servant and probably took on the task of cleaning or "sweeping" the floors.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Sweep”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

🧹 INSERT BIO TITLE

Saint Catherine of Siena was an Italian mystic and pious laywoman who engaged in papal and Italian politics through extensive letter-writing and advocacy. Canonized in 1461, she is revered as a saint and as a Doctor of the Church due to her extensive theological authorship. She is also considered to have influenced Italian literature.

Born and raised in Siena, Catherine wanted from an early age to devote herself to God, against the will of her parents. She joined the "mantellates", a group of pious women, primarily widows, informally devoted to Dominican spirituality; later these types of urban pious groups would be formalized as the Third Order of the Dominicans, but not until after Catherine's death.[3] Her influence with Pope Gregory XI played a role in his 1376 decision to leave Avignon for Rome. The Pope then sent Catherine to negotiate peace with the Florentine Republic. After Gregory XI's death (March 1378) and the conclusion of peace (July 1378), she returned to Siena. She dictated to secretaries her set of spiritual treatises, The Dialogue of Divine Providence. The Great Schism of the West led Catherine of Siena to go to Rome with the pope. She sent numerous letters to princes and cardinals to promote obedience to Pope Urban VI and to defend what she calls the "vessel of the Church". She died on 29 April 1380, exhausted by her rigorous fasting. Urban VI celebrated her funeral and burial in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.

Credit

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• What is the most laborious task you have ever been assigned/done?
• Have you ever swept the floor?
• Longest letter you've ever written?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 9

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #9

Welcome to Day 9 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Heavy”, and I chose to reflect on The Carrying of the Cross.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Heavy”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

🕊 The Carrying of the Cross

This was the first idea that came to mind when I saw the prompt “heavy.” I suppose I could’ve done Aquinas or Augustine for their heavy minds filled thoughts. Aquinas was known as the dumb “ox” and oxen are pretty heavy.

And after they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own garments on him, and they led him out to crucify him. And they forced one Simon a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up his cross. And they bring him into the place called Golgotha, which being interpreted is, The place of Calvary. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh; but he took it not. And crucifying him, they divided his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 8

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #8

Welcome to Day 8 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Reckless”, and I chose to reflect on Saint Moses the Strong. I believe he is also referred to as Saint Moses the Black.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Reckless”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

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💪 Saint Moses the Strong

Saint Moses the Strong was not always nice! He was “reckless” hence the prompt for today. He was the leader of a gang that stole and killed. He found himself on the run from the law later in life so he hid at a monastery. Moses became a monk and turned to God.

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• How many pull-ups/ pushups can you do?
• Have you ever changed your mind?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 7

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #7

Welcome to Day 7 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Starfish”, and I chose to reflect on Our Lady Star of the Sea.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Starfish”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

⭐ Our Lady Star of the Sea

The title “Our Lady Star of the Sea, or in Latin, Stella Maris” is one of the many titles given to Mary, the Mother of God. It is thought to have arisen from a scribal error in a supposed etymology of the name of Mary.

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🚢 Reflection

Since today’s prompt was “starfish” what better to use Stella Maris for my subject. I’m not too technical on fitting the prompt specifically to the drawing - I’m just trying to fit things that go with the word and obviously there are starfish in the ocean. So let Mary, Stella Maris guide you through the ocean of this life!

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• Favorite sea shanty?
• Favorite Marian hymn?
• Favorite lake memory?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 6

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #6

Welcome to Day 6 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Pierce”, and I chose to reflect on The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Pierce”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

❤ The Immaculate Heart of Mary

For the "Pierce" prompt, I was immediately drawn to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her heart, pierced with sorrow, is one of the most tender and profound symbols in Catholic devotion. I wanted to express both her pain and her unwavering love — a heart wounded not by sin, but by her deep compassion and unity with her Son’s suffering.

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🧶 Reflection

Mary’s heart was pierced not once, but continually — from Simeon’s prophecy in the temple, to the foot of the Cross. She bore the suffering of a mother who loved perfectly, and whose love made her vulnerable to deep sorrow. Yet in that sorrow, there is no bitterness — only purity, strength, and a holy silence.

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🗣 Questions for the Readers

• Why do you keep reading these posts?
• How long have you been following along on this art journey?
• What is one thing you’d like to seen drawn on this blog?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 5

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #5

Welcome to Day 5 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Deer”, and I chose to reflect on Saint Rudolph.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Deer”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

🙏 Saint Rudolph of Gubbio

Saint Rudolph’s feast day is October 17th and he died in 1066. Not much is known about him but I found a few things on Catholic.org, “Benedictine bishop and disciple of St. Peter Damian, also called Rodolph. He spent years under the spiritual care and monastic leadership of St. Peter Damian until about 1061 when, while still young, he was named bishop of Gubbio, Italy. His term bishop was characterized for its remarkable charity.

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🦌 Reflection

As you know I drew Saint Rudolph for the prompt, DEER to play off the famous secular Christmas song, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Obviously Rudolph was one of Santa’s deer.

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🗣 Artist Tag Questions (readers should answer in comments)

• Favorite Christmas song?
• Favorite Saint?
• Favorite fall activity?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 4

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #4

Welcome to Day 4 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Murky”, and I chose to reflect on Jesus' calming of the Sea of Galilee.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Murky”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

🐠 Why are You Fearful, O Ye of Little Faith

The title “Sea of Galilee” worked well for this drawing prompt because of the "murkiness" of the storm that took place.

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🛥 Reflection

Matthew Chapter 8 Verse 23-27 And when he entered into the boat, his disciples followed him: And behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves, but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awaked him, saying: Lord, save us, we perish. And Jesus saith to them: Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up he commanded the winds, and the sea, and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him?

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🗣 Artist Tag Questions

• What is your biggest fear?
• Have you ever been in the in a situation that seemed terrible, but then the situation was not as it seemed? What?
• Where is your favorite place to boat/kayak/canoe?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober | Day 3

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #3

Welcome to Day 3 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Crown”, and I chose to draw a still life scene.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Crown”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

👑 A still Life

I cannot tell a lie...those are famous lines that George Washington DID NOT SAY after he DID NOT cut down the cherry tree. But I cannot tell a lie when I say that I did use AI to extract a reference photo for this sketch. Because who has a crown just lying around to pose for a still life scene? Not me! In a matter of minutes I had a scene to reference for my still life. And yes, a still life is just as it sounds. STILL, without movement.

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🧶 Reflection

I begin to think after my third drawing, "how am I going to get through 31 days?" I just don't have a ton of time to sketch. And I was contemplating if I should post this one because I like to only post my best work, but again these are simple sketches that take less than a day, so what can I expect. Usually I work on pieces that take a bit longer.

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🗣 Artist Tag Questions

• What is the fastest thing you have ever done?
• What is one thing you wish you could do over again that you've already done?
• Where are you going?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt! (hopefully there will be one...)

Inktober | Day 2

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #2

Welcome to Day 2 of my Inktober challenge! Each day, I’m drawing a different prompt with a simple Catholic twist. Today’s theme is “Weave”, and I chose to reflect on Our Lady, Undoer of Knots.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Weave”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

🕊 Who is Our Lady, Undoer of Knots?

The title “Undoer of Knots” comes from a 17th-century German devotion that highlights Mary's role in interceding for us—especially when life feels twisted, tangled, or hopeless. She gently untangles the knots caused by sin, wounds, or confusion.

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🧶 Reflection

In today’s drawing, I pictured Mary taking tangled, frayed threads and weaving them into something whole and beautiful. The knots represent our burdens—fear, sin, family wounds—and Mary unknots each one, offering us peace and hope. She doesn't cut the thread; she restores it. That speaks to the mercy and patience of a loving Mother.

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🗣 Artist Tag Questions

• Have you ever felt like your life was tangled in knots? How did you find peace?
• What’s one small “knot” you’d like to ask Our Lady to untie today?
• If your prayer life was a thread, how would you describe it right now—frayed, flowing, or being gently rewoven?

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Thanks for following along! I’ll be posting a new Catholic-themed Inktober drawing every day. Check back tomorrow for the next prompt!

Inktober Day 1

🖊 Inktober Artist Tag – Day #1

Welcome to my Inktober series! If you're new to it, Inktober is a drawing challenge where artists draw one ink-based drawing every day for the month of October. I remember participating in this challenge in high school art class but have never done it since. I kind of forgot about it until I stumbled upon it searching for drawing tags for my blog.

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Today’s Drawing Prompt: “Mustache”

⏱️ Drawing Timelapse:

🎬 Watch the Timelapse on YouTube

🌿 Saint Spotlight: St. Philip Neri

St. Philip Neri (1515–1595) was an Italian priest and founder of the Congregation of the Oratory. Known as the "Apostle of Rome," he combined deep spirituality with an infectious sense of humor. He often used joy and gentle humor to disarm pride and draw others to Christ. Philip believed holiness should be filled with joy and simplicity. He once walked through the streets with half his beard shaved to humble himself and keep vanity in check. His playful nature and sincere heart made him a beloved spiritual father to many.

🎨 Artist Q&A

1. What would a modern-day saint with a mustache look like in your art style?

He would probably look like a 21st century man.

2. Which saint do you think had the most “art-friendly” features to draw?

For some reason the female saints are seem easier to draw...

3. Do you ever include humor in your religious artwork?

I've never added humor.

4. Have you ever drawn a saint or religious figure just for fun?

Yes many times. A lot of my blog posts were just for fun.

5. If you could illustrate a children’s book about one saint, who would it be?

Maybe St Philip Neri. It would show children that saints can be humorous too.

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🖋️ Thanks for following along with today’s Inktober post! If you’re doing the challenge too, or just want to answer the Q&A questions, feel free to tag yourself and join the fun. I’d love to see your artwork and reflections! And if you have additional questions for me to answer during this inktober series please submit them to me in the comments or through the contact form!

And don’t forget to check out my brother’s writing project at The Scripted Scroll—he’s chronicling his own creative challenge this month.

Reference Photo

Hand-Drawn Artwork

– Esteban

Pentecost

 Podcast Portrait

This drawing was done on a canvas — if you can believe it. Yes, a real canvas! I used an inky substance to sketch the outline, then brought it to life with layers of watercolor paint.

This piece definitely took some time to complete. The details alone required a careful hand and lots of patience. For inspiration, I used an old holy card I found

Interestingly, this might be the most well-traveled piece of art I’ve created. I brought it along on a pilgrimage to Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the month of May, where I visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. I worked on it during spare moments throughout the trip, adding little touches here and there whenever I had time.

Creating art in a sacred space — especially during a pilgrimage — gave this portrait an added layer of meaning for me. It holds the memory of that journey, the quiet hours of reflection, and the sense of peace that surrounded the work as it unfolded.

- "I am the Queen of Heaven, who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same. Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they need to know for their salvation. Go and fear nothing. I will help you."

Can We Talk AI?

 When AI Doesn't cut it?

I know my readers and my readers know me. And I know how much they like AI...with that said let me show you my newest piece. This was done using three mediums: Charcoal, Oil Pastel, and Watercolor Paint.

You know those moments when someone means really well, but then technology swoops in and quietly misses the mark? That’s kind of how this story went — and yes, it involves artificial art.

My sister-in-law wanted to give a wedding gift that was more than just thoughtful — she wanted it to be sacred, beautiful, and personal. So naturally, she turned to an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But not just any image — she found one that looked serene and luminous, full of grace and heavenly peace. It was perfect.

Except… it was AI-generated.

Now, don’t get me wrong — AI can do some interesting things these days. It can “paint” in milliseconds, crank out digital imitations of Renaissance masters, and even get the folds of a veil almost right. But as my sister-in-law quickly realized, something about AI-generated religious art just doesn’t sit right. It’s not bad, exactly — just... off. A little too smooth, a little too hollow. Almost like it skipped prayer and went straight for the pixels.

So she turned to me.

With the original AI image in hand— a concept. An idea. She said, “Could you draw this — by hand?” And I knew exactly what she meant.

Because some images — especially ones of Mary, our divine and earthly Mother — deserve reverence. And reverence doesn’t come from a prompt or a codebase. It comes from quiet hours at a desk, from prayerful intention, from sketching and erasing and sketching again until the expression feels just right. It comes from the heart — not a machine.

So I sat down with my tools and got to work.

What you see here is the result: a hand-drawn image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I drew it with the kind of love and devotion that can’t be faked — certainly not by an algorithm. Every stroke, every shadow, every detail was intentional. Human. Real.

And when my sister-in-law saw the finished piece, she smiled and said what every artist longs to hear: “This is exactly what I was hoping for.”

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Why It Matters

There’s a reason why sacred art has been made by hand for centuries. Religious images aren’t just decoration — they’re invitations to prayer. They reflect divine mysteries, stir up devotion, and help lift our eyes toward heaven. And while AI might be able to mimic beauty, it can’t replicate love.

Art is incarnation. It’s flesh meeting form. And as Catholics, we believe deeply in that — in the union of spirit and matter, in the touch of the Creator through creation.

So no shade to the machines, but when it comes to Our Lady?

Let’s keep it personal.

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Want Something Like This?

I create original, hand-drawn Catholic artwork — icons, illustrations, and devotional pieces — all crafted with prayerful intention and traditional technique. If you're looking for a custom piece for your home, a gift, or a wedding present that won’t be mistaken for a soulless robot rendering, [reach out in the comments / or drop a message in the contact form]!

Our Mother deserves more than digital guesses. She deserves art made with love.

Miss K Begins to Draw

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Hello, readers of Esteban's blog! This is Miss K, Esteban's sister. I used to draw and paint in middle school art class, but then high school and college came along and I decided I didn't have any time. Fast forward eight years, and...I've started drawing again, partly in thanks to Esteban's encouragement (he's always telling my siblings and I how anyone can draw, "just look at it in shapes") and partly because I can bring a hobby to the monastery. I wanted to begin working on my skills before my free time is limited. :) 

I wasn't planning on doing a post so unfortunately, I don't have any progress pictures. 

Last October, I decided to draw St. Therese of Lisieux because she is one of my favorites and it was the month of her feast day, but...it took me five months to finish! The wimple was definitely the hardest. What's a wimple, you may ask? It's part of a religious sister's or nun's (yes, there's a difference!) habit that covers the head, neck, cheeks, and chin. It was originally worn by women in the medieval times, but now (sadly) only a select few communities of religious still wear them. 

Anyway, I think I asked Esteban about 100 times "How do I make the folds/wrinkles while still keeping it white?". His answer for every question: "Draw what you see, not what you know!". That phrase is going to be stuck in my head forever. After a few times of erasing it entirely, I was happy with the result. :) It really does make a difference when you break it up into shapes and different shades. 

About a month later, I drew St. Catherine of Siena for her feast day, but she's also one of my favorites (and a patron saint of mine...does that give my first name away?). I gifted this one to a friend who's also named after her. This one was definitely much harder to draw- closed eyelids, hands, Crown of Thorns, Rosary, flowers, and the crucifix. I'm really happy with the result though! I added my favorite quote from her: "He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely." 

Finally, my most recent drawing...St. John Bosco! You guessed it, he's also one of my favorites! There are so many wonderful saints for every occasion in life, so how could I just pick one favorite? ;) He was by far the hardest because I had to draw ears, folded hands, and hair. I think I prefer drawing veils over hair...

Mine vs. reference

However, I was happy with the result because someone guessed it was St. John Bosco based on the curly hair, one of the hardest parts! Also, I made some great progress comparing start to finish. I tried to draw on smaller paper and Esteban looked at it and said very nicely "It would be easier to draw him on bigger paper." He was right! Thanks, Esteban! ;) 

I just laugh at this drawing now, but I had to start somewhere! 

Next up, I'll be drawing St. Gemma Galgani because...she too is one of my favorites!

What do you think? Which drawing is your favorite? Have you ever drawn anything? 

Until next time,

-Miss K

The Sunshine Blogger Award

🌞 Sunshine Blogger Award 🌞

I’m honored to be nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award! I’ve never done a tag before and was a bit unsure how it works, but it seems pretty straightforward—I just answer a few questions! This is such a fun way to support fellow bloggers, share more about ourselves, and connect with our amazing community. Keep reading for my answers and nominations!

• Thank you, Miss K, @ Today with Miss K

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📜 Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
• Answer the 11 questions they asked you.
• Nominate 11 new bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post or on your blog.

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✅ Where is your favorite place to read?

Answer: My favorite place to read... hmm. Usually, it’s the couch—with the TV on in the background—because it’s hard to find a quiet spot in the house. Another favorite is the car: whether it be reading road signs or chowing down a book on the way home from church I will gladly read in the car (as long as I am not driving).. But ideally, I love reading in quiet, peaceful places—usually somewhere in nature.

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✅ If you could be the patron saint of anything, what would it be and why?

Answer: I would be the patron saint of thinking up a good answer! Because I'm struggling with this question. No, I would want to be the patron saint of everyone who likes mustard. That would be a good one...I wonder if there is one? I'd probably be patron of artists because that is what I like doing.

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✅ Swimming pools or lakes?

Answer: Lakes 100%! Can you fish, swim, canoe, kayak, boat, snorkel, watch sunsets, walk on water (in winter) in a swimming pool? We are talking about your everyday pool, right? Not the King's pool? Plus you can see all kinds of wildlife at a lake.

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✅ You have to spend an entire day in one room of your house. Which room would it be?

Answer: The basement—definitely. It’s where I draw and work on art projects. Bonus: if there’s tornadic weather, I’m already in the safest place in the house!

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✅ Would you rather lose your hearing or your sight?

Answer: I don’t even want to answer this—Murphy’s Law, you know? But if I had to choose, I’d go with hearing. How could I draw without being able to see?

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✅ What song always gets stuck in your head?

Answer: Either something by Elvis or one of the kids' songs my siblings sing on repeat!

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✅ Who is the most inspirational person in your life? (Real or fictional)

Answer: The most inspirational person in my life is...You! You are the most inspirational person I know. You keep coming back here and viewing my art and reading my posts! Thank You!

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✅ What is your favorite book series?

Answer: Lemony Snicket’s *A Series of Unfortunate Events*—hands down. I just finished it! Another top one is the *Half Upon a Time* series, but I still haven’t convinced my sister to read it (not Miss K, my other sister).

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✅ If you could learn a new language, what would it be and why?

Answer: I’d go with German. A lot of my family has German heritage, and I took a class in high school—so I know a few basics. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

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✅ Would you stay in the present or travel back in time for a month?

Answer: The present—no question. God placed us in this time for a reason. If I were meant to be in another time, I wouldn’t be here answering this question!

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✅ Why did you start your blog?

Answer: Probably the easiest question here! I started this blog to showcase my artwork. Five years later, I’m still posting—thanks to the encouragement and kindness of readers... and some people think it's funny.

🌻 My Nominees:

I’d love to pass this award on to some amazing bloggers! I nominate the following five:

• The Writer @ The Scripted Scroll (Congrats on the new blog!)
• Miss K @ Today with Miss K
• Elizabeth @ The College Seamstress
• Sandy @ Sketching Everyday
• Eduardo @ Ebbilustracoes

🌞 My Questions for You:

1. If you could only have one hobby and had to give up all others, what would it be and why?
2. Name your favorite season and give an explanation as to why it is your favorite.
3. What is the weirdest thing you've ever done?
4. Favorite thing/subject to draw?
5. Favorite art medium and why?
6. Bald or hair down to your feet?
7. Favorite time period?
8. Shorts and tee shirt in below 0 weather or winter coat and snow apparel in Death Valley?
9. Favorite spot to vacation?
10. What would you build if you had unlimited supplies?
11. If you had a horse what would you do/where would you go? If you have a horse, what is your favorite reason for having it?

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💛 Thanks so much for reading! If you’ve been tagged, I can’t wait to see your answers. If not, feel free to tag yourself and join the fun! Also, my brother, “The Writer,” recently launched a writing blog called The Scripted Scroll—go check it out!

– Esteban