Greg Olsen was raised in a farming community in rural Idaho. His paintings are deeply influenced by his life experiences and spiritual journeys and strive to convey stories that speak to the soul.
Olsen’s art has found a place in notable institutions, including the Pentagon, the NCAA Hall of Fame, the US Forest service, and numerous religious and educational settings.
In 1988, a transformative visit to Jerusalem deeply enriched his spiritual and artistic perspectives. This journey would lay the groundwork for his future works, especially in the realm of Christian art. In 1993, he signed a deal with Mill Pond Press, propelling his Christian-themed works into the national spotlight.
This was a random book that was laying around our church today and since I loved the cover illustration that had been used I chose to take an opportunity to read it before church started. This is another great reason to ever be early to anyplace just as a heads-up.
There was no actual plot in the book nor a retelling of the story of Jesus. Instead each page gave a beautifully done picture, which was before a small factlet about Jesus. Thus the book is a nice little primer for children that will help them to get to know the most important traits of their Savior.
The illustrations that were used for the book were the brightly colored and quite familiar artwork that many Mormon church-goers will recognize. And each piece was picked out specifically to correspond fore each trait that was mentioned about Christ.
The reading is very basic so if the book survives past the very youngest age group then it will make a good introductory read for young readers. Otherwise this could also be a nice and wonderful book to keep on adult shelves as well.
Would I get this book for young children. Absolutely! The pictures of Jesus are so beautiful and peaceful and show so much love from Jesus towards us. Would I get this book for Elderly and every one in between? Absolutely! And for the same reasons. Looking a beautiful art work of our Savior makes me feel loved and peaceful!
**Talking points - What do you know about Jesus? Which are your favorite pictures of him in this book?
Beautiful pictures of the Savior. I do wish the words in the book matched the song exactly, because it would be a good teaching tool. The words to the song are in the back of the book.
Though I love all of Greg Olsen's religious children's books, I find this one the least visually pleasing. Maybe I am just not as fond of the paintings included in Beautiful Savior as in the others.