Beyond Words: A Treasury of Paintings and Devotional Writings [Hardcover]

Ron DiCianni (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1998

1999 Gold Medallion Award winner!
A collection of paintings accompanied by a theme Scripture verse, a short devotional, notes about the artwork, and a lined space for journal entries.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ron DiCianni's work is probably the most well known in the world of contemporary Christian art. Among other projects, he creates the somewhat ominous covers for Frank Peretti's books of spiritual warfare. But this collection of his work shows a different side of DiCianni's Christianity, revealing his sturdy faith and sincere humility. The very first painting in the book, In the Beginning, shows the powerful hand of God lifting a helpless Adam from the mud in the beauty of a primeval universe.

Each painting is accompanied by DiCianni's thoughts on how God works in our daily lives, painter's notes that elucidate the connection between the painting and the heavenly force that inspired them, quotes from well-known religious figures, and space for the reader to share his or her own "thoughts from the heart." DiCianni's biblical figures, such as Elizabeth, Mary, and Simeon, hold a muscular energy as modern as that of his contemporary figures, and he often includes people in both ancient and contemporary clothing in his allegorical paintings, such as the striking image of Christ washing the feet of a prosperous-looking businessman in a leather chair. Each of the 20 paintings is more stunningly thought-provoking than the last. For the Christian who loves inspirational art, this is a very moving collection, indeed.

About the Author

Ron DiCanni has been a professional illustrator for the past twenty-five years. Schooled at the American Academy of Art, he has since been commissioned by some of the world's largest and best known companies, such as ABC, NBC, McDonald's, The Smithsonian, Ford Motor Company, and the United States Olympic Committee, among a long list of others.

Ron is a native of Chicago and lives in Illinois with his wife, Pat, and his two best works of art, Grant and Warren.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842301763
• ISBN-13: 978-0842301763
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #791,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking art combined with illuminating insights, August 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Beyond Words: A Treasury of Paintings and Devotional Writings (Hardcover)

DiCianni's art is some of the most recognizable art among contemporary christians. A long time fan of his pioneering ability to communicate his passion and heart through his art, I was deeply moved by the artist's accounts of why and what he draws. This is a terrific giftbook & a terrific read.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, May 10, 2002

By 

Toby Ward "tobyalan" (Kalamazoo, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond Words: A Treasury of Paintings and Devotional Writings (Hardcover)

This book is filled with breathtaking paintings and a wonderful collection of writings. It is truly amazing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Words by Ron DiCianni, May 10, 2000

By 

"twopenny" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond Words: A Treasury of Paintings and Devotional Writings (Hardcover)

I just received this book as a gift and I haven't been able to put it down! The pictures are wonderful and very moving. The words are very uplifting. I especially like the author's comments about his paintings. I would recommend it as a gift or as a purchase for yourself.