All For the Greater Glory of God.
Artwork By  Jill M. Rodts
VISION ILLUSTRATION
  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Art of Faith
    • Art of Faith Entry Form
    • Art of Faith artists
  • Recent works
  • Meet the Artist
  • Originals
  • Art of Faith shows
  • Photography
  • Chalk Drawings
Picture
"Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth."  Isaiah 53:7.  Christ is the icon of the unseen God.  "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For in Him were created all things in heaven on earth, the visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  He is the head of the body, the church."
                                                                                                                     Colossians 1:15-18.

Icons are a communication of the truth of heaven.  The veneration of icons leads us to encounter in faith Christ and his mysteries. We know that Jesus wants to stay with us not only in grace but truly in made present in the Holy Eucharist of the Blessed Sacrament. By his Incarnation we can celebrate the humanity of Christ, our Lord. He became the Blessed Babe of Bethlehem, (which means House of Bread).  He is our Savior and won salvation for us.  In the drawing to the left, Jesus takes up our cross so we are never alone for he was born to be Emmanuel~ God is with us in all our daily trials.

The Love of the Creator

Even before revealing him to man in words of truth, God reveals himself to him through the universal language of creation, the work of his Word, of his wisdom: the order and harmony in the cosmos – which both the child and the scientist discover –"from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator," for the author of beauty created them.
                                                                                                                                                  Catechism of the Catholic Church 2500
"Created in the image of God, man also expresses the truth of his relationship with God, the Creator by the beauty of his artistic works.... Arising from talent given by the Creator and from man's own effort, art is a form of practical wisdom, uniting knowledge and skill, to give form to the truth of reality in a language accessible to sight or hearing.  To the extent that it is inspired by truth and love of beings, art bears a certain likeness to God's activity in what he has created. " Catechism of the Catholic Church 2501

Scripture & Thoughts by Saints on flowers

Picture
"As the heavens tower over the earth, so God's love towers over the faithful....Our days are like the grass, like flowers of the field we blossom...but the kindness of the Lord's kindness is forever toward the faithful from age to age."               Psalm 103: 11,15,17.


"Let everything in creation draw you to God.  Refresh your mind with some innocent recreation and needful rest, if it were only to saunter through the garden or the fields, listening to the sermon preached by the flowers, the trees, the meadows, the sun, the sky and the whole universe.  You will find that they exhort you to love and praise God; that they excite you to extol the greatness of the Sovereign Architect Who has given them their being."    – St. Paul of the Cross

God's Natural Beauty~ Tropicana and Four Red Roses – Oil    

“The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm.  If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.”  ― St. Thérèse de Lisieux, Story of A Soul, Autobiography

Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!      Matthew 6:28-30.

"Beauty directs our souls to our creator.  We must be first re-united with the traditions from which we come, if we are to produce art of the Church as it is today, that is nevertheless as glorious as the past."  David Clayton, On John Paul II's Letter to Artists.

Picture
Magnolia Textiles – oil
Picture
At the Foot of the Cross, the Lily blooms – oil

Newest Work

Picture
Unfolding – oil

In the Summer of 2021, in the Year of St. Joseph, I went back to study for a Masters in Sacred Art through Pontifex University by taking studio classes at the Sacred Art Institute on Enders Island. This class was a devotional painting workshop on St. Joseph and Jesus. Our instructor shared ideas and writing from Fr. Boniface Hicks' book, Through the Heart of St. Joseph.  We studied the character of St. Joseph by listening to Pope John Paul II's writing, Redemptoris Custos on the mission and life of this holy worker. My master copy is done in oil is based on Bartolo Estaban Murillo's masterpiece, St. Joseph and the Child Jesus.  We look to the strong faithful man of the Holy Family and protecting arm of St. Joseph to lead us in these times.
Picture
Summer 2022  ~More new work to come on the Guardian of the Redeemer, good Saint Joseph. Peace + Blessings~ Jill
Picture



This website is a work in progress.
Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and ENKINDLE in them the fire of your love.  I have many sacrifice beads, prints of icons and oil paintings, holy cards, journals, greeting cards, photo coasters, available for purchase that are not on my website. Please email me at jillmr96@gmail.com for more information.

“In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. Christ himself made extensive use of images in his preaching, fully in keeping with his willingness to become, in the Incarnation, the icon of the unseen God.”

The Way of Beauty: The Letter to Artists April 4, 1999, 12
                                  Saint John Paul II


The Triumph of the Cross~ Apse Mosaic of Basilica of San Clemente

Picture
The Triumph of the Cross ~ The 12th Century Mosaic Apse of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome will be our featured ART of FAITH TALK on Thursday, February 18th at 3 pm. Tune in to hear the rich symbolism presented within this beautiful Jesus Crucified mosaic. Listen to the meaning of the words of "Abide in Me, and I will Abide in you. I am the Vine and You are the Branches"; along with the rich Catholic roots and heritage depicted in this piece of artwork.

10 Year Commemoration of Art of Faith SacreD Art Show
STarting Thursday, Feb. 18 –– Saturday, Feb. 28

Picture
Announcing our 10th Annual Art of Faith Sacred Art show and sale! It will look different this year since we are unable to gather in large groups.



Thurs., Feb.18 at 6:30 pm.  ~ The Original Image of the Divine Mercy Movie
We will celebrate by showing the Original Image of the Divine Mercy movie in McCarthy Hall at St. Pius X. Since St. Faustina heard the voice of Jesus... paint an image of the pattern you see with the words, “Jesus, I trust in you!” Jesus asked her to paint his likeness! It is fitting to share this movie as she is another one of our patron Saints for artists!


“I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.

Artists can create and share new works of this theme. We will be going online for this event due to CoVid-19 restrictions. God willing we will be able to meet again for an art show at a later date. We will celebrate the fruits of our labor of the past 9 years of the sacred art shows through previous talks, music, poems and artwork celebrating each year’s theme. We take Feb. 18, the feast of Blessed Fra Angelico, patron Saints of artists for the celebration of our event as this was the day of our first Art of Faith Show. For a series of 10 days we will be commemorating the the previous shows celebrating art, and music of each theme posting them on this Facebook group. Stay tuned! Feb. 18- Feb. 27

10th Annual Art of Faith 2021 ~ Sacred Artists

Judith Costello, Davenport, IA, www.unwindstudio.wordpress.com, mixed media, painting

Paul Herrera, Moline, IL, www.artlegacyleague.org, calligraphy, carved slate

Sue Kouma Johnson, Lincoln, NE, www.catholicartandjewelry.com,paintings, jewelry,

Fr. Bill Kneemiller, Davenport IA, www.holylandmilitaryrosary.org, rosaries

Cris Potthoff, Bartonville, IL, www.prayerfularts.com/ pysanky

Jill Rodts, Milan, IL, www.visionillustration.com  ~icons, paintings, poetry, cards

Gabrielle Schadt, Le Claire, IA, www.gabrielleschadt.com, paintings

Monica Skrzypczak, Rockford, IL, outpouringoftrust.com, chaplets, rosaries & oil paintings

Taryn Watkins, Peoria, IL, tarynawatkins.wixsite.com/portfolio, paintings


10th Annual Art of Faith 2021 ~ Musicians

Annie Karto, www.anniekarto.com, Catholic Singer, Songwriter, Overshadow Me, Fix Your Gaze, St. Teresa's Prayer

Mark Kline, www.markkline.com, Catholic Singer, Songwriter, The Vine and Branches, The Triumph of the Cross,

Steve Steely, St. Pius X Church Director of Music Ministry and Organist,
Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, and Blessed Jesus At Thy Incarnate Word by Johann Sebastian Bach

Shelley Walljasper, Cantor, St. Pius X Church, Amazing Grace, The Power of Your Love, Mighty To Save

Mary Ann Hansen, Cantor, St. Pius X Church, accompanied by Sharon Ade who wrote a song to A Prayer of St. Bonaventure

Special thanks for making this 10th Anniversary Show possible. Thank you Jesus!

All of the talented musicians and artists present online.

Our Lady of Lourdes and the Pastor of St. Pius X Church, Msgr. Mark Merdian; Art of Faith Committee–  Brenda DeLathouwer, Mindy Olson,  Jill Rodts and Jeanne Wonio.  Thanks to our volunteers and benefactors who offered prayers, support & sacrifices throughout the year.  May God reward you!

Go to Art of Faith Tab for ONLINE Program

Picture

9th Annual Art of Faith ~ Rest In the Sacred heart of Jesus

Meet Artists & Musicians who celebrate the good, true and beautiful through their artwork.
Emily Blake-, acrylic painting, prints
 
Dennis Carlson-, wood carving
 
Community of St. John
-, handmade cards, icons, leather goods, honey, jam, rosaries, & quilted items;
 
Judith Costello, mixed media, painting, drawing
 
Brenda DeLathouwer- art/ chaplets
 
Lily Devlin-, crochet roses;
 
Jordan Emerick, cord rosaries
 
Penny Ensley, pen, pencil, 
 
Kee Fryxell, colored pencils, pastels
 
Paul Herrera, prints, calligraphy, holy cards, & carved slate;

Dennis Hurd, woodworking

Christi Jentz, jewelry, acrylic & egg tempera painting;
 
Fr. William Kneemiller, military rosary, prayer books
 
Mindy & Lydia Olson, peg dolls,
 
Ruth & Evelyn Olson,
sewing rosary cases,
 
Jill Rodts,  jewelry, icons, painting, drawing, poetry, holy cards
 
Monica Skrzypczak, chaplets, rosaries, & oil paintings 
 
Kathryn Weets
,- oil paintings and colored pencils 

9th Annual Art of Faith Show info.
Rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus ~ 2020    Sacred Art Show & Sale

Sat. Feb. 15, 2 pm - 7 pm & Sun. Feb. 16th 9 am - 2 pm. 

 Musicians Schedule

Feb. 15th   2:00 pm – 3:00 pm      Annie Karto  – Hall

                   3:10 pm – 4:10 pm      Mark Kline – Guitarist
        
                   4:15 pm – 5:15 pm      Chris Dunn  – Guitarist          
                    
                   5:20 pm – 6:20 pm      Lydia Olson – Harpist

                   6:25 pm                        Sara Dvorsky  & Sharon Ade – Pianist

                   7:15 pm – 8:30 pm     Annie Karto & Matthew Baute – Church

Feb. 16th    
                  9:00 am – 10:00 am     Jerry Schroeder – Guitar

               10:00 am – 11:00 am     Latin Mass Schola – Gregorian Chant

             11:00 am – 12:00 pm       Lydia Olson & Clare Nonnemann- Harpists

             12:00 pm –  1:00 pm       Annie Karto – Hall
                             
               1:10 pm  – 1:40 pm       Jordan Catholic School Choral Choir
                   
               1:45 pm                          Sara Dvorsky  & Sharon Ade – Pianist
                         
               1:50 pm –  2:00 pm       High School Art Contest Winners         

               3:00 pm –  4:30 pm       Annie Karto  – Church


8th Annual Art of Faith ~ The Merciful Love of Jesus ~ Artists

Images of 7th Annual Art of Faith Sacred Art Show & SaLE
Triumph of the Cross and the Faces behind the artwork

My Mission ~ to point to the Most Beautiful ~ God.

Vision • Illustration ~ To illustrate the beauty of the rich deposit of faith in sacred scriptures and sacred tradition. To create sacred art that reflects the truth, beauty, holiness and goodness of God.  To spread the message of Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life through artwork that lifts the heart to contemplate the mysteries of faith, giving hope to all believers.

Art of Faith Coordinator
Graphic Designer
Icon Painter
Art Instructor (workshops for adults, young adults, women and children)

Poet

The Call

God's Only Begotten Son pleads with me. 
Repent and believe.
Come after me! God has perfect timing.
I hear the call to change to a new way of living.
A threefold promise is given to me.
Hearing the call to believe!
Abandoning my own way of life
Embracing the call to sacrifice.
The call to follow the loveable Christ!
Accepting all grace to follow the call of Jesus
who called me into new life!
Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!

Copyright 2022 Jill Rodts
The Gospel of Mark 1:14-20

On coming to Galilee
Jesus proclaims the Gospel news,
Repent and believe.
Come after me.
Fishers of me, I declare you will be.
Just come follow me.
Abandoning their plans,
and trust in His Word,
Jesus' voice was heard.
The meeting was divinely designed at the appointed time.
We pray to be like the apostles that day.
Simon, Andrew, James and John
Give us the courage to imitate your steps.
They left their livelihood and own nets.

Copyright 2022 Jill Rodts

"When we see a beautiful object, a beautiful garden, or a beautiful flower, let us think that there we behold a ray 
of infinite beauty of God, who has given existence to that object."  – St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

OUR SERVICES
Graphic Design
Print & Marketing
Logos 
Icons –Drawings– Paintings
Photography


VISION ILLUSTRATION
Art of Faith Shows
All Rights Reserved. 

Copyright Jill Rodts
SUPPORT
FAQ
Terms of Use