Ashburn Pastor Rediscovers Childhood Talent

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to take a chance and do something you were once passionate about?

Pastor John Peterson, whose first passion is to serve God as head of Ashburn Presbyterian Church, always felt the tug of another passion as well – art.  He enjoyed drawing and painting as a child, but never pursued it.

When Peterson heard about classes at ArtSquare in Leesburg, he decided give it a try. The idea of painting again was intimidating at first, he said. But once classes started, he found his teachers incredibly encouraging.

He found painting to be a refreshing form of relaxation, after a busy workday. 

“The relaxing part has been my primary motivator,” Peterson said.

Peterson credits Judith Thompson, an instructor at ArtSquare who opened the door for his work to be in a show. She helped him figure out how to present his paintings and select the best pieces of his work.

He describes his technique as “impressionist-like,” using broad brushstrokes with oils and acrylics to create street scenes with people, including cities and landscapes. Often he will take a picture and then use that scene to create his perception of it on canvas.

“I use words professionally in ministry, but this is a different way to create the perspective of things we see every day,” Peterson said.  “My artwork reflects my faith in terms of God’s creativity, which is all around us. Sometimes we don’t otherwise see.”

Peterson’s collection, “Connection,” remains on exhibit through Sunday, April 7 at ArtSquare, 12 Cardinal Park Drive SE, Leesburg.