Mike Newman is a regular member of Community Church Hull. He is married to Margit, and lives in East Yorkshire. Here, he tells us about his paintings, and the part his faith has played in his art.

I was born in Fulham, a long time ago and became a Christian soon after the birth of our first son.

After experiencing many incidences of God’s love, miracles and guidance through my working life, far too many examples  to share here, I  came to Hull in the early 1980s to manage the Van Leer factory in Southcoates Lane. I  joined Hull Community Church 28 years ago, then known as North Hull Christian Fellowship.

Painting has held my interest ever since a visit to the Millbank Tate, soon after the war, and viewing Paul Nash’s 'Totes Meer'(Dead sea) and Stanley Spencer’s 'Last Supper'. Since then, I dabbled in painting whenever I could find the time.

Years ago I realised that when God breathed His Spirit into Adam He was endowing all mankind with creative gifts. On retirement in 1995 I grabbed the chance to indulge my passion for a number of years studying fine art and design, ultimately gaining a Masters.

Several canvasses are based on the Genesis account of Eden. One large canvas called "Edenbridge” ( see below)which is in the USA, portrays the expulsion of a bewildered Eve, stepping out of the canvas into our times.
I was told by an observer the painting would speak prophetically into many women’s lives.

“Who Me?”, in the cafeteria, is another Eden based picture. It abstractly depicts Adam in the garden, telling God it was not his, but Eve’s fault.
Another, on the cafeteria wall, is a light hearted version, called “Eve’s table, Adam’s lunch”.

Search the paintings, but more importantly explore
and enjoy your own creative gifts... you may be surprised how God may use them.

Enjoy the show .Let the dance begin.
Enter the gene pool, pull mankind behind you,
the string will stretch forever.
Concede no ground, not left, nor right.
Reach  for the heart of the sun, pass  transient stars.
Catch random thoughts, feelings unknown, paint fiery colours In a physical, mystical, painterly language.

Dark emotion, brightly shown.
Liberation, rejuvenation.
Explore scratchy marks, brilliant blobs, and soothing tone.
Metaphoric, self revealing, as I was, as I’m known
Self discovery, a fascinating journey, It keeps you guessing till you arrive.
Come with me; commence the journey, begin the dance.

You knew what I was, but what of me now?
Quiet, still in the ground, beyond the hill.
What did I leave?
Canvasses, unfinished, heart, with passion 
Is that all there is, Peggy Lee ?

Feint impressions?  Was I here at all? What did I leave?
The dance was fun, the dance was long.
Painterly daubs  remain  with a quietly whispered song.
So dead painter, what did you achieve?

- 'Notes For a Dead Painter' - Mike Newman

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