“FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER,” art by Greg Olsen, lyrics by Ruth Muir Gardner, Covenant Communications, $14.99, 32 pages
“DRAW NEAR UNTO ME: Images and Thoughts to Lift and Inspire,” art by Greg Olsen, Covenant Communications, $14.99, 80 pages
Two recently released books feature the art of Mormon artist Greg Olsen.
In “Families Can Be Together Forever,” more than a dozen of Olsen’s paintings illustrate the words to the well-known song in both The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ “Hymns” and “Children’s Songbook.”
The picture book-style book features art of children, from babies to the whimsical possibilities of castles in the sky and using a table as the basis of an airplane. There are also his creations of siblings along with nearly a half-dozen of children with the Savior. A copy of the song with music is at the end.
Children learning the song can benefit from the art and words together.
“Draw Near Unto Me: Images and Thoughts to Lift and Inspire” includes about 60 of Olsen’s art from his well-known religious art of Jesus Christ to paintings of children and impressionistic landscapes.
The 8-inch-by-8-inch gift book includes an uplifting thought or scripture with each image. Olsen’s image of Jesus and John the Baptist is paired with the thought “The real journey is the one that takes place within us.” Abraham Lincoln’s “The best way to destroy an enemy is to make them your friend” is with Lincoln Logs — two children building with Lincoln Logs around a Timberline stove.
“When all other lights go out, follow the light within,” is featured with his impressionistic painting of a New England lighthouse along a landscape of a rocky coastline.
The book shows Olsen’s range in his art and can be appreciated by those of a variety of faiths.
If you go ...
What: Greg Olsen signing
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.
Where: Deseret Book, Salt Lake Flagship, 45 W. South Temple
Web: deseretbook.com/misc/store_events/index.html; gregolsen.com
Also ...
When: Friday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.
Where: Deseret Book, University Village, 1076 S. 750 East, Orem
Email: rappleye@deseretnews.com Twitter: CTRappleye