Local Color artist Paula Giltner has recently completed her fifth and sixth commissioned art pieces for Park Plaza Christian Church. The church displays three of Paula’s original paintings in the foyer, one in the fellowship hall, and the pieces shown here were designed for the reception area by the offices. Each painting has a spiritual significance for the congregation and leaders that so appreciate original art.

Paula Giltner | Joplin MO

For me, art is a way to appreciate and describe the beauty of God’s creation. I enjoy the challenge of using different media to achieve a specific mood or scene. Watercolor is often my choice because of its clean quality, luminosity and spontaneity. Figures, architecture, landscapes and animals are some of my favorite subjects, while scriptures and song lyrics are often my sources of inspiration. It’s always rewarding to explore the endless possibilities of design. I have enjoyed creating art from my own impressions and ideas, but over the years I have grown to welcome the challenge of commissioned art, and putting someone else’s ideas down on paper or canvas. My clients always stretch my mind and teach me a level of discipline I wouldn’t have otherwise reached.”

Paula Giltner began her career illustrating a picture Bible for College Press Publishing of Joplin in 1978. The project took 9 years and had 700 pages of illustrations. The Pictorial New Testament is today being published in several languages for use in foreign missions. Then Paula spent 6 years working for Goodman Church Builders of Joplin painting architectural renderings and coordinating interiors with some opportunities to design. Soon she was illustrating and painting artist conceptuals for many regional architects and developers. Paula also accepted a wide variety of artistic opportunities including portraits, murals, book and magazine illustration, commissioned fine art and stage scenery. For the last 15 years, she has worked on the campus of Ozark Christian College as artist-in-residence creating art for many campus aesthetics and events including a signature painting, murals, fine art, college history displays and other designs and visuals.
Paula has received her art education at MSSC, and has received many awards for her fine art locally. The Thomas Hart Benton art competition gave her watercolor, “Party at the Lodge” the Best of Show award for 2010.

Paula Giltner's Paintings