Timothy Mansen

As a native of the Pacific Northwest, the rugged natural environment instilled in me a love of beauty and a longing to know the Creator behind the creation. To this day I still love spending time outdoors, whether it is hiking, running, bicycling or painting a landscape. This remains for me a great way to connect with my Creator.

My early experiences of being outdoors with my sketch-pad were enjoyable but also frustrating. My attempts to capture the beauty around me with pencil or brush revealed that my ability was a far cry from what was in front of me. Realizing my limitations, I sought skill-based training. Noticing that the artists I admired benefitted from a classical art education, I pursued this avenue as well.

It was during this time of study that I became fascinated with the classical method and mindset, seeing in it a soundness of thought, fascination with whole-ness, harmony and beauty. And while this course of study was challenging, I saw the hard work paying off as my skills developed.

Soon after art school I started to take on students, teaching others the valuable lessons that I have learned. To this day I still enjoy teaching and seeing the students learn and grow as they apply these principles. Teaching also continues to be a means of my own personal development, in so many ways.

Teaching Philosophy

All great art of the past was based on principles of Harmony (Unity in Variety); I communicate these principles in an engaging manner through lecture, demonstration of art practices, as well as student exercises. I believe theory is essentially linked to practical application. My goal is to maintain a class environment that is rigorous, so that a student grows in knowledge and skill, while also enjoyable.

Statement of Faith

I love Jesus Christ. He is my Lord, Savior and friend. I believe He is the Messiah, the Son of the one true God. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, breathed out by the Holy Spirit, into human writers.

While I honor and respect various Christian traditions, I don't subscribe to any one tradition. I have a heart to see diverse groups and denominations unified, learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses.

I currently attend Living Waters Apostolic Center, a small church in Federal Way, WA. I appreciate that this church values sound, biblical teaching, along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.