Beyond Techniques and Strokes

Rheinz Agcaoili

As an art, painting requires a deep and imaginative mind in order to unfold a

message where words fail to express. These products of ingenious creations allow
people to exhibit their cavernous thoughts and feelings on the things that matter most
to them. Like Karyl Prences D. Temple who uses her knack in painting to share her faith
and testimony to others. This 16 year-old young woman heartily represented Gattaran
Branch during the FSY’s Variety Show program, where she charcoal-painted a portrait
of President Russel M. Nelson. Her masterpiece captured both the hearts of participants
and leaders as they were amazed to the wonderful display. Needless to say, her gift did
not only highlight her creative wit but her testimony to the Lord’s prophet, seer and
revelator. As she continues to bear her sacred belief through colors and shades, she
allowed us to discover her rich silhouettes of life in her eternal canvass.

Fixing the Canvass to its Scaffold

From her young age, Karyl has manifested an inclination to arts. She has been amazed
to the wonders of the earth and how these can be transformed into undying displays.
Her interest grew stronger as she was influenced by her cousin who was a drafting
student that time. Being amazed with her cousins’s masterpieces, her burning desire to
learn grew more and more. With her determination, she was able to imprint simple, yet
for her it was very meaningful, symbols that depict her imagination. It was a garden
near to a forest. As expected, her first was not that prepossessing but surely it was
enough that she was able to finally fix her canvass to its scaffolding. Her journey of
mixing colors had begun.

Blending the Right Shades of Colors

Color blending became a challenge not just in her craft but also in her life. Though she
was determined and passionate, her self-doubts became a challenge. Her feeling of
being not good enough built a wall that hindered her for a while. But because of the
support of her love ones the color of dullness fades as he strived to spray them away
with positivity and dedication. She finally learned blending the right colors into her life
and artworks. She pursued making portraits where at a very young age she was already
receiving commissions from her clients.

Receiving the Greatest Commission

She had been blessed with valued clients who showed her appreciation which boosted
her self-esteem more. With all these commissions that she had been doing, she was yet
to receive the greatest and biggest commission in her life, her baptism. She accepted the
Gospel in her life and she knew that this had given her brighter perspectives and
directions in life. Her pieces of work became more meaningful to her as she was taught
that her gift is a connection and manifestation of God’s love to her. She testified that her
gift is a way for her to bless other people. She feels grateful everytime she makes her
client smile because they can see their happy countenances in their portraits.

Portraying a Prophet to the Greatest Show

The happy and positive smile of President Russel M. Nelson curved the lips of everyone
watching the Variety Show because of her wonderful portrait. For her, prophets are
very important especially these days. Through her talent in the show, she reminded
everyone to follow the counsels of the living prophet. It was not easy for her doing the
prophet’s portrait, but because she was determined to send a message she did it.
Though her presentation did not make it to the top, she was very happy because she
was able to share something that is very relevant and significant. Her talent was strong
that it created a surreal exhibit.

The Greatest Exhibit

Sister Temple’s artful expression of devotion reminds us to use our talents righteously
as we inevitably showcase them. Our Heavenly Father expects us to use our talents for
the benefit of others as well as for ourselves. As we use them righteously, they will
expand and new opportunities and abilities will develop. It is important for us to
remember that our talents are gifts from God and that He holds us responsible for what
we do with them.

In this exhibit of life, let us learn from the heavenly canvass endowed to Lyka, whose
painting skills are beyond techniques and strokes.