Crystal Billing
Artist
Pandora’s Hope
2023
oil on canvas
24" x 36"
Sold!
This painting now lives
in Norway!
24" x 36" Giclee prints
are available.
This painting is based on the Greek
myth of Pandora opening the secret
box the gods gave her. Out of the box
fly the world's sorrows but Hope
remains lingering at the bottom to
stay with her and comfort humanity. I
have represented personal sorrows
within each of the globes surrounded
by the dark cosmic swirls. Hope is
represented through the classic
symbol of the butterfly.
This painting had a life of its own, I
felt. As I was painting it I turned
directions many times, painted and
repainted until I felt like it said what
was needed to be said.
Reflections of a Rose
2024, Oil on canvas
24"x36"
Widow’s Oil
2024, Oil on linen
16"x20"
In the book of First Kings, chapter 17 there is a quaint and intimate story of a widow from Zarapheth, who
had enormous faith. This widow heard from God that she was to provide for the prophet Elijah although she
only had 1 small jar of oil and a jar of flour left in her provisions for herself and her son. But God told her to
do so, and she obeyed. After her obedience, God caused her jar of oil and flour to not run out throughout the
entire drought Israel was experiencing. God provided enough.
Widow’s Oil is a symbolic reminder that God’s provision is beautiful, and it is enough.
Bringing Beauty to the Darkness
Houston Christian University Master of Arts Thesis
Sample Paintings
“Bringing Beauty to the Darkness” is an exploration in painting beauty in blackness. I
am using traditional figurative subjects and landscapes with vibrant chiaroscuro
lighting, loose patterning, and soft abstractions. Some of the themes in the pieces are
biblical in nature, where I am attempting to see what lies at the heart of the biblical
passage. I have addressed mythological, emotional, and psychological states of being in
a few others.
The symbolic subject matter incorporates truth and beauty along with elements of
hope in each painting. I aspire to cause the viewer to ask the question, “What is this
about?” Ultimately, these questions will lead them to the place of pondering in their
minds and help them think deeper about the world around them.
MFA Thesis Show Opening is Thursday April 3, 4pm-7pm
HCU Contemporary Art Gallery
University Academic Center, Bldg. 18
7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, Campus Map
On Exhibition March 24 through April 9
Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm
Wax Not Old, Luke 12
2024 Oil on linen
24" x 32"
Wax Not Old is a painting with symbolism from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12. Jesus’ tone throughout this
chapter is ominous with language of death and destruction scattered throughout. Setting one's mind on
heavenly things is the exhortation, while mortality waits in the background to consume all things earthly.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your
possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven
that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also" (NIV, Luke 12.32-34).
Memories
2025, Oil on linen
36" x 48"
My Narcissus
2023, oil on canvas
20"x 16"
Seagull
2023, oil on linen
11" x 14"
Sold! Thank you
Latitude 28° Gallery!
This painting was in the juried show hosted by KBM Art
Gallery out of Riverside California in summer of 2023.
I was attempting to create an atmosphere of peace through soft brush strokes and visual depth in the reflections in the water. This painting is custom framed in a gold painted frame.
Psalm 23,
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.”
Still Waters
2023, oil on canvas
60" x 36"
Fisherman on the Gulf
2023, Oil on Canvas
36"x 24"
I am currently working on a second series titled Still Waters. The focus is on water in
landscapes narrowing in primarily on reflections and sky and water. My vision as I
move along the series is to keep pushing the compositions toward highly rendered
figurative subjects, integrated within abstraction: ethereal abstractions to figurative. I
am hoping to fuse and explore humans internal dialogue and mixed emotions within
the landscape settings. Psalm 23 from the Bible is a primary visionary goal, “He leads
me beside the still waters,” as we are walking through a chaotic and often dark world.
Most of these paintings are headed to Latitude 28°02 Gallery in Rockport Texas unless
sold from my studio first. Latitude Gallery website.
Happy Days
2024, oil on canvas
16"x 20"
Blanket of Sun, Self Portrait
2022, oil on canvas
12" x 12"
- Not for Sale
2025 ARTIST STATEMENT
As a highly sensitive and spiritual individual much of my work is centered around biblical themes. I strive to combine the intensity, beauty, and awe I feel when in prayer with the serenity experienced in nature using the visual language of oil paint. I would like to evoke a sense of mystery and awe in my work. This is the state of mind where one begins to ask questions, and contemplation can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of God and his universe.
Bio
Crystal Billing
Crystal is an emergent artist. She started oil painting in 2022 but has been artistic and
creative her entire life, dabbling in all sorts of media. She is currently studying to get her
MFA at Houston Christian University with a focus on painting.
Education:
Liberty University, BFA in Graphic Design, 2021, Summa cum laude
Houston Christian University, MFA Painting, current student, expected graduation 2025
Gallery Representation:
Latitude 28°, Restaurant and Gallery, Rockport, TX
Juried Shows:
“Rising Eyes of Texas” 2024, Rockport Center for the Arts, Rockport, TX
"Show off Your Art" 2023, KBM Art Gallery, Riverside, CA
"Aqueous Open International" 2023, Pittsburgh Watercolor Society
Other Shows and Accomplishments:
MFA Thesis Exhibition, 2025, Houston Christian University Contemporary Art Gallery
HCU Visual Arts Society, 2025 Spring Show
“Tranquillum” 2024, Exhibition via Gallerium
Artist in Residence, 2023, Sienna Ranch Baptist Church, Missouri City, TX
Published Illustrated Book, "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" 2021
Crystal also teaches studio art at Bluebonnet Scholars.
- Contact me at:
clbilling@icloud.com