We often approach the creation record in Genesis chapter 1 from the view of defending the narrative from the assault by modern science, but not necessarily looking at the creation events as God’s great work of art. Just as a painter would approach a blank canvas, pick colors, and start to create their work, God started with a blank canvas and created a universe (especially before the fall and subsequent curse) that is beautiful and stunning. From the intricate snowflake to the distant nebula, God’s creation is truly a masterpiece by a perfect Artist.
An artist paints from the vague and blurry background, adding layers upon layers to create a foreground that is focused and sharp. Genesis 1 shows God following this, as each day he adds layers and definition. Genesis chapter 1 shows God the Artist creating His masterpiece.
Here is a look at each day of Genesis 1 as a work by an artist creating a masterpiece. I hope this will lead to a greater appreciation and love of our Creator and His work. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 (NKJV).
Day 1 (vs. 1-5):
The Artist’s plan: The heavens and the earth are created. (The heavens are the physical space/expanse of our universe). Time, space, matter and energy. A macro (distant stars and galaxies) and a micro (atoms and quarks) creation; the range of the physical universe is stunning!
The canvas: “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” (vs. 2): Some ask how God could create something that is void and full of darkness, but I think this is the blank canvas that God would paint on.
The colors: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light” (vs. 3): What is the first thing an artist does after they choose their canvas? They choose the colors they will paint with. We know that light is a spectrum of colors, so the light that God created on day one is the pallet of colors that He will paint with on each subsequent day.
Day 2 (vs. 6-8):
The horizon line: Our atmosphere is made, including the evapotranspiration lifecycle. “Firmament” in vs. 6 is Strong’s #7549 “raqia” – an extended surface or expanse. The root is “to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out”, as in a dividing/separating, or a horizon. When an artist creates a landscape, often the first thing they do is draw a horizon line. God has already painted the oceans on day 1, and now He is painting the sky. (For vs. 8, some translations have “Heaven”, but this is Strong’s #8064 “shamayim”; heaven or sky. More local vs. the universe or the spiritual realm where God resides).
God’s painting is getting more layers, background and definition!
Day 3 (vs. 9-13):
Definition and background: Dry land and plants are created, as God separates dry land and water. This is the beginning of life on planet earth! The painting is taking shape. The foreground is getting definition and new colors are added to the canvas.
Day 4: (vs. 14-19):
Light and the sky: Lights in the firmament, dividing day from night. The work of art gets more and more refined. The sky is painted, day and night. Works of art are created in distant space that humans are just now discovering. These distant works of art are truly created by Him and for Him.
Day 5: (vs. 20-23):
Foreground objects: Sea animals and birds. This day of creation is critical for us, because blood is created this day. Blood is a life-giving, life-carrying matter. Blood is the tool for redemption (“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22). Living beings are painted in. Sharp definition has been added to the painting. The capture of living, moving organisms. Layer upon layer. Definition upon definition.
Day 6: (vs. 24-31):
More foreground objects and the subject of the painting: Land animals and mankind. The first thing God does when He creates mankind: He blesses them. The earth is placed under the rule of man. Man is under the ruled of God. Everything was created for man, but man was created for God. The final elements are painted. The work is complete.
From a blank canvas to a masterpiece.
And it was good. It was very good.
Jeff's Random Bible Thoughts 
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