The Sitter

This is one that makes me feel peaceful. I loved this fat, round little body on the original photo. I was pleased with how the fence turned out. It was a lot of fun to do. I was happy with how the underpainting shows through on his little head as well. It adds a pinkish glow to the blue around his eyes. I'm sure there is much that could be said regarding my technique. I welcome the critiques from those with experience! Being a novice it felt like a bit of a success...at least at this stage of the game for me. What is it about birds, though? I continue to be captivated by the little guys. I'm not a bird watcher. I don't have the patience to sit and wait for them like those out in the field. I give total respect to those who wait, watch, and take the pictures. I had planned to link the photographer when I posted, but when I checked my original photo copy I couldn't find a signature on it as some photos have. I googled but got discouraged after page 30. Regardless, here's a little verse for your day...for those of us who are completely worry - prone. Sometimes you have to hear it more than once to let it sink in. Blessings!

8 x 8

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important thatn food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27

Fishing anyone?

Ok, today I will share a Biblical pun...if you don't mind. I have been wanting to paint this little beta fish for awhile. I was too late to post it on Inspiration Avenue's challenge but had to try it. I was wondering about a good little caption to put with it. Here's the verse that came to my attention -

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:11

Ok, so "cast" is the only thing having a bit to do with fishing, and fish. It is a stretch, I admit. However, I personally find it so "ironic," if you believe in irony, that the very verse I needed to hear today is the one I found only when I went in search of something about fishing. God has a sense of humor. If He does, then I think I can certainly lighten up a bit. Here's to health, to hope, to Him!

Acrylic and oil pastels on

10 x 10

gallery wrapped canvas

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Were you born in a barn?

I've always liked barns...maybe because I never had to clean one or stock it with hay. I have a very good friend with one. She still likes barns. It's her dream to travel the country some day taking photographs of barns along the way. I hope she does it. In looking through some very talented artists/bloggers work I was inspired to bring out a barn I painted awhile back. It's nothing special. It was actually one of my first paintings. I'm sure I've violated some copyright law by painting/posting it. At the time it was on the "Eggland's Best" website. They've since removed it. Some of you researchers may look it up and let me know what has become of the image and how I've violated it somehow.

What hit me as I was preparing to post it was that phrase, "Were you born in a barn?" I couldn't help but think of One who basically WAS born in a barn - a stable. Of all the places to be born. It gives me incredible comfort to know that my Savior was born in a barn. He, of all, knows stench...and He can take it. Man we stink sometimes, don't we? Never what we should be, would like to be, or could be. Falling short, turning our backs. Well, stinky! I like what Sarah Young says in her devotional book, Jesus Calling. "I love you regardless of how well you are performing. Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you are doing enough to be worthy of My Love. No matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer to that question will always be no. Your performance and My Love are totally different issues, which you need to sort out. I love you with an everlasting love."

Kinda makes barns more appealing, a place where you can be real and know that the stench gets washed away afresh by the One who is strong enough to take it, and loves you despite it.

Columbine

This is another painting for James Parker's April challenge. I seem to get on a roll with certain subject matter and I just have to go with it until I exhaust it. I really enjoyed painting this one. I had a little bit of fun with the color. Trying to losen up a bit - I know I have a loooong way to go on that. Enjoying the process very much. I decided to change the background of the image James posted, crop it, and make it very lively and bright. Hope it brings a smile to your face! Thanks again, James for the challenges!

10 x 10

Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

Contact me if you're interested in this one

In the Pink

This one is another "Windows to the Words Art" challenge. James Parker's challenge this month is flowers....I don't do flowers. Or, I didn't. It IS called a "challenge." I figured I may as well give it a try. This painting is from a crop of the pink lotus he posted on his blog site. Contributions to the challenge can be seen here. Being that it's almost Easter, and spring has just begun, I am loving the flowers. My family and I took a short drive today out to some old farm lands, or what's left of them. It always amazes me how spring just seems to burst forth all at once. Just puts me in a peaceful, calm state of mind. It's such a gift, spring -like a love note even. Happy Easter. God's blessings!

8 x 8 x 1-3/8"

acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

contact me if you like this one