Turning...

You've heard the expression "turning over a new leaf," well, I just feel like I've been turning lately. Nothing new yet, just going through the process and waiting for the newness to emerge. For something wonderful to come out of the blah-ness. For a month I've felt terrible. I thought I was heading toward some form of chronic fatigue, or thyroid problems, or who knows what. Turns out vitamin d deficiency is extremely common in women despite the amount of sunlight you may get. Ladies... get your levels checked!!!

My pastor spoke Sunday on a verse that is posted in my classroom. A verse I overlook, obviously. "I am the vine, you are the branches." John 15:5 It really resonated with me. Why? I like to be the vine. Then I wonder why I'm so exhausted. Turns out a branch can't be the vine. Who knew? What a different message Christ gives than the one the world gives. The world says, "push harder, go faster, do more, be more excellent, get ahead." Seems that when I try to follow that mentality I only end up pushing myself to the edge, exhausted, frayed, frustrated and spent. How does that translate into a daily life experience, though? The message God has made sure to reiterate to me quite a few times lately is, "Stay in the moment. I am in the moment. I have tomorrow. If you try to take it from me you destroy the peace I've given you for today. You don't need to figure it all out. You aren't supposed to have the answers. Rely on me. Fear not. Don't push so hard. My strength is made perfect in your weakness. Just walk with me. Trust me."

So, I guess I'll just be content with the turning... and let Him do the new leaf thing. He's much better qualified. :) Peace everyone!

Red Breasted Robin...yum?

After much debate in my household, the title was chosen for this piece. We tried, "the Joyous Robbin, Robin O' Joy, Rockin' Robin, Free Bird," and "Yet Another Bird Painting by Julie." Hopefully, the title choices give you a good laugh like they did us. I'm not sure if I think it's "yum" or not. It's very swirly, colorful, and untidy. In a strange way, I sort of like it. But, after the lemon painting this one feels messy to me even though I was trying for a different effect. With that said, it IS different. ;)


Ironically, if you believe in irony, I've been thinking a lot lately about some tough times in my life, some messes I made despite my best efforts. I'm so glad God is in the business of doing life overhauls. Even though He did a big one on my life when I met my husband, He continues to make things even better by putting me in situations that remind me of the pain of the past, which causes me to pray about them, and then He shows me how He has changed things for the better and is making me new through them. He puts a new twist on things. He turns my mess into His masterpiece. He is the King of recycling. :) He takes the old garbage and turns it into something wonderful, usable, beautiful even. If you've got some garbage lying around, maybe it's time to let Him recycle it for you.
God's blessings.

8 x 10

acrylic w/ oil pastel

gallery wrapped canvas

email for info on purchasing

The Missing Piece

This painting was inspired by the Rookie Painter challenge for this month. Apparently, I like the color combo of the orange and blue shades with yellow, seeing as how my last two paintings share those colors. It just felt right for this one. I'm feelin' something purple comin' on, or maybe I'll finally finish that portrait I've been meaning to get to. I owe my dad a painting whose reference photo takes my breath away... scared to death of that one. I'm going to have to just dig in and go for it. Just enjoying the day off today and the fact that tomorrow we are all off work/school and get to enjoy the day together. Amazingly, I am tongue-tied. No big thoughts tonight. Just gratitude.
God bless.

10 x 10

acrylic and oil pastel

canvas

email for info regardng this painting

The Three

God has been workin' on me lately. I'm enjoying so much learning how much He intends for His children to live lives of freedom. I'm learning how much I've put limits on Him in my own mind. I've spent more time in quiet and less in asking for things. I've spent more time writing and less time painting. I'm re-learning how important organization is, especially when you've got 18 sets of little eyes staring at you. There's no such thing as "down time." You snooze, you lose them. And, I'm remembering how much I love teaching.

I wanted to do something more about quiet and peace and less about subject matter. I plugged in my ipod, closed my door, and spent the most awesome time basically singing/worshipping while I painted. I had no vision at all except for the blue and orange. I knew I wanted some circles there. When I finished (singing more than painting) I ended up staring at this painting. It makes me so happy when I look at it. I know it's just a total personal connection I have to it. But, that's what art is for, I guess.

God's blessings.

A Poppy Break

I was taking a break from my school preparations, looking through some websites for art to add to my blah green kitchen sitting room area. I feel like I'm in a hayfield when I'm in there. For someone who loves color so much, ya sure wouldn't know it by lookin' in there! Green and tan, shades of brown. Ugh. After browsing several sites I decided to do my own version of a poppy - a little mini inspiration piece... a "poppy" break. Pardon the potty humor. I have a 9 year old. Anyway, here is the result of my little break. A quick slap of color here and there and 'sigh' I felt much better. Every once in awhile we all need to stop and take a break to enjoy the beautiful colors in God's creation.
God bless!

6 x 6

Acrylic

Gallery wrapped canvas

Freeform Trees

Wow. I'm amazed (and embarrassed) it's been so long since I've posted! I've been trying to get my head into getting back into the classroom while hanging on to the last shreds of summer. I guess all of my creativity is being utilized elsewhere?! This painting I've called "freeform trees" because when I began it I had no intention of doing trees, and, well, they are so free form. I picked up the color and just began moving it around the canvas. Autumn colors are my favorite so I just had to add them up against the vivid blue background. I enjoyed myself. I'm ready for fall, for the cool in the air, the smell and crunch of the leaves. I'm ready for cool mornings, hot chocolate, chicken pot pie in the evenings, a great glass of wine that warms you going down. Ahhhh. I think about the wonderful changes that make each season a welcome change and I can't help but smile and appreciate the Creator who enjoys variety so much He included it in each and every thing He created. I love that about Him. It's like He knew we'd get bored, need change, want to take in the splendor of new and different things, but needed a bit of security and familiarity too. As a painting novice, and one of His kids, I gotta respect that even more. And how cool is it that He lets us enjoy being creative and gave us so much to inspire us.

God's blessings.

10 x 10

acrylic

"Pretty" Poison?

This little guy, a poison dart frog, is a submission for James Parkers' Windows to the Words Art challenge for July. It's "Dogs and Frogs" this month. I, for one, am thrilled! I love single subject pieces that I can really focus on. I got so excited when I saw the month's challenge posted, I grabbed my brush and did a quick sketch. My son saw it sitting there on my easel and claimed it before I had even started painting. Made my day. Now those of you who follow my blog know by now that I have to add in a little devotional thought to go with this guy. So, here it is... the struggle in life is to let ourselves be attracted to true beauty, not just the shiny package.... or in this case, the bold bright colors. I, for one, am a sucker for color. I guess the lesson is that sometimes it's best to "look but don't touch."
:) God's blessings!

10 x 10

Acrylic

NFS