TN Butterfly

Well, I have to laugh because I have named this post "TN Butterfly" due to it's color. I am, however, the absolute worst Vol fan that ever lived. I know...it's pure sacrilege. Perhaps it's because I watched a friend of our family live and die over Michigan's wins and losses and swore to myself I would never let a team decide how my day was going to go. I do like the color orange. I am proud to be a Tennessean. I wish the Vols well. My favorite thing about butterflies, though, is what it takes to get them to the butterfly state. Very symbolically I watched a butterfly emerge from it's chrysalis during a difficult time in my life. I had purchased the kit for my class one year. I was with my son after school when the magic happened. It is not an easy thing for the butterfly. It's chrysalis swings back and forth violently... and once it emerges the struggle is just beginning. But finally, when the wings are dry from beating them back and forth it is ready for flight. Who knows. Maybe the Vols will emerge as a strong contender this year. I wish them the best. But I think I'll ponder a bit more on the butterfly and remember the victory God gave me through my struggle. Emerging from struggle is a wonderful thing.

God bless.

6 x 12

Acrylic and oil pastel

Gallery wrapped canvas

Contact me if you're interested in this piece

Cat Folly

In a slump...needing some fun. You know, "fun?" That word that conjures up images of effortless playtimes you spent as a child when creativity flowed with ease, you took things far less seriously, and it was all about having a good time and exploring. When I was a kid I didn't worry so much about outcome...I just enjoyed the process. I'm no fine artist. I'll certainly not claim to be one. I don't have the training. I just enjoy painting and learning. But, yesterday I just needed to have some fun. I needed to start with a simple shape and play with color. I needed to take things far less seriously and relax... play even. Here is the result... it is folly perhaps, but I had fun. There's value in that. A bonus for me, my husband liked it enough to want to put it in his office. He's a fan of fun. I'm crazy about that guy. Happy Father's Day dads! God's blessings everyone. And... go have some fun.

Mom's Chickadee

Well, it's been awhile since I posted. I've been doing painting of a different kind. My son is out of town and I've decided to add a couple of stripes to his walls and organize his closet. Yes, yes, those of you with children are laughing...and now understand. It was, mostly, a labor of love. I say mostly because he is his mother's child - I, too, saved every little cutesie gadget and gizmo that was awarded to me at carnivals, contests, Sunday school, you name it. I remember the frustration of thinking, "OK, where is the home for this thing?" And also finding it hard to part with the stuff. I'm praying that he will outgrow that as I have....though I admit having places in my home that still need some attention. Ahem. I mean, ok, let's be honest...an overhaul. So, with that admission and the joy of having completed a wonderful little room for my favorite guy I give you "Mom's Chickadee." This is by far one of my favorite paintings. My mom has always loved chickadees...you can see why. So cute. It was one of the first paintings I did when I decided to begin this painting journey. That little guy just makes me smile. I love his body shape. Such personality in their tiny silhouettes. God must've had a ball creating birds. :) I sure like painting them. Thanks, Mom for sending me the picture! I love you! And, I hope you all gain at least a smile from this little guy. If so, I feel accomplished.

God's blessings everyone!

Overlook

This painting was done about a year ago following an amazing trip I took to Monterey, CA to visit my sister and brother in law. We drove up along the coast. She patiently stopped and stopped and stopped the car to let me get out and photograph the breathtaking view. While the photograph I took of this little spot is by far much more beautiful than the painting which represents it, I posted it for a few reasons - (1) I spent my evening making cool little mini pot pies for my husband and myself using a muffin tin and little mini tops as lids and now don't have lots of time left for painting (2) I'm thinking of my sister who will be moving soon and remembering the time we had together last year and how much it meant to me, and (3) I'm trying to let go of my somewhat perfectionistic tendencies and just let things be what they are. I titled this blog entry "Overlook" for two reasons - it has a photo of a view overlooking the water as it flows into a little inlet area, and also because I am trying to learn to "overlook" those things in my life that have no real value. Lately the brick to my head that God has had to use on me reads, "Relax, Julie. I got this." The message loud and clear has been that God never intended for me to micromanage the details and events in my life - first of all He is MUCH better qualified and second of all, I just get anxious and upset when I try. Why? Because I can't see the end result. I just end up fretting over what could be/might be/could've been instead of enjoying what is. So, with that said, here's a painting I did to remind me of a very special time in my life. It COULD be great if I continued to fret and work it over. But somehow, just for tonight...I think I'll overlook it's flaws and spend my time enjoying what is. Because...I am tremendously blessed, and I don't want to dishonor Him and His gifts to me by missing it. God's blessings!

11 x 14

acrylic and oil pastel

gallery wrapped canvas

Storms

I've been thinking a lot about storms these past few days. Some storms are genuine, undeniable storms - like illness, death, divorce, and some are more self-made, like worry, fear, and regret. Storms are much easier to wait out and press through with good friends. I was blessed to spend some time today with a very close friend of mine who helped me gain some good perspective on a particular storm I'm going through right now. Afterward, I was reminded of a plaque my mom had displayed on our kitchen window sill growing up. She and my dad know a lot about storms, and who to turn to when they hit. It said, "Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child." Today, through my sweet friend, He calmed His child. I am so grateful for that. Isn't it awesome to know that we are never alone?! We may not always understand, see the big picture, and life is sometimes about loss...but He goes through the storm with us AND promises to see us through. I think that's pretty awesome.
God bless.

10 x 10

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Contact me if you're interested

"Purple Posies"

These little purple "posies" are in honor of my dear courageous friend who is going through a very difficult time right now. I guess they are my "virtual bouquet." It is hard to watch people that you care about go through things you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. But, she is doing so with grace, courage, honesty, and grit. Most importantly she is holding on to her Daddy's hand while doing so. I love this promise from Isaiah - for anyone who feels the need once in awhile to reach up and hang on to someone bigger, stronger, wiser, better, and full of love and understanding - "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 Sometimes ya just need someone to hold your hand.
God's peace!

6 x 6

Acrylic of gallery wrapped canvas

NFS

Tiptoe

Ok, the title may be a bit cheesy...the "Tiptoe through the Tulips" song was going through my head as I went to post this. Some of you know what I'm talking about. I grew up surrounded by music...of all types. With that said, I decided to try this challenge for Rookie Painter using a different approach than I normally do. I set out to be looser with my brush strokes. I went through several stages of talking myself through the "oh, you've got to be kidding me" and "this stinks" to "chill out and hold on," and "keep working." Then it was "just let it dry and go back with oil pastels." That's the thing...working through the process of how I handle my own expectations and plans for the thing. It doesn't always work out the way I hope it will, and I don't always have the technical skills to pull it off the way I'd like. But, hopefully in the process I'll learn something, grow and enjoy myself along the way. Sounds kinda like life. God's blessings!

10 x 10

acrylic w/ oil pastel

gallery wrapped canvas

contact me if you're interested in this one