"Horizons of Blessing"

"Horizons of Blessing"

12x24

Acrylic on Canvas

     I've been working on pet portraits lately, fulfilling some Christmas commissions.  I started this piece before the commissions and really wasn't happy at first.  Today, I got back in the studio and reworked the road.  I like it much better.  While contemplating the title, I just couldn't see anything except "Horizons".  I had to consider all sorts of things.  Things like, "what's on the horizon', to the hope and light that is on the horizon, to the people that I love that seem to have nothing on the horizon.  That makes me gloomy.  But, when I painted this, everything was bright for me, and still is. My son had just come home from many a year separation!  My only granddaughter had been introduced to me, my other two boys and grandchildren are healthy, my husband and I are healthy, and we all love the Lord Jesus!  My children are taught of the Lord and they are blessed.  We are blessed in the city and blessed in the land!  Somehow this painting reminds me of that Blessing.

http://lillianjaneneal.weebly.com/horizons.html

Seasons

"Seasons"

     This Thanksgiving season was a season of my life!  Such a thankful season...one in which brought reality to the impossible.  One that reminds me of so many things.  This is a picture of feasting at the table.  Not really my table, but at the table of the Lord.  He sets it for us.  Even among our enemies.  Although the enemy is certainly not sitting at this table, he is the one that prevented this setting for so many years.  But MY God!  He is the one that redeems.  He's the God of the impossible.  He is the God of hope.  The one that calls things that are not into the "are".  Anyone that knows me, knows.  They know that this is a true picture of the power of God.  It's the picture of the impossible becoming reality.  It's the picture of Hope.  Hope in the power of God to watch over his word to perform it.  It's similar to Abraham and Sara...facing the facts of dead bodies, and life coming forth!  Our family was dead, and now new life!  Welcome Brent!  Welcome Tammy!  Welcome Natalie!  Welcome! I am now believing in another impossible.  We call her in, in the name of Jesus!  Thank you Lord for seasons of restoration after seasons of suffering.

Beyond Imagination

     Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...that's what little boys are made of.  And those four grandsons are my pride and joy.    But this one?  It's got to be sugar and spice and everything nice!  What she's made of has got to be tempered with the love of her father, and the love of his FATHER.  The one that makes everything possible!  The one that brings things into existence that were not.  The Father that teaches us about love.  The one that heals the broken hearted, and sets the captives free.  She has that look, don't you think?  She's my one and only little granddaughter.  I'm so blessed that she's in my life.  I'm so blessed that her daddy and her mommy love our Father in heaven, and have brought a little bit of heaven to my earth.  This is truly one of the most Thankful seasons ever. 

Worthy

Little did I know when I painted this at church, that the following weekend I would experience the miracle of my son coming home!  This painting was not planned and the image of the woman worshiping just happened.  I know that composition would dictate her not being centered.  But, it wasn't planned and the miracle of God's plan was perfect.  I cannot express enough worship to God.

I'm the Happiest Girl in the whole USA!

Miracles Still Happen!

     May I present to you, my youngest son, his beautiful wife, and my one and only granddaughter, Natalie Ann.  God is a God of HOPE, a God of Blessing, a God of Promise, and a God of Answers.  We prayed, and believed for the return of my son for many years.  It seemed hopeless, but when your put your hope in the Lord, Jesus nothing is impossible!  Not only did my son find Jesus, but found a godly wife and came home to share their beautiful gift from the Lord...Natalie!  My heart runs over with tears of joy, tears of thankfulness, and another level of faith.  I'm so thankful for new beginnings, and so thankful for the man that my son has grown into.  Words cannot express my joy!  We really have experienced a true miracle.  Finally, healing has come.  Suddenly, our prayers were answered.  Do you need a suddenly?  It can happen!  Put your hope in the Lord.  He is the one that turns things around.  

"Oaks"

Ink on Yupo

     This was painted during the Abilene Art Walk.  I wasn't sure about why it was going this direction, but afterwards, as someone gave a prophetic word to a man, that he was like the oak of righteousness, I figured it out!

The Valley

"The Valley"

Ink on Yupo

     I had to title this one, "The Valley".  I painted this during the Abilene Art Walk.  While painting, I encountered a "woman".  It appeared that she was a "street woman".  I prayed that the Lord would open a door of ministry to her.  She could't stay away, yet she couldn't stay.  She carried her Box.  Inside her box were treasures.  Treasures of her children, and shoes.  She changed her shoes several times, and also her clothes.  In front of everybody.  She changed her clothes.  I couldn't believe it.  She was beautiful.  She was changing her clothes and changing her shoes in front of me, and anyone around.  I prayed.  I seriously asked the Lord to cover her...to open the door.  She asked me open the lid to her nail polish, to sit in my red chair...to watch her stuff.  My heart was wrenching for her.  A mother that obviously lost her children.  I could identify with her in that respect.  I've lost my youngest, now 28 years old.  I can feel her pain.  Why, Lord, why?  I longed for, prayed for an opening.  I felt like she was in the valley.  I've been in that valley.  I wanted to give her the answer so badly.  The only ANSWER.  I didn't get the opening.  Why, Lord?

Angels Around Us

Angels All Around

Ink on Yupo

     I painted this during the Abilene Art Walk this past week.  I'd received an invitation to paint and minister.  I quickly accepted the offer, set up and had some experiences.  I wouldn't take for the experience, and look forward to the next months ahead in painting and joining the  "Dream Team" as we all minister God's love to people.  It was a great time.  What do you see in this painting?

Throne Room

"Throne Room"

22x28

Acrylic on Canvas

$150.00

Weebly is driving me nuts!  Email me for purchase info.

     This is a piece that I started during worship this morning.   I'm so totally always amazed at how the Lord always comes through.  I was struggling with this piece.  I had a little bit of an image in my head:  of the colors that I see when I worship, and the veil, and just dancing before my Father.  I could not seem to get that going.  Granted, I only have 2-3  songs to work it out during church worship.  Sometimes, I long for the worshipful painting time during communion to continue to paint.  But sometimes the very best worship is in my own studio in my quiet time...loving my Lord; worshiping my Lord, interceding for others, and petting my beloved little doggie, J.W.  This painting just transformed.  I suddenly realized that I had painted a trumpet and didn't even realize it!  I was just praising, praying, and asking the Lord...what?  I began....I realized there was something to this.  He brought to memory...something about the throne room. I quickly google what I was thinking.  Come to find out, I had put in the 24 elders!  At that point, I knew I was on to something, so I continued with the 4 creatures and the 7 spirits.  If you read the verses, you will see that I was on the right track.  I love to be on the right track.

Revelation 4

New International Version (NIV)

The Throne in Heaven

4 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasperand ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’[b]
who was, and is, and is to come.”

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

Memories

"Memories"

     I had the opportunity to travel back to my home town, of Ft. Davis, Tx.  It was a sad/joyous event.  My life long friend, Myra Russell Harvey lost her dad, and  today was his burial day.  I wouldn't have missed it for the world.  As I drove and walked the streets of my once familiar town, I realized how much time gets away.  It's kind of funny in a way...I just spoke about this time thing last weekend at a women's conference in Abilene, Tx.  These big cottonwood trees could tell the same story.  They are the welcoming committee at the Old Fort Davis.  The very one that housed the Buffalo Soldiers, the one that employed both Myra and myself, as high school students and after; the very one that her dear dad, Ralph Russell posed in as a calvary soldier.  I realized, as I reacquainted myself with old classmates and friends, that the thing that was so familiar long ago, now stands as a beauty to hang onto, before it slips from my hands.  What was once taken for granted is almost now unfamiliar.  Yet, I determine to hang on.  Hang on to what?  The beauty, the splendor, the sweetness, the common ground that we all have.  I cherish the memories, and I'm determined to carve out time to make many more.  We will all miss Ralph Russell.  He was an icon in this area, and loved by so many.  

Ascension

"Ascension"

6"x6"

Acrylic and gold leaf

$175.00

     Number 30/30!  I did it!  The completion of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  Second one completed this year!  This one was really a challenge.  The hard part was figuring out what I could paint that I could be finished with, or almost finished with in one day, and to keep that pace up all month!  I honestly am glad to have completed it, and now will have fun working on things that can be more lengthly.  This piece was one done over several days.  It is another acrylic pouring on cradled wood.  The depth of colors just don't show up good with the photography.  I have many layers of pouring with metallic pigment powders in each pouring.  It's beautiful in real life.  Shipped with it's own small easel.

     I don't like watermarks!  But my artist friend, Kay Smith has recently had two of her pieces stolen and reproduced and is selling through Target!  Art theft is a disgrace!

Quick Study Self Portrait

Quick Study

9x11

Mixed Media

     This is number 29/30.  I had several things going on with this piece of play.  First off, I had a sheet of Fabriano watercolor paper that I'd splashed some fall colors on several months ago.  What to do with it?  I've wanted to increase my speed in drawing portraits because it's my desire to be able to do prophetic portraits in real life by the end of the year.  I also wanted to do some experimentation with textures, so I whipped out my acrylic gel medium and spread it over the paper with my knife.  I then stamped over the gel with some stamps and let it dry.  I took a pic of myself with my photo booth, and timed myself with the drawing.  I also challenged myself by not allowing myself to have any eraseing, AND to force that issue I drew with marker.  No erasing marker!  I was satisfied with the initial line drawing, so decided to transfer it with graphite tracing paper.  I did not know that the graphite would adhere so well to the dried gel medium!  It even clung onto every place that I'd applied pressure to hold the original on, so I had lots of dark splotches all over the place.  They would not erase, so I determined to just go with it and not worry.  I proceeded with the painting phase, using water soluble wax crayons and acrylics, again timing myself.  The is a 15 minute piece, and I believe that I accomplished my goal, and learned a few things.  I don't plan to refine it, as I really just wanted to find some things out for future use.  I do love the texture created by the stamps.  

Odyssey

"Odyssey"

5"x7"

Ink on Yupo

Number 28 of 30.  This one was just a playing sort of thing.  I love these inks and the more I played and the more I thought about a conversation I had today about the underwater creation, the more this began to take that form!  I think I've swam with this little creature!

"Hope"

"Ray of Hope"

5"x7"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     I was invited to speak at a women's conference this weekend.  I spoke on "Unshakeable Hope'.  The Lord is so good at giving us those rays of hope from time to time, as we put our hope in Him.  This is number 27 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I'm thankful for alcohol ink and yupo, especially when I'm on the road.  I couldn't post this because the hotel wifii was so slow and I was too tired to deal with it.  Here it is, now.  I pray that you have HOPE, today.

The Blues

The Blues

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

5"x5"

     Number 26 of 30.  Almost didn't get this one done!  It was a very emotional and busy day at the same time.  I guess I could call this one "The Blues" and it would be appropriate.  I love how the Light shows through, and the same with my life.  I got to minister to a young woman, and that made my day.

Intense

Flames of Intensity

4"x5"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     Number 25 of 30 in the 30 Day Challenge.  Things got a little "intense" around here yesterday, preventing me from painting.  My artist friend, Nathalie Kelley reminded me that when things are out of control, that God is big enough!  I needed that.  It's been so trying and for just a little, I could have gotten off center.  This painting reminds me of that intense fire than burn around us, almost consuming us at times.  But, thankfully, God is Big Enough!  Big Enough to change the course of the flames.

Work in Progress

     This is Number 24 in 30 of the 30 Day Challenge.  It's another acrylic pouring.  Under the first layer of pour, is an underpainting done in water soluble wax crayons on wood panel.  The pour layer was a little more intense than planned.  I will ask Holy Spirit what to do next, because I don't know.  It's been a busy week already, with the next 8 weeks looking just as busy.  Hopefully I will get time to paint!

Untitled and Unfinished

Unfinished

     This is a progressive photo of an acrylic abstract that I'm working on.  It's number 23/30 in the 30 or 30 chellenge.  It's got multiple layers of "pouring", along with layers of acrylic paint, wax crayon, and gold leaf.  I had a direction that I was going, but with the last pouring it changed direction.  These are fun,  but slow. Drying is tricky and it's always a challenge.   I'm excited to see where it winds up. 

First Snow

"First Snow"

8x10 Acrylic on Canvas Board

     Number 22 of the 30 in 30.  This was another back to basics value lesson taken from the Art Tutor online ebook.  This was a little more fun than the first couple of lessons, I guess because of the colors added.  I had fun doing it, especially the clouds.  However, I will be doing it again!  This time I will add my own ideas, I'll correct the clouds with a little more softness, and certainly fix that non-melodious mountain, that blends into the shape of the trees.  The photo reference does the same thing.  In this one, I realized that I did what lots of artists do....copied a photo, instead of making art.  I was concentrating on following directions and not missing some basics, that I fell into the trap of what nature was doing in the photo.  Nature doesn't always know best, when it comes to a nice painting.  Well, good thing the canvas board was cheap, and I have more!  Stay turned for my version of this one a little later on.  

Blues

The Blues

Acrylic on Canvas Board

8x10

     Number 21 of 30/30.  This was a monochromatic value study done from an online art tutor ebook.  It never hurts to get back to basics, but it is very hard for me to do step by step things like this.  If it's not the subject matter that I'm interested in, it is like pulling teeth for me.  I guess sometimes I need a few pulled.  It was a good exercise and I value the value study tutorial.  

Big Daddy

"Big Daddy"

8"x12"

Watercolor on Arches 140# paper

     Number 20 of 30 in 30 challenge.  This was a quick study that I did using mostly negative painting and watercolors.  I ran into a nice free lesson on painting negatively.  I've lost the link but will repost this with proper credits when I find it.  It's good to work loosely and let the colors play.

Unspeakable Joy

"Unspeakable Joy"

Water Soluble Wax Crayons on Mylar

22x26

     This is number 19 of 30 in 30.  I painted this today, in a Spirit Led Worship Session with fellow artists around the globe, online, and live.  It was fun, and the 2nd experience in doing it together like this.  The mylar has a mind of it's own, so I was kind of limited to light blending.  The Lord showed me several things while in this worship/painting experience.  What do you see?  What does she say to you?

Going Bananas

"Going Bananas"

9"x11" Watercolor on Arches 140# Cold Pressed Paper

$125.00

     This is my #18 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  It's amazing what you can get done when you press yourself.  I'm calling this finished, and calling it good.  I love it, actually.  The colors are fun, and the piece was fun to do.  It makes me wish for a forest or something...to take some pictures of.  Pine trees might look good pink.  Lots of things look good pink, including my hubby in a pink shirt.  :)  You can read the blog in the previous post if you are interested in the history of the photo reference.  

Going Bananas

"Going Bananas"

9x11

Watercolor on Arches 140# paper

     This is number 17 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  It's almost finished.  Tonight, I was so tired and I hadn't yet painted today.  I determined to no bust the challenge.  So I took my little puppy out with me, to sleep at my feet and I began to paint.  I remembered Uganda, where I took the photo of this banana plantation.  Of coarse, I had to artsify the colors, but it was beautiful in natural colors.  So were the people that hosted us that morning for breakfast.  This was the place where the pastor's wife had been raised.  Can you imagine looking out your front door at this beautiful sight?  How about it it were a very primitive door?  Would it look the same to you?  How about if it were only a hut made of banana leaves?  Would it look the same to you?  The beauty of the Ugandan people is as beautiful and colorful as this painting.  They amaze me.  I learn so much from them each trip that I go.  It kind of puts things into perspective for me.  What's really important?  What do you see out your window?  Are you thankful?  Could you survive without it?

Atmosphere #1

"Atmosphere #1"

6"x6" Water soluble wax crayons on wood panel.

$50.00

     This is my #16 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  I painted this one today, while visiting with an artist friend, Suzan Hughes Kennedy.  I used the Caran de Arche water soluble wax crayons, exclusively.  I used a photo reference for the sunset clouds, and changed the desert foreground into an ocean.  I swear, I've seen this very scene at "Red Bay", St. Maartin.  I enjoyed this painting and visiting session.  I enjoyed painting with this medium and discovering some of the qualities of it.  It's kind of like working on Yupo, in that if you go over it twice with the brush, it removes the layer of paint instead of adding it.  I'm doing another, but this time I will do a "pouring" on the top and go from there.

Going Bananas in the Primary Stages

"Going Bananas"

Primary Stages

Watercolor on paper

9x11 "

     Well, this isn number 15 in 30.  I thought I would give up detail work....then I find myself back at it; inspired by a photo I took in Uganda, Africa of a Banana plantation right in the back yard of dear friends.  I decided instead of doing it in traditional colors, I would bend the rules again and do it in something a little more wild.  It will take a few days to complete this one.

Cali Cat

"Cali Cat"

9x11" on 140 # Fabriano Paper

Not For Sale

     # 14 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  This is my mom's cat.  She's been around for awhile.  I'm definitely not a cat person.  I like dogs much better.  However, Cali is a pretty good cat.  She stays out of sight most of the time, especially when strangers are around.  She's decided that I'm not quite a stranger.  She doesn't make herself well known, but did come out long enough to rub up against my leg and let me get a few reference photos.  She brings my parents much joy, and for that I'm glad.  I've never painted a cat before now, and really didn't have much of an idea of how to attack it.  All, in all, I'm pretty pleased.  I have a feeling this will be framed and on a wall. 

Best Friends Reworked

"Best Friends"

9x11 Watercolor on Paper

     #13 of the 30 Day Challenge.  Sometimes fresh eyes make a difference in your finished piece.  I'm one of those people that must meet a deadline if there is one.  As a teacher, it drove me nuts if the kids were not in there chair and ready to go "as" the tardy bell rang.  Maybe I'm driven too much by the clock.  If something is supposed to start at a certain time, then it must start at that time.  I detest wasting time.  Well, last night in the 11:00 hour, I was trying to finish this painting, because it's supposed to be 30 paintings in 30 days, right?  And, I'd already spent two days on this one!  That's breaking the rules in my mind.  I consoled myself with the concept of "painting every day"...which I have been.  Still, it bothered me.  So, tired and ready to be done already, I called it good.  My husband awoke to see it, and he indicated that I'd made him with a "bird nose".  I saw immediately what he was talking about.  So, today I broke the rules again.  I reworked it, and added a Quin. Burnt Orange wash on the skin tones which I think gave it a nice sunny glow and more true to his skin color.  I tweaked a few other things and now I am calling it good.  I also recall a saying that I like:  "In art there are no rules".  I guess there are some, but you need to know which ones to break.  

Best Friends

"Best Friends"

9"x11"

Watercolor on Fabriano 140# Paper

     Number 12 of the 30 in 30 Challenge took me a couple of days to complete.  I took the photo of my hubby and his new puppy just the other morning as I was leaving for work.  I just glanced down behind the house to see this, and immediately knew it would make a great painting.  Paul usually doesn't like it when I paint him, but maybe this will be different.  I just wonder, which is his best friend?  The rifle or the dog?  The old saying goes that a dog is man's best friend, but give this man a gun and dove season and I might beg to differ.  Of coarse if I were to "ask" him, he'd better say that I'm his best friend!  I did have fun doing this one.  Watercolor is the medium that I enjoy doing detail work with.  A couple of days of this concentration, will undoubtedly throw me into a cycle of loose, fun, creative abstracts.  There  has to be a balance for me.  Hope you enjoy it.

Friend

Work in progress

Horizons

"Horizons"

5"x7" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

Not for Sale

     This is number 10 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  I spent the day working today, and ended the day in Snyder, Tx at a Rodan+Fields Event with my team.  I came home thinking about how great everyone is doing, and how much of a future we all have, to change the lives of our families.  I thought about the road we are on, together.  I thought about the bright future we have together.  I thought about the way I instruct my flight students; to let the booboos behind us be behind us and to always gear up and look forward so that we don't botch what is right in front of us.  I thought about climbing Mt. Everest.  I thought about the relationships that we've made in this business, and how deep they are.  I thought about the woman on my team that kissed me on my cheek and told me she loved me, even though I haven't known her long.  I thought about the product and how great it is.  I thought about the business and how great it is.  I thought about me.  Just little old me.  And I thought about Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and how without HIM just little old me can't do a thing.  I had to create this art piece to signify all of that.  I added the 3 prominent spots to represent the Trinity, and the teeny little tiny one to represent me.  The rest tells the story.  May God Bless us in our business, and may the increase be as significant as the increases in relationships grow.  Amen.

Untitled

"Untitled"

6"x6"

Acrylic on Wood Panel

     Number 9 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  This one was a hurry up and get done job.  It was a busy day, and kind of had to just check this off of my list.  Used the limited palette again, simply because I had it left over on my palette.  Good thing.  Good thing also, that I had little grandsons prepare panels for me a few days ago.  I'm not sure...but seems like I see a "portal", and perhaps some glory pouring out.  And I also notice some of those "orbs"....hummmm.  Didn't do that intentionally, but seems they are there.  I love the deep and rich colors of "Nova".  I could really do a plug for Nova.  Next time I order, I'll do the large bottles.

Going Out on a Limb

"Going Out on a Limb"

Acrylic on Canvas

22"x28"

Sold

     This is number 8 on the 30 in 30 Day Challenge.  I painted this during worship today, at Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Sweetwater, TX.  I had no ideas when I stepped up to paint.  It was one of those times when I felt like I was going out on a limb.  I had a slight bit of an intuition for colors just as I started, and went from there.  It was really fun, because there was no striving at all.  I just stepped out, and did what I felt the urge to do, as I worshiped the King of Glory.  I decided to use only 3 colors, and this limited palette was very freeing.  I'm happy to say, that it has sold, pending the varnish coat!  I had several people come up to me, saying that it had really spoken to them.  God is good!

Pouring Down

"Pouring Down"

6"x6"

Acrylic on Wood Panel

     This is #7 of the 30 Day Challenge.  It's not my typical thing to paint.  I don't even really enjoy painting landscapes.  I force myself once in a while, just for grins.  I painted this one while talking to a dear friend on the phone last night.  It was a great way to do two things at once.  I believe the Lord has been speaking to me about "portals" lately.  I sure have it on my mind a lot.  Seems this one includes a portal also.  I say, let it rain, Lord, let it rain.  I do find myself painting some sort of supernatural raining thing quite often.  Although some will see natural rain in this, I see the supernatural rain.  The one that makes the dry cracky parts of our hearts all fresh and new; tenderized by His Holy Spirit living water rain.  

Glory Rain

"Glory Rain"

6"x6"

Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Cradled Wood

$175.00

     This is number 6 of the Leslie Saeta 30 Day Challenge.  I obviously didn't start and finish it in a day.  It is layered with acrylic paint, acrylic skin collages, gold leaf, and many layers of acrylic pouring with metallic powders.  I believe it is one of the nicest pieces that I've ever done.  The depth is unbelievable. Each day would bring a new layer combined with a new pouring layer.  Drying it is an art in itself.  If the temperature is not right, it will craze and not dry evenly.  This one is just exactly right.  The high glassy gloss finish is a plus.  I love the abstract impressionist feel of this.  I can almost envision the heavens opening and Glory just raining down on us!  The atmosphere is filled with gold dust, like I've heard of occurring in some worship services.  Come, Lord!  Rain your Glory down on us, now as never before!  Amen.http://lillianjaneneal.weebly.com/glory-rain.html

"Portals"

"Portals"

20"x24" Caran D' Arche on Mylar

     I got the invitation late yesterday, to join a group of prophetic artists for a live session of worship art!  I was thrilled to get the chance to do this.  I knew it would be something new for me, and since I love to experiment, I was more than willing.  My mac book is sick and in the shop, so I had to resort to my old dinosaur to get hooked up and streaming.  Sure am glad for dinosaurs.  I was able to connect in this google hangout.  

     Each of us worshiped in our own studios, live all at the same time.  You could turn around, and see all the artists busy worshiping and making creativity happen!  It was fun!  I tried a new thing (imagine that), and used mylar sheets covered with gesso.  I've never tried that before, and found that it was really a fun surface to work on.  I used the caran's which simplified things.  As sometimes before, I get a mental picture of the portals of heaven opening with my praise.  I saw them open, and then the glory started pouring back down through the portals!

     I believe this is supported in scripture.  Thank you, Lord!  I love and appreciate the pictures that you give me....each and every one.  Thank you also for this amazing opportunity and way of connecting with fellow artists across the country.  May more doors open for more opportunities.  Amen.

Peace Be Still

"Peace Be Still"

Acrylic on Cradled Wood

6"x6"

$150.00

     This was definitely more than a day in the making, but the last layer was applied in a day.  This is my number 4 of the Leslie Saeta 30 Day Challenge.  I wish the photo would do it justice. The top photo shows the details in a closer up view.   I used collage layers and layers of acrylic skins on top of under paintings. That was followed with acrylic pourings which contained shimmering powdered pigments, followed by gold leaf, and more layers of pouring.  The depth and color translucency is really beautiful.  Mark 4:35-41 tells us that Jesus calms the storm.  There have been many storms in my life, in which I thought I was going to be overtaken.  Some of them almost did take me out.That was when I knew "of" Jesus.  Now that I "know" Him, I've learned that he will either calm the storm for me, or sometimes calm me in the storm.  The past couple of years have been one of those storms in which he has calmed me.  I've felt like that golden piece in this painting...right there in the middle of it; yet not overtaken, and even in peace through most of it.  In that peace, I can minister to the rest of my family.  It's only because of Jesus.  My question for you today is, do you know of Him?  Or do you know Him?  Does he know you?  Is that storm about to take you out?  Let Him calm it for you!  Amen.  

Just a Man

"Just a Man"

Watercolor on Italia 140# paper

11"x14"

     This is Day 3 of the Leslie Saeta 30 Day Challenge.  I didn't have a lot of time and didn't have much of an urge to paint due to three other projects in different stages.  So, I began flipping through a magazine remembering the fun that I had in a dental office in Cozumel...painting the time away.  So, like in Cozumel, I chose a photo of a person that got my attention.  This time I chose a man.  I grabbed my watercolor block that I had previously thrown some color on and began to draw.  The painting was fun, using the same colors as I had used on the wash.  This time I chose Dr. Ph Martin's Hydrus liquid watercolors, and boy do the colors pop!  This photo does not do it justice.  The colors are so deep and rich.  As I was painting, I began to think of the fact that I was doing a portrait of "just a man".  It reminded me of "just the Man" that died for me.  The One that Redeemed me from the pit.  The One that gave me real life for now and eternity. His name is Jesus.   He was "just a man" to many and still is.  But to me, He is far more than "just a man".  I'm sure that if we all listen, God speaks to us in our own language.  For me, art is the language that he uses so many times.  I pray that you can hear His voice today, in the language that you understand.  Amen.

Coat of Many Colors

"Coat of Many Colors"

11x14" Watercolor on Yupo

     This is one of those survival paintings; an attempt at adding color to an  emotional day.  I did this same painting in more true colors previously.  This is our own homegrown rooster.  I think he's quite playful all decked out in his colors.  I'm sure enjoying Yupo and learning better all along as to how to use it.  It definitely has a mind of it's own! I hope you enjoy it!

    

His Love

"His Love"

22x28 Alcohol Ink on Yupo

SOLD

     This one was such a joy to paint.  It started out with a few days of travel and no time to think.  That was followed by a house full of little grandsons with all the joy that comes with it.  As I entered the doors of the sanctuary this morning, I felt a certain amount of peace.  The peace that "knows" that something will happen as worship begins.  A friend came up and asked me if I had a direction for the painting, and I just had to say, "no, but something would come".  It did.  Jesus came.  There was a time during my worship that my hands shook so bad that I could barely get the eye dropper into the alcohol.  I determined to use that to my advantage.  As tall as the mountains are, as low as the valley's are, His love is mine.  This one sold immediately.  

"What a Bute"

"What a Bute"

Watercolor on Yupo

9"x11"

     I've wanted to paint this beautiful rooster all summer.  His name is Shoulders, due to his beautiful black shoulders on a white body that he sported as a young chick.  Agreeing to purchase him, along with the act of holding him, feeding him, and keeping him warm at night was a demonstration of the goodness of God.  I had grown up with a horrific fear of birds.  I'd carried that fear all of my life.  I remember back in college during a drawing class in which the professor mandated that we draw using a stuffed pheasant as our model.  I was so afraid of birds that I couldn't do the project.  Nor, could I even stay in the same room with that stuffed bird!  I acknowledged the beauty of birds, but for me a bird meant terror, and so many times an out and out attack.  The national bird of Costa Rica even made a low dive at me on a swinging bridge in the rain forest.  I remember screaming as my back hit the deck in desperation.  My husband said if he had not have witnessed it, he would never have believed it.  Over a year ago, I attended a Christian retreat, called Identity Weekend.  My good friends Curtis and Heather Ward put this together several times a year.  It was at that weekend that I faced where that fear came from and determined to get rid of it!  To God's glory, "it" is gone!  Gone! Gone! Gone!  Now, I can enjoy these beautiful creatures.  Now, I wonder....how in the world could I have ever been afraid of such a thing?  What are you afraid of?  Fear is a horrible thing.  Whether it is afraid of the dark, the water, flying, a snake, or just a bird.  You don't have to keep it hanging around making you miserable.  God didn't give us fear.  He gave us power and love, and  a sound mind.  Power to say no to fear.  It's time to say no.  Amen.

On Earth as it is in Heaven

This was painted during worship at Emmanuel Fellowship during the first service, this past Sunday morning. I used a FULL sheet of YUPO (which was a challenge), along with alcohol inks and NO brushes. It was really fun.  I kept thinking about "Heaven On Earth", as I worshiped through the painting process. I learned so many things while doing this.

  I just returned from a mission trip in Uganda, Africa where we did street crusades, and ministered in churches.  The travel was difficult, and conditions were hard in areas.  I learned that I'll survive even though I "pee" in my shoes multiple times on accident, discover stickery, prickly  leaves as toilet paper, have to use my just rinsed undies for a wash cloth in my cold shower, live on mostly potatoes, rice, and yummy chapati bread, and have a whole new appreciation for baby wipes.  I discovered a new level of compassion and love for these people as I saw their heart for survival and for the Lord.  I saw such a willingness and honor in them when they were willing to give up their banana matt for someone else to sleep on, and saw several thousand people in the refugee camp with no place to go, living like animals.  Yet, the joy in their eyes told me that even in their desperate condition there is "HOPE".  I was reminded of the dream that the Lord gave me two years ago, in which I was in a refugee camp in Africa speaking to mostly women, giving them "HOPE".  Although I didn't get to minister or speak, I did get to hug, squeeze, and smile.  And now, I get to pray for the HOPE of their glory to come.  Come, Lord Jesus.  Come.  On earth as it is in heaven....in that camp.  Come, Lord.  

"Just a Fit"

"Just a Fit"

11x14" watercolor on paper

     William.  To my sweet William, the "One who is a resolute protector", according to name meaning:  It was such a funny day not so long ago, when this hat became the center of play, the center of laughter, and giggles.  The eyes around that table glimmered in gladness, but have now  known the shadow of sadness.  You've been swept away, down a very long road.    The road that's  too long for weekend sleep overs, and those midweek stays.  The quick visits, the unexpected run overs are now out of the question.   We find ourselves making trades.   Instead of the tractor in the field, it's the tractor on the side walk.  Instead of the sandbox and chickens, it's way of city life.  For us,  the  trade off will be intercession instead of cookies,  declarations instead of snuggles,  and encouragement by phone instead of those weekly visits.   William, may the Lord keep you and  protect you. May the Comforter bring peace on both ends of that road. May you discover early in life your helmet of salvation.  May you learn to be a resolute protector of your heart.  May you learn to discern the voice that whispers rebellion and pride into your ear.  May you learn even better the voice of the Father; the One that Protects, Provides, and tells you who you really are.  May you always trade truth for the lie.   Scripture says that the Lord is a shield about me, and about you.   He hears our voices when we cry, and he answers us from His holy mountain.  He causes us to lay down and sleep and sustains us.  Psalms 3:  3-5.  Our hearts are solidified with the joy of the Lord, and we're keeping the hat ready for  "Just Another Fit".

Holy, Holy, Holy

The first painting is what I did after receiving a prophetic word...that I would go into the nations setting women free.  I painted it as an act of obedience.  After that, I did go.  I went to Guatemala and ministers to missionary women.  Then, I went to Africa and ministered to women.  Now I find myself questioning who I am really.  As an artist.  Who am I?  I reworked this canvas.  I find myself remembering:

Last year, some of my artist friends took an amazing art trip to Ashville, NC, to a prophetic art conference. Among the amazing things that we saw, were the beautiful colors of the changing of the guard with the trees. I remember taking so many pictures of the colors. I also remember sitting on the porch during a break time and hearing a group of people singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy", and it literally infiltrated throughout the mountains. It brought tears to my eyes, and still does. I would give a whole lot to get to go again this year, but seems I may have to wait another year. I loved the experience, the growth, and hearing those beautiful words. May they reign throughout the deserts of Texas as well. "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty"....

Lord, you are Holy.  Holy are you, that was, and is and will be to come.  Blessed is Your Name.  Holy are you.  God...the one who is.  The One that holds the water in the boundaries, and the stars in the sky.  The One that I adore.  You alone are God.  My heard sings to you, and you dance over me.  What a pair we are.  You and I.  I am so thankful that we are a pair.

Quest

Progress on my first painting in this "Quest" series. I'm on a quest to narrow down, think about, and hopefully come to some kind of conclusion as I who I am as an artist. I played with this outside in all the wind, as I kept my hubby company. Or maybe he kept me company. I have been wanting to do some art journaling and I love the work that Kelly Rae Roberts does. Since I am trying to figure some things out, I decided I'd just take the opportunity to play in this style for a bit. I used an old canvas that had already been painted over twice. I used "YES" paste to collage with, and discovered that acrylics don't stick to it well at all. Watercolor will, but acrylics will not. I used some symbolism in this piece and thought about all the things that I wanted to "release", I haven't answered my original question yet, at least on paper. I think I know deep down, but I'm going to give myself some time to contemplate and play. This whimsical approach was fun, and a change from my tight watercolors I've been doing lately. I'll probably add to it before calling it good.

Perplexed

"Perplexed"

11x14 watercolor on Arches Watercolor paper

     I took the photo of this little girl carrying a baby.  I have no idea whether she was babysitting, or whether it was her natural or adopted child.  In Uganda, there are so many children...and they steal your heart.  This girl was so intrigued by us "Mazunga's"getting on and off the bus.  She seemed so perplexed at what we might be doing.  I snapped her picture as she watched us, trying to figure out whether we were friend or foe.  She sure was carrying a load.  Bless her, Lord.  Bless her.