Dancing with the Lover of my Soul

"Dancing with the Lover of my Soul"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

5"x7"

     #31 in 31 days...I've been thinking a lot about Justifying Grace.  That yes moment, when in a flash He was mine and I was His; Dancing with my bridegroom for all of eternity!  

30 Paintings in 30 Days

I'm better at painting than making collages.  I couldn't get this pic monkey to put the right spaces in, so I have duplicates.  Oh well.  Back to painting!

I'm going to continue on some sort of challenge...either painting or drawing each and every day.  Reading the Word of God isn't really a challenge.  It's a given.  Now, exercising, well...I could add it in there somewhere!    I'm glad that Leslie Saeta organized the challenge.  It's fun to see other works of art as well as see what I can do.

"Herbata"

"Herbata"

5"x7" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     This is the last of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I'm bummed about it.  I just got in the groove, it seems like.  I think I might just continue on, challenging myself.  This "Herbata" is a cup full of polish tea.  I've never been to Poland, nor have i ever had their tea.  But I do like the word.  Some languages just have a nice rhythm to them.  I especially like the color combo in this painting.  The collaged stamp sets it off.  I think will also go into my card set.  

Tea Time

"Tea Time"

5"x7"

Ink on Yupo

     This one was so much fun!  It's number 29 of my 30 in 30.  I absolutely love it!  I combines different techniques along with collage.  I meant it as a gift, but not sure I want to part with it.  I think I'll have some cards made for sure.  I just love the texture and the contrast.  Love, love, love this one.

"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"

"My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken me"?

5"x7"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     This is number 28 of the 30 in 30.  This painting evolved.  I didn't start out thinking about eyes, but I did start out thinking about Jesus.  One stroke let to another, and I began to realize a direction that I was going.  At first, I contemplated being the apple of His eye.  I am that.  I'm so very thankful. Just as I was painting and enjoying my time with Him, I got a message from someone, saying that she was ready to join me in my business!  That is, my Rodan+Fields business.  I don't believe in coincidence.  I am at least one apple of His eye.  Then, as I proceeded it began to take on another feeling.  The one in which had to have come when Jesus took all of my sins upon him in that dark hour.  I think my revelation of that fact became even more real to me as I painted.  I am both grieved and so very thankful.  He took all of your sin, too.  Have you made him your Lord and Savior?  Do it; Before it's too late.  Matthew 27:45-46.

Spirit of Religion

"Spirit of Religion"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

5"x7"

     Number 27 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I can't help but think of James 1:26 as I paint this.  It just has the feel of the spirit of religion to me.  I didn't intend on it coming out this way, but it did.  The noses stuck up in the air, the colors, the whole nine yards.  I hate that spirit.  It really is the one that crucified Christ, and is still so prevalent today.  

Red Bay

"Red Bay"

Work in Progress

16x20 Acrylic on Canvas

     This is still a work in progress and number 26 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  Yes, I know I signed it.  That was before I photographed it and see obvious things to change.  It all started with a bunch of left over paint on my palette that I didn't want to waste, along with an old painting from long ago.  I decided to reuse the canvas and am glad I did.  Some of the underpainting was just what I needed.  Red Bay is on the island of St. Maartin, on the French side.  It's a beautiful place.  There are some big rocks that make the water swirl and crash as it comes inland.  

"In the Full of the Moon"

"In the Full of the Moon"

5"x7"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     This completes my number 25 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I used some of the metallic blendables in the sky on this one.  In life, it's very beautiful and luminous.  I used to wonder why my grandfather meant when he would say, "in the full of the moon".  I always just thought he should say, "full moon".  Now, I see it.  One of the seven wonders of the world is the Grand Canyon.  I remember standing on one of the cliff's some years ago, thinking, "God, How Great Thou Art".  It was a moment in time that I had with Him, which still resinates within my soul.  Somehow, this painting reminds me of that moment.

Blue Hole

"Blue Hole"

Alcohol Ink on Ceramic Tile

NFS

     This is number 24 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  I had lots of fun trying these techniques on tile.  It's got a different feel than Yupo, for sure.  I had one thing in mind as I started, but sure didn't end up with the same thought.  It reminds me of a place that divers go in New Mexico, called The Blue Hole.  It's a small pool entry and goes down a few hundred feet.  When you are from our area with no ocean around, and limited decent lakes, The Blue Hole provides at least a place to get wet.  I haven't been diving there myself, and might go if there were something to see once submerged.  I understand that it's just pretty much a place to go and get some depth so you can count it as a dive.  

     As far as this piece goes, the next step will be to play and see how I can protect it so it can become  a coaster.  

Pear-Le Reworked

"Pear-Ly"

5"x7" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

REWORKED

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     Sometimes, you just need to sleep, and come back in the morning with a fresh view to see what needs to be done.  I thought I was finished last night, but realized I had the neck of this pear too round and too fat.  I also found that it's very difficult to layer colors.  I haven't found a way not get rid of the hard edge without getting rid of the color.  I'll keep working.  At any rate, I like this piece for many reasons.  I like the difference in textures and the mix of warm and cool colors.  It was fun, even the reworking part. 

Pear-Le

"Pear-Le

5"x7" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

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     This is number 23 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  I'm having more fun with these inks!  My new colors are slurping good, and I'm beginning to be more free with the "what if's".  I used the negative painting process with this one, but instead of adding I used negative subtractive.  I'm beginning to have more and more ideas, so I will probably continue the challenge with these ink pieces, at least for the most part.  

"Gateway to Promise"

"Gateway to Promise"

5"x7" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

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     This is number 22 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  I can't believe this challenge is coming to an end!  I think I have just now settled into the groove and routine.  Maybe I can continue painting everyday.  I enjoy these alcohol inks so much.  The colors and the vibrancy are so much fun to work with.  I love the impressionistic style.  I think that's just "me".  I did try to be more intentional with this one.  It was with the "what if", and "I wonder if" approach.  I'm learning a lot by just jumping in.  The central focal point speaks to me, in that there is a whole place of promises awaiting each one of us, as we stand at the gate to our  promised land that God has for us.  I think so many times we picture that as leaving a very bad place into a good place, but I think sometimes, it's choosing to leave a beautiful place into a place of more beauty than we can ever imagine; that being the glory of the Lord.  

Desert Majesty

Desert Majesty

5"x7"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     Number 21 of the 30 in 30 challenge, just completed!  If it hadn't been for these inks, I never would have made this daily challenge.  I got a new order in with new brands of ink and couldn't wait to try them.  The photo doesn't do them justice, as parts appear to be washed out.  It's so much fun working with these, but they sure have a mind of their own.  You never know for sure what is about to happen.  I'll price this and repost as I have a little more time.

Red Bay in Progress

In Progress

Red Bay

Acrylic on Canvas

     I almost didn't make it!  This is number 20 of the 30 in 30, and posting a day late due to schedules.  I'm painting intuitively, and having fun doing it.  There is this beautiful place on the Island of St. Maartin, on the French side...called Red Bay.It's a great snorkel area if you can manage to tromp through the knee deep sand to get to the water.  There are lots of red bluffs and red rocks right up on the beach, so you get lots of wave movement.  On the other side of that bluff on the right is an oasis for adventurous types like us.  We floated our cooler over there and had the whole place to ourselves. There are beautiful swim throughs and places to get out of the waves.  We had plenty of "mermaid" encounters on the way over to the other side, I might add.  Let's just say that their beach attire is vastly different than ours.    I'll keep you updated with progress pics.  

"Freedom"

"Freedom"

22"x28"

Acrylic on Canvas

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     This is number 19 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  This was an image I saw in my mind's eye as I sat in a School of the Spirit at Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Sweetwater, TX  I couldn't wait to paint it, but had to wait just over a week.  While in a waiting room for a few hours, I worked it out on my iPad, just to play with colors, and the idea.  I was so amazed that, the very  same  day my pastor ran across a logo of a similar drawing!  He emailed it to me, and I was so surprised.  The Logo was in black and white and mine was definitely in the fiery colors, but it was confirmation to me that I was indeed supposed to paint it.  I was the artist during worship today, so this is what I did.  You know, "When the Son sets you free, you are free indeed".  John 8:36.  

"Dam Break"

"Dam Break"

5"x7"

Watercolor on Yupo

     This is number 18 of the 30 in 30 challenge!  I'm half way through!  I decided to work with watercolor again, rather than the inks that I've been using.  Usually watercolor dries shades lighter and usually doesn't show up vibrant like this.  However, I used "Doak's watercolors, from New York. ( I think).  I purchased these liquid watercolors several years ago.  They are highly pigmented, and the person call that you have to make to order them is kind of...a gut check.  Enough said on that.  This one required just a little more intentional painting, some with a brush and some just dripping.  I like the effect, and am pleased with the vibrancy.  After working a Walk to Emmaus team meeting today, I can't help but notice where the "dam" is breaking on this and the water is gushing in.  Let it be, Lord.  Let the dams break and let your river flow!  Amen.

Invitation to a Lost Soul

"Invitation to a Lost Soul"

12"x12" Acrylic on Wooden Panel

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     This is number 17 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  I'd planned to paint my puppy in watercolor today.  But,  I was contemplating  and grieving for a loved one that is living in such a dark place.  I began to ponder what it must feel like to be in that place, when I realized it must be like a body without a soul.  There used to be a soul....I instantly knew that I needed to paint that idea, not knowing how to do it.  I came home and began painting intuitively, asking Holy Spirit which color to use next, etc.  This is not my typical type of painting at all.  As I painted the emotions running through me were so strong.  Confirmation came when my hubby nailed the interpretation right on the head.  

"Land of Mine"

"Land of Mine"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

5"x7"

NFS

     This is my number 16 of the 30 in 30 day challenge.  I had a day off today.  Or, so I thought.  I'd planned to do a larger, detailed watercolor.  But, one thing led to another catching up on house work and all of those necessities that pile up when you are non-stop on the go.  I resorted to another alcohol ink and Yupo.  I started to try other colors, but I have a hard time giving up my favorites.  Something happens deep inside me when I see these colors.  I can't explain it.  

     I can't help but think of Ezekiel 36:24 when I look at this:  "'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land."  I bet my land would look something like this, rich in these beautiful jewel colors.  I always think about the colors of heaven, and how there has to be colors that we have not even seen yet.  Many times I lay and dream about the colors of heaven.  For now though, I'll play with what I know and continue to seek what I don't know.

"To Him I Will Sing"

"To Him I Will Sing"

5"x7"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

      This is number 15 of the 30 in 30 challenge.   I'm sure having fun playing with these inks.  I am still dabbling with the acrylic inks also, but I think I like the alcohol best.  They dry a lot faster and you can remove ink after it is dried.  You can do the same thing with the acrylic, but it doesn't do as nice, and if you layer the colors it makes a mess.  Too pooped tonight to go into much detail.  I think tomorrow will be a detailed piece.

"Grace"

"Grace"

5"x7"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     

     This is number 14 of the 30 in 30 day challenge.  Again, I almost didn't make it.  It's about all I can do to get this posted before falling into bed.  It has been a day, and looks like i am headed for some months in  a row in which I will need grace to get through.  Blessings.  

"I Await my King"

"I Await my King"

5"x7"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     This complete number 13 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I almost didn't make this deadline tonight.  I've been busy writing a talk for a Walk to Emmaus.  You know how it goes, things usually take longer than you thought.  I'm just about to the point of being done; the kind of done that you can poke with a fork!  I started to just skip a day and let it go, but decided to press in.  I'm glad I did.  You know, that's what Jesus wants us to do.  Press into Him.  It'll be worth it.  Then, you can really rest. 

"Tristan in Watercolor"

"Tristan in Watercolor"

9"x11"

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     This is my number 12 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I almost didn't make it!  This was start to finish in one sitting, and hot off the press.  When Tristan was here, he found my scarves, and proceeded to do all these head wraps like a pro!  I took lots of photos as he was wrapping and decided to do this.  The previous painting used the same reference photo, and I decided that it was so much fun, I would do one more realistic.  I like it.  

Portal

"Portal"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

4"x4"
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     This is number 11 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I didn't have as much time today, so I painted a little bit smaller.  Still, the beautiful colors and the distinct round shape just remind me of the portals of heaven being opened with our praise.  What's on the other side?  Is it for blessing coming through or for a blessing going through?  In my mind's eye, I can see....

"All Wrapped Up"

"All Wrapped Up"

11"x14"

Mixed Media

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     This is number TEN of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I couldn't wait to get this done!  I've wanted to do some real experimenting and this was it!  I collaged hand painted papers and book pages onto this watercolor paper.   I added moulding paste and stencils.  I wasn't sure I could make anything out of it, but pressed on through.  I discovered if I wanted my charcoal to adhere and yet be erasable, I needed to coat the whole thing in acrylic medium to begin with.  I proceeded using my grandson, Tristan Moya as my model.  He just loved taking my Ugandan wrap to make a head wrap.  I got lots of photo reference shots and will probably do more on this line.  This was really fun, because I didn't worry about making anything picture perfect.  I enjoyed the play on light and dark as wells as the hues used.  I even pulled in my red acetate overlay to check my values and make sure that I had a good variety.  Yay.  Lessons learned, coming into play.  I haven't gotten his feedback, but in real life it looks great.  More of these to come, I'm sure!  

"Deep Calls Unto Deep"

"Deep Calls Unto Deep"

6"x6"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

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     Number 9  of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  This is an original alcohol ink on Yupo paper.  The colors are more deep and more vibrant than even this photo can show.  It's a beautiful piece, hand signed rather than typed, and without the copyright of coarse.  There are so many images in this piece.  I looked at it for several days, studying and letting the Lord speak to me in so many ways.  The sliver of white light coming from the deepest places reminds me, that as we go deeper with Him, Jesus Christ, we are bathed in more glory light.  Hope you enjoy this piece.  It was a blast to paint.  

"Get Ready"

"Get Ready"

6"x6" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

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     This is number 8 of the 30 in 30 day challenge.  Seems like the last few weeks of our holiday sure have been taken up in a storm.  I've done a couple of storm like paintings in the last day or two; not because I intended to, but just because it happened.  I notice that lots of times my art reflects what's going on in me spiritually or emotionally.  I love the colors of this piece, and am reminded that on the other side of a storm, there is usually a nice refreshing, gently, cleansing rain followed by a rainbow and sunshine.  I'm believing that the SON will shine and bring His treasure into his healing light.  How long will it storm?  Who knows.  But, better than the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, are the promises of God.  That, I can stand on.  Amen.

All Inked Up

"All Inked Up"

Acrylic Ink on YUPO

6"x6"

50.00

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     Number 7 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge.  I'm still experimenting with acrylic inks on Yupo.  I'm finding that if you try to back over the first layer, it will completely lift the paint off!  The colors that I'm using are basic primaries, not so much mixing colors.  I think I like working with these inks, but prefer the alcohol inks for their blending and unpredictability.  The acrylic inks are not total predictable, but very workable with a brush.  I think the next time I play with them, I will experiment with some texture and see how they cover.  

Hell Fire

"Hell Fire"

Acrylic Ink on Yupo 

6"x6"

NFS

     This is #6 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge.  My grandson was given this handsome rooster, whom promptly beat the crud out of the resident rooster, Ruffles.  He's a mighty pretty guy, a true cock of the walk.  This is my first experiment with acrylic ink on yupo with a brush.  He's at a funny angle, and I had a bit of trouble getting it right.  It was fun, and yes, he is this colorful.  

Emmie

"Emmie"

12x14 Watercolor on Arches 140# Paper

Sold

     This is my #5 in the 30 day challenge.  I painted it a couple of weeks ago as a Christmas commission.  My holiday life is not quite over, therefore, getting to my brushes has not happened yet.  My family members will all be gone after tomorrow and our lives will hurriedly get back into a groove.  My studio is warming up right now, calling my name.  Perhaps I can sneak in there and get really started on this challenge.  I always feel like I'm cheating when I'm not really painting daily.  It is what it is right now, and this is Emmie.  I enjoyed doing her and really like the way the ground turned out.  I bet she's really a fun little companion.  

Pretty Nattie

Pretty Nattie

Digital Art

iPad

     I'm trying to keep up with the 30 Day Challenge, but have yet had a chance to pick up my brush.  I feel it coming, still.  But, today I had the fun of going to the park and playing Frisby Golf with my son and his little family.  Actually, little Natalie was along for the ride.  She loved swinging.  It was fun just swinging her and watching her little facial expressions.  So, until I can pick the brush up again, just know little Nattie:  you are a very bright spot in our life.  I cherish every moment with you.  I never thought I would have a little girl to love on.  With all the little boys to love, I just never knew I could love a little girl. But, yes. I can!  Swinging though the holiday!  

Celebrate

Celebrate

Digital 

     My goodness.  The holidays have been one of those "Griswold's Family Fun Vacation Holidays".  It's definitely been the longest "holiday" that I can ever remember.  From non-stop cooking to plumbing problems with a house full of people, to dogs chasing each other making messes, children's laughter, and a tired melt down or two.  But, celebrations are about to happen. Tomorrow, I get to celebrate with my new found son and his family!  I'm so excited to present them with my gifts.  Gifts of love and labor.  I'll get to hold that baby granddaughter again, and hear her say, "pretty".  Pretty, she is.  In not too many days, we'll celebrate life back to normal.  Back to routine and a little rest.  I'm looking forward to that.  Peace and quiet, and maybe even cereal for dinner.  With the house put back together, laundry done, and leftovers gone, it also won't be long till we celebrate another fun filled holiday vacation.  Wonder what it will look like?  

    This is another iPad sketch done with the Sketch Club app.  It's also part of a 30 day challenge.  I plan to get my brush and paints back in my hand next week.

Waves of Worship