`January 2016 Thirty Paintings in 30 Days

     This is the collection of my 30 paintings done in January 2016!  Yes!  A painting a day!  Sometimes I did two a day, for those days that I knew I would be out.  Some were worked on for multiple days.  I didn't have a theme this year.  What I wanted to do, was to experiment, and to do a few animals just for practice, which I did.  The ape family paintings were all done using a different method of watercolor.  There is a mix of watercolor, oil, and alcohol ink, and oh yes; one acrylic.  I've had a blast, feel that I'm improved and am looking forward to continuing on.  The next challenge that I do, I think I'll stick to one subject matter.  We will see.  Hope you've enjoyed stopping by!  I'd love a to know which are your favorites.

Teeming with Life

"Teeming with Life"

11"x14"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

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     Our dive trips are booked.  So, now I can dream.  I've not seen this kind of a shark, and can't say as I want to.  However, I'd love to see a hammerhead.  Maybe we will.  I can say, these coral columns look like this!  I'm always amazed at the colors that are so vibrant when the sun peeks through and shines through the crystal clear Cozumel waters.  Cabo is on our list for this year.  I wonder what it will be like.... This completes the 30 paintings in 30 days for me.  #30.  It's been a great month of painting.

Work in progress

Work in Progress

     I've been painting up a storm today.  I'm reworking a painting and thought I'd post it for my #29 of the 30 in 30, just because the REAL painting that I'm working on is a commission, and I can't let the secret out.  It's turning out really well, so far.  You'll just need to wait on seeing that one.

Storm Approaching

"Storm Approaching"

Alcohol Ink on Tile

6"x6"

NFS

     Three more days to go in the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again...It's been so much fun, and I hate to see it come to an end.  However, I will be glad to breathe if I need to.  I'm not one to live on challenges, but if I commit to it, I will see it through to the end, no matter what. I hope to continue daily painting, but to also add in my quiet time prior to painting.  I hope I can coordinate the two with the time I have.  So many times, other things get in the way of having that kind of a chunk of time.  

     I just booked our diving trips for 2016.  I guess I had the ocean on my mind. 

Jer. 5:22 says, "Do you not fear Me?' declares the LORD 'Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it." 

      Every time I get to depth, I can't help but sing, "How Great Thou Art"; through my mask of coarse.  God's underground creation is just as amazing as His above ground.  I often look out over the sea as we skirt the waters in our "fast boat" and think about Peter.  It's easy to criticize him when you're in the boat.  But what about when you are in the water or the storm?  What then?  

Wrapped in a New Song

"Wrapped in a New Song"

Ink on Yupo

4"x4"

     Number 27 of the 30 in 30 Challenge.  When I look at this image, I can't help but be reminded of myself.  Me; being wrapped in the veil of a new song.  Praise God!

Fire Within

"Fire Within"

Oil on Canvas Paper

11x14"

     Oh my.  only 5 days left of this challenge.  I've had so much fun with it.  Having gone to Africa 3 times, and Guatemala twice, I guess this just had to come out.  My pastor, has been teaching about keeping our fire burning.  So, Burn Within.  No matter who you are, or where you live.  Burn, Lord.  Let it burn.

Overflow

"Overflow"

Oil 11"x14" on canvas Paper

     This is number 25 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  The Lord gives me a cup and a portion, and draws my boundary lines.  He's filled me to overflowing, and that's where I create from.  I can't believe this challenge is almost over.  I've looked forward to painting every day, and for the most part, I have done just that.  There were a couple of days that I did more than one in anticipation of being out of town or something.  This is a discipline that I would like to continue.

Out of Overflow

"Out of Overflow"

8x10" Oil on Canvas Panel

     This is #24 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I'm taking Dreama Tolle Perry's Painting Course.  That called for a practice lesson to get acquainted with her palette and a new kind of brush, and medium.  The idea was to meditate and come up with an inspiring word that we can keep coming back to from time to time.  I thought about it all day.  Then, I realized that is is out of the overflow of everything that we create.  The overflow determines what we create; good or bad.  What's in our heart comes out.    

I haven't painted with oils in about 2 months or more.  Gosh, I forgot some important things that Nancy Medina taught me.  I image that I will do another one of these practices to feel like I have a handle on it before the actual painting lesson starts.  It's hard to remind an old dog of new tricks.  

Release

"Release"

Alcohol Ink on Yupo

6"x6"

     This is number 23 of the 30 Paintings in 30 days!  I really didn't paint today.  I did a few the other day, in anticipation of knowing I would out of the studio today...doing God stuff.  It was a good day!  God is always doing so many things at once.  He's done a number on me lately.  Praise the Lord!  What do you need him to do for you?

"Hello, my name is Joseph"

4x6" watercolor mounted on hardboard

     This is number 22 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I had lots of fun painting this guy.  He has so much character...I started to make him a she with hot pink lips!  The colors that I used were a new brand ,Qor.  I think they are wonderful.  I mounted the 300# paper onto a board using acrylic gel.  I then applied an acrylic varnish to protect the paper.  At last, no more glass to have to mess with.  I'm excited about the possibilities this technique will open up.

City on a Hill

"City on a Hill"

Alcohol Ink on Tile

6"x6"

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     This is #21 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days!  I love working with these inks.  The colors are so vibrant, and if you mess up you just wipe it off and start again.  But if you want to do any "corrections", forget it.  No corrections.  It's like drawing with an ink pen.  No erasing.  I'd just love to walk up those steps and smell the flowers.  What about you?

Choose Light

"Choose Light"

6"x6" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     This is #20 of the 30 Paintings in 30 days.  I can't believe how fast this month is going.  Creativity breeds creativity.  I feel as though I could just keep on going.  We will see.  This one has a solid message of the contrast between light and dark, heaven, and hell.  Do you see it?

The Elders

"The Elders"

"4"x4" Alcohol Ink on Yupo

     This one is #19 of the 30 Paintings in 30 days.  It's just a quick little painting experimenting with the "trickle effect".  It just reminds me of the "elders".  What do you think they are contemplating?

Poppies in Bloom

Poppies in Bloom

Alcohol ink on tile

     This is number 18 of the 30 in 30 painting challenge.  It was a challenge today.  I have a lot on my mind and it's hard to focus.  I think I will wipe this off and start again tomorrow.

Rejected

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"Rejected"

16x20 Watercolor

     This is number 17 of the 30 paintings in 30 days.  I enjoyed doing this guy, using a slightly different watercolor technique.  I usually paint wet on wet, but employed wet on dry paper, keeping the bead line wet.  I can't help but think that this poor guy is watching his sweet thing being taken by someone superior.  I didn't intend on painting this emotion, but there is something about the look in his eyes that just get me.  The ape family is very interesting to me, and I'm doing a little research along with this painting just to get to know them better.  Our here, in west Texas is not the place to find them.  I doubt we have any in our local zoo, either.  Maybe warm weather will require a little zoo trip to find out.  What do you think of him?  Does he have a story to tell?

Work in progress

This is what I'm currently working, or not working on.  It's a large watercolor, done in a method that I' haven't used before...wet on dry.  I'm off for another two days of Heart Sync Training!  Not sure I'll get him finished before tomorrow night.  Number 15 of the 30 in 30.  Gosh!  Half way there.

Joy

Joy

     This is a beautiful ink and tile that fits into this box.  I made this especially for a very loved friend.  No time to blog, I'm out the door for another day of Heart Sync Training.  Number 14 of the 30 in 30 challenge.

The Keys

"The Keys"

Watercolor on 300# paper

     I'm always amazed at God's timing.  After taking a watercolor pouring class back in October, with Nathalie Kelley, I've done several paintings using this method.  I was in the prayer room the other day, and saw these keys.  I've seen them many times before, but that day the Lord spoke to me and told me he wanted me to paint those keys.  A couple of days ago, I signed up for Dreama's Love, Paint, Dream Painting Class.  He class entails some soul searching along with journaling and painting.  Hmmmmm.  Last September, I signed up to take Heart Sync training which started today.  Throughout the training I keep seeing and hearing the word "KEY".  Heart Sync is inner healing dealing with the different parts of your soul.  Hmmmmm.  I signed up today, for two extra days of training.  I believe that God is opening up some important keys.  Keys to the kingdom living.  Keys to bring deeper healing for myself and others.  He wants our whole heart; not the divided one.  Hmmmmm.  I bet this adventure is going to be good!  I didn't paint today, but I did several yesterday. I knew I would have nothing left in me today.  This is number 13 (now that's interesting, too), of the 30 paintings in 30 Days.

Psalm 23

Psalm 23

Alcohol Ink

4" Tile

     This is number 12 of the 30 paintings in 30 days.  I just love the vivid colors and the photo doesn't do it justice.  What's your opinion?

Live, Laugh, Dance

Live, Laugh, Dance

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6"x6" Ceramic Tile with Alcohol Ink

     Life brings with it seasons.  Some are rough.  We must all come out of the rough, into the new.  Live, as if there is no tomorrow; because there may not be one.  Laugh, as if it will heal you; because it is good medicine.  Dance like you'll never stop,; because someday you may not be able to.  Do it all with your whole body, soul, and spirit.  

Path of Obedience

"Obedience"

Alcohol Ink on Tile

     I was walking my "Big Dog"  Ceezee, tonight.  We came upon some wild hogs.  He is a Great Dane and bread to hunt hogs.  So...he chased them.  It was big danger.  I screamed his name!  He stopped and listened, and obeyed.  Thank God!  You know, even though we are bred to lay hands on the sick, preach the gospel, we still need to listen and obey in the very moment!  It's a sermon.  Really. 

Misty Morning

   

"Misty Morning"

Original Watercolor on 300 # paper

14"x15"

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 This one is #9 of the 30 paintings in 30 days.  Geez, I am going to have to start painting small!  This has been a long travel day, and getting the last layers on the painting have been tiring.  I started this painted days ago, layering very thin washes each day.  It probably has about 20 or more washes.  I was going to continue on with them, but I've gotten impatient and decided to just go ahead and finish it with a little opaque.  I know, I ruined the whole effect of the luminosity of all the transparent washes.  Still, it looks like fog.  It's really my 2nd attempt at painting fog.  The first was years ago...I remember the fog was ok, but the rest of it was not.  Hopefully, all of this one is ok.   I kind of like the mood of the back light coming through.  I expect a little fisherman to come quietly around the bend in a paddle boat, and I can almost hear the sound of his paddle.  Can you feel the mist on your skin?

Maybe

"Maybe"

16x20" Original Watercolor on 300# Paper

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     I've just been on a roll with these creatures the past few days.  I've experimented with different watercolor techniques.  This one was done by a "pouring method", which is more difficult that you would think.  The expression makes me think that "Maybe, I'll hurt you", or "Maybe, you better leave me alone".  Hence, the title of "Maybe".  This is number 8 or the 30 Paintings in thirty Days.

Confined

"Confined"

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14"x14" Watercolor

          This is number 7 of the 30 Paintings int Thirty Days.  I love these creatures.  This painting was kind of difficult, but rewarding.

Full Bloom

"Full Bloom"

16"x20" Acrylic on Canvas

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     This is number 6 of the 30 paintings in 30 days.  I worked on it several days, experimenting with high gloss gel and transparent acrylic applied with a palette knife.  It has quite a few layers on transparent on top of transparent, and finally a spattering of opaque acrylic ink.  It was fun, and kind of "Georgia O'Keefe style.  I'm working on several paintings daily in order to keep up with this challenge.  I guess if I would paint very small and very simple, I could do one per day.  But, no.  I have to work large.  I guess the whole idea is to paint daily, not necessarily finish one daily.  I refuse to let it beat me, though.  Hope you enjoy these colors!

Judge Yourself

"Judge Yourself"

8"x10" Acrylic on Collaged Watercolor Paper

1Cor. 11:31

     "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged".  When I painted this, I painted while in the "zone".  The means connected and intuitively painting.  I had no preconceived idea of what I was going to do, so I just used some colors that I liked and a little texture.  I've looked at it wondering...what in the world?  Tonight, I remarked that it looked like Judgement Day.  Then, I remembered this scripture.  I'm sure there are some things I need to judge myself on.  I'm going to meditate on that and take care of it.  What about you?  Is there something in your life that you need to turn from?  This is Day 5 of the 30 paintings in Thirty Days.   I love daily painting.  I wish I were making a living at it, because I love it very much.     Yes....I know I got the mat crooked! :)

"Mug Shot"

"Mug Shot"

16"x20 Original Watercolor on Arches 300# Paper

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     What ever possessed me to paint these baboons, I don't know!  Other than...they are just so cute!  Actually, I have little experience with animals and I know I need it.  I've done a few dogs and a cat, a cow, and a horse or two.   I just couldn't resist these mugs.  I started out with the intention of doing it as close to the photo as I could.  I lasted just a little while.  I couldn't take it any longer.  It's just not me.  If you have a photo, why do you need the painting?  But if you have a painting that resembles a photo and shows some personality....now we're talking.  I shut the lid to my laptop and started flinging paint.  Literally.  I just love Opera pink and rarely get to use it.  I just thought this mamma and her baby needed some pink.  I may go in and darken the tube of rubber that the baby is chewing on.  My hubby thinks it resembles a can of something....It was so much fun!  I think I'll have to do another in a different method.  What's your take on it?

Feeling lucky?  Well, I'm not!  Laughing while saying this, but I'm trying to figure out Rafflecopter!  So, I'm giving away an original painting just for going into my Jay Neal Art Facebook page, and "liking" it!  I'm trying to hit 400 likes!  The contest begins tomorrow!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthing a New Thing

"Birthing a New Thing"

8"x10" Original Acrylic on 

Collaged Watercolor Paper

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     It's just the craziest thing; painting all of these mid-eastern women!  What is just now dawning on me, is that a few years prior to traveling as a missionary to both Africa and Guatemala, I began having dreams and visions and producing art with the women wearing traditional clothing.....way before I ever even wanted to go onto the mission field.  What does that mean?  Why did I paint this?  Why did I title it, Birthing a New Thing"?  It was not until just now that I began to speculate...oh dear.  Lord, what are you up to?  I say yes, to whatever it is.  

     I love painting intuitively.  There are a couple of reasons.  One is that it is just so freeing and fun.  The next is, when I'm copying something I just feel that it just a copy with no life in it.  It was alive for someone else, but dead for me.  Even using a photo reference on things, I usually have to give it up, shut my computer lid and just paint from my guts.  

     If any of you have any insight to what is behind this painting, I'd welcome it.

Lady in Waiting

"Lady in Waiting"

8"x10 Acrylic on Paper

     I'm unsure why I find myself painting these women that seem middle eastern.  I'm taken with their  head dressings and long dresses for some reason.  This was painted intuitively, without a photo reference as most of my paintings are done.  I'm paying with composition, textures, backgrounds, and color combinations.  I also find myself painting pregnant women lately.  I can't help but think that their is a new thing birthing among these women, and let his name be Jesus!  May they come to know Him, and the freedom He brings!  This is number 2 of the Thirty in Thirty Challenge!  

Job 31:1

Job 31:1

Acrylic on Paper

8"x10"

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     It's been awhile since I've posted; it's been a very rough ride on the train of life.  However, a new year is rolling around, and with it has to come Hope.  I've been painting a lot.  Leslie Saeta has two 30 in 30 challenges a year, and guess what?  It starts tomorrow.  I didn't do the one in Sept., so Ive determined to do this one.  I got a head start over the holiday, knowing that right off the bat I will be out of pocket for a few days.  As I was painting this one, I just began to reflect and paint.  I paint intuitively most of the time.  It's pretty rare that I begin with an idea unless I'm painting in watercolor.  My husband has been studying scripture lately, and as he looked at this one, he felt that the title Job 31:1 fits it perfectly.  That scripture reads,“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman."   It's kind of strange, because I believe I painted a woman.  However, in either case, the scripture fits.  There will be more figurative's to come.   Day 1.