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.

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?

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?

Aftermath

"Aftermath"

22"x28"

Oil and Acrylic on Canvas

I’ve just had a God moment. Some months ago, I painted this girl. I never intended to. I had no direction, and no reason. I just did it. While painting, I had difficulty concentrating on technique because of the emotion that was running through me. Upon completion, my husband came in and gazed at her. I asked him to title the painting. He called it “Aftermath”. It meant some things to me, but ever since I have had an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. Even last night, sitting by the fire I looked upon her face, and thought of what she may have come through. I had that feeling in my stomach. I’ve questioned the Lord as to the reason for the painting and have heard no answer.

Until now. Until now! Just now, I was reading in 2 Samuel 13. Why now? I don’t know. God’s always on time. That’s what I know. The chapter tells the horrifying story of Tamar, the daughter of a high king; the daughter that dressed in finery and was a well throught of woman in those days. She was somebody. King David was her daddy. She must have been beautiful as she baked bread for her brother, Amnon. The story goes that he fell in love with her devised a deceptive plan, and raped her after she begged him not to. He did it anyway. Then, he threw her out and bolted the door behind her. She was so distraught that she tore her beautiful robe and put ashes on her head as she ran away crying for help!

To make matters worse, her other brother (half) Absalom instructed her not to take it to heart; because it was her brother who had done this. He told her to be quiet. Scripture says that she lived in Absalom’s house, a “desperate” woman. She had no more hope. No hope of marrying. No hope of having a life, or children.

Tamar would experience the “aftermath” of not only being violated but being “shut up”, and having no voice. She would live in depression as her very soul was now rooted in the vile, foul sexual immorality passed down from the sin of her father. She would live with the rejection which scripture says was worse than the crime. She would have no one to stand for her, or speak for her. She was hopless.

I’m reminded that the holiday season often times, brings such depression for those people suffering in the “aftermath”. My heart grieves for those that are shut-up for whatever reason...whether it’s guilt, shame, threat, or helplessness. I know that confession brings freedom. My prayer is that all of those that are afflicted with depression from a wrong done to them would find their voice, and find freedom. There are resources today to help with that voice. I pray that they are found! Amen!

Warrior Dance

"Warrior Dance"

10"x8" Oil on Canvas Paper

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     This isn't the greatest photo of this painting, but it is a great painting.  This one started out very abstractly.  It also started out with nothing in mind except painting.  I find myself always asking the Lord what he says..."what, Lord...what"?  Sometimes I really have to dig deep and search.  This was one of those.  The very moment that I saw the little bright spot at the top left, I knew!  I knew where I was going with it.  It was so exciting!  There was no striving, no fretting.  I knew.  Isn't that great?  The colors blended for me, and it just clicked.  

     My mon posted the following comment, which is worth taking note of: 

 It is a war between God and Satan and we are in the middle. We need to learn how to war in the Spirit. I learned how to do that in 1996, when Genny and I fought a war of the spirit of death, over my brother. We won and he is still alive today and has lived longer than statistics say he could live. Sad to say most Christians either don't know this and/or don't know how to do it.(And there is a way of warring in the Spirit during praise and worship. I've done that also.

     We are Warrior Dancers!  Are you?

     

Free to Be Me

"Free to Be Me"

20"x16" Original Oil on Stretched Canvas

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     Sometimes as an artist and probably in other areas of life as well, we tend to try to fit ourselves into a mold; one that we think we should fit into rather than the one that God made for us.  The other night, I was in a painting mood but had nothing in mind to paint.  I had nothing started so nothing to finish.  But I knew that I had to paint.  I took a canvas and squished out my favorite oil colors and began.  I just began to paint. I love painting dancers as I imagine myself dancing before the Lord.  I didn't grow up dancing like many other girls, and my body isn't quite the ballerina type.  But sometimes, in my studio, all alone I dance.  I've studied many photos of beautiful dancers and some are buried into my mind.  They are so free!  That's me, sometimes late at night in my studio.  Free.

     I've been invited to feature my work in the http://www.theworshipstudio.org.  I think I'll start with this painting.  What do you think?

"A Mother's Blessing"

"A Mother's Blessing"

8x10" Oil

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I know there are so many of you out there that have lost your mother, and need inner healing.  I found this blessing on this website:

I pray that you can take it in and receive into your spirit, the Spirit of Truth and Blessing.

 My dear child… I know that the Scriptures command you to honor me; and I want you to know that you will honor me best by becoming and being all the Lord intends you to be. I ask the Lord to richly bless you. 

 I ask the Lord Jesus Christ by the power of His Cross and Blood to set you free now from any harsh or cruel words that I said... especially the ones you keep remembering over and over...I am so sorry.

 I ask the Lord to set you free from heart injuries you sustained from me or from others in whose care I placed you in. I ask the Holy Spirit to set you free from: heartache, disappointments, dreads, grief, or rage you cannot resolve. 

 And I’m so sorry for any other struggles I may have caused you... May you be healed from being ignored by me...or smothered by me. 

 If I ever made you feel less than or not good enough…I am deeply sorry and ask you to please forgive me. May the Lord set you free from working so hard to please me when nothing ever would. May the Lord set you free from trying to get from me what I never had to give you...I’m so sorry.

 May the Lord set you free from blaming me for failing you...not because I need that, but so you can be free to grow;… to receive;…and to achieve;… to be creative in ways you have not yet imagined... 

 May the Lord give you all the things I was unable or unwilling to give you.
May the Lord guide you in ways I never could and grant you peace. 

 May the Lord free you from any of my grief, fear, terror, anger, dread, and expectations you are still trying to live up to. 

 May the Lord free you from feeling that you have to always be perfect.

 I pray that God will help you to see that the hurt and pain I caused you came from my own childhood. It limited me, and I am so sorry if it has limited you.

 I pray that God will remove from you any belief that you were not wanted… or loved.

 I pray that you have no doubt that you are the gender you are supposed to be.

 Please forgive me for not nurturing you. I pray that the Lord will release you from any unhealthy bond that you may have with me… I want you to keep all of the good that came from me, and give the rest to God. 

 My precious one…I love you. I am so proud of you. I am so glad you were born.

 Be released now to be the person that God created you to be. Be free…my love…and live!

Fire by Night in Progress

     This is in progress, and my painting today, number 13 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I started it during our Night of Worship at Emmanuel Fellowship.  It may be quite awhile until it is finished.  I'm feeling my way through the foreground area, and waiting for the sky to dry before advancing.  I don't have a clear idea of how to handle the foreground.  This is merely the transparent underpainting.  I'm working on getting the value correct as well as the mood.  Stay tuned.

More Favorites

     Just doing a tad bit of sketching with a pen and adding a bit of color to satisfy my Sketchbook Skool assignment and my 30 in 30 day painting challenge.  This one is number 12 for the 30 in 30.  These Rodan+Fields tools really are my skin care favorites.  I use them faithfully and have loved the results that I've gotten.  Not only can I see the difference in my before and after photos, but I can feel the difference!  Hop on over to my page and have a look!  Click on the "Getting Started" at the top left and take the interactive tool test to see your prescription for change!  My Rodan+Fields page

My favorite tools

     It's going to be awhile till I get back into my studio to paint.  This will have to serve as painting...with ink.  Number 10 with the 30 in 30 day challenge and catching up with my Sketchbook Skool assignment.  Cant' wait to get back to these tools.

SketchBook Skool

     I'm so far behind on my sketch book skull lessons, cleaning out closets, getting ready for tax season, and my Rodan+Fields business needs attention.  I'm very tired.  That means I'm not up to problem solving on my latest oil painting.  This little sketch is going to have to suffice and kill two birds with one stone:  number 9 of the 30 in 30 challenge and my homework for sketchbook skool.  

     I love this set of pens.  I think I would have done better if I'd had my nails trimmed.  Long nails and these pens don't go well together.  I love drawing with ink now.  It releases the perfectionism thing that plagues me and causes me not to draw as often as I should.  I kind of like this little Strathmore multi media sketch book.  The pages really don't wrinkle and you really can water color, ink or cut and paste.  I made myself a little watercolor on the go palette using an Altoid can.  I think I'll be sketching on the go more often, now.  

"Fire Come Down"

     This is my Number 7 of the Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 challenge.  Of coarse, it is a long way from being finished.  I wonder how many house this one will take?  I'm a worship artist, and tonight was our Night of Worship.  This piece is a 28X22 oil on canvas, taking shape.  I will post the progressions.

Crossing Over #2

"Crossing Over"

14"x16"

Oil on Canvas

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     This is my Number 6 of the 30 in 30 challenge.  I'm calling it complete, and hope that it is.  I would like to dedicate it to all of those who have lost loved ones. For those loved ones that knew the Lord, crossing over is a beautiful experience!  May the love of Jesus and His Peace run like the river, right through your soul.

"Frilly in Pink"

"Frilly in Pink"

12"x12" Oil on Wood Panel

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     I didn't forget to paint on this 5th day of the 30 in 30 challenge.  But, I almost forgot to post!  It sure takes time to do all this posting! Most of my art has a spiritual nature to it, but this was strictly working on technique with transparent oils followed by opaque.   I thought I'd finished this painting, but after looking at it for awhile, I realized it too, needed a little lunch.  The teal sure punches good with pink.  This was painted from a fresh peony.  That poor flower is dead now, and still sitting in my studio.  I contemplated painting the dead one.  I still might.  Peonies are not easy to paint, in my opinion.  I like the little daisy's that frame this one.  How about you?

"Center of Attention"

"Center of Attention"

16"x14"

Oil on Canvas

     This is my #4 of the 30 in 30 challenge that Leslie Saeta is sponsoring. http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/2012/12/thirty-paintings-in-thirty-days.html 

I painted this from fresh flowers in a workshop taken with Nancy Madina.   Here is a link to her blog:

     I thought I was finished and signed my name.  But, you know when you set it aside to dry, step away from it for a few days, things can change.  It must have.  I knew there was something bugging me about it.  It just seems too bland or something.  I was playing with this teal color in another painting, looked over at this one, and wha lah!  I knew it needed a punch of teal.  It is much improved now.  I must have gotten my camera just a little crooked because I've inspected the painting and the vase is not really crooked.  (Whew).  I know I'm going to add a touch here and there before I call it good.  When I do, I'll take a better photo in good light and post the final painting along with a link to buy.  Thanks for looking!  I would also appreciate a like on my Facebook fan page:  Jay Neal Art!

Crossing Over #2

"Crossing Over #2"

Oil on Canvas 14"x16"

In Progress

     This is number 3 of the Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 Day Challenge.  I did this painting in a large full sheet Yupo with Alcohol Ink and decided to try it in oils.  I've painted this bridge no less than 4-5 times.  First, I had the perspective wrong.  Then, I had the colors and lighting wrong.  I've toned down the water and still will do a bit more.  The bridge is more to my liking, and I've changed the tree in the foreground quite a bit, adding some texture.  I worked on the sky to give it more of an atmospheric look, and overall I'm liking it more and more.  I welcome any suggestions that you might have.  I've been painting in oils for about 8 months, so have lots to learn.  

Not a Starry Night

"Not a Starry Night"

20"x16" Acrylic Canvas

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     This is number 2 of the 30 in 30 day challenge with Leslie Saeta.  I determined that this go around, I will paint daily if at all possible, even if it means just working on a piece rather than putting myself under the stress of having to finish a piece each day.  Just releasing myself from the pressure allowed me to consider reworking some things, finishing some things, or doing some studies.  This is a reworked piece using a very well used canvas with many layers, topped off with some pouring medium.  I considered working on it some more, and taking out some of the bottom part, but decided to leave it be and call it good. 

Essence

Number1 Sketch

Number 3 First attempt/ oil

Number 2 Inked

Number 4 Attempt/Oil

Number 5 Oil

Almost Finished!  Oil on Canvas

     I am being mentored by Pattie Ann Hale for another 3 months.  She's an amazing worship artist, whom I met and took a couple of classes from at the Gathering of the Artisan's in NC a couple of years ago.  She's assigned weekly assignments and this one has by far been the most difficult for me, but has truly been such a great learning experience. 

   My main quest over the last year has been to figure out who I am as an artist, and what my personal style is.  Her instruction has been on the spiritual side as it relates to art,  always relying on Holy Spirit to guide, and reveal.  This assignment started with an early morning doodle, which is number 1.  After analyzing it, she asked me to seek the Lord to reveal the meaning behind it.  It took me all week because I just wasn't getting anything.  Not until the very moment that I pulled out my colored inks to add a little color to it!  Then, I heard clearly!  (I'll keep that person message to myself, at least for now).  

   The next step was to try to create the "essence" with paint.  I had a very busy week, with very little painting time, so I  pulled out an old canvas to see if I could figure out what to do.  (At that time, I really wasn't terribly excited about the project).  I realized after  about 4 hours of painting that the previously applied texture on the canvas was not going to work for me.  This was only days before the project was due!  The night before it was due, I gave up the large old canvas and decided to meet the deadline, I would just do it small.  I'd run all over the place, given flight instruction and a million other things.  It was late and I was tired. I didn't have the brushes I needed and was just a little frustrated. That's Number 4.  

   When Pattie saw it, she asked me if I was frustrated or what emotion was having when I painted it.  She then gave me some pointers on getting in the Spirit rather than just painting.  My assignment for this week was to try to fix it...to go back into the emotion, back into the Spirit, and paint the ESSENCE.    I believe that I have!  I was at such peace when I began this last version, and my sweet hubby sat in the studio with me the whole evening, talking and giving me that much needed quality time.  I had some soft music going, and throughly enjoyed the process!  I have really learned a lesson!  I never ever, realized how much emotion really plays out in a painting, until now! 

  No wonder some paintings done during worship turn out so amazing!  No wonder just painting a pretty picture during worship doesn't carry the anointing!  I think I'm learning!  I might not be finished.  Time will tell.  Or, Pattie will!  Have you ever thought about the emotion going through the artist that painted the picture, or just the emotion that runs through you as you look at it?

Motherhood

"Motherhood"

28"x24" Original Oil on Canvas

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     I think the Lord has been teaching me about layers and depth.   Layers of his love.  Layers and depth of spirituality.  Seems like I've spent the last few weeks observing layers and depth in everything from depths of oceans to clouds in the sky.  This painting is a good example of layers and layers of color.  There is no telling how many layers there are of transparent oils.  The white that I used is the most lucius, buttery paint I've ever seen.  It's made by Richardson.  It makes all the other tubes that I have take a back seat.  This has a feminine feel to it, and I'm calling it "Motherhood".  My son and daughter-in-law are expecting their second baby in the spring.  Somehow, this just reminds me of the miracle of motherhood.  What do you think of the colors?