"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?

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?

The Earth Groans

"The Earth Groans"

12"x12" Oil on Wooden Panel

NFS

    I signed up for this 30 Paintings in 30 days that Leslie Saeta organizes before I realized I would be gone out of country for two weeks.  I signed up before I even asked the Lord what to do.  It's the tension between law and grace.  Sign up and follow through, or wait upon the Lord.  I feel the Lord is calling me into a new place.  I have so many rumblings...I feel a season of finally finding myself is on the horizon.  The legalistic part of me is posting this as the first of 30.  But I am releasing myself from the burden of the "law", and will pursue what He has for me, however that may look.I'm going to take my time and pursue the Lord through my art daily, creatively seeking Him and his purposes for me.  If it's "postable", I'll post.  If not, I'll let it go.  But I will do something artful every single day.

    I've been seeing int he spirit lately, lots of atmospheric things.  I haven't gotten the skills to produce them as I see them.  This painting started out with something that I've "seen", but as I began to paint, the Lord revealed to me that everything in creation is groaning and crying out for Him; the return of the Living Jesus Christ.  I kind of got side tracked in trying to get that point across, so it didn't turn out as I expected.  Are you able to see the point?  

"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!  

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.  

"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

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!

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Provision

"Provision"

Watercolor on paper

Lord, thank you for your continual provision of finances to go and preach your Gospel to the people of Uganda. Thank you for keeping your little children under your wing...the ones that lost parents to aids and other diseases. Thank you, Father that they hear your voice, and seek you, even at their young age. Thank you, Father that even he young ones have the wisdom of a parent as they tenderly care for their younger siblings. Thank you, Lord for protection and provision, and for their eager hearts to sit for hours and hours in your presence, just to hear your words. Bless them, Lord...the ones that walk for miles with no shoes...lay on banana matts overnight, with nothing to eat...awaiting the Good News! Bless Uganda, Lord. Bless Uganda. Lord, I pray for America to wake up! I pray for America to have the heart of the people of Uganda...to seek you, and love you, Lord. May America be hungry for your word! May American wake up! Amen.

What He Says

This is what's on my pallet.  It's been way too long since I've been in my studio.  Enjoying the day, listening to good music, daydreaming with God, and painting.  I decided to do an underpainting of this still life using water-soluable wax pastels.  Thought I'd just use the complimentary colors to see what happens.  The mood I'm in....I rather be painting large, wild, and with texture and a pallet knife.  Too bad, this is small....we'll see.

The Lord spoke to me about this painting.  So many times when we think about ourselves, we think the opposite of what He thinks.  Our true colors are the ones that he sets to compliment us, and because we have experienced the opposite, it gives us a depth that others don't have.  The depth of understanding and empathy, rather  judgement.  Let's clothe ourselves in what He says.  Amen?

Purpose of the Storm

"Purpose of the Storm"

11x14"

Watercolor on Paper

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Sometimes I have wondered why scripture tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thess. 5:18), While painting this storm today, I realized that if it weren't for storms in which we have to learn to trust God, then we wouldn't have the experience in trusting, and growing. Duh. It's a no brainer, now that I think about it.

Played with my new set of Dr. Ph. Martin's Liquid Watercolor set #1 today.  I'm experimenting using a different color pallet as well as using liquids.  They certainly are bright and seem to not lose much color after drying.  I was drawn to the colorful dress in the non-traditional patterns of this Ugandan woman and child.  Her face tells her story.  Very typical of the Ugandan women.  The men smile all the time, but it is rate to see very many smiles coming from the women.  The feeling of hardship and oppression is readily evident, and I believe portrayed in my painting.  I'm doing a series of Uganda Women with their babies.  8x10 on 140# Arches paper.

Holy Cow!

Holy Cow! Paper Collage done from a photo of Dad's Longhorn cow. What fun, this was! I took this workshop from Suzi Pal. It wasn't my first collage or paper painting, but was my first to not add lots of mixed media with it. It was really fun. My Dad will get this for Father's Day. Hope he appreciates the bright colors and jewelry. This is 11x14 on Gallery Wrapped Canvas.