Bluebonnets, Clouds, and a Clear Path.

Surely the whole world is aware that among the many things Texas is known for is its Bluebonnets, that brilliant cornflower blue blossom that covers many a central Texas field and hillside in spring, plus many Texas roadsides.  The tradition of packing up the kids and carting them off to the best field of bluebonnets, along with the camera, the tripod, and the family dog is common to families.  Cars will line the highway shoulders, as families tromp out to the perfect spot for the pose.  This spring especially after the tremendous amount of winter, then spring rains, the blue fields flourished. 

I saw several photos on Facebook this spring of a particular field near Muleshoe, Texas.  Someone has called it the "Field of Dreams".  I received Taylor Kelly's permission to use her photo which was so beautiful and try my hand at painting it.  I've added my own touch to it, including a limestone bluff which is common in the Texas Hill Country.  When I paint this again, I will move the road to the right about an inch.  There's just something about focus being in the center of the painting that is not a pleasing as it being a bit "cockeyed".  This is a 24"X30" oil. 

Clouds.  I really love clouds.  One cannot be precise when painting them.  A loose wrist,  an imperfect edge.  Clouds really are not all white. There's yellow and pink and gray, and I'm sure many other colors I'm yet to learn about.  It was fun to fill the majority of this canvas in clouds.

This painting is laden with clouds yet full of promises fulfilled.  Growth, beauty, peace, clearness of path.  That's the way life can be.  Clouds everywhere, but peeks of blue sky and goodness.  God is gracious and full of mercies.  Even if our path is clouded, He provides all that we need to travel this path of life. 

Proverbs 4:26
Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established.

Today I may have experienced the most gratifying result of any painting I have been privileged to paint in my short number of years as a painter.  My good friend's daughter and her husband have been trying to adopt for years.  After many difficult years of waiting, praying, and hoping, they recently brought home from China a precious 9 year old boy.  They knew God had answered their prayers.  

My friend (the young man's grandmother) one day showed me a snapshot of him shooting a basket on the driveway of his home.  His dad is a basketball coach.  My friend said, "this looks like something you'd paint".  I was on it!  I loved the photo.  I said  "please send it to me."  She texted it to me and I couldn't wait to get started.

Today we celebrated with this family and "showered" him with gift cards!  He was so excited and happy.  I surprised them with this painting.  I believe they were thrilled.  I was thrilled to see the smile on his face when he saw himself in oil. I am thankful to have this privilege.  I would hope for many more opportunities to share my art in this kind of happy circumstance.

God has a plan and purpose for everything.  When times are tough, we can be assured He will work out everything together for our good.  I believe this little family has gone through some long years of waiting and wondering and hoping and praying.  To see them all together today, so happy, was such a blessing!  May God bless them all!

Moving Along

This painting is (tbh) part of a whole.  The whole is called "To Market" which I partially drew from my own thoughts but the lady in polka dot comes from another painting of mine who originally found herself in a travel magazine of the island of St. Martin.  Our next door neighbors were living on the island half the year and when they returned once, their little girl, Sabrina, who was around eight years old at the time brought me this magazine which she, who has very artistic abilities herself, thought would be nice for my inspiration.  Wasn't that the sweetest thing?  So, the lady in polka has now traveled from one of my paintings to another.  The first one was called "Market Day in St. Martin" and this, "To Market".  This little section of painting happened when Google decided to interfere with my painting image and this is the product.  I thought it was quite artistic, so I kept it.  

Ms. Polka Dot is certainly on a mission, headed in a confident direction, moving forward.  I think she knows just where she is going.   There are days when I don't seem to know which way is up or down or what!  There are times when the path I am on is foggy.  There are days when I get discouraged because I'm not sure what is just around the corner.  When my days get like that, there is one thing I know.  Jesus is with me and He will guide me.  I can trust Him to lead the way.  I may not know exactly where I am going on a particular day, but He knows. In this I am confident.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I hope you like my paintings and get a bit of encouragement at the same time.  

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.   Psalm 32:8  

The Protector

There is a story for sure behind this painting.  When I was volunteering at our high school office some years back and around the time I began painting, one of the office workers brought me a photo, and truly flattered me by asking if I could paint it for her. (my first commission).  She told me it was of her little girl and a cousin.  The two are taking in the view from a window from which my friend's two year old had fallen a couple of years prior!  Horrors! Can you imagine the story this child must be telling which likely has been repeated to her over and over by her parents?  Wouldn't you love to have been standing nearby to hear that?  Thankfully, she only had bruises after the fall from this second floor window.  Babies are made of rubber, pretty much, aren't they?  God always knows what He is doing.  He protected this little one in an amazing way.  

There are times when we are so very much aware of His protection over us and our families and are amazed, but we truly have no idea how many times each day our Heavenly Father reaches out to keep us from harm. He gives His angels charge over us, His children, to keep us from falling, physically, mentally, and spiritually!! (Psalm 91)  He is our Protector.  When it comes right down to it, He is all we need.  I hope you know Him.

Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy.  Jude 1:24

Safe Harbor

So, I hope we don't float away.  The rain has been coming down constantly since Friday evening, heavy at times, light at times, but constant.  Our area was in drought for over a year but no more.  The lake is brimming and the ducks out back are happy, happy. (I didn't realize what I was just typing..quack, quack..DD, anyone?)  A rainy day is very pleasant to me, but not a rainy several days in a row with rather chilly temps.  Today's weather forced me to exhibit today's painting. 

Our neighborhood is extremely supportive of the American Cancer Society, raising many thousands of dollars each year through various events.  This painting was done a  couple of years ago specifically for that cause and purchased by a local couple who are former owners of several art shops.  That made me feel great, a donation to a great cause and a nice pat on the back for me.

As an aside, daylight savings time is back.  How do you feel about that?  My opinion...let's just stay with it all year.  It would be easier on all of us, don't you think?

                                                                          Safe Harbor

Thank you very much for stopping by.  I am enjoying this pleasant way of exhibiting my work, putting "e-pen to e-paper", and perhaps bringing a glimmer of hope your way.  Please leave your comments so I'll know you dropped by. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;....

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  Isaiah 43:2

The Beauty of Spring

Can it really be?  Spring is beginning to subtly peek at us. I have not heard of so much snowfall in so many places in a very, very long time. My many friends and relatives in the north, surely you all are weary of the cold and the snow and the ice. Even my southern friends have had their share.  

 As I look out my window here in Texas,  I see pine trees blooming and I see those bushes with the reddish leaves and fuschia blooms whose name has slipped away from me.  Some of the early flowering trees have blossomed, and new growth is beginning to pop out.  (I looked it up...those plants with the fuschia blooms.. they are Loropetalum or Plum Delight, and to expose my horticultural ignorance, my Google search words were Laura Pedlum!)  Anyway, I believe the whole U.S.A. would say altogether, "We are ready for Spring!".

Today's painting is of one of my very favorite flowers in the whole plant kingdom.  The Peony.  I think one very excellent reason to move further north would be to be able to grow these in my own yard and go out and cut them for my viewing pleasure. I have one special friend in New Jersey who does just that.  I am jealous, Julie.   And, speaking of north, this painting was purchased by a college friend who lives in Illinois and with whom I had not had contact for some 40 years.   Thanks to Facebook, we have been reunited.  She saw this there and wanted it.  Thank you, Gail!

I would love it if you would post a reply here.  How great it would be to hear from you and get your feedback.  Follow me, if you like, by signing up on this page.  Thank you for stopping by.

[He has sent me] to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
Isaiah 61::3

Country Living

"Elaine's Barn" for my sister...Elaine.  She has this hanging over her fireplace in Oklahoma which is a real honor for me.  This barn is reminiscent of our Grandpa Hall's barn where we spent many fun times as kids on his farm a short walk from Bayou Bartholomew in Louisiana.  Those memories are the best.  Too many kids today have no idea what kid life can be like.  Sad.  

I love the peace and quiet out here in the country, after so many years in the rat race near Houston.   We live at the end of a cul-de-sac on the edge of our subdivision (yes, it is a subdivision, though in the country) next to a pipeline/power easement. Tall pine trees surround us and across that easement are farms.  I love to watch the birds that come to feed at my feeder(s).  Once in the midst of the terrible drought, a thirsty Pileated Woodpecker came onto our deck for a drink of water.  If you've never seen one it is quite awesome......they are HUGE!  This is also bluebird haven.  We have a bb house and it has been home to, I would venture to say, 100 bb's in these 8 years.  It's funny how they seem to all come back occasionally for a family reunion.  No kidding.  One night the scream of a bobcat pierced the quiet which was hair-raising indeed, and sadly in the midst of those screams were tiny yelps.  That was not peaceful.  A large lake is within easy walking distance.  We have deer and fox and possum and raccoons.  I swear I saw bear tracks once.  I spoke of the drought.  I was so amazed the spring after the drought, I had never seen so many wildflowers.  Could that have a spiritual connotation?  Something like the rainbow after the storm?

We are fortunate to live in a place like this.  Even in such a setting, peace in these difficult days can be elusive, but there is a peace that transcends all understanding.  Knowing Jesus, realizing who we are in Him...that's true peace.  

These things I have spoken to you, (said Jesus), that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

 

Something New

This painting is the result of a class I took a couple of years ago.  I like the movement and the color. Honestly, I do not even remember who this instructor was, but I was pleased with the way the painting turned out.  It is a copy of one of that painter's originals. This is a 16X20 oil and is available if anyone is interested.

 I hope I never get too old to learn, to improve myself, to develop the gifts God has given me.  Don't ever think you are too old to discover a new gift.  My first art lesson was 5 years ago.  My focus as far as talent was concerned had always been singing, obtaining a degree in vocal music and using that in various ways all my life.  There was a desire, kind of a little twinge and not a real yearning, deep in me for many years to draw and learn to paint, but had never pursued it.  Finally, I  met a lady at a party after our move to Montgomery, Texas who was an art teacher at a Christian school.  At the time she did not teach privately, but soon did and contacted me.  It was so cool for me to drive out to the country to her home to draw and paint.  Thank you, Lynne Peverill!

Never think it is too late to start something new!  If there's anything you've always wanted to try....try it!! You just might be surprised at the results!

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19

Solitude and Do-Overs

                                                             

A couple of summers ago, we rented a beach house down at Surfside, Texas for a few days.  I so enjoyed walking the beach and taking lots of shots of cute houses, the surf, the vegetation.  I very much love the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air, even that yucky fish smell (well...not the really yucky very dead fish smell), the colors, the light, the birds, the breezes.  We don't go there often enough for me.  My hubby would be happy if he never saw a beach again, I think, so we compromise on our vacations.  He has bad memories of sand starched into his fatigues at Ft. Bragg.

So, on return, I put together my own picture, comprised of pieces of several pictures to make up my own.  Whenever I paint, I begin and feel I have no earthly idea what I'm doing.  I paint, and paint over, until I get it just like I like it. (One reason I like oil paints...they are very forgiving and patient).   Frankly, I was surprised when this one turned out as well as it did. 

This is another "take me away" kind of picture, carrying on yesterday's theme of quietness, solitude, and adding that of the second chance...and third...and fourth.....and....

It's so nice to know our God is a God of unlimited do-overs. (BTW..the verse below is one of my absolute favorites!)

                                                                        Solitude

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV

Quietness

When I first began painting, it seemed all I wanted to do was Italian street scenes.  Perhaps it is the romance of it that appeals, the color, the character, the narrow streets, the flower boxes.  I painted several totally from my imagination. "A Quiet Corner" evolved from another painting much like it.  The first one sold fairly quickly.  A benefit for the American Cancer Society was coming up in our neighborhood with a silent auction, so I repeated this painting and donated it.  I was happy it sold and supported a wonderful cause.  I was even happier when I learned the same friend who had bought the first one bought this one to go with its mate. And, then really pleased when my neighbor loved it, so I painted another one for Jackie.

We live is such a busy, busy world, and we are bombarded with pressures.. financial, security, children with problems, aging loved ones, and on and on.  But there is Hope.  There is a quiet place in the presence of our Creator and Savior where we can find peace.  I hope you find your quiet place today.

                                                                          A Quiet Corner

"For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said......'in quietness and trust is your strength.'"
  Isaiah 30:15

Is there nothing more cheery than sunflowers?  My friend, Sheryl, has a very green thumb.  I used to think I might have, but no, I do not.  I love flowers and having a beautiful yard, but in my recent years, it has been proven the love of that does not equal the doing of same.  Sheryl is my very good friend, and a kinder and more loving heart you could not find. In summer, Sheryl has these huge sunflowers in her yard, and I was excited to go over and take some pictures.  This painting was done a couple of years ago and Sheryl kindly purchased it from me.  It is an oil.  You will notice what one might at first think is a flaw/mistake on the leaf at the bottom right.  As a teenager I collected Ladybugs and so I thought adding one in the garden theme would be kind of cute.  I enjoy this happy painting so much I used it on my business cards.  

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

My most recent completion is of a collection that I compiled, mostly in my mind.  The teapot I purchased many years ago.  The rest...well, I used a teacup that looks like this only in shape.  I imagined the jelly jar, the spoon, and the tablecloths.  I love painting fabrics, the way they fall, the textures, and the light.  A table setting of this nature is calming to me, inviting for sure. 

                                                                   My Little Teapot

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will 

guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

                                                                      Philippians 4:7 

Pencil Drawing

As I mentioned yesterday, I find such pleasure and relaxation in drawing.  When I pick up a pencil and piece of paper, I totally lose myself in what I am doing. The minutes fly.  Some photographs will call out to me and the need to pick up pencil tugs at me.  For me, getting the details of a figure is much easier with that fine point than when I try to paint it.  Well, I do still have so much to learn about painting.  With drawing, you have paper, pencil, eraser.  No decisions.  Drawing endearing photos of children with their favorite toy or a dear grandparent brings much joy and then the giving of that drawing to the family is such fun.  I do hope they like what they are getting and appreciate it for time to come.  I still have much to learn about every medium and plan to keep learning as long as I live, as long as my good Lord lets me.  I'm thankful He has given me this new avenue of creativity at this stage of my life.

                                                    My darling great great niece, Evelyn. 

I'm really not sure what I'm doing but I have to start somewhere so here goes.  I'm an artist who at the age of 57 made this discovery.  I like to draw...really like to draw.  I think I'm pretty good at it.   I like drawing and painting people, still life (domestic types of still life), and some landscapes.  My favorite style is impressionist.  Anyway, I want to display my art and I think this may be a good place.  Thanks for checking out my work.

I've started today by displaying two of my works, one very recent, Coming Home.  The feel of walking down a tree-lined path is comforting, welcoming, peaceful.  Is that not the way coming home should feel? 

The other, To Market, was inspired by a trip to the Caribbean island of St. Martin.  The colors, activities, aromas, sounds, people of the marketplace get the creative juices flowing.  I love the islands and the beach (sitting on it..not in it!).  Take me away!!

More next time.  Thanks for joining me here on the launch of my art blog.