American Flags on the Beach

Finally!!! Back to painting. I have been wrapped up in preparing for and participating in the 2nd Annual Festival of Arts here in Kingfisher. It has been too long since I have been able to paint! A grateful "shout out" to those that helped and supported me before, during and after the Arts Festival. (Most of all my husband, Kent) I am so thankful to have such great sisters and brothers in Christ. And thank you to all the friends and family that came out to see me!  This is an 8x10, Oil with the patriotic theme going again. I have more ideas coming up around this patriotic theme. Having fun with it. The original plan for this painting was to have some long grasses in the foreground but decided to leave them out. I like the simplicity of the composition without the grasses to distract. Have a great week. Enjoy.

Psalm 107:9
"For God satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things."

American Flag #1

A 5x7 Oil I finished last night. I plan on a few more of the American flag. Photographed  this one this morning. It has been cool and cloudy here in Oklahoma and I was afraid the light wouldn't be good enough. But It came out ok  I think. Natural light to photograph my paintings is so much better than artificial inside at night. I am pleased with the shadows on the flag, indicating the wind causing the waves in the flag material. The ref photo I used showed the gold stitching between the strips. I pushed the gold color a little. Just cuz! I like the way it finishes off the look. It's funny how the stars are distorted with the motion of the flag. I like the imperfect look of it. I am feeling a bit patriotic these days. I do live in a wonderful country. Am thankful for all the wonderful privileges I, my family and friends enjoy. Lets protect what we have! Thank you for looking.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Apple #4

OK, so I messed with this canvas AGAIN! Just had to make the apple a little more red than orange and put a curve in the stem. I am promising myself that it is done now. For just a little 5x5, this one has taken up alot of time! That's the way it goes sometimes. That's the beauty of working in oils....can push around the paint until one is satisfied.  I have a little over a week to prepare for our annual Kingfisher Festival of Arts Show. Looking forward to it. Here's to hoping for nice weather! It's an outdoor event. Will be fun seeing all of my friends and family come out for it. Have a great weekend.

Lamentations 3:21-23
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Shoot and Paint; May Art Challenge

An 8x10 Oil I just finished for the Shoot and Paint Challenge. I have been wanting to do a spring, blooming tree this year. My mother did a miniature of three flowering trees in a row that I really love. I have it displayed in my studio here at my home. Wanted to try my hand at it this year. Used three different sizes of brushes on the foliage. Wanted to capture the wispy blooms in the tree around the edges. Dropped some on the ground too, Mixed in some blue to the green surrounding the tree. It was fun to do. Thank you for looking. Have a great weekend!

Deuteronomy 32:3-4
"I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just - A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."

Strawberry

My third 5x5, Oil, gallery wrapped deep canvas. Decided to do a strawberry this time. We have a great crop of strawberries this year with the early warm weather. Delicious! Fun to do. Mixed in a little yellow in white to do the highlights. Used the same format as the Apple and Fig paintings. I'm really liking this canvas size. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 23:6
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD."

Apple a Day Revised

I decided to revise my little 5x5 Apple painting. Wanted to place it in the same format as the Fig painting. Using the same wooden table and more muted background. I have the 3rd 5x5 canvas sketched out. It is a Strawberry. Will be a vibrant red in this same format. I'm thinking that the three would make a great grouping. Thank you for looking.

Isaiah 30:18
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"

Colorful Figs

My second little 5x5 Oil, gallery wrapped, with the deep sides painted. These figs were really that colorful. Love them! The little 5x5's are fun to do...the paint goes on so fast, once I have decided on the subject and composition. Nice immediate gratification! Have not decided what the subject will be on my 3rd 5x5 canvas. We shall see. I am planning an American Flag series. Kind of excited about that. I have some cool compositions planned. I just can't paint fast enough to keep up with my ideas. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 62:1
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him."

An Apple a Day

A 5x5 Oil, gallery wrapped, chunky canvas that is about 1/2 inches deep. I have painted the edges. No need for framing. I have two more canvas' like this one and am looking forward to doing similar compositions of fruit or veg's. Another nice day of painting with my buddies! Can't beat the fun and inspiration derived from creating with other artists. Thank you for looking.

Deuteronomy 32:1-2
"Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants."

Little Owl, Revised

Did a little revision work on this little guy. Decided to stop and call it finished! I was also able to take the photo outside in the natural light. It is amazing what a difference that makes in the finished photograph! Doing it inside always seems to wash out the color. On to my next painting! Hope everyone is having a great week. I am looking forward to my day off  Thursday to paint all day.Thank you for looking.

Proverbs 22:6
"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."

Little Baby Owl

An 8x10, oil I finished this evening. A little baby owl. I can't seem to resist them! Pushed the color just for fun with this piece on the back ground and perch the owl is standing on. Wanted to achieve a little bit of a make believe, magical place for this little guy. Practiced back lighting technique with the lighter color of feathers at the edges. I may play with this one a little more tomorrow. Thank you for looking.

Mathew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Daily Paintworks Challenge; Up Close Animal

An 8x10 I did today for this week's Challenge. Loved the bright orange beak, the restful, soft look of the feathers and blue green water. Lots of fun to do. My two painting buddies did close ups of cats. Loved them too! I hope to paint some more later this evening. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 91:11-12
"For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone."

Paint and Draw Together Challenge: Spring is Coming

An 8x10, Oil I completed today for the Paint and Draw Together Challenge. Another nice day painting with an artist friend! The emphasis was to paint the subject with a strong back lighting. I began to see many colors in the back light of the photograph. I almost got carried away with it! I plan to paint again tomorrow. Not sure what I will do. Have a great weekend! Thank you for looking.

Luke 27:27-28
"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Daily Paintworks "The Easter Challenge"; Bunny

An 8x11 Oil I completed for this week's Daily Paintworks Challenge. Decided to do the classic Easter Bunny! Could not resist this cute little guy. I used a large brush and wanted to come up with a loose, more representational painting. I broke down and reached for smaller brushes for the "detail". My intention was to stick with the larger brush only. Oh well! I like the way it turned out anyway. May you have an enjoyable Easter Sunday. Thank you for looking.

Mark 16:6

"Don't be alarmed," he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." 

Three Baby Owls

An 8x8 Oil I have just finished today. I had the pleasure of painting with two of my painting buddies today. Was a blast. This little painting was fun to do...giving these little owls a little personality..through the expressions in the faces and eyes. Two of them peeking out from behind the more brave sibling! Fun to do! I am working on a little Bunny for this week's Daily Paintworks Challenge (dailypaintworks.com). So I think I will get back to painting! Have a great weekend. Thank you for looking.

Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Winding River

An 11x14 oil of a winding, meandering river in a lush green landscape. Had fun layering on the different colors in the green. Had to put this aside to do a teaching canvas last week...and the paint dried a little halfway through the process. So it was easy to glaze on the different color on top without things getting "muddy". Thank you looking. Have a great week.

Luke 6:31

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Boxing Gloves

An 11x14 oil. This is a painting I have done for our local Relay for Life Event. Local artists have been asked to donate a piece of art with the "Fighting Back" theme in mind . To honor those individuals that are still battling cancer. These works will be auctioned as a fund raiser. When I was asked to do this I mentioned it to my husband and he immediately came up with the idea of boxing gloves. Way to go Kent! I wanted to do a pair of gloves that looked like they have been through some fights, made of tough stuff, but still up for some battles. Just like those that are battling cancer. I have used a bright back lighting to symbolize Faith, Family and Friends that support these brave individuals fighting cancer. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 30:2
"Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me."

Day at the Beach

An 8x10 I finished last night. Had fun painting yesterday with my sister and 2 young, budding artists ages 11 and 9. We all did the same beach scene. Was fun to see the different interpretations! It was a fun day! I particularly liked the symmetry of this beach scene. I wanted to achieve a sense harmony with the colors. A restful feeling. Tieing in the colors of the ocean, sand, umbrella and chairs.

Exodus 33:13
"If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You..."

Donuts and Donut Holes: Daily Paintworks Challenge

A little 5x7 oil I completed for the Daily Paintworks Donut Challenge. I really wanted to do this particular composition of the classic glazed donuts and donut holes. When we were kids at home, my sister, brother and I would love to go to the local donut shop and load up! Could not stop at one! I remember also that Mom started to make  the glazed donuts at home. Oh my goodness...were they ever delicious. It was interesting mixing the colors used on the donuts. The yellow color kind of shimmered up too. I wanted to use the lavender blue color to help the donuts pop out a little. Have a great weekend! Thank you for looking.

1 John 3:16
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."

Charles

An 11x14 oil of our son Charles. Just finished it this morning. Based on a photo taken this year during a Basketball game in Spain. I understand he is known as the "Warrior". Very intense player. Hey Charles...did I make you look fierce enough? As I have been painting portraits of those that I love, I find that I smile alot and really feel a deep since of satisfaction when I get it right. I wanted to achieve a sense of motion and strength with this painting. Love you Charles!

Galatians 6:9
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Golden Field

An 11x14 oil I just finished today. The sun drenched golden field is what attracted me to this scene. I also love the branches of the tree. I tried to capture the texture and color I saw in the bark. The distance was really soft and hazy too. Enjoyed doing this one. Thank you for looking. Have a great weekend!

Deuteronomy 6:5-7
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Dollie

An 8x10 oil painting of another beloved miniature daschund of ours, Dollie. She is 12 years old and has quite a bit of white hair on her face and scattered over her body. Maggie, our younger puppy, keeps her young and active! In Dollie's younger years she was a solid red color. This is based on a photo I recently took after she woke up from one of her many naps. I loved the way she is tilting her head and her left ear is floating out away from her head. I tried to capture her really relaxed and calm personality.

Romans 8:26
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through our wordless groans."

Maggie

An 8x10 oil of our beloved Miniature Daschund, Maggie. She is 5 years old and has lots of personality. We love her! This painting was fun to do because of all the color she has. I love her pink little tummy and the pink inside her ears. The pink color of her skin even shows through her white hair at her chest. I tried to capture her wonderful expressive brown eyes that always have a little sparkle in them. She is a very sensitive and smart dog and is always in tune with our moods. Thank you for looking!

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Kent

This is a 12x12 oil of my husband, Kent. Yes...he is tall dark and handsome! I wanted to practice doing portraits and skin tones. This painting is based on a close-up photo I took of Kent while we were on vacation last year...thus the relaxed expression. Fun to do! I think the next portrait I paint...I'll do someone I don't know. That way the pressure for accomplishing a likeness isn't so great! Or just make up a person...yeah...that's what I'll do! Thank you for looking.

Leviticus 19:32
"Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD."

Paint it Before You Eat it Daily Paintworks Challenge. Be Mine Choc Kiss.

Ok...so I know this one is a little different! This 12x12 oil went through about 5 different "morphs"! I wanted the color combo to be this Pink and Teal... Don't know why...just did! Became a kind of contemporary/impressionistic still life. I love working on this 12x12 size. The sides are painted also..so no need for a frame. Got to paint with my painting buddy again today. So much fun! Thank you Carol Marine for this challenge! Thank you for looking.

1 Peter 3:8
"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."

Black Lab

An 11x14 Oil I have just completed today. This is a commission piece that a co-worker asked me to do. She wanted me to do a painting of her fiance's beloved Black Lab Hunting dog. I wanted to do something out in this dog's element and the client was able to obtain a great reference photo that she "secretly" took. I loved it! The silhouette type of pose with the dog looking out toward the water and ducks. I am framing it in a 2 and 1/2 inch wide dark wood stained frame with hints of the rust color at the inner and outer trim. This is to be a wedding gift for her fiance'. What pressure! I sure hope she and her fiance' like it! Sometimes ...I don't know why I agree to do commission work! Thank you for looking.

1 Peter 4:8
"Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins."

Abstract Heart #7

Another 2.5x2.5, miniature Oil. This is my 7th and last Heart in my Abstract Heart series. These have been fun to do this Valentine Season. Fun to come up with different ideas, colors and designs. This one is painted on the sides (as all the others have) and will look great on a little miniature easel. Happy Valentines Day to you! Thank you for looking.

Proverbs 3:3-4
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

White on White Daily Paintworks Challenge

An 8x10 Oil I completed last night for the White on White Challenge. Whew! I must have put down my brushes at least 5 times....thinking I was finished ...then picked them back up after a little while to "fix" something! What a challenge. Sure did stretch me! Really learned alot. So many colors in White. Just leaped out at me when I really studied the ref photo. Amazing! Enjoyed it...but I have to say I was up quite a bit later than usual last night working on this one! Thank you for this challenge Ann.

1 John 4:7
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Abstract Heart #6

This is a little 2.5x2.5 inch miniature canvas in Oil. The 6th in my Abstract Heart Series. It was interesting to do this. I had primed the canvas, including the sides as I have previously done on the larger canvas'. Decided to do a simple heart shape and create interest/texture using a larger #6 flat brush. I was careful to place each stroke down and then not fuss with it! Hard to do sometimes. I like the combo of the teal blue and hot pinks. I plan on displaying this little Heart on a miniature easel. Thank you for looking.

Mathew 25:40
"The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Abstract Heart #5

An 8x10, Oil....The 5th in my Abstract Heart series. I decided to go with a color pallet inspired by Monet. Using the soft pinks, blues, the splashes of red and yellow against the blue/green background. I used a flat brush and achieved this look by placing one brush stroke at a time, cleaning the brush... then loading the brush again for the next brush stroke. I had a ref photo of a silver heart with a strong light coming in from the left. I used the different values I saw for decisions on placement of the different colors. It was fun to do. Decided not to scatter color in the background. Felt it would detract from the Heart. Happy Painting!

Ephesians 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Abstract Heart #4

An 8x10 oil. This is the 4th in my Abstract Heart Series. I have one more primed 8x10 and 2 small 2x2 mini canvas' left do. So much fun to come up with different ideas and styles for the hearts. I plan to take 3 of the canvas down to a little shop here in Kingfisher..."Cabin Fever". to show and sell. Fun for this Valentine's Day. Have been able to paint more these past few weeks. Again...very therapeutic! Thank you for looking.

Mathew 22:37-39
"Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

A River Runs Through It

An 11x14 oil that I did a while back as a gift for my brother and his wife. My sister-in-law actually is the one who gave it's title. I usually just come up with a straight forward non creative title! Like "River". So I am glad I can use her title! I like it. I enjoyed doing this one because of course the fall colors and the feeling of  crisp cool air. Wouldn't you like to be there right now? I sure would. Maybe do a little fly fishing, enjoying the peace and beauty. Thank you for looking.

Mathew 23:11
"The greatest among you will be your servent. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Abstract Heart #3

An 8x10 oil. My third in my Abstract Heart series. These are so fun! I have two more primed canvas' that I will do more hearts on. I actually have a couple of cute little 2x2 canvas' that are primed and ready to go. I have never done a miniature painting. Will be interesting. Had my painting buddy over and we painted together today. So much fun to paint with other artists. Thank you for looking.

Proverbs 22:1
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold."

Daily Paintworks Wheel Challenge

An 8x10 oil I completed for the Daily Paintworks Wheel Challenge. This old red tractor caught my eye with the big wheels in the back. Of course I love the red color ...how it contrasts with the pretty white snow and dark blue shadows. Being a city girl, I did my best to include as much detail as possible! I asked my husband to take a look ..to see if I botched anything too badly. (He grew up on a farm) He said I got it right! Yahoo! Thank you for looking. Have a great week end!

Proverbs 10:9
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely..."

Abstract Heart #2

An 8x10 oil. The 2nd in my Abstract Heart Series. This one is done on a more neutral primed canvas. Actually based on a heart shape made of roses. Used simple lines and strokes and just had fun with the color! My husband always gives me roses for Valentine's. Love that! I guess the month of February has inspired this series. I will keep going and use up all of my primed canvas for this project. Thank you for looking.

Exodus 23:20
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and bring you to the place I have prepared,"

Abstract Heart #1

An 8x10 oil. I am experimenting with shapes and color with a series of 5 stretched canvas'. I have primed all 5 canvas' with broad strokes of color. This one I primed with a mixture of orange and yellow. Then painted the abstract heart. Scattered color in the empty edges/corners to tie it all together. This was fun to do. I plan to do similar heart shapes in different styles and colors for the each canvas. Thank you for looking!

Mathew 19:14
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' "

Yellow Sky, Ocean

An 8x10 oil I finished today. This piece is a gift for my nephew that my husband and I just reconnected with this year. He is a young man serving our country in the Coast Guard. He seems to have a real love for the ocean, Ships and all that goes along with his work. He is an Artist himself and has shown me some of his work. Paintings of the ships he has served on. Very detailed and wonderful. Hope he likes this tribute to him and the beautiful Oceans of the world.

Zechariah 9:16-17
"The Lord God will save them on that day, because they are his people, and they will shine on his land like jewels in a crown. How lovely they will be. Young people will grow there like grain in a field or grapes in a vineyard."

Single Sunflower

A 12x12 Oil. This painting is based on a close-up photo I took of one of the big sunflowers that was in this year's Birthday bouqet from my son, Charles. Love the yellows and oranges in these flowers. And they are so big and sturdy!

2 Corinthians 3:17
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty."

Koi Fish #2

Took the day off today. I decided to re-work the water a little bit on this one. Took out the attempt at ripples in the water to the right side of the painting and added some more bubbles. I also re-shaped the head of the lower Koi a little too. I think I am NOW finished with this one. Got to stop! Thanks for looking. Have a great day.

Mathew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Koi Fish. Shoot and Paint January Challenge

An 8x10 oil I completed this weekend for the Shoot and Paint Challenge. I decided on a different composition. I wanted to show the curve of the fish in movement. Along with how these Koi fish just look up at you asking to be fed! My husband and I went on a weekend trip a few months back and stayed at a hotel that had a little indoor pond/stream with these beautiful Koi in residence. Since then, I have wanted to do a painting of them! This challenge urged me to just do it! I tried to achieve a since of motion with the curve of one of the fish, bubbles and ripples in the blue/green water. And of course ..I love the eyes just looking right up at you! Thank you for looking. Have a great week.

Mathew 10:32-33
"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven."

Cup Cakes

An 8x10, oil I have just finished as a gift for my niece. She is a professional Baker and it seems that one of her favorite creations are Cup Cakes. She is very talented and she makes the most imaginative designs ever! I had to stay with the basic cupcake for my painting. My favorite flavor she makes is red velvet chocolate with these tiny little chocolate chips mixed in. Yummy!!! She is a sweet spirited young lady and a joy to get to know. My husband and I have just recently been able to spend some time with her and her family. She and her husband have been a great help to my brother, who has been ill.  It is my hope she likes my painting...a tribute to The Baker! Thank you for looking. Have a great weekend.

Matthew 6:3
"Seek first the Kingdom of God."

A Storm is Coming

A 16x20 oil I finished today. Whew, it has been a long week at work and this is the first chance I have had to relax and paint. Yea!!! Here in Oklahoma we have this weird greenish light that comes along just before a storm. I have been wanting to try and capture that light in a painting for a long time. This is my first attempt. I am happy with it. Do you see that greenish tinge to the left side of the sky? Also in those minutes before a storm breaks loose, you see a brightness to the yellow fields that is just fantastic. Great contrast. Hope all is well with everyone.

Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away."

Denna's Favorite Paintings For 2011

This is a collection of some of my favorite Oil paintings for 2011. I give credit to artists Leslie Saeta and Norma Wilson for this idea. Thank you! It was fun to go through all of my paintings I completed this past year and choose a few. Some are sold, some are not. Others I gave as gifts. I am so glad that I started to document all of my work so as to look back and remember! Each painting brings back memories and all are pleasant. I guess that is why I paint. Very therapeutic! Thank you for looking. Happy Painting!

Titus 2:11-14
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Daily Paintworks Christmas Aftermath Challenge

An 8x10 oil I just completed for this week's Daily Paintworks Challenge. Tell me we aren't the only ones that deal with the tangle of Christmas lights every year! I wish I could figure out how to store those things without just stuffing them in a box. We had a good Christmas, but it is always good to take down all the decorations and get the house back in order. I had fun with this one, reflecting the colors of each bulb onto the other light bulbs. Had a hard time taking a photo that shows the color accurately for some reason. I wish you a safe and Happy New Year! Thank you for looking!

Revelation 22:16-17
"I am Jesus! And I am the one who sent my angel to tell all of you these things for the churches...The Spirit and bride say, Come!....Come! If you are thirsty, come! If you want life-giving water, come and take it. It's free!"

Sugar Cookie

A 12x12 oil that I fully intended to finish before Christmas! But alas...such is life! Had a nice peaceful evening after work today and decided to get it done! This is one of about a dozen decorated sugar cookies that my husband brought home from his office prior to Christmas. It was hard to decide which to paint! There were Santa's, Christmas Trees, Stars, Reindeer.... Beautiful little works of Art. And delisous too!  Wanted to make the green pop so used a lavender color as the background. Used lots of paint on the icing to lend the frosting look. Thank you for looking. Hope your Christmas was a happy and peaceful one.

1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Shoot and Paint Challenge

A 12x12 Oil that I just finished this evening and submitted to the Shoot and Paint Challenge http://shootandpaint.blogspot.com/. I am feeling the urge to get in as many Christmas paintings before Christmas as I can. I won't feel like doing them after! Fun one to do. Lots of texture to this one. I used a #6 round to keep it loose and the paint went on fast. Thank you for looking.

James 3:17
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

Birthday Bouquet

A 16x20  I finished this morning entitled Birthday Bouquet. My son, Charles always sends me a bouquet of flowers for my birthday. I decided to do a painting of this year's bouquet. I tried to capture the full, wild look of this colorful fall arrangement. It sat on our round dining room table and I like the few dropped petals and leaves against the wood.  This is a bigger canvas for me. Have not done one this big in a while. Lended to a loose broad style. I like it!

James 3:13
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

Christmas Trees

An 11x14 oil Christmas Tree painting. I primed the canvas first with broad brush strokes of various color. Let that dry. Then painted the Christmas trees in. Makes for a nice festive look! The background color was applied randomly and I like how it turned out. This scene reminds me of outings to the Christmas tree lots to choose the perfect tree. Nice memories! I still have the 16x20 of "Charles' Birthday Bouquet" on my easel. Have not finished it yet. Thought I would go ahead and post another Holiday painting in the meantime.

Hebrews 10:24
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging on another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Momma Cat with her kitten

An 8x8 oil I just finished last night. Could not resist the coloring of the momma and kitten along with their beautiful green eyes. The little snuggle the kitten is doing is great too! Felt I just had to paint in the green background to bring out the green in the eyes. Thank you for looking. I have a 16x20 canvas on my easel now...doing a painting of a Birthday bouquet that our son, Charles sent me. Beautiful fall colors. Will post it next.

Lamentations 3:24
"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him...."

Mango...Mango...Mango

A 16x20 oil that I completed for a challenge by Daily Paintworks. The challenge was to divide a canvas in individual squares. Paint the same object in each square. Limiting your time to paint to 10 minutes a square. I changed the drape color for each mango square. Did it randomly. Then just started to paint! Listened to the timer go in the background. The loud DING startling me every time! I have it framed in a dark cherry wood contemporary frame. It makes the color in this painting pop! This one was fun to do. Thank you for looking!

James 1:22-25
"Do not merely read the Bible, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says...Whoever looks intently into the Bible that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have read, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do."

Hanging Christmas Ornaments

An 11x14 oil, holiday painting, using a canvas that I primed first with fun jewel colors using broad strokes and blending a little. Let that dry. Then I painted the Christmas ornaments hanging from delicate chains. The fun part was reflecting the different colors in the chains and in the individual ornaments. You know, it doesn't take much to make me smile! I really like the slice of the pretty pink ornament at the top of this painting. Like I said....It doesn't take much. Enjoy...thank you for looking!

Hebrews 13:6
"So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"