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?"

Snowflake

My interpretation of a snowflake! A 12x12 oil I finished a couple of days ago and kept forgetting to photograph it and post. Nice and wintry looking with one of my favorite colors as a background. I might do a Santa Claus next! Right now I have a Momma Cat and her kitten on my easel. It is sketched in...not sure I have enough energy to paint this evening. Had to work today and have another full day tomorrow. Arrgg! I hate these on call weekends! But this too will pass. Enjoy this Snowflake painting. It was fun to do. Used alot of texture and layering of paint, using the white and blue to give it depth. Thank you for looking.

James 1:16-17
"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters, every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Late Fall # 2

An 8x8 oil I started out at Kingfisher Park a few days ago and just finished here in my studio. Wanted to capture the crisp cool air of that day and the since of piles and piles of colorful leaves just fallen from the trees to the ground. Fall is my favorite time of year! It was a pretty day with wonderful pathways to walk and the distant soft colors at the horizon. My painting buddy and I are committed to try and paint outdoors at least once a month. I am really loving it! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hebrews 13:1-2
"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

Late Fall

This is an 8x8 oil I did yesterday at Kingfisher Park. My Plein Air Buddy and I went out together for the first time to paint. We plan on going out at least once a month. It was great...a little windy..but nice cool crisp air. The day started out a little cloudy with filtered light. I think this is why my painting is a little muted and soft looking. A few yellow leaves still clinging to these three trees. The sky was a clear blue with the distance blurring to a soft green/grey color. This is my third time to try Plein Air Painting. I am surprised at how one can arrive at a spot and a certain view or scene jumps out to be painted. At least that is how it works for me! Loved the fresh air and conversation with my painting buddy! Thanks for looking! Happy painting!

Romans 14:19
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification"

Four Roses

This is a 12x12 oil I completed this past summer. Somehow, I did not ever get this one posted. I had it in my show last weekend and a nice young lady bought it! She is giving it as a Christmas present to a beloved family member. This will be a special gift. This family member was at the Art Show too and really liked it....but did not spend the money for herself. I don't think that she has ever purchased an original oil painting before.  The young lady came back alone and bought it. She asked that I frame it, so I found a wonderful frame on line. I use pictureframe.com. I have found that they have high quality frames and the company is careful in packing and shipping to ensure no damage. I order the 12x12 the 6x6 and 8x8  frames. I can't find them around here in Oklahoma. I asked my husband to try and make some frames in these odd sizes....but that did not work out. I thought it would be easy! Not! We may try again in the future. We'll see. Thank you for looking! Enjoy!

Ephesians 5:1-2
"Follow God's example. therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Art Show Panels

Whew! Did an Art show yesterday. As promised, here is an image of the boothe my husband, sister and I put together. You can see the black panels with the narrow ledges to display both framed and unframed canvas boards as well as boxes of note cards my sister made from my paintings. My sister also made up some note cards from her vast photography images she has shot over the years. My husband made the panels. He did a fantastic job! I can always just describe what I want and he figures out how to make it! The show panels were made from sheets of masonite and thick molding to create the ledges. We used high gloss spay paint to finish them off. My sister came up with the idea to use the clamp on lights to direct some great lighting to the paintings and cards. I think the lights added alot of sparkle. I learned from my first Art show back in May of this year to keep the display simple and clutter free. I think we achieved that! We had lots of traffic. Talked with alot of friends and met many new people...young aspiring Artists, adult Artists as well as folks that appreciate Art.

Ephesians 4:2
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Daily Paintworks Carved Pumpkin Challenge

Just finished this 8x8 oil for this week's Daily Paintworks Challenge. Fun to do. I was aiming for a funny, happy Jack O Lantern! I don't do the scary stuff. These challenges are great to stretch us a little. Do subjects that we would not ordinarily do. At least this is true for me. Am getting ready for an Art show here in Kingfisher. My husband is building some great panels for my work. Not all of my paintings will be framed....so needed a system that would accommodate both framed and unframed. I may post a photo later to give you an idea of how it worked. Meanwhile...thanks for looking at this painting. Enjoy!

Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Christmas Ornament

An 8x8 oil I have just finished. Another one for my Christmas Ornament Series. I have noticed that I have been gravitating toward the more vintage looking ornaments. Interesting. I love this muted green color and decided to pair it with the rosy red on the ornament and back it up with the vibrant purples for the background. Fun to do! I just love Christmas. Hope you like this one.

Roman's 14:10
"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgement seat."

Beaver Lake

An 8x10 oil that I completed Plien Air last week at Euereka Springs. Set up on our cabin deck and this is the view. Early morning hour. Birds waking up and singing softly. Wonderful experience. I might add a couple of eagles that were flying around and a boat dock on the left. Have not had time to paint this week, going back to work. Plus am on call starting last night. Arhggg! I'll get it in! I'll paint some this evening I think. Yeah! We met some really nice artists/gallery owners in Eureka Springs. I would like to paint and own a gallery when I grow up!

2 Thessalonians 3:6
"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from me."

Owl

Re posting this one in order to get it to show on Daily Paintworks "on line" gallery, You might check this site out. Shows lots of artist's work. Great variety. . Sorry for the repeat!

Beaver Lake. First Sign of Fall

An 8x8, oil I completed on site while at Eureka Springs this week. First time I have tried the "Plein Air" thing! After a close encounter with a giant spider and 3 curious geese...I wasn't sure the outdoor painting was for me! But things calmed down and I was able to enjoy painting in a peaceful, shaded area, listening to the birds, soft breeze and fresh air. You get the picture. This area of the lake was just across a little inlet and the blazing group of trees against the darker green trees with touches of red behind caught my eye. Don't know what they are, but they are trees that are the first to turn to their fall colors. I love the symmetry of this composition. There were also stands of slim grasses showing up on each side of this group of trees The day was bright and clear. Perfect lighting!

Psalm 115:14-15
"May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Owl

I'm on a roll! 2nd post today! Just finished this one. I tell ya...Owls can be really scary looking! This guy had these bright orange eyes that just won't let you go. And of course that fall color of orange compelled  me to paint this owl. This was a fun one to do. I'm getting all the painting in that I can on the weekends. Can't seem to do much during the work week. Oh well.... Enjoy...thanks for looking!

Galations 6:1-2
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Three Pears

8x10 Oil. These three beauties caught my eye with their beautiful muted fall colors. I am all about fall color these days! We are going on a trip soon to see all the fall foliage east of our great state of Oklahoma. So many years, we miss out on the fall color due to our erratic weather here. Either too hot/cold or too dry/wet! So this year we are packing the car, I'm packing my paints and a new little paint box that I can set a small canvas up in and paint on the go! This will be the first time I have tried that in years. I did this once maybe 10 years ago, but it was a big production with all my big equipment, easel etc etc... This time I am going small and light! I will let you know how it goes!

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Wagon Full of Pumpkins

An 8x10, Oil. Just love pumpkins! Have been working on getting ready for a couple of Art Shows and have had little time to paint. One is in Madill, Oklahoma, sponsored by the local Art Club, Oct 22nd. The other is here in Kingfisher, November 12th, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.  Nice to get back to my easel. It is finally cooling off here in Oklahoma and feeling like the Fall Season. I have my Pumpkins and Mums on the front porch for decoration. Enjoy. Thank you for looking.

Galations 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Vintage Christmas Ornament

An 8x8 oil. Wanted to achieve that old vintage look with this one. Again, brings back memories of all the ornaments we used to use on our Christmas tree when I was a child. For some reason I associate the soft moss greens in this background with Christmas's in the past too. I will probably do an ornament in those greens soon. I will think about it. Anyway...I love the purples and little touches of red and yellow in this one. Enjoy!

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

"Flip a Coin". Daily Paintworks, The Hand Challenge.

An 8x10, Oil I just finished for the Daily Paintworks...Hand Challenge. Great practice for skin tones! I kept playing with the colors for the skin and nails. I really couldn't tell you exactly what colors and amount of each color I eventually came up with.  I ended up mixing color in right on the canvas board. A dab of this and a little of that! Fun to do.

Galations 6:2
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"

Jana's Christmas Ornament

An 8x10 I just finished this evening. I photographed it inside with my light stand I use to paint at night. A little bit of a glare....but not too bad. This is my interpretation of a wonderful Christmas Ornament that my dear sister-in-law made for our family years ago. We hang it on our tree every year! I took a real close up photo of it last Christmas and then cropped it some more to get this composition. It is actually a quilted, fabric, stuffed ball ornament fashioned in a star pattern. Fun to do.

Proverb's 3:6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Sand Dunes and Ocean

An 8x8 oil I did using the left over paint from the Teal Ornament painting. Used a pallet knife. I just love the speed and freedom of using so much paint and pushing it around on the canvas board! Using a pallet knife is so much different for me than a brush. I like both. But sometimes it is nice to switch it up! Looking at all the blues, teals and sand color on that pallet made me think of the beach. So this is what I came up with. Have a great weekend.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil - this is the gift of God."

Teal Frosted Christmas Ornament

Remember the vintage Christmas ornaments that were "frosted" and had the chunky metal topper/hanger on them? That is what I was going for on this one. Another memory from my childhood. This is an 8x8 oil I finished last night. I am having fun with this Christmas Ornament series! I have a bunch of paint left on my pallet....I think I will do something with it. Don't know yet. Will post what I come up with.

Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Daily Paintwork's Fall Challenge

An 8x8 oil for this week's Challenge to do a Fall scene after toning a canvas with an unexpected color. I primed my canvas panel with a light purple for this painting. I live in Oklahoma and the fall color isn't out yet. I used a cropped photo of fall leaves on the ground from years past. Fall colors are my favorite color combination! Really enjoyed this challenge. Thank you Ann.

Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans"

The Big Pumpkin

Got off work early today...so thought I would post this painting I finished last night. Getting into the Fall season with this close up of some pumpkins. I LOVE pumpkins! The colors, shapes, texture.....So I think it is proper for me to start out this fall season with some pumpkins. This is a 12x12 oil. I cropped down a photo to get this composition. Hope you like it! Happy Fall!

Proverbs 15:1

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Red Star Christmas Ornament

This is my first in a new series of Christmas Ornament paintings. An 8x8 oil. This is a soft stuffed cloth ornament with beads and stitching decorations. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I have ornaments that date back to my childhood that Mom saved for all of "us kids". My sister and brother decided to give me all the Christmas stuff when Mom and Dad passed away. They knew I would keep them safe! Boy .... do I ever miss Mom and Dad. Sometimes during the Christmas season, I get a little sad. I guess that is common. I will dedicate all of the Christmas Ornament paintings to them.

Proverbs 16:20
"My son, keep your father's command and do not forsake your mother's teachings."

Three Little Pigs

An 8x8 oil I just finished this morning. Feels good to paint.  Has been several days since I have picked up my brushes. Took the day off from work today and the morning has been great. Pretty weather outside, sunshine streaming through my studio windows. I have had my eye on this reference photo that I found several weeks ago. This will be an addition to my baby animal series. I believe I will stop with the little animals for now and start to do some Fall and Winter stuff. This cool crisp weather here in Oklahoma is getting me in the mood!

Proverbs 10:4
"Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth"

Moonlight...Sunlight?

A little 5x7 oil that I dreamed up. Used a palette knife. I seem to really let it go with the color when I work with a palette knife! Entitled "Moonlight"....guess it could be "Sunlight"...I dunno! Either way, I like the colors and of course the texture. I want to start on some Fall and Christmas season paintings. Have been mulling over some ideas. I have one more canvas ready to do for my "Baby Animal" series. Three baby pot-belly piglets! Hope it turns out.

Romans 16:17
"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."

Autumn Crops

A 5x7 oil I did a few days ago. Little time to paint this week. Used a palette knife on this one. The photo shows the distant hills grey. There is more green to the hills than is showing. Again, I am discovering the uses of a palette knife. Lots of  paint. The colors mix right on the canvas.  Lots of texture. Love that! Pushed the colors a little in the crops. Made for a colorful piece!

I Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Young Man. Daily Paintworks 4 Values only Challenge

An 8x6 oil I have done for the Daily Paintworks Challenge, using 4 values only. I used 2 values of flesh color , black (mixed with a dark blue and green) and white. Had big piles of these 4 colors on my palette. Did alot of squinting, as instructed! I noticed that the blue color came out when near one of the lighter values. Decided to leave as is at the eyes and the tips of his hair. Very interesting challenge. Thank you Liz.

I Corinthians 16;13-14
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love."

Blue Eyed Kittens

Took the day off from work today! Decided to finish this 12x12, oil.  I started this one this past week end. I can't seem to bring up enough energy to paint in the evenings after a full day at work. This photo struck me with the 4 pair of blue eyes starting right at me! You can just imagine what each one is thinking! "Hello...wanna play"..."Who are you...and what do you want?"..."Hey! Lets go!"...."Whoa! You look different upside down!"

This one was a little more difficult doing a group of little animals. Fun to do. Again...had to do one of the kitten's eyes over several times. I won't tell you which one! I just love how the kittens are all jumbled and cuddled up together.

Psalm 139:23-24

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Little Piglet. "Paint a Pig" Daily Paintworks Challenge.

An 8x10 Oil of a cute little Piglet! This is a piece I have just finished for the Daily Paintworks "Paint a Pig Challenge". Really fun to do and goes along with my baby animal series. Tried to keep it loose and more impressionistic. I decided to use the blues and greens in the background to compliment the oranges in the piglets hair. He looks a little sleepy looking up at us doesn't he? Can't resist that kind of look!

Psalm 143:8
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

Close up Puppy

An 8x8 oil of a little puppy! I love the close up composition. Had to do the eyes over 3 times! I am happy with how the warm brown color of his eyes peeks out between strands of  his hair. Can't resist a puppy. Next time I do an animal that is mostly white, I'm going to prime the canvas with a dark color first! It was hard to get his white hair to show up working directly on a white surface. Learned my lesson. They say an artist can learn something each time he/she completes a painting. I believe it. I have so much to learn!

It is finally cooling off here in Oklahoma. My prayers are with our Texas brothers and sisters affected by the fires. Especially for Carol and David Marine, creators of Daily Paintworks.

Psalm 147:8
"He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills."

Momma Duck with Babies

Continuing on with my "Baby Animals" series....Here is a Momma Duck with her little ducklings following close behind her. The ducklings look a little anxious, all hunched up, working hard to keep up with Momma! I thought it was interesting how the water showed as orange where the duck's feet are paddling away. Water is always interesting for me to do. So many colors incorporated. Fascinating. This painting has a very peaceful feeling to it with the soft blues of the water.

Psalm 145:8
"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."

Sunset Across a Field

Here is a 6x6 oil that I have done with a palette knife. It is a wrapped canvas...I painted the sides of the canvas the lighter green color. So no need for a frame.  First attempt at using a palette knife for a whole painting. I really love how it puts on gobs and gobs of paint. Gives it a nice texture to the painting. I actually did this one off of a palette of paint from a previous painting. Had lots of paint left and viola! Since the canvas was so small...it did not take any time at all to complete this one. Talk about immediate gratification! I love that! I guess that is why I work in small sizes...get it done fast!

I Corinthians 13:13
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Daily Paintworks Rectangle Challenge; Calf

Just finished this 8x10 oil for the Daily Paintworks Rectangle Challenge! My first time to submit one. How exciting! The challenge was to paint anything you wanted, placing paint on the canvas one stroke at a time, using a different color each stroke. Gives you a more abstract look to your painting, not allowing any fussing! Really enjoyed it. Never would have thought I could produce a painting of a calf using this method. There was a time of panic about a quarter through the painting process! Managed to stay calm and fight through it! I plan to use this method again.

Psalm 115:1
"Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."

Limes

A little 8x10 oil. I like the contrast between the lime green and lavender. A fun one to do. Another one for my future kitchen wall! I am thinking about a good friend of ours that is in the hospital, recovering from a 4-wheel accident. He is thankfully recovering and may be able to go home this weekend. Lots of prayers have been going his way.

Psalm 119:1

"Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk acording to the law of the Lord."



Adolescent Guineas

An 8x8 oil that I finished this week of a group of adolescent guineas of all things!. A friend of mine lives out on a farm and raises guineas. She asked me to do a painting of them! She has two kinds. One is called a lavender color and the other kind...I'm not sure what the color is called. A white color with blue/grey undertones. Lots of folks that live in the country have these flocks of guinea. They stay around the  "home place"  and put up a real loud, twittering/clucking sound when anyone comes around or anything unusual occurs. They kind of become an alarm system! I took care of a patient once that had a flock of guinea. It was hilarious! They would get all startled and waddle around making that sound! My patient would always be waiting for me at the door....she knew I had come into the farm gate by the sound of her guineas. In this painting I tried to show how the guinea kind of huddle up close to each other. My friend says that they don't really fly...maybe flap their wings a little and take flight for a few feet..that's all. Mostly they just waddle around. So funny!

Psalm 116:1-2
"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live."

Church in the Spring #2

Did a few changes on this 8x10 I completed a few weeks back. The foreground was too dark. I added some lights and more color to indicate spring wild flowers. Scattered the color on up the hills in the back. I think I like it better. I just love working in oils...you can "redo" at any time!

Romans 121:21
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Tomatoes

An 8x10 oil of tomatoes. Kept going brighter and brighter on this one. Couldn't stop! The green background made the tomatoes pop even more. We are planning to build a house soon. I have always had this idea of having a wall in my kitchen full of paintings of still life...food, fruit, veg, etc. Think I will do it!

Psalm 105:4
"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always"

Apples

A little 8x10 oil I did quite some time ago. You can tell by my signature. I was still doing my full last name. My hands are not steady enough to do that anymore! I have always liked the loose brushes of color to the foreground. I think I will do more still life pieces soon. I always have more plans and ideas but I don't have enough time to do. One of these days I will retire from nursing and paint full time. Oh what a dream come true that would be! On the other hand... I don't know if I can give up nursing! So fickle!

Romans 15:2
"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up"

Pumpkins

This is a 12x16 oil I did last fall. I am needing to do more fall paintings to get ready for the upcoming show in November. Have been on call for my job and coming home exhausted! No excuses! I should be at my easel every day! Ok, today I start new and will do that. Sorry I have not posted in a few days. Will do better. This pumpkin painting sold after my May show to a client that had seen it, called me about it a week later and just had to have it! I was pleased that she called. Got it delivered to her and she was happy. Oh! We planted pumpkins in our garden this year and we see some little pumpkins growing! I just love pumpkins..the look of them, symbolizing the cooler weather. Plus I will have some to set up and paint! I think I will even set up outside and paint the pumpkin vines too. They are pretty with their big broad leaves.

Psalm 97:11
"Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart"

Baby Emu

A 12x12 oil I just finished this evening. I just love this size of canvas. Gives me enough room to play and not so big that I get tired! Time for another funny little baby bird! I have taken a little liberty with the color. Added a little more of the lavender color to the fussy hair. The eyes are pretty spot on. I have seen some photos of Emus with even a more orange eye color. The expression looks like a cross between me in the morning before my coffee and me getting ready to burst out laughing at one of my husband's jokes!

Ephesians 4:2
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Church in the Spring

An 8x10 in oil that I just finished. Wanted to achieve a simple, peaceful country scene, using broad brush strokes. Had to hold back to not fuss too much with this one. I like the distance with the hills in the background, the dirt road leading up to the church. I would really like to attend a service here! See what it would be like! Kent and I attend LifeWay Church here in Kingfisher. It is a "network" church with LifeChurch.tv via video. Craig Groeschel broadcasts the message or sermon each week.. Occasionally our local pastor or one of the other church leaders speak. Terry Payne is our local pastor. We have live music and worship along with the broadcasted message. Wonderful group of people. Really provides a strong church and spiritual support for us. We meet in a movie theater for now! Looking at buying land and building soon. 

Romans 10:9
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Two Hearts

A 6x6 oil I painted for my Husband this past Valentines Day. To express my love for him. I just heard from my sister, Lisa, that a former church youth member died while serving his country in the military. She described him as a wonderful young man that loved the Lord. I know she will miss him and feels the loss deeply. You see, all of Lisa's kids are special to her. So... today, I dedicate this painting to Lisa and the young military man that lost his life and is with the Lord today.

Romans 8:26-27
"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 wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for Gods people in accordance with the will of God"

Criss-Crossing Fields

This is an 8x10 I did a few weeks ago. I wanted to achieve a sense of distance and show that criss-crossing of different colored fields that I see so often here in Oklahoma. The green color of the fields here in Oklahoma have all turned that pretty golden brown with the hot weather we have had. This golden coloring of the landscape does not ordinarily show up until late August. The pale soft greens along with the golden browns are beautiful. I will do one with those colors soon I think. I have gotten some wonderful feedback from a couple of other artists on the web this evening. Very encouraging. I hope, in turn, to be able to encourage other artists too.

Romans 8:28
"And we all know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Church in the Fall

Has been a few days since I last posted. Just finished this 8x10. Oh...but that we could be there in the cool crisp air of the Fall season! This is a commission. My client wanted a painting with a church in it... in the Fall or Spring season. So this is my stab at the Fall season. I will do a Spring season one with a white church out in the distance with lots of color of spring flowers in the close foreground. At least that is my plan now.  Fall is my favorite season of the year. I am looking forward to an Arts and Crafts show coming up this November here in Kingfisher. I have decided to show my work again. It was so much fun this last spring at the Kingfisher Festival of Arts. Stay cool everyone in this hot, hot weather! (107 degrees predicted here today)

Psalm 73:26
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever"