6x6 Crown of Thorns, Acrylic # 7

6x6, Acrylic. This is the last one in this Crown of Thorns series. Did a total of 10 to give to family for Christmas. It was fun to paint the same composition with different color combinations. This project also pushed me to try acrylic for the first time due to dry time issues! I found that I like it. It's nice and quick, mixes differently than oil and there is less of a danger to muddy your colors. Thank you for looking!

1 John 5:3
"In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the son of God."

6x6 Crown of Thorns, Acrylic # 6

6x6, Acrylic. Got behind with posting with all the Christmas activities. This image of Jesus seems so at peace and happy. I like the red background on this one. Thanks for looking.

1 Peter 4:10-11
"Each of you has bean blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use that gift well. If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful. Amen."

6x6 Crown of Thorns, Acrylic # 5

6x6, Acrylic. I decided to go with a bronze color for the hair this time. Then scattered the same color throughout the face and beard too. Can't quite tell from the photo but this bronze color has a little glitter to it. Fun to work with. Thanks for looking!

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

6x6 Crown of Thorns, Acrylic # 4

A 6x6, Acrylic. It's getting difficult to come up with different color combinations! One of my fellow artists that paints with me on Thursdays suggested the pink color hair. Decided to go with the compliment colors of green for the skin. Thanks for looking.

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."

6x6 Crown of Thorns, Acrylic # 3

A 6x6, Acrylic. Came up with this really neat grey color on my palette. The acrylics mix a little differently than my oils. So I am constantly being surprised with what I end up with! I have done a total of  7 of these little 6x6's. Four more! Thanks for looking.

Mathew 25: 35-36; 40
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. 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."

6x6 Crown of Thorns, Acrylic # 2

6x6, Acrylic. Still experimenting with acrylic. Works fast. I like that! Thanks for looking.

Mathew 25:34
"Then the King will say to those on his right, come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world."

6x6 Crown of Thorns, Acrylic

6x6, Acrylic. Took the plunge and tried my first acrylic! Yikes but I had to work faster! This paint dries sooooo much faster than oils. With oils I could mess around and push the paint around, doodle, think, then doodle again. With acrylic..... you put the paint down.... make a decision... and then move on baby! Fun to do. Thanks for looking.

Ephesians 6:18
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."

6x6 Crown of Thorns # 4

6x6. Oil. The first "Blond" that I have done of Jesus. I like it! May this Christmas Season be a happy one for all! Thanks for looking.

Ephesians 5:8-10
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth and find out what pleases the Lord."

6x6 Crown of Thorns #3

A 6x6, Oil. Used a different color palette this time with yellow, green, blue and red. The red is bold and the purple that mixed on my palette compliments the color!  Slow down this Christmas season and talk to God. Thanks for looking.

James 3:18

"Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

6x6 Crown of Thorns # 2

Another small Crown of Thorns painting. Enjoying  the different colors that come out even while using the same color palette as the first one. Changing up the palette for my next.  We'll see what happens. Thanks for looking!

Mathew 12:35
"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."

Crown of Thorns, 6x6

A 6x6, Oil, on a stretched canvas.This is the smallest I have tried this on. Went pretty quickly and had to use a little smaller brush. Used a mix of a couple different blues, a deep purple and the yellow as accent color. Fun to do!

John 3:16
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Colors of Fall

An 11x14, Oil. Enjoyed the color in this one. Based on a photo by Suzanne Wallick on Paint My Photo site. I achieved that rough bark look using a palette knife. Always fun to do. The fall leaves I did with a couple of different small sized brushes. The color washes in the foreground and distance came about with use of linseed oil to thin the paint out a little to soften the look.  Thanks for looking.

James 1:19-20
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

Fallen Maple

An 8x8, Oil, A little painting celebrating the Fall season. Based on a photo from Paint My Photo site by Sue. Love the colors. Doing some simple compositions. Less stress! More therapeutic! Thanks for looking.

Psalm 130:3-4
"If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you."

Peaches in Bowl

An 11x14, Oil based on a photograph by Lillian Bell from Paint My Photo site. This painting took much longer than expected. I kept allowing some of the peaches look too giant, the table edges going to nowhere, etc, etc.... Anyway, I'm glad to put this one away! Love the layers of color on the peaches. Thanks for looking!

Philippians 2:14
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation."

My Backyard. Patio Pots

An 8x8, Oil. Another in My Backyard series. Am so enjoying the outdoor painting. I have maybe 15 or so ceramic pots that I fill every spring. They last all summer until the first frost in the fall. I was able to get this one done a couple of weeks ago. I'm not really into digging into the dirt in the ground, but really enjoy filling pots with flowers, grasses and vines. Every year I go to my favorite nursery and pick out random things that I like. The back patio has a different look each year! Had strong light coming in from the left, I like the shadows in this one. Thanks for looking.

My Backyard, Wisteria Arbor

An 8x10, Oil. This is the first in a new series I have decided to do. Scenes of my backyard. I have been wanting to do more outdoor painting and with this beautiful sunny fall weather....what better excuse to get outside and paint is there?! This is one of my favorite spots in our backyard.  Those sturdy Adirondack chairs are sooo comfy. Made by an elderly gentleman. The area to the left is the remains of a garden that my husband plants every year. Wanted to convey the bright, crisp, sun shiny fall day, the deep shade under the arbor and dappled sunlight. Thanks for looking.

Romans 12:7-13
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fever, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

Pear # 3

An 8x8, Oil. Well.... I think I have pears out of my system now! Still with the strong light from the left...Used a little different stroke tech this time. Bold color used again. Can't seem to help pushing that color! Thanks for looking.

Exodus 23:3
"Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd."

30 Day Challenge, 3 Pears

An 8x6 Oil. Couldn't resist doing another pear painting. Pushed the color a little. Fun stuff! Thanks for looking.

Galatians 5:22
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..."

30 Day Challenge, Colorful Pear

An 8x8, Oil. I have been wanting to paint one these gorgeous, colorful pears for the longest time! Had fun with all the dots of color. Simple and beautiful. Thanks for looking.

Genesis 1:29
"Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food."

30 Day Challenge, Watching Over You

An 8x10, Oil of a lovely Angel watching over you! This painting is based on a reference photograph by Suzanne Wallick from Paint My Photo site.  Had fun with color on this one. I tried to achieve the pretty yet strong features of her face. Thank you for looking.

Psalm 91:11-12
"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

30 Day Challenge, Weathered Boat # 2

An 8x6, Oil of my favorite weathered boat! This is the 2nd one I have done. There is just something about the color and composition that draws me. Did this in a more vertical format rather than the square 8x8.  I like the longer lines of this one. Also.... I resisted the urge to fuss. Less brush strokes, softer transitions at the horizon and beach. Thanks for looking.

Genesis 6:8-9
"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord... Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God."

30 Day Challenge, Blessed Land

An 8x6, Oil on a RayMar canvas panel. Just love the simplicity, peace and love that this painting conveys. Based on a photo from Paint My Photo reference site. http://paintmyphoto.ning.com/profile/DennaKadavy. Wonderful source I have recently discovered. Thanks for looking.

Deuteronomy 28:12
"The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none."

30 Day Challenge, Weathered Boat

An 8x8, Oil of a wonderful old boat pulled up on the beach. Another addition to the 30 day challenge put on by Leslie Saeta. The challenge is to paint 30 paintings in 30 days. I am a few behind....but that's ok! I'm having a blast being a part of the challenge..motivated...inspired by all of the other artist's entries.  I was inspired by  Leslie Saeta to use a palette knife for this painting as well as painting a boat. Boats are her favorite subjects. The texture that a palette knife achieves is wonderful. Thank you for looking.

Genesis 1:10
"God called the dry ground land, and the gathered waters he called seas. And God saw that it was good."

30 Day Challenge, Moon

An 8x10, Oil for the 30 Day Challenge.  First time I have painted a nightscape with the moon. Have been wanting to for a long time. One of my favorite artists, Tom Brown, has talked about painting outdoors at night. He wears a head lamp! Looks so fun. I did this one from a reference photo. Love the blue/green color in the water and how the moon looks all misty. Thanks for looking.

Psalm 74:16
"The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and the moon."

30 Day Challenge, Father and Son

A 12x16, Oil I have completed as a commission for a loving mother and wife, This is to be a surprise gift for her husband!. Based on about 20 different photos that my client provided. Put together this composition. Hope she loves it! Father and son having some fun fishing. Strong afternoon light coming in from the right casting shadows onto the beach and water. It was fun to capture the little boy's soft line of his face, boots, the father next to him supporting his efforts.  Thanks for looking.

1 Corinthians 11:1
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

30 Day Challenge, God's Creation

An 8x10 I have completed for the 30 Day Challenge by Leslie Saeta. The challenge is to complete a painting a day for 30 days. I have chosen to go with biblical themes and/or interpretations. Wonderful way to stay focused on God, give thanks for all that He has provided me and to consider all that is beautiful created by Him. This is the second Acacia Tree that I have painted with the wide open African land and sky. Thank you for looking.

Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

30 Day Challenge, Lamb of God

An 8x10,Oil I just completed. All curled up and comfy.  It was fun working on the soft curls. Thanks for looking.

Colossians 3:12
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Rainy Morning in the Colorado Mountains

This is the second painting I completed while vacationing in Colorado. An 8x10, Oil. That morning started off soft and rainy. I loved the subdued colors of the mountains in the distance. Same vantage point from our condo balcony looking a little to the right of the first painting. Getting a slightly different composition. Still wonderful setting...Listening to the mountain stream, sipping hot coffee. Had to dress a little warmer that morning! Got down to the 40's during the previous night. Thanks 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."

Sunshine in the Colorado Mountains

This is an 8x10, Oil that I completed while on vacation in the beautiful Colorado mountains. This is a scene just off our balcony at the condo we were staying. It was a bright, sunshiny morning. The birds were chirping and I could hear the sound of a mountain stream in the background. Couldn't see the stream from my vantage point, or I would have included it in the painting!  Thanks for looking.

Ephesians 6:23-24
"Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love."

La Posada Courtyard of Santa Fe

An 8x10, Oil painting I did while on vacation to Santa Fe. We stayed at a wonderful resort with many beautiful courtyards. So restful and quiet. I set up with my travel easel/paintbox and got this one done early one morning. I completed the tree trunk and branches using a palette knife. Giving it the texture I was going for. I just love the lavender colored bush...They are all over the place in Santa Fe. Have no idea what it is. It had a graceful flowing look to it.  Thanks for looking.

Psalms 51:10
"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."

Lighthouse # 3

A 16x20, Oil. My third attempt at a lighthouse. I decided to do the trees a little more realistic this time. Used darker blues and lavenders for a more dramatic look. Had fun with it. Thanks for looking.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24
"I have the right to do anything, you say - but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything - but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others."

Basketball

An 8x10, Oil I have done in honor of our son, Charles Ramsdell. He is a professional basketball player in Spain. He still loves the game. He has been in Spain for 6 years and having the time of his life. Quite an adventurer! He has met his soul-mate ..another adventurer, his fiance', and is getting married this summer. We are so happy for Charles. This painting was fun to do. I treated the basketball floor a little on the abstract side. Used a palette knife to achieve this look. Thank you for looking.

Philippians 4:8
"And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Rooster

An 11x14, Oil. Colorful Rooster! Wow...it's almost unbelievable the colors these guys have! Had to complete this painting in stages...allowing color to dry a little..then proceeding. Had to do that to avoid getting all this color mixed and turn into mud. Thanks for looking.

Luke 8:18
"So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them."

Baby Blue Owl

An 8x10, Oil. Decided to go with another baby Owl again! This little guy looks either a little miffed or startled... Haven't decided which yet. Those big gnarly feet are a hoot! Thanks for looking.

Luke 11:36
"If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light."

Swan at Sunset

An 11x14, Oil on canvas panel. Wow! You know that time in the evening where everything changes to a blueish soft tone? I think this time of day has been referred to "The Gloaming". Anyway...beautiful time of evening and a challenge to get down on canvas! Treating the "white" swan with a blueish color...that the orange beak doesn't really have the orange color to it...getting the darks and lights in to give the swan depth....getting the little bit of light to come through the tips of the swan's feathers.... It was a blast to do. Thanks for looking.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14
"Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love."

This Year's Sunflower

An 8x6, Oil completed on a wonderful RayMare wood panel covered in primed Linen. A while back I purchased a sample pack of these 8x6 panels. Love them. Very sturdy and a nice surface to paint on. High quality panels. So anyway...had to do a sunflower this spring. Gets me in the mood to enjoy this nice weather...a little gentle rain, sunshine, cool breezes. Our 3 year drought here in Oklahoma is about over I think. Wonderful news for us. Thanks for looking. God Bless.

Luke 11:36
"If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light."

Bright Baby Owl

An 8x10, Oil. Couldn't resist this little guy's eyes and the way he is leaning in. I always seem to push the colors on many of my paintings. Can't help myself! Especially on the baby animals. I enjoyed working in all the little individual feathers. I might do some more of these little owls. Thanks for looking.

Roman's 12:9-10
"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."

Twinkies #1 and #2

These are both 8x10, Oils. I have just completed Twinkie #2 (the lower one). I reworked the ground in Twinkie #1 a little since I posted it last week. These paintings are based on a photograph taken by our father when my sister and I were 3 years old. The plan is to give one to my sister and keep one for myself.  Just a little token to tell her I love her! So I am anxious for them to dry. I'll frame them both up...then ask my sister to choose which one she would like to have. I did not have the first Twinkie painting in front of me while I was painting #2. I felt this would allow the #2 Twinkie painting to be as fresh and accurate as the first. Soooo hence the different colors seen in each. Sure hope my sister likes these! Thanks for looking.

Zechariah 7:9-10
"This is what The Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners and the poor. And do not scheme against each other."

Twinkies

An 8x10, Oil. A little sentimental piece I have just finished. Based on a photo taken many moons ago of my sister and me. Our mother made all of our little dresses. We were on a walk together. Probably did everything together. Notice the little crackers in both of our free hands. Totally crushed in our fists! We are still very close, my sister and I. Still holding hands in our spirits.

Colossians 3:16
"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."

8x8 Crown of Thorns # 3

The third 8x8 in my Crown of Thorns series. This one is still available. All the others have sold! Again..alot of fun using color. Just love the process. Easter is coming up. I know that my rendition of Jesus with his crown of thorns is not even close to the suffering He went through for us. But each time I paint this...I do remember and am thankful.

John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life."

Crown of Thorns 8x8 # 2

An 8x8, Oil. My 2nd Crown of Thorns painting in this smaller size. I really like the speed in which I can finish this smaller size. Allows me to experiment with color rather than worry about covering a big canvas. Also, this is on a canvas panel. Did not have to do the sides of a gallery wrapped canvas. Which can be tricky! The gallery wrap is nice in that you don't have to frame the painting....but I like the framed Crown of Thorns too. Thanks for looking. God Bless.

Joshua 1:9
"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Bottles # 2

An 11x14, Oil of bright colored bottles sitting on a glass shelf. I did most of this piece with a palette knife. Used brushes to get the soft watercolor look for the background. Lots of scattered color in this one. Fun to do! Thanks for looking.

John 8:31-32
"Jesus said to the people who believed in him..You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Abe Lincoln. Statue Challenge

A 7x9, Oil I have just completed for the Daily Paintworks Statue Challenge. This is a based on the Lincoln Memorial Statue in Washington, close up of the face. Yikes...a real challenge using one color..lights and darks. Went with the dark red background for the patriotic look! Enjoyed it. Thanks for looking.

Psalm 18:30
"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection."

Tree of Life # 3

A 7x9, Oil on canvas panel. The third in my Tree of Life Series. Used a different color combination. Yellow, green, blue with an accent of red. Mixed the accent red with each of the analogous colors and used white to get different hues. These are fun to do! First primed the canvas panel with wash of light violet for the sky and the ground a pale yellow. Then built up the color to the tree and foreground with a palette knife. Enjoy.

Deuteronomy 30:20
"...Listen to God's voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life..."

Garlic Reworked

I decided to rework this little guy a little. I am calling it done now! We are getting ready for a snow storm here in Oklahoma. Everyone is in a panic. Not me...I will believe it when I see it. Then just stay in by the fire! With my hubby and the puppies snuggled up close to keep warm. Yahoo.

Proverbs 8:30
I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence."

Garlic

A little 5x7, Oil I finished last night. I have always wanted to try painting garlic. Here it is! The photo kind of washed out some of the color. I pushed the color a little with lavender and yellow in the garlic. I may fiddle with that yellow in the garlic to the right. Lots of texture in this one. Used a knife as well as brushes. I love the way the stem on the one small section of garlic is twisted up. Oh ...it's the little things that make my day!

Isaiah 66:13
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..."

Tree of Life # 2

An 8x6, Oil. the 2nd in Tree of Life series. I think I like the tree off center in this one. I also used a RayMar wood panel with primed cotton canvas for the first time. Love it! I have a few other panels with Belgian Linen. Can't wait to try them. The RayMar panels are great because they are so sturdy...no warping or bending. Yahoo! I'm going to try this same composition with different color combinations. Thank you for looking.

John 14:6
"Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

Tree of Life

An 8x8, gallery wrapped, 1/2 inch in depth, Oil I just finished this morning. The painting continues around the edges, affixed with a wire hanger, ready to hang. No need for a frame.  A friend of mine inspired me to try a new series entitled "Tree of Life". Based on numerous Bible verses. Trying to capture strength, age, deep roots, laden with fruit and alive with vibrant color of course! This is the first composition I have come up with. I may play with it some more. I plan on using various color combinations similar to my Crown of Thorns series. Thanks for the inspiration Tess!

Genesis 2:9
"The Lord God Made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil."

Apple Tree

An 11x14, Oil I just finished today. Did this one in response to Daily Paintworks "Amalgam Challenge". Yes I did have to look up that word! We were to incorporate one of Daily Paitntworks' artist's style into our own style. I admire so may artists that are members of Daily Paintworks. Came down to three artists: Mary Maxium, Julie Ford Oliver and Delilah Smith. I couldn't decide for the longest time! So chickened out and asked my husband to choose! He chose Mary Maxium. I just love Mary's blue greens that she uses in her paintings...the subjects she chooses...rivers, apple trees, nature in general. I decided to use a reference photo of a close cropped apple tree to base my painting on. In the middle part of the painting...where paint is EVERYWHERE...I was not sure that this one was going to work out. But...took a deep breath and just charged on. Enjoyed this challenge. Thanks for looking.

Deuteronomy 13:4
"It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him."