Worshipping God "With All My Art"

My Thoughts About Shadows

2012-01-18T08:40:00.000-06:00

I am so glad you came back. I told you I was going to

paint my answer to the question,

"What does the shadow concept mean to you personally?"

First, darkness and shadow are not the same!

Darkness is the absence of light-Carlsbad Caverns.

Darkness does not force the light out but just the

opposite. Light dispels or forces the darkness out.

Shadows only exist where there is LIGHT and SUBSTANCE.

Invisible doesn't make a shadow.

So here we go. I painted this sweet little pear.

Nice shape but flat as a pancake.

"The earth was void and without form, and darkness was over

the surface of the deep..." Gen. 1:2 (no presence of light)

I added a soft little shadow on the left side of the pear.

As a artist, determining the light source or direction is

important to know where the shadow will fall.

"...and the Spirit of God was hovered (overshadowing)

over the waters." Gen1:2

To increase the feeling of shape, more shadow was added.

Just a little note- I used purple (not black) for my shadow.

Purple is a royal color.

Ex 13:21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a

pillar of cloud to guide them on their way.

He made a shade or shadow for them in the heat of the desert.

Shadow and light go together!!!

You can't have one without the other!

Just a little note.

Gen 1:3 "God said 'Let there be light' and there was light"

Then in verse 16 And God made two great lights;

the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night:

he made the stars also.

¹⁷And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to

give light upon the earth,

¹⁸And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the

light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

¹⁹And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Did you see it? Day one -He created the light

but it was several days later when He created the sun and moon.

He is the light!

I lifted a couple of light areas on the right side

or light side of the pear. But, notice in the picture above,

the pear is floating. What is needed to anchor it?

Ta!Dah! You're right!!! A shadow.

The shadow is the shape of the pear. Even in the images

above, the first shadows follow the shape of the pear.

The last step - stronger shadow closer to the pear
and brighter light on the light side.

I have also thought about my children while contemplating
"shadow". When they were little, all 3 of my sons were
like my shadows. They were close and right by my feet.
They wanted to see what I was doing, help with whatI was doing, or maybe they just wanted to be where I was.
I want to be that way with my Heavenly Father.
I want to LIVE in HIS SHADOW!

My friend and fellow blogger Renee has
a great post about Psalm 91.
If you have a minute, check out "If Then".

New Study - Psalm 91

2012-01-14T08:52:00.000-06:00

I am so glad you stopped by!

On Wednesday we started a new study.

Psalm 91-God's Shield of Protection by

Peggy Joyce Ruth.

My friend, Melissa is going to be leading a group

of ladies ranging in ages 18 to 60.

60 years old - that would be me - the most vintage

lady in the group.

In the first week of homework, referencing

Psalm 91:1 and Acts 5:15, she asks the question,

"What does the shadow concept mean to you personally?"

Her answers

#1 Shadows can be good

#2 The concept of protection and healing

with a direct reference to shadow

#3 The shadow came and went

as Peter came and went

I think I am going to go paint my answer.

Hope you come back soon and see my answer.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Come Away-Come Away With Me

2012-01-06T20:01:00.001-06:00

My friend, Venson asked if I could paint his vision.

He was listening to "Come Away" by Jesus Culture

and could see Jesus sitting on the edge of a cliff-the highest

point in Colorado City. He could envision Jesus

extending his hands and asking the people

of that city to "Come away with me".

This city has had a lot of violence and tragedy. Last year

it was in the national news. Hailey Dunn went missing

and still has not been found. As I painted this, I could feel

His heart as He calls to His beloved creation.

There are buildings where there is no light at all, some

have dark windows and only 1 or 2 lights, and some

have lights that are shining brightly.

This is 16"x20" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.

"...declare the praises of Him who has called you out

of darkness into His wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

One of my FAVORITE scriptures!!!

Water Can and Pansies

2012-01-04T21:30:00.000-06:00

Water can, pansies, and a trowel. I still have spring

on my mind. This is another small work (5"x7").

We still need rain in the mean time

I can still dream.

Speaking of dreaming, I am going to be

participating in a Kim Klassen photoshop class.

It is called Beyond Layers, a year of artful inspiration.

I have enjoyed her tutorials, layers and textures.
Our first pre-assignment is to write down
our dreamiest dream. HMMM!

2 Pink Calla Lilies

2012-01-02T17:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I spent the afternoon transferring

photos from my hard drive to my external hard drive.

Then I put them in folders so I can find them easier.

I found a photo of 2 Pink Calla Lilies. These were

growing in our flower bed a couple of years ago.

Last year was too dry for the lilies.

But, it reminds me that spring will be here soon.

I know winter is not over yet but I was inspired

so I grabbed my palette and brushes this morning.

5X7 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. paper

On January 2, 2011 I painted a prayer,

"Send Your Rain"

"Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises, He will appear;
He will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 6:3

2 times Hosea says, "Acknowledge Him"!

That means - pay attention to what the prophet said.

Still need the rain! Still praying! Still pressing on!

Orange Lilies in a White Pitcher

2011-12-29T20:08:00.000-06:00

I am so proud of my watercolor students. They are

doing so good! I really felt like they were ready for

this piece. We didn't just jump straight into the piece.

We painted leaves,

and we painted the white pitcher.

I love the simplicity of this pitcher.

The orange lilies were from my niece's wedding,

the leaves were from the oak tree in our

front yard, and the doily is from my

stash of vintage crochet.

We took our time and painted for several

weeks.

My favorite teaching quote:

Tell me, I will probably forget.

Show me, I might remember.

Involve me and I will never forget.

And we have learned - practice, practice, practice

paint, paint, paint!

Above all, we have fun

and enjoy each other!

P.S. If you can't attend my classes or workshops,

visit My Etsy shop and look at my instructional dvd's.

A Long Way From Home

2011-11-29T21:22:00.000-06:00

My good friend, Renee has moved a long, long way

from home (home being West Texas).

She is settling into her home (temporary) in North Dakota.

Let me say again-a LONG way from home.

One of the first things she did in her new "land" was

to seek out a place to worship,

which can be like trying to find a new family

Along the way she took a few pictures

of some great, perfectly aged churches.

When I saw her photos on her blog I

asked if I could paint this great window.

The window nor the building is the important thing.

The important thing is worship and the freedom

to gather with others to worship.

But the hour cometh, and now is,

when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit

and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship

him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:23-24

Thanks, Renee!

W.I.P. Copper, Grapes and a Pear Watercolor

2011-11-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this little Work In Progress video.

I absolutely love painting metal! And grapes! And pears!

Well, you get the idea. I love to paint.

I haven't painted much in the last week or two.

There has been a lot of road time; shows, workshops,

conferences, doctors' appointments, etc.

And I have been "fall" cleaning. The cooler weather has

been a welcomed change to the hot and dry summer.

Change is in the air. I have a feeling that our

winter will be as extreme as our summer,except

where the summer was hot and dry this winter

will be cold and wet. We could use the "wet".

Here is the finished work.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God!!!

How To Create a Faux Stone Look Trompe L'Oeil Part 2

2011-10-14T21:51:00.000-05:00

Well, it has definitely been more than a few days. Time sure

goes by faster these days. You know, life is like a roll of

toilet paper! The closer it gets to the end the faster it goes.

Anyway, let's finish this canvas. Let me share with you

this trompe l'oeil (to fool the eye) technique.

Measure in about 2" and applied painters tape. Leave

1/2" and apply another row of tape. In the upper right

corner you will see a little piece of tape at a 45% angle.

Top and left side is deep gray. Note the miter corner.

Right side and part of the bottom is white or pale

gray. This would indicate the the light source is

on the left.

The white or light gray will touch the edge of the scroll

design. I transferred the design onto the canvas using

graphite paper (not shown).

I photographed this great piece of scroll work on

an old building in Mineral Wells. You can see the

light is on the left side of the raised areas.

Side load your brush with light gray. Apply to light areas.

Again using a side loaded brush, use dark gray to add

shadows. Go easy!!! You can always add more but

it can be frustrating to try to lift color that is too dark.

Also, This is IMPORTANT. The paint needs to be thin

and a bit transparent so the texture of the base will show

through. Now you can add text or just about

anything you want to.

Hope you enjoy this project!

How To Create a Faux Stone Look

2011-09-13T19:07:00.001-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted a decorative how-to

project for you. I recently painted the above faux stone effect on canvas.

Then I added a quote in a fancy lettering style. Anyway, I thought you

might enjoy this step by step instruction.

Start with 3 similar paints. These are latex wall paint but you could use

acrylic craft paint. You will need a small liner brush or

a feather (goose or chicken), a spray bottle with water, and
you will need a sponge. A sea sponge is good.

The one I used was an inexpensive wanna-be from WalMart.

Puddle/swirl the 3 different colors of paint. I like them

mingled on the plate and then mingled on the canvas.

This technique can be used on the wall, a board, a countertop,

a floor, just about anywhere.

Spray the surface with water. This will help mingle the paint

and slow the drying time so you don't feel pressured.

Dip the sponge in the paint catching some of all the colors.

Dab, dab, dab onto the surface. Be sure to change directions

with your sponge so you get a random pattern not a repeated pattern.

To get a good stone effect don't just dab, occasionally press

the sponge into the surface so that

more paint is released and the edges are softened.

Before the paint starts to dry, spritz a little water here and there.

This will cause the paint colors to flow together. Don't over spray!

And this part only works if your surface is laying flat.

To create the veins use the edge of a feather or a small

liner brush. Using the feather, drag thru a couple of the colors

then pull across the surface. Using the small brush, touch

into a couple of colors (not mixed)

then roll and pull (at the same time) across the surface.

The effect is nice if the paint is still a bit damp on your surface.

Also a little spritz of water here and there can soften the

vein and make it appear to go into the stone.

I hope you will get a chance to use this technique and I would

love to see your project.

I will be back in a day or two to show you how to

make the stone look like it has been carved.

Freedom-Don't Take It For Granted Watercolor

2011-09-11T18:44:00.000-05:00

I am so excited!!! I just won my first award!

This won 3rd place at the Watercolor Horizons

show at the Ellen Noel Museum in Odessa.

The inspiration for the painting:

Joe and I were at a job related training and the instructor

opened the session with a short documentary about

Frances Scott Key and "The Star Spangled Banner".

I was moved to the very core of my being at the

sacrifices made by our founding fathers.

"O, say does that star spangled banner yet wave?

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

or BECAUSE of the brave.

The flag is displayed on the porch

with the rocking chairs.

Comforting and comfortable.

FREEDOM-Don't Take It For Granted!

Memories - Acrylic on Canvas

2011-08-31T16:01:00.000-05:00

A potential client called Tuesday.

She wanted a painting of a horse

for a staff member that was moving?

(Her) Can you paint a horse?

(Me) Yes! What's your budget?

Acrylic or watercolor?

Canvas or Paper? What size?

What color horse? The head only or

standing, running, rearing up, bucking,..?

You want it when?

Thursday? Sure!

(Her) Can you add a windmill and water tank?

(Me) Sure!

"Memories" 11"x14" Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

SOLD!

Fishers of Men Commission

2011-08-25T16:34:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy week! Thank you, Lord!

I have finished several commissions. Our good friend, Mike

asked me to paint one for his office. He wanted a stormy

sky, a stormy sea, a huge rock with a man hanging on to

it reaching out to someone in the waves and a sinking

boat in the background. Hmm!?!

What should I use as a reference. We are in a drought.

Our lake is at 2 percent-not 2percent low.

That would be 98 percent low.

So, no waves! Storm clouds have been scarce as

hen's teeth. With the moral decline we have seen

a lot of shipwrecked lives.

The waves behind the figure in the water

are dark and pulling. The wave in front of the figure

is light and figure on the the rock is holding

on tightly with a strong right arm.

The precious thing about this painting is

the model for the figure on the rock is Joe

and the one in the water is our son, Stephen.

Jesus is our Rock! He is our Redeemer! He draws

us up from the deep! We ought also to reach out

to those who are overwhelmed and drowning in waves

of fear, depression, poverty, illness...

Make us Fishers of Men and Women!!!

3 Chilies in Watercolor Class

2011-08-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

When I was in the produce section at the grocery store

I spotted these Anaheim Chilies. I picked these 3 that were

changing colors and I knew they would be fun to paint.

It was so fun that I taught in this weeks class

I am so loving teaching my watercolor classes. I love

seeing their work, how they are progressing,

and the friendships that are growing

Last week we had a special treat.

We met at Laurie's house. She is such a gracious hostess.

She has a beautiful home and we enjoyed a yummy brunch

and then splashed around in the paint while

Zach splashed around in her pool.

Squash Blossom Neacklace Watercolor

2011-06-28T23:18:00.000-05:00

Watercolor on paper 8 X 10

My watercolor class students requested or suggested

that they would like to paint a squash blossom

necklace. One of the students had this lovely piece

I took a bunch of photos with an assortment

of backgrounds. This one was photographed on a

turquoise painted table. I think I really like it on white.

Tomorrow I will make sure I get a good image of it.

With All My Art - Nathalie

My Website

Watercolor Class Geraniums

2011-06-26T22:58:00.000-05:00

Here is the class finished pieces.

They did a good job, don't you think so?

I am so proud of them. I have enjoyed teaching

color blending, washes, which brushes, why wet in wet, etc.

But, my favorite part has been getting to know the

ladies that had been taking the classes.

Chatting over palettes of freshly mixed paints and a new piece

of paper is just as good as sharing over a cup of coffee.

We might have to paint this sometime.

Thanks for stopping by!

Teaching a Watercolor Class

2011-06-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

"Geraniums and Clay Pots"

This will be the watercolor class lesson today.

I started teaching a watercolor class in February of this year.

It has been an amazing time.

Them: Why do you mix those colors?

Why does her green look different than my green?

How did you do that? Oh my! I have a bloom!

Now, what do I do? My painting doesn't look like your painting?

Me: (Not the answers to the above questions)

Wow! That turned out nice! I really like that effect!

Let's see if we can fix that. Hmm!?!

What if you add a ...? Wait! Don't get ahead of me.

You need more water. You need more pigment...

You know who has learned the most by teaching the class?

ME!!!

One of my favorite teaching quotes:
"Tell me and I will probably forget.
Show me and I might remember.
Involve me and I will never forget.."
That is the method that I try to use in my classes.
Check be later and I will show you what we did in class today.

More New Technique - Loose, Detailed Watercan

2011-06-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed the bright, colorful technique I
used on the San Miguel Mission watercolor.
So, here we go again.

I reserved my white areas with masking fluid.
Then, I brushed the entire surface with clear water.

I dropped in colors. The colors look randomly placed
but they are not. Burnt sienna was placed in the
flower pot area. Purple and turquoise in
the shadow and watercan vicinity.

I splattered in sap green, olive green, cad yellow,
and cad red. While the greens and reds were still wet,
I dropped in purple in the areas that will be
in shadow and a bit of burnt sienna just because.
After the painting was dry I began to add some
loose detail. This was the s-t-r-e-t-c-h for me,
since I love details
Hmm! If it's detailed, how can it be loose and
if it's loose, how can it be detailed?

"Some Water, Some Plant..."

8x10 on Arches Paper
"So neither the one who plants, nor the one
who waters is anything, but only God,
who makes things grow."
1 Corinthians 3:7

San Miguel Mission - Trying Something New

2011-06-03T19:31:00.000-05:00

The San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe
is the oldest mission in the United States.
Joe and I visited Santa Fe several years ago and I
found many wonderful sights to photograph.
The mission was one of those.
Well, this afternoon I decided to try a technique that

I have never used before. I started with just loose color

mingling. Then, some details. I really enjoy the challenge

of watercolors and realism so this semi loose

style is a stretch for me.
However, I do like the brighter colors.

Might have to try this again sometime.

I painted the one on the left in '09and it is my watercolor
class project for thenext two weeks.
Just wanted to try some watercolor drama.

Let me know which one you like best.
Thanks for stopping by!

Texture Tuesday - Grandma's Berries

2011-05-31T08:19:00.000-05:00

It's Time for Texture Tuesday. The theme this week

is gardening. These are Grandma's Berries. Actually, I think

they are Papa's. But she and I were in the berry patch to take

this photo. I have cropped it, used a guassian blur, added

Kim's Bentpages edges. If you love playing with your camera

and your photoshop, pop on over to Kim Klassen's Cafe.

Grapes in a Crystal Bowl Watercolor

2011-05-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

Beautiful crystal bowl, plump grapes and morning sunshine.

I love this image. I love painting glass.

This is my first attempt at painting cut or faceted glass

Wet Canvas has 1,000's of great, free images

in their reference library.

It has been a little while since I have made a WIP

(Work In Progress) video. I thought this would be a

good project to do that with.

I look at these big, fat juicy grapes and think

about the land that God promised His children...

When they reached the Valley of Eschol, they cut off a

branch with a single cluster of grapes. Two of them

carried it on a pole between them. Numbers 13: 23

Our God is more than enough!

Worship Dance Alliance

2011-05-21T19:02:00.000-05:00

Dance With Me! Watercolor 8 X10

Last night I had the honor of being part of Christine Obert's

Worship Dance Alliance Celebration and Graduation.

I got to fly my silk flags with my friends, Keith and Karen.

Joe took pictures for me so we could capture some of

the dances and presentations.

Julie has been taking dance classes at Christine's

Gracefull Steps Ministry Arts Academy. Beautiful!!!

I love this one of Rosetta. She is using my Holy Spirit Fire

streamers. I was amazed with this image,

as it looked like fire.

Praise Him with timbrel and dance...

Let everything that has breath

PRAISE THE LORD!

Psalm 150:4 and 6

Better With Age

2011-05-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

This is a commission I recently finished for a friend

of mine. It took him years to rebuild this beautiful '57

Chevy. It was a pile of junk when he bought it and now

"Wanda" is better than she was when she came of

the assembly line. Jimmy took a lot of care and great pride

in making her new again, restoring her.

God does the same thing with us. He searches for us,

finds us, sometimes neglected, abused, or left for dead,

Others might see us as not worth the effort but

He sees beyond the faults, beyond the wreckage,

and knows the potential and that we can be

"Better With Age"

If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation:

old things are passed away and behold all things

are made new.

Texture Tuesday - Rose Among the Thorns

2011-04-19T09:28:00.000-05:00

A rose from my garden and a crown of thorns I made

several years ago. As this week progresses I think more

and more about what Jesus went through for me and you.

I have used Kim Klassen's textures Serendipity and Sweet Treat.

Texture Tuesday - In Remembrance

2011-04-12T08:33:00.000-05:00


I took this photo several years ago at a Women's Walk to Emmaus.

I absolutely love everything about communion. What a great price Jesus paid for us to not onlypartake of the elements but to have communion withHim. He longs to fellowship with us as we remember all that He did, as we are aware of allthat He is doing, and as we look forward to all thatHe is going to do. Jesus is the sameyesterday, today, and forever! Hebrews 13:8
I have used Kim Klassen's "Silence" texture.If you are interested in my photoshop recipe for this justlet me know. This photo is also available for purchase in my Etsy Shop. Have an awesome day! I am so glad you stopped by.

Fragile! Handle With Care

2011-04-11T23:31:00.000-05:00

SOLD

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas 16"X20"

Painted during West Texas Child Advocacy

Child Abuse Awareness Banquet.

The hands have all colors of flesh because abuse and neglect

knows no color boundaries.

The child is holding a fragile, breakable glass heart.

Children's hearts are fragile and need to be handled with care.

The proceeds from the auction of this piece was donated

to the Child Advocacy Center.

I Love Old Doors

2011-04-09T14:23:00.000-05:00

I love old doors! Not so much "The Doors".

I liked them a long time ago.

And they are old now. I am talking about old doors.

This is one from my 3rd trip to Guatemala.

It is hard to tell if the door is almost open

or almost closed. Sort of like a half glass of

water. I have a door in my life that is half

closed and half open. I am closing the studio but

not the art business. I will still be painting and giving

lessons. So we shall see if the next step (door) will be

open or closed. One thing I do know...

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 Proverbs 3: 5-6

Texture Tuesday

2011-04-05T08:20:00.000-05:00

It's "Texture Tuesday".

Here is photo enhanced with Kim Klassen's

"warm sun" overlay.

After

Before

Warms it up wonderfully.

Have a blessed day.

Photoshop Texture Tuesday

2011-03-29T17:05:00.000-05:00

I love my photoshop and use just about every day.
Enhancing and adding textures were a challenge
UNTIL I found the web site of Kim Klaussen Cafe.
There was a ton of great information there,
but also Kim sends a free texture out each week when
you sign up to be on the email list.
I am loving her texures and recipes.
These are fantastic textures to work with.

Today is my first time participating in Texture Tuesdays

where a picture is enhanced with texture and shared.

Although I am a beginner, her instructions are very easy to follow!

I took this photo yesterday. It was drizzly and over cast.

Praise God for the moisture. It has been so dry here.

Here's my before and after. Kind of looks like some of

the wild fires we have had here.

Kim's texture that I used was Pumpkin Grunge.

MAA Spring Show and "Old Keys"

2011-03-11T21:08:00.000-06:00

Last night was the "Meet the Artists" reception and awards for the Midland Arts Association Spring Show.
It was a beautiful, well attended event.

There were 75 pieces selected from 279 entries.

I was excited that my "Old Keys" watercolor

was juried in. The show runs until April 10th.

I didn't win an award (this time). At first I was

disappointed, then His peace filled my heart.

I will keep painting and honing my skills.

I truly believe this is a divine season in my life.

I want to be faithful with the talent that He has

blessed me with.

Peace, Love and the Sixties

2011-03-07T16:58:00.000-06:00

I am often asked, "So, how long have you been painting?"

My response, "As long as I can remember."

It was the 60's and I even remember it.

I was 17 and a wanna be flower child in a

small Texas town. I liked the clothes, the music,

and the art. I did not like the drugs.

I found this picture that was taken in 1968. I was part owner

of a 1939 Chevy Coupe. The car was in need of

a paint job. So I grabbed some cans of paint and

some brushes and got busy.

Flower Power here I come!

The photo below was taken a couple of years later.

Our oldest son, Erick was 7 months old.

I do have a body suit on underneath that short skirt.

This was in my old life - before Jesus.

Back then it was all about peace and love.

Today, for me, it is all about peace and love.

But it is not the 60's kind of peace and love.

It is John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

It is the Philipians 4:7 "The peace of God which passes

all understanding will guard your hearts and your

minds in Christ Jesus."

And it is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life."

Now, that's what I call "Peace and Love and the Sixties"

(*note - I will be 60 this year)

Wine, Strawberry, and Red Dots

2011-02-15T22:02:00.000-06:00

Wine and Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas 16"X 20"

Sold at auction to benefit Scurry County Museum.

It will be going to Amsterdam in the very near future.

I painted it during the Chocolate Fest. That was fun.

There was a bidding war between 2 couples. The

young couple approached me and shared that they were

disappointed because they really wanted the painting and

knew that they would be outbid.

I had painted a watercolor study on Friday

I just happened to have it in the van.

They bought the watercolor immediately.

We were all happy.

So what's with the red dots?

At a show, when the work is sold but stays

until the end of the show, a red dot is placed

on the tag. Red Dots means SOLD!!!

I love Red Dots!

Search My Heart, Oh God

2011-02-14T08:15:00.000-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

(20" X 28" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas - sold)

Jimmy, Pam, and Wanda - '57 Chevy Photo Shoot

2011-02-03T16:39:00.000-06:00

My friends Jimmy and Pam asked me to

help them with a project.

Monday before the winter storm hit,

the 4 of us went on a "photo shoot".

What 4? Jimmy, Pam, Wanda and me.

Wanda is a restored '57 Chevy.

She is one red, hot mama convertible.

While I was iced in a played around with the photos

and my Photoshop. It was so much fun.

I have many more but I am only going to

post a few of them.

Jimmy and Pam are so in love.

They are such a cute couple.

OOPS! Sorry, Wanda!

Y'all are such a cute threesome.

What is so awesome is that Wanda was redeemed

from the pit of destruction. Jimmy had a vision.

He and Pam went on a search.

They looked and looked until they f

ound "her-Wanda". Jimmy saw past the dents

and rust and knew what potential Wanda had. He paid

the price, sacrificed his time, and lovingly restored Wanda.

Jesus does that with us.

He redeems our lives from the pit. He has already paid

the price. He knows what potential lies within us

waiting to be released. He loving restores us.

Often times the process is not all fun and games

but the end result is glorious!

VAROOOM!

Kyndal in Grandma's Yellow Hat Watercolor Portrait

2011-01-25T15:22:00.000-06:00

Watercolor on paper 11"X14"

Kyndal is my great niece. She got all dolled
up wearing Grandma's yellow hat and her pearls.
She has the most beautiful big, blue eyes and
long, dark lashes. What an irresistable model.

Sunflower Study - Watercolor

2011-01-20T16:27:00.000-06:00

This is a little watercolor study I did. It is 5" X 7".

The sky was actually that clear and brilliant blue.

I love sunflowers!

I love painting them, photographing them,

picking them, looking at them, and I even like

eating their seeds! Yum!

Several years ago when I was clowning, my persona

was "Sunny". I was a sunflower clown. If I can find a photo

I will share that with you.

I guess my favorite thing about

sunflowers besides their happy color and easy to paint

shapes is the fact that they face the sun.

There are sunflower fields between here and Lubbock

and it is so fun to see the whole field with the

heads of the sunflowers turned to face the sun.

Hebrews 12:2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus,

the author and finisher of our faith.

Yellow Rose

2011-01-06T11:05:00.000-06:00

Watercolor 5"X7"

The sweet little yellow rose is from one
of our rose bushes last spring .
Everything is so dry and dull around
here during this season. I painted it as a reminder
that spring is just around the corner.
Each season has it's purpose,
even the dry, dull times.

Red Grapes Watercolor 5"X 7"

2011-01-05T08:31:00.000-06:00

I love grapes and I love to paint grapes.

Just about any time I paint them I think about

the children of Israel and the 10 that went

to spy out the land that God had promised them.

Numbers 13:23 Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol,

and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes;

they carried it between two of them on a pole.

(27)“We went to the land where you sent us.

It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit...

(33)There we saw the giants; and we were like

grasshoppers in our own sight,

and so we were in their sight.”

The promises of God are Yes and Amen but

what we accomplish is often based on how

we see ourselves and how

we think others see us

How do you see yourself today?

Red, White, and Rust

2011-01-03T21:47:00.001-06:00

Watercolor 5" X 7"

I am not sure why I am so intrigued
with rust but I am. On a girl-friends weekend to
San Angelo, we browsed the antiques shops.
In the basement of one shop, I spotted this neglected
and out of place red, white, and rusted enamelware coffee pot.
It wasn’t upstairs in a prime location.
It wasn’t displayed with the expensive china and crystal.
But, I could tell by the water lines on the inside
that this little pot had been well used and probably
had a story to tell if anyone would listen.
Not pretty, not elegant, not expensive just a
little coffee pot that had seen better days.

Send The Rain Watercolor

2011-01-02T21:15:00.001-06:00

Watercolor 5" X 7"

We are so dry here. I woke up this morning

with the prayer, "Send the Rain".

I painted what a West Texas thunderstorm looks like.

And then during our awesome worship service

the songs were about the rain. Thank you, Lord.

This painting has been listed in my store at

Nathalie Kelley's Art Facebook Fan Page

A New Day, A New Year

2011-01-01T19:44:00.000-06:00

God bless you all in the new year.

Isn't it amazing how one day makes you feel
like you have a clean slate, new resolve,
new committment, and a new beginning.
Every day with Jesus should make us feel that way.
A New Day, A New Year
Watercolor 5X7
75.00 free shipping in US

My Great Niece Watercolor Portrait

2010-12-30T21:09:00.000-06:00

My great niece is so delightful and the moment she

sees a camera aimed at her she goes into beauty queen

poses. This time she didn't see the camera and this very

relaxed and natural image was captured by my brother.

I couldn't wait to try this with watercolors.

Watercolor 11" X14"

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T10:59:00.000-06:00

As you hurry and scurry about taking care

of all those last minute details

-remember Jesus.

He is not only the reason for the season,

but "in Him we live and move and have our being."

Acts 17:28

Have a blessed Christmas

(this is an 8' tall silk banner I painted)

Faith Moves Mountains Silk Flag

2010-12-03T21:04:00.000-06:00

I painted several silk flags for fellow worship flaggers

in Abilene. One special order that I really enjoyed

painting was "Faith Moves Mountains"

Stephen and I went to Abilene to deliver the flags

and had the privilege of getting to explore the

highest point in Taylor County. The rocks in the

background were all compressed bits of shell.

This whole area was, at sometime in the past,

under water. Imagine.

Debra and Angel are worshipping intercessors

with a passion to see God's love and power poured

out on the Big Country. Angel and her husband are

the owners of this beautiful, rugged piece of property.

We walked, worshipped, prayed, and spoke

declarations as we carried these 2 flags to the highest

point. It was so awesome. We could see for miles!

They said that the area looks a lot like some of the

places they had seen in Israel.

Thank you, Debbie and Angel for a great morning

in His Presence and allowing me to

"Worship God With All My Art"!

Also, I have added a couple of new pages.

Check out the Silk Flags page.

Dutch Art Gallery "Where Texas Gets Its Color"

2010-11-16T17:21:00.000-06:00

It has been an amazing and busy month.

I have been so excited to be able to have

7 watercolors at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas,

My sister, Soozy went with me to the artist's reception.

She is so beautiful and so much fun to be with.

I was a little hesitant to use my camera around all the art.

Didn't want someone to think I was stealing

their ideas. I just took this one of "Pico De Gallo".

I met many wonderful and gifted artists.

It was such a blessing to get to visit with other artists

about their medium, their inspriation,

how they got to where they are today,

and their hopes and dreams for the future.

I did not hear any negative comments

but I did hear lots and lots of encouragment

among the Artists of Texas members.

Here is Soozy admiring more of the

wonderful works of art.

Thanks to Pam Massar at the Gallery for all the

hard work and promotion for this event!

Thanks for stopping by!

Guadalupe River in the Fall - Watercolor

2010-11-03T22:32:00.000-05:00

I just finished this. Landscapes are a bit of

a stretch for me, but I keep trying.

I love all the rocks and the beautiful, orange cypress

tree. I can almost hear the water rippling.

Praising With Paint Workshop

2010-10-16T21:16:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I went to Odessa and conducted a

"Praising With Paint" Workshop. The ladies that

participated seemed to have a good time.

It was a 2 hour event and they used an 8"x10" canvas

panel and acrylics. There was one who had never painted

before and one had a Master's Degree in art,

but there was no sense of competition.

Our love for Jesus was the common thread.

My friend, Davina came along for the ride. As they

listened to music and listened to the Lord, she also

listened and wrote as they painted. She didn't see

what they were painting. It was amazing how what

they painted and what she wrote blended. She read

what she wrote in her journal and it really ministered to them.

God is so good!

Yolanda was the hostess for the workshop.

Thank you, Yolanda!

I provided them with a sketch of a dove and a horse

head. They could use those or create whatever was

in their heart.

Here is a collage of their work.

But remember you are

His work of art!

Ephesians 2:10 "You are His workmanship, created

in Christ Jesus to do good works..."

With All My Art Fine Art Gallery And Studio

2010-09-09T18:28:00.003-05:00

Here are before and after photos.

The blisters are almost healed! The wonderful vintage tin ceiling tiles

are revealed and painted brown.

Jim and Soozy came to help and installed

the ceiling fan. What a blessing!

The carpet and tile have been removed.

I had a huge bruise on my hip from leaning into

the machine that peeled the tile up.

Even with the bruise is was so much faster

and easier than chipping it out by hand.

Been there-done that!

Finished concrete! I love it!

Finally moving in.

Move in started only a week after retirement

but we have been working on

the building for a month.

The art is in place. I am still adding pieces.

I have a little work space and a little coffee area.
I put out the "OPEN" sign today.
We had a few customers (Whoo Hoo!)
and even sold a few pieces. Hallelujah!!!
I have a couple of mural commissions that I
will start when the rain is over.

I need to tell you what happened last night.
I was online doing research for an art project.
Something happened with my browser
so I copied the info I had typed into the search bar.
I opened up a new browser window,
pasted the search words, and hit enter.
What came up blew me away.
"Behold, I will do a new thing;
now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I
will even make a way in the wilderness;
and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19
The whole page was search results for that scripture.
Line after line of that scripture repeated
over and over and over.
It was not what I was searching for,
not even close to what I had typed in,
but it was exactly what I needed to see and hear!
I just began to laugh.
Thank you, Lord, for that message!!!

Giant Leap!

2010-08-25T06:15:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is my last day at work.

After 10 years as a purchaser at our local prison,

I am taking early retirement.

We found at little shop just a half block off the square.

It's on the busiest, main street-location, location.

Doesn't look too bad here.But, looks can be deceiving!!!

I will change the sign and the broken front door

is now fixed. It smelled really bad.

Old and closed up, musty, moldy...not now.

The ceiling tile looked like patchwork
and the light fixtures resembled vintage ice trays.
The landlord told us we could do whatever
we wanted to. The ceiling tile and lights are gone,
revealing an embossed tin ceiling underneath
The old carpet and tile is also gone.

I will post more pictures of the progress later.
Be sure and stop back by.

The Mural is Completed

2010-08-06T20:25:00.003-05:00

The room is finished.

What great fun it was to paint it! It brought back such wonderful memories.

When my sons were young we listened to the story

on an LP that was played on a child's record player.

We just about wore the grooves out.

Then we graduated to VHS when

Stephen came along and now DVD!

I love the story of good triumphing of evil.

As I painted the scenes I prayed for the children
who would stay in this room (which I am told may
evently have green shag carpet, hamocks, and a tent!!!
That would be too cool!). I prayed that the Lord would
protect their hearts and minds and deliver them from
the traps that the enemy sets for them. I could see
in the snake's eyes how he wants to entice and
lure our children away that he might
squeeze the very life out of them.

And the tiger was up to no good and wanted
to destroy the lad! He was a liar just like the
enemy of our soul. The panther was always
gently leading, guiding, and trying to protect the boy.
After a lot of monkeying around, a great battle
ensued between the tiger and the bear.
The bear fought valiantly and was willing to
lay down own his life to save the boy.
Greater love has no man than that heshould
lay down his life for another. How sad when we
thought that the bear was dead BUT NO!
He was ALIVE.
Now, I am not saying that this was a
gospel story but I love when my Lord
speaks to me thru the simpliest things.
The Love of Jesus is without a doubt
the bare necessity of life!!!

New Mural - WIP - A "Work In Progress"

2010-07-26T22:22:00.003-05:00

My friend, Richard commissioned me to

paint a "Jungle" room for his grandkids.

This is great fun. I have loved the characters

of this story for a long time. There will be characters on each wall.

One of his grandsons came into the room while

I was painting. He loved it but had never seen

the movie so didn't know Baloo or Mowgli.

It is such a blessing to be allowed to work

on this kind of project.

I had been working for 2 days and transforming

the room. As I was leaving yesterday, I had a thought

I knew that the neighbors or those

just passing by had no idea about the

changes that were happening inside.

It is like that with us, too.
God does amazing changes on us.
So much of it is on the inside-changing
our heart, our attitudes, our beliefs...
Most of the time it is not real obvious to
the "neighbors" or those just passing by.
He takes such joy in working in and being
a part of our lives. We are a "work in progress".
"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works, which God prepared in
advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
Thanks for stopping by!

Apricot Fried Pies and the Crumbs

2010-07-11T21:22:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted

a painting called "Apricots in a Paper Sack".

This morning I finally got around to

making some little fried pies.

I cheated and used

Pillsbury Ready Made Pie Crust.

A cup of coffee and a tasty little treat
Yummy!!!

Our dog, Clyde is a constant companion

anytime I cook. This morning was no different.

He waited patiently at my feet waiting for

an "Oops" to fall in his directions.

Sometimes he nudges me with his nose

just to remind me that he is still waiting.

As I watched Clyde this morning,

the Lord nudged my heart, too.

He reminded me a story in Matthew 15.

There was a Canaanite woman who came to

Jesus and begged him to heal her daughter.

He told her that it was not right to take the

children's bread and toss it to their dogs.

She replied to him, "Yes, Lord! But even the dogs

get to eat the crumbs that fall from the Master's table.

He commended her faith and healed her daughter.

She knew this-

IF THERE IS HEALING IN THE BREAD -

THERE IS HEALING IN THE CRUMBS!

Enjoy every morsel from the Master's table.

Our Flag Is Still There

2010-07-04T09:20:00.004-05:00

This is an awesome video about the history
of our STAR SPANGLED BANNER.
Please take the time to watch this and
remember the price.
This could be the reason that we
don't allow our flag to touch the ground.
Have a blessed 4th of July.

Apricots in a Paper Sack - Watercolor

2010-06-22T21:20:00.004-05:00

This spring we had abundant rains

and the last cold snap was not cold

enough to kill the young blossoms.

In 16 years this is only the second time

that our apricot tree has produced fruit.

I gathered the fruit just a little bit green and

put it in a brown paper sack to ripen.

After a fews days -

Voila!

First- peel, pit and put some in the freezer.

Next, a painting, of course.

Tomorrow, fried pies.

Apricot fried pies are my favorites fried pies

We thought about cutting down the

tree since year after year it did not bear

fruit but we decided to leave it in hopes

that it would eventually.

It had fruit once before and maybe it would again.

God sees the potential in each of us even when

we are in the barren, unfruitful seasons of our life.

He knows the plans He has for us,

for a hope and a future...

Cherries in a Fiesta Yellow Sugar Bowl

2010-06-06T17:39:00.005-05:00

A handful of red, almost black cherries,

a yellow Fiesta sugar bowl, a vintage tablecloth,

and some wonderul morning light --

all the ingredients for new watercolor painting.

My parents are antique dealers and

have blessed me with many wonderful pieces of Fiesta.

The smaller vintage tablecloths and tea towels

have been my newest quest as I visit antique shops.

Old Piano and Old Jar Watercolor

2010-05-12T22:45:00.003-05:00

I just entered my first art contest.

This is the painting that I submitted.

The piano is at the

Manhattan Coffee House.

Good Coffee!!! The glass jar, tied with sisal rope

and filled with stones and

Texas wildflowers, was sitting on

a little table by the front door.

I thought the combination would

make an awesome painting.

I was thrilled with how it turned out.
I think I will make limited

edition prints of this one.

I think it also needs a good name.

Any ideas?

King of Glory Hand Painted Silk Flag

2010-03-14T09:12:00.004-05:00

One of my silk flag customers

wanted a "King Of Glory" design.

I thought and prayed over many

different concepts -regular crown, crown of thorns,

letters and rays of glory, etc. etc...

Then I remembered!!!

25 years ago I made this very ornate
and heavy fabric banner. I have always loved the
image and the elegance.
This banner has graced many
awesome worship services over 2 decades.

I reproduced the design so I could transfer it to silk.

The outline is made using resist for

the serti technique, a silk painting technique.

I love this technique. It is sort of stained

glass on fabric but staying in the lines

can be tricky. Silk dye can be tricky to control

and sometimes it just doesn't want to mind at all.

I have had some real disappointments with color

going where it's not supposed to go.

It jumps over the resist, another color gets too close

and pulls the original color in a direction the

I did not intend for it to go. I don't like to discard

a project, so I stand back, stretch the creativity

just a bit more and redeem the mess! (That will preach!)

This one was exciting to me!

There were no mishaps! No redos!

And I love it! More than that-

I love HIM - JESUS - MY KNG OF GLORY!

Oh yes, the finished flag (1st image) -

I have added a crown!

Thanks for stopping by!

In The Secret Place

2010-03-08T21:56:00.003-06:00

For a little over a year, my good friend Melissa

has been writing a series of articles

about Ruth and Boaz for

New Realms Prophetic .

It is a precious, love-filled work
where she shares the hidden riches

she has discovered “In The Secret Place”,

in the presence of her loving Heavenly Father.

She decided to put the articles together in a book

for Christmas presents for her family.

I was allowed the priviledge

of designing the cover for her.

"In The Secret Place" is an invitation

in to the Holy of Holies by God.

He is a gentleman – He won’t force us to accept

His invitations, but He desires, more than anything,

to have intimate relationship with us so that

we, too, can experience the manifested

presence of God Himself. “We have this

hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

where Jesus, who went before us,

has entered on our behalf. He has become

a High Priest forever…” Hebrews 6:19-20a and

“He is able to save completely those who come

to God through Him, because He always

lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25

After some encouragement,

Melissa has decided to make the book

available for purchase. I don't know about you

but as much as I love reading online sometimes

I just want to hold a book in my hands

or make notes in the margins.

Melissa's book can be purchased from

New Realms Prophetic or leave me a comment

with your email and

I will send you more information.

Sword of the Spirit - Finished

2010-02-19T18:40:00.005-06:00

Here is the "Sword of the Spirit" finished. I took a bit of time and sharpen the sword...
reworked the flames...

added details to the grip and
a crown of thorns on the pommel.
As I researched the proper names
for the sword parts I discovered ... the part between the blade and the grip

is called the guard. How perfect is that?

ON GUARD!

Here are a few scriptures about being on guard:

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard;

stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

1 Timothy 6:20 Timothy, guard what has been

entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter

and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

1 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was

entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the

Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Phillipians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends

all understanding, will guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Sword of the Spirit - WIP

2010-02-15T09:17:00.002-06:00

I started this painting last week.

I love standing in front of a blank canvas

as the music team at our church begins to worship.

I love the challenge of "hearing and seeing"

and then in 30 to 45 minutes letting the brush

and my heart dance to the sounds of praise.The Sword of the Spirit;

it seperates light from dark and

it seperates the spirit and soul.

I finished the painting at home.

I will post the finished work in the days ahead.

What Difference Do It Make

2010-02-14T08:08:00.002-06:00

I just received Ron and Denver's new book

"What Difference Do It Make".

I couldn't wait to get started reading it.

They feel like my old friends. This book is about

not only what has happened in their lives since

"Same Kind of Different As Me" was published

but how the first book has impacted

other people's live.

If you have read "What Difference Do It Make"

please, feel free to post your comments.

I look forward to reading them.

Come back soon.

Same Kind of Different As Me

2010-02-06T15:52:00.003-06:00

I have just finished reading the

most wonderful book. It is a true story.

It is easy to read and hard to find a

place to put it down. It had me in holding my

breath, anxiously awaiting the next turn of events,

and sometimes it would leave me in tears.

Denver Moore is a modern-day slave that

finds himself homeless in Ft. Worth.

Ron Hall is a wealthy art dealer also in Ft Worth.

Deborah, Ron's wife, is not so impressed with

all the material things but is moved with

compassion to touch those who,

by bad choices or bad circumstances,

are homeless and rejected by society.

To quote Barbara Bush " Denver Moore and

Ron Hall's story is one that moved me

to tears. The friendship that forms

between these two men at a time when

both where in great need is an inspiration to all

of us to be more compassionate to everyone

we come in contact with.

This is a truly wonderful book."

One of My Favorite Blogs

2010-02-01T22:21:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite blogs is

Diane Knott's Musings.

She is a wonderful artist, photographer,

and full of creativity. Diane has this awesome

Valentine Give Away Contest!

To see the complete project and more details

on how to enter and win, visit her blog listed

in the side bar.

I would love to be the winner
of these beautiful pieces. Thanks, Diane!

Jacqueline Gnott's Watercolor DVD "Ruffles"

2010-01-11T21:33:00.004-06:00

I recently purchased a watercolor

instructional DVD from Jacqueline Gnott.

She is an incredible atrist.

I love her soft difused backgrounds and

then the intricate details of her flowers.

Here is my finished piece.

My "Ruffles" in progress.

Her reference photo is shown

right below my watercolor.

Thanks Jacqueline.

Photoshop Class

2010-01-08T23:38:00.005-06:00

I am taking an online class to learn Photoshop.

www.djpettitt.com/online.html

It is a stretch. I am learning to use layers,

brushes, filters, blur tools and lots and

lots of other cool applications. This is my second project.

The Ornament Exchange

2009-12-29T19:21:00.004-06:00

Over 15 years of ornaments,

12 new handmade ones each year.

Each one is different.

Each one wonderful in their own way.

Some painstakingly ornate,

some lovingly hand stitched,

some rustic country, some shabby chic,

some painted with great detail,some with treasures from the past,

and some with spiritual meaning.

They were made using wood,

fabric, sticks, wire, buttons, old lace,

spoons, nails, teabags, clothespins,

and anything else that looked like it

wanted to be an ornament.

But all made with a ton of love by and
for each member of the group.

I think that it is safe to say that as
each member made their 12 ornaments
for the exchange it was with those other
members in mind-thinking of them,
praying for them, remembering past gatherings.

What precious times we have shared!

This wonderful collection ornaments

is a lot like each one of us-

all different and each one unique, beautiful,

charming, funny, special, detailed, rustic,

and handmade by our Creator

to be a blessing to others!

Christmas Ornament Exchange

2009-12-16T22:25:00.011-06:00

For over a decade I have been part

of an ornament exchange group.

There are 12 of us, crafty creative friends.

Some have been in the group the entire time

and some have moved or left for other reasons.

When that happens there is someone

anxiously waiting to be part of the group.

Every year each one makes 12 ornaments. This is mine for this year.

In case you would like to make your own

peppermint ornament here are a few instructions.

I used a spice jar lid to make my circle.

Then I added a small ruffled

"fan" shape at both ends. I cut my pattern out of card stock and
then transferred the design to thin wood.

I had some scraps of thin birch or ash

cabinet grade plywood.

This was perfect for my project. Next, I cut out my shapes using a band saw.
It has been awhile since I have cut
crafty little shapes with this saw. Here is my stack of blank ornaments.
I drilled a hole for the hanger and
then sanded front and back.

I softly rounded of the front edges.

All the ornaments were base coated in

white acrylic. Using graphite paper,

I transferred the swirls to the ornament.

2 coats of red.
I floated a dusty blue around the

edges to give it some dimension.

And I added a few white highlights

to make it look like cellophane.

The exchange is Thursday night (tomorrow).
This is supposed to be the last one.
We will gather and eat, laugh, tell stories,
reminisce, ooh and ahh over all the ornaments.
We each get one each of all the ornaments.
12 new ornaments!
We have meet long enough to that I have well over
100 handcrafted ornaments made by precious friends.
What great memories!

Oh yes! I almost forgot to tell you.
On the back of my ornament I wrote,

"JESUS, sweetest name I know!"

Remember that Jesus is
the reason for the season!

King of Kings W.I.P. (Work In Progress) Part 3

2009-11-17T22:24:00.003-06:00

Here's the last phase of this painting.

I was so unhappy with most of this

painting that I should have just scrapped

the whole thing and started over.

But, I also felt that there

was potential here. I have photoshopped

out his face until the end. No peeking! I changed the crown, the hair color, and

the placement and strength of His hands,

the folds of the garment, and added

a "golden sash around His chest". Rev. 1:13 I was going to paint the scepter with jewels

on it but then decided on one large pearl,

the pearl of great price. Matt. 13:46

In the crown I set one drop of blood.

I finished the piece Saturday morning

while listening to "Crown Him With Many Crowns",

"I Worship You Almighty God",

"Meet With Me", and "Worthy is the Lamb".

I was almost undone!!!

I totally enjoyed redoing this painting.

Take a close look! Enlarge the image.

Let me remind you that we do not worship

the likeness or image of Jesus.

Rather, we-I worship HIM.

He alone is worthy!

I believe that Jesus and Father God

enjoy taking our lives, what we believe to

be messed up beyond repair,

and transforming them.

They transform our lives into

works of art that glorify our Creator.

Jesus loves you just as you are.

He also loves you too much to

leave you just as you are.

Have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving!

King of Kings W.I.P. (Work In Progress) Part 2

2009-11-15T22:03:00.004-06:00

Welcome back!

I removed the tape that was protecting

the work I had already done.

The image is King of Kings-King Jesus.

The throne is the mercy seat.

I painted over the cherubim.

As I began to re-read Exodus
and the pattern of the tabernacle
and the mercy seat, I discovered that it
seems that the cherubim were standing.
Most artistic interpretations of the
mercy seat show them kneeling.

Now for the challenge of painting gold
without using metallic gold. So far, so good.
I like the gold effect but not His face.
I gave Him white hair from
the Revelation description

As I was painting the wings and feathers,

I turned my easel so that I could

watch a movie with Joe.

We watched "The Christmas Cottage".

It is the story of Thomas Kinade and

how he became the painter of light.

It was so inspirational.

Nathalie Kelley-the painter of ________?

One day !

Come back soon to see the finished painting.

King of Kings W.I.P. (Work In Progress)

2009-11-14T20:25:00.003-06:00

This post will be in three or four parts,

so stay with me. This doesn't look like

much right now but I think you will be

pleasantly surprised. Right now it looks

like a black and white cow!

I started this painting during the

His Joy Ministries "Worship Explosion".

I painted a rainbow (3 times).

I was never happy with the way that it looked.

So I blocked it out and started over. It looks like a mess right now

but I think I am finally on the track

to capture what I imagined.

I taped over the Jesus image so

I wouldn't have so much to redo (I thought)!

No rainbow this time,
just an explosion of rainbow colors,
the colors of God's promise.An old toothbrush and some
thinned white paint and what do you get?
Splatter, spots...STARS!
A few thin white lines this way and that and

VOILA!!!

Shooting stars or comets or

galaxies celebrating the King!

Be sure to come back for the

rest of the picture.

Thanks for stopping by.

Don't Take It For Granted! Patriotic Watercolor!

2009-10-08T21:33:00.003-05:00

Here is a piece that I just finished.

I was inspired by a video I saw last week.

Joe and I were at a job related training

and the instructor opened the session

with a short documentary about Frances Scott Key

and "The Star Spangled Banner".

I was moved to the very core of my being at

the sacrifices made by our founding fathers.

"O, say does that star spangled banner yet wave?

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

or BECAUSE of the brave.

The flag is displayed on the porch

with the rocking chairs.

Comforting and comfortable.

But let's not take our liberty for granted.

Low Tide

2009-09-25T23:52:00.003-05:00

I am teaching a watercolor class

at College on the Square tomorrow

(it's so late now, it's almost tomorrow).

This is one of the pieces we will be painting.

Name the Painting!!!

2009-08-13T18:37:00.004-05:00

This painting needs a title, so I am having a contest.

Submit a title and if your title is the winner

you will receive a free print!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Concrete Floor Faux Acid Stain - Finished

2009-08-11T20:27:00.003-05:00

Now for the finishing.

I can't remember where I saw this

suggestion but I told Shelby to use freeze

dried coffee crystals and sprinkle

them on the unsealed concrete,

then spray the crystals with water and wait.

Shelby did this part and

she added some faux cracks.

She sealed the floor with concrete sealer.

It doesn't leave a coat like polyurethane.

I like its finish and it holds up well.

After the floor dried overnight,

Shelby moved the furniture in the room.

It is a beautiful room. She and her husband,

Tommy were so pleased with the way it turned

out they are going to do this same finish

on several other rooms in their home.

Beautiful room! Good job, Shelby!

I can't wait to see the other rooms.

Thanks for stopping by. Come back soon!

Concrete Floor Faux Acid Stain

2009-08-04T21:31:00.003-05:00

My friend, Shelby, called me about

her dilemma. She and her husband

had taken up the carpet in a bedroom and

now was unsure what to do next.

She had seen my laundry room floor

that I painted (that will be in another post).

We kicked around a few ideas and colors.

Then, they rented a orbital floor sander to

rough the surface a bit and to get rid of

the glue and yucky stuff.

She cleaned the floor with "TSP"

to have a good clean surface to work on.

We used Folk Art and Apple Barrel paints

(little squeeze bottles),

a good sized spray bottle filled with water,

chip brushes, freeze dried coffee,

and concrete sealer.

We laughed, talked, and worked.

It was great, hard fun.

The surface was sprayed with water,

an area about 3 feet wide and about

18inches deep, an area within your reach.

This is important -

THE CONCRETE IS NOT PAINTED!!!

The paint is worked into the concrete.

The colors are applied randomly in the

wet areas and worked into the concrete.

Watch your strokes!

Random and muted is the best.

Keep the edges moist.

Looking good! This is the closet.

Because she and I were working together,

we would trade places often to make sure

that my half of the room didn't look

different from her half of the room.

And of course, this reminds me of a scripture...

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one,

because they have a good

return for their work!

There were places where the carpet tack

boards had been nailed into the floor.

Would it be best to fill or just work that into

the character of the floor? Shelby decided

that we would work with the pits.

So, with a long bristle liner brush and

very thin brown paint, I laid in a few cracks.

Some people would pay good money to

repair cracks but these are "faux" so it's okay!

Shelby has finished the floor and

put the furniture back in place.

When she sends me photos of the finished room,

I will finish the instructions,

so come back soon!

Thanks for the Rain

2009-07-26T21:57:00.001-05:00

Here's the rain on my windshield

and it's not photoshop!

Thank you, Lord!

Purple Sage and Rain-Today

2009-07-22T21:16:00.002-05:00

This was the sky yesterday morning.

We could see the rain-

so close and so far away.

It didn't rain yesterday.

I was beginning to think I was just an

"old wife" with the tale about the purple sage.

Remember, I told you that when the purple

sages bloomed it would rain within 10 days.

Today was day #10. This afternoon the

clouds rolled in, the sky darkened,

and water began to fall from the sky. There was some discussion concerning,

"was it raining, sprinkling, or drizzling."

My thought-it was a

wonderful shower of blessings.

The air was a little cool. It smelled wonderful.

And the sprinkles felt wonderful.

Isaiah 45:7-8 I form the light and create
darkness, I bring prosperity and create
disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.
"You heavens above, rain down
righteousness; let the clouds shower
it down. Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it;
I, the LORD, have created it.

The Art of Conversation

2009-07-21T21:19:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday we went to Sweetwater

to visit Emmauel Fellowship.

It is always such a blessing. After church Joe

and I went to Mrs. Allen's a very popular,

family-style restaurant. It is great fun

and the food is wonderful! The people

we sat with had never eaten there

before and were a bit surprised. The tables seat 8 and you just grab a spot.

The waitresses bring huge bowls of food and it is,

"Pass the mashed potatos, please";

"Could you hand me that platter of fried chicken."

and "Save room for the cobbler."

The most fun part is getting to meet new

people. Brittany and Tyler were from the

San Antonio area and the family of females

from Mesquite. They were just traveling thru

and saw all the cars and assumed that

the food must be good. They were right.

We chatted about occupations, interests,

and how did you meet.

You know Jesus did a lot of his minstry

and teaching at meal times.

He taught when he feed the 5,000,

at Mary and Martha's home,

at Zacchaeus' home, at Simon the Leper's

home, and at the Passover.

Maybe we are just more relaxed

when we sit at the table.

Food, Friends and Fellowship!

Invite Jesus to come and sit at your table.

"Please, pass me some of the fish and loaves!"

Thanks for stopping by!

Purple Sage and Rain

2009-07-17T06:40:00.002-05:00

It could be that I am an "old wife"

but I think this is worth sharing.

In our area of Texas we have bushes

known as Purple Sage.

Most of the time they are dusty, silver gray.

But sometimes they like to show off with

beautiful purple blooms.

Now the old wife part.

When the Purple Sage blooms,

it will rain within 10 days.

It can rain without them blooming

but when they bloom it will rain. It was about 15 years ago that I heard that,

so I began to pay attention.

When you live in a very dry area you pay

attention to anything having to do with rain.

In all those years, I have only witnessed one time

that it did not rain within the 10 days.

And another intersting thing I have noticed

is the brighter the blooms are, the heavier the

rain will be. The sages popped out bright

purple blossoms Sunday. That means

by next Wednesday it should rain!!!

"Let It Rain"

Let it rain. Let it rain.

Open the windows of heaven! Let it rain!

Perfume and Pearls Watercolor Tutorial

2009-07-11T16:18:00.003-05:00

Celebration of the Hearts

2009-07-05T22:35:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I had the priviledge of

being the guest artist at

Celebraton of the Hearts, a fund raising

event for Mission Messiah. It was

held at the Green Tree Country Club.

The food was delicious!!!Joe asked the event coordinator where

he should sit. She told him that he could

sit at any table that didn't have a

reserved sign on it. After he chose a seat,

this kind gentleman came to sit at the

same table. Joe told he that until I

had been asked to paint, we had never

heard of Mission Messiah. He asked him if

he knew anything about that ministry.

The man introduced himself and told

Joe that he was the founder of the Mission.

How awesome was that?!?

A LITTLE ABOUT MISSION MESSIAH

The hope of Mission Messiah

is that every hurting woman experiences

the unconditional love of Jesus and finds

a new life in Christ. God has a plan and a

purpose for every life and His heart is the

restoration of each one us to His Divine Call.

Through a disciplined structure of prayer,

Bible study, scripture memorization,

Biblical counseling, work assignments and

recreation, residents are taught life and

leadership skills. Each woman also receives

educational and career counseling

as well as financial management training.

Life at the Mission is very family-oriented

rather than institutional. Mothers are

encouraged to have their children with

them during this time of healing.

I painted while the guests visited, ate,

and placed bids for the silent auction.

There was a lot of art donated by local

artists. The featured artist,

Jennifer Contini, brought several very

large pieces from her studio in New York.

Those were offered in the live auction.

This is my friend, Annette.

The event was her niece's vision.

The finished piece-up for auction!

"The Father's Heart"

The scripture emphasis was from

Malachi 5:6 He will turn the hearts of the

fathers to their children, and the

hearts of the children to their fathers.

The Father’s hands emerge from the darkness

in the shape of a heart. The Father’s

hands are painted using all the colors of flesh.

Cradled in the hands are 3 forms:

blue for the sons, pink for the daughters,

and purple (the combination of blue and pink)

for the earthly fathers. Their arms overlap

each other also forming a heart.

This is a two-edged message.

Not only is God turning earthly father’s

and children’s heart toward each other but

as His spiritual sons and daughters,

He is turning our hearts to Him.

The Hebrew word for turning means

“to return home again”. Let’s return to Him!

To purchase prints of this image

http://nathaliekelleyart.com/prophetic.html

a portion will go to Mission Messiah!

One Man's Trash...

2009-06-28T17:54:00.002-05:00

I wasn't actually dumpster diving.

I was just taking out the trash

and found this in the dumpster.

It was clean and right on the top.

It was some sort of school math

cirriculum tote. I saw immediatey

there was potential for this cart.

It just needed someone to love it

and give it a new direction.

Kind of like us sometimes.This was going to be just right

for my traveling paint gear.

Sometimes I paint at a clients location

and my favorite -

to paint during worship.

I grabbed my paints and

embellised the top.

It is just the right size for my dropcloth,
a bin for brushes, a bin for paint,
a roll of paper towels, several containers
for water, and a pocket for
promotional materials.
It's just like it was made for me.

I covered the old logo with gesso
and a couple of coats of black.
A new look, a new purpose,
redeemed from the pit.
That will preach!!!

Be assured that if you are feeling like a
failure, feeling unappreciated,
tossed aside, or no longer useful -
it could be that you are at the
beginning of a new phase
and purpose for your life.
You may feel that people have
given up on you but
God never gives up on you!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation;
the old has gone,
the new has come!

The Memory Box

2009-06-23T09:00:00.006-05:00

This morning after I had my coffee on the back

porch I decided to pull out the memory box and

take some photos of it. My mom had asked for the

"Lucky 13" newspaper article. So, here goes!

She made this box for me in the 70's.

There are some precious

momentos on this little box.

THE TOP OF THE BOX

This photo is me helping Daddy with

"SIGN PAINTING".

I am evidently totally uninhibited and

getting into the paint was more important

than getting dressed. Hope you're not blushing!!!

I cropped the picture just for you!

Here's the article that Momma requested.

"13" Is Lucky Number For McKinney Girl".

Born 6/13, weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz.,

Room 313, Baby #13.

I am NOT superstisious (sp?).

I don't believe in luck-I believe in Jesus!

THE FRONT OF THE BOX

There is a newspaper article from the

Dallas Morning News,"Engineers With Curls".

Soozy and I helped Daddy survey the street in

front of our house. The city was extending it

to meet the highway and to build the Gibson store.

That was before Wal Mart. I also helped

Daddy survey the area for Lake Towakoni.

Then, there is a picture

of me and Soozy in our Easter bonnets,

ruffled dresses, and patent leather shoes.

The back of the "Station Wagon".

That's another story.

We are ready to go on vacation.

Probably to the beach,

and definitely camping.

I love the old (it was new then) metal cooler.

That's my baby brother, Kenney standing up.

ONE SIDE OF THE BOX

We were McKinney Lions fans.

I don't think Daddy ever missed a

game, no matter how cold or rainy it was.

And we would travel across the state

for championship games. Every week during

football season Daddy drew school spirit cartoons

for the newspaper. Our school mascot was this

HUGE stuffed lion. I remember waking

up one morning and the lion was in Kenney's

baby bed in our room. It scared me at first then,

I felt proud and OOOH so priviledged.

"The Lion" was at our house!

How could one girl be so "lucky"?!?

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BOX

Soozy, Kenney, and me in my with

my wanna be a hippie hair.

I wanted long, straight hair.

Oh well, I am not going to go there!

THE BACK OF THE BOX

This side of the box has some of

my early handiwork, a painting

of a snow scene, an article about Daddy

and his portraits, and a day pass

and 10 cent ticket to Disneyland.

That was from 1955 or '56.

That was before Six Flags,

Orlando, Disney World.....

For some reason there are no articles

about Momma on this box.

It could be because she made the box

and left those things out.

She was and still is very involved in

anything and everything to do with

her family. She was most likely on the

other side of the camera when the

pictures were taken.

Here is the newspaper article about

Daddy and the portraits that he painted.

This has been a precious trip

this morning. As much fun as going on

vacation to the beach but without all the

sand and sunburns.

See Ya Later, Alligator!

* Sorry if you got this twice.

The picture of the back was missing

and I couldn't leave that out.

West Texas Sunset or Sunrise - Last Panel

2009-06-20T18:53:00.004-05:00

Here's the last panel or canvas. Sometimes the
family room feels a bit empty with these gone
to their new home.

This last panel looks to Snyder's future.
The wind turbines have been a boost to the West Texas economy.
Even though the church is an older church located in Fluvana,
I put it with the wind turbines as a reminder that we need God.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed weekend!

West Texas Sunset or Sunrise - Middle Panel

2009-06-05T20:35:00.002-05:00

The mural is a blending of the old and new.

So here's the old windmill. I took several

wonderful photos of old windmills. The wooden

ones are getting more dificult to find.

The barn is on Highway 84 here in Snyder.

I will be posting a little slide show with

instructions on painting the barn,

so check be sure and come back.

The cotton fields are so typical of Snyder.

When we first moved here there was a billboard

that said "Snyder, where the oil flows and the

cotton grows." Now they should add "and the

wind blows". The new economic boost is the

wind turbines. You will see those in the

distance on this panel.

Our horizon has completely changed.

Thanks for stopping by! See ya later!

West Texas Sunset or Sunrise - Continued

2009-05-27T22:55:00.005-05:00

Okay, now back to the mural. The photos are

still showing it as a work in progress but,

in reality it is finished and delivered to it's new home.

This is the left panel. There are 3. There are

buffalo in the background and the the white spot

that you can see behind the pump jack is the

white buffalo that was killed in Scurry County.

It is part of this county's history. Then, there is

the country store and wooden oil derricks.

On one of my afternoon research trips I took
a little drive out the Clairemont Highway.
I found washed out spot that was kind of rugged.
I added it in front of the oil derricks.
One of the old historical photos I found had an
oil derrick with a gusher. My friend, Marianne Randals
was telling me that when she was young they
would take their chairs out to the oil fields
to watch as the wells came in. Snyder has
experienced oil booms and then oil busts.

"Under The Sycamore Tree" Back Drop

2009-05-20T20:52:00.006-05:00

I am not sure exactly when or how that it happened.

For years I designed and painted thousands of

LITTLE buttons and earrings. Now, I keep getting large,

very large pieces to paint. Our community theatre

is "The Ritz". Their current production is

"Under The Sycamore Tree" Jim Drake is the director and he asked if I would paint

the background. It is supposed to be the interior of an

ant mound. He had some reference images

otherwise I would have been clueless.

Lots of orange and purple.

Selena painted the floor and the steps.
She did a wonderful job. Other volunteers
painted the orange base coat on the panels.
That made my job a whole lot easier.

It was fun listening to the rehersals as they
practiced under my feet. I spent most of my time
on a 20' ladder (see Jim's blog for May 15th).
The production starts Friday night.
Joe and I have tickets and will go
and check it out.

Bluebonnet and Horse Notecards

2009-04-27T22:23:00.005-05:00

My friend and card designer, JoDitt sent

me this link to the following blog.

The Simple Life of the Stars

In her blog, Kimberly features several bluebonnet

and Texas related items. JoDitt used my

bluebonnet and horseshoe image on cards that she

designed and Kimberly featured them on her blog.

YeeHaw!!!

I painted several western designs for JoDitt

to use for wedding related cards.

Bluebonnets and Horseshoes Notecard Set

Now, JoDitt works mostly with digital images.

She designs some awesome graduation cards.

Here is the link to JoDitt's website

http://www.joyfulheartdesign.com/

West Texas Sunset or Sunrise

2009-04-26T22:16:00.002-05:00

I'm back. I painted most of the afternoon. I think I

might be to a stopping spot on the sky.

Here is a closer shot of the center canvas. I will

save the "scruffie"brush I made. I will use it

for foliage as the picture progresses.

This painting will contain images from

Snyder's history and steps of progress.

It has been a great opportunity to pray for our town.

As I paint the sunrise or sunset, I think about the

sun setting on the past, the close of the day,

and the gift of each new day.

When the sun set on the earthly life of

Jesus it was the dawn of the ministry

for His disciples and followers.

Comission in Progress- West Texas Sunset or Sunrise

2009-04-26T09:16:00.002-05:00

I am working on a new commission.

It is 3 canvases 4' X 5'. This is easier for me

than having to go up and down a ladder.

The client is a photographer so I asked if he had a

sunset or sunrise image that would be used. He did!

OH MY! OH MY! I believe that God may have been

showing of the morning that he took the photo. After working on this for a long while I thought I just

might have to get out the white paint and a roller

and paint over it and start all over. I took several

breaks. I worked in the yard a little bit a

then came back to it.

I decided to move on to the center canvas and

work on the light source. The colors are so vibrant.

It's a real challenge! Mom called about the time

I was ready to start over. She was so encouraging

and she told me how to make a "scruffie" "puffy"

cloud brush. Break time (again)!!! Wal Mart here I come.

Got a brush! Used my razor knife!

HMMM!Well, that didn't work out too good.

I used some C clamps to put the canvases together

to make sure the clouds connect.

The client will be able to hang these side by side

or seperate them and hangin different locations.

And if, they decide to move then

the artwork can move too!

I worked on it some more this morning.

It's geting better but now I need to get ready for church!

Whitetail Deer Acrylic on Canvas Painting Demonstration

2009-04-18T23:07:00.004-05:00

I just finished this commission for a young lady.
She will give to her husband as a wedding gift.
The most important part of the whole painting is
the shape of the antlers and the crook or bend
at the tip of one of the antlers

Psalm 42:1-2

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

Why Do I Love To Paint-Part 2?

2009-04-05T19:36:00.010-05:00

I said I would post some pictures of my mom and dad painting.

I took me longer than a day or so. It was more like a week or so.

During that time we made a trip to see them.

Here is Mom working on an old service station/store.

It's got to be in Texas. There are bluebonnets.

Here's Dad working on the same painting.

They share the canvas now.

That is so precious to me. Daddy has always had an artistic flair.

I remember him painting and

donating countless signs for churches.

My mom had an easel set up in our garage where

she painted huge landscapes of majestic purple

mountains, tall pines, and log cabins.

Daddy actually went to school and received art training .

I think that he is the only one in this family

of artists that has an art education.

As you can see, he is wearing magnifying glasses.

Daddy just celebrated his 82nd birthday.

His eyesight is not what it used to be but that

doesn't stop him. He still creates and sells works of art.

He and my mom are a great team,

working together in so many ways.

One of the most precious things about my parents is that they
gave me the most awesome sense of what a relationship with
God is like. I have shared this with them before

but it bears repeating.

As I looked through the album of old photos I was
reminded once again what it was to be loved,

accepted, and encouraged. Just like my Father God,

they were and are interested and involved in

every detail of my life. That is a welcome thing now
but as a teenager I wasn't quite so excited

about them being so involved.

Looking back, I could see that we didn't have a lot

but I was never aware of any lack. Daddy always

provided for us. And just like Father God,

he was firm and fair in his discipline.

He used to say, "This hurts me more that it does you."
At the time, I didn't believe that but now I know

that was true. My relationship with my dad taught

me the security of the love of God

and also what it means to fear God.

I am not afraid of God but I sure do not want to

disappoint Him and I do not like trips
to the "Holy Ghost woodshed".

Been there, done that.

I have also learned about the character and

nature of God from my mom. She has taught me

what unconditional love looks like and feels like.

The times when I was and am so difficult

to love, she continued. And she never gives up

hoping and believing for God's best for her children,

her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.

What a blessing and great

hertiage that have given me.

I pray that I have that same impact

on my children and grandchildren

As it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived what God has prepared

for those who love him

but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things,

even the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2: 9-10

Why Do I Love To Paint?

2009-03-14T18:15:00.010-05:00

This past Christmas, my mom and dad gave me this great photo album. When I saw it I was hoping the album was already loaded. To my extreme delight - it was. They had scanned old family photos and newspaper articles. They included wonderful stories that need to be remembered not only by me but by my children and grandchildren.

I want to share some "evidence" of what I already knew. I used to wonder why I had no interest in nursing or bookkeeping.

Why do I love to paint?
Well, it would seem that "it is in my blood".

This is a picture of my mom when she was a child.

My grandad painted this mural. I don't have any photos of him painting anything. But, I know that he was also a sign painter. He would very carefully letter on glass doors and office windows and then very carefully (while the paint was still wet) blow very fine gold powder onto the letters creating very elegant and impressive lettering. He would sign his work "Venable, of course!"

Check out the panties on my momma.

Probably made of sugar sacks.

I love this picture. My mom is keeping my dad company while he paints a landscape on the panels of the truck. I remember him painting on lots of things. There was an old car that had a rounded trunk. The trunk had a dent in it and he painted a landscape with a waterfall. The waterfall tumbled right over that dent.

When I look at this photo of my dad, I can see my brother and my middle son, Josh in him. It's amazing. That's me in the foreground.

And this is my grandma (dad's mom). She started painting in her latter years. She painted beautiful seascapes. Her second husband, my step-grandad was also an artist. I am not sure what she is working on in this photo but you can see from the easel board that this was not her first painting. She lived in California. When I was 5 years old, I remember living there for a little while. Actually, what I remember is Disneyland. My parents were sidewalk artists at Disneyland.

My mom and dad both still paint. They had some wonderful pieces. I will post some recent pictures of them in a day or so.

Pears and Grapes Watercolor

2009-03-10T20:32:00.005-05:00

I have had the photo for this for awhile.

I love painting grapes. Actually, I like painting

just about everything. Creating my art is a gift,

a heritage, a fullfillment of prophecy, a ministry,

a challenge, a release, and so much more.

Psalm 115: 1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us

but to your name be the glory,

because of your love and faithfulness.

Picnic Pears Watercolor Tutorial

2009-03-03T18:27:00.004-06:00

While serving on a team for a Women's Walk to
Emmaus, I saw these great, yummy looking pears.
It was late afternoon, so the sun was just right.
They were just sitting there begging to be painted.

Cherry Parfait Rose Watercolor Demo

2009-02-25T23:09:00.004-06:00

My friend, Trina has this great blog.

http://www.asijournalalong.blogspot.com/

She had a photo of this beautiful rose that

was growing in her yard. I thought it was breathtaking.

I asked if I could use the image as a reference for

this watercolor. I didn't know the name of the rose

but thought that surely it was "Rose of Sharon".

With that pure white center and the tips of the petals

that looked as if they were edged with blood,I thought

of Jesus and the purity of His Life and the brutality of

His death, just for me (and you)!

Baroque Scroll Trompe L'oeil - Part 4

2009-02-22T16:10:00.003-06:00

Jackie sent me pictures after she finished

decorating the room.

All the extra touches really and the WOW factor!

This was a wonderful painting experience.

Yards and yards of drapery, elegant pillows, plush fabrics!
Another friend Melissa said that it reminded her of the
"Secret Place", The Holy Place, and the corner scrolls
reminded her of the cheribum covering the ark.

Come back soon!

Baroque Scroll Trompe L'oeil - Part 3

2009-02-16T14:51:00.002-06:00

It's President's Day and I got to finish the scroll!

A little more depth in the shadows, under the

tips, and under the scroll.Doing the right hand scroll was easy but doing the

left hand side I had to think in reverse. I had to

use the other side of my brain! That was tricky!

Right side - finished!

TA DA! This design has a very royal look.

I pray that as Chelsea looks at this

scroll design she will remember that

the ones that love her have prepared a

special place just for her and that

she is a precious "Daughter of the King"!

Baroque Scroll Trompe L'oeil - Part 2

2009-02-13T22:30:00.002-06:00

I'm back with the next steps in the scroll work.

I added a metallic brown to deepen the shadows.

Next, burnt umber (not metallic) to add more depth.

I also added a little curl to the tips of the scroll.

I will come back later with the background color and

clean up my edges and seperate the areas where

I got too close. I will also add shadows behind the

scroll to lift it away from the wall.

Come back soon to see more of the scroll.

Baroque Scroll Trompe L'oeil

2009-02-09T22:11:00.007-06:00

My friend, Jackie helped me hang some of my art

at my house. You would think that would not be a

difficult task but it was for me. In exchange, I am

painting this scroll in her daughter's bedroom.

The base coat is metallic taupe, a little bit of gold

and shaded with red copper. These are folk art colors.

This is the first step. I will come back in a day

or so and add more shadows and highlights.
The background looks brown but it is eggplant.

The bed is a beautiful aged copper 4 poster.

It was such a blessing to listen to Jackie and her

daughter chatting as I was painting: girl talk,

helping with homework, mother-daughter stuff,

lingering, putting off the trip back to college.

As I am writing this I think that is how God is with us

and how I want to be with Him, to linger in His

presence, to enjoy conversations with Him, not asking

for anything in particular, drawing from His wisdom

and knowledge, Father-daughter talk,

but mostly just being with Him.