Thursday, March 27, 2014

Art: A Struggle




I was hoping that I could come up with some excellent pieces and have a display at the Renaissance Center here in Tennessee.  But I am not sure this will make the cut.

I was in hopes that I could live my life in such a way that would be pleasing to God.  But I am pretty sure I have not and as hard as I have tried, pretty sure I will not be able to accomplish that.

I wanted to be serious about this painting, well, as serious as I could be and plan it every step of the way, hoping for a better performance and outcome in the end.  I can see a lot of areas that just didn’t come out the way I intended.

I have wanted to please God, to do something to glorify Him.  Whether it be my actions, thoughts or my treatment of others.  And I think pretty deeply about things before I say them, trying to be in control of my mind instead of letting my emotions guide me.  Still there are so many areas in my life and my character that are just not quite there.

I chose particular colors in this piece wanting to get it as realistic as I possibly could and end up with a bright and beautiful, happy, thought provoking piece.  Something that would pull the viewer in and help to create those wonderful thoughts.  Don’t think I accomplished that either.

I have desired to be someone who might through the observance from another person might make them wonder why I am the way I am.  But, really, I don’t seem to be different than anyone else.  Just struggling along like everyone else, sad one day, worried another, happy for a moment, content for an instant.  No matter how hard I try, negativity still creeps in and takes hold of me sometimes.

This might seem like it would get a person down.  But it just makes me wonder, how can I do things differently so that the outcome would have a chance at being better.  I know there are many things that only God has the answers to and that is just something that has to be accepted.  And in accepting that, if you are in tune with Him, you know He is guiding your steps and you will arrive when and where He knows is best for you.

As for me, I’ll just keep on trying.  Trying to paint better, trying to live a life as pleasing to God as I can, knowing that He loves me, no matter how disappointed I am in myself and He is in control of it all.

Keep trying!  Maybe we should look at it not so much as a struggle, but as an adventure.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Art: Yellow Roses on Barn Wood


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I’ve been experimenting with different techniques, canvases and medium for a couple of years now.  Right from the start, wood seemed to be my favorite.  There’s just something about a more simple, down to earth approach that gives me a great deal more freedom in the creative process.  I admit, it’s not for everyone and it does have limitations in the marketing process.  But I would trade all that any day for the freedom to play with my ideas and step out of the traditional circle.

Barn wood has history behind it, which is just a thrill for me.  To think that at one time these pieces of wood were a part of a farm where cows got milked or tractors were parked, horses spent the night and had their foals or maybe even pigs or chickens lived, has so much more meaning to me than a piece of traditional canvas.

It’s sad that these beautiful buildings are being torn down.  But since they are why not use them.  I see people doing all kinds of creative things with the wood from barns.  There is just so much character in the wood.  I am hoping that I can keep painting on this wood for the rest of my days.  If not, I think I will still paint on wood of some sort.

I am finally finding myself as an artist.  I know I still have quite a bit to learn and am so thankful that God has given me the desire to create.  I hope that through my art someone might take a moment to reflect on the beauty of His world He created for us to enjoy and admire and thank Him.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Art: Giving or Selling

 

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More and more I keep feeling like I just want to give my art away.  I had a lot of questions for myself about that.  Well, how will I ever make any money that way? That was the main question.  Money!  Don’t really like having to have it or starve, but it is unfortunately, a fact.  I’m not that crazy about eating but I know I have to.  I’d rather buy art supplies or give to someone who is struggling.  I have struggled most of my adult life and I know how that feels.  I know how it feels to have someone help you that did not do it in God’s name, but to, in the end, get what they could from you by holding it over your head that they helped you.  So having struggled, I have this urge to help others or give in some way, even if it just brings a smile to their face and nothing more.  And perhaps that’s why I struggled, so I could learn.

I’ve tried to sell my art, but honestly I haven’t put all I’ve had into that, because I wasn’t sure if that’s what I really wanted to do with it.  So I’ve decided that I don’t think selling it is really what I want to do with it and here’s one example why…………….

God gives us ideas, it’s up to us to follow through.  This idea about not selling my art has been tugging at my heart for quite some time.  I had someone in mind a couple of weeks ago that I’d like to give a painting to.  I was thinking if I give it away I won’t get any money for it.  I could use the money.  But God kept tugging and tugging.  This lady where I work is one of the sweetest ladies I know at this time in my life.  She is constant, she works hard and suddenly, I just kept thinking of her and how I’d like to give her something.  I knew she loved flowers, so I started painting with her in mind.  I struggled and struggled with giving it to her the whole time I was painting it.  Even up to the very minute I handed it to her I was wondering if I was doing what God wanted me to do with this urge to paint and be creative He has given to me.  I was really stressed about it, what if she didn’t like it?  Some people would think it was kind of weird to just walk up to them and give them something out of no where for no reason.  And I just almost backed out.  But……………………..

When I gave her the picture, I explained that I just wanted to give her something and that I thought a lot of her.  She cried!  She love it and was appreciative of me thinking of her.    Here’s what I gave her………

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As I walked away, she was showing it to others with tears still in her eyes and I was thinking about how that reaction was worth so much more than any amount of money.

Thank you Lord for leading me to do this for this lovely lady.  Thank you for showing me that there are more important things than money.  Yes I would like to quit my job at the factory and just sit and paint.  I’m thinking that is not what God wants for me right now, maybe later, but not right now.  One day when I retire, I will be free to go to art and craft shows and sell art to help me make it financially through the rest of my life here on earth.  But for now, I am learning the meaning of giving and how to be fulfilled through the act of giving.

So I’ll just keep giving the originals away to those who touch my life or those God lays on my heart.  Hmm, I wonder who my next victim will be?

But here’s a pretty neat idea.  I have a little spot online where I upload pictures of my art.  There, people can purchase prints if they like.  So far, no sales.  For awhile I stressed about it, but you know what?  I’m thinking that’s not what it’s all about any way.

 

Matthew 6:19-21

New King James Version (NKJV)

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Art: Growing Beautiful Among the Crowd

 

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As I was working on all these little flowers I was thinking of what a profound statement they make about God’s love for us just by their beauty.  They don’t have to say a thing, they don’t have to do anything.  The air, sunshine, rain and nutrients in the soil do it all for them.  Some flowers get planted by people, but there are an abundance of flowers that spread and pop up just during the course of nature, growing wild and beautiful among the weeds.

I think God gave us these beautiful flowers just for our pleasure and the sustenance they give to some of the insects and birds.  Only God could have made something as beautiful as the flowers and butterflies and all the other ingredients of nature.

As we strive to be all that we can be for the Lord, sometimes you may feel a little lost among all the people everywhere.  But with the Spirit living inside you, you should strive to stand out and let our spiritual beauty stand up and make a silent statement about God, like these flowers do among the weeds.  There should be something different about us that others take notice of as we go about our everyday lives.  God has made us beautiful on the inside when He place His spirit within us.  Share that beauty with the world.

I have three beautiful children that I personally think stand out from the crowd.  God feels that way about each of us, we are His children. 

Here are a few close up shots of different parts of this painting.  I hope you enjoy looking at them.

 

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If you would like to see more of my work please go to my website or my facebook page.  Thanks for looking.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Art: Sometimes Experimenting Pays Off

 

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This turned out to be pretty simple.  This is pencil on wood.  I wondered if I could get the surface workable for my pencil and then I wondered if I’d be able to seal it good enough without a shine and tada, it worked.

This particular piece of wood I purchased at the store.  It was already pretty smooth.

1.  Wipe away all dust and fuzz.

2.  Paint it the color you want with an acrylic and water wash.

3.  Once dry, apply two coats of white gesso, letting the first coat dry before applying the second coat.

4.  When the second coat is dry, lightly sand.

5.  Gently render your illustration with any “B” pencil.  (For me these pencils blend easier)  If you haven’t applied too much pencil or too hard, you can even erase with a gum eraser.  You can also blend with a stump if you like.

I was a bit concerned about the eyes because I had applied more pencil there and it was shiney.  But once I completed the project with step 6, it took away the sheen.

6.  With the rendering laying flat, spray with two to three thin coats of Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating, letting it dry between coats.  I did this outside and laid the piece in the shed to dry and air out.  (Take my word for it, this stuff does not smell to good.)

And that’s it, I attempted to smear the pencil and it was sealed tight.

This would be great to give a gift to a man.  You don’t need a frame or glass.  I’m thinking I will try colored pencil or watercolor pencil next.  I’d like to see what happens.

Let me know if you do this and I’d like to see it.

Happy painting!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Art: You Just Can’t Duplicate Perfection




Paintings that mimic nature are pretty, but no matter how hard I try, I just can’t get certain aspects of the natural scene like it really is.  I believe that also says a lot about us as human beings trying our hardest to live a sinless life, we can never do that.

But does that mean I’m just not suppose to try to keep painting better?  I don’t think so.  Does that mean that I’m just suppose to stop trying to get my life lined up more with God expects of me?  I don’t think so.

I’ve seen a lot of paintings that come pretty close to being perfect and they are amazing.  Don’t know for sure if I can ever attain that skill, but I’m going to keep on trying because God has put that desire in me and really, it’s all I know how to do that gives me a sense of accomplishment.  I would like to honor and glorify Him through my art.

There will never be another perfect human.  And knowing that can sometimes knock the wind out of your sail.  You might think, what’s the use in trying?  Well for me, His Spirit lives within me.  That means He is my Mentor, my Guide, my Heavenly Father.  So He has put it in me to keep on trying to do what I think is pleasing to Him, to try to do what He would do in situations, to love, to share, to show compassion, to care.

I thank Him for giving us the beauty of nature.  I can challenge myself to try to paint a picture as beautiful as His Creation.  I thank Him for filling me with His Holy Spirit to guide me in the way I should go.

I hope you enjoyed looking at my painting on barn wood.  If you’d like to see more of my work go to my facebook page or my website.

If you’d like to follow my blog, occasionally I give away my art work, if you are signed up then you will receive an email each time I post.  Then you will be informed when I am giving something away.

Have a great day!