His Bounty

Original Watercolor

11x14
140lb Paper

$150.00

This painting was done from a photograph I took after picking some of the vegetables and herbs from Phil's garden. The many types of tomatoes, okra, peppers and more along with some fresh herbs made this basket inviting. Is anyone hungry?

Daniel in Still Life

Daniel and "our" bird Thai.

Finished-San Juan Capistrano

Watercolor

13" x 10"

140lb paper

$ Not for sale at this time

Mission San Juan Capistrano. The statue of Padre Junipero Serra points the way for a young Indian to the right of the picture. It's almost as if he is pointing to the sky to show the miracle of the return of the swallows.

A Work in Progress

Between scanning family photos, listening to Christmas music, here is my work in progress of Mission San Juan Capistrano from a picture I took last week while I was there.

San Juan Capistrano Lillies

Original Watercolor

10"x8"
140lb paper

$75.00 unframed

These beautiful purple waterlillies were floating in a fountain at San Juan Capistrano.

Art for God's Sake

This book is only 60 pages long so I read it this morning while on my patio drinking a nice cup of coffee.

Philip Graham Ryken explains in this book that there is a biblical view of art beginning in Exodus 31, where God calls two men (Bezalel and Oholiab) to be artists. Their calling was under divine direction and they were to create the items that went in God's holy tabernacle. God was pretty specific about the items He wanted created but He also allowed these artisans to to use their gifts in the details as their gift back to God.

This passage in Exodus teaches at least four fundamental principles for a Christian theology of the arts. (1) the artist's call and gift come from God; (2) God loves all kinds of art; (3) God maintains high standards for goodness, truth and beauty; and (4) art is for the glory of God.

Another point Ryken (with the help of Gene Edward Veith) made was that in Exodus 31:3, God gave Bezalel the "skill, ability and knowledge" to do all kinds of artwork. So the gift was multi-faceted: Skill-the artist's inate talent, Intelligence-which indicates that the artist must use their mind to consider artistic inspiration. Knowledge - the artist must understand the properties of the materials they use so that their ideas can be conveyed through their art. Craftsmanship - technique and the difference between being poorly executed or well-made.
These criteria should also be used as the lens with which we look through to evaluate art.

So what did I get out of this book? I like the quote Ryken used by composor Igor Stravinsky "I take no pride in my artistic talents; they are God-given and I see absolutely no reason to become puffed up over somtheing that one has received." Well said. My prayer is that any piece that I create that first and foremost the glory goes to God. -soli Deo gloria

A work in progress

I am so excited about having a long weekend to spend some time with my paints and paper. Right now I am starting a list of the many subjects I would like to paint.

Family members
Friends
Places I've been to: Argentina, Romania, Italy, Old family homes, Places with cool architecture

I'm sure there will be no end of inspiration. It is all a part of the journey.
I will be sure to post the next piece.

In the Stars His Handiwork I see

Original Watercolor

11" x 14"
140lb paper

$75.00 unframed

Inspired by a photograph taken from the Hubbel telescope. Just looking at the expanse of space makes me feel so loved. God loves me, a smaller speck than the farthest star in the universe. That kind of love is so amazing. Thank you Lord

The Blue Butterfly

Original Watercolor

8" x 10"
140lb paper

$50.00 unframed

I just loved the richness of the wings of this delicate butterfly.

Iris

Original Watercolor




8" x 10"
140lb paper




$150.00 unframed




My dear friend Kelli loves Irises and I couldn't help but think of her while I painted this.

A Place to Begin

I didn't want to take too much of my family blog space with what I am doing in the creative part of my life so I thought, "Hm, I should set up a separate blog for my art!". So here it is.
The posts in this blog will be pictures of my art, the journey I go through and the things I learn on the creative side of me.

I give all praise to God, the only true creator. I just feel so blessed that He touched me with the desire to interpret some of His beauty through creative gifts.