Creative For Him

Arizona Dwelling

2010-05-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing how God provides shelter in some form for all living creatures? I painted this picture of a cactus wren seeking shelter in a saguaro cactus.

Pink dewdrops

2010-04-27T06:02:00.001-07:00

Spring is here and I felt the need to celebrate God's glory by using COLOR! I am in such awe when I think of how much detail God uses in something as simple as a Water lilly. He didn't have to, He could have made all flowers look and smell the same. But each one is unique in color, size even scent. If he cares so much about the details in a little flower can you even comprehend how much He cares about the details in your life. Amazing!

This painting is 8x10

The Cross

2010-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the second cross that I did. It is also 4 feet tall. There are pictures in black and white of people, those of us who God sent his Son to die for. The only thing missing is the crown of thorns which I did place on the cross before I delivered it to church. These pictures were taken with my phone so I will have to post better pictures when I have a chance.

At the Cross

2010-03-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

SBC is hosting a cross event where everyone can reflect upon the cross and create something that speaks to them in a creative way. We were asked to create a cross no larger that 4 feet tall. I am making two crosses. This first one is called refiners fire. The dove in the center is the Holy Spirit, surrounded by fire, which also signifies the Holy Spirit during Pentacost. I chose to use glass beads because of the process it takes to create glass and be formed into something beautiful. It takes fire.

Molly

2010-02-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

Some dear friends of ours recently lost their companion Molly after enjoying her company for 14 years. I had extra time on Sunday so I decided to give painting a dog a try. I am giving the painting to Debi and Brian today.

Peacocks

2010-02-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

There is a website that every artist should be a part of if they want to hone their skills. It is http://www.wetcanvas.com/

This website has great forums in all artistic mediums where feedback is provided so that we can grow and improve our skills from other artists from around the world. Their feedback is constructive and helpful. There are also monthly challenges where a picture is posted and we can choose to try it. It is great to see all the different interpretations of one photo. This months subject was peacocks. Here was my stab at it. (I got pretty good feedback).

Kerrville Woodpecker

2010-02-14T17:23:00.001-08:00

I was in Kerrville, Texas this January helping my Mom in her recovery from knee replacement. While there, I did a few paintings to fill and idle time. This little guy was painted using a composite of two pictures I found in some of my Mom's magazines. I gave the painting to our family friends Bev and Kal, as a thank you for all their help with Mom. Bev even sent me a picture of it in its new home. I love to see where these painting end up in their new homes.

Plumeria

2010-02-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

This painting was inspired by the blooms of the Plumeria tree outside our room in Maui. It was the end of the bloom season and each morning there were blossoms and leaves on the ground. They were beautiful nonetheless.

This painting is 11x14.

A Fishy Tale

2009-09-07T17:04:00.001-07:00

I have decided to write a children's book for my grandkids for Christmas this year. It's a huge undertaking but so far I have enjoyed the process. After it is complete, I will get it printed as a hard bound book. My prayer is that as each child sees their name in the book they will know how much I love each of them and that they are in my prayers every day.

I've never done cartoons before so, once again I am working outside of my box. I think God likes me there. I am sharing these pictures so that I can get feedback and chronicle the progress. So for Ashley, Shelby, Tristan and Noah...here goes.

Arizona Cactus Bloom

2009-09-07T16:59:00.001-07:00

Red Orchid Passion

2009-09-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

2009-09-07T16:40:00.001-07:00

Time to get back at it

2009-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Finally, things have slowed down just long enough so that I can breathe. I've been painting but have had time for little else. (I guess I should blame facebook)

Since it is Labor Day, I thought I would post some of the latest "labours". Right now I'm working on a large project as Christmas presents for the grandkids...a childrens book. Shelby is really into "fishy" right now so I thought I would post some pages that I have finished. I will save the rest of the paintings when the book is complete. All in all I think I need a total of 20 paintings and I only have 3 done. Goodness! I better get busy!

Friday activities

2009-05-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day with the duct tape wallets (yep they were a hit) and the friendship bracelets. After the reaction from the girls, I switched plans around and allowed them to do them as well. It was fun watching the kids look at me like I was a little nuts for suggesting the wallets to being the proud creators of some really fun wallets. There was even some early negotiating for any of the leftover tape.

The friendship bracelets were also a big hit. They were easy to complete and the kids enjoyed making one for themselves and one for a friend. Later in the evening I asked all of the kids to pick out their favorite color of thread. After all of the evening activities I started a friendship bracelet for Becca that wove each kid over and around each other to create something that will remind her of them everytime she sees it.

Tonight my kids performed the rap they were working on and they were awesome. I had Truman record it on my camera so that I could post it on the blog when I get back home. Becca then showed them slides from every summer camp for the past 7 years. It was fun to see the kids grow right before our eyes. It was a wonderful time of laughter. I heard that tomorrow afternoon when we dont have any classes that we might take a short trip to Poland-the kids have a family day event planned. We are in on the secret but we are upholding secrecy like our lives depend on it.

Quite the musical bunch, don't you think?

Delayed

2009-05-15T15:05:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay in getting the posts updated. The computer in the lobby was getting slower and slower so I was not able to get my updates on. I'm home now but I am going to update each day anyway and add some pictures. Thank you to those of you who inquired on my email if everything was alright.

End of Thursday

2009-05-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

What a day. It is past 11:00pm and I am on Tereza Gordon's laptop while everyone is finally drifting off to sleep.

We had a very filled day and a great time with the kids. We started out with Praying in Color then moved on to stomp band. Becca had a special request to combine the stomp band with a rap that one of the kids wrote to honor one of the mothers "Queen Blue" who serves faithfully every summer at Summer Camp. We incorporated measures of joyful noise at the beginning, a break in the middle and a rounding 4 measures at the end. The kids loved it. We had thermoses, buckets, coffee cups, knitting needles, water bottle with beads in it, a jug, and a few other things I'm not sure of - not exactly the type of orchestra we have on Sunday mornings.

In the afternoon, the teachers have some time off but I hung out with some of the kids and we did some watercolor painting. The others went on a hike. It was clear out but still a little chilly.

After dinner we all gathered together and Becca handed out yearbooks to the kids. They get them every year and they have pictures of all the events from the whole year in there. They get everyone to autograph them (teachers too) and just love on each other. After that we had a game outside with glow balls and glow sticks - what a blast. I will have to try this one at home sometime.

The beauty of this place is amazing and God's handiwork here is lush and green and rolls along the hills with sprinkles of homes here and there. It is a quieter and simpler place with a beauty that reflects on these missionaries who are here to reach the youth of this country. I so appreciate these people who choose to not only serve our great God but choose to do it with their whole family.

Becca is starting her transition talks with the kids so there have already been a couple of emotional moments. I think it will only get harder on them the closer Sunday gets here. Becca leaves some time in June and they do not have a replacement for her yet. They are trusting that God will bring the right person that will serve and love these Third Culture kids. I am sure they are precious in God's eyes and that He will bring the person at the perfect time. Sunday will be the last time the kids as a group get to be with Becca. She will get a few home visits before she goes and then she will return to the states. Please pray hard for these next few days.

Blessing to you,
Janice

End of Day 1 and beginning of Day 2

2009-05-06T22:08:00.001-07:00

Last night our time of worship with the kids was awesome. All of the families have arrived and many of the kids remember us from last time. Truman is a hit with the teenage boys especially when he told them about his love of Star Wars.

The oldest of the group, Tyler was responsible for the worship time and it was very much like our Sunday mornings. We knew all the songs but there is truly something joyful about hearing these songs through the voices of children. We stayed up til 10:30 to play games and to get re-acquainted. It was a great night.

The room is set up and breakfast is ready so I will go now. I have set up our first class and we are doing "Praying in Color". It is just another way to connect our hearts, our minds and our bodies while communicating with God. I cant wait. Love to you all. Write to you later.

Day 1

2009-05-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

We finally slept-well. We are getting ready to finalize our planning for who we get and when.
The kids will be arriving this afternoon and we are really looking forward to it.
It is a cloudy day but the green hills are beautiful.

We saw on the schedule that this afternoon they are having a celebration for Nate Hughes and his new bride. Nate is from SBC and works with Josiah Venture.
Thank you again for the prayers.

We are here

2009-05-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

We made it. We just got checked in to the conference center and it is 8:30pm local time but only 11:00am Tuesday at home. Thank you for the prayers of safe travel. We all arrived and just as important...ALL OUR LUGGAGE ARRIVED TOO!

Dawn Hendricks and I were casualty's of the no-sleep monster so we are running on empty and getting ready for bed. We figured out we have gone about 32 hours without sleep so we are a little punchy. Dawn and I get to share a cool room with Chelta, Anni, Evi and Tereza. It is a room with a loft-3 beds upstairs and 3 beds downstairs.

Heading to the Czech Republic

2009-05-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

The kids from 2 years ago

There have been times in my life when I wondered what God was thinking when He gave me the gifts He has so graciously given me. I believe it is for "Such as Time as This", like the old Wayne Watson song says. I am so honored to be leaving bright and early Monday morning to Melenovic, Czech Republic for the annual Josiah Venture Leaders Conference. We get the joy of working with the missionaries children while the parents are there to learn, plan and fellowship with one another.

I will write more about them throughout the week but right now I ask for your prayers for safety, for the preparations and that we may be used by God this whole week.

Here is my itinerary:
Monday - 7:05am flight to Atlanta - Arriving 1:45pm, Atlanta time
5:50pm flight to Prague - Arriving Tuesday, May 5th at 9:20am
4:55pm flight to Ostrava- Arriving 5:55pm then we drive about 45 minutes to the
conference center

Wednesday - We get set up and have the day to plan. We start with the kids Wednesday night.

Thursday-Sunday Morning - We have (4) 45 minute sessions with them in the morning and
share their free time in the afternoon. The kids will get three sessions with us and one
session with their really cool leader Becca McMartin. We get together again after dinner
each day for a worship time and then the kids just hang out. They usually have a family event on Saturday-weather permitting.

Sunday Evening- 6:20pm fly back to Prague.

Monday - Spend the day in Prague, sightseeing and sharing dinner together.

Tuesday- 11:00am flight to Atlanta - Arriving 3:35, Atlanta time
6:50pm flight to Phoenix - Arriving 8:14pm

There is a 9 hour time difference between us. Pray that I get some sleep. I typically cannot sleep on planes so I read, draw and watch movies.

A new project

2009-04-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to start on a new project but in getting ready for Easter, Kid's musical (I'm directing drama) and the short term mission trip to Czech Republic in May, I haven't had any time. I did sneak this one in though. The picture is from my recent trip to Sedona. It's a large picture so I cant take it with me to the CR. I think I will get a few small pictures started though that I can finish there during our free time.

Learning new things

2009-02-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

On wetcanvas.com they have a learning center with a new project every month in order to teach a new technique. This is a great way to learn and try things from people who are masters at their art. This month the class is on negative space. It is all about creating in a space without drawing the background but rather letting it appear as you deepen the colors of surrounding spaces. Here was my attempts.

Bird of Paradise

2009-01-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

This is a piece I did from some pictures I took in our front yard. I need to work on lighting because this picture looks much better than this. I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Young Masai Warrior-Final

2009-01-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

The feedback I received from Wetcanvas.com was great! I fine tuned the face a little and added some grass in the foreground to add to the perspective. All-in-all there was 16 hours of time spent in prayer for this young man and the joy of using God's gifts.

Young Masai Warrior - 5

2009-01-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

I think this is it until I get some feedback from the Watercolor Forum at wetcanvas.com.

I have to say that it was a wonderful day. (Thank you Phil!) I found myself praying for this young man, wondering what his life was like and blessed that our church may have some impact on him. I welcome all feedback so that I can get better at my art.

To God be the Glory!

Young Masai Warrior - 4

2009-01-10T15:11:00.001-08:00

Young Masai Warrior - 3

2009-01-10T12:28:00.001-08:00

Young Masai Warrior - 2

2009-01-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Young Masai Warrior - 1

2009-01-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

New Year, New Art

2009-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

I took a break from work between Christmas and New Years with the hope and prayer of having an all paint day. Unfortunately it was not to be. There were important life things that came that needed my attention first. So what did my loving husband do? He said "Next Saturday is your paint day." And just like that, today I have started a new project.

I received an amazing cd from Kim Shott with pictures from Tanzania. Not only is she a gifted and tender hearted nurse who has been to Tanzania a few times, she also has a lovely gift behind the lens of her camera. Thank you Kim for a wonderful selection!

Just like the painting of Matt, I am going to post progress pictures. I like to do this so that I can be reminded of the time, the prayers and the love that goes into each painting. It's kind of a personal thing but I hope you enjoy it at well.

The colors of Christmas

2008-12-22T20:35:00.001-08:00

Painting Christ

2008-11-06T05:36:00.000-08:00

Sometimes an artist just needs to see what other artists gifted by God are doing with His gifts.

I praise God for His love, compassion, His mercy but most of all His forgiveness through His son.

Doing it for Matt

2008-10-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

I think it is fitting that I completed this painting today and then I receive an email from Michelle about the way the family is dealing with their loss. I have added Michelle's email for you to read. The next step for this painting is to get it framed and then give it to the family. Thank you for watching its progress and for the prayers that were lifted up for Matthew and his family.

Dear Friends and Family, If you didn't already know, my brother Matthew took his life at the end of July of this year. We've made the commitment to try to do something positive despite our huge loss. We have formed a team, we're calling it "Doing it for Matt" and we would be very glad to have your active participation in joining the walk, or your support from afar if you would like to donate. If you would like to donate, here is a link to my webpage: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=659&participantID=30899 Or you can enter my name in the search engine on the national website www.outofthedarkness.org If you are able to donate in support of this effort, we all want to thank you. If not, here's hoping you have a good holiday season, and please know we'd like to stay in touch, even if we are having a little more trouble initiating social contact this year than normal.

Thinking of all of you, Chelle

More time with Matthew

2008-09-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

I was able to spend a few hours with Matthew this weekend. You can click on the picture for a closer look.

I am getting closer to finishing this painting and yet with each stroke I know that there is nothing that can bring him back to us. I will only be able to view this reminder and remember the time spent in prayer for his family and friends. With each day, pain is lessened but that certainly doesnt mean he is being forgotten, that will never be. I know that when we lost Phil's mom, it was well over a year before we could talk about the memories without crying, there were all those "firsts"; the first birthday, anniversary, holiday, all events without her for the first time. I know over the next few months as the holidays come screaming around the corner that there will be smiles through the tears. I will continue to pray for Cindy, Ken, Roy, Martha, Michael, Max, Chelle and their families, I hope you do as well.

Singing to Heaven

2008-09-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

One last side project before I get back to Matthew. I am part of the Vocal Arts Team at Scottsdale Bible Church. We have a retreat coming up and we were updating our handbook.

I volunteered to create a painting that could be used on the cover. I am so grateful to have the freedom in this country where we can lift up our praises to God without persecution. A big thank you to the men and women that protect that right, in our communities and abroad.

2008-08-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I was able to paint this weekend but not at home. I was asked to paint during all three morning services a picture that would represent us standing on the Solid Rock of Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-10 was the scripture reference and guest teacher John Politan walked us through the scripture and talked about the importance of the cornerstone of Christ. The part that I cling to, is in verses 9 and 10:

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own posession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

I chose my painting(s) to be during daylight and to show a man - who with outstretched arms is receiving Christ's mercy. This man can receive this because he stands on the solid rock of Christ.
It's sometime frustrating to do a painting to the quality that I would like to do in less than 20 minutes, but I am humbled that people feel the need to take pictures with their phones and ask me questions about the painting after the service. I paint for the audience of One and it is God who provides the blessing to others. I am so grateful that He uses me even when I am at my weakest.

Just like the man in the painting, I am so grateful for God's mercy, for His forgiveness that washes all the muck, gross and stupid things I have done in my life. I could not live without that in my life. If you have questions about what that kind of forgiveness can do for you, please let me know. I would love an opportunity to talk to you about it.

Adding on to the painting

2008-08-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

After a long day at work, it was nice to spend a few hours with Matthew. Again, prayers were lifted for his family and other friends and family were brought to mind as well. A blessing to end the day this way.

Starting on Matthew

2008-08-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

For a way to help deal with the grief of losing Matthew Fleming, I asked Michelle for some pictures of him so that I could do a painting for the family.

I didn't realize how hard this would be for me, not from a technical standpoint but from the heart. My only desire is to do Matthew justice with each stroke. I am going to take pictures at the end of each session I paint, so we can all witness the progress. As I finished yesterday I was struck by how our lives are very much like a painting, we live each day stroke by stroke and eventually the details begin to show that there is whole picture that God has created in us. It is up to us to make each stroke count.

The Blank Page - Getting ready to start. This is 16"x20", 300lb paper.

One day's work.

Face details.

The Lighthouse

2008-08-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

This painting is a gift for Dean and Charlotte Taggart. They are dear friends and the wonderful (and tolerant) parents of one of our dearest friends Jim Taggart. (We love you too, Kelli)

I painted this from a photograph of a Vancouver Island Lighthouse.

Phil's Bounty Part 2

2008-08-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

I received some valuable feedback from the incredible artist at WetCanvas.com in the watercolor gallery. Here is the same painting reworked. I think it shows more depth.

His Bounty

2008-07-23T18:52:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Daniel and "our" bird Thai.

Finished-San Juan Capistrano

2008-07-05T20:44:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-02T21:49:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-02T21:45:00.001-07:00

Original Watercolor

8" x 10"
140lb paper

$50.00 unframed

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

Iris

2008-07-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

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.