So many changes... it is time to update, isn't it?

As I paint and create more, I am discovering that I go through phases in my art. Sometimes I feel like doing flowers, whereas other times I want to do horses or wildlife. My next commission will be of ocean waves, which will be interesting. I feel creative just thinking about these things...

What do you like best? What gives you joy in life? Take pleasure in the small things, or the big things will zap your happiness.

Here is a link to watch a video from DELTA Ministries, with whom I am a partner. Watch for updates for an upcoming event in Douglas!

http://www.vimeo.com/18805921

This week, my plan is to:


a) finish my Hawaiian painting   
          --only a little more left
b) finish prepping my painting surface for my self portrait 
          --I gessoed it today!
c) transfer the drawing onto that large, 2ft X 4ft surface
          --For the first time, I am trying smooth Masonite board
d) lay first layer of the mountain painting 
          --Another new piece that is for one of my classes
e) finish background of deer painting
          --That may take until next week
f) Do another layer of dark and white onto the wave painting
          --It needs more contrast
g) Add color brightness to the wave painting
          --It needs more of that, too


If I work diligently, I can do it. Right?


Watch for updates!

You are more talented than you may believe. You have unique skills and abilities that I do not. People often say kind things when they look at my work, and I am grateful for their nice comments. However, I wish they would understand something important:  Everyone has a special talent-gift that God has given them

A "talent-gift" is what a person does best. It is a talent of any type, given to an individual as a gift by the Lord. It can be in any field: business, academia, music, art, production, clerical, and even cleaning. One of my friends is an older woman who is good at doing routine, disciplined tasks. Lila is great at keeping her mind on the job and getting it done - I admire her for that. I cannot accomplish things the way she does. I daydream and sing, thinking up melodies and paintings. I forget what I am doing and often try to invent new ways to do what I am doing more efficiently.

Lila is wonderful at being routine and disciplined. Those are talents! My strengths are in being creative and producing ideas. I am not good at what Lila is good at, which is unfortunate.  It causes me problems. For example, I get bored without some exciting new idea to keep me motivated. Sometimes that gives me grief, since my ideas are often elaborate and ambitious.

Even though I have faults, most of the time I appreciate how God has created me.   I just wish more people would learn to appreciate themselves the way God has made them, too.

So today - be thankful for who you are. You have talents that I wish I had!

This artist is trying to get things done.

Wondering what I am doing?

I am hard at work with the following:

1.  A painting of waves: 30X40 WB Oils
2. Mule Deer: 16X20 Acrylic / 12X18 WB Oils
3. Hawaiian-style flowers: 10X10 Acrylic
4. Floral still-life: 24X36, pre-production work
5. A harbor scene: pre-production work
6. A mystery painting that is to be a surprise

When was the last time you stopped everything?

Relax your busy mind and take time to listen. I have had a whirlwind of a semester, especially in the last couple weeks. This morning I woke up with a renewed sense of peace - the first feelings of relaxation I have had in a long time. Song melodies began to form in my mind, and I knew that my mind had finally slowed down its furious thinking speed.

You may wonder how in the world you can slow down enough to think again.That is a question you must answer yourself, of course, but there are some things that help.

1. Spending time with God: Reading the Bible or praying
2. Resting: A good sleep helps!
3. Exercise: Helps the mood
4. A slowed lifestyle: Let go of the demands that are demanding you
5. Say 'no': pick your priorities

There are times in life when things shoot by at super-speed, and you cannot help being stressed. But if you strive for peace, eventually it does come again. Rest in the Lord.


Psalm 46:10
      "Be still, and know that I am God;
       I will be exalted among the nations,
       I will be exalted in the earth."



(image courtesy of Squidoo.com: http://www.squidoo.com/findfallfoliage)

Attention to all you who burn the candle at both ends:

Creativity and inspiration come from a mind at peace. If I abuse my body and go to bed too late, my ideas and clear thoughts shut down. I am a turtle - slow in the head. Since I know if I get more sleep I do much better, what is holding me back?

Go to bed. Sleep. Rest.

Regain your positive mindset within a week by trying to get 8 hours per night. Just as an experiment, try to see if you have happier thinking by getting more sleep.

I know it helps for me, so I am making it my ambition to go to bed.  I will get off video-chat with Matt. I will say 'done for now!' to painting. And I will really try to be in bed by 10.

If you join me in this resolution, jot me an email or post a comment!