Its A Journey

Just look at that face. Doesn't it make you want to smile? Thats Timbre who now lives in South Dakota. I am so glad for the blessing of a few little goats in our backyard. Having reinjured myself 2 times two years ago thereby causing my original injuries to flare up caused a giant curve ball in progress in all areas of life. Art, weither drawing or photography, came to a basic stand still. Survival was the goal of each day. I don't know what I would have done without the Lord's blessings, and one of them being these little creaters bringing me smiles (and honestly, my daily dose of therapy) every day. They have been a gift from the Lord, my husband and an inspiration to keep going. I can say that I have been able to take some photos recently, when they aren't in my face, in hopes of one day creating them on artboard or canvas to share with others.


I finally was able to tackle a piece of art that I believe has been the only real accomplishment in this realm in nearly 6 years. Can hardly believe its been that long! The process isn't the same, but I will not complain. I have to say there were scary moments of wondering why in the world I was attempting this, and also moments of "maybe I should just throw this away." I slowly waded through it and it is recognizable. Hurray!

You will be able to view it through Ann Kullberg's website of the 13th Annual Colored Pencil Magazine Member Show 2012. I am honored to be included as there are many wonderfully gifted artists, some professionals, that enter this show. It is always enjoyable to see the work and what inspires each person. It won't be too long and I'll have it posted here. And I aim to also have others, even if I feel like molasses in this process, after the first of the year.

It is definitely a journey one day and one step at a time. Each day slowly getting better-but indeed its getting better. Like one person I know says, "keep on keeping on."

Thankfulness

Ever had those days you just wondered what in the world you needed to be doing that day, or the rest of your life? After all it was just like any other day, the heap surrounding you of things you need to accomplish. It has been one of those summers. Yes, you heard it right, the whole season. One thing right after another. Family in and out of ER, cancer, flooding, tornado damage, and the hamster wheel goes on. Yesterday's dilemma's don't mean today stopped. Literally I have had to take up my boot straps and get moving...I mean with God's help. There was no way that I could do it.

It is a long story but after burning your lungs, food poisoning and a few other life challenges each day became a struggle. Breathing was difficult, so accomplishing anything was like...well, you've probably experienced it, "like being stuck in the quick sand." But even with this, a still small voice pleaded with me. "Where is your faith?"

So each day was a tiny step forward, growing faith. When you awake up in the morning and sleep is more attractive so you don't have to face the physical challenges, there is a problem, a mountain to climb. So when I wake up I have to say, well I choose to say, "Lord, You are going to have to help me. I cannot do this. I am hurting and I just cannot do it...without Your help. Please help me." So even though I didn't feel change yet, I would get up, keep the mind set that even though I wasn't feeling it yet He was helping me, and would help me. And saying thank You for the help you have provided, are providing and will provide.

Growing my faith in small steps. Getting past the pain that crushes you and me, and distracts us from doing what we need to do and accomplishing what God intends for us to do. And remembering to say "Thank You Lord for what You have done, are doing and will do on my behalf, even if I don't see it yet".

Growing....into a different perspective. Changing the picture you have in your mind, not just the picture you have on the wall.

Growing...into thankfulness in all situations.

Beginning Again

I am looking forward to attempting to do some art again. After rolling a vehicle, and while still healing from that, I suffered whiplash again, and also two serious falls. Without going into details this was a serious set back for me and my family. I am still in recovery, but each month gets better. So even though the synapses in my brain haven't worked the same as before my accidents I am looking forward to retraining my brain so that I can enjoy art again.

Today I took the big plunge!
I decided about a month ago to get a subscription to From My Point Of View, or the Colored Pencil Magazine. June 1st was a member show entry deadline. I think everything was warring against doing anything. With a few curve balls this past week, and even a couple new ones today, I was about to set aside a couple hours only today to try to get something recognizable. End product isn't exactly what I had in mind, but at least you know what it is when you see it! So that was a big step for me. So.....I am sending it off next! If nothing else, I hope that people can enjoy seeing this small 4 x 5 1/2 inch piece.

This is a first BIG step for me after the last 5 years. So if you think you cannot do it, nor never have a second chance, I am here to remind you...take the first giant step! You never know where the next one will lead you. Wipe the tears away and just do it!
And a special thanks to those that have been an encouragement in this process. Including, but not limited to Anne and also my friend Laurie.

Happy Spring!

If you are like most areas of the country you are unseasonably warm the last week or so. 90 degrees here yesterday and also today....can you believe it is only the first of April? With warmer temperatures and a little moisture it should make for a fabulous spring feast for the eyes with an abundance of wildflowers. I will not only be scouting around our property for treasures but also Cherokee National Forest South and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park looking for other special finds. It will be the inspiration for more paintings and drawings, including photography.


This fine canine select, a Saluki, is available to a new home. If it isn't the face you are hoping for, contact me for what you are wishing for in your home or office. Currently, I am working on a kitten and also a floral composition. These will be available for your enjoyment and purchase very soon.


For now, I will be playing with plants in my front yard, and then the kids in the backyard. Enjoy the blessings of your day too!

Looking Forward

Okay, maybe it should be a painting...but it could be if I turned it into one, right? It also reminds me of newness, beginnings, a dawning. I believe in new beginnings and hope you do too. I'm looking forward to actually do more as I heal from my accident.

Two Sure Things

There are two sure things in this life. One being change. The weather seems to be taking this to new heights lately. Thankfully our families have been safe through all this year's weather parades. Even after tornadic action and over 20 down trees on our property.

The other sure thing in life? God's faithfulness. Inspite of what happens, how we feel, or what we see, He is faithful; He is the great I AM. To which I am very thankful. He promises to guide us with the right hand of HIS righteousness.

Although we have weathered many storms of varying types this year we have seen many miracles of God's goodness, kindness and His powerful. In spite of building roofs being ripped off locally, trees uprooted or tops torn off, etc. etc. we can still see beauty here from our home. There are hints of change again with beginnings of new tints in the leaves, and newly sung bird songs reminding us that even in this world if we stop we can see beauty even in the fog or storms of life. No hints of color in this photograph, but the fog brings the loveliness of the hills to our eyes.

Special Thanks

Sometimes we just need people and situations to move us along, at just the right time. I want to thank the Lord, and Giselle and all the ladies this weekend for the time together. The conversations, the memories, the recognition that time is short but valuable, drawing and coloring together (especially butterflies), and the few choice words from a couple songs. All glimpses of the importance of keeping God first in all things and that what we do in life is important and can impact one another greatly-eternally. It can be something grand, but often it is the smaller things that impact us the most. Thank you to each of you! And for God's perfect time and encouragement!

A couple things came to my memory today in thinking of this weekend, and also the future. One being that I hadn't done anything to this little website in a LONG time, which I really needed to take time to add something. And another, definitely not the last, that I have a couple butterfly drawings that I should add to share with you. One is getting done today, but not the other. I currently don't have any photographs of the butterflies...but check back soon and I will get them up as soon as I have photos that you can recognize. Thank you Danielle for the reminder!

I will add one photograph today. Fall is upon us and reminds of us many endings here on earth. But it also reminds us of the hope of many beginnings possible, now and in the near future. Jesus and the cross is in the center of all things, and like fall, it isn't the end but also the promise of something better to come. I do hope you will gain just a glimpse of this in my sharing this picture with you.

Not Lazing Around

I know that I haven't posted much lately. In spite of what you see I haven't been a couch potato. These babies may be chilling out but they are part of the reason that you haven't heard much from me lately. No complaining. They have been a lot of fun. Like one visiting friend stated, "They are like watching or having little wind-up toys." Lots of work but also lots of fun.

Spring has brought many things, including these babies. I have been enjoying many wildflowers, several hikes, and the summer and migrating birds. Just yesterday I saw a pair of Scarlet Tanagers. Hoping they will stay, but likely just passing visitors. Each one of these things I thank the Lord for and they are also an inspiration to me. You will see their affects later.

I have been doing some art. You will see these soon. For now I will enjoy spring and you enjoy thinking of little baby goats running, twisting and bouncing like a mad cross between exploding popcorn and Mexican jumping beans. I know they are surely enjoying themselves!

Birthday Present

Well, I know this isn't a painting nor a sketch. She really isn't even my birthday present, but she did arrive around my birthday so why not enjoy her as such. I just wanted to add her for you to see what other enjoyable things are in my backyard. But who knows. . . . maybe, just maybe, she will be in a picture of artwork. Her name. . .S'More Kandi.

Original ACEO Kitty Series 1

SOLD


SOLD






I have finally finished the Kitty Series 1; a series of six different Kats. Really the first attempt to put together anything for some years. These are NOT copies nor prints but these are original pieces of art. ACEO cards are Art Cards Editions and Originals, collectable cards measuring 2 1/2 inches x 3 1/2 inches. These are miniature artworks. I created them on 140 lb white watercolor paper and used mixed media of pencil and colored pencils. Cats are fun and very expressive making them a very exciting subjects. They are available as individual pieces of art, or can make a wonderful, complete series set of six. The lighting during the photography of the ACEO pieces has slightly altered the actual color and eliminated some detail that exists on the card. If you want to see more, contact me.

I really enjoyed putting these together. While playing with these miniature pieces I was reminded of many cats that have been a part of my life. Encluding those special ones like "Tumbleweed" (hmmm, do I hear another portrait calling me?). Found on a back country road only being a whisp of a fur ball over bones. Taken to the vet's office for care and after several weeks of no apparent progress the vet said to take him home and see if he will live. Within days we found him tumbling around with the fallen autumn leaves having great fun while of course bringing us great joy. We new he'd be okay then and he received the name "Tumbleweed". He always remained a small bit of orange tabby fluff, blessed with a happy and sassy remaining life to bring smiles our family's faces. And, the story of Sassy, or Sassafrass, will have to wait for another time.

I do hope these will be reminders of the God-given joys the felines have been in your life.



Enjoy!

How This Gallery Came About

Golden Aspen (acrylic)

Having taken some time off from doing almost everything after an auto accident I am anxious to get moving again. What better way to get back into the groove with setting new goals. My aim is to do several pieces of art each week and limit my time to one hour per piece. The piece may take an hour, or it may take less. The point is do just do it! And of course have fun in the process. There will be a variety of subject matters ranging from cats and frogs to open sky landscapes. My first in One Hour Art Gallery series is a set of six Kitties, or better known to some as cats of felines. If the subject matter inspires a series they will be available as the entire set and also as individual pieces. Most, if not all, will be offered to the public either by viewing it here or through e-bay listings.

So while I'm having fun creating art I hope that you will have fun viewing my art. Take time to look around. Let me know what you think and what responses the art evokes in you. My art has had many "I've been there before" statements. These are great, for we each need to have a sense of place, a reminder of our God given blessings.

To the drawing board!

artgirl