Monday, October 27, 2008

Our North Carolina state bird, the Cardinal is known as the Winter Redbird because it is most noticeable during the winter when it is the only redbird "present". It is one of the most common birds in our gardens, meadows and woodlands.
My sweet Aunt Nell and my dear mother, Hazel loved redbirds so much. I do not look at a cardinal without thinking of the sister pair. They shopped together many times and I witnessed their flair for red fashions. Alas! I do believe I have turned into my mother, I have inherited her love of red and for cardinal birds! Surely as I painted these cardinals together, I know that my sweet dear aunt and mother are in heaven together. I painted these cardinals in their memory, and I'll love them forever!
This painting will be auctioned at our Wesley's Chapel Bazaar in Elizabethtown on November 1, 2008 to raise money for missions. If you would like to bid by phone, email me. Thank you and may God bless you.

Monday, October 20, 2008

The Wandering Jew houseplant has leaves in a variety of colors, often variegated purples. This creeping plant belongs to the spiderwort family. Legend has it that the plant is named after a Jew who mocked Jesus and was condemned to wander on earth til Judgement day.
Currently, my art students are painting fall leaves using a variety of rhythmic compositions. I was inspired to paint the vivid purple and green hues of the leaves. Surrounding the leaves are vibrant orange and red flowing lines that add a sense of energy.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Italy captured my heart the first day I put my foot on it's soil. I painted "Tuscan Dream" on my recent trip to Tuscany. The villages and hill towns were charming and I dream of returning again with paints and easel in tow.
I met fellow painters and friends in Florence and drove to our painting site. We painted all morning long in the hills of Chianti, then dined at a nice restaurant for lunch. A different painting location was found in the afternoon, followed by a visit to a winery for relaxation and a bit of wine tasting.
Maybe one day this lovely dream will come true!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

We lost an angel on earth, but heaven gained an angel. This week our little community lost a great teacher, friend and mother. Staci was only 53. I was compelled and inspired by her heartwarming and great legacy to paint her portrait.
She was my sons' youth leader at church for years, she greatly influenced their Christian journey. Staci was a witness to those she came in contact with, especially youth. There was a special place in her heart for the youth of our community, whether it was at school, in the neighborhood, at the lake or at church, she made you feel that you were her best friend and that she genuinely cared about you.
We are deeply grieving over the loss of our dear friend. Thanks to Preacher Wade for sharing this thought at Staci's funeral Monday, it helps a bit. He said that God has been busy for years getting Staci's place in heaven just right for her. When he finished preparing her place in heaven, her work here was finished. Our beautiful Staci entered heaven with a smile on her face.
Some of her friends and family, including me are quite selfish, we miss her so, and want our Staci back! Still we are glad that she is in a peaceful place with no pain or conflict.