Prayer Language 28"x22" oil framed

As I was driving to church March 11th I was praying in my prayer language; I still did have an idea for my painting yet. I saw brilliant dabs of color and line swirling all around. There was dimension, depth, intensity, sweetness, power, connection… Intercession moves mountains. It moves the hand of God. We have the authority to bind and loose. Prayers are more creative and effective than we can imagine. I see all that in this painting. I pray it touches you in profound ways and draws you deeper into the things of God.

Deep Breakthrough 24"x36" oil

I had asked God for an idea, an image, wisdom, encouragement and favor before I painted this. When I got ready to lay down the first stroke I still wasn’t sure what direction to go. I started with a big white swipe with my pallet knife. It unfolded and I participated. All that makes me – me is here. Things that I know. Skills that I have. A willingness to take risks. Faith. A heart for the things of God and his people.

Winter Haircut 24"x24" oil

Here is my newest painting, “Winter Haircut” I will initially use it as another entry for the “How Do You Paint Courage” traveling exhibit. It will be showing in Yadkinville, NC.

That’s me, my oldest son Ian (N-Vent.com), and our copper husky Bo. We lived 3 miles off the paved road on the side of White Mountain in Ferry County, WA near the Canadian border town of Midway. No running water, no electricity, treddle sewing machine, made all my own bread in a cook stove, chopped wood, snow chains …simple life. My how things have changed.

Rome 6"x6"

Welcome all you blog followers from my blogspot site. I was happy to have everything in one place. Thanks to my son for helping with this transition.

I will be exhibiting about a 10 pieces in the halls of Cone Hospital in Greensboro for the month of March. My fellow artist from the Cosmic Cow Society, Phyllis Sharpe, will be showing also.

This particular painting is one of four I painted of my lovely daughter wearing different hats. I used it for my Christmas card in 2011. The artists of The Cosmic Cow Society all painted some 6 by 6 pieces for a show at the office of Kelly Mitchell, an orthodontist in Greensboro for this last December and January.

Greyson in Autumn

Greyson in Autumn, 17″x11″ oil on canvas

Oh so happy to finish this last week. This was a little different for me… looser than my normal. Guess it was all that dancing dappled light.

Next on the easel is another piece for the Courage show. Deadline: February sometime. If you haven’t heard about this traveling show check out the “Art With Purpose” blog. I’m very involved and had lots of great feedback on my pieces that are showing. This Wednesday the exhibit will move to Forsyth Medical Hospital here in Winston Salem.

Awhile back I got this word of encouragement from the Lord about being awkward… One definition is ‘to lack ease or grace as in movement or expression.’ When you(me) are feeling awkward it is often the result of a confidence crisis when you are unsure of yourself and of how you fit or what you have to contribute. But, I tell you truly that you fit perfectly in My kingdom and in My body, of which you are a vital member. Refuse to allow the enemy to cause you to feel awkward in places where you belong; his purpose in doing this is to derail you and cause you to be cut off and isolated. If you will trust Me in these awkward times, I will cause you to feel secure in Me and I will give you  the anointing of ease.

Aw… this really hit home for me then and even now as I share it with you. It reminded me not to compare myself with others which always makes me feel inferior and sucks the life out of me. The truth is there is no one like me or like you. Only I can do what I do and the same with you. So be confident and don’t hold back. Live fully as you and I’ll live fully as me.

New on my easel

This is what’s on my easel today, January 2nd. It’s my grandson, Greyson, sharing some autumn color from last season.

Some new resolutions are in order for 2012. Blog more. Life takes up so much more time than sitting down to blog. Blogging is so unnatural for me. I don’t know if it’s fear of exposing my deepest thoughts to the world or that I’m not a great communicator. Hmm. Whatever it is I’m getting a new revelation of why I need to share.

"Cherry Blossoms" 18x24 oil on canvas

“Cherry Blossoms” 18″x24″ oil on canvas.

I painted this at church 4-3-11. Someone suggested that it looked like cherry blossoms…. good, I was thinking of springtime! Newness, freshness… budding hopes, dreams, creativity… an end to the winter. Yay Spring!

"Embracing Red" 11"x14" oil on canvas

This is my second entry in “Sound of Canvas” at the Gallery of the Arts in downtown Winston Salem. It was selected for an Honorable Mention by Juror Susan Harris. I love the lights! And I love painting musicians… such expression. Again the colors in this photo don’t do it justice… much more brilliant in person. If you get a chance to go to downtown Winston, it’s in the underground theater through May.