I follow the blog of the Nikon Sniper. Other than being a fantastic photographer, he writes an amazing blog. He speaks boldly for Christ and in his latest blog he wrote the following. His latest post, which I've partially posted below, leads me to say "Shouldn't I want to tell you?" Check him out, it'll be well worth your time.
I also want to be clear with all whom I am fortunate enough to encounter in life’s remaining days. This includes you! Follow me here.
If I truly believe, AND I DO, that Jesus is the only way to get to heaven (John 14:6, Acts 4:12), shouldn’t I want to tell you? I mean, if I say I care about you, AND I DO, and I truly believe you might have missed the most important decision in life, … Shouldn’t I say something?
If I truly believe that a wrong choice for your eternal salvation would lead you to a horrible eternity, … Shouldn’t I say something? Not according to the world! The world wants me to shut up. I know that!
The world says, “Just tell people you care about them, even help them with a little cash when they are struggling (if ya have to), … but don’t try to tell them anything that will assist them in finding the source of real love and eternal treasure.”
You can call me a hypocrite! I fall on my face all the time. I’m not perfect. But I know the King of Kings. I know the Lord of Lords. I know the author of life. I know the deliverer of lost sheep. I know the One who lifts the broken-hearted. I know the ONLY way, the truth and the life. And one day He will make me cease to stumble. And Jesus can deliver you from whatever life’s trials are and grant you eternal life in His presence.
And if I don’t tell you about Jesus … I should be considered an even bigger hypocrite! If a “believer in Christ” ISN’T telling you about Him, you should be asking them, “Why”?
That is what is important to me in my remaining days here. I must declare to you that I can’t throw a football … but I know Jesus! I am not speaking to you today of fuzzy feelings. I am talking about the Lord who died for your sins, If only you will accept it and allow Him into your life.
No one will care in eternity that I could throw a football when I was young. The only thing that will matter there is what I did here with God’s Son, Jesus Christ. These are the most loving and caring words I can urge you to hear. The world insists I am not politically correct! But Jesus is ALIVE! Something happened 2000 years ago that shook up the world … and He is still ALIVE and coming again. I hope you will seek Him today.
Your friend,
Nikonsniper Steve
Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Love Beyond Measure
A little over a week ago I received a request from a member of my Macomber Ohana (family). Her name is Shaula her request was if I could assist her with artwork for a brochure she was putting together. Below is Shaula’s explanation of her vision.
The name of the facility is Life Care Center of Kona, it is a short/long term nursing facility. My grandmother, Rose Alapai was the first patient on their "Butterflies Are Free" program at this specific facility. The aim of the center is to provide tranquility and hope for those leaving this world. In honor of my grandmother I wrote a proposal, to the Life care center of Kona if they would call their palliative care, "Pulelehua, Butterflies are Free.” My grandmother passed away on Oct. 22, 2009 and since her passing, the children of Holualoa Elementary School, where she attended school and myself (home school liaison at this school) have made over 200 Pulelehua (butterfly) magnets. The magnets are placed on doors of patients going through this palliative care program. It has been a very successful partnership with the school. I am now in conversation with the center and we are planning the making of a brochure to share with families. It's very humbling to know we've impacted the lives of so many by softening the approaching deaths of their loved ones. I feel so honored to be such a vital part of such a wonderful ministry that we are called to do, to honor our kupuna (grandparent, ancestor).
In conversation with Shaula and getting her vision of what the painting should depict, I was able to create “Love Beyond Measure.”
This is how our conversation through Facebook messaging kinda went.
I'm really glad you think that the primary rose can be white because in thinking The Holy Trinity I could not get past the thought that the primary rose, God the Father, at the head should be white. The other thought I had was to have the pulelehua on the secondary rose which depicts God the Son, Jesus Christ. To me the pulelehua should be on Christ because, your "freedom" from sin came from the Father through the Son. Lastly, the bottom rose represents the Holy Spirit. Another thought was to lay 2-3 rose buds at the base of the vase to represent fallen mankind.
While in the process, I was strongly impressed upon to have a tear falling from the white rose (The Father) to the first pink rose (The Son)…which is self explanatory. The Koa Wood vase and the wall of “weathered” lauhala represents the Hawaiian people and their culture. The Palapalai fern on the right represents the interweaving of the ohana with the roses, giving greater significance for the ohana.
My own grandmother Mary Kahula’okalei’opu’u Rose came to mind while painting this and as I write, my mother Pauline Kaohunani comes to mind as well. I miss them so much that for me, “Love Beyond Measure” has also become my tribute to both of them.
The name of the facility is Life Care Center of Kona, it is a short/long term nursing facility. My grandmother, Rose Alapai was the first patient on their "Butterflies Are Free" program at this specific facility. The aim of the center is to provide tranquility and hope for those leaving this world. In honor of my grandmother I wrote a proposal, to the Life care center of Kona if they would call their palliative care, "Pulelehua, Butterflies are Free.” My grandmother passed away on Oct. 22, 2009 and since her passing, the children of Holualoa Elementary School, where she attended school and myself (home school liaison at this school) have made over 200 Pulelehua (butterfly) magnets. The magnets are placed on doors of patients going through this palliative care program. It has been a very successful partnership with the school. I am now in conversation with the center and we are planning the making of a brochure to share with families. It's very humbling to know we've impacted the lives of so many by softening the approaching deaths of their loved ones. I feel so honored to be such a vital part of such a wonderful ministry that we are called to do, to honor our kupuna (grandparent, ancestor).
In conversation with Shaula and getting her vision of what the painting should depict, I was able to create “Love Beyond Measure.”
This is how our conversation through Facebook messaging kinda went.
I'm really glad you think that the primary rose can be white because in thinking The Holy Trinity I could not get past the thought that the primary rose, God the Father, at the head should be white. The other thought I had was to have the pulelehua on the secondary rose which depicts God the Son, Jesus Christ. To me the pulelehua should be on Christ because, your "freedom" from sin came from the Father through the Son. Lastly, the bottom rose represents the Holy Spirit. Another thought was to lay 2-3 rose buds at the base of the vase to represent fallen mankind.
While in the process, I was strongly impressed upon to have a tear falling from the white rose (The Father) to the first pink rose (The Son)…which is self explanatory. The Koa Wood vase and the wall of “weathered” lauhala represents the Hawaiian people and their culture. The Palapalai fern on the right represents the interweaving of the ohana with the roses, giving greater significance for the ohana.
My own grandmother Mary Kahula’okalei’opu’u Rose came to mind while painting this and as I write, my mother Pauline Kaohunani comes to mind as well. I miss them so much that for me, “Love Beyond Measure” has also become my tribute to both of them.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
New David Update
This is my latest. Major changes, as you can see. The mountains just seemed to overwhelm David and I just felt that had to be changed. I did not want to detract from David. I did finally give him sandals. Still not ready to sign, need to live with it this way for a while.
Mahalo for following this project. Will be back soon with the finish.
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Update to the David Project
This past week has been quite hectic, so I have not been able to put as much time into this project as I would've liked. What little I have done, I will post here. Hopefully the upcoming week will be more productive.
I have worked on bringing the intensity of the mid-range mountains down and glazing down the far mountain to put them more in the distance. I have problems with edges, so will focus on which edges should be soft and which should be hard. I put more detail into the grassy knoll, which still needs work, and some detailing on the lambs. Worked some on the cast shadows, but don’t know if I’ve rendered those realistically enough. I have reference pictures to work from, but none show me how the cast shadows should be rendered. Of interest is the indentation in the hillside of the grassy area…that was accidental, but I think I’ll keep that in…of course rework it some. This week I do want to start laying in the color on David.
Hmmm…it’s been a while since I posted about Hawaii’s past and legends. Will try to think of something interesting for next time.
Also, I want to say how much I appreciate the comments made by those of you who visit here.
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net
I have worked on bringing the intensity of the mid-range mountains down and glazing down the far mountain to put them more in the distance. I have problems with edges, so will focus on which edges should be soft and which should be hard. I put more detail into the grassy knoll, which still needs work, and some detailing on the lambs. Worked some on the cast shadows, but don’t know if I’ve rendered those realistically enough. I have reference pictures to work from, but none show me how the cast shadows should be rendered. Of interest is the indentation in the hillside of the grassy area…that was accidental, but I think I’ll keep that in…of course rework it some. This week I do want to start laying in the color on David.
Hmmm…it’s been a while since I posted about Hawaii’s past and legends. Will try to think of something interesting for next time.
Also, I want to say how much I appreciate the comments made by those of you who visit here.
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Progress on David
Thought I would post the progress I’ve made on my David painting. Nearly done with the underpainting. Today I am planning to lay in another layer on the grassy knoll and refine the figure.
I corrected the length of his legs because anatomically they were too short for the figure. I don’t know how I missed that. Fortunately, a Wetcanvas artist noticed and brought it to my attention. David looks more anatomically correct now. Making his legs longer and adding the two lambs in the foreground took care of the “too much negative space” problem that I felt I had. Oh yes, gotta put his sandals on…LOL! Anyway, this is where I am now.
On a different note, over the past couple of days Middle Tennessee has had the most snowfall that I can remember since the first year I moved here. Here are a couple of pictures of this beautiful winter wonderland. I believe the total snowfall in our area is 4". Lovely, but I've had enough cold and winter this year. Anxious for spring to arrive.
Thank you so much for coming by.
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of at lokeforrest@comcast.net
I corrected the length of his legs because anatomically they were too short for the figure. I don’t know how I missed that. Fortunately, a Wetcanvas artist noticed and brought it to my attention. David looks more anatomically correct now. Making his legs longer and adding the two lambs in the foreground took care of the “too much negative space” problem that I felt I had. Oh yes, gotta put his sandals on…LOL! Anyway, this is where I am now.
On a different note, over the past couple of days Middle Tennessee has had the most snowfall that I can remember since the first year I moved here. Here are a couple of pictures of this beautiful winter wonderland. I believe the total snowfall in our area is 4". Lovely, but I've had enough cold and winter this year. Anxious for spring to arrive.
Thank you so much for coming by.
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of at lokeforrest@comcast.net
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
My New Project
I have started a new project and am into it about 12 hours. It is going to be my submission to our church’s First Annual Art Festival, which is scheduled for April. The theme of the festival is “Praise Him.” Just in case you don’t recognize the depiction, this is the shepherd boy David. He is praising God in song. A couple of weeks ago I was at a stagnant place in my art. Not doing much of anything except sketching periodically, but with no desire to paint. I have been doing sketches of the ideas that came to mind for this piece and now that I’ve decided and started on my submission, I am excited. It is oil on 20x24 stretched canvas. I will show my progress beginning with the two I’ve posted below…
I first sketched directly onto the canvas using hard vine charcoal, and then sprayed with Fixatif to keep the charcoal from smearing and thereby losing my line work. The sketching took me about eight hours. I had my 18-year old grandson pose for me so that I could get the position of David anatomically correct. In using him for this purpose, I decided to use his facial features for David. My conception of David was to be a young David so I would imagine that David at that same age would probably have had the same physical structure as my grandson. I also thought that David’s hair and his complexion would most probably be very much like my grandson. He doesn’t know yet that I am using more than his pose for this painting.
This is where I am now. The background has been roughed in. I think the mid range of mountains is too intense in color, so I will be glazing over that section to bring the intensity of the color down some. I will next work on the underpainting of the figure. Thank goodness for the internet...I've been able to research and download images that I've used as reference instead of guessing at what it may have been like at that time.
As far as a title goes; I am usually inspired for a title while I am doing the piece. In this case, the title that keeps coming to mind is "Sing Praise." That comes from a worship song that we do in church. If anyone has a better title, I would love to hear it.
Thanks so much for visiting.
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net
I first sketched directly onto the canvas using hard vine charcoal, and then sprayed with Fixatif to keep the charcoal from smearing and thereby losing my line work. The sketching took me about eight hours. I had my 18-year old grandson pose for me so that I could get the position of David anatomically correct. In using him for this purpose, I decided to use his facial features for David. My conception of David was to be a young David so I would imagine that David at that same age would probably have had the same physical structure as my grandson. I also thought that David’s hair and his complexion would most probably be very much like my grandson. He doesn’t know yet that I am using more than his pose for this painting.
This is where I am now. The background has been roughed in. I think the mid range of mountains is too intense in color, so I will be glazing over that section to bring the intensity of the color down some. I will next work on the underpainting of the figure. Thank goodness for the internet...I've been able to research and download images that I've used as reference instead of guessing at what it may have been like at that time.
As far as a title goes; I am usually inspired for a title while I am doing the piece. In this case, the title that keeps coming to mind is "Sing Praise." That comes from a worship song that we do in church. If anyone has a better title, I would love to hear it.
Thanks so much for visiting.
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I'm Stuck
Yes, I am at a stuck place. I have not put brush to canvas in almost two weeks. I have; however, sketched some, but cannot seem to muster the desire to paint. For Christmas I received a gift certificate for an art store from my grandson. I was excited about that and almost immediately redeemed it for new brushes and several canvases – but those packages are still unopened.
Back in November 2009, I contacted our church’s Minister of Music whose ministry also includes the arts of Drama and Visual Arts. I presented him with the idea of a visual arts art festival…a way to give local artists, professionals as well as amateurs and students, a chance to showcase their talent. The theme “Praise Him” was selected around which all artists would create a piece or pieces of work. Anyway, he went for the idea and the art show is coming up in April.
I plan to enter a couple of pieces. One idea that came to mind is the shepherd boy David, on his harp, praising and glorifying God with his songs. I came up with three different versions of that idea, but am not totally happy with any of them. Here’s what I have….
I am at a loss. Maybe what I need to do is start with a new idea. What to do, what to do. I’ll take any ideas you may have.
Thanks for listening…now maybe I’ll go stand in front of the blank canvas I have sitting on the easel and see if I get an inspiration.
Until next time...take care!
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of at lokeforrest@comcast.net
Back in November 2009, I contacted our church’s Minister of Music whose ministry also includes the arts of Drama and Visual Arts. I presented him with the idea of a visual arts art festival…a way to give local artists, professionals as well as amateurs and students, a chance to showcase their talent. The theme “Praise Him” was selected around which all artists would create a piece or pieces of work. Anyway, he went for the idea and the art show is coming up in April.
I plan to enter a couple of pieces. One idea that came to mind is the shepherd boy David, on his harp, praising and glorifying God with his songs. I came up with three different versions of that idea, but am not totally happy with any of them. Here’s what I have….
I am at a loss. Maybe what I need to do is start with a new idea. What to do, what to do. I’ll take any ideas you may have.
Thanks for listening…now maybe I’ll go stand in front of the blank canvas I have sitting on the easel and see if I get an inspiration.
Until next time...take care!
> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of at lokeforrest@comcast.net
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Last 2009 Blog
It is December 31st, the last day of 2009; therefore, my last blog for the year. My prayer is that the year 2010 will not be as frightening as it is beginning to be, i.e. terrorists attempt, a shaky economy, and talks of more government control, which could eventually lead to a one-world government. What are we in for? I have no idea, but I know that God is in control.
Putting the negative aside, my blog today is about hope and a more enlightened year, at least for me, by broadening my walk with God. Part of that walk is praising and glorifying Him with my art. I have just completed, short of a few minor tweaks, two paintings that speak to his magnificence. I’ve posted them here before, but that was while they were both still in process. Here they are again:
The horses (18x18 oil on stretched canvas) were done at the request of my four-year old granddaughter. She absolutely loves “Ponies” and wanted this one to hang in her bedroom. She knows that God created them just as He created her.
The second painting (14x18 oil on stretched canvas) I call “Safe.” This one was done at the request of a friend who said she had this on her mind for days and thought I would like to paint it. She gave me her idea on a 3x3 post-it note. We are promised a safe haven with God the Father and the Son if we but believe and accept.
While waiting for these pieces to dry so that I could put in the last minor touches, I decided to do a sketch. I looked through pictures and photos that I have in my “library” and this one jumped out at me…
So, my friends, family and blog followers (you are also my friends)…my prayer for you in the coming year is love for one another; strengthening your faith, and remembering those in need - physically and spiritually. I will pray for much more for you. May you have a wonderful, prosperous and love-filled year.
Putting the negative aside, my blog today is about hope and a more enlightened year, at least for me, by broadening my walk with God. Part of that walk is praising and glorifying Him with my art. I have just completed, short of a few minor tweaks, two paintings that speak to his magnificence. I’ve posted them here before, but that was while they were both still in process. Here they are again:
The horses (18x18 oil on stretched canvas) were done at the request of my four-year old granddaughter. She absolutely loves “Ponies” and wanted this one to hang in her bedroom. She knows that God created them just as He created her. 
The second painting (14x18 oil on stretched canvas) I call “Safe.” This one was done at the request of a friend who said she had this on her mind for days and thought I would like to paint it. She gave me her idea on a 3x3 post-it note. We are promised a safe haven with God the Father and the Son if we but believe and accept.While waiting for these pieces to dry so that I could put in the last minor touches, I decided to do a sketch. I looked through pictures and photos that I have in my “library” and this one jumped out at me…
In Prayer
(9x12 graphite)
(9x12 graphite)
So, my friends, family and blog followers (you are also my friends)…my prayer for you in the coming year is love for one another; strengthening your faith, and remembering those in need - physically and spiritually. I will pray for much more for you. May you have a wonderful, prosperous and love-filled year.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Labor of Love
My last posting was a commission piece for a dear friend. This piece is a labor of love...love for my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ for whom the celebration of His birth is what this season is all about.
The concept of the painting came about when one of my lady friends from my church handed me a post-it note and said..."This picture has been on my mind for days and I thought maybe you would like to paint it." There on a 3"x3" note paper was this tiny sketch. I took it and came up with this...very close to the initial sketch, but this is what I was led to do. Although there is still much to do on it I wanted to post it today in celebration of the birthday of Jesus. I call this painting "Safe"...from Proverbs 20:25..."whosoever putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."
This painting has gone through a few renditions. This is my initial sketch, which I thought..."well, that's looking pretty good...I'll put it on canvas." Much to my dismay after laying in the paint, folds of clothing, hands...the whole works, I thought to myself..."no way can the left hand comfortably be in that position." That meant, removing His hands and most of what I had already painted and start over. I did that twice, until in frustration I had my 4-year old granddaughter take a photo of my hands in the position I wanted in the painting, and voila...here we are.
Sometimes life is tough and in our frustration we throw our hands up and say..."forget it." But, we need to hang in there, just as I did with this painting and something beautiful will surface.
Much love to all of you this wonderful Christmas Season. Celebrate with thanksgiving the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ who loves us all unconditionally. That with His love we will show our love for one another.
The concept of the painting came about when one of my lady friends from my church handed me a post-it note and said..."This picture has been on my mind for days and I thought maybe you would like to paint it." There on a 3"x3" note paper was this tiny sketch. I took it and came up with this...very close to the initial sketch, but this is what I was led to do. Although there is still much to do on it I wanted to post it today in celebration of the birthday of Jesus. I call this painting "Safe"...from Proverbs 20:25..."whosoever putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."
This painting has gone through a few renditions. This is my initial sketch, which I thought..."well, that's looking pretty good...I'll put it on canvas." Much to my dismay after laying in the paint, folds of clothing, hands...the whole works, I thought to myself..."no way can the left hand comfortably be in that position." That meant, removing His hands and most of what I had already painted and start over. I did that twice, until in frustration I had my 4-year old granddaughter take a photo of my hands in the position I wanted in the painting, and voila...here we are. Sometimes life is tough and in our frustration we throw our hands up and say..."forget it." But, we need to hang in there, just as I did with this painting and something beautiful will surface.
Much love to all of you this wonderful Christmas Season. Celebrate with thanksgiving the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ who loves us all unconditionally. That with His love we will show our love for one another.
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