WOMEN OF THE BIBLE - Ruth

Due to health issues I have not posted to this blog in quite a while. However, as soon as I was able to I got back to my easel. I have decided to do a series of paintings centered on the Women Of The Bible - women whose lives have impressed me. I was inspired to do this series after a study that I did with my Sunday School class on Ruth, the Moabite woman who gave up everything familiar to her...her culture, her family, her god to follow her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem, after the loss of her husband and two sons (one of which was the husband of Ruth). I was very taken with the character of Ruth and her sweet spirit, that it was hard to realize that she came from a pagan culture of peoples who sacrificed children to their pagan god. Other women I have in mind to do are; of course Mary the mother of Jesus, Queen Esther, and mustn't forget Eve - the mother of all living.

Captive Audience II

Omigoodness...I cannot believe I have finally signed this painting as being complete. It has been really a project with a purpose and a history. I've done two other paintings of this pose and after completing the painting for her uncle in 2010, I decided that one day I would do one for myself. Captive Audience II - although showing the same little girl pose, she is now soon to be seven. The story behind the puppies is actually pretty amazing. Her mom fostered an abandoned mama Labrador from the shelter who had just given birth to seven puppies. The puppies were so brand new that their eyes were still closed. The plan was that my granddaughter and her brother would help socialize the puppies when it was time. My granddaughter's whole life at that time centered on the puppies and the need to socialize them. The whole family was commended on what a wonderful job they had done on those puppies. A vet who saw to one of the adopted puppies stated that he had not seen a puppy that young to be so well socialized. When it was time to let the puppies go to new homes, you can be assured that the tears did flow. The two puppies closer in are now part of the family - Piglet and Milkshake. Shiver, the third puppy in the back has gone to his new home. What I wanted to show here was a treasured moment in life.

Let me go back in time, starting with 2010 when her uncle commissioned the same pose but with specifics, like that exact color green ???

In 2008 I did the first of three paintings of this pose of my little granddaughter - she was about 3-1/2 at the time and I entitled it Captive Audience. Some may remember this particular painting.

For me, it was a realization of how far I've come in my painting skills since 2008.

Self Portrait - "Maybe Today"

In an attempt to get back to painting again, I decided to do a self-portrait for one of my art forum challenges. This is a WIP (work in progress), but I think it is nearly done. I have done self portraits before for fun, but I wanted this one to mean something. I have never done rain splashing on windows before, but thought since this is kind of an experimental piece - "why not?" with this piece.

The title comes from my Spiritual Warfare class, where the facilitator posed to us..."Maybe Today."

Starting Up

In an effort to get the creative juices flowing again (I have not drawn or painted for several months), I decided to do a drawing. This is my almost 21 - so hard to believe - grandson in one of his pensive moments. While going through my photographs to find an interesting subject, I came across this photo and was intrigued by this composition. I enjoy most doing people, but like to do them in unusual poses or situations.

I don't know if I will put this to oil, but it did seem to rev up those creative juices I spoke of earlier. Here are some other sketches that I did a couple of years ago.

My Apologies

My apologies for not posting for such a long time...life has been hectic. For now enjoy this painting that I am about to work on. I thought I completed it about three years ago, but now that I look at it I see where much improvement is needed.

It is my granddaughter and I call it "Captive Audience."



I will try to be more timely in posting. I know, I know, I've said that before, but this time I'm really going to work on that.

MELE KALIKIMAKA

My last posting was at Thanksgiving, so could not let Christmas go by without wishing everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. Most importantly, don't forget the reason for the season!

And what a magnificent reason for celebration. The Christ Child was born.



Much love to all.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

There are so many things that I am thankful for, but the one that rises above all else is Christ Jesus; my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Comforter - that list goes on and on. From 2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

A Man of Sorrows

My family is all important to me also and for them I am most thankful. My gratitude to my Lord for the fact that they know Him, worship Him, and walk in His light.

So on this day of Thanksgiving, celebrate with those you care about and give thanks for all the blessings you have received.

P.S. I am reminded of my friends who add so much to my life, I thank God for each and everyone of you.