And some non-commissioned artwork....

"Poinsettia"
9" x 12" watercolor

Before the commission rush hit, I was trying to come up with some artwork for Christmas cards. I thought I would share these and ask you what you think. Which would you choose... or would you choose neither? The poinsettia will obviously cover the front of the card. I thought the dove would be nice with the word "Peace" in some lovely font. Any ideas? Or more ideas for other artwork for a different sort of card. I don't have time for creative juices these days, as I am heavy into architecture. :)

"Peace"
9" x 12" graphite and Prismacolor

Thank you all so much for your kind words of encouragement. I am THANKFUL for you!

Blessings,

A quick update ... good news/bad news

First of all, let me say how much I appreciate those of you who have checked in on me to make sure I am all right. Let me ease your mind and tell you right away that I am fine. Life has gotten a little too busy lately for me to really blog as I would like to. And I certainly haven't been around to all of you wonderful blog friends checking in on you as I would like to. Some of this is due to computer woes (bad news), but most of this is due to the fact that I am going to be in an upcoming art show (good news). As an artist who works primarily on commission, that means that I don't have much of an inventory of things to put in a show. I am so thankful that I am receiving commissions regularly, and those works have been shipped off to their new homes. But I need things now to put in the exhibit, and so I have been spending every available minute at the drawing/painting board. I would appreciate your prayers as I get ready for this, as it will be the first time I have ever participated in an art show.

I thought I would share a couple of my newest pieces. The first is a watercolor from a photograph that a dear friend of mine took while doing ministry in a particular area of the hills of Kentucky several years ago. They were providing aid to some people who had lost homes or possessions in a flood. He took a picture of this abandoned barn and graciously allowed me to use it for reference.



The second one is much more whimsical and was done with Prismacolor pencils on matboard, and is called "Great and Small."



Once the show is behind me, I hope to be back to blogging as I would like. Until then, may God bless and watch over you all!

Some good news and some artwork

Two posts in one day... I know, I know. But I wanted to share some good news I just received and a little of the artwork I have done this week. First the good news... my son got his first college acceptance letter today from a university he has had designs on attending for several years now. As a homeschooling mom, this is a very welcome day and one that has not come without some major sacrifices. I look back over these twelve years and think of the mulititude of times I could have had peaceful days at home if all my children were off in public or private schools. I could have had "time to myself" and been able to do some things just for myself. But, I am quickly reminded that there would have been so many things I would have missed... seeing the "lightbulb" come on while doing a math problem or teaching them to read... seeing their eyes light up as they found out something wonderful about how our universe is put together or how our bodies are formed with such intricate detail and amazing functionality... or seeing their realization of how important communication is, as we see an ever-increasing need to have great command of the language in order to communicate effectively in our "wired world"... or knowing that they couldn't wait until we studied their favorite part of history. All these things and many more help me to know that the sacrifice was worth it. So, I am rejoicing today that I am about to send one of my "baby birds" out from this nest and am thankful that he is a responsible and generous young man.


And now for the artwork...

I thought you might be interested to see the stages of this one. It was a great deal of fun to do.

"Where Dreams Live"
- graphite on paper

This watercolor was done from a lovely picture I found in The English Garden magazine of two people from vastly different generations who were obviously enjoying one another's company tremendously.

"Joyful Years"
- watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold press

And thanks to Cielo from The House in the Roses for hosting "Hopeful Friday"!

Back from Blogging Break...

I am so happy to return to blogging after a much needed break. I have been very busy since my last post with all kinds of things including a terrific family vacation that lasted most of two weeks. This was not a restful vacation, but it was extremely enjoyable and a diversion. It included both my mother and also my hubby's parents and was a challenge to plan, but it was a very special time for us.

Since returning, I have been busy washing clothes and getting back into a normal (what is normal, anyway?) routine. Our oldest son had his 17th birthday while we were away, and he is in his senior year of high school. I can hardly believe my baby will be going off to college next year. We have spent the last week trying to get things together in order for him to make application to the colleges he has interest in attending. These are wonderful milestones, but they also make mom a little sad. I am so proud of the young man he has become.


"Apple Pickin" - watercolor on cold press

As you can see, I have also been busy with artwork since our return home. The watercolor above was one I had begun earlier in August (see this post) along with the EPCOT sketch below. I have continued to work on it since returning, but it's not quite finished.

The watercolor below was such fun to work on. The colors really inspired me, and I love the balance of the heaviness of the grapes amidst the papery fragility of the grape leaves. It is called "Abundance."


"Abundance" - watercolor on cold press

I must say a big thank you to those who stopped here and asked about me during my absence... you are all precious to me. I am looking forward to making all my blog rounds again... I will probably ease back into this process so please be patient with me. I am happy to be back in the cozy cottage.

Fruitful Fridays...

This week I have been one busy camper... we are putting our house on the market, so I have had lots to do aside from artwork. However, I have had a chance to do a little bit of

Vintage Victoria magazine-inspired artwork...