Happy New Year!

I can’t believe 2009 has all but come and gone! So much has happened this year – not all of it good – but there has been more good than bad and even in the bad times there were blessings to be had. That counts for something. I do have so many blessings to be thankful for and just like The Fledglings I’m looking forward to seeing what 2010 brings.

My list of resolutions is long this year so I won’t bore you. My prayers are that we all we have year of good health, happiness and prosperity.

I look forward to sharing my paintings with you, reading your comments and visiting your blogs. Happy 2010!

Philippians 4:13 (New International Version)
13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

My Red Boots - Original ACEO Card

My Red Boots
2 1/2" x 3 1/2" (6.4cm x 8.9cm)
Original on Velour
$25 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I haven't actually sat down and painted (pastels) since I've been off from work for the holidays. There seems to be a lot to be done around my house and I've been taking advantage of my time at home.

This evening, however, I felt the urge to do a pastel and set up a still life of my red boots and this rusted star I have. I used to wear these boots quite often and loved them. They usually sit on my hearth so as with most things that sit out all the time you forget they are there. I had moved them to put up Christmas decorations and realized they would make a neat little still life - so here it is. An ACEO (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals) card. One of these days I may do have to do this larger.

Revelation 4:11 (New International Version)
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

My Chicken Wall Door

I've been playing for the last couple of days!

I've had this panel from a solid wood door and part of an old door knob. I've been wanting to do something with it for a long time but wasn't sure just what. Then with the arrival of my Susan Winget calendar for my kitchen I figured out what it was I wanted to do.

I painted the outside border with the Cherry Cobbler red that is on the bottom cabinets in my kitchen. Then sketched out my chickens. I used acrylic paints to paint the chickens and the vine around the border. The chickens aren't that detailed - not like my usual work - which works for what I wanted.

I took a bit of the paint I was using and wiped it over the door knob plate because the old paint that was left on it didn't go with my colors at all. It has a neat look to it now. I was unsure as how to secure the knob itself but used some of that epoxy putty that Billy Mayes advertised on TV - it works!

I like my new Chicken Wall Door and had a whole lot of fun working on it! Now to clean up my mess ;-)

John 1:14 (New International Version)
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Merry CHRISTmas Everyone!

Matthew 2:10-11

10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Part 2 of DSFDF Portrait Challenge

Here is Part 2 of the Different Strokes From Different Folks portrait challenge. Enjoy!


John 14:27 (New International Version)
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

More on DSFDF

Thought ya'll might enjoy this video. Rebecca Watkins, the artist I painted for the DSFDF challenge, posted it on her blog which she got from Karin Jurick's blog. Karin is the originator of Different Strokes From Different Strokes. As the other videos become available I'll post a link too. Be sure to check out the portrait that Rebecca did of me - I think she did a great job.


Psalm 90:17 (New American Standard Bible)
17Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

DSFDF - Portrait Assignment

This beautiful lady is an artist. I don't know her name but she was my Different Strokes From Different Folks end of the year assignment. Each artist who wanted to participate in the challenge sent Karin Jurick a photo of themselves and Karin then made anonymous assignments to each artist by trading the photos.

I had fun painting her - she has a beautiful smile that reaches her twinkling eyes. I really should get some portrait pastels so I'd have more of the flesh tones that I need but I made do with what I had. I think it looks better in real life - sometimes the scanner just doesn't like pastels.

I hope she likes it and thinks it looks enough like her that someone would recognize her.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 (New International Version)
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

TMA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Results

The TMA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza turned out well. The great thing about it was it was at work, I was inside and didn't have to worry about cold or wet weather and lunch was provided. You can't beat that with a stick!

I didn't have a lot to set up, as compared to a full fledged, show so it didn't take long to set up or take down and that is always nice. I have two crates under the tables that I pack my extra prints and other things in. Even though it makes extra stuff to carry, it really is nice to have those extra prints to replace what has sold.

People were shopping for small items but I sold several prints, lots of notecards. ACEO cards and some key chains I had made up at the last minute. I had several to ask about commissions so hopefully something will happen there.

I did something this time that I don't normally do and that was offer a discount. People seemed to like the idea they were saving money. I also gave the option to those who were having a hard time deciding if they wanted to spend any money on a print or original to go to my website within the week and place their order and I'd honor the discount.

We had more vendors there than before - but as far as artists go it was just me and one other artist and one photographer I believe - the others were more crafty type, hand made things, food, or jewelry. Traffic was steady but people were careful with their purchases. I certainly feel blessed I did as well as I did.

Thank you to those who came out and especially to those of you who purchased a piece of my art. You are appreciated.

Colossians 3:15 (New International Version)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

2009 TMA/TMAIT Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

Every year about this time Texas Medical Association, where I work, has a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. We invite vendors to set up their tables (free of charge) in our auditorium and sell their arts and crafts. Then we invite our working neighbors, friends and families to come join in on a day of shopping. There is Christmas music and lots of neat things to buy. Many people come during their lunch hour, buy a boxed lunch, and do their Christmas shopping. It really is a great little arts and craft show.

I'll be there selling my prints and will even have a few originals on hand too. If you are in the Austin area try to come by if you can - I'd love to see you!


2 Corinthians 5:5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Red on Red - Original Pastel

Red on Red
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
Pastels on Velour
$75 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I think everyone must love this brightly colored bird - the Northern Cardinal. We Texans have been known to call them simply "Red Birds." I have several pairs of them that visit my bird feeders. They feed until almost dark when the other birds have already gone to roost. I love the sound they make - very distinctive. I can't help but smile when I hear them and then see that flash of red.

Psalm 16:11 (New International Version)
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.