Mary Did You Know? - sung by Mark Lowry

This is such a beautiful and powerful song that I wanted to share it with you on this CHRISTmas Day.

Luke 2:11 (King James Version)

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Christmas - A Reason to Celebrate

At my office, when we come back from Thanksgiving, everything is decorated for Christmas.  I always enjoy seeing the front door that first day.

 Then there is the tree in the foyer. 

It's always beautiful.

My decorations at my house are pretty modest however.  I no longer put up a tree but do enjoy decorating my fireplace and hearth with a few lights and Christmas ornaments.  My original pastel donkey, "Did You Hear?", has a prominent place on the fireplace each year and then there are just a few things on the hearth.

A pair of "My Red Boots", an old crocheted dollie that I got from my mom long ago. I don't know who made them. Then there is the special reindeer from a dear friend, who is no longer with us, that I set out too.

But the real reason I enjoy this time of year, the real reason for the season, is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, my Saviour!  What a wonderful time of year! 

Merry CHRISTmas!

Luke 2 (King James Version)

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Shiner - A Christmas Commission

I was privileged to do this commission for our CFO where I work. He is giving the original to his wife and a print of the original to his son for Christmas - how cool is that!  Shiner is a beautiful Australian Shepherd. He told me Shiner actually belongs to his son but his wife dearly loves the dog as well and has pictures of him all over her office and that is where the original will hang. 

It took about 3 hours to paint - it was one of those that just comes together and I really enjoyed working on it.  The photo he provided was great.  The bluebonnets made a beautiful Texas setting and I really like the lighting.  You can see that I enlarged the photo to an 11" x 14" size to work from on the side-by-side photo above.  I'm afraid the finished scan of the original below may look rather dark compared to how it looks in real life. One of these days I'll get a new monitor.

Shiner

11" x 14" Original Pastel on Velour

NFS - In private collection

Can't wait to hear is she likes it.

Psalm 37:7 (New International Version)

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. . .

My 2010 Christmas Card

2010 Christmas Card
4 1/2" x 3 1/2" (11.5cm x 8.9cm)
Giclee
Three for $15 with FREE shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I finally have my 2010 Christmas card ready.  I had a hard time coming up with something that I really liked this year.  I feel it is rather hard to follow the one I did several years ago but each year I try.  I like this one but the little donkey is still my favorite.

As with the other Christmas cards I have done, this one has a giclee print that can be removed and is ready to be framed.  Besides being a nice card it really makes a nice gift as well.  The printed card stock is 5 1/5" x 8 1/2" and envelopes are included.

I'm offering the original for sell too.

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

Matthew 1:18 (New King James Version)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

Time for the TMA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza!

If you are in the Austin area come by the Texas Medical Association building for our annual arts and craft holiday shopping extravaganza this Friday, December 3rd!   I don't know the total number of vendors we will have this year but usually there are at least 30 with every thing from fine art to salsa.

TMA does a great job of setting up the vendors in our auditorium and everyone has a wonderful time.  If you come on your lunch hour you can even purchase a boxed lunch so you will have plenty of time to shop.

I'll be there with a few small originals and lots of prints and cards all priced to sell.  I hope to see you there!


Luke 2:10 (King James Version)
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Pears & Company

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day!  I know not everyone around the world celebrates Thanksgiving with us here in the United States, but I'm certain that everyone has something to be thankful for no matter how large or small it may be.

I'm thankful that I will be spending Thanksgiving with my folks nearby and that my brother and his family will be there too.  We are all pitching in and bringing food - I'm bringing the turkey and dressing so I'll be up early in the morning to get it in the oven.  I've already made a couple of pies to take too.  What are you doing for Thanksgiving?  Cooking anything special? What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving! 

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

 Psalm 145:7 (NIV)
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

My Billy Bob - The Beauty of Power and Grace - An Original Pastel

My Bill Bob - The Beauty of Power and Grace

11" x 14"

Pastels on Velour

Not for Sale

As many of you know, this is my Billy Bob.  He is an Appaloosa.  I've had him since he was four and he is now 23 and with each year getting whiter and whiter.

Billy Bob has been the subject of a few of my graphites and pastels - check them out on my website - I'm sure you will recognize him.  I did a similar pastel of him a while back but it ended up being cropped and done a little differently because I had some problems - which we all know happens from time to time. This is the crop I wanted to do from the beginning and while I'm not completely finished with it I thought I'd share it with you. 

I like the name I've chosen for this pastel because he was exhibiting such beauty and power the day I took the reference photo.  Horses are just such magnificent animals - power, grace and beauty all packed into one animal - awesome!

Acts 15:11 (King James Version)
11But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Star - An Original Pastel

Star
5" x 7" (12.7cm x 17.8cm)
Pastels on Velour
$150 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted or actually done any painting.  I've been thinking about it but just haven't - for whatever reason.  So . . . last night after looking at several photos I decided to try to get back in the swing of things with this close-up of a horse.  I really hope it shows up on your computer screen well because the eye really looks good in real life.   My computer screen at home doesn't look as good as my computer screen at work so I always wonder how it looks to you.

Psalm 51:12 (New International Version)
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Sassy in Bluebonnets - Original Pastel - NFS

Sassy in Bluebonnets

8" x 8" on Velour

Not For Sale

This is my most beloved and adorable Cairn Terrier, Sassy.  I adopted her probably about 8 years ago now.  She is smart, loyal, loving and "sassy" - hence her name.  She will not hesitate to me "tell" what she is thinking or what I should do about something.  I'm always amazed at how much she understands.  I talk to her as if I were talking to a human, in the same tone, and she understands. She will be sitting on my lap and I tell her to "faint" and she falls backwards in my arms.  She doesn't hesitate to let me know when she is unhappy with me - like when I get my pastels out to paint - she will invariably ask to be let out just as soon as I settle in to paint and then when she comes in and sees that I am actually going to paint after all, she will "huff" and stomp off to to the bedroom pouting and grumbling all the way. The funny thing is usually when I get ready to paint she is snoozing in her chair - totally unconcerned with what I'm doing up to that point.  Go figure! 

She is also my rat and snake killer too which has come in handy more than I care to think about, however, Sassy is scared of rabbits.  One year, it was almost dark and we went to go feed my horse.  She took out chasing a rabbit that was in the yard and hit, head on, a shepherd's hook that I had placed in the yard to hold hanging plants.  It threw her about 10 feet backwards through the air when she hit it and she was screaming all the while.  She hit is so hard she bent the metal pole and threw the potted plants off the pole.  Scared me really bad.  I took her into the barn to see if she had broken anything - thankfully she seemed fine but I had the vet check her out the next day just to be on the safe side.  Ever since though when she sees a rabbit she freezes and almost becomes a part of me as we walk to the barn to feed or turns to insist to go back in the house.  I make her walk with me though and talk to her the entire time telling her the "killer" rabbit isn't going to hurt her that I will protect her.  Not long ago I actually encouraged her to "get" the rabbit to see what she would do - she looked at me and took out after it half heartedly, but she did - now that is loyalty!  Oh - not to worry the rabbit got away. Also I moved the shepherd's hook so that won't happen again.

Needless to say I love Sassy very much - she is great company, one of the best dogs that I have ever had, and brings so much joy to my life!


1 Corinthians 13:13 (New International Version)
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem - Original Pastel

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

5" x7" Original Pastel on Velour Paper

My girlfriend visited Israel several years ago and recently shared this reference picture with me.  I think now more than ever Israel needs our prayers.  I don't think there has ever been a time when Israel has been so alone.  I never thought that the United States government would take the stand that they have appeared to regarding Israel.  As a nation, we have always been supporters of Israel - I think the majority of people of the United States still are - regardless how badly our governmental leaders have acted.

Today, more than ever, with the threat of a nuclear Iran, Israel needs our prayers.  Israel is the apple of God's eye and He warns us not to go against Israel.  We need to take heed of that warning.  While I believe we are living in the last days, now is not a time to stop praying for peace.  We should be praying that our governmental leaders wake up and turn to God the Father for He will surely have the last word.  So, as you say your prayers tonight, bless the people of Israel and Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

Genesis 12:3

"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Moderating Comments

I was hoping I would never have to moderate comments on my blog but after getting some inappropriate comments I have now turned on the moderator so that I may view them before allowing them to be posted.  It is a shame that some make this necessary but there is no sense in having you offended by these postings.

I plan on getting back to painting on a regular basis soon.  Hope you all have enjoyed your summer despite the hot weather.

Matthew 15:18 - 19 (New King James Version)
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

Red Poppies - Original Pastel

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

I have such a hard time painting flowers but I saw a beautiful photo of some poppies by Patricia Chute on Facebook and asked her if she would mind if I used her photo as a reference picture.  She graciously said yes. Thank you Patricia!

So here they are. They are OK - not as beautiful as the photo but they are OK.  I really should paint flowers more and not make them the first thing I paint after not painting for  a week or so since I'm always rusty after a break.


Psalm 112:5 (New International Version)
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.

Precious Boy - Original Pastel Portrait

Precious Boy 

Original Pastel Portrait 8"x 8"

Not For Sale

Have you ever seen a photograph that you just HAD to paint?  This is one of those. I mean look at that face and the lighting.  I really wanted to paint it and what made me want to paint it even more is this precious boy and his wonderful parents go to my church.  It has been such a joy getting to know them. They are just a lovely little family - you can't help but smile when you see them.

Well, when this photo was posted yesterday, I decided immediately I was going to paint it and give it to them tonight - you know just because.  It was one of those paintings that just came together without much effort and I had so much fun doing it.  But I had more fun giving it to them!  I wished I had a camera - their reaction made it so worth it - what a blessing!  I think we all cried.

Luke 18:16 (New International Version)

16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Proud To Be An American - Original Pastel

Proud To Be An American
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 don't know of another bird that looks as proud as the Bald Eagle.  It stirs up all kinds of emotions in people of this country - pride is one.  I'm proud to be an American and to call the United States my home.

I found what I posted in 2008 for the 4th of July.  You might find it interesting to read. 

I find that although we still live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, I fear some of our freedoms are being whittled away before our very eyes - even since 2008.  We can see some people trying to rewrite history to their liking.  We have seen people remove God and prayer from our schools and want to erase Him altogether.  I don't understand that kind of thinking because after all our country was founded on Judeo-Christian  principles.  God Almighty has made this country great and our founding fathers were wise enough to recognize they couldn't do it on their own and called upon Him.  I hope we, as a nation, wise up soon. 

Despite it all, I'm still proud to be an American.  I pray for our leaders, and our country as a whole, to turn to God, ask for forgiveness, and get back to those values and principles that our founding fathers held so dear to their hearts and turn this great country around soon.

Happy Independence Day America!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New American Standard Bible)
14and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

ETSY Treasury is Featuring "Paddling As Fast As I Can" - Print

Paddling As Fast As I Can

Click Here to Purchase

This has always been a favorite of mine.  It is being featured in an ESTY Treasury by elinay.  As you may know these treasuries only last a few days so you might want to check it out soon.  The original sold right away, however, I have plenty of  giclee prints on hand.  If you miss the treasury you can go to my ETSY store or my website to purchase.

Exodus 20:12 (New International Version)
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Now It's Yard Art - Original Pastel

Now It's Yard Art
4" x 10" (10.2cm x 25.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$75 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I have this unique glass hummingbird feeder in my flowerbed. I love the shape of it and the metal stand that holds it. The only thing is - it didn't hold the sugar water very well and the little flower feeder tube broke after one season. I retired it from its original use but kept it planted in my flowerbed just because I love it.

The other day it was late afternoon, the sun was getting low and shining through the green-blue glass. Little drops of condensation were forming on the inside of the feeder. It was just beautiful and it made me glad I kept it. Even if the hummingbirds don't feed from it any longer and it has become a little piece of yard art it still brings me joy.

PS - Not to worry - I still have my old standby feeder hanging on my front porch that works very well and feeds several hummingbirds at one time.


John 14:16 (New International Version)
16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—

The Lion of Judah - Original Pastel

The Lion of Judah
8" x 10" (20.4cm x 25.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$250 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I started this pastel the other night and almost didn't finish it because it was in that really ugly stage.  Since it has been a while since I've done any painting it is always a little discouraging when it gets to that ugly stage.  You may know how that is.  I was second guessing myself and really didn't think it would turn out very well.  But tonight I really felt I should try to finish it. So when I started on it again I totally forgot I was going to try to scan it as I was working on it and just started in on it again.  Sorry. You should have seen it before I started tonight though - really ugly - but since I forgot these will just have to do. 

I am so glad I didn't throw this one away because I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.  I tried not to go overboard with the details and to use broader strokes - I'm trying to loosen up some - and that is hard for me to do.  It is a tad lighter in real life - at least comparing it on my computer screen to the original  so I hope it shows up OK on yours.


Revelation 5:5 (New International Version)
5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."

Memorial Day 2010

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.

In the name of Jesus.
Amen.
(Author Unknown)

Psalm 108:3 (New American Standard Bible)
3I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations.

Riding on The Clouds - Original Pastel

Riding on the Clouds
9" x 12" (22.9cm x 30.5cm)
Pastels on Velour
$200 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

This was inspired when I was at church this last Wednesday when we were praising and worshiping the Lord.  We were singing  "These are the Days of Elijah" - one of my favorites.  As we were singing I felt this image come to me when we sang the words "Behold He Comes Riding On The Clouds."  It felt like a lightening flash - in fact it kind of jolted me and I sat down right quick, got out my small sketchbook that I keep in my purse, and wrote down what I was feeling and what I saw, singing all the while.   The image in my mind was almost as fleeting as a lightening flash but I've tried to hold on to it the best that I could.  I've been working on it since Wednesday, making sketches of what I "saw" and trying to "see" how to finish it. I started it last night and put the finishing touches on it today. It was rather hard to scan and looks better in real life but I'm pleased with it.

I hope you will click on the You Tube link of Paul Wilber singing "These are the Days of Elijah" - it is powerful!

Revelation 19:11-14 (New International Version)
The Rider on the White Horse

11I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.

ADNW Art Challenge - Still Life - Original Pastel

Red, Yellow and Copper

8" x 8" (20.4cm x 20.4cm)

Pastels on Velour

$150 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US

E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

Finally I've gotten in on one of Lee Brown's art challenges - A Day Not Wasted.  He is a fantastic photographer and artist.  The photo for this one, as with his others, is really beautiful.  On his blog he gives insights as to how he set it up this still life.  Be sure to visit his blog to read all about it 

I decided not to do the full photo but cropped just part of it.  It was a good challenge to get all the reflections and shadows in appropriately.  Not sure I've got them exact but I like the effect.

Colossians 4:6 (New International Version)
6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

The Lord is my Rock - Original Pastel Commission

The Lord is my Rock; an ever present help.

11" x 14" Original Pastel

This is a commission I have done for my childhood girlfriend, Lynette. Many years had gone by since we had seen or talked to each other but I found her (and her sister) last year on Facebook.  We met up and had a great reunion.  It has been wonderful to catch up with her - a real blessing.

Anyway she recently moved from Texas and bought a house and has been remodeling and decorating for several months now and had this place over her new fireplace that would be perfect for a painting.  She asked me if I'd be interested in doing an inspirational painting for her.  I was honored and excited about doing it.  She told me that Psalm 62 is very special to her and told me the wording she wanted . . .and this is the image I came up with. 

I hope you enjoy it Lynette for many years to come - can't wait to see it framed and hanging in your new home.

Psalm 62 (King James Version)

1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Come See Me at the Wimberley Arts Fest on Saturday, April 24!

I will be participating in the Wimberley Arts Fest on Saturday, April 24, from 10 am to 7 pm, along with 70 other artists.  This will be my first time not taking my tent  to an event like this, but decided since it was just a one day event, I'd hang in a covered area on a designated 4'x8' wall.  They said all I had to bring was my art and a hammer.  I like that! 

I'm bringing all originals - about 14 or so of my latest pieces, from small to large, all matted and framed, priced to sell, and ready to go to a good home.  I hope if you live in the area you will be able to come by to visit with me. 


Hebrews 10:23 (New American Standard Bible)

23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

Crown of Thorns - An Original Sketch

Matthew 27:29 (New International Version)

29and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.

This week I have been thinking about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I get emotional, I cry, I pray, and I praise God that He gave His only begotten Son for us.  I praise God that Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified, to suffer terrible humiliation and to suffer the unbelievable pain of being crucified. On top of all of that, He bore the sins of all of us on that cross so that we may have life. Just think about that for a minute – all sin. Can you imagine that? That is frightening in itself to me. Father God even had to look away because it was so bad. I can’t imagine what that felt like for Jesus. But it was done all in the name of love - because He loved me and you so much - it brings me to tears now thinking of that love. Talk about a true LOVE story! I thank God that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ wasn’t the end! The best part of this love story is that even though He died on the cross and was buried in a tomb - Jesus was resurrected from the dead by God the Father three days later and did it for you and me. That means that for each of us who accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Son of the Living God, we will have everlasting life with Him in Heaven. There is no better ending to a love story than that – but even that isn’t really the end . . . it is just the beginning.
Thank you Jesus!


Matthew 28:5-6 (New International Version)
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Robin - Original Pastel - Another Windows to the Words Challenge

Robin
6" x 7" (15.3cm x 17.8cm)
Pastels on Velour
$100 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I just finished another of James Parker's challenges on Windows to the Words.  I chose to do the Robin this time.  I loved the shading and the feathers on this bird when I saw it and thought it would be fun - it was!  I almost took those two leaves out but once I got them in I was afraid they would have shown a bit if I had tried to take them out - so they are staying.

Hebrews 10:23 (New American Standard Bible)

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

Cone Flowers Featured in New ESTY Treasury

My original pastel, Cone Flowers, is featured in a new ETSY treasury.  There is a lot of great art featured so please take a few minutes to check it all out.  The treasury ends on Tuesday, March 16th.  Thanks Twisted Creatures for making this treasury come together!

2 Peter 1:5-8 (New International Version)

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;

6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Broad-billed Hummingbird - Original ACEO Pastel

Broad-billed Hummingbird
2 1/2" x 3 1/2" (6.4cm x 8.9cm)
Pastels on Velour
$40 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

Here is another entry for James Parker's challenge on his blog Windows to the Words - a Broad-billed hummingbird.  I don't get this particular little hummingbird in my neck of the woods - they range more south in Mexico and over to Arizona but I do get the Ruby-throated and the Black-chinned hummingbirds here in Central Texas.   It won't be long before they are back at the feeder - can't wait!

This is another ACEO card measuring 2.5" x 3.5".  I didn't get the detail that I like to get but it was fun to do.  Hope you like it too.


Deuteronomy 7:9 (New International Version)
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Eastern Bluebird - Original Pastel ACEO - Windows to the Words Challenge

Eastern Bluebird
2 1/2" x 3 1/2" (6.4cm x 8.9cm)
Pastels on Velour
$40 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

Gosh I haven't painted in quite a while! It always is a little intimidating to get back in the swing of painting when I haven't done anything for such a long time so I thought I'd just play for my first one back.  This is a little ACEO card, only 2.5 x 3.5 inches, perfect for this little bluebird. They are such bright and cheerful birds, you can't help but smile when you see them.  When I saw James Parker had a challenge on his blog Windows to the Words and this little bluebird was on the top of the lists of reference photos I had to participate. I may end up doing all the birds - we will see.

Psalm 5:3 (New International Version)
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

I've Been Awarded the Sunshine Blog Award by Faith Te and Dean Haven

Sunshine Award

It is always special to receive an award from a fellow artists and this is even extra special coming from two very talented artists and who happen to be wonderful people too! Faith Te and Dean Haven are exceptional artists and people I consider "friends" - thank you both!

The rules for accepting the award are:

• Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
• Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
• Link the nominees within your post.
• Let the nominees know they received this award.
• Link to the person from whom you received this award.

I hope you will visit these blogs - each one is special in their own right. Enjoy!

• Amanda Carder
• Ann Rogers
• Carol Schiff
• Gary Keimig
• Karen Martin
• Janet McGrath
• Laura Barber-Riley
• Pattie Wall
• Regina Calton Burchett
• Sam Dolman
• Saundra Galloway
• Becky

To those I have chosen:  If you have already received this award, or do not wish to participate, I certainly understand, but I just wanted to say I enjoy your blogs and visit often.  Thank you for doing what you do so well and bringing a little sunshine in to my world.


Deuteronomy 28:6 (New International Version)
You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

Two Peices Featured in Two Different Esty Treasuries!

Full of Promises is featured in a treasury by ipaintpictures' and  Glorious Sunset is featured in treasury by Art and Old Lace's.  These treasuries will only last until Saturday so please be sure to visit and click on each artist's contribution and visit their shops.  It is always an honor to be selected to be in a treasury - thank you both Deb and Bonnie!


John 15:7 (New American Standard Bible)
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, (A)ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Grapes on the Vine was Accepted in the Austin Pastel Society Annual Juried Exhibition

Grapes on the Vine

5" x 7" Pastel on Velour

I'm pleased to announce my Grapes on the Vine has been accepted in the Austin Pastel Society's annual juried exhibition, the Corridor of Art.  It begins March 7th and goes through May 2nd.  The Corridor of Art is at 700 Lavaca in Austin.  There is an Artists Reception and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 21st from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.  You are invited!

There are many fine artists in this exhibition.  I hope you will be able to come out and visit in person to see all the wonderful art, but if not click here to see the art that was selected. 

Guess that means I need to get this one framed an matted soon!

Deuteronomy 28:6 (New International Version)

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

A Thank You To Karin Jurick - Pastel Original Portrait

My Pastel of

Karin Jurick of Different Strokes From Different Folks

 The photo of Karin I worked from.

Probably most of you know that I participate, from time to time, in the painting challenges on Different Strokes from Different Folks, a blog hosted by Karin Jurick.  I was contacted a month or so ago by Jill Polsby to participate in a "Thank You" to Karin by all of us painting her portrait.   I'm not going to go into the details but do please read Jill's blog for those.  I'm not feeling too well, I have pneumonia and just not up to writing a whole lot right now but didn't want to let the day go by without posting this and to say Thank You to Karin for all her time and effort in doing the DSFDF blog.

Click here to see 118 Faces of Karin.


1 Chronicles 16:23 (New American Standard Bible)

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

Did you notice the angel?

I was showing someone my pastel "Glorious Sunset" and she said "Oh, you put an angel in the sky!"  I didn't notice it before, but immediately saw it once she said that.  If I had tried to put it there it probably wouldn't have worked out as well.  What do you think?  Can you see the angel?


Luke 4:10 (Amplified Bible)
For it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard and watch over you closely and carefully;

Liquid Gold Sunset - Original Pastels

Liquid Gold Sunset
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
Pastels on Velour
$50 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

Here's another sunset.  It isn't a view from my backdoor, despite all the rain we have had lately, my pasture isn't a lake . . .yet!  This is just from an old photograph I had and I liked the look of liquid gold in both the sky and water.

Haggai 2:8 (New International Version)
'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty.

Full of Promises - Pastel Original

Full of Promises

6" x 6" (15.3cm x 15.3cm)

Pastels on Velour

$100 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US

E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I have a couple of nests in my house that I have accumulated over the years.  I find them very intriguing the way they are put together and, in fact, marvel how birds manage to even make them.  The nests hold their shape so well, while looking rather delicate, and provide a safe home for something as delicate as a bird's eggs.  This nest is full of promises.


2 Corinthians 1:20 (New American Standard Bible)

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.