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.