Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas!

This year I haven't done much in the way of  Christmas decorating since I've been remodeling a room in my house and my entire house seems to be turned upside down.  So I bought a little "Charlie Brown" tree.  With that little tree and all the wonderful Christmas cards I have received from around the world - well it just makes me smile. I ended up buying one for my office and even sent one to my grandson. He was thrilled with it.


One evening I did a small pastel of my version of my Christmas tree.
This has reminded me how sometimes we get so caught up with all the perfect decorations, buying just the right gifts, cooking the perfect meal, and all the other activities that we do to "celebrate" Christmas we forget why we are celebrating.  

It is really very simple. The reason for Christmas is the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  

Although he wasn't born on December 25th,  we celebrate that day. He was born in a simple manger, where animals were fed.  However, there was fanfare!  Angels - a multitude of heavenly host raised their voices praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

So when you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day life, whether it is Christmas or not, give God thanks for sending His son - after all He is the greatest gift ever given to man!

Thank You Lord!
Merry Christmas Everyone!



Luke 2:11-14
King James Version (KJV)
 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.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

This Thanksgiving Day


I'm so thankful for so many things.  I'm thankful for family, friends, my animals, my home, my job, my car, my health, my country - and the list could go on and on.  The one thing I'm more thankful for than anyone or anything in my life is Jesus Christ, my Savior, my Lord - my Everything!  I give God the Glory for all things.  I'm so thankful for my salvation.  I'm so thankful that Jesus loves me. I'm so thankful He is always with me through the good and the bad and I can turn to Him for all things.

Thank you Lord - for everything.  Amen.




Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 116:17
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Revelation 7:12
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Friday, November 18, 2011

The Christmas Cardinal & 2011 Christmas Card


Christmas Cardinal
11" x 14" (28.0cm x 35.6cm)
Pastels on Velour
$300 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
Some of my most favorite birds are Cardinals - or as we Texans say "red birds."  This year I have about six of them that visit my feeders.  They are the first to get there and the last to leave.  I can actually hear them fussing when I drive up to the house, ready to be fed.

This original pastel was inspired by a photo by wildlife artist Robert Mislan allowed me to use as a reference. Thanks Bob!  Please be sure to check out his website - he is an awesome photographer!

About this time of year I have chosen my pastel that I'm going to use for my Christmas card. This year is no exception.  I don't know about you though but I can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner - it was only March last week!  At any rate, I'm using the image of my original and producing 4"x5" giclee prints, which can be removed from the card stock and framed - just as I have done in the past.  This has made a beautiful card.  I wrote a little poem on the front that says:
On Christmas morning a red bird sang, 
for a sweet wonderful sound from Heaven came. 
"For unto you is born this day, the Saviour, Christ the Lord - and Jesus is His Name!"


Christmas Cardinal
4" x 5" (10.2cm x 12.7cm)
Pastels on Velour
$5 plus $5 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.


Luke 2:11 (KJV)
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.


Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Most Beautiful Woman in the World

The Most Beautiful Woman in the World
A Commission - NFS

Not long ago a friend commissioned me to do a painting of his wife. He wanted to give it to her for her birthday. I love hearing him talk about her.  He always refers to her as the "most beautiful woman in the world."  I love that! 


Ephesians 5:33 - King James Version (KJV)
33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

9-11 Never Forget - An Original Pastel


9-11 Never Forget!
8" x 12" (20.4cm x 30.5cm)
Pastels on Velour
$300 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

In honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on America by Islamic Jihadist.


New York World Trade Centers
2,606 Civilians
343 FDNY Firefighters
23 NYPD Police Officers
37 Port Authority Officers

The Pentagon
125 Civilian and Military Personnel

American Flt. 11
87 Crew and Passengers

United Flt. 175
60 Crew and Passengers

American Flt. 77
59 Crew and Passengers

United Flt. 93
40 Crew and Passengers

Lord I pray, as remembering those who fell victim and those who gave their all ten years ago, that the United States of America will once again turn to You and ask for Mercy upon this nation. We know You are a healing God and Lord we need healing today all across this country in so many ways.

I thank You Lord - in Jesus Name I pray. Amen & Amen


Psalm 23:4
King James Version (KJV)
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Friday, September 9, 2011

The Delegation - An Original Pastel


The Delegation
11" x 14" (28.0cm x 35.6cm)
Pastels on Velour
$200 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
These geese look so comical to me.  They look all self-absorbed and on a mission being led by this little "formal" black and white duck.  I wonder where they are going and what they are going to do when they get there?

A fellow Facebook "Eagle Peeps", Linda Vetter, took the photo.  Thanks Linda for sharing - this was a fun study!

2 Timothy 4:2
2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Devoted - An Original Pastel

Devoted
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.
This beautiful Bearded Collie belongs to a co-worker who happens to be a very talented artist herself as well as an awesome singer.  She has beautiful Beardies who are magnificent and full of life.  She shows them, takes them to visit nursing homes, hospitals and does special events with them all of the time.  However, when you see them with her you know they are absolutely devoted to her - thus the name of this piece.


Psalm 82:3 King James Version (KJV)
3Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Little Green Apples - An Original Pastel



Little Green Apples
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 thought I'd paint this little pastel to try to get back into the painting mode again.  I love apples - both to eat and to paint.  Hope you like them too!

Psalm 46:10 King James Version (KJV)
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Watermelon Cool - An Original Pastel - A DPW Challenge


Watermelon Cool
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
Pastels on Velour
$100 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I've just recently joined Daily Paintworks and decided to try one of their weekly challenges.  This particular week was to paint a still life from the photo provided but paint it completely upside down as you see below.

These are always fun and a great challenge.  Your brain will sometimes challenge your eyes and you will end up painting what you "think" something looks like rather than what you actually see.  I have often turned my paper upside down when I can't seem to get something right - it really helps! Try it sometime - you will be amazed at the results.


Deuteronomy 11:16

King James Version (KJV)


16Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

Saturday, June 25, 2011

ETSY Treasury - Featuring My Original Pastel "Lion of Judah"


Lion of Judah
8" x 10" (20.4cm x 25.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$300 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
WOW - weekends are for Treasuries at ETSY I think!  I have another original pastel,  Lion of Judah, being featured. Please check out Sande Elkins' treasury and see what she has come up with for her Animal Kingdom Treasury.

I just looked back in my blog and I can't believe how time is flying by!  I posted this painting originally in June of 2010.  You might want to check it out if you haven't see that post because there are a few photos of the painting in progress.  I will have to do a WIP (work in progress) again one of these days.  


Revelation 5:5 King James Version
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Another ETSY Treasury Featuring My Original Pastel - Riding on the Clouds


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.
My, my, my - another of my pastels featured in an ETSY Treasury!  I love it!  This treasury is a Whiter Shade of Pale and has a variety of things in it all done in shades of white including my original pastel Riding on the Clouds.  Be sure to drop by there this weekend and see all that is being featured in this treasury.

You can read my original blog post about this painting here.

Revelation 19:11
King James Version (KJV)
11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Friday, June 17, 2011

ETSY Treasury "Stunning Horses" Features My Pastel of Billy Bob


BillyBob
8" x 10" (20.4cm x 25.4cm)
Giclee Print on Fine Art Paper
$40 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
I was just notified that my giclee print of Billy Bob is one of several being featured in the ETSY Treasury "Stunning Horses".  It will be for a limited time, but please take a few minutes to check the treasury out.  I'm always so honored when another artist features one of my pieces in their treasury and you know how much I love Billy Bob so that makes it even more special.



Psalm 68:3 King James Version (KJV)
3But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice

Sunday, June 5, 2011

His & Hers - An Original Graphite

His & Hers
10" x 8"
Original Graphite
$100

I like this graphite that I did serveral years ago because it seems to tell a timeless story to me.  Here is another timeless story:

My parents were married on June 6, 1942. On Monday, June 6, 2011 they are celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary!  You don't hear of many people these days that stay married even half that long. That is not to say that they haven't been through their share trials, tribulations and heartaches but God has blessed them mightily too in many ways over the years. 

In their mid to late 80s they are healthier than most 10 to 15 years younger than they are. They have four children, one of whom was killed at the age of 16.  They have three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Besides the United States and in particular Texas, where they both were born, they have lived in Puerto Rico, Scotland, the Philippines, and Hawaii. Today they live in Central Texas with most of us kids nearby.

So. . . Momma and Daddy I just want to wish you a very Happy Anniversary and pray that God continues to bless you both richly.  I pray for your health and happiness and I just want to say I am so thankful to have parents like you.  I love you both so much! God Bless!


Matthew 19:4-6 King James Version (KJV)
4And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day - 2011

Remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the freedoms that we have. Remembering those who have served in the past and who are serving now. Remembering all their families.

Thankful that I live in the United States of America. Grateful for each service man and woman who puts their life on the line so that I can live free and say "God Bless America - the land of the free and the home of the brave!"


Psalm 46:10 (King James Version)
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

He is Risen!

As much as I would have like to have posted a painting today - I don't have one that seemed to fit, but I do have something to say:  He is Risen!

Matthew 28
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Hallie Hugs
Not For Sale

I debated whether to share this one or not but decided Hallie is just too cute not to share. I've known Dee Dee and Hallie for probably six or so years - over the Internet in various venues - I've never met them in person but do consider Dee Dee a friend.

Dee Dee Murry a very, very talented artist and photographer, is owned and operated by Hallie.  Really.  Dee Dee will even tell you that.  Hallie is very talented as well.  She has earned all kinds of certifications in obedience and she is a model as well.  Dee Dee will set up photo shoots with Hallie and she will pose as she is told and loves it. Some of the cutest photos come from those sessions.

Well just recently Hallie suddenly lost most of her sight all at once without warning.  She has been diagnosed with SARDS.  They are waiting to get into a specialist next week who can hopefully save what sight Hallie has left.  This was devastating news as you can imagine.  When I heard about it I just wanted to give them both hugs - but couldn't and thought this was the best way I could send them hugs.  Dee Dee had posted the photo that I used for this pastel - so I nabbed* it and painted it and sent it to her - I figured she wouldn't mind me borrowing her photo for this and she didn't judging by her reaction of her email that she sent when she got the painting in the mail.  That email, although I cried, made my day!

Anyway my prayers are with Dee Dee and Hallie {hugs}}

*Just for the record - using (borrowing) photos and/or art work (in any format - on line or in print) that is not something that you did, without permission of the person who took the photo or painted the painting, etc., for whatever reason, is wrong. In fact it is illegal and would be a Copyright infringement punishable in a court of law. In other words it's not something to fool around with.

Romans 13:8 (King James Version)
8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Laughing Out Loud - An Original Pastel

Laughing Out Loud
11" x 14" (28.0cm x 35.6cm)
Pastels on Velour
$350 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
Here is another face that might even make you laugh out loud.  Donkey's have so much personality!  You've got to love those big ears and shaggy coats.  Then when they bray, besides sounding funny, they look like they are having a good laugh. 

You won't hurt my feelings if you laugh out loud at this painting.

Proverbs 17:22 (King James Version)
22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Boudreaux - An Original Pastel


Boudreaux
8" x 10" (20.4cm x 25.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$325 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
What a great face! Don't you agree? Boudreaux is an English Bulldog with great eyes that I think probably reveals a soft heart.  I wonder what he is thinking?

Galatians 5:22-23 (King James Version)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Elegance - An Original Pastel


Elegance
12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm)
Pastels on Velour
$350 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I made a call for reference photos to my Facebook friends for a project I'm working on and one of my artist friends, Pattie Wall, provided several great photos of her dogs.  Thanks Pattie!  I plan on using all the reference photos she sent me for paintings, but the one I chose to do first happens to be of  her Weimaraner. When I saw the photo I knew I wanted to paint it.  The lighting was great and the dog just looked elegant to me - hence the name of this piece. 


Philippians 4:19 (King James Version)
19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Sleet - A Border Collie - Original Pastel

Sleet - A Border Collie
8" x 8" (20.4cm x 20.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$300 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
This is Sleet, a Border Collie, owned and trained by Toni-Marie Hudson.  Toni-Marie takes some incredible pictures of her animals, besides being a great artist herself.  

I received notice last week that I needed to do a painting of a Border Collie rather quickly and she was kind enough to let me use one of her photos as reference to create this painting.  Thanks Toni!

This painting took about two hours to paint - working from a very good reference photo makes all the difference in the world.


Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Mountain Chickadee - Original Pastel - Wilderness Art Challenge



Mountain Chickadee
5" x 12" (12.7cm x 30.5cm)
Pastels on Velour
$75 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
This is little Mountain Chickadee study took me about an hour.  I wanted something quick to do this morning and remembered that Gary Keimig had this as part of his art challenge blog, Wilderness Art Challenge.  Be sure to check out Gary's blogs and artwork and the submissions to his art challenges.  Thanks Gary!

These little birds are so cute and must be pretty tough to survive the severe winters across the western United States.

Psalm 84:3 (New International Version, ©2010)
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—
a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Sofie - My Latest Commission

Sofie
12" x 12" Original Pastel
Not For Sale

This is my latest commission - Sofie. Sofie is a beautiful Miniature Poodle who belongs to the wife of my boss. 

I almost panicked at first glance and thought "oh no - she is black - how will I get the details?"   I knew better though.  Sure enough as I began to study her and paint her I was excited to find she had lots of beautiful colors and shades of blues, browns, rusts, pinks and grays that enhanced her black coat - so I tried to emphasis those colors to get the details and depth needed. 


Isaiah 32:17 (King James Version)
17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

My Teddy Bear - Original Pastel


My Teddy Bear
5" x 7" (12.7cm 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.
It has been a while since I've posted anything but I finally sat down last night and painted this little teddy bear.  He actually sits on my upright piano.  I had bought him years ago because I thought he was cute.  I still like stuffed animals and dolls and have a few sitting around my house - some new and some not so new.  I guess that is something I'll never outgrow - but then that is OK with me.


John 14:16 (King James Version)
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;