My newest painting is an oil on panel of Dewey Christian Church. It will be somewhat impressionist in nature and will hopefully carry with a sense of nostalgia, family, future and the need for God in our lives. This is after gesso and a few hours work. On this one, I have worked with darks and shadows first; after the oil paint becomes a little bit tacky, I will begin adding light and details. I'll post a photo when it is finished...or when I find a good stopping place.:) ![]() Well, it took a different turn. My friend Megan had sent a beautiful photo to me that one of her friends had taken of our church one night. It was amazing but the detail was not there at all. I kept coming back to this photo and decided to do a somewhat impressionistic version of our beautiful church. It still needs a little more work after it dries again. The title is: "There's Church in the Mornin'" Hope you like it.
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2/27/17 I gave this painting to Gearlene in memory of Daniel. I think it made her feel happy.:) 2/8/17...Well, I came to a stopping point. I've learned a lot and might do a new dandelion painting sometime...or maybe not :). The story... at church, for some strange reason Mike, our friend Gearlene and I were talking about funeral flowers. He said he was going to use dandelions for me. I said, "Oh that's great, next to daffodils, dandelions are my favorite." Gearlene said "Me too!" and told me that her husband Daniel had given her a dandelion on their honeymoon and she has kept it forever. He passed away this past year. What a beautiful story. Dandelions are amazing weeds, flowers or whatever you choose to see. I have always loved them, as have my children, grandchildren and most children I have been around. They are symbolic of purity, life, vitality, positivity, vibrancy, resurgence and survival. The french name means "the lions tooth" and depicts courage, pride, family and the sun. They have tremendous medicinal properties and the bitterness of the leaves has been linked to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Dandelions in their radiant yellow state and in their "wishing stick" phase bring joy and energy of youth into your life and the message of "Never Give Up". Hope the next time you see one of these little "weeds" in your yard it will make you smile. Someone special needs a painting of dandelions. There is a great story I will share later. I love dandelions in their bright yellow beauty and in their " wishing stick" phase. I've researched the meaning and stories of these beautiful flowers, considered weeds. I'll share that later, too. Right now, I will continue working on this painting. As my friend Faye always said, "everything is equally hard to paint". You would think dandelions would be easy...as you can see...not:) First of all they are not white and the list goes on. When I get it finished, I'll share it...or you will see a panel covered in gesso to start over.
I believe in prayer and years ago I was taught the meaning of "legs on prayers". Many times there is also something we can DO to make a difference. Sometimes, like this, it is very, very small but many people doing a little can make something great. If we listen, God leads us in this, I truly believe. The November blog of Smoky Mountain Sunset is another example. We all have different talents and resources...so we each must do what we can :)
![]() This painting is in honor of my friends, Faye and Harold Bowman. They love East TN and my Poga home place and "Howie" loves the snow...living in Texas now... the land misses them! I took this photo when Mike and I went to visit my Mom on a recent Sunday afternoon, the first snowfall of the year. It was beautiful. Faye shared with me her love of art and I learned a lot from her. Her work is precise and wonderfully done. She also shared a lot of wisdom, some quotes, books and poetry. The painting reminded me of a poem that she wrote down for me...My Hills of Dreams by Arthur Guiterman. He wrote many humorous poems but this one just feels like me. I guess that's why she gave it to me. I never loved your plains!--
Your gentle valleys, Your drowsy country lanes And pleachéd alleys. I want my hills! -- the trail That scorns the hollow.-- Up, up the ragged shale Where few will follow, Up, over wooded crest And mossy bowlder With strong thigh, heaving chest, And swinging shoulder, So let me hold my way, By nothing halted, Until, at close of day, I stand, exalted, High on my hills of dream-- Dear hills that know me! And then, how fair will seem The lands below me, How pure, at vesper-time, The far bells chiming! God, give me hills to climb, And strength for climbing! Arthur Guiterman This is my newest , painting. A 5 x 7 in oils on birch panel with several hours of work.
On a trip with my friend, as I watched her taking photos of door knobs and both of us sharing the love of these old knobs, locks and keys; I photographed this one to paint. Many years ago, my brother Earnie and I think my sons Kenny and Johnny were with me. An old shed had withered away and fallen down with time. In the midst of the rubble, I saw an old hand made door with a lock like this one. I really wanted it! They tried to get it off for me but with no success. They were able to get the knob though. It is pictured above with enamel on the inside and a rusted knob on the outside. I have kept it all these years...more than 25. The glass knob was given to me by a dear friend, Harold Bowman. I have cherished it for years also. I have collected many old keys over the years, like the one I painted on the side of panel. There are so many little things to enjoy:) It's scary to do a painting for a great artist but this little painting is for Cristy. It is 10 x 20 in acrylics. This size fits perfectly between the counter top and cabinets in the kitchen. I have enjoyed the one I painted for myself. The splash of color makes me feel good. "Hope this one lifts your spirits on down days and enhances your joy on your happiest days. Happy Birthday, my friend!" The title of this painting is "Family". Like the pumkins, pears, apple and flowers; in a family we have similarities and differences. It is up to us to embrace, nourish and appreciate all these.
I have painted some very detailed paintings in the past and know that I can do it but lately the more impressionist style has been in my heart. It is best to do what works at the time, just like following your heart in other life choices. Like all works of art, some really love it and some don't like it at all. That is what art is all about! Whatever you feel like painting...just own it! ...and keep creating! Cristy Dunn introduced me to this song. She has it on her web page in the original version. I knew it from many years ago but had never really listened to it...amazing! I've listened to it a hundred times since. I really love these versions with the beautiful message and photos. Each morning when I get up, I go upstairs and look out the window to see what God has placed there to behold...this was today's. I am thankful...Praise for the morning!!!...and thanks Cristy! ...and this was on my "Words for Moms" calendar for today- "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. " Lamentations 3:21-23 ![]() I bought a little baking pumpkin in October to add some fall color to our kitchen. It didn't even last through the month until it rotted. I like it so much that I bought another one. That little pumpkin is still here, January 4th...two months later. I've done four paintings of the litttle fellar and it must be waiting around for something. I think I'll do one more. Let's see what happens... Smoky Mountain SunsetGatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains hold many happy and fun memories for me and for our family and dear friends...professional conferences at the beautiful Park Vista, walking the streets of downtown Gatlingburg, enjoying Dollywood, the Wilderness, the Art District and so many other wonderful places. My heart goes out to all who are battling the fires that will forever change the face of this beautiful part of Tennessee.
Tennesseans are tough and resilient, yet we are heart broken. As I painted this 10x20 acrylic on canvas, I whispered prayers for all who have lost their homes, businesses, lives and family members. For all those there (even our own Mountain City fire fighters) to help, prayers are lifted for you. |
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