Sky Dreamer -Paint Party Friday

This dreamer in the sky was made especially for a young friend of mine named Emily. She has a bit of the dreamer in her eyes.

Above you see the sky dreamer as I first caught her floating along the cloud's edges.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

The Lady and the Lambs -Paint Party Friday

This is a graphite rendering from 2005, of an old picture my Mother loved. It was a gift from long ago--the person who gave it to Mums said she looked just like this beautiful woman. It is true! Indeed, in her younger years, Mumsie was beautiful--but not in the classical sense. She is still lovely--a stately yet mischievous and fun lady whom everyone loves.

Years ago, when color programs were first coming out, I scanned my sketch into the computer, then played with the paint programs. I was astonished to see so much color coming from a grey and white graphite drawing--I saved the results. But after that, any attempts to recreate these color patterns failed. I wonder . . .

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May the joy and beauty of Christmas permeate your lives--even through great tragedy and loss.  God is good. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Lion Slide -Paint Party Friday

I realized I haven't put up a cloud painting in some time--so here's one I painted in 2011.  I took the original picture out over the back fence.  I thought, at first it was a sliding dog with large flapping ears.  But as I worked on the picture--a lion began to form.  I laughed at the expression on his face--he's having SO much fun sliding down that cloud bank!

Above you see this frisky feline as I first saw him in the clouds.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Cats! -Paint Party Friday

You are probably wondering about this drawing...it took HOURS to get all that fur drawn to my satisfaction! Elvis, our fat Main Coon, now in heaven, posed for this picture along with one of my daughters. What fun to be a cat? I think I would like that.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Malaya Rosebud -Paint Party Friday

Years ago, I was given eight rosebushes to plant in my yard.  All seven of these lovely rosebushes grew and flourished.  Indeed, today at the beginning of winter, I can hardly wait for the soft fragrant aroma of roses to waft through the warm summer air. There is something so exquisitely wonderful and precious about every phase of a blooming rose.

This is a piece of art from long ago--as you can see here, roses are also a great favorite among the faeries who often visit my garden. 

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Birdhouse in my Garden -Paint Party Friday

I collaborated with my daughter to do this painting, which was for a fund raiser for a school for disabled children.  When you enlarge it, you'll be able to see the detail.  This is a combination of acrylic paint and lineart drawing.

Here's a selection showing the detail of the painting. I have posted this before, but because of my current circumstances, having very recently lost my darling husband, I haven't been able to do much art.  That will change as time goes on.  In the meantime, I am thanking God for His strength as I walk this new pathway in my life.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Goodbye My Love -Paint Party Friday

Early Thursday morning, October 30th, I lost the love of my life.

I know lots of people are not comfortable with the loss of a loved one and the story of what happened.  However, my husband left in such a beautiful way, I wanted to share it with you.  If you are uncomfortable with reading this account--I truly, deeply understand.  ((HUGS))

That night I knew something was wrong, so unable to sleep, sat beside him, as he slept in his big chair downstairs.  Suddenly he grabbed the top part of his chest and said he was in awful pain.  A moment later, his eyes grew large, and he gasped as though he saw something indescribably wonderful.

I called 911, and I performed CPR until the ambulance came.  Our dear children were able to arrive before he left for the hospital, and we were together there when he flew away to heaven.

It didn't seem real that he was gone.  We were hugging and kissing him goodbye, telling him what a great job he did, what a wonderful father and husband he was, and how much we loved him--to be at peace and to not worry about us.

I didn't realize it, but in that emergency room, we were encircled round about by a crowd of nurses and doctors--those who had fought so hard to save him.  We sang his favorite songs and held him as long as we could.  The entire time we were there, those wonderful people surrounded us....their heads bowed, hands folded, many with tears running down their faces.  After a time, they trickled from the room--but stayed close by in the hallway.

As we were getting ready to leave, the head RN came in and said, "We see a lot of these, but it is rare to find a family with such love, who handled this moment with such great beauty, strength, and dignity."  Then he gave us his card and said, "If you need anything let us know."

I have been married to this wonderful man for 31 wonderful years.  Alan is the love of my life.  I miss him more than I can put into words.

I want to share something beautiful that happened to me early Saturday morning. As I lay trying to sleep, a small sweet breeze slid across my face...and then his dear lips pressed against mine.  My husband kissed me goodbye.

Alan was a servant of God and He loved people. He wanted everyone to know God loved them too, and so I am passing his message on to you dear ones--God loves you.  He longs to know you, God wants to share His son and the world He created for you--in a whole different way than you've ever known.  

My family and I would deeply appreciate your prayers.  May God bless you with joy--even in the midst of great sorrow.

A Day in the Country -Paint Party Friday

Here is an vintage saw I painted with acrylics in early 2001.  It was a Christmas gift for our Papa and Daka.  As you can see--I've always painted faces into my artwork.

Here is a bit more detail.  As you can see there are faces hidden in the sky.

A face in the mountains...

Trees, sky and mountain--with their hidden treasures.

And still more faces to find...

Here is another glimpse into my sketchbook.  I call this graphite drawing, Ocean Robes.

My reference photo is above--this is our lovely Emily in a photo I took last January.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Masked Face in the Sky

I haven't posted a cloud painting for a long time, so I thought I would do so today.  Since Halloween is coming soon, I thought a masked sky person would be just the perfect thing.  This is a painting from a few years back, which I have never posted before.  I love the gentle look of her eyes--it seems like she might want to say something wonderful. 

Above you see my original photograph.  This was taken in the skies over the fence along the alley outside my kitchen door.

Have a lovely day, everyone--I sure am looking forward to the coming storm.  It shouldn't be too bad.  And I love a good storm.  

Soccer Practice -Paint Party Friday

I have posted this acrylic painting before, but it was quite awhile ago and it was so colorful and cheery I couldn't resist sharing it with you again. The players are all on their backs, passing the soccer ball to one another in the air.  The combination of colorful socks, action and that soccer ball, make for a fun view.  It is also interesting to figure out which legs belong together.  This painting is the size of a small window--at least four feet across. 

My inspiration is a wonderful photograph taken years ago, by my younger brother Mark, who is a photojournalist from The Dalles, located in Oregon's scenic Columbia Gorge.

I've watched him taking pictures at a crowded event.  My brother seems to blend in, moving like a soft footed lion, quietly speaking with the folks he photographs.  He's a gentle giant. I'm very proud of him--his photos are pure magic.

Here is a peek into my sketchbook.  Another likeness of my sweet Friend Melissa.  She is such a dear.  I especially liked how the border came out.  I love drawing borders -- to figure out what would look best is so much fun.  For me, adding a border is like frosting on the cake.

Above you can see my reference photo.  This is Emily and Melissa -- two wonderful young ladies whom I am pleased and honored to call friends. 

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Hope of Sunrise -Paint Party Thursday

I always try to put in two pieces, one I've finished and another graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  Please take a look at both, as they are quite different.

In my experience some folks don't quite know how to react when the loss of a loved one is brought into the spotlight.  So, I have featured this first painting which has a sad feeling (but with hope!)--and the sketch below, which is a bit more light-hearted and whimsical.  ((hugs))

In explanation, I have been feeling sad the past two days.  I couldn't figure out why, until I realized this is right about the time Dad had the stroke which took him from us a month later.  I will likely grieve his loss in our lives for the rest of mine.  We all will. 

This is an acrylic painting I made for my Mom right after Daddy died.  It is really really big--and I had to photograph it.  The photograph doesn't do the original painting justice, as the colors are more neon than the original.  Still--it conveys the weeping heart of the dear Shepherd, Whom Mumsie loves.

I spent hours and hours writing out every Bible verse I could find about hope and comfort onto the canvas.  Even if your beliefs are different than mine--hope is universal.  Blessings and hope to each of you.

And now the more light-hearted, whimsical side, here is another peek into my sketchbook.  Above is a little faery playing a morning melody. She marched out of my pencil yesterday as the workers pounded, thudded, thwacked and sawed a tumult of noise, as they worked on the chimney!

PS  I just found out I've been featured on Paint Party Friday!  What an honor--thank you!

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Unexpected Surprise -Guest Heart Thursday

I am a bit late posting for GHT because of all the activity here as our chimney and fireplace is being replaced.  I did this graphite drawing especially for Guest Heart Thursday--a little Unexpected Surprise!

Of course, I've hidden hearts in this drawing.  Have a lovely day, and Happy Guest Thursday!  

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Painting Roses -Paint Party Friday

This is a combination of colored pencils and watercolor.  I painted this for a friend of mine as a gift.  There's something about this piece I just love--the idea of this little fairy girl painting roses in summer delights my heart. I'm sure I've seen this sweet fae out in my garden in the early morning hours, as the dew was drying in the summer sunshine.

Here is another peek into my sketchbook--this one is called Daisy Dinner.  The drawing makes me smile because of the look on that fella's face...he's obviously really going to enjoy eating that daisy!

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!  I'm also linking up with Friday Sketches!

Brave and True

This is a tee shirt I painted awhile back.  I love the look in his strong gentle face.  Lions are special to me.  My favorite lion of all time is Aslan.  This fellow kind of reminds me of him.

Have a lovely day, Friends.

Celebration of Life

When we heard of the accident, my husband and I began to pray.  This is the drawing which flowed from my breaking heart and out of my pencil.  Daniel's grandparents are our best friends--they, their children and grandchildren are an integral part of our own family.

Daniel's Celebration of Life yesterday afternoon was beautiful. Especially touching were the cub scouts who were an wonderful part of the service.  I loved when we all did the wave...the message to live life to the max was poignant and inspiring...  Because of this small boy's sacrifice, four people were given life.  This is a comfort to us all.

I sat next to a boy who was just about Daniel's age. There were so many folks attending, we were seated in the foyer area, where it was tough to see. After they asked us to stand, join hands and pray, this little fellow glanced up with a shy smile. I was holding Daniel's picture in my hands, and I noticed the boy's gaze, so I kept it where he could see it. When the service was done, I turned to him and asked if he was one of Daniel's buddies. He gave that smile again and said yes. I grinned and said, "I'm so happy to meet you." And we shook hands. I felt that tiny moment cheered his young heart a bit--and his Daddy sitting next to him. So many beautiful moments. 

Afterward, everyone gathered in the Gym at the Elementary School. A choir of children sang so beautifully. There was food and banana splits available. There were quilt squares and markers so everyone could make a personal note or picture on them. There were legos at every table, children and adults busy creating. Crayons and big pieces of paper were in the center of all the tables, balloons floating overhead.

There truly was a spirit of joy there.

Daniel's family has been our family for over 20 years.  Our hearts break for them...They are beautiful and wonderful down-home folks.  Our prayers and love are with them always.

Purple Moon -Paint Party Friday

I painted this large acrylic on a large canvas in 2010 to honor the life of a dear little friend. Crickette's extraordinary story can be found at Angel Stories.  Her face is hidden in this painting--can you find her?

We still miss our small mischievous Crickette'. 

Above is another peek into my sketchbook.  I found a wonderful photo of a cat yawning--it so hit my funny bone, this sketch popped out of my pencil.  Bwaahahahahaa...Dragon Breath!  I am sure Crickette' would have smiled to see this one.

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

To Love -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another of my drawings on toned sketch paper.  Of course, there is a heart to be found in this drawing.

The title of this piece is to honor and thank those in my life, who's love, prayers and dear friendship have surrounded me all these years.  You know who you are.  

Have a lovely weekend and Happy Guest Heart Thursday!  

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Her Green Eyes -Paint Party Friday

I love to draw my young friend Melissa.  This is a colored pencil drawing I did a few years ago.  It is one of my favorites.  I am very blessed to have such a lovely model.  I have posted this piece before, but since this is one of my all-time favorites, I thought I'd post her again.

Here is a peek into my sketchbook, as I drew her for the first time. 

I am also very honored to be this week's featured artist for AlteredPages Artsociates.  What a lovely privilege!  When you get the chance, check out this great website.  I was inspired by all the ideas they share.

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends and Happy Paint Party Friday!