And We Talked about Heaven

When Mom was five years old--before she could read or write, she spent a lot of time playing in the forest.  One day she came running in to tell Grandma that she'd written her first poem. Grandma loved it so much, she wrote it down.  Perhaps even then, she recognized the first seeds of the writer her little daughter would become.

Years ago, I was inspired to draw this sweet lineart to compliment Mom's little girl poem.

Jesus and I were walking along together
We came to a tree and sat down together

And talked about heaven.
~Eva J. Gibson

There is no doubt God has a special place in His heart for Children.  I love the idea of a small child's adoration for the Shepherd...even before she could read.  He was her Friend.

Fairy Landscape -Paint Party Friday

I am delighted to post this Fairy Forest Landscape as a part of Paint Party Friday.  I love painting my friends as a part of the forest, since I often see such faces in nature.  This watercolor painting is of my sweet young friend Heather. 

This week has been so hectic, I wasn't able to do much of anything except doodling and a bit of sketching, as you see above.

I call this graphite drawing The Huntress.  The story behind this drawing is that this girl is a keeper of the Forest, on a planet far from here.  In that place, the trees are so large, people often use them for homes.  But there are those who would misuse this great gift.  Certain ones have been called out to keep the forest pristine.  This huntress is of one of that clan.

Next week I'll paint something completely new and different to share.  Have a lovely day, everyone!

Peachy Keen -Paint Party Friday

I've posted this little fairy before, but I thought she especially fit a summery color palette of raspberry, peach and a splash of lemon.  It must be so gleeful to be a fairy child--can you imagine what fun it would be rolling an orange hither and thither? 

I am delighted to post this peachy little fairy as a part of Paint Party Friday.  Next week I'll paint something completely new and different to share.  Have a lovely day, everyone!

Demure -Guest Heart Thursday

This demure miss was actually drawn on grey-toned paper with black and white Prismacolor pencils.  The scanner turns the grey colored paper into a warm brownish feel.  I kind of like it!

This lovely young woman reminds me of a movie star from the 1970's.  I drew this from my head--so perhaps an old memory from the past flew through.  Of course, I have hidden hearts in this drawing.

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

Mother Nature -Summer of Color

This is a drawing of my Mother.  We laughed because in the picture she is WAY too short and looks a bit out of proportion.  So we figure since she's Mother Nature, she's actually rising up out of the earth--that way we can imagine she is as tall as my darling Mums.  Mom is tall, graceful and queenly--she would actually make a wonderful Ma Nature.

Above is the palette of colors to be used.  What a lovely challenge!  I hope a little blue and brown are allowed--Mother Nature must have the additional colors.

There is a fun story behind this drawing.  Mums and I were at Costco shopping for dish soap.  She could not find the one she'd always used and was a bit disappointed.  A delightful Hispanic man, very short in stature asked if he could help her.  When she explained what she was looking for, he said he was very sorry but they didn't have that kind of soap in stock anymore.

Said my Mother sweetly, "But that's the kind I always use."

Said the little man, "I know."

Replied Mumsie, "Do you know who I am?"

With wide eyes, the poor man practically bowed.  "Yes.  Yes, I do," he whispered.

Then Mums stretching to her full height and leaning a bit forward, said, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature."

"I know," he said, hastily backing and bowing nearly to his knees. Then suddenly without another word he turned and scurried away through storeroom door as fast as he could go.

Mom and I stood open mouthed.  Astonished, Mumsie said, "I was just joking.  Do you think he really thought I was Mother Nature?" 

To this day we laugh over the incident and I tease her about being Mother Nature in disguise.

But as you can see above--Mom does indeed have a deep connection to nature, the woods and her garden. (wink, wink)  This is actually an untouched photo I took of Mumsie--the angle of the sun was perfect for that bit of glory light you see.

It is so delightful to be a part of drawing to a specific palette of colors.  To learn about the fun to be had each week visit Summer of Color.

Have a lovely summer day all you wonderful people!

Fiery Cheetah

I love fireworks.  This year I used a different setting specific to fireworks and the result was some amazing photography.

As you know I often see things in clouds and nature.  This time I saw something in the fireworks.  At first I thought it might be a dragon--but as I worked with the original, it turned into a cheetah.

Above you see my original photograph. Do you see the cheetah?  If truth be known, it really could be a  dragon.  In time, I am sure there will be a wee dragon born from this same fiery photograph.

Have a lovely weekend friends!

Toez and the Faery -Guest Heart Thursday

This tiny watercolor is the size of a baseball card, only 2.5x3.5.  My niece and I were happily painting at the dining room table, when I noticed Toez the Polydactyl Cat had climbed into one of the chairs to see what we were up to.  She was so interested, and my niece was so darling, I had to draw them both.  Of course, she is a fairy and I've hidden hearts in the painting.

Have a lovely day 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.

A Stitch and a Prayer

Writing is art and having had the lovely privilege of helping Mumsie edit her manuscript, I am full of joy to introduce you to her newest published novel, A Stitch and a Prayer.

Dad would have been so proud.  Just before he flew away to heaven, he learned Mum's manuscript had been accepted.  I can see his happy grin--those expressive sparking eyes--he was so pleased for Mumsie.  I know he would be SO proud, seeing it published now--to hold a copy of the book in his well-worn hands.  I am sure he is smiling.

The cover of Mom's book was chosen because it closely resembles an old black and white photograph of our family's original cabin, tucked into the old growth trees.  In the forests and canyons of my childhood one can still find one or two old growth survivors.

Mom has been writing since the late 1970's.  She's written both fiction and non-fiction and I adore her writing style.  The way she writes fills my eyes, heart and my soul.  She is an amazing woman and I am  fortunate to be her daughter.

You can find A Stitch and a Prayer for sale at Abingdon Press!  Mom also has a wonderful blog at Everybody Loves a Story.  I am proud of my darling Mumsie--I hope you all drop by for a visit.

Have a lovely day!

Wrapped in Mist -Guest Heart Thursday

A few weeks ago (on my birthday) my dear girl Rena married Luke, her own true love!  I am SO happy for her--she positively glows.  This watercolor painting is her wedding gift.  Of course, I have hidden a few hearts in her misty veil.

Above is my reference photo.  When I saw this wonderful photograph by Holly Butler of Roselynn Photography, I had to paint it!  

I had posted this painting earlier in the week, but for some reason, Blogger ATE it.  Since there are hearts hidden in her veil I thought it perfect for Guest Heart Thursday, so I re-posted it!  

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