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!

Whispers -Paint Party Friday

If you have been a follower of my art blog, you will likely recognize this lovely girl's face.  I've known Melissa since she was a tiny girl.  We have been pals for most of her life.  She and her family often model for me, so her face shows up a lot in my artwork.  She is not only beautiful, but her heart is dear, sweet and good.

My children gave me a sketchbook with toned paper last Christmas.  I have had so much fun with it!  To create the drawing above, I used white and black Prismacolor pencils.  It is a whole new way of thinking through a drawing!

Now a peek into my sketchbook.  Here is a pen and ink drawing of my darling little niece and her special little friends.  Of course, there may be a hidden critter or two, in the foliage!

Have a lovely day and Happy Paint Party Friday!

River Rock Painting

One lazy summer afternoon, after gathering rocks down at the river, my darling little 7-year old niece and I decided to paint them.  We used acrylics, which worked very well.  She painted some pretty neat patterned rocks for her Mom, and I painted this one for my husband.

He loved it!  I was tickled when he asked if I could paint a little cat in the meadow. I did--can  you find her?

Above is a hint as to where the tiny kitten can be found.

Oh, I think I'm going to paint some more rocks--that was SO much fun!

Fragrance of Roses -Paint Party Friday

 

This is a colored pencil drawing I made for Valentine's Day this past February.  I believe I've posted this one in the past, but this morning, looking out my window at the vibrant roses of Fall, I decided to post her again.  My inspiration was a vintage postcard from early 1900's.  This beautiful woman is the grown up version of the little girl I love to draw.

Here is a peek into my sketchbook from 2011.  This is the little girl I wrote about above. You can find her image all over the internet.  I often wonder who she was, but all records of her family were destroyed in WW2.   I don't know how I ended up with my drawing backward--I seem to remember printing a reference picture to take on a trip with me, so likely I printed it flipped somehow.  Drawing does help the miles go by faster!

Here is the actual postcard which inspired me--perhaps you recognize her dear little face.  My own beloved niece looks nearly identical to this sweet girl.  Perhaps that is why I love these postcards so much.

Have a lovely day and Happy Paint Party Friday!