Springtime Beauty -Paint Party Friday

One of my favorite artists is Alphonse Mucha.  He has been an inspiration since the day I saw his incredible artwork.  

Inspired by Mucha, this is my Spring Beauty.  She has been tiptoeing through the Pacific Northwest all this week.  The fruit trees are in full bloom--they've peeking out since before mid-January.  I can't recall an earlier Spring.  Glorious pink flowerings against a slate grey Oregon sky makes a perfectly lovely combination!  Here my Springtime girl is wrapped in grape vines.

Above you see my beautiful model, Rena.  She is not only a dear friend, but the camera loves everything she does.  

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you lovely people. Thank you for dropping by.

Kitty Surprise -Paint Party Friday

I've posted this before.  This is one of my favorite drawings from long ago, so I would put it up again.  It is hard to believe so much time has passed since I drew this picture.

I'm not sure who is the most surprised, the faery, or the kitty cat! In my mind's eye, this is one of the faeries who frequent my garden--I am sure there have been more than one skirmish between cat and fairy folk over the years. It is my belief the winged ones love teasing the cats.

I know, I know--I have a GREAT imagination!

I did the first part of this drawing in graphite. Once that was done, I carefully drew in the lines using India ink. Once the ink was good and dry, I erased the pencil lines and used my beloved Prismacolor pencils to achieve the bright effect you see here.

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful people. Thank you for dropping by.

Stars in the Desert -Paint Party Friday

Here is a recent graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  I have started drawing again in earnest.  My fingers are not near as stiff as they were--I believe my inability to draw had much to do with mourning the loss of my Beloved.   I was frozen for awhile.

Sometimes the road I travel is rocky and full of tears.  But then I remember to look up at the stars and to Him Who made the Heavens.   He is the Creator Who loves me and walks with me. 

For the twinkles in the skies, I used the Star of David.  I love the way the star looks--so perfectly balanced and beautiful.

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful people. Thank you for dropping by.

Wilderness Walker -Paint Party Friday

I am so grateful to the Friends who have walked by my side through this awful time in my life. You know who you are, and I love you. ((hugs)) 

This path we tread is difficult, but with each step we bear each other's sorrows.  We shoulder one another's burdens--sharing the great adventure yet to come.  Though hard times will be a part of what is ahead, we will walk hand in hand with God, together.

This is an acrostic I wrote long ago.  It perfectly describes where I am right now, and inspired the drawing you see above (which I finished yesterday).

WILDERNESS WALKER

                       T  he desert blooms

                   H  ealing the heart.

                   E  ncouraging fragrance

                        W  ill new things spring forth?

                        I   long to know it.

                        L  et me watch the blooming.

                        D  esert Redeemer

                        E   mbracing me.

                        R  iver Maker

                        N  ew things shall spring forth

                        E  ternal Trail Breaker

                        S  trength to walk the path before me

                        S  afe in His hands.

                   ~Copyright ©1995 by Beth L. Niquette

"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past.  Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?  I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert...The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare my praise."  ~Isaiah 43:18, 19, 21

Thank you for dropping by, dear Friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!