Joy in the Morning -Paint Party Friday

This is a drawing I drew a few days ago.  I entitled it Joy in the Morning.

Above is my lovely reference model Heather.  I am honored this dear young woman is a part of my life.  I am blessed  She is a a wonderful, sweet Friend of mine--a dear daughter.

But now there is sad news.  The title of this drawing is significant, because the evening I drew this picture, my precious Grandma Gladys flew away to heaven.  She was 91-years old.

Everywhere I look, I see Grandma in my home. Everywhere. Knickknacks, strange cutlery, cookbooks, pans, her lovely artwork, art books, the beautiful bed set in the cloud room and just about everything in my craft room...all are her legacy. Her life has been intertwined with mine since the very beginning of my life with my Beloved.  One of our first dates was to meet Grandma and her precious family.

I know she is in a better place, but this earth is less without her. She was full of years and longed to be with Jesus and her Beloved Vic.  I rejoice for her because she is free of pain, and she is in the Presence of her dear Savior.

So many memories...so many. She taught me how to be a Mom and a good friend.  Her influence on my life has been profound.

I love her. I love her so much.  Dear sweet friends--take time to cherish the people you love.  You never know how long you have with them.  Every moment is a gift.

Merry Christmas! -Paint Party Friday

I have been away for a long time.  I have had a hard time of it this holiday season--But as I think back over this year, it has been such a wonderful year in so many ways.  When I remember the time I had with my Beloved--I am SO grateful for our 31 years together.

The above illustration is from a Christmas Children's Book I designed.   It is called Christmas with Grandma.

I have missed you all very much.   I pray all is well with you, and that your Christmas is a lovely one, sweet Friends.''

Christmas With Grandma, Page Two

I have been posting sketches and artwork from Grandma's Christmas Story since October.  Here is Page Two, in its finished form.  Lorie, the author, tells me this little Christmas children's book will be available soon on Amazon.  When it is posted, I'll put up a link for those who are interested.

I love Lorie's idea of Grandma telling the Christmas story to her Granddaughters.  She's reading from the pages of her Bible.  I have precious memories of my own precious Grannie doing that very same thing.  What a wonderful story it is--the truest, greatest story of all time.

Thank you for dropping by, dear Friends.  Merry Christmas and God bless you!

Christmas With Grandma, Page One -Paint Party Friday

I have been working on this lovely little book for quite a while now, and it is done!  I am very happy with the results.  When it becomes available online, I'll let you know.  My friend who commissioned this project says all proceeds from book sales will go to a mission which helps people in Haiti.  I love the idea of being a part of something bigger.

 Above you see my reference photo for this page.  Isn't my Friend darling?    

Merry Christmas and Happy Paint Party Friday, all you lovely artists and truly wonderful people.  May God shed His gift of light and joy in to your lives this Holiday season.  God bless you, dear ones--have a lovely weekend and thank you for stopping by.  ((hugs))

Christmas With Grandma -Paint Party Friday

Here is one of the pages from the Children's Book, Christmas With Grandma, which I've been working on.  I'm about to start coloring the pages now.  I'm SO excited.  It will be completed by Sunday morning.  

Above you see my reference photo for Lorie, Lily and Victoria.  The photoshoot was so much fun.  

Merry Christmas and Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people.  May the Creator shed His gift of light and joy in to your lives.  God bless you, dear ones--have a lovely weekend and thank you for stopping by.  ((hugs))

Grandma and the Girls -Paint Party Friday

This drawing will be on the dedication page of the Children's book, Christmas With Grandma, which I'm doing for my Friend Lorie.  To work with Lorie is one of the delights of my heart.  It certainly distracts me from the terrible sorrow of losing my Beloved.  

The photo above is my reference for the drawing.  I am so blessed by my dear Friend and am SO honored she would ask me to illustrate this book.  She tells me this is one of her dreams come true--and to tell you the truth, it is also a dream come true for me.  I've always wanted to illustrate children's books.  What a blessing! 

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people. God bless you, dear ones.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.

Grandma's Christmas Story -Paint Party Friday

I have been commissioned to produce a self-published children's book for a friend of mine.  The title is Christmas With Grandma.  I have completed the drawings in graphite and took them to my friend for her perusal last Monday.  She LOVED it!  Next I will do the lineart, and the last step will be to add full color.

I have had SO much fun with this project.  This is my favorite drawing so far.  The book is ten pages long, along with a front cover, dedication and title pages. 

Above you see my lovely model, Lorie, who commissioned the project.  I LOVE her face.  I did a photoshoot for reference photos--as you can see the camera loves her!  I admit though, it was quite a challenge to make the dolls into little girls--but I think I have succeeded.  

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people. God bless you, dear ones.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.