She Knows -Paint Party Friday

I absolutely love how this one came out.  This drawing captures my feisty friend Heather to a tee!   I referenced an old Art Nouveau card in my collection for the designs behind her.

Below is my reference photo of my lovely friend Heather.  She's so sweet and kind--but as you can see, she can be quite saucy!

Summer is finally arriving here--it is to be 100 Sunday and Monday!  I surely do hope to stay cool.  Time to get the air conditioner running. 

Happy Paint Party Friday.  Stay safe out there.

Good Friends -Paint Party Friday

 Best friends--friendship itself is worth its weight in gold.  I think of all the friends who are in my life and I am overwhelmed with the treasure of their love.  What a blessing they are to me!

Friendship--our Friendship

is like the beautiful shadows of evening,

Spreading and growing til' life

and its lights pass away.

~Michael Fitkovics

I found the above poem in a poetry book from the late 1800's.  My sweet friend Marian gave it to me years ago.

She wrote, "Beth, I do hope you enjoy this little book.  It was given to my Mother long before I arrived on the scene.  So it is very old, but it had the sentiment I wanted to share with you...We are the kind of friends who, at any time or any place can say, "and... & then go on." 

She is in heaven now, and I will miss her always.  Her piano is in my house and I often play it in the night time...

Above are my beautiful models, Heather and Rena.  They are sweet daughters to me--I am SO honored by their friendship--hence my title of "Good Friends."  I am so proud of them.  They have become best friends and continue to be a blessing to me and so many others.

Thank you for dropping by.  I always look forward to your visits! Happy Paint Party, and Happy Easter!  May the joy of Springtime be yours. 

Hello Bunny -Paint Party Friday

I did a lot of artwork just after the first of the year.  My computer was out for seven days, so I couldn't do my normal activities.  This gave me a great excuse to do something I love--Art!

It is difficult when I can't find time to draw.  Art is like breathing to me--if I don't draw, something begins to suffocate inside.  I have talked about this to other artists, and most feel much the same as I do.  I think creative people tend to feel this way in whatever they are inspired to do--it is something they must do to maintain sanity! Heehee...

I can't find my reference photo, but when I do I will add it to this post.  My sweet friend Heather posed for me--she's such a wonderful young woman. 

Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends.  It is always an exciting thing for me when you drop by and comment.  You inspire me.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Sending Hope -Paint Party Friday

This week I have been pondering over the story of life and the intricate bends and turns of each person's journey. Every single life story is unique and precious and each of our steps on life's path leaves a footprint.

I am grateful for the friends God has led into my life.  So often they send hope when I need it most, sometimes when no one knows I am struggling.  Their footsteps have joined onto my own path and have left footprints of hope next to mine.

Here are some of God's sweet promises, found in Psalm 18:35, 36. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped. 

It is encouraging to read these beautiful verses. God is my protector. He cares so much about me, He gives strength and guidance with His own hand.  He is gentle and kind and He makes the often difficult path I tread wide, so I do not lose my step and tumble down.  I believe Friends who encourage are often those whom God brings alongside on the pathway of our lives, so we do NOT slip, or fall. 

I pray the footprints I leave behind are ones which bring hope and strength to others.

Today my heart is inspired and I am looking into the future for what God has for me and excited about the work He has called me to do. I hope you are all having a beautiful morning. God is good.

Above you see my beautiful reference models, Heather and Rena.  They are the sweetest of friends and I love them dearly.  It is a privilege to share them with you!

Blessings and peace to each of you dear ones.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Your visit has brightened my heart.  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Friendship's Blessing -Paint Party Friday

Over the past three years I have come to treasure friendship more than ever before.  True friendship is rare and beautiful and should never be taken for granted.

This drawing is another of my midnight sketches.  I haven't been feeling well these past few days, so I have spent the time I can't sleep doodling in my sketchbook. 

Above you see my lovely models, Heather and Rena.  You can see, they are best friends in real life and I am incredibly privileged to work with them.

Thank you so much for dropping by--your visits bring joy to my heart.    Happy Paint Party Friday!

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.

Her Melodramatic Friend -Paint Party Friday

This is a graphite doodle from the middle of the night.  It made me laugh and I wanted to share these two with you.  One of them is totally melodramatic, the other looks on tongue in cheek.

Above you see my delightful reference models, Rena and Heather--they bring such light and laughter into my life.  As you can see they are a lot of fun to have around! 

Have a lovely holiday weekend, dear Friends, and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Happy Dancers -Paint Party Friday

Here are my favorite young ladies happy dancing under springtime blossoms.  I missed last week because I was holding a drama camp for a small group of little girls here in my home.  We had a blast!  What a fabulous way to spend summer, eh?

Here is my reference photo with lovely Rena and Heather as models.  They are such wonderful young women.  I have known them for many years now--they've become my daughters and I cherish their friendship.  I am SO blessed.  They are the fairies who come to visit my garden sparkling their joy all around.

Have a lovely weekend, dear friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Sisters of the Heart -Paint Party Friday

There are Sisters related by blood and still others who are Sisters of the soul.  I am SO blessed to have both in my life.  In fact, I don't know how I would have survived this past year without the precious Sisters God has placed in my life.  Thank you--you know who you are.  You have a tender place in my heart.

I just finished inking this in, this morning.  I am working on a coloring book, and each night before I go to sleep, I ink in some of the artwork I've done over the years.  This is yet another drawing of the lovely ones who walk in my garden in Spring and Summer.

Here are my lovely models.  These two young ladies are as beautiful inside as they are outside.  It is a privilege to work with them.

Happy Paint Party Friday.  Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends and thank you for dropping by.  ((Hugs))

My Lady of the Grape Vines -Paint Party Friday

Here she is, My Lady of the Grape Vines.  I love grape vines--they are so graceful.  Just like my sweet model, Heather.

Above you see my dear girl Heather who was the inspiration for this drawing.  I am so blessed by this dear young lady.  She is a treasure to my heart.  

I am so grateful to the Lord for His gift of art.  With that gift, I am free to express what is in my heart.  As I mourn my Beloved, those emotions are translated into my artwork.  I pray that what I draw will be a blessing.

Happy Paint Party Friday.  May God bless you with sparkles of joy.  Have a beautiful weekend and thank you for dropping by.  ((Hugs))

Sweet Smiles -Paint Party Friday

Here is a recent sketch from my sketchbook.  The mosaic window behind this dear girl actually has roses hidden in it.  When it is inked and color added, I think it will be more easily seen.  I love to hide things in my drawings.

Above you see my reference photo featuring my sweet Friends Rena and Heather.  By the way, I made the red cloak from some old velvet curtains which once hung in my in my office.  The green cloak was made from an old army blanket.  I believe these days, they call this "re-purposing!"

This time around, I'm including an old ACEO drawing from 2010.  It is called What's a Dragon to do?  As you can see, the poor fierce dragon is totally baffled by the loving attentions of that amorous little birdie. 

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

Best Friends -Paint Party Friday

I am indeed blessed by friendship.  I don't know what I would have done without the prayers, help and encouragement of my Friends during this time in my life.  This lineart drawing is a celebration of Friends--Best Friends. 

 

Above you see my wonderful reference picture.  I adore these two young ladies.  They are my beautiful models, Rena and Heather.  I treasure their friendship.  This lineart piece turned out better than I'd ever hoped.  When I add color, the girls will each get a print.

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

Loyalty Through Hardship -Paint Party Friday

This will be my third piece of art since my husband left for heaven recently.  This is a watercolor I painted New Year's Evening. There is a fun fact about this drawing.  The circle part of this, was created by a tea cup saucer!  (grin)

Rena and Heather were my lovely models for this painting.  They are so dear in every way.  I painted this picture for them as a late Christmas gift.  I am blessed by their friendship!

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Happy New Year, sweet Friends.  May God bless you with strength, peace and joy this coming year and beyond.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Heather's Pearls -Paint Party Friday

It was a surprise when I ended up with a redhead wearing pink pearls.  Sometimes my artwork has a mind of its own.  In this case, that's exactly what happened.

And here is my lovely model Heather!  She has such a beautiful profile.  I'm so grateful to this wonderful young woman and her friends.  Their ideas and friendship inspire me to be a better artist and photographer.

Here is yet another doodle from my sketchbook.  It is called The point of Her Sword.

Above you see my beautiful and expressive young friend Rena.  Eventually the sword in the drawing will be adorned by the reflection of her face.  I haven't quite figured out how to do it yet! 

Have a lovely day and Happy Paint Party Friday!

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!

Capricious Wind -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another graphite drawing from my sketchbook. Of course I have hidden lots of interesting hearts throughout.  I often use my own photography as references for my artwork.  I am so blessed by the talented young women, who give their precious time to indulge an old lady who loves to draw.

Above is Heather, one of my lovely young friends.  She is a sweetheart of a girl--truly an angel, both in heart and appearance.

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