Mourning into Joy

Above you see an enhanced photo of a heart I saw in my old wood stove.  It was beautiful--and seems like the perfect beginning to share the wonderful thing that happened on my way home from church  Easter Sunday afternoon.

Above is the original photograph.  

After Easter services, I stopped for takeout from My Beloved's favorite restaurant. He was on my mind so much yesterday--and I wanted to celebrate his life this way. Haha--he really, really loved good food.

As I was waiting in the darkened room at the counter, with its lights beaming down upon me, the young man behind the counter came up to chat. I shared why I was there and who's life I was celebrating.  I noticed then his eyes were full of unshed tears. I was touched--there was something about that kid. So I gave him the bit of "napkin art," I had drawn of Alan as I waited.

Out of the blue he introduced himself  and confided he had just lost his cousin--a dear brother to him. He had returned home from the memorial the day before.

Then Daniel asked how I was able to get through the sorrow, the grief--and I told him. It was a long conversation...and when we were done speaking together, Daniel placed his hand over his heart and with tears sparkling in his eyes he said, "Thank you. You have brought me great comfort today."

I was so moved. To think the awful grief I have been working through would have been such a help to that dear young man...It was a gift--SO sweet to my heart.

I felt God's power in sharing my journey. The words I said came from Him, not me.

Praise to God for His loving kindness and sweetness--for His comfort, that I have the privilege of sharing the comfort with which I have been comforted...God truly does bring joy out of mourning.

Sweethearts -Paint Party Friday

This drawing is the last in a series of three.  I am so pleased with how it turned out--the colors were chosen by Marissa, the sweet Bride to be.

 
Above you see my reference photo.  What a wonderful adventure they have ahead of them!

As you know I will be having surgery on my hip.  Turns out the surgery will take place week after next.  I would surely appreciate your prayers as I face surgery--then recovery. 

Happy Paint Party Friday and have a great weekend all you fabulous people!

Romance, Sunflowers and Roses -Paint Party Friday

This is a commissioned piece I am doing for my dear friends Rena and Luke.  They are such a wonderful young couple.  They have just celebrated their second anniversary--this is Rena's gift to her beloved husband.  I am very honored to have been asked to do this portrait of them. 

Above is the photo I used as a reference for this lineart drawing.  When I'm done, it will be in full color, with lots of green, red and yellow.  I'll post it when I finish it sometime next week.

Happy Paint Party Friday and have a great weekend all you wonderful people!

The Mermaid and the Fisherman -Paint Party Friday

I have been so busy this week, I haven't had much time to draw much.  Because I love Fairytales and in honor of Valentine's Day, I am posting this drawing from 2008.  I had just been to the ocean for a week and was inspired by the waves to draw this romantic pen and ink.

I miss my Darling--He would be SO proud of what I am doing this weekend!  I'll be taking a team to perform a drama he wrote featuring Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, at two different locations, once Saturday and again on Sunday morning.  God is so good. 

Happy Paint Party Friday.  May God bless you with love and joy.  Have a beautiful Valentine's weekend and thank you for dropping by.  ((Hugs))

Surprise! -Guest Heart Thursday

I have posted this colored pencil drawing before.  It is one of my earlier pieces of artwork and has hearts hidden throughout.  Since Fall is only a month or two away, I thought this drawing would be perfect for this weeks Guest Heart Thursday.

Though the cat seems like she's going to have this whimsical fairy for dinner, in actuality, the kitty is totally delighted to have awakened her friend from a nap on those lovely leaves.  Later they will hunt spiders together.  

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

Have a great rest of the week everyone!

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

Coffee Spot Beauty -Guest Heart Thursday

The story behind this sketch is rather funny.  The folks from ServPro were here cleaning up after our chimney fire.  It took almost five weeks for those wonderful ladies to deep clean this old place.  

I was sitting at the dining room table drawing a bit to pass the time, because there were people in my office.  Someone asked a question, and I left my sketchbook behind.  What I didn't realize, is that in my haste to be of help, I had dribbled coffee all over my drawing.

By the time I returned, the spots were already dry.  SO--I decided to make the coffee stains into flowers. Sometimes mistakes can be the best thing!  I really like how it turned out.  When I finish it, I'll likely use watercolors.

And of course, there are hidden hearts to be found--how many can  you see? 
 

Above is my reference photograph for this graphite drawing.  My lovely and talented model is Melissa, who's face I love to draw.  She is a wonderful Friend.

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

Queen of Hearts -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  I borrowed the actual border from an old Art Nouveau border I found online.  It seemed so perfect for this drawing, I used it.

Above is the the photo which was my inspiration for this sketch.  I am so grateful to my models for their participation.  This is Rena, and she is wonderful!

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

Winged Soul -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another drawing from my sketchbook.  The paper is actually grey.  For some reason the scanner dubs it as brown.  I used black and white Prismacolor pencils to do the shading.   I found an old photograph from a magazine for my inspiration, and of course I have hidden hearts in her hair.

There's something about this picture that seems like an expression of my own soul. It is the way I feel, when my soul is transported by beautiful music, or a piece of extraordinary artwork.  Or when I see something amazing in the skies, in the handiwork of my Creator--or when I hear stories of impossible, amazing events.  Miracles happen every day, we just need to look for them--to see with the eyes of one's soul. 

Have a lovely day, dear friends 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.

At Bay -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a graphite drawing of a young lady by the name of Paige.  She is a dear girl, and one of my favorite models.  You can find her work at Dove Stock. 

Here is a strong woman who is not afraid to take on the bad guys!  And yes, there's a heart hidden in this drawing.

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.

Catkins -Guest Heart Thursday

Though it is still snowing in parts of our country, here in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley, Spring has burst upon us.  Overnight the trees have sallied forth in colorful blooms and bright flowers spring from the ground.  The sun is shining today--right through my office window as I type.  Ah, it is SO beautiful and warm.

My niece and I have always enjoyed pussy willows, pretending the small catkins are tiny kittens.  They are one of the first signs of Spring.  It was her birthday recently, so I painted this picture of  her with all those darling little kitten catkins.  Springtime is coming--and there is always hope in the Spring. 

Of course, there is a heart in this picture--though I didn't hide it this time!

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.

Sheepie Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I doodled this years ago, inspired by a raindrop on the van window.  Of course, this little fellow's behind is in the perfect shape of a heart.  The kids and I laughed and laughed over this one.  There are lots of lovely memories associated with my doodles of long ago.

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

Her Blue Feathered Friend -Guest Heart Thursday

Here she is--the small fairy who often frequents my back yard.  This little one charms my eyes and delights my  heart.  As does her very funny, obnoxious friend Leonard the Blue Jay.  Of course, I have hidden hearts in the flowers.

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.

Shy Fae -Guest Heart Thursday

This was my Christmas gift to Sissy.  I was thinking about her as I drew this cutie.  I remember Clytie when she was a child.  She was a wonderful sister (still is).  She has always had the gift of making people laugh.  In some ways, I am just a pale copy of her vibrant personality.  I have always admired her, and am endlessly inspired by her love, kindness and creativity.

This year for Christmas, I did something I rarely do--I gave my family the originals of the drawings.  Normally I make numbered prints from the originals.  But this Christmas was special.  Hope your Christmas was filled with happiness and laughter.

Happy Guest Heart Thursday dear Friends.

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

Joyful Tears -Guest Heart Thursday

I was doodling in my sketchbook and who should pop from my pencil, but my youngest sister.  She is a beautiful young woman...of course I've 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. 

Heart Walk -Guest Heart Thursday

 Another of my little doodles--but this one I drew especially for today's Guest Heart Thursday.  A year ago, just a few weeks earlier, Daddy had flown away to heaven.  On top of that, my beloved husband was heading to the hospital for major cancer surgery and life seemed so difficult.

This year has been full of firsts--a heart walk through difficult days.  Yet along this walk of broken hearts--family,  friends and a God who loved us throughout, made all the difference in the world.

A blessed Thanksgiving to everyone today.

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

Love Calls -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another doodle from my sketchbook.  I haven't had much time to do color or lineart on these--so what you see, is what you get!  I love drawing angels--but especially I like to make borders.  They're like the icing on the cake for me as an artist.

Have a lovely rest of the week!

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

Love at First Sight -Guest Heart Thursday

This saucy unicorn started life on the counter--I saw him in the wood grain, grabbed a pencil and walah!

A moment later I noticed my sketchbook was open and that unicorn was OBVIOUSLY making eyes at this lovely maiden--hence, he joined her on the page...I know,  I know, I have a GREAT imagination!

And of course, there are hearts hidden throughout. Have a lovely day!

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

Early Morning Springtime -Guest Heart Thursday

This is another tiny painting--only the size of a baseball card.  I love doing these.  This ACEO is one of my favorites.  It seems to me, that tree is dancing in the early morning light.  And, of course, I have hidden a few hearts throughout.

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

Hearty the Goldfish -Guest Heart Thursday

I adore goldfish.  I'm so excited--I cleaned my pond for the first time in over a year.  Sunday there will be goldfish residing in my little pool.  I have missed watching them dart through the lilypads on a sunny day.  In my enthusiasm for the arrival of my tiny new friends, I doodled Hearty the Goldfish.  Of course, there are hearts hidden in this graphite drawing.

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

Gift of the Frog Prince -Guest Heart Thursday

When I was small, I loved the story of the frog prince.  This is an ACEO (2.5x3.5) I drew of that funny fellow.  I love his water drop jewel.  I'm sure any true princess would love such a beautiful gift. Since this Frog Prince has hearts on his back--I thought him perfect for Guest Heart Thursday.

I also felt it would be fun to tell a story on myself which will make you laugh (or gag).

When I was around eight years old, my family decided to spend an afternoon at the Molalla River by Knight's Bridge.  It was a warm sunny day and the river was just right.  To my joy, I found a frog.  It was HUGE and a lovely yellowish green.  I had never seen a frog that big before.  Steeped in fairytale lore, I thought to myself, "It's the frog prince."

The only problem was, the frog was dead.  But I was convinced a kiss from my lips would revive the poor thing. I was sure a prince would appear.  To the horror of my cousins and siblings, I kissed him.  Sadly, that enormous frog lay cold and inert.  No magic there.

So, I wrapped him in a towel and that fat yellow frog went home cuddled in my arms.

During the night he disappeared.  I was SURE he'd come to life and would be back to say thank you.  But alas, I never saw him again.  I was teased about kissing that frog for EONS!  (grin)

Years later, I found out Mom had buried him in the garden. You can see--I've always had a GREAT imagination! (haha)

By the way, I have a chance to win a small original painting of my own dear Polydactyl Cat by one of my all-time favorite artists.  If you'd like to vote for Toez, visit Sandrine's Gallery.  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.