Their Guardian Angel -Paint Party Friday

When I was a little girl, my Mother gave me a beautiful painting for my bedroom.  "It's your little brother and you," she would say.  I loved that picture.  I would often fall asleep looking at it--knowing in my little girl heart that my own Guardian Angel was there beside me.  That print still hangs in my office today. 

This past week, inspired by that wonderful vintage picture, I drew my own version--only with sisters crossing the bridge.  I have the sweetest sisters in the world--and this is for each of them.  I love them dearly and I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life.

Above you see the wonderful artwork which encouraged me for so many years.  I did some research and I discovered there's an interesting backstory to this painting.

In the 1800s artists across Europe began selling paintings of guardian angels watching over young children as they traveled perilous pathways along dangerously high cliffs.

In 1900, a German postcard maker broke that tradition and published a painting by an unknown artist featuring two children and their guardian angel watching over them as they crossed a precarious bridge over treacherous waters

The postcard found an especially receptive audience in the hills of Appalachia, where just about every family used a broken-down, dubiously safe bridge to get home.  Those bridges were built over  steep valleys where flash floods and swift waters were common.

Over time, people associated the painting with God's protection in all of life's hardships.  Mothers and Grandmothers across the mountains began hanging this picture in their living rooms. Today the painting is recognized world wide.

Thank you, dear ones for reading this fascinating bit of history and for dropping by!  It is a happy treat when you visit.  I deeply appreciate your encouraging comments.

May God protect your dear ones and bring hope to your hearts.  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))

Let's Get THIS One!

I know this drawing has a Christmas theme, but I could not resist putting it up.  It is a commission I've been working on for some time, and it is finally done!  As soon as I am finished matting and framing the picture, it will be on its way to its new home.

The story behind it, is really cute.  Brother and sister have been sent to choose a Christmas tree and bring it back home on the sled.  Little sister is trying to talk big brother into getting the really BIG tree!   And, since this happens each and every Christmas, her brother is laughing.  This is a treasured memory they both share and enjoy very much.

The lady and her brother are in their 80's now.  I was able to capture their likenesses using pictures of the two of them when they were young.  I did a lot of face studies in order to recreate that special moment.  I'm so excited to send it to them! 

Have a lovely day! 

Big Brother Escort - Guest Heart Thursday

Big brother is escorting his sweet sis to the Christmas Ball.  He is her protector and Friend.  Aren't they a dapper duo?  I'm sure they will have have lots and lots of fun meeting new friends.

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

Taking a Ride on a Sharp Shinned Hawk

When I look at Abraham Lincoln's photos on his Bird Blog, I am transported to another place. My artistic reference for this wonderful, fierce bird came from his blog entry.   

Abe, your photos are just wonderful--I thank you for your inspiring work.

Saturday Morning

When my children were small, Saturday mornings were a celebration--Bugs Bunny ruled the television set, and a myriad of toys covered the floors, draped across the coffee table and over the couch. I would sit in the midst of it all and sip my coffee, my face wreathed with smiles at the children's funny antics.

They are nearly grown now--In another year or so, we will experience what is fondly called an "Empty nest." Those years went by so quickly.

I am not sure I enjoyed my children as much as I could have. In the meantime, I smile remembering.