Star Baby Lullaby -Paint Party Friday

Before my niece was born over 11 years ago, I drew this picture as a shower gift for her Mom.  My sweet Sis still has it! 

I am posting the drawing today in honor of another niece, my sweet Melissa, who only a few minutes ago, gave birth to a beautiful little baby boy!

I am so proud of her!  I hope you are all having a wonderful day.  I know I am! 

Blessings and peace to all of you dear ones.  Thank you for dropping by--your visits are such a joy.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Star Child -Paint Party Friday

This is another midnight doodle.  As my reference I used an old photograph from the early 1900's.  I love the style of that era in time.  This little star child is going to be my Christmas card this year!

Have a lovely Christmas holiday, dear Friends, and God bless you all.

The Magician -Paint Party Friday

I apologize for being so late with my post.  It has been a VERY busy week.

Here the magician begins his magic. Though all is illusion, we wonder, "could this be real?"  Part of the genius of this boy, is his wonderful imagination. He lives in a world where anything is possible.  Like his Daddy, he is a storyteller.

Have a lovely week, dear Friends.  Though the sadness still crashes into my heart like the waves of the sea, there are so many things for which to be thankful.  It is good to be alive.  I'm SO grateful for my Family and dear friends--you know who you are.  You are loved.

Have a wonderful week and Happy Paint Party Friday!

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.

Star Dancer, ACEO, ATC

Malaya, my darling little niece and I did some watercolors together Thursday.  This star dancer is a girl I often draw.  I don't know why--she just keeps showing up.

Above you see my darling Malaya's watercolor called Sunset Outside My House.  Not too bad for a four-year-old!  It is so fun to teach her how to mix colors, spread them across the paper--we are both learning various brush techniques--which as you can see, in a four-year old's hand, can have some spectacular results!  I think this picture is breathtaking.

Star Dancer and Sunset Outside My House are both the size of baseball cards!

Reach for the Stars

Sometimes the struggle of life itself surrounds us with unexpected clouds of grief and pain. Reality gives us a good smack in the face and we reel away stunned and numbed.

One of my favorite movies of all time, is August Rush, which details a child's search for his parents. His mother believes he died at birth, his father does not know he exists. The boy lives in an orphanage, where others seek to stomp and stiffle his hope.

In the face of insurmountable circumstances, the small boy states, "I can." He firmly believes, if only he could learn to play the music he hears, his parents would hear his song and find him. The music in this movie is incredible and inspiring.

It is a beautiful story.

The first time I watched the film, I wept, which is not typical for me. Something about the music and the storyline--something inspiring I can't put into words--deeply touched my heart. I think that feeling might be hope.

Hope heals. Hope inspires. Hope causes each of us to reach for the stars. Our Creator put the capacity to hope and dream inside each of us. He walks with us every step of our lives. He rescues us when we stumble. He holds us dear to His heart, and He delights over us. He inspires us in quiet moments. He rejoices and sings over us. How lovely it is that He sings over us!

I believe God placed music into our lives to revive and restore our hearts. The truth is, there have been many times I have felt desperately discouraged, then I listen to music, and suddenly I am smiling again.

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17, The Bible, NIV Translation)

Above is the original photo. As you can see I didn't have to add or change much!

Touch Not the Elf

This is my first attempt at using the computer in my art. First I did a pen and ink drawing, then scanned it into the computer where I added the stars and color.
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It is not nearly as sophisticated as what I have learned to do since, but there is a certain lovely simplicity about this drawing which speaks to me. It is whimsical, both in simplicity and title. Touch Not the Elf is one of my favorites, and I am very happy to share her with you.

Angels Among Us

There are some angels among us. This lovely angel's name is Daka and she is filled with kindness, wisdom and immense humor. We are all VERY blessed to have her in our lives. I know she would laugh (and I love her distinctive laughter) because in this drawing of her I added rainbow wings to her shoulders.