The Real Joy of Painting

Back in 2011, the hubs bought me some paints and canvas for Christmas.  I played around with it and started to remember how much I really enjoyed painting.  Now, mind you it had been almost 20 years since I had painted. My first few paintings showed how rusty I really was, but I kept at it.

One of the very first ones.

I seemed to have gravitated to the abstract first because it really didn't need a subject.  It could go all over the place, and no one would care.

Ad far as realism goes, it was going to be a stretch or so I thought.   I turned my attention to seascapes.  I have to say that I have always been fascinated by the sea and moving water.  Maybe because of all my dad's stories of being at see in the Navy.  But, I didn't know if I could paint them.  I spend about an hour mixing the perfect blue to make sky and then another hour or so trying to mix the perfect blue for the water.  Turns out it's easier to mix it on the canvas than on a palette or jar.

Destin Surf

"Seascape 2"

The painting to the left was painted from a photograph I took while in Destin, Florida.  I think I amazed my own self with how well it turned out.  The painting to the right was my second seascape EVER.  The first one was donated to my church for a Cake Walk sort of thing.

Repaint of "Seascape 1"

"Purple Mountain Majesty"

I just love the relaxation that painting brings. Whether it's water or mountain scenes or silly abstract trees.  I love doing it.  Painting brings in peace and rest for me.  I love the smell of the paint.  I love the fact that I can get totally messy with it if I wanted to.  It doesn't have to be perfect, just fun.  The more I paint the more enjoyable it becomes.

You don't have to explain art to anyone.  You see, art speaks a language all its own.  People are moved by what they see or don't see.  Art reaches people that our words cannot.  Art can tear down walls of resistance and build bridges to the hearts of all who look upon it.  It transcends race, gender, creed, orientation, and even religion.

With that being said, there is an aspect of my art that has been manifesting since I began painting, Prophetic Painting.  I love using art to worship God and to evangelize. Yes my paintings have taken on a religious theme from time to time to reach someone who may be hurting or need to be encouraged.  Prophetic art reaches the unreachable and touches the untouchable.  It breaks down the barriers that the church walls have built around all of us.  The message can be different to each person who sees it.  They feel something, sense something. 

"Coming Home"

"Eyes of the Lord"

"Fountain of God"

"Light of Heaven"

"Pure Heart"

"Redeemed"

"Trump of the Lord"

Featured Shop of May 15th, 2012

It's been some time now since I have introduced you to a shop from Etsy.  This one is a photography studio, 9th Cycle Studios.

Meet Christine, owner/photographer of 9th Cycle Studios:

I am originally from Australia, but moved to the United States about 6 years ago. I married to a wonderful American man, and am slowly assimilating to the culture. By that, I mean I say "awesome" and "like" WAY too much. We have no children, but plan on getting a dog (or three) at some point.

I started photographing things very early on. I don't remember who gave me my first camera or when, but I do recall taking one to school as early as 4th grade. I couldn't wait to get that roll of film developed, and put those photos in my album. It was always very important that I capture every memory I could.

No one ever told me how to use a camera. I just experimented until I found a way I was comfortable with. I now incorporate the use Photoshop, and always enjoy finding new ways to enhance or change the original mood of the photo.

I primarily use a digital Panasonic FZ47. This is only a recent addition. Before this, I had to make do with a VERY cheap Canon point and shoot. I also have an old Holga camera. I love the effect these cameras have, and how unpredictable they are. I often wish that I could make this plastic toy camera my primary one, but it's not at all cost effective. (*Sigh*).

My subjects are all over the place. Usually, I'll take a long walk and just photograph random things. I can be inspired by angles of a building, shadows being cast, the time of day etc. Sometimes, I stage my photos to illustrate a certain concept. It all depends on my mood. Some people say that having a defining style is very important as an artist, but I don't entirely agree. I would like to be cohesive, to a point, but I also like to reflect the shifting moods I have as a human being. That's why some photos are bright, some are morbid, fun, sad and everything in between.

I joined Etsy in September 2011, and it's been a fun ride so far. I put a lot of work into networking and promotion, and find myself spending a lot of time on the site. So far, it seems like time well spent. And, it's a fun time. I meet many interesting and creative people, I get to make treasuries to promote other artists and I get the thrill of seeing people admire my work.

If I could offer any advice to people starting out in photography (or anything they're passionate about) it is to persevere. I was dejected for the longest time because I had low end equipment, not capable of all the flashy work I'd seen with other photographers. Now, however, I'm glad. It taught me to work with what I've got, and make the best of it. More importantly, have fun with it.