Be Still

Be Still

White and Pure

Humbly Reaching Upward to Heaven

Seeking God to Please

Patiently Growing

Nurtured by His Love

Firmly planted

This is a painting that I started a while ago, I liked it, but it did not feel quite finished. I had some difficult times in my pregnancy, and I kept thinking about this painting, I really wanted to get it all resolved. My health got even worse, and I wasn't able to paint, so I had the painting hung by my bed. In my mind. I finished the painting over and over and when I was finally able- I finished it. I call it "Be Still" because that was all I could do. My little one came a little early and spent some time in the NICU and once again, all I could do was "be still".

I made it into a bookmark and gave it to everyone who helped and served us in the hospital. I feel so grateful. This painting has been a great source of peace and comfort to me.

What is better than tulips?

This beautiful little girl is.

She was supposed to wait until the tulips were in full bloom, but she decided to come first.

All of a sudden, I need a usb hub

Ever since I saw this, I can't quit thinking that it would such a useful thing to have... it's not that I don't have enough space to keep everything plugged in... it is just that these are tulips, red tulips.

Invest in better quality art supplies

I think one of the most important things you can do to encourage your artist is to invest in better quality for their art supplies. I don't think you need to spend a lot, but at least get them supplies that can encourage better results.

These are my tips for getting your artist set up properly with watercolors. (the photo is of my 3 year old daughter's set up)

Honestly, I think anyone would be frustrated and loose interest if the color they dip their brush into a color that is only capable of giving an anemic version of what it looks like. I think that you should spend about $10 on a watercolor set (or get one of those 40% off coupons and get an even nicer one). Brand doesn't necessarily matter as much as when you start spending that much, you will be getting more pigment in the paint, hence better results, and the set is going to last a lot longer. I also think it is important to get a variety of brushes so that your artist has choices. There are typically variety packs of synthetic brushes available at most art and craft stores for 5 or 6 dollars. And finally, paper- if you give your artist printer paper to paint on, it warps and tears- it is not made to accept water. I recommend buying a ream of card stock (stores like xpedex have great prices and selection) You can get something with a little texture, or if you want smooth- I suggest "bristol" card stock.

Better quality supplies=better art. Your artists deserves it!

Only one month away from this!

This is what I love.

I love getting to be surrounded by tulips, painting tulips. I love getting to meet and talk to so many people who have come to see the tulips. Most encounters are brief, we talk about tulips (I know a thing or two about tulips), we talk about the gardens at Thanksgiving Point (I can point out things you won't want to miss- for example: I can tell you where the owl nest is-- and by the way-the owl is back in her nest again-, or where the most tulips are currently in bloom, or I can tell you about the benefits of having a membership), and then we almost always talk about art.

People ask what kind of paint I am using, how long did it take to paint (this depends on how much I talk while I paint- but I love getting to talk to people while I paint), how did I learn to paint, where did I study, and then they often tell me about a family member or friend that is also artistic and ask for any advice for nurturing their artist. I have lots of ideas and suggestions about that, so I am going to start a series here on my blog that will include my advice, so check back. (I will also label these posts so you will be able to access all these posts at once on the sidebar.)

My niece's art made it on the cover of the Friend!

I was so happy when I opened our March 2011 Friend Magazine to see my niece's art on the front cover. Hers is the beautiful Temple painting in the upper left corner with the turquoise sky and flag pole. Good job Avery!