Isaiah 55:1,2 Come to the Living Water, all those who thirst. Sitting on a rock with my feet in the water, listening to the sounds of nature in the cool shade of a mountain stream, sensing Gods manifest Presence, causes a powerful sense of worship. And worship takes my eyes off of myself and helps me to remember who God is. I am so thankful I am His child and He is my Father.
Every act of creation is a type of communication. I tell my students all the time that painting is visual communication. We, as artists, tell a story of the mystical, the divine in each painting. And that has been true since the earliest times in art history. This story of Truth, goodness and beauty transforms me and hopefully will transform the viewer. Sharing with others my vision of the natural world that was created "in the beginning" brings me joy when others say they can feel the natural elements, hear the water rushing over rocks or smell the wet grass. My paintings are not just about technical skill but a reflection of divine order, the spark of Life and the Spiritual vibrations and frequencies of our Eternal God.
The true purpose of art is to awaken the soul. If art brings a sense of awe, or tears, or a link to the divine, then the artwork is successful. Art should document God's Presence. When there is a sense of this beauty, this mystery, then for that artist and for that audience, the future is bright!
The word inspiration is derived from the Latin word to breathe. My inspiration is the God breathed creation of water that flows from the Source of all Life. Just like water flows, the Holy Spirit moves the artist when they are in the flow of creating art. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will breathe life into me as I worship Him in His Creation.
This painting was commissioned by a friend, and the reference photo was taken from her barn loft. Thanks, Melissa, I really enjoyed working on this view of the Appalachians and beyond. The barn has a lower floor for stables and an upper level as a guest house with a stone fireplace and an elevator. Betcha never have seen anything like this before! And my painting will be displayed over the fireplace in the most elegant barn I've ever had the priviledge to visit!
"The one who delights in the Lord shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water whose fruit ripens and whose leaf does not wither. For whatever He does shall prosper." Psalms 1:3 God gives us many promises in the Bible. His Living Water is enough to give abundant Life now and Eternal Life in the future to those who delight in Him..
The prophet Amos said "Let Justice flow like a river and Righteousness like an unfailing stream. 5:24 An unfailing stream has a source of water that is deep and never ending. It flows into a river and the river flows into an ocean. I love the metaphors of the Bible. Truth is explained so clearly for those who seek it. Justice and Righteouness come from the Source of Living Water which is God. And He never fails!!! Truth, Goodness and Beauty flow from the throne in Heaven, the source of our Living Water!
My husband and I hiked to the waterfall at Roaring Run a few days ago. For these falls, I relied on photographs, inspiration and imagination in order to work on composition. I am finding that the desire to rearrange and compose is much more fun than sticking so closely to the photograph. Letting my paint brush follow the light and shadow patterns and the flow of water is so relaxing. Going with the flow of life, knowing God will shine His light on the path gives peace beyond understanding.
After fighting with these waves, I am so glad that I chose to paint water in all its forms! It is indeed challenging, but I always love to stretch and grow in my abilities. An online class helped and I am looking forward to exploring more images of water. I also find much joy in praising my Savior for the Beauty of this world. God calls Himself the "Spring of Living water"and Isaiah uses flowing water to picture God pouring out His Holy Spirit. May God pour out His Spirit on His children as we fight the storm tossed waves that are so prevalent in this world.
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I am very excited to begin a new series of water paintings. To paint the movement of water is a challenge but what an incredible feel of refreshing coolness in the summer heat. Can you feel the spray and hear the roar? I want to get the senses involved in these paintings and at the same time explore the spiritual metaphors of water.
"We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises or other beautiful attractions in life; those are simply moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength." Oswald Chambers
This quote makes me cry. I don't want to be in the valley, but I know by experience how true it is that this is where we learn to be on our knees, which is exactly where God wants us to be.
This finishes my Father, Son and Holy Spirit Series. My goal was 50 paintings. Now I'm on to something new. Next post will explain!
Going Home Series #49 12 x 18 oil $550.
"Light unshared is darkness. To be light ideed, it must shine out. So, the very essence of light is that it is for all to see." George MacDonald
That magic hour when the sun touches the earth is sooo exciting to me; when God kisses the earth He made and says it is good!. Praise the Creator for His Creation!
When God Arises the Light is intense and powerful!. If you are discerning, you will see all of life pointing to Him. There is no mistaking His Glory of True Holiness! What a day it will be when we see Him face to face!
This started as a demonstration for my students. I can get a painting started and almost finished in 2 hours, however I continue to refine it a week or so later after looking at it for a while. I can see the mistakes better if I wait to say it is finished! When immersed in life, it is hard to evaluate. I am usually totally covered (underwater) just surviving and doing the necessary things each day. The flow of Life gets way too busy, so I stop and retreat to my studio for a relaxing break, floating on the water and allowing God to handle the currents. My perspective is better and I can head off mistakes and blunders. Life goes much better when I wait on His Presence !
During this drought in Southwest Virginia, I'm reminded to follow the path of Living Water, which refreshes my soul. I want to be the tree planted at the edge absorbing all the Water I can for healing and redemption. When I paint I am listening to You Tube music of running water and birds singing and instrumental hymns. It's an incredibily relaxing break from the rush and noise of life!!!! There's no drought in my Happy Place!!!
