watching for the sunrise

I went to the beach this mourning while it was still dark and waited for the sun to show up.  It was worth the wait, since I was able to get several nice pictures and enjoyed seeing the birds fly over the water, also saw a cute crab in the sand.  We are down in Florida where my husband likes to fish.  I finally found a spot in our place to paint, near a window I can open.  I'm doing a painting of my husband in his kayak.  I'll post it when it's finished.
All this nature reminds me we have a God that planned it all for us.  I'm feeling especially grateful for a chance to see it all.

Shooting butterflies

I was out with my husband in our Kayaks.  We had a great time of it, he fished, and I shot pictures.  As we pulled the kayaks out of the water I saw this bush full of butterflies.  Now it's a lot easier to get a good shot of these guys when there are several zooming around.  I was really happy with this photo and will use it for my greeting cards.  I hope you enjoy it. 

The Bunnie

Beautiful weather here in Georgia today.  I painted this bunnie just for the fun of it.  It was kinda a warm up project.  But found it to be a "good time" of it.  It warmed me up for the complex still life that I am now working on.  Took our puppy to the vet.  She's a terrier mix that is 15 years old.  Vet said her heart is fine and she's going strong!  Amazing little dog.  Did some volunteer work yesterday, and every time my thoughts go back to that experience I feel a nice warm fuzzy.  Don't know how else to put it, but this much I know, it was good for me. 

Garden Gathering

After harvesting veggies all summer, I had to paint some of the goodies.  The eggplant was especially fun to paint with all the rich colors.  I sped up my painting some in order to get a looser look.  It's great to be back  painting in oil.  Our local art gallery hosts a drawing studio where we have a clothed model and we each kick in $5.  No instructor, just on our own, good fun.  Artists need to be with other artists,  it helps us be more productive and we just like other artists.  So find a group!  If you would rather ride a bike. OK, go find that group.  Message is don't go it alone people.  You'll be happier and healthier

Think,think

Do you ever think about what you think about?  Our thoughts are powerful.  I met with a group of friends last night, and after taco salads we talked about The me I want to be. a book by John Ortberg. Great book.   
Our thinking can make life a joy or a pain.  We get to pick our thoughts.  But we can drift into thoughts that are more like a crock pot of irritations and grumblings, doing a slow simmer.  Pull the plug, dump out the contents and replace with some grateful, creative thoughts and see how much better you feel.  Do you like my log photo?  We noticed it alongside a hiking trail.  Makes you just want to go ahead and smile.

Egret at Hilton Head

I've always enjoyed painting birds, you can't help but admire their ability to take flight without having to get to the airport & all that stuff that we must do in order to get off the ground.  This egret is done in oil on a wrapped canvas, so I left some margin with abstract water.
This bird is from Hilton Head, a resort Island in South Carolina, which is about 6 hrs from where we live.  It has become a favorite vacation spot.  I enjoy getting to the ocean, to see if it's still there.
Yesterday while on the lake, my husband found a hugh grey feather from some water bird.  I can't pass up a good feather and sometimes use them in my art work.
I've started a flamingo painting & hope to finish it soon.  It's hot all across the USA, being in the water is the only sure thing, unless you wanted to live indoors.  Have to get outdoors, experience nature... it feeds your soul.

Pink & Beige card

I enjoyed making this card.  I like the soft colors
I used a stamp to make the background paper.  The
flower was cut from fabric that had been coated
with white glue.  The ribbon is paper craft ribbon.
White glue works well, if I just use it sparingly.
When will I get back to painting? 
I am still collecting objects for my collage.  The theme
of the collage is Isreal.  We traveled there a few years back.  I'm so glad we had the chance to go.
Life is good...look for the goodness & beauty.  You will find it!