Demonstration

Painting infront of an audience should have been nerve racking and the noise at Cypress Lodge where I demonstrated this weekend was nothing like the quite of nature that I was use to when painting on location. However I wanted to paint snow and this perfect opportunity presented itself at the Lodge. The interesting thing was that once I started it was exactly as if I was on my own, the noise was not audible, I was relaxed and excited at the same time and was able to concentrate on mixing colour and using my big brush in the comfort of a warm and dry environment. I chatted with people and completed an impression of the ski hill covered with new snow. What more could be perfect. I thank God for this because it was an answered prayer. A realization that with him everything is possible. I am doing it again next weekend too. God is good... all the time! Jane

Artist at Work

Having an opportunity to watch an artist at work engages our senses and perhaps our soul. I found myself anticipating the artists next move as he worked but realized the purposeful action was best to develop from its initial source and the viewer to explore its completion. It seems that artists and art unites something beyond the form to creation itself, which we are all part of and that we can all enjoy. You can check out Chris Mackenzie's unique nature inspired pieces at www.chrismackenzie.com. May we contemplate creations around us daily and perhaps our own purposes in them while striving for Happy New Year. Jane

Happy Gift

Gifts...to us, from us, given, shared;
Those that are free are always there.
Christmas a reminder of a gift from God
A new life given with Mary's nod.
Joseph, the Shepherds and Wise Men too
All received with me and you.
This special blessing of love divine
...Is born a new from us to shine.

Merry Christmas to all. Jane

Solitude

We really are never alone but to be in solitude helps us appreciate that. Though we may go to a place of less noise, less clutter, less conversation, and less motion in our heads and otherwise we come to a place not so quiet after all but surprisingly peaceful. I believe this place is universally within us and is a gift from God. It may feel like it is very deep and far away yet is reachable by choice. It is the place where we hear the breathing of our soul being set free to live. May we listen to the sweat breath of life within us and give it birth.....like Mary did on Christmas Day. Jane

Opposing Colours

This Orange and Blue piece was about using opposing colours while mixing them to achieve neutrals. It brought to mind personalities that even though opposite not only compliment but bring about a whole new way of looking at things because of the infinite "greys" or possibilities that present themselves. While painting this exercise a conflict ensued between the two colours and both were shouting for equal attention. However, in the end Orange won over the subordinate Blue but the blue supported it with its presence. To me it was like a conversation that when both sides were heard and present a dynamic picture resulted. May we work together like two colours that strive for a good relationship and one that is harmonious because of the support that is offered by each individual. What colour do you represent? Jane

The Up Button

In my effort to escape the steep steps of my own desires I chose to make an imaginary oversized button in my art class that would express what I could immediately turn to when needing to be lifted up. By making this wearable wire button with the word: "UP" I hoped it would remind me that it is not so much what I do but the button I choose to press within myself. I could reach a higher place of peace, joy, and goodness if I remembered that I had an "UP BUTTON" - the one that is my relationship with God. May this become larger with time and may God bring you to your higher place of peace. Happy November. Jane