Butterfly

Philippians 4:13  Acrylic on Masonite, 8"x8"

I have a friend who has cancer.  It is a frightening ordeal.  She is relatively young and right now hope is at a premium.  She can't have flowers at this point in her hospital room.  Therefore I painted this painting and gave it to her recently wishing it will provide her a place to quiet her mind and lighten her heart.  I named the painting Philippians 4:13 which is from the Bible.  The verse is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Strength, hope and prayers.

What have I learned?

Gracie 6"x6" Acrylic on board

I am posing a question for the holiday.  Usually we sit around the table at Thanksgiving and routinely say what we are thankful for.  It is important to reflect on these things that we take for granted.  Health and family are two big ones that come to mind.  However, this year I am reflecting on the things I have learned as well.  Last June I took a painting class in Grand Marais, MN which brought me back to acrylic painting.  It has also brought me to this blog.  I entered an artwork in our local Area Art Exhibition put on by the MacNider Art Museum here in Mason City, Iowa and was selected for showing.   I have also sold several of my works which is also reaffirming.These are all steps in the Creative Way that I have come forward and progressed.  So, this Thanksgiving, I am reflecting on the question of "What have I learned?"

Flexibility

Meeting people halfway

Keeping an open mind

The above painting is of Gracie.  This little dog is owned by a past student of mine.  I taught art in the local high school for many years and I was delighted to have the opportunity to paint this little guy for someone I had in class in the past.  Lots of unruly fur made the dog fun to paint with the liner brush.

Kittens on the Farm

Kittens on the Farm    10"x10" acrylic on masonite.

It is the 14th of November.  Tonight the Super Moon will be at its fullest.  According to EarthSky website the moon of November can be called the Frosty Moon, the Hunters Moon or the Beaver Moon.  Nature is such a splendorous thing.  

These two kittens that I painted and posted here are frolicking in the grass.  They were born on a rural Iowa farm and are two members of numerous litters that occupy the grounds.  Green grass will soon be covered by white snow.  Winter is coming.  The seasons are changing.

Black Cat on a Black Chair

Toki 6"x6" Acrylic on Masonite Board  11-16

This was definitely a challenge for me.  This kitty is my daughters.  I already painted her other cat, Stella, on August 4th.  This is Toki.  A very black cat.  Back in August I cat sat for the two kitties for a week.  Toki was a little shy and didn't stick around much to socialize.  She did jump up on the refrigerator and stare at me while I watched the television.  I did manage to get a photograph of her on this black chair glaring up at me, at least long enough to get a photograph.  I like the perspective and the challenge of painting black on black.