"Not Your Momma's Shoes" 14" x 11"

Workshop at Cardin Warehouse in Pulaski Tuesday night, Jan. 29, 2013.

Time:  6-9 pm

Cost:  $35  We furnish everything you'll need to complete a beautiful painting.

This class will introduce you to using faux finishing in a painting.  As always we will have many colors to choose from so you can match your decor. 

Starry Nights Over Pulaski

Here's the painting we'll be working from tonight at the Cardin Warehouse in Pulaski, TN from 6-9 pm.   Hope to see you there. 

It's been a really great year~!

Over the last couple of months I have been fortunate to paint several commissions.  I was also asked to come up with a Van Gogh looking painting for a class this Thursday night (tonight) in Pulaski at the Cardin Warehouse.  These have all stretched me a bit out of my comfort zone.  I realized as I was painting each one that this is one of the things I love so much about art.  Though my closest friends would probably say I "whined" a bit while stressing over "will they like it",  the truth is I love the stretching it brings.
This reminds me of last spring when I was training to climb Mt. LaConte in Gatlinburg.  The first time I climbed the steep and long boat ramp near my home, I found it very difficult.  Within no time I could climb it multiple times and really fast with long strides.  The training I did prepared me to be able to really enjoy what I could not have even done a few months earlier.
I find painting and creating art to be very similar.  The more I try something new .... something I haven't previously attempted, the more I enjoy it and the better I become.
I just read something from Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson's blog that I loved.  She asked: "When was the last time you did something for the first time?"
Many of you know that a year ago I hit a mile stone in birthdays and I decided it will be my best decade ever.  Now one year later, I can tell you it has been awesome.  From para sailing, climbing Mt. LaConte, traveling in Europe (part of the time spent alone), painting in several maximum security prisons and even more important meeting so many new artists who inspire me constantly.  The best part of this year has been getting to enjoy sharing my life with such an awesome family both biological and chosen.  What a year it's been~! Look out next year~! Here I come~!   LOL 

Timothy's Gift

It's late Wednesday night and we're all pretty tired, but I couldn't go to sleep before sending a quick note to let you all know how this tour of 19 prisons is going.
I think what I experienced this morning in a prison chapel may have been one of the most moving services I've ever been in.  I now get why Jesus told us to visit those in prison.  As affected as the people here appeared to be, it could not come close to what is happening to us doing the presenting.  The grattitude from the inmates is overwhelming.  None of them are forced to come to see us perform.  It's totally their choice.  I was told today by one of the chaplains that he had a lot of people who wanted to come but there wasn't enough room in the chapel.  He said the next time we might want to schedule two programs.  
We have been treated with the utmost respect and overwhelming grattitude.  It's so much different because they don't expect such amazing talent as we are bringing to them.  When our team sings it's fabulous even for me who is used to hearing the very best while living in Nashville.  It sounds so good because this team actually is some of the best in the south...not just Nashville.  And let me tell ya, they don't hold back.  I would pay to see them sing and play.   When Melody picks up her saxaphone and Jacob his guitar.  It's like the best you could ever hope to hear. 
This morning as we were serving communion, one of those attending took his bread, went back to his seat and knelt to his knees where he stayed for a very long time.  When I noticed he was holding a cane to balance himself.......as he wiped the tears from his cheeks ..... so did I. 
The appreciative looks and hand shakes were all the thanks we needed.  But it wasn't all they gave.  Over and over they clapped, sang and gave us standing ovations. 
My husband ended a book he wrote by saying he hoped Jesus would approve of his writings.  Well....me too Shelton.  I hope He is pleased with the love and compassion we felt today for so many who feel so forgotten.  I know my Shelton is smilin'.

Timothy's gift

 I'm so excited to be leaving for a prison tour tomorrow with Ron Miller's awesome group of musicians.  Ron  asked that I paint an angel and tell the brief story of how the first of these paintings began.  I get to paint in 19 different prisons and leave the painting at each one for them to hang in their chapels.  Please pray not just for our safety on this "road trip" but that we leave them with the assurance that God loves them and can cover anything they may have done.  When I learned that the suicide rate is highest during this time of year (while those of us with families are celebrating) I was thrilled to do whatever I can to encourage them not to give up.  Please pray that these often forgotten men and women see something in us that gives them hope for their future.  

I will be posting updates as often as I can during this 11 day tour.  If I don't respond to you quickly, please know that we expect to be crazy busy between driving to each location as well as setting up before the performance.  

I take a bit of each of you with me since your painting with me has done much to give me the courage to think that just maybe I can be used for His purpose by painting the story I believe he has already painted on my heart.
Love to each one of you,  Laine

If you'd like to know more about this program you can go to:

www.timothysgift.com 

Tori's Christmas Angel

This is one of several Christmas paintings to choose from in tomorrow's painting workshop at Buds and Brushes in Pulaski, TN.  The date is Dec. 4, 2012 and the time is 6 to 9 pm.  It's not too late to register.  Just e-mail, face book or give me a call to reserve your place.  Though this painting is a bit of a challenge for a beginner, I will have four others to choose from.  Hope to see you there~!

"Covered" 24" x 18" Not For Sale

After painting several male angels over the last couple of weeks, I've decided on this one to use as a model for the upcoming prison tour.  I am so humbled at even the possibility of being used to express the love that God feels for the men and women so many of us forget.  Please remember our team in your prayers as we attempt to show them they are not only "not" forgotten, but that God can cover them with the same love He covers us.  I decided to use the "green pasture" as I mentioned in the previous painting I posted because I love the implications of it.

I Give You Peace

I just looked at the date of my last posting and could hardly believe it's been so long.  As most of you know I took a much needed vacation and went to France and Italy.  If you follow me on FB then you've already seen a few of the photos.  I really don't have words to describe how beautiful that part of the world is.  I hope to blog about it in the near future.

This afternoon I want to tell you about an invitation that has gripped my heart.  It's called Timothy's Gift.  It's a story of how a 12 year old was sentenced to life in an adult prison because he was on the site of a murder too afraid to stop the man committing the acts.  In Florida that makes you guilty.  I know....you're already thinking: "she's making this up"..  Oh how I wish I were.
Recently I was invited to go on a tour to 18 places in Florida and paint an angel at each location to be left as a symbol of encouragement. I can't thank Ron Miller and John Starnes enough for inviting me along.  You can see more about this ministry at www.timothysgift.com

They asked me to paint an angel with more masculine traits to go with the more feminine angels I typically paint.  I have a large angel in my garden that was a gift to my husband a couple of years ago.  It's definately male so I used it as an inspiration. As I began to paint on this beautiful day I asked for inspiration on colors.  I thought it odd as I began to paint the back ground in shades of green.  (not typically my first choice). When I finished and was cleaning my hands (I usually get as much on me as the canvas gets) I remembered the verse that says I will make you lie down in green pastures.  It doesn't say that we will always like the location or the circumstances.... only that it is a pasture of green.  I love being the "co" with the Creator.  It is my deepest wish that this painting will bring peace to anyone looking at it.  For obvious reasons this is a model of a much larger one that I'll be painting if it meets with the approval of Ron and John. 

Art show

I had so much fun participating in the Art Effects Show recently.  So much fun I forgot to take photos of many of the pieces that found new homes at the show.  I thought I had them stored on my computer.  Whoops~!  I had sold several pieces before I even thought to take photos of my booth. All that said I'm posting a couple of photos I did find.  

Before I post them, I want to say a special thank you to Ellen Calvin at Loblolly's on Walker street here in Columbia for helping me load my car after the show.  I was rushing to be at my grand daughter's 13th birthday party about an hour from my home.  Thanks to Ellen's help, I made it~!

I hope you notice the red dots (which stand for a sold item).  I ran out of red ones and had to use green instead.  Soooo much fun that weekend~!  I met a lot of women who also desire to paint.  Hopefully if you're in my classes, you'll get a chance to meet many of them.   You're my favorite kind of women to hang with.  Women who invite creativity into their lives and homes.

We made the paper~!

Okay...we didn't make it to the cover of the Rolling Stone (as the song goes) but I sure was thrilled when Karen Spivey sent me this news clipping.  I didn't realize Margaret Campbell was writing it.  Thank you so much. 
The real credit goes to Karen and all of you awesome artists who have been such a huge part in supporting your local library with your painting.  You women are amazing~!  Ok...men too. 

Art Effects Show Reminder

While tomorrow begins the Art Effects Show here in Columbia, today is load the car day so I can set up early in the morning. (not my favorite part of being in a show)  If you've never been to this show, ya might want to make it a priority never to miss again.  It's a great time to view wonderful art as well as meet and chat with your favorite artists. (Oh, did I mention....the show is free)  Also tomorrow evening there is a reception with lots of great food.  I look forward to seeing you this weekend~!

PAINTING WITH PALETTE KNIVES AND BRUSHES~   !~!~!

TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

***** Let me show you that anyone can paint *****

ü WE FURNISH EVERYTHING~!

ü QUALITY ACRYLIC PAINTS THAT CLEAN UP WITH WATER                                 

ü YOU WILL LEAVE WITH A BEAUTIFUL PAINTING.

ü THE CLASS IS (3) HOURS AT A COST OF $35. A portion of the funds will be donated to The Library in Pulaski.

Class Time:  Tue. Aug 14, 2012  6-9 pm

Location:  Cardin Warehouse, Pulaski, TN

Other Classes  are on Tuesdays: 

 Sept.11, Oct.23, Nov.13, Dec. 4, 2012  6 – 9 pm

 Watch for further flyers announcing paintings for these classes.

 To register call:  Laine Barley  ph: 931-637-3858  lainebarley@yahoo.com   

Other works available:  Lainesriversideart.com

This is our painting for the August 14th class.  As always you may choose different colors if you like. 

Vincent Van Gogh says it perfectly~!

 

This was posted on Spirit Paintings by Kathryn Rich Bonner on Facebook where another friend had posted it.

  Really how I'd miss FB if it went away.  All that creativity that we could never have seen 15 years ago.  Amazing....this computer world.

This is exactly what I've been doing most of this month getting ready for the Art Effects Show here in Columbia the first weekend of August.  I'm so excited to be a part of this and have regained a new respect for artists who work a lot of shows.  Notice I said "work" because that's exactly what it is.  No matter how much I love to paint, it's different when I have a deadline to meet.

 I just have to say though, I wouldn't have it any other way.  It's amazing to love the "work" you do.  Most everytime I pick up a brush or palette knife and scoop out the beautiful colors......I'm charged up and time starts to fly.  ahhhhh

Where does our creativity come from?

 I enjoy the flowers in my garden so much that I'm always hesitant to cut them as I know it shortens their life. The more colorful ones are beginning to dry up and make room for the lime light variety to show off their beautiful lime green color that usually hang around through fall.  I decided I'd cut the early ones and dry them to use in an arrangement this winter.  As I was cutting, I was amazed at the colors I was seeing.  Even the drying leaves have the most incredible golden and rust veins running through them.  Once again I find myself reflecting on the amazing gift of God....not just in giving us such beauty but also in allowing us to both see it and be inspired to paint and create using those colors.  He could have kept all that creativity for Himself, but no...He shared...and with us.  Amazing...

Paintings for Buds and Brushes June 12, 2012

Here are several paintings you can choose from for the class next Tuesday.  The church is to be painted on a 14 x 11" canvas and I will provide an artxil for your pattern.  These fish are smaller than usual so I would love for you to vote which is your favorite before I  paint a large one for class.  You can still choose which you paint.  It will be on a 20 x 16" canvas like you will be painting on. Soooo please send me a note letting me know which is your favorite.  You can leave it here in the comment section below.  If I don't hear from you, I'll choose one.  If I get enough votes on this site, I just might have a drawing at the class~!  ummmm????? ya neva' know  As always you can choose your colors and make this a really fun painting~!  I get so excited everytime I get to paint with you amazing artists~!

Buds and Brushes at Cardin Warehouse see photos of paintings above.

PAINTING WITH PALETTE KNIVES AND BRUSHES~   !~!~!

TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

Let me show you that anyone can paint

Two classes and several paintings to choose from~!

ü SEVERAL COLOR CHOICES TO MATCH YOUR DÉCOR

ü QUALITY ACRYLIC PAINTS THAT CLEAN UP WITH WATER                                 

ü YOU WILL LEAVE WITH A BEAUTIFUL PAINTING.

ü THE CLASS IS (3) HOURS AT A COST OF $35. A portion of the funds will be donated to The Library in Pulaski.

WE FURNISH EVERYTHING~!

 CLASS TIME:  Tue. June 12, 2012 1-4 & 6–9 pm

 To register : e-mail or call:  Laine Barley  ph: 931-637-3858 lainebarley@yahoo.com  Other works available:  Lainesriversideart.com

"Glad To Be Me" 30 x 30" canvas $400

I've long loved New Orleans colors in art.  though it's been about a year since I painted with them.  This week the muses called and this is the second one I've painted.  The first is not ready for your eyes yet~!   Would love your input.

"Rooster With Attitude" 20" x 16" canvas $150

I rarely see a rooster without remembering a story told to me about a rooster, Aunt Lillian and my brother Mark.  Aunt Lillian had a rooster that was only too happy to demonstrate his ownership of the yard anytime he caught someone in his path.  One morning it was "young Mark"s" misfortune to get too near him. That rooster must have really been a "chicken" picking on a little guy~!  Mark loves to tell the story that when they sat down to dinner that night and he asked what they were having my Aunt Lillian grinned "we're having rooster.... ain't no rooster gonna hurt one of my kids".   Justice of a true pioneer woman~! 

PAINTING WITH PALETTE KNIVES

~AND BRUSHES~ 

TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

Let me show you that anyone can paint~!

 

ü QUALITY ACRYLIC PAINTS THAT CLEAN UP WITH WATER                                 

ü YOU WILL LEAVE WITH A BEAUTIFUL PAINTING.

ü THE CLASS IS (3) HOURS AT A COST OF $35. A portion of the funds will be donated to The Library in Pulaski. 

WE FURNISH EVERYTHING~!

                                               CLASS TIMES: Tue. May 8, 2012 1-4 pm 6 – 9 pm

 To register call:  Laine Barley  ph: 931-637-3858  lainebarley@yahoo.com   

Other works available:  Lainesriversideart.com

Raising a Barn one stroke at a time 20" x 16" canvas

I decided to post these three photos to show those of you who paint with me what  difference composition makes.  If you notice the first photo looks like the painting is sliding off to the left (my sister Kay's favorite way of putting it). It also has a dark line intended to be trees cutting it in half. The next one looks like the roof is poking up through the sky.  Finally when I put the hillside up over the roof line it brought the focus to the barn which was my intention.  The light was getting low when I photographed the last one so the silo looks darker. 

This is a barn sitting at the side of a subdivision between Columbia and Mt. Pleasant, TN.  

Below is a photo taken from when I practiced in Plein Air last summer. I love the way it was built into the hillside.