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.

  

It Only Takes One on 11" x 14" canvas $95

I have a huge love of sunflowers.  To me they appear so majestic.  The flower head is so huge compared to the stem.  A couple of years ago I grew some huge ones and just as they opened someone helped themselves to them from the back of my yard. They didn't even leave me one.  It could have been squirrels.  Probably was a kiddo taking them to their Momma and that's ok.  I would have dried them for the birds.  Since then I don't grow them so close to my fence in the back. This afternoon I decided to paint this from a photo and a bit of my imagination on the back ground.  Those of you who paint with me won't be surprised at my inclusion of purple. 

Art Effects Show

This is the site for ART EFFECTS a show in Columbia coming in August.   I'm so excited to be a part of it.  Hope to see you all there~!    http://www.mauryregionalfoundation.com/page.aspx?pid=362  

Painting a Gourd

I came upon this article this morning in an e-mail.  I think it says so well what I've been saying for some time that I believe we are all born with the ability to create art.  Our art may be in the form of painting, dance, music, gardening, designing, writing, etc.  I also believe that to not create is to deny God the ability to show the world what can only be shown through us. Imagine what if I don't "create" something that God feels important that He wants to show the world and then it goes uncreated.  Or what if my lack of creating prevents me from emotionally healing or expressing what He wants done.  I feel my best when I allow time for creativity.   Please post in the comment section below how creating influences your life.  I'd really love to dialogue with you about it. 

Painting a Gourd

All of us were made to make things. During my studies, I found out a surprising piece of data: There is no such thing as a creative or noncreative person. Every single human being is creative. Every research participant could recall a time in his or her life when creativity brought him or her great joy. It was usually childhood, and the creative expressions ranged from coloring or finger-painting to dancing, singing or building. What was most fascinating was that the participants never talked about learning how to be creative—they just were.

As adults, what keeps us from being creative—from painting, cooking, scrapbooking, doodling, knitting, rebuilding an engine or writing—is what I call the comparison gremlin (a close cousin of the shame gremlin). People say, "I'm not good enough," or "Why am I the only one with dangling modifiers?" or "I'm not a real sculptor...I'm a total poser." In other words, we shame ourselves into stopping. While we may have all started creative, between ages 8 and 14, at least 60 percent of the participants remember learning that they were not creative. They began to compare their creations, they started getting graded for their art, and many heard from a teacher or a parent that "art wasn't their thing." So we don't have to teach people to find joy in creating; we have to make sure not to teach them that there's only one acceptable way to be creative.

I had to push myself to rediscover my own artistic side. Unused creativity is not benign. It clumps inside us, turning into judgment, grief, anger and shame. Before I turned my life around, I used to dismiss people who spent time creating. When a friend would invite me to go to an art class or something, I'd respond: "How cute. You go do your A-R-T; I'm busy with a real J-O-B." Now I realize that was my fear and my own frustrated need to create.

To kick things off, I went to a gourd-painting class with my mom and my then-9-year-old daughter, Ellen. It was one of the best days of my life. I'm not kidding. I still paint, and now I'm having a serious love affair with photography. But start with something easy. Why not start with a gourd? Put a silly face on it. Make it smile.


Read more: http://www.oprah.com/relationships/How-to-Increase-the-Love-in-Your-Life-Brene-Brown/2#ixzz1sgiTvnOS

Tunnel of Roses 12" x 12" canvas $95.

My Moms' roses that she gave to me several years ago are out blooming their sweet selves this year....and early too. She had been caring for them for about 30 years and gave me starts about 5 years ago. They smell soooo good... like a rose oughta' smell.

"You can only see as far as your headlights"

I've been busy with so many classes and creating new ones that I've had very little time for painting from my heart and that leaves me ouching~! Is that a word??? And yet I'm soooo greatful for the many artists I am working with. You inspire me daily`! Now in the middle of all these classes I'm having my bedroom painted and redoing much of it. And did I add I'm preparing for a plein air workshop in my garden in May. My friend Nikki is a very talented artist and is doing a great job giving me a new bedroom. I've struggled for months wanting to make these changes and unable to make the decisions needed to get going. I still am not sure what color my accents will be. I should have called Amy Freeze, who could have solved it for me in an instant. This morning I ran upon a quote by E.L Doctorow from Ann Lamont's book "Bird by Bird"
“writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” You don’t have to see where you’re going, you don’t have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you."
Lamont also quoted Annie Dillard:
"Day by day you have to give the work before you all the best stuff you have, not saving up for later projects."
I would love to hear your experiences as you progress in your artistic journey. It encourages me and others when we hear how differently we make our trips to success in whatever path we choose to take.

An Afternoon in Centennial Park

Yesterday afternoon my lil' sister Kay and I packed up our paints and headed to Centennial Park in downtown Nashville. You should have seen our heads spinning as we were trying to choose where to set up. Finally we decided on the site seen in the photo below because we thought there would be less foot traffic there. We wished for little painting kits to give to the children. I'm sure with their enthusiasim they could produce amazing art. Yep~! you got it ...

we had a lot of help :-)

What we didn't project was the movement of the sun shinning directly onto our canvas. Kay had artists umbrellas but they were way back at our car so we tried to paint while truly being "blinded by the light"....hummmm that sounds like a song??? While I'm not willing to post our attempts I will show you the photo we took of what we tried to paint. I still love the view and will paint it here in my studio. We do have our canvas from yesterday with colors from the atmosphere to transfer to the studio painting.

All in all it was a gorgeous day in the park. If you can get there this week the tulips are blooming early along with lots of other floral both trees and bulbs.

Hey, I just thought of something, why don't some of you paint from this photo and send me a photo of your painting~! Now that would be fun~!

Painting with the BBB's The Bold Beautiful Babes of Pulaski

Last night I went near Florence, Alabama to paint with a fabulous group of women. Two of these women had never painted anything. What they lacked in experience they brought in eagerness to succeed. I pleaded with Karen, who initiated this workshop, to let them off easy and we would paint something simpler. Nope~! Karen had her heart set on painting from a photo of these women sitting on the beach. No one could have been more surprised then me when their paintings turned out really good. You can imagine me starting by telling them it's not about how good the finished painting is, but about the experience and learning from each attempt. Well they showed me~! These women were amazing~!

I forgot to tell you that the experience was greatly enhanced by the setting. We painted behind a glass wall over looking the Tennessee River. It was the vacation home of Karen and Steve Spivey and what a home it is. I had a really hard time this morning getting out of bed because the view of the river held me captive as I looked from my bed out the window.

Thank you Karen and all of your precious friends. I look forward to returning to your

home away from home. I'm including a couple of photos of the women and their paintings. I can't believe I forgot to get photos of the river. I guess that means I have to return.

Red Posies 10" x 8" canvas

This is one of 6 floral paintings I'm painting for a class in Pulaski, TN. We are going to hold an art show where the ladies will be donating one of two paintings they will complete in class. The sale will be on April 17, 2012. The location of the sale will follow later. I've been amazed at the talent in these classes. And now they are willing to part with one of their beautiful pieces of art for a very good cause. If you love to paint or have always wanted to paint, there is still time to join us in the class on March 20, 2012. Contact me for more information.

Christina's Boots 20" x 16" canvas

I painted this for a class coming up in a couple of weeks. I borrowed a pair of Christina's boots as my model. A beautiful young lady named Wendy Buttler asked me to paint boots for a class for her birthday coming up in a couple of weeks. It was so much fun to paint. These can be painted with a variety of background colors to match your decor. If you'd like your very own, please contact me for more information.

Dreams III 20 x 16" x 1/2" Acrylic on canvas

I painted this for a class to be next week in Pulaski, TN. You can go to my calendar for details. Or send me a note requesting the flyer for it which I will gladly e-mail to you.

The treasures hidden inside all of us

I think it takes courage to apply paint on the canvas and then put it out there for the world to view; and even more to invite our friends and other artists to critique. The really neat thing is that sometimes we get it right. We'll never know those moments if we don't drum up the courage to try. What hidden treasures are we bringing to the canvas today?
"Do you have the courage to bring forth this work? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say YES." by the poet Jack Gilbert

Star of Bethlehem Floral 18"x24" on 1&1/2" gallery wrapped canvas $300

I picked up a pot of flowers at Publix about 6 weeks ago that I don't recall having seen before. It's a bulb called Star of Bethlehem and it bloomed for weeks. It still looka really good even though it has now dried in the pot. I sent a photo to several painters and asked them to paint it for fun. Several of you did and wow are you guys good~! I first painted it in colors that were too similar in value and the urn got lost in the back ground. It doesn't really matter that they were different colors, if they are close to the same on the value scale something gets lost in the delivery. So this afternoon I repainted the back ground and I like it so much better. Hope you enjoy.

Happy Easter

This is painted on an 18" x 24" x 3/4" board. On the left is a rabbit that would look great year round but especially in the spring. The right side of the board is covered in chalk paint so you can write a personal note and change it daily if you like. You can place it on an easel or hang it from a hook that can be placed on the back. I've had a chalk board in my home for years and love the notes left behind especially when little angels have graced my home. A couple of years ago I even painted a door in my kitchen with chalk board paint and love writing motivating notes to myself. This is not for sale but I'd love to help you paint your own in several upcoming classes. I'll post them on the calendar as soon as their scheduled. The first class that is already scheduled is at Grace Pointe Church on Feb. 24th. You can let me know if you'd like to reserve a spot.

Being Creative

So many times in an art class I hear women say: "I'm just not creative".  Today I found a quote by Wolf Kahn  a well respected artist who paints mostly with pastels.  "To be creative....may mean nothing more than the refusal to be habit-ridden".
Many of you know that I am feeling drawn more and more to what I call "impressionistic abstract" work.  I was in a gallery recently when the owner related this story.  She said a gentleman was viewing an abstract painting (one that had not "moved" her).  She said he had tears in his eyes as he told her of the place the painting took his thoughts as he revisited memories.
I think this is what we as artists hope to accomplish everytime we pick up our paints.  That we can help someone re-visit a memory or a place that is special to them.  It's not all about what I see when I paint but what you see when you view what I painted.

Paintings not coming through.......yet

Do you ever have a week when it seems like everything you paint is just not quite like you thought it would turn out? This has been one of those weeks. I have several that I plan to work on improving tomorrow. If they step up I'll post them later. I have to tell myself what I tell students all the time. It's a process of improving. It's not really wasted time if you learn something. I also did a copy of an artist whose use of colors I love. It is probably the best work I did this week. His name is Elio Camacho. I had planned to take a workshop from him next month until I learned yesterday that he is conducting it inside instead of en plein air. I just can't imagine traveling to Tampa, Florida in the middle of winter and remaining inside~! I decided to wait and watch for his outdoor workshops. And no...I'm not posting that painting as it really is a copy of his work. I prefer to paint original inspirations which is what I hope you aspire to as you are learning to paint. Well it's after 9pm and I hear a really good book calling my name. Good night all

"An Angel In My Kitchen" 12" x 24" on 1-1/2" Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This is the second painting in a series I'm calling "Earth Angels". She may be hard for me to part with as she looks wonderful in my kitchen.

"Three Brothers" 30" x 30" Canvas

I actually have four brothers, but one lives in Charleston, SC so I rarely get to see him. The other three live here in the Nashville area. This past year I learned what towers of strength and generousity they are in my life. I've been wanting something new to go over my mantle in the living room. As I began to paint I thought of how much these three trees represent how I feel about my brothers. Strong, protective and always there when I need a shelter from my life especially this past year. I love you guys so much. Glad to be one of your sisters.
I especially love when a painting takes on a personal meaning. Slowly my home is becoming full of paintings I don't want to part with....how could I when they've become a part of my "story". What you can't see in the photo is how much texture is on this canvas.....much like my life~

"Victoria" 48" x 24" on 1&1/2" gallery wrapped canvas that needs no frame

I painted this a few months ago while in Destin, but was never completely happy with it. I left it in my studio where I had to see it everytime I entered the room. Today I placed it on the easel and the magic behind the brushes just came through. It made me think of my oldest grand daughter who is so angelic herself, so I named it after her. I can see her in a young girl's room. I'd love to hear

what you think of her. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Looking for inspiration to paint

I got up really early this morning. Didn't mean to but just couldn't sleep. I looked around my home for inspiration to get me painting. I spotted this beautiful pot of Star of Bethlehem blooming in my living room. I bought it about a week ago and I've watched it slowly open. If I had been smarter I would have removed the red paper, surrounded it with moss, and you just might have thought I grew it from bulbs myself. Too late~! The old concrete urn has a drain hole so I left it in it's original wrapping to prevent water on my table. Those of you who paint....I challenge you to paint your impression of this plant(yep~! you can use my photo) and send me your own photo.

Laurie Pace, Texas Artist

Tonight I entered a small contest by posting what it means to create art to me. A couple of hours later I opened an e-mail by Texas artist Laurie Pace. I wanted to share her writing with you because she wrote so well what I feel. She explains why I encourage artist to use their own color choices and to add their own ideas when they are painting with me. In other words, they have my permission to use my painting as a guide to learn, but it is my hope that they will reach inside and pull out their own expression. I hope you'll check out Laurie's web site and enjoy her work and writing as much as I do. I also hope you will be inspired to paint, to tap into your Creator and share with others what He has inspired through you. Laine

Co-creator?


Thoughts of God's touch creating so much beauty in our world, puts me in awe of His artistry. As an artist, I feel so much responsibility to use my gift wisely and to allow Him to work through me as I am only a poor imitator of His dimensionally work.



Ladies at my summer workshop.

Painting in my own style, expressing what is important to me using line, color, palette knife and movement, is primary to the success of the work. Success that He was apart of the making. I can do nothing with out Him.


Encouraging other artists to paint from the inside out is often hard. 'Copying' a photo or image from the internet is hard to pass up at times, and I cannot say I have never done it because in the early years of the internet it seemed easy to use it as reference. Not fully copying it, but copying it where I should not have done it. You begin to realize it is not your work. It is not His work. It was something co-created by Him and another artist or photographer. For me to be a co-creator with Him, it is something that is inspired by my work, my photographs, or if I have a photograph for a commission... it is with permission to be a co-creator. Paintings completed without Him may be technically correct but they are not filled with any light or energy.


Feel prosperous in this new year and joyful that He is there with you as you do what your direction is in life. Do it with His spirit there fulltime. It is God-power, or God-filled energy. Abundance is there for the asking, and He will provide what we each need in life.


Words of my Heart,
Laurie


Read more: http://lauriepace.blogspot.com/#ixzz1iufVONdj