Painter's Progression

Today, the sun was exactly where he should be and the breeze could not have been any more perfect. So I drove until I found a pretty field and set up my easle in the middle of it.This was step one: finding a good setting and point of view.

Step two: Set up all the necessary tools. --Brushes

--Pallette and paints (I used acrylic)

--water and brush cleaner

--and, of course, canvas. Next, lightly sketch an outline as a guide.

Then paint!!!

Painting is a truly fulfilling way of expressing oneself.

July 11, 2010

Gage and Brent sat in front of me yesterday on the church bus and I could not resist eavesdropping a little to hear what they were discussing so seriously. Brent: "So the batter has to stop after one base?" Gage: "Yeah, that's what the coach says. But we can run when there's two outs." Brent: "You mean, running from first to third in one play?" Gage: "I think so..."  

It was so cute.

My Sketch Book

"The Churchyard Tree"

The noise around me faded

As I gazed on the churchyard tree;

Me ears no longer recognized the town's cacophony.

So peaceful stood that silent sage

Unscathed by time and tears,

Yet looking wise with history

Learned from these hundred years.

Stephanie J Gilbert

I could not resist capturing this beautiful tree in the churchyard across from my home. Everytime I pass it, I am overcome with peace and serenity. So yesterday, after buying a new sketchbook, this tree was a most patient subject.

Nobody laugh. It's been over two years since I have attempted drawing portraits and this is the first since that time. It's supposed to be my nephew, Nathan, but it is not a true likeness. I'm still practicing.

New Heart Strings

This is Nathan Michael Gilbert, my new, adorable nephew. His front name, Nathan, is in honor of Nathan Lockwood, my brother's best friend since childhood who went to be with Jesus in August of 2001. Although Nathan was not here to see his friend's son, his legacy lives on and we remember his stand for truth and Christ. Please pray that hearts will heal.

Little children are a gift

An heritage in the Lord

That we might learn humility

According to God's Word.

Little children teach us much

As we open to their love

For we must be as little children

To our Father from above.

-Richard Merrill

Little KK with her cool shades!

Nature's Poetry

Joyce Kilmer was absolutely right when he said, "I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree." Nature is not meant to be worshipped; nor is it meant to be destroyed. The Creator gave it to us to enjoy. The colors, textures, and sounds of nature remind us Whom we serve. I can sincerely agree that "Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree."

This picture (well, any picture of dark, ominous clouds) makes my think of the 1933 song "Stormy Weather".

Spring!

A few weeks ago, I had a "hankerin" to see some pretty flowers and so took a nature walk. These are the cutest little blossoms and I just had to take a picture. Don't they make you smile?

quote of the moment

"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams."  -Arthur O'Shaughnessy and Willie Wonka