Showing posts with label watercolor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label watercolor. Show all posts

Monday Devotional...Staying Connected to the Life Source

Did you read what this painting from Jennifer says?

Our strength, ability to grow and thrive, minister and well...
 apparently everything 
comes from being attached to our Heavenly Father.

For grapes the nourishment comes from the roots 
and up the stem
into the fruit.
For us it is no different.
If we are firmly rooted in the Word of God
we will be nourished and fed.

If we seek His will in each new day 
His joy will be ours.

I also love the word abiding.
It is a very comforting word.
This verse talks about a mutual togetherness.
Love it.

Don't get plucked from the vine before you are
fully ripe and sweet.
Stay under His protection.
When the birds of worry, doubt and fear assail-
hold on.

Hold on until you offer that wonderfully sweet fragrance
of ripened fruit.
Have you walked under a grape arbor filled with 
ripe concord grapes?
There is nothing to compare.
At one point when I was a young wife and 
mother I attended a ladies Bible Study at the home
of another woman in our church.
Just before you entered her kitchen door 
there was a grape arbor.
Everyone who came in walked under 
the fragrant grapes.
We all had to comment on it.
Some of us just wanted to reach out an 
partake of this goodness.
The sweet aroma was evident and made an impact.
Our prayers of supplication and praise are a wonderful
aroma to Him.
Our lives lived with Him should be pleasant to those
we come in contact with each day.
May our faith and joy inspire those we meet to want 
what we have.
And then may we have the courage and love 
to share our connection and life source.

Walk with Him today.
Stay connected.

It is life.

Hugs, 

6:41 AM | Category: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments

Wednesday Featured Artist, March 6, 2013

It is my pleasure to introduce Gerda Collins of Gerdas Garden as our Wednesday Featured Artist.


Tell us a bit about yourself, Gerda.
     The process of creating a painting is what thrills me the most. I am very intensely focused when I paint. Usually painting alone or with one other cherished friend. When a painting is finished I am almost sad, because that specific, unique journey is over; never to be duplicated.
     All of creation inspires me. Especially the plants, flowers, trees.  I grew up helping my mom in her garden and those 'roots' have served me well in my painting journeys. I have always been a crafter, even as a child, this is just my latest adventure.
    Not being a 'professionally trained' artist (save for a couple classes) I have had to overcome the idea that I was not a 'real' artist. Thanks to the encouragement I have found among Etsians I now say, "I am an artist".
My work has a softer caste to it, which is on purpose. I seek a gentler way and a kinder spirit to reach out to the world.


How did you get your start on Etsy?
      I opened my first shop in 2007 after a friend told me about this new site for handcrafters. Opened gerdasgarden in 2009 when I decided to focus on my artwork.


-How did you choose your shop name? 
     I wanted a name that had my name, since it's unusual and therefore easy to remember and that reflected much of what I paint. the outdoors.


-What does a typical day look like for you? 
      I have the privilege of working from home. My art is a part-time venture for now. I usually tend to 'home type' matters in the morning and paint once a week alongside a fellow artist. Most afternoons I try to spend a few hours online working on listings or other computer related adventures (twitter, pinterest etc)


-If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?  Holy Lands

-What is your favorite Bible verse?   Proverbs 3:5-6
     "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
-What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?

-URLs to where else we can find you on the internet (Facebook fan page, Twitter, your own dot.com, your blog, etc)

Facebook --  https://www.facebook.com/GerdaCollins.Artist

Twitter --  https://twitter.com/gerdasgarden

Gerda's work is delightful and gives us that glimpse of spring that we are longing for.

posted by: Zuda Gay Pease
9:43 AM | Category: , , , | 12 comments

Friday Finds - Beautiful

Posted by Julie Blanck of Sew Twisted in Stitches

From my favorite daily devotional "Insight For Living" by Chuck Swindoll (www.insight.org)

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV)

Among Christians, a favorite verse of Scripture is Romans 8:28:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

The key part of the verse is "work together." That verse does not say "all things are good"—just as Solomon's comment does not say "everything is beautiful." It says, "All things are good as they work together for His purpose." This says, "He makes everything beautiful in its time."

And I've got news for those who struggle with God's timing. You may not live to see God's time completely fulfilled. You may live to a ripe old age, carry out your reason for existence, and die before the full program of God has reached its ultimate and completed purpose. But His promise stands.

B-Attitudes
He will make everything beautiful in its time.
Tapestry 316
GBMB Designs

Calligraphic Artisan

The Vintage Artist
 
Beadlieve Jewelry
 

Tilesmiles


6:30 AM | Category: , , , , , , | 6 comments

Good Friday Finds
Submitted by Julie of Collar Topia and Sew Twisted In Stitches

Isaiah 53 (CE Version)
3 He was hated and rejected;
his life was filled with sorrow
and terrible suffering.
No one wanted to look at him.
We despised him and said,
“He is a nobody!”
Kelly Bermudez Art and Visual Devotions

4 He suffered and endured
great pain for us,
but we thought his suffering
was punishment from God.
5  He was wounded and crushed
because of our sins;
by taking our punishment,
he made us completely well.



The Art Part of Me
6  All of us were like sheep
that had wandered off.
We had each gone our own way,
but the [Lord] gave him
the punishment we deserved.
SYoderCrafts
7   He was painfully abused,
but he did not complain.
He was silent like a lamb
being led to the butcher,
as quiet as a sheep
having its wool cut off.
Photo Greetings
8 He was condemned to death
without a fair trial.
Who could have imagined
what would happen to him?
His life was taken away
because of the sinful things
my people had done.
Totally Crosses
9  He wasn't dishonest or violent,
but he was buried in a tomb
among cruel, rich people.t
10 The [Lord] decided his servant
would suffer as a sacrifice
to take away the sin
and guilt of others.
Now the servant will live
to see his own descendants.t
He did everything
the [Lord] had planned.
Shirin Mackeson

11 By suffering, the servant
will learn the true meaning
of obeying the [Lord].
Although he is innocent,
he will take the punishment
for the sins of others,
so that many of them
will no longer be guilty.







The Country Sign Shop
12  The [Lord] will reward him
with honor and power
for sacrificing his life.
Others thought he was a sinner,
but he suffered for our sins
and asked God to forgive us.
Camp Faith



6:00 AM | Category: , , , , , , , | 5 comments

Featured Artist Erin Holbrook
Meet Erin
of Erin Holbrook Sudio


Tell Us About Yourself

I am a fine artist, muralist and graphic designer. After graduating from college with a degree in Art Marketing with a concentration in Painting, I worked for many years as a graphic designer for a high end furniture manufacturer. Last year I was able to leave that job and pursue my part time design and art business full time - Moonlight Studio Design, Inc. I offer graphic design services, creating logos, business cards, magazine ads, catalogs, brochures and more as well as creating fine art paintings, drawings and murals. I do a lot of commissions, especially of portraits.

I love to paint! I enjoy painting the human figure as well as old, rusted cars. Whether I'm painting the figure, cars or flowers, I like to think of each artwork as a portrait, striving to highlight the unique characteristics of each subject through color, expressive brushstrokes and composition. I really love visual design in all it's forms, from interiors to furniture to textiles. I'm also really adamant about functional and practical designs and I try to be selective about the materials I use because sustainability and healthy products and processes are important to me.


Rusted Bel Air Classic Car Acrylic Painting on Stretched Canvas


How Did You Get Your Start On Etsy?
I started on Etsy a few years ago as a way to try to expand my sales because I live in a very rural area. And sadly it sat unattended for awhile and I have only recently in the past year had the time to really begin to participate and interact on the Etsy site and begin to refine and promote my shop.



5 X 7 Blue Bird Watercolor


How Did You Choose Your Shop Name?
I struggle with naming things a lot! That is very hard for me... naming paintings is a chore! so I went the boring route and chose my name but thought it may be best since I was primarily selling my artwork.


Butterfly Painting on Stretched Canvas

If You Could Go Anywhere In The World For One Day, Where Would It Be?
That is a very tough question... so many places I would like to go. Right now I would have to say I would love to be at a open beach house on tropical type island with crystal clear aqua blue waters - but it's winter and I'm in need of a vacation... I'd like to see the Grand Canyon or Italy or... it could go on and on.


What Is Your Favorite Bible Verse?
Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB)
"For I know the plans I have for you" - this is the LORD'S declaration -
"plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Psalm 121 (HCSB)
I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.

The LORD protects you; th
the LORD is a shelter right
by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day
or the moon by night.

The LORD will protect you
from all harm;
He will protect your life.
The LORD will protect your coming
and going
both now and forever.


You can also find Erin here:
Erin Holbrook - Fine Art and Design
Moonlight Studio - Graphic Design and Fine Art
Moonlight Designs on Facebook


GIVEAWAY

This is a note card/greeting card with an original hand drawn pencil sketch on the front of a classic F100 Ford Truck.
The card is acid free and 3½" H x 4¾" W. It is off white with a blue deckle edge and comes with a matching envelope. Card is Blank inside for you to hand write your message.
Once you get the card, you can have it matted and framed for artwork for your wall! Matboard is NOT included. You can have a simple mat cut in the color of your choice at a frame shop to fit into a standard size frame available at any store.


10:15 PM | Category: , , , , , | 7 comments

CAST Shop of the Week: KellyBermudez
I am delighted to introduce you to Kelly of KellyBermudez. Kelly will be joining me as a volunteer blogger for the CAST Team working on this very Shop of the Week feature.  Thanks so much, Kelly! Her lovely watercolors will surely delight you.  My favorite is the fawn. The tagline in her shop is "Gentle Whispers Visual Devotions." Please take a moment to browse her shop and see for yourself what that means.

Fawn Original



Please note that the only way to be featured as the CAST Shop of the Week is to tag your shop items "castteam" on Etsy and to not hide your teams in your Etsy profile. You will also have to have at least 12 items to feature. Those are the ways that I find great CAST shops to feature each week. 

CAST Members: If you have a minute or two, please feel free to favorite this shop or promote it on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or other social media.  Thanks!

9:04 AM | Category: , , , , , , , | 11 comments

Featured Artist: Derek Collins of watercolorsbyderek and derekcollins
by Cindy of cksilver

Meet Derek Collins of watercolorsbyderek (watercolor) and derekcollins (acrylics)

Derek is giving away this beautiful "Owls Head Lighthouse" ACEO miniature painting (2 1/2 inches x 3 1/2 inches). To be eligible for the prize, please go to his shop and look around. Pick your favorite item and come back here and leave a note telling us which is your favorite. Be sure to leave us your email address too so that we can contact you if you are a winner. The winners will be chosen via random.org.

Introduction
I live in the real Memphis, Memphis Indiana that is, with my wife Stacy and two sons, Ryan and Tyler. At the age of 27 I suffered a severe back injury and was off work for 4 months. While bedridden I saw Bob Ross doing painting demonstrations on PBS. After 7 weeks I was on my feet again, but still unable to go back to work. I bought some oil paints and started painting. Within 6 months I started selling paintings. I have been doing art shows across the country for 20 years now. Ten years ago I went full time and we bought the house in Memphis and I built a Studio/Gallery behind the house.

Not that I have any spare time, but when I do I might slip off to the lake to go fishing. I tell my wife I'm providing food for the family. I coached some basketball for a few years and I sometimes give painting lessons. Recently an artist group formed at my church. Some of us are occasionally called on to paint a painting during the service to go along with the sermon. That has been a lot of fun.

How did you get started on Etsy?
I had been selling on Ebay for a couple years and I was doing a art show when one of the promoters asked me if I had ever tried to sell on Etsy.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Since I am a coffee snob, I start the day with 2 cups of French Pressed coffee. My cup is actually a large Rootbeer mug! But I can honestly say I only had 2 cups. That is the only consistant thing I do each day. None of my days are alike. I have been told that I can't multi-task, which may be true because I paint in binges. I may paint almost non stop and late into the night for a week, then I am totally drained of creative energy and unable to paint at all. So then I start framing, or taking pictures and putting paintings on-line. From April through September I am traveling to art shows so that really complicates things as I might only be home a few days of any particular week.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
Alaska, watching the bears catch salmon.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
Isaiah 1:18 "Though your sins may be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow".

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
That's tough, my favorite thing always seems to be what I painting now.

Where else can you find Derek on the web?
Blog - A painting each day: http://artistderekcollins.blogspot.com
Blog - Derek talks art and painting lessons: http://artistderek.blogspot.com
Etsy watercolor store site: http://watercolorsbyderek.etsy.com
Etsy acrylic store site: http://derekcollins.etsy.com
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Artist-Derek-T-Collins-Acrylic-and-Watercolor-paintings/46041664715
Derek tweets art: http://www.twitter.com/artistderek

And the winner of last week's giveaway is... Julia of CardsbyJeweleighaB. Julia has won a lovely canvas doorhanger of her choosing from LeeAnn Gorman of designsbyleeann. Look for convos to each of you!
8:00 AM | Category: , , , , , , | 7 comments

CAST Shop of the Week: RedbirdCottageArt

Enjoy browsing RedbirdCottageArt one of our new team members. Our CAST Shop of the week is featured in the Saturday post as well as in the side column all week.

Watching Bird Original Hand Painted Greeting Card

Please note that the only way to be featured as the CAST Shop of the Week is to tag your shop items with the team tag "castteam" on Etsy and to not hide your teams in your Etsy profile. You will also have to have at least 12 items to feature. Those are the ways that I find great CAST Shops to feature each week.

By Sue of SueRunyonDesigns

10:12 AM | Category: , , , , , , , | 7 comments