Chinese Lantern Paintings

I’ve got a series of three paintings of Chinese lanterns on my website. Here you have a close cutaway of one piece. This nighttime painting makes me think it’s time for a party. What better in the middle of this hot summer? 

You may visit my website at colorcatstudios101.etsy.com

Self-Portrait through Books, Part SIX the Last!

One more time, this is the sixth installment of my self portrait, find my earlier five posts all created in this month, July of 2018.  I’ve saved two books for the last.  Here’s the picture one more time!

Okay, I have been working my way from top to bottom and have worked my way to the last two titles, which are hanging around in the middle.  The white one, Chinese Calligraphy first.

I remember years ago going to the bookstore all excited that I had decided to learn Chinese.  I just happened to meet a Chinese friend there and told him of my plans.  He laughed at me and said, “Have fun with that, even the Chinese don’t knowChinese!”  Not letting him dampen my spirits, I purchased this book and have been glad for years that I did.  

Have I learned Chinese?  Well, technically, no.  BUT, I have learned a lot about the development of the Chinese language from pictograms to characters and have an understanding of how they have changed.  I can look at many characters and see the root of the word and why the characters are written the way they are.  I can read VERY FEW words, but can identify the language from other oriental languages and appreciate the rich heritage. The way they write their characters is a very high art in itself and it has enriched my life studying and learning the character formation and give me a deep appreciation for those masters.  What a beautiful language.

All this to give a nod to my Chinese friend, and a wink admitting he was right.  Oh, but I am glad I tried!

I saved my Bible for the last, because it is ever so much the most important one of all!!!  I’ve been using a bilingual Bible because of my constant love of learning and languages.  It’s also been fascinating because many times the Spanish is more clear in its interpretation than the English, and many times I’ve found that the words chosen in Spanish have more impact for me, and sometimes enhance the passage even more.

But the reason I saved this for last is because this is the ONE BOOK that has changed my life. It tells the story of man’s fall, the mess we’ve made of ourselves, and the fact that we are all sinners.  It tells the story of God coming to earth to become a man, Jesus, to purposefully die that our sins can be forgiven.  It tells the story of how we, as sinful people, can reach out to Jesus for forgiveness and ask him in to our lives.  It tells the story of beauty and redemption and the full, rich life possible for each one of us. 

It tells the story of my life, a mess, turned around by Jesus.  I have hope.  I have a future.  I have freedom.  I have no fear.  That is a lot to say in this dark world! The reason I put this book in the center is because it holds everything else up.  There would be nothing else for me or for anyone without the God of this book.  Thank you, Jesus, for changing MY life and filling me with hope and beauty!!

Ship Painting Sold

SOLD! This is a small cutaway of the larger painting. I named it Well Placed Hope II. I did a similar one, its mate, as a commission several years ago and loved it so much that I decided to paint another ship, hence the addition to the name, “II,’ which is fitting after all, for ships! The Well Placed Hope part insures that even when things are at their bleakest, there is always Hope.  This ship will not sink!  Yes, I do commissions.

If you look closely in the area of the moon you can see some pretty cool textures.  These things are difficult to photograph, but make my work oh so much more beautiful in person.

Here’s the painting in its entirety.  The size is 30”x24”.

Art Classes for Homeschoolers

If you’re still thinking of art classes for the fall, I’m switching into high gear gathering supplies and preparing lesson plans. I teach in two locations: www.hisclasses.org and ttcclasses.com.  Two of my seven classes are full, but there’s room in the others! Did you know I also give private lessons? Message me about that.

Puppy (Painting) for Sale

I think YOU need a dog! This excitable pup needs a new home. I painted him with big loose strokes to give the feel of non-stop puppy movement, and he won’t even shed on your jeans. I use the best paints on highest quality gallery wrapped canvas, sealed with layers of UV protectant varnish. You can find him on my website 

colorcatstudios101.etsy.com and will also find deep descriptions and many other pictures.

Well, I can’t say it’s hot off the press; I guess I’ll say it’s hot off the easel.

I always like to have someone in our family take a picture with me holding my painting. This way you can get a good feel for its size.

A little closeup of my slobber boy so you can closely see the strokes and how I layered the colors.

Mixing Charts for Paintings

Charts, charts, charts... they make me a better artist. Because I use such a plethora of paints,I’m always creating mixing charts before painting. Usually at this point I’ve got in mind exactly what I want, and am searching for the exact colors to flesh out my ideas. When I’m finished with the painting, I log the paints used so I have a record for my clients. This way, years in the future, if Uncle Max tumbles into the painting, we’ll know what to do.

That being said, if you buy a painting from me, you have as an extra bonus the assurance of knowing I’ve got the best quality materials in it, and know that if it ever needs repairs, we’ll have a good starting point.

Art Book Love

Oh what a find at Good People Books in Austin! How cool is this? I know, I know, your heart isn’t going pitter patter, but mine is. :)