Big News for Rocky Rapids!

 

I painted Rocky Rapids last year in the the mountains of Tennessee.  It is a view of the headwaters of the Citico River, high up in the Cherokee National Forest, which is a part of the Great Smokey Mountain Range.  I entered this and three other paintings in this series (Posted here in earlier posts) into the America's Parks through the Beauty of Art competition, curated by David J. Wagner.  This exhibit features the artwork inspired by America's Parks including those in Canada, Mexico, and the US.  I was thrilled to discover that my Rocky Rapids painting has been accepted as one of 55 pieces in the exhibit.  It will be travelling across America with the Exhibit through 2013, and might even be exhibited here at the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, if all goes well.

Windy Good Harbor

This last painting, Windy Good Harbor, was painted in September 2012 after James and I spent a lot of time photographing the area.  I have a great repertoire of photo references to last me through the Winter now, so I can hunker down and paint my way through the worst gales and home-bound storms this season has to throw at us. I just recently entered Windy Good Harbor into the Art of the Sleeping Bear art competition.  I will discover in February whether it gets accepted or not.  If so, it will be exhibited in the show at the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, and will also be published in a coffee-table book showcasing the collection of art from the show.  I really hope it gets in!

  James and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary last week.  We also are finally in our new home on the south shore of Lake Leelanau, in Leelanau County.  And, while I am not yet settled, boxes are still everywhere, I am really enjoying my new environment.  I get to paint AND watch the families of ducks and loons paddling up the shore line from my studio/living room window.  It is the most beautiful view!  We are situated very close to the water, so I can easily see the lapping waves from my easle.  It is a nice vast view, around almost three sides of the house, and we are just across the lake from my mother's house.  I never thought I would be so blessed, but God is very good to me, and so is my wonderful husband James.  I have a commissioned painting deadline I am trying to meet, and so no time to unpack yet other than the essentials and my art stuff.  But, I can't wait to finish making this fabulous place into our home.  I'm itching to begin sewing curtains and bedspreads and making it cozy for us to settle into for the Winter.  Meanwhile, I know I am going to be highly inspired to paint in my new lakeside studio.

The Bridegroom Returns

While considering the theme of "Sacrifice" at an Art Barn meeting where we pursue the heart of the Father for the Arts, I had thought of all the usual images that come to mind, but was feeling no inspiration. I then asked the Lord, "After all was said and done in Your walk on Earth with us, what do You get out of all Your sacrifices?"

He answered me! He showed me this vision of "US" (His Church) dancing in His arms at last! He gets us when He returns for the Marriage Feast of the Lamb. We are His Beloved Bride! He gets Us! And He gives us a new name, saying: Hephzibah! ... My delight is in Her!