7-4-13 journal entry:
The factory plant hums in the background. Intermittent fire crackers go off in the distance, but I can tune them all out. The warbler has my undivided attention. My ears follow in his melody. I scan the land, my eyes transfixed on green, and wet, and green…
I’m declaring independence, my independence from society. To be in this world but not of this world. And to tune into the still, small voice of my Father who guides me all the way.
How wonderful His works, His mercies new every morning.
Sitting beside rushing water, I throw out a prayer and watch it float away…
Father, let me know Your plan for me…let me not miss it!!
I don’t want to go through the motions of living with out it. What’s the point?
I throw out questions left and right and in return feeling answers. Not hearing answers, feeling answers.
I feel love all around me. Deep and knowing, not superficial and fleeting. I feel strong in my declaration of independence.
Time alone is my way of going to therapy. Not only is it a free session, but the ironic part is that I’m never really alone. I’m humble enough to know I need this. I don’t have all the answers. Look, many people seek happiness in relationships, in alcohol, in buying things, in drugs, and some aren’t even aware they are doing this!
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lam 3:25
Let's Paint Nature! 
If only more people would want to try to find the Answers with God as you do, Christine – but then psychotherapists and drug companies would probably go out of business if everyone did, but what a lovely thought it is anyway.
Yes…a lovely thought! Thanks!
God is so good! He loves each of us as if there were only one of us! Have you ever gone to a Spiritual Director, who does guided meditation? It is wonderful. You seem like someone who would enjoy it very much. I am an IL girl (70)(from Jacksonville and Springfield, went to ISU in Normal) who now lives in FL.
I did decorative painting with acrylics for a long time, now I love watercolor. I have done plein aire a few times, but mainly paint in what should be my front room, now an “art room”. Right now, I’m working on getting the “right” colors to paint a sea gull on a beach with tire tracks and foot prints. What is challenging me, is to get the beach color so the painting doesn’t get too black and white, or too colorful. So far I’m on my second big sheet of trial combinations. I kind of have the pouring of the background in my mind. I want it solid but a little bit streaky, with tiny splattered colors through out. Any suggestions?
Happy Painting! Pat Sibons
Let the love you receive dwell deeply in your heart, then share it with others.
Greetings fellow IL native!
Wow! What a sand challenge…I may have to experiment at home later and post something. I know what you mean about not being too colorful. When I use a local color (direct color) and it seems too gaudy, I will add a touch of the complimentary color to tone it down. For example, if you are using a kind of yellow for sand, like yellow ochre, I would add a pinch of purple (mauve). Just a pinch as adding a compliment color turns it gray….but that’s the point, to tone it down. It would be fun to try this with various wet mixtures, stand your paper up, and drip in with a big mop brush. Let dry completely, then take a darker color (brown) and spatter with stiff brush.
Fun, fun, fun, and more fun!
And thanks for the message at the end! I’ll make it my mission. 😉
You have really captured the mood in this picture Christine and can even tell which way the water is flowing.
Michael Fox
Thanks Michael, you’re very kind! I’m glad to be able to translate that mood for others to enjoy. 😀
Thank You! This spoke to me on a level that I had left hidden away for a long time. Art as meditation, praise and worship.
He is waiting with open arms. And I’m glad I was able to remind you 😉
Hi. I like the ‘layering’ in the trees. Jane