Brenda Stichter, artist

Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus!

Sparkling Sparkling, vivid color and exciting shapes are some of the things I love about today's painting. It is a new start (new technique) and an encouragement to continue to explore, grow, and learn.  Today I was working in my studio with my Lovely Studio Companion across the table from me, and I decided to give this technique a try. ( I am trying to regenerate my acrylic paint from the surface I use as a palette, and use the paint skins.)  I have thought it would be great to try it, but didn't feel like I was 'ready' - for some reason! But, with her encouragement, I gave it a whirl. And I have to say, I really REALLY like the result of this first effort! I found that I really love the paint skins that I (with the help of my Lovely Studio Companion) have retrieved, and I love playing with them. The ideas of refreshing and renewal, of delight and sparkle, of snow and presents, and of new perspective and attitude are some of the things I want to express.  I...

Where Is He? Another very simple painting for this Christmas season; this is called "Where Is He?" This painting is suggestive of the magi following the star as they searched for the Baby Jesus. It also reminds me of Christmas trees in the night. I was thinking of a pile of colorful gifts, too, as I painted.  Matthew 2:2 (AMP) Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him. 8" x 10" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly  to purchase.

Swaddling Cloths It is fabulous to get back into the studio when I have been unable to paint for a while! I have had this painting in mind for a few days, and finally had a chance to work on it this afternoon (with the help of my lovely studio companion, pictured below!) The name of this painting is Swaddling Cloths, which comes from the Christmas story as told in Luke chapter 2. My hope is to portray the humble, earthy wrapping cloths covering the eternal, magnificent GOD - Who wrapped HIMSELF in skin and bones.  Luke 2:12(ESV) "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 8" x 10" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly  to purchase. My lovely daughter (& studio companion)

Note cards available Just arrived from the printer - note cards! For your last minute gift giving, or your own thank you notes, I now have packages of 8 cards available for purchase.  The cards are 4.5" x 6" and each set comes with 8 cards and envelopes. They feature four of my more popular paintings - two of each in each packet. The cards are blank inside.  A Little  ,  Every Way  ,  Savior  , and  X (Christ)  are the paintings I have chosen for this set of cards.  $10.oo Set of 8 note cards (If you would like to pick these up and avoid shipping cost, please contact me or comment here.)

I am offering hand painted gift certificates this week. To order in a different amount, please comment or send a message.

Christmas Tree Do you feel like you are looking into someone's Christmas tree?  This painting is a meandering composition , which is not a composition style I use very often. However, it will work well for me today, and it is great practice to use other 'frameworks' to 'hang' my paint on.  11" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Elizabeth & Mary This very simple painting is in response to my reading about Elizabeth and Mary in Luke chapter 1. I wanted a feeling a little bit like the iconic art from earlier church art. But at the same time, I wanted to express the homely, earthy truth of being an old woman and pregnant; of being a young virgin wanting to help and encourage an older relative.  I want to remember this part of Christmas - the difficult and exhausting earthly struggle, even as it is in the very light of heaven.  Luke 1:36-40 (AMP) And listen! Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is now the sixth month with her who was called barren.  For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.  Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her.  And at that time Mary arose and went with haste...

Snowman I guess I am kind of joining the snoman craze I have seen on Daily Paintworks lately - but not exactly. This snowman showed up in caricature a couple of years ago on our family Christmas cards!  My little snowman is considering this poem by Christina Rosetti:  In the Bleak Midwinter In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago. ... What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;  Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart. Snowman painting 8" x 10" mixed media on canvas Leave comment or contact me directly  to purchase. Christmas card front  Christmas card inside

Scepter Sparkling gold in this painting is a reminder of something distinctive and rare - something bringing celebration! The colors and action I use are intended to represent royalty and vigor and strength.  This Christmas seems to be the year for me to contemplate the Incarnation of Jesus. (Last year my theme was Follow the Light.) I am overcome, today, by HIS chosing to leave HIS position to come in the lowly 'clothing' of humanity - just for love of me and each other man of HIS creation.  As I read a section in Hebrews today from the Amplified Bible, I was struck with the concept of eternity, and the concept of righteous rule. Sometimes reading words from a different version can spark new thoughts - and for me lately, they seem to often be 'graphics' instead of words. :) (I wouldn't have it any other way!) Hebrews 1:8 (AMP) But as to the Son, He says to Him, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (to the ages of the ages),  and the scepter of Your kin...

Christmas Miracle Another day of contemplating the same concept has me thinking once again about the incarnation of Jesus on that first Christmas. Today I wanted to communicate some of the complexity of this unique event in earth's history.  I chose to use a lot of iridescent colors and geometric shapes along with the breaking through of brilliant color and texture. I hope that the idea of 'other-ness' (coining a word, maybe?) comes through, and also the thought of gifts and wrappings.  John 1:14  (AMP)  And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we  saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. SOLD 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper

Incarnation 2 My second day of considering the incarnation of Jesus Christ at Christmas time left me wondering what it must have looked like from Heaven's point of view. While there is no way on earth of representing such an immense idea, I still was thinking about it much of the day.  This painting is highly reflective because there are many layers of iridescent paint. The mica in these paints gleams in such a way that it is almost glowing - and nearly impossible to represent with a photo! :( The circle which represents our planet earth is textured with molding paste and looks and feels completely different from the surrounding glow. I tried to imagine God, the Creator, shrinking Himself in every way - intellectually, in power, in size, and in every other way - to enter His creation as a baby. It is completely unfathomable.  John 1:14  (AMP)  And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among...

Incarnation Ahh! Back in the studio! It has only been a week, but I think I was going through withdrawals! This painting every day thing is such a delight to me! The idea of attempting to communicate the incarnation has been with me all week, and I may try to do several paintings on this same idea. I wanted to show the 'bursting through' of a more vivid, colorful reality into a foggy or muted world. I hope to convey, too, the glory and majesty that Jesus had, even as He entered our world.  John 1:14  (AMP)  And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we  saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Encourage One Another The idea of peace and rest has been in my thoughts for the last several days' painting times, and the theme of this one follows closely with my painting entitled 'Peace (Be) With You'. See more about this painting  here. Again the circles in the painting have been placed in places of peace - supported by the shapes around them. In spite of the rough texture of the background, they are at rest.  Hebrews 3:13-14 (AMP) But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day,  as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened  by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us,  if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation  firm and unshaken to the end. 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Wrestle This 5 x 7 acrylic reminds me of a struggle, a battle, and I wish (as I often do) that the colors reproduced better here! In response to 'circumstances' of my last two days, I am entitling this piece 'Wrestle'.  5" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper (matted to 8" x 10") Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. Eph. 6:10-12 (ESV)  Finally,  be strong in the Lord and in  the strength of his might.   11  Put on  the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against  the schemes of the devil.   12  For  we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against  the rulers, against the authorities, against  the cosmic powers over  this present darkness, against  the spiritual forces of evil  in the heavenly places.

Peace With You Ahhh. Peace. I started this painting quite a while ago, and will tack that early blog post on the end of today's post, but I now have more to say about this painting!  The primary color scheme here is complementary, which can be strident, busy, and confrontive. Hardly the choice to communicate peace! But most of the circles - primarily the smaller ones - are in positions of 'rest' in the work. Although there is much crowding, confronting, and complicating, the circles are at rest.  This is peace.  John 20:19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week,  and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews,  Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”    21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you;  as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”     26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them.  ...

Vine I am still contemplating the ideas from John 15 about the vine.  Curves have not been my 'favorite' approach, but recently I have started to try to work with them more. While in North Carolina for Art of the Carolinas, my husband and I went to an antique store, and I realized that the things that caught my eye were all gracefully curved items, so I decided to try to apply this concept to my paintings. John 15:11 (AMP) I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness  may be of full measure and complete and overflowing. 6" x 11" acrylic on panel

Abide And the third Vine series painting, this one called Abide. As is probably obvious, the last three vine paintings can be used as a triptych, or individually. John 15:9-10 (NASB) Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love;  just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  NA 11" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper

the Vine The second in my short series, this painting is entitled 'the Vine'.  I love the combination of the greens with the purple accent! This color combination has always been a favorite with me! John 15:5 (AMP) I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me you can do nothing. 11" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper

Vitally United In response to John 15: 1-11, I am starting a short series on 'the Vine'. The concept of the life being in and from the vine (or in Scripture, the Vine, representing Christ) is an encouragement as well as a challenge to me. John 15:4  (AMP)  Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. study 11" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Abstract 005 This painting was done on my second day of workshops at Art of the Carolinas. One of the many things that I learned is that I still need to do 'my style', even when participating in workshops. I found my work to be unsuccessful the times I didn't work from this concept, and much better when I did! This painting was my first trial of Matisse acrylics - new paint and new colors. So far, I really think I like them. I will be working more with them to see how well I can manage them.  Also, I have noticed that although I do not always post full meaning behind each painting, I think that much of what I would like to communicate still comes through. I hope that my 'world view' is consistent throughout everything that I post! 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Abstract 004 Today is my first day home from Art of the Carolinas in Raleigh, NC. My husband (SUCH a wonderful man!) took me there for my birthday this year, and I took several workshops and bought a TON of supplies! I have a full day of catching up ahead of me, but wanted to post this 'teaser' of work to come! Check back in the next couple of days for a lot more new and exciting work and news! 20" x 26" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Workshop 1 Today I am celebrating my birthday (thanks to my WONDERFUL husband) at Art of the Carolinas, and here is a workshop painting. I will be doing 4 workshops, and today was kind of breaking into the workshop genre for me - I have never really done this before! I learned a lot already, and can hardly wait to get home and put it to work! I hope to have things from which I can remember concepts, and techniques, and come up with new works. What a treat it has been! Sorry about the photo quality...  NFS 11" x 16" acrylic on watercolor paper

Three Pears Some friends who have been watching my paintings for quite a while may recognize this one, called 'Three Pears'. I love the depth of color and the different treatment revealed in each pear on the painting.  study 11" x 11" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Consider the Lilies 'Do not be anxious' is the main idea in the passage that inspired me today for this painting. Matthew 6:25 - 33 talks about putting first things first - seek first the kingdom and righteousness of GOD, and leaving the 'details' to HIM.  For me personally, the idea of not being anxious is very significant lately. While I have all I need - and more - it is so easy to worry about the future. It is way too easy to see the trouble on the horizon. So I am choosing to put first things first. Seek HIM first. Consider the lilies... Matthew 6:28 (ESV)  And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,   29  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.   30  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you,  O you of little faith?   SOLD...

Jer. 29:11 My post for today is a little painting I did for my daughter... and actually it is a great reminder for all of us.  My daughter has always been the one to try new things, jump in to big challenges, travel to scary places - she loves adventure.  As she is about to graduate from college this year, I want to remind her that it is still a great time to dream big and trust GOD with the details! Jeremiah 29:11  (NASB)  For I know the  plans that I have for you,’ declares the  Lord , ‘plans for  welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a  hope. NFS

Abstract Triptych 3 In spite of a day of traveling, I was able to paint this little abstract triptych which came to my mind in response to Jeremiah 15:16 (NASB)  Your words were found and I  ate them,  And Your   words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;  For I have been   called by Your name,  O   Lord   God of hosts. Abstract Triptych 2 Abstract Triptych 1 acrylic on boards 3 panels - 7.25" x 7.25" Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. Abstract Triptych