Brenda Stichter, artist

Surely You Know   Boy, I will miss being a part of this challenge! I have enjoyed the interaction with others who participated in painting daily. I will miss seeing fresh works each day on one site! That being said, I do intend to keep painting at least almost daily, and I do intend to finish my series on the book of Proverbs from the Bible. Today's passage is Proverbs 30:4 (NASB) "Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know!" 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. By the way, here is where you can see other artwork from this 30 day challenge.   http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/ Also, I am excited to share that I have entered a painting in the Daily Paintworks Monthly contest. This painting I am calling 'Vacation'...

Today, although I hate to miss a day painting, I chose to spend my time in worship, with family and friends, and as a day of rest. So, I am posting a painting that I did ahead of today.  I plan to return to my Proverbs series for tomorrow's finale, and will finish up the few chapters I missed in the following week.  I have absolutely loved this challenge, and hope to participate in any more that might become available! NFS 5" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper

Driving Rain I am excited about this painting! I think it is a great representation of a harvest time storm that leaves the crops devastated. The painting is appealing, yet ominous. I think that it describes the passage well, too.  Hoping to do a couple of extra paintings today to catch up on my series. I have posted almost every day to the challenge site, but have missed a couple of the series from the book of Proverbs. It has been a good series for me, and has caused me to learn and remember things from this book of the Bible that I might otherwise have not really thought about. Proverbs 28:3 (NASB) A poor man who oppresses the lowly is like a driving rain which leaves no food. SOLD 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. By the way, here is where you can see other artwork from this 30 day challenge.   http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/

Reflections I am guessing that almost everyone who paints has a painting that is entitled 'Reflections'. I do not like to be trite, in any respect, in what I paint or communicate, so why on earth would I choose this for a title? Or paint a heart shape, for that matter? (Although it is difficult to see, this painting is very heavily textured, and has a lot of color variation in it. I tried to make the color feel like part of the texture.) The word reflection can carry so many meanings. From the relatively mundanely picturesque, to the concept of thought, to the idea of revealing the otherwise unnoticed, to the reverse image of what one sees as reality... These considerations have been splashing around in my mind this morning. (See what I did there? ;) ) I hope that someone may wonder why a painting of a heart would be called 'Reflections', since that word often refers to landscape paintings... and want to consider the meaning of the passage that is the prompt ...

Sparrows and Swallows Update for 2020 : This painting was painted in 2013 for a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge that I was participating in, and my paintings for that series were based on the 31 chapters of Proverbs in the Old Testament. When I painted them and blogged about them in 2013, I felt that I understood why I was painting them, and they seemed to fit the passages I was working from. However, today, in light of the global pandemic we are experiencing, I see them a little bit differently. I think that maybe, just maybe, GOD inspired me to paint these things with today in mind. And actually, that would not surprise me too much, since HE is Who HE is, and since I try to listen and follow Him in my painting as well as my daily life.  In this painting, the birds are suggested, not necessarily represented.  Today, in 2020, the birds are reminders to me of how GOD provides all that we need, just as He provides for the birds. In the New Testament, He uses bird...

Compromises Wow! Who would think September would fly by so very quickly! I love "having to" get a painting done each day. Even when the particular day's work gives me fits... :) This painting was difficult to photograph. I HOPE I got a fair representation of the color. I also hope you can see the connection with the passage I chose to work from today with my choice of muddied or 'polluted' colors. (Of course, I still want to painting to be pleasant to look at!) Proverbs 25:26 (AMP) Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring is a righteous man who yields, falls down, and compromises his integrity before the wicked. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. By the way, here is where you can see other artwork from this 30 day challenge.   http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/

Right Answer Woo-hoo! After a GREAT time of celebrating my daughter's "Golden Birthday" with her, and then going on a road trip with my son, (he bought my Dad's old Thunderbird, and we went out to drive it back here) I am back in the studio today! I have a lot of catching up to do, but am so glad to be back at work here!  Today's painting is about a proverb that is definitely not common in our day and culture! It did not go in the direction I expected it to, either, but it is fun to sometimes have surprising results when I paint.  Proverbs 24: 26 (AMP)  He kisses the lips [and wins the hearts of men] who gives a right answer. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. By the way, here is where you can see other artwork from this 30 day challenge.   http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/

One more painting while I am traveling... then I will be able to be back to my series! This painting is entitled "Veil" and references Matthew 27:51 (ESV) And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 5" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

A second day of sending artwork from the road today. This painting is called Creator, and is a 5x7 on watercolor paper. 5" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

X (Christ) Since I am travelling for a couple of days and unable to paint, I will post a couple of recent works. I have really enjoyed being part of this challenge and 'community' and don't want to lose ground! 5" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Dad on Spec I am adding a picture out of order... not in the Proverbs series at all. Tomorrow is my dad's birthday, and I am missing him this year. I just want to remember him today. Acrylic on panel NFS

Strong Tower Today I am celebrating the joy of abstract painting! I love the color, movement, freedom, and the communication that is possible with abstract work. Sometimes, abstract painting is, for me, a better conveyor of a message than any kind of representation would be.  As is so often the case, the photo just doesn't do the painting justice...  The color is very rich, and there is a lot of detailed interest in the painting. But I am so glad for a way to share my art with you! Proverbs 18:10 (NASB) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. 2020 Update: As I was choosing paintings for this last week's give-away, I wanted paintings that remind us of Who holds us all in His hands. I love the way several suggestions of a tower showed up in this early abstract I painted (when I was doing a series on Proverbs). I remember that when I fini...

Breach One of the things on my mind today is the people in Colorado who are dealing with torrential rainfall and flooding. What a helpless feeling that is - the water is coming, no matter what. I pray for their safety. Proverbs 17: 14, 27 (ESV) 14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;     so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. 27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,     and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. In a different version, verse 27 says that a man of understanding has a 'cool spirit', and it encouraged me to use a mostly cool palette in my painting for today. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. By the way, here is where you can see other artwork from this 30 day challenge.   http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/

A Little I had a tough time getting going this morning on this one... I just couldn't decide exactly what my inspiration passage would be, and that means I couldn't decide what colors or style or... anything... I wanted to paint.  But I started to think about what the right next step is - not only as an artist, but also in day to day life. Some would undoubtedly say that if the inspiration - the spark - is not there, I should wait. Wait. Some would say that a good result cannot come without the undefined something that makes it flash off the brush, almost by itself. And there are times I think that is true.  But today I chose to do what I could by doing the next thing. I chose my board. I chose colors - even without a theme yet - and started working on it.  Now I know what passage fits well, too, and I was able to 'say' what I wanted to say about the verse with the last few steps of painting.  I love the heart that surprised me in the backgroun...

His Delight Delight is one of my favorite words of all time. It is a word that is often highlighted in my Bible from times when certain passages have been extraordinarily meaningful to me.  The idea that anything I can do can be delightful to GOD is just overwhelming to me, so I love the second half of this verse saying that the prayer of God's children brings Him delight!  Sgraffito through the acrylic gloss gel with white paint allowed me to suggest the prayers ascending from many sources, and the exposed color expresses His (and my) delight! Proverbs 15:8 (NASB) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Flourish Day 14! Almost halfway through September already, and this challenge is passing by WAY faster than I imagined! This time has been flying, that is for sure.  Somehow or other, this painting looks completely different IRL than it did in my head! You may not be able to see the texturing and edges well in this photo, but there is some heavier texture and sgraffito through the midsection of the painting.  Proverbs 14:11 (NASB)  The house of the wicked will be destroyed, b ut the tent of the upright will flourish. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. By the way, here is where you can see other artwork from this 30 day challenge.   http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/

Guard and Preserve As I consider the passage each day in order to decide what and how to paint, I am finding repeated ideas in the chapters that I hadn't noticed before. Today I observed and began to think about the concept of guarding. I thought about ancient warriors, and I recognized that in these verses, one case is guarding from what is within, and one from what is without.  SPOILER ALERT: I don't want to give too much away, but before painting, I studied pictures of ancient helmets from 600 B.C.  Proverbs 13:3, 6 (NASB)  3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.   6 Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness subverts the sinner. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.

Never Moved I wish I could show you this painting in real life! The colors are so invigorating - hints of purple, deep teal and green, and iridescent copper. And the 'root' is heavily textured modeling compound with bits of natural mica. I love it! As I read Proverbs 12 this morning in preparation for my painting time today, I noticed (for the first time) that the idea of being rooted and established occurs twice in this chapter, and I started to think about that concept for a painting. My first thoughts seemed trite and predictable, and if there is one thing I want to avoid as an abstract painter, it is being trite! ;) I decided to do a little research, so I looked up 'tree' and 'root' and 'Israel'. I found - to my excitement - that in Israel, trees grow so that the roots penetrate rock layers and are sometimes seen at the edges of geologic formations. (I would love to work more with this idea in the future... I could see some great paintings co...

One Who Waters It is a sobering day to be in the studio. Who can forget where we were on that day...  Listening to American marches on my iPod today, I want to remember the innocent Americans who died this day at the hands of terrorists. That said, my painting today is a bright reminder of a principle of life. The generous one prospers, and one who brings blessing is blessed.  I found these colors especially invigorating today. I am so thankful for another beautiful day in my studio, and today I am thankful for another day of freedom to pursue the things I love, and to enjoy the people I love. Proverbs 11:24 (ESV) One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. By the way, here is where you can see other artwork from this 30 ...

Whirlwind Wow! I am done early today! Actually, this painting was almost finished before this morning, and fits so well with my chosen catalyst passage - and it is a good thing! Today promises to be an uncommonly full day.  Proverbs 10:25 (AMP) When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous have an everlasting foundation. 11" x 14" acrylic on panel

Seven Pillars Day 9 painting is done! (Sorry the photo is a bit crooked...)  This has been a great day in the studio, making up a day painting, and listening to great music while I paint! I have been thinking how very blessed I am to have this 'job' to do! (Thanks to a very loving and supportive husband!) Although it is a bit difficult to see, there are quite a few parts of the painting that are iridescent. I really love the pizzazz that comes from the iridescence. I feel like it makes for a finishing touch, of sorts, on some paintings. Maybe 'bling' would be a good word. :) Proverbs 9 (NASB) 1 Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; 2 She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table; 3 She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the tops of the heights of the city: 4 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks understanding she says, 5 “Come, eat of my food And drink of the wi...

Gold and Silver "Gold and Silver" from Proverbs 8 is the painting I completed for the 8th day of the September painting challenge. Once again, I am a day late posting, but once again, I have chosen to put more important things above my painting! :) As much as I love painting and being in the studio, I love my God, my family time, and our friends more! So, Sundays may be tough... and making up the paintings just keeps me in the studio more on Monday. Works for me!  I used mostly iridescent colors in this painting to express the value of wisdom being much more than that of money. I chose to use gold, silver, and also copper, and am suggesting coins by using circles.  Proverbs 8:10 Take my instruction instead of silver,     and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels,     and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 18 Riches and honor are with me,     enduring wealth and righteousness. 19 My fru...

Her House Today I am trying something new - and isn't that kind of what a challenge like this is best for? And I have paint all over me! (I gotta say, it is my badge of courage... I love having to work at getting the paint off!) I chose to work with an orange under-painting as I so often see other artists do. I wanted to see how it affects my paint and my concept.  I wanted to work with (almost) complementary colors, and flat shapes that almost make sense. I used the rounded shape as part of my expression of the focal point. I also gave slight shading and shape to that part of the painting in an effort to make it stand out a little more.  This painting comes from mulling over Proverbs 7.  It is another passage that was tough to paint from; I chose to work from verses 7-9 and 27.  Proverbs 7: 7 (AMP) "And among the simple (empty-headed and emptyhearted) ones, I perceived among the youths a young man void of good sense,  8 Sauntering through the street...

Upright Paths Although I have missed the chance to post this painting on the challenge site, I have caught up, and this one was really fun to paint. I am hoping you can recognize the boot print across the painting... and yes, I did get it cleaned up after using it!  Proverbs 4:10 (NASB) Hear, my son, and accept my sayings And the years of your life will be many. 11 I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble. 18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. 26 Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established. 27 Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil. Proverbs 4 has a lot to say about the right path - all the way through - so it was relatively easy to chose what I wanted to emphasize. Excited to paint tomorrow! Have a great weekend! ...

They Shall Keep You "They Shall Keep You" is the title of my painting for the 6th day of the challenge. (Still need to get day 4 done... ;) )  Proverbs 6:20  My son, keep your father’s [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you]. 21  Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck. 22  When you go, they [the words of your parents’ God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you. 23  For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life, I noticed that it was way past time to give my brushes a really good cleaning today! That is a little task I keep putting off, but it is done - for the next hour or so! :) 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase. To see a lot more paintings from a lot more artists, check out  http://l...

Honey, Oil and Wormwood Day 5 is under my belt! I plan to try to upload Day 4 if I can get to it before the day closes, because I really want to keep up with this challenge, and with this series! The influence for this work is from Proverbs 5:3-4. (AMP) "For the lips of a loose woman drip honey as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged and devouring sword." I really did NOT want to paint this painting. I mean, I was excited to get back to the challenge today, after yesterday was dedicated to something way more important (visiting my daughter at her university), but this particular chapter was a tough one to paint from! Still, I want to stay with my plan, and the meaning in this passage of Scripture is very significant. So... here it is. My representation of Proverbs 5:3-4. (Whew!) 11" x 14" acrylic on panel, framed Contact me to purchase

Firstfruits For my third challenge painting, I had several ideas in mind, and somehow, this is what I got! It has literally been years since I painted anything even kind of realistic, so I am really happy with this result. In fact, I LOVE IT! The painting is inspired by Proverbs 3:9  "Honor the Lord with your wealth     and with the firstfruits of all your produce"  (ESV)   And if people dedicated paintings, I would probably have to dedicate this one to my 22 year old son, who answered my picture text of this painting with one of his own. It said, "I CAN TELL WHAT YOU PAINTED!!!" (Poor guy; he really tries to support a mom who likes to paint abstracts!) This is an acrylic on a wood panel that was prepared with acrylic modeling medium. Thanks for looking! SOLD 11" x 14" acrylic on panel Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase.