Brenda Stichter, artist

Nativity II This painting may not be anyone's idea of the Nativity. I surely wouldn't have looked for these colors, were I looking for a Christmas painting! However, some of the thoughts in this work are of the birth  of Jesus being overshadowed by His cross, of the unique character of the GOD/Man, and of the surprising circumstances surrounding his arrival here on our planet!  SOLD 8" x 10" on canvas iridescent accents, lots of texture

2015 Calendar I have only a few calendars left to sell, and here is the opportunity! If you do not need shipping please contact me and I will work with you to get the right  price  for your purchase! Calendar is printed on 8.5 x 11" matte card stock. $14.00 plus    $3.00 shipping   & handling  No more calendars are available.

Consuming Fire Since this is the Christmas season, I know what to paint. Paintings for Christmas. Maybe to use for greeting cards, or calendar pages... you know, red and green; sparkly; the holy family or the magi.  Well, I chose to start my day of 'work' with my time spent in the Bible. I planned to read a few chapters, spend time in prayer, and listen to my Heavenly Father. He stopped me in my tracks. With a verse I read yesterday, but didn't 'hear'.  Hebrews 12:28-29 (New American Standard Bible) "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire ." A fellow artist recently came to my house/studio, and our discussion amplified my thoughts about GOD being everything that is important. Even in the important things like family, honest character, home and country, church - still, it is GOD that is the c

Nativity I have been reading in Hebrews in the New Testament for several days, and I am stirred with the emphasis - JESUS is better. HE is better than everything, and yet is compassionate toward me. How amazing.  Along with this focus, I have been considering the unimaginable incarnation of Jesus here on earth. (I plan to paint a series based on the incarnation... I sure hope there is time to be in my studio more this month!) Part of my thoughts are on Mary - in labor and delivery; incredible pain, fear and bewilderment; yet immense love for her Son. Part are on Joseph - love and protection for Mary and her Son; frustration with circumstances; mind-boggling thoughts of WHO this baby is, and what the role of father to God's Son will look like... I want to explore these thoughts further with my paintings.  Hebrews 4:14 - 16 (Amplified Bible) Inasmuch then as we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us h

Dinner 2 Another day of practice, and I am learning so much from painting the same concept over and over! (I hope to do well at the event - my first try at something like this...) I like adding the black and white at the end of the painting. I think it is important to get the values and basic color well in hand before adding the deepest dark and lightest light.  This painting would make a good companion to the first practice piece I painted, though the 'characters' are mostly the same in both. (The other painting is currently at a gallery, so I cannot compare them side by side.)

Suffering I was struck today with a couple of verses in my daily Bible reading. I am in the New Testament book of Hebrews, which is one of my favorites. (Well, actually I have a lot of favorites, but...) It particularly caught my attention that suffering was connected with glory here. I was brought to tears with the realization that GOD Almighty, my Creator, became human and suffered because He loves me.  Heb 2:9 New American Standard Bible "But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor , so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone." Heb 2:18 New American Standard Bible "For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." SOLD 6" x 6" on canvas, 1.5" deep painted edges  

Radiance As I read from Hebrews 1 today, I was reminded of and captivated by the idea of Jesus, the only Son of GOD Himself, being the exact representation of the Heavenly Father. The words in the verses emphasize his glory and the concept that Jesus doesn't just reflect glory, but IS light and glory. Wow.  Here is the one of the verses as it is written in the Amplified Bible: Hebrews 1:3a  He is the sole expression of the glory of GOD [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. And the first three, in the New American Standard Bible: Hebrews 1:1 - 3a  God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of H

Dinner If you follow my blog or other sites, you may realize that I am practicing and preparing for a special opportunity. I have been asked to paint in front of people for the first time, and so I have been working to get myself ready to give it a whirl. What a lot of work! Not only practice, but deciding what materials I will need... It would be easier were I a plein air painter!  I usually paint quite abstract paintings, with abstract thoughts to communicate. It is definitely a different type of preparation to determine a composition, colors, and ideas to communicate an entirely different kind of concept. And the thought of people watching, when I may not come up with a very good painting... (courage...) 20" x 20" on canvas, framed iridescent accents, lots of texture

Brown Overlook This morning, during "couch time with Bruce" (the daily time for my husband and me to catch up with each other and pray for friends and situations), I had a mental picture of this painting that I wanted to work on. I am still thinking of the same concepts as I was on the Overlook Triptych  and so similar techniques are used here.  Again, the same Bible passage is key:  2 Corinthians 4:7 New American Standard Bible "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves" No longer available 11" x 11" acrylic on watercolor paper mounted on cradled panel

Overlook Triptych I went to several galleries and an art museum for my birthday. It was a gift from my fabulous husband, who went with me, even though it is not really something that he enjoys. I absolutely loved it! Actually, the beauty I had seen all day kept me awake at night... (and my husband says he had no trouble sleeping - he actually slept AT the galleries!) One of the paintings has stayed with me for more than a week. At first I didn't even really see it, so to speak. Almost every other painting in the gallery was more eye-catching at first. But as I came up close to it and spent some time looking at it, it was so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes. Literally.  Part of what made that painting so beautiful was the close up details, the evidence of many layers of beauty beneath the surface. It was actually partly the fact that I didn't see it at first that made the painting so unforgettable. It made me think about other things that are only alluring

Yellow Study This study at least seems less lonely than the last one I did! I am enjoying using complements and trying to make them 'sing'. I have never especially liked the purple/yellow combination, so I decided to test myself with it. I am not sure how your monitor (or mine, for that matter) is showing the colors, but it is quite a contrast all right! I have been working on 'companion' paintings. I do like the way they look together. I think they would look great in a kitchen or dining room! 11" x 11"on heavy watercolor paper iridescent accents ready to frame  

Purple Study Today will be a busy day in the studio! I expect no interruptions for several hours, and I hope to use the time wisely.  Several different directions to take in my paintings have been on my mind lately. I will be working on several of them, including abstract paintings that are planned and somewhat overt in their meaning; abstract for beauty, where I discover meaning as I work; maybe some (gasp) impressionism, and who knows what else.  I love the color and strength of the movement in this study - but maybe it is a little more lonely than I want to convey in the finished, larger painting.  Study 11" x 11"on heavy watercolor paper iridescent accents ready to frame  

Abstract 018 It seems to be a recurring story - I have been out of my studio for too long. There are so many other good things that call me from my artwork, and I am pretty sure that most who are artists would agree that this is the case for them as well. In fact, I would guess it is an almost universal circumstance.  This painting was started some time ago, and was not 'cooperating' with me. So today I decided to work with it until I liked it. As is so often said, a big part of success is just showing up, and the time spent here has brought a result I like. I am glad to be back in the studio, and to be reminded that I just need to show up - just keep working...  There is quite a lot of texture in this painting. It is acrylic on an 11" x 14" watercolor paper. The image is 9" x 12.5", ready to frame.  2 Tim. 2:15 (New American Standard Bible) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately ha

Content I have been doing a lot of 'business-y' stuff lately, and have a lot more to do. As with most who pursue art, business is not a strong suit with me! In the midst of trying to work out these other things, I decided to just play a bit with my paints. This quiet little piece reminds me of the contentment that comes from trusting GOD to provide all my needs. Today as I read my Bible, and then enjoyed the outdoors, I was thinking about contentment and His provision for me. The arch in the corner of the painting suggests covering, and the blues suggest the beautiful blue sky of today. 1 Timothy 6:8 (NASB) If we  have food and covering, with these we shall be content. This painting has two rough, torn edges and two cut edges. It is acrylic on watercolor paper, and would be ready to frame. It is actually a little bigger than 5" x 7" and would be nice matted to 8" x 10". 5" x 7"  acrylic on watercolor paper ready to frame  

Bruce & Pups Today I just wanted to post a 'throw back' sketch I did in 1991! This is my husband, and he was playing with pups from our boxer's litter of 11. I have always loved this sketch - and Bruce does too. It hangs in his office.  NFS

Green 2 Having started a series on the Wordless Book in early September, I wanted to have five finished works to exhibit at upcoming events. I did manage to have all five completed (before I broke my arm), but I wasn't happy with one of them. Finally, I have been able to get back to my painting, and here is another version of the painting 'Green'. (see previous post here) 2 Thes. 2:15 (AMP)  So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions  and  instructions which you were taught by us, whether by our word of mouth or by letter. 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper image size 12.375" x 9"

Autumn Our woods has been absolutely stunning this fall. I decided I had to try to represent the beauty (thanks to challenges from several friends!) and I believe this is finished. ;) Since I usually paint abstracts, I always have to work at it to decide when my representational paintings are really done.  SOLD 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border

Floodlighted 'Floodlighted' is my response to some things that have been on my mind lately.  ‘Walking on Water’ is a painting by Makoto Fujimura that I was privileged to see in Grand Rapids this fall. It is a painting that is easily overlooked in a contest with hundreds of works of art to see, and that is primarily because it is only fully ‘seen’ – the refractions of the crushed crystals are prismatic – after looking at the work for 10 minutes or more. Fujimura spoke the night I was there, and mentioned that his work is impossible to photograph, because that depth of prismatic beauty cannot be caught and transmitted via camera. That got me thinking about my own art work and my frustration with trying to photograph it for sharing on digital media, and my cards and books. My work is not as complex, but even my paintings are so much more appealing ‘in real life’. It is why I like to show my work publicly whenever possible. The photo is just not as good as the actu

Absolutely In my studio.  Listening to Pavarotti.  Painting for my own enjoyment, and worshiping my Heavenly Father.  Absolutely happy. 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border

Glory ACEO Today is the last day of the painting challenge, and the 16th day since I broke my arm! I have been sorry to miss out on most of the challenge, but have enjoyed working on these little ACEO works since I have not been able to manage the bigger paintings.  (I have, as of yesterday, been given a 'go ahead' to start working toward flexibility and strength in my arm and shoulder again. So thankful!) Today's ACEO has a big message to communicate in a tiny package! (For more information about ACEOs, click here .) The Scripture verses that I am working from are  Colossians 1:26-27 (New American Standard Bible) that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  It is incredible to me that the GOD of the universe would care enough about me - such a s

Invisible Visible ACEO Last Tuesday evening was a highlight for me, in spite of physical difficulties. With a LOT of assistance from my husband and my daughter, I was able to enjoy the privilege of attending a lecture and showing of art by Makoto Fujimura, an artist I greatly respect and appreciate! His work and words have been influencing my thoughts each day since, and I hope these things will come through in my artwork.  Along with that, today I have been contemplating an idea from today's Bible reading in Colossians. Here is the passage:  Col. 1:15-16 (NASB) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. I have been thinking about the concept of Jesus being a visible image of the invisible; the idea just cries out for an abstract painting.  3.5"

Be Still ACEO Psalm 65: 1-2 (New American Standard Bible) There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,  And to You the vow will be performed. O You who hear prayer, To You all men come. 3.5" x 2.5 "  Colored pencil  & watercolor on watercolor paper Tomorrow in Grand Rapids, MI, one of my favorite artists, living or dead, will be speaking, and some of his art will be on display. I am very much hoping to be strong enough to go hear  Makoto Fujimura . 

Wasn't Finished ACEO Please forgive my going on and on about my broken arm... I really do realize that in the big picture, it is a miniature problem. Still, it is making a big daily impact on me personally as I am 'grounded' to a recliner, limited to one hand - thankfully my dominant hand is still working! - and enduring, um... , discomfort. Already, in one week, I have acertained a lot. It is the time in my life when my job is art. (So much to learn and to communicate...) I feel stymied when I cannot do the art I want to do. I feel as though I have been interrupted mid-conversation, and I Wasn't Finished. I do think the Big Picture for me is becoming clearer, and my job today is to continue by working on Miniatures.  Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB) ... but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and re

To be brief, I have evidently broken my arm near the shoulder where it is tough to cast... so my challenge painting is on hold. Sure hope to get back at it soon!

Rejoice This is the third painting in a row with a similar title and a similar theme. I am currently reading in the New Testament book of Philippians, and am continually struck with the concept of joy. Paul is writing as he is suffering, and he is encouraging his recipients to be joyous.  I wanted the painting to convey joy shining through trial... Part of the best part of the work is the strong contrast and more intense color that is completely surrounded by a more muted hue.  I have also been thinking so much of those around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. I pray for them, and I wonder if I should pray that they would have joy in the middle of their suffering.  It reminds me what a wonderful life I have. I have everything I need and most of what I want. May I also be filled with joy.  Phil 2:18 "You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me." 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1"

Joy II study The second in a companion set of paintings, 'Joy II' concerns companionship (interestingly) and friendship, joy and shared direction.  The movement, both horizontal and vertical, are important, both to the painting and to personal interaction. It is significant, too to have both companion paintings expressing some of the same concepts.  Phil. 2:2 - 3 (NASB) "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves"   study 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border

Joy study Although this painting started out as an abstract concept based on color and shape rather than based on meaning, I feel that it still fits with the title 'Joy', as well as with this passage from Philippians 1 :3 - 4  "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.  In every prayer of mine I always make my entreaty and petition for you all with joy (delight)." These colors work together making such interesting and pleasant combinations and mixes- like friends who bring each other joy.  I painted two companion paintings today, and the second one will come up in my next post. I am really enjoying being a part of the painting challenge , and can really notice that I have improved in my painting skills since the first challenge I did in June of 2013.  11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border

Confident Confident.  Yesterday was a curious day for me. I started the time out with my time spent in the Bible, and found these verses to be personally very comforting.  Philippians 1:6 (New American Standard Bible) "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." 1 Thes 5:24 "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." At times when inadequacy comes knocking (loudly) at my door, it is encouraging to know that the ONE Who has called me will also make sure I don't fail!  The odd thing is, HE also used a couple of other "coincidences" throughout the day to be reassuring. So this painting is called Confident, and it references HIM who can take a mess and make it beautiful!  11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border

Peace Peace. It was actually more difficult than I expected to paint such a 'simple' painting. Maybe that is appropriate for the concept. Doesn't it seem that peace should be simple? 'Just' see everything as I do, and act as I do, and we will have peace. Yeah. Maybe not so much. I wanted something very simple and restful, because several of my recent paintings (in the last month or so) have had a LOT going on. The areas of flat color have a lot of texture in them from textured gesso. I love working on texture! Ephesians 6:15 (New American Standard Bible) " and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace" 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border