Brenda Stichter, artist

No Other Name A movie I  watched    recently inspired this painting in a dramatic, but hard to explain way. Often in my abstract paintings, it is not too difficult to understand my symbolism. Here, though I am expressing my responses, I find it too difficult to use words to explain.  Some of the themes that I noticed were 'gods' that offer 'salvation' from life circumstances. There were several different solutions suggested, such as drugs and alcohol, positive attitude, story-telling, and Eastern mysticism. Although I really enjoyed the movie, and consider it to be a very well done and artistic expression, I find myself strongly opposed to what I perceived as the crux of the statement made.  Acts 4:10-12 NASB "10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead— ... 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under hea...

Hillside Abstracting a landscape is a new thing for me to try, and so far, it is a fun thing to try!  I have been reading about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in the New Testament, partly in preparation for the coming celebration of Easter. As I mentally 'soak' on these thoughts, I decided to try painting some abstract landscapes based on places in Israel.  Thanks to Google maps, I can visit some places there and find images that are available for me to use! Woo-hoo! So, here is the first of three attempts. Hope you enjoy them with me! 16" x 20"  acrylic on watercolor paper, 1/2" white edge Leave comment or contact me directly  to purchase

Straight Line Curve Part of the inspiration for this painting is the concept of how the 'straight and narrow' can lead one on a beautiful, scenic journey. Not every part, though, seems to lead where we would want or expect.  This past weekend, friends of ours lost everything, everything , in a house fire. Another friend is undergoing chemo, and another is facing heart surgery at a young age. These friends, although following the 'straight and narrow' path set for them by their Heavenly Father, are deep in a valley - and probably are having a very difficult time seeing the beauty that GOD can (and will) bring of their journey.  Though this passage can seem trite in hard times, I have found enormous comfort here when things are unthinkably difficult.  Romans 8:28-30 NLT 'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose...

Circus I have been working with acrylic skins, and gel medium, and it has been challenging! I am calling this one 'Circus' for the joy of the color that is exposed under the flat black. The painting is highly textured and very colorful!  See the second picture for better detail of the color in the shinier areas.  8" x 10"  acrylic on watercolor paper better view of colors Leave comment or contact me directly to purchase

King's Daughter It is not very often that a whole painting is in my head before I start - AND that the finished painting looks a lot like I thought it would when I imagined it! But this one is actually a lot like I pictured it. I think that is a good thing... This painting is magenta and two tones of iridescent gold. (I tried several different ways to photograph, including daylight, and it just doesn't seem to want to work right...) No longer available. 8" x 10"  acrylic on watercolor paper  

Restoration Restoration came to mind as I worked on this painting. I had been thinking of what complete restoration would mean in my house, in my woods, in our whole country and world. My thoughts were turned in that direction as I read words of Jesus in the New Testament book of Mark, even though the concept was not directly connected.  As I worked on this painting, I was reminded of a tire, and maybe restoring a classic car, or cleaning up a landfill.  Heavy texture and bright, cheerful colors are the 'tools' that I used to complete this 'story' of restoration. 

Even the Wind and Sea As I have been reading through Mark in the New Testament, twice in the last few days I have read about Jesus calming the wind and water. I tried to imagine the chaos of the sky and water, and the immediate, uncanny calm that followed the command Jesus gave.  I am thinking that the disciples who were in the boat each time must have felt that their world was a bit topsy-turvey, even after the wind and waves stopped. Or maybe especially then! AMP Mark 4:37 "And a furious storm of wind arose, and the waves kept beating into the boat, so that it was already becoming filled.... 39 And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).... 41 And they were filled with great awe and feared exceedingly and said one to another, Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?" AMP Luke 6:48 "And hav...

the Fringe There is a report given in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke about a woman who was healed by Jesus in a remarkable way, and I have found that I identify with her and find grace in this record. (Her story can be found in Matthew  9:20 - 22, Mark 5:25 - 34, and Luke 8: 43 - 48.) As I read, first I was moved by the realization her of being sick (hemorrhaging) for twelve years. How she must have  suffered! The constant blood loss would have led to weakness and more. She was probably ostracized from her society, too.  Next, her faith impacted me. She was sure that she could be healed by touching the fringe of the garment Jesus wore. And she pressed her way through a crowd to touch Him. When she knew she was healed, I wonder if she felt a little guilty and ashamed for 'stealing' her healing. Of course, I really do not know her position in her society, so I cannot know why she chose to sneak through a crowd and touch Jesus' cloak without talki...