Brenda Stichter, artist

Etsy My daughter came home after graduating from college, and begged for a kitten! Somehow, she is more persuasive now than she was when she was younger...  Meet Etsy! She is an adventurous, active kitten who is seldom still. I wanted to catch some of her energy and delightful liveliness.  This painting is SOLD. 5.5" x 5.5" acrylic on panel (rounded corners)

Prepared The book of John in the New Testament has been an inspiration for this painting. I notice that I keep returning to that book. It is interesting to me that many would suggest John as a first book for someone to read if they wish to start reading the Bible, but I find it difficult at times - and I have been reading the Bible for a long time! (I had typed how many years, but that was just TOO MUCH! You will just have to guess at that one!) Chapter 14, verses 1 - 3 are part of my thoughts with this verse, as well as Isaiah 55:9. These passages both talk about GOD's 'realm' versus ours, and that is much of what I want to communicate here. There is separation between HIS thoughts, ways, and house, and me, yet here and there, I can find a dim reflection of HIM and HIS beauty.  John 14:1 - 3 (Amplified Bible) 1 Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in...

Called By Name This painting is a reminder to me that my Heavenly Father has all things in HIS hands. There is a passage in the Old Testament book of Isaiah that comes to my mind, and brings comfort in tough times. I know that GOD loves me and will orchestrate all of my life circumstances, just as HE promised HIS people then.  Isaiah 43 (New American Standard Bible) 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. 3 “For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; ... 4 “Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. 5 “Do not ...

Is This the Time? This little painting carries a lot of thoughts, and a big name! It is a heavily textured acrylic on wood panel, 5.75 x 5.5 inches with rounded corners. I can attach a hanger to the back in order to make it ready to hang with no frame, or it could also be matted and framed. The jewel tone colors are deep and translucent.  One of the things that I think of when I look at this painting is sea life - underwater plants and animals. They are often so beautiful in photos that I have seen. I find it so interesting that most of them will never be seen by human eyes, yet they are colorful and graceful and alluring. They grace the garden of their Creator, and they bring only HIM pleasure.  The shapes here are organic and seem to show growth and life. In my life, part of my growth includes waiting for GOD to direct me on a daily basis - spending time in prayer and reading my Bible... listening to HIM. Sometimes when I have pressing questions, HE gives me answers ...

Deep Comfort In a recent art magazine that I was perusing, I saw the new design plans for a couch. The shape and curves of the couch were very complex and unexpected. The complexity and surprising appearance of the couch were the very things that made the design beautiful. I really wanted to look at it and sit on it and rest.  In chapter 14 of John, JESUS is comforting HIS disciples in their deep grief and confusion over HIS coming death. They thought HE would take over world rulership at that time and change their lives - make them more comfortable. But the design of the Heavenly Father was much more complex and (to them) unexpected. And the very complexity and startling nature of HIS plan is stunningly beautiful. Because of HIS death, I can look to JESUS in my troubles and find deep comfort and rest.  John 14:1 (NASB) “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 14:27  Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as th...