Brenda Stichter, artist

I think it was the sunset. That was what started it. Last night, the sky was beautiful, and it took me completely by surprise.  The day had been unseasonably warm, and we actually had a severe thunderstorm warning here in Northern Indiana. (Two days before Christmas!) We had torrential rain during the day, and I did not expect to see any sign of the sun. As I prepared to leave the house for yet another foray into the last minute shoppers, I glanced out the front window of my house, and thought, "Did someone put up a street light clear out here?" The wet road was glowing pinkish gold.  Drawn to the window, I saw the vista of sky against the darkened woods and fields, and it literally made me pray, and maybe cry a little. "Oh, Father GOD, merry Christmas to You! What a gift!" That magenta sky, the blacked branches and shadowed fields, the shining road... and Christmas lights on the neighbor's house. Oh boy did those twinklers look ridiculous against the Heav...

Behold the Lamb (Christmas) Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “ God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. Genesis 22:7-8 (New American Standard Bible)  The next day [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, “ Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”  John 1:29, 34 (New American Standard Bible) In November I started through the Bible, and this section from Genesis has been on my mind this Christmas season. I have been especially struck that GOD provided for Himself a Lamb. It moves me that GOD loves us so very much, that HE provides everything required to satisfy the need for holiness - for acceptance.  HE wasn't just making life easier ...

There is now a short video of me online in preparation for my December 2015 exhibit at  the Gallery in Warsaw, Indiana.  I am so excited to share it! I hope you enjoy it. 

Build an Altar "I was painting the edges on my canvases yesterday," I said, "and it was FABULOUS! I hadn't noticed how much I had missed painting!" My husband just grinned at me. He knows. I think he would rather have me covered in paint than have me happy about a clean house or a ready meal.  I have been reading about Abram in the Old Testament, and in the last couple of days, I have noticed that every time GOD puts him in a new place or phase, or shows him something new or gives a promise - pretty much all the time, actually - Abram builds an altar to the LORD.  Lately I have been doing a lot more of the business and marketing of being an artist at the expense of painting. Oh, it can be so tough to not paint! But I don't always have the resources (so to speak) to be in the studio. I am trying to learn about this phase of my work, and am trying to strike the right balance... So I will Build an Altar. I want to bring an offering to my loving Father of...

Roses "Very contemporary", texted my mother this morning, when I sent her a picture of my painting. I took it as a compliment! (I am not sure that is how she meant it, but that is ok.)  When I envisioned this large painting, the whole thing was black and white and all of the shades in between painted over iridescent gold. I started with the gold and then outlined my subject, but I loved the burnt sienna showing through the white so much, that I decided to change up my plan. NOT that that is anything unusual with my paintings! It is one of the things I love about not being a realist painter - that my paintings can turn unexpected corners and I don't have to pull them back. Sold 36 x 48 acrylic on stretched canvas Click here to view on my website. 

Love II (Fruit of the Spirit) "Do you think there is a way I can show all 16 paintings and get some input on this?" I asked my husband. "I need some artist's input on which 9 make a good grouping." This painting is the 16th I have done all in the same style, all with the idea of expressing the Fruit of the Spirit. I want to use them to hang in a 3 x 3 group to express these ideas, and it is getting tricky! This one in particular is so hard to photograph well because there is a lot of iridescence in it - more than I usually use. detail The colors here remind me of the colors used in the Tabernacle and the Temple in Bible times. Once again, I am expressing God's love more than human love.  12 x 12 acrylic Part of a group of 9 paintings representing the Fruit of the Spirit Contact me for pricing for multiples from this group of paintings Fruit of the Spirit

Peace III (Fruit of the Spirit) "I am sure you are all shocked. I am shocked too." That is how the email from my favorite local gallery opened. My FAVORITE, the one I just got into! It is closing at the end of this week, with only 5 days notice. I felt like I had been kicked in the gut...  I was very excited to be one of 20 artists chosen to be in a show at this gallery where 9 square works of art, 12" x 12", are designed to be hung in a group of 3 x 3. I worked on this most of the month of September, and am still working on it. My statement that I submitted for jury said that the paintings would be abstract representations of the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in the New Testament book of Galatians. Well, I have had a few challenges to the characteristics I have been painting, that's for sure!  So now, here is another example of 'peace' - I was not sure whether my last painting of peace would fit well with the group, and actually, I am not sur...

Workshop painting This quick little painting is for a workshop I will be teaching in a couple of weeks. I am working to come up with a QUICK little autumn painting for this beginner level class, and am hoping that my students will be able to make something they like there. Maybe the 'final' will be called Pumpkin Spice. What do you think? 

Kindness II Update: This painting is now sold, and the person who purchased it saw trees in the painting, not water. I love that, actually! I think it is a beautiful way to see this one.  Eighteen paintings later, and I have reached the end of the September 30 in 30 painting challenge  I am doing. I have loved this challenge! I think I have some new techniques to incorporated in my work, and I have sold a couple of things, too. How fun! 12 x 12 acrylic on cradled panel Click here to view on my website. Kindness II is another in a series I am working on for a particular show. It is a show where nine paintings will be grouped together, so not only does each one need to be a good, well balanced painting, but all nine need to fit together well! I am sure that sooner or later I will have nine that I am happy with. :) Peter and Jesus walking on the water was part of the inspiration for this work once again.  Matthew 14:28-31 (New American Standard Bible) Peter said t...

Patience II "You probably shouldn't go today, because you have to do that presentation on Monday. You should probably rest. Will you be ok without me? (kind of wistfully)" My husband has been so very patient dealing with this time of sickness on my part. Since he is VERY extroverted, and I am VERY introverted, it is a good thing that I love staying home and working in my studio. He can go to functions and help friends and so on, knowing I am recovering, and enjoying my painting. But lately, he has had to keep up with housework, groceries, etc since I have mostly been home. He's amazing. SOLD Painted with acrylic heavy-body paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper mounted on on hand-made, prepared cradled wood panel Click here to view on my website I started this painting yesterday, and was looking forward to finishing it today. However, I did too much to it and messed up the work I did yesterday! So disappointing. So I came back to it over ...

Lake Ice "Did you hear that? Maybe we should go back." "Don't be silly - it's over four feet thick here." "Yeah, but that cracking and booming..." My husband and I were going for a walk in the COLD on a frozen Minnesota lake. You would think I would be the brave one, since I lived on a lake in Minnesota for my high school years, but my Hoosier husband was the sensible one. After all, 15" is enough ice to be safe for a medium sized pick-up truck! We were on 4' of clear, solid black ice, with no snow cover. Sold 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper, mounted on cradled panel ready to hang or frame I was thinking of this scenario when I was choosing my painting theme today. I wanted to convey the depth and interest of looking through all of that clear ice to the deep, black water below.  I was, in fact, completely safe. The ice could have held a pile of pachyderms. But I allowed myself to look around, look down, listen to the sound...

Mugged "I can only come in for a minute," said my friend Ann when she surprised me at my back door. "I wanted to see how you are doing, and check up on you." And she handed me a bouquet of flowers! She knows I have been struggling with pneumonia (thank the Lord, I am finally starting to improve!), and just stopped by on her way past. That kind of thing just doesn't seem to happen very often anymore, and I was very touched by her kindness.  Which, by the way, goes so well with one of my themes that I have been working on during this painting challenge . Not only was it kind of her, it was also a praiseworthy thing to do for a friend and neighbor! :)  SOLD  9 x 12 acrylic on canvas panel Phil. 4:8 (New American Standard Bible)Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ...

Good Repute "Do you like it?" "Um. Yeah." "What does it need?" "Maybe more dark." This conversation happened with my 24 year old son. He is not really at all fond of abstract paintings, but has a pretty good handle on good composition and is enjoying (to some degree) learning what makes work 'good'. He would tell you that he likes Mom's paintings, (because he is loving and loyal - like his sister and his dad). So when he actually LIKES something (even if he isn't particularly enthusiastic), I consider that a good sign.  12" x 12" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Ready to frame Click here to purchase via my website. Phil. 4:8 (New American Standard Bible)Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute , if there is any excellence and if an...

Joy II Happy birthday! Today is my daughter's 23rd birthday, and she is my youngest. How is this even possible? She has definitely been the sparkle and pizzazz in our family, practically since birth, and she brings so much joy! I am considering this painting a second Joy painting. (One never knows... it may be renamed in the future!) Although I have not kept up with the 30 in 30 challenge  as well as I would like to, still it has kept me in my studio when I am able. That is such an encouragement!  Galatians 5:22-23 (New American Standard Bible) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy , peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Gentleness (Fruit of the Spirit) "You are sick," he said, "so get as much sleep and rest as you can." My doctor thinks that the pneumonia I have had for the last THREE WEEKS is running its course, and beginning to improve, but I am still to lay low. It has been such a challenge to rest at the same time as I am trying to paint daily!  It has been interesting to me that I have managed to paint many of the days, and that sometimes, the painting has come so easily. Sometimes I know everything I want to do before I even enter the studio! (Not every day, by any means!) And since each painting actually takes more than one day, I am working ahead most days, even though I have been pretty exhausted.  SOLD 12 x 12 acrylic on cradled panel My doctor was so gentle with his instructions to me. Get more rest. Don't overdo it. You are sick and should not feel bad for slowing down. My Great Physician has been so gentle with me, too. He provided a theme and structure...

the Great Deep Today I looked at an old painting of mine, and suddenly saw something new that I really wanted to 'say' with it. I have long had an odd fear of underwater scenes. I used to  get a little short of breath watching Jaques Cousteau on television, and one time, I used up almost an entire tank of oxygen learning to scuba dive - in water up to my waist!  As I was reading in my Bible in my Psalm for today, this verse struck me.  Psalm 144:7 (New American Standard Bible) Stretch forth Your hand from on high; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters...  I also thought about Jonah chapter 2 where Jonah prays from the depths. The way to safety from 'the Great Deep' is looking up to God for his salvation.  11" x 14" acrylic on panel

FOTS Self Control How appropriate (and frustrating) that my painting about self control is taking a long time, and not coming together as I would wish! Well, I have finished it, at least for today... sometimes I decide later that I should go back and change things, or touch them up a bit.  One of the aspects of self control that suggested itself to me was waiting to open a package that is all wrapped up. It can be SO TOUGH to wait! Another thought was of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying to His Father, giving up His own wishes with tears, and drops of bloody sweat. Now that is the kind of control that is a spiritual control!   12 x 12 acrylic  Based on  Galatians 5:22-23 (New American Standard Bible) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Patience In some respects, this painting reminds me of the changing seasons. The thought of how a farmer or gardener has to patiently wait on the seasons came to mind. Patience has to be one of the toughest character traits to develop, and also to paint! I have been working with some of my favorite transparent colors, and I love the interplay between them. I love to watch how they mix and layer. I also enjoy watching how the whole painting will develop. It is a pleasure to look and try to decide whether it is finished.   12 x 12 acrylic  Galatians 5:22-23 (New American Standard Bible) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Kindness (Fruit of the Spirit) The learning curve on this challenge had been interesting. Along with working on finishing a painting daily, I am also painting for a particular exhibit that I have the privilege of being a part of. I love the new concepts that I am working on! Kindness is one of the fruits of a life lived through the strength and direction of the Holy Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-23 (New American Standard Bible) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. I am not sure why, but the concept of kindness reminded me of the passage in John 15 where Jesus says, "I am the true Vine". I chose to use transparent colors that mix together to make new, beautiful colors. I also chose curves and 'gentle' shapes.  NLA  12 x 12 acrylic 

Love (Fruit of the Spirit) Love is such a huge concept... how can one express love? My choice was to indicate the most unimaginable gift of love in the history of time; the gift of the Son of God coming to our planet to sacrifice His life for us - for me. Now that is LOVE.   12 x 12 acrylic on cradled panel Not only do I want to express the gift of Jesus' birth at Christmas time, but also the idea that the gift comes down from above, and that it is the expression of true Love. The series I am working on is the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22 - 23, and the very first sign of a life dedicated to Him is love.  Galatians 5:22-23 (New American Standard Bible) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. I want to be full and spilling over with that kind of Love.   

His Lovingkindness is Everlasting Working on the series I have chosen, I decided to throw in a change-up today. I first touched up three of my past paintings, then started on three new ones, and then chose to do a colored pencil sketch for my challenge work for today.  SOLD  6 x 6 acrylic and colored pencil on watercolor paper I was reading in the Psalms and came to Psalm 136, which is a section that repeats this phrase over and over, every other line. I decided to read the whole thing out loud, and it gave a new feel to the reading for me. I was overwhelmed with the Lord's lovingkindness! Psalm 136:1 (New American Standard Bible) Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,  For His lovingkindness is everlasting.   

Goodness "Laundry," I thought as I got out of bed today. "I have to do some laundry, and cook something!" The challenge to paint 30 paintings in 30 days is something I just love to participate in, but my house sure suffers. (Not to mention my husband.) So I actually did get some of that under my belt before coming to the studio. Galatians 5:22-23 (New American Standard Bible) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  SOLD 12 x 12 acrylic on cradled panel Today's Fruit of the Spirit painting is 'Goodness'. This painting reminds me of Creation. God's valuation of the work at the end of each day was "and it was good." If only I felt that way at the end of my work on a regular basis!  How wonderful that He offers me goodness as I am shaped by the Holy Spirit into the person I was designed to be. And how beautiful that H...

Peace II Worship was the theme of my morning today. I was unable to attend church services because I have pneumonia(!), but I spent time resting and reading my Bible before coming to my studio. I feel so refreshed and full from that quiet time! With that in mind, it make sense that the painting I was able to finish is called 'Peace'. (Well, technically, Peace II, since I have painted this concept before, but... ) I am looking forward to continuing with this painting challenge , as well as this series I am doing! SOLD 12 x 12 acrylic cradled panel Part of a group of 9 paintings representing the Fruit of the Spirit Contact me for pricing for multiples from this group of paintings Fruit of the Spirit

Joy (Fruit of the Spirit) Right now in my studio, I am listening to Brian Setzer playing 'Honey Man' - his take on the Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky-Korsakov. It is the perfect accompaniment to my daily painting, called 'Joy'. It makes me want to dance and I have a smile on my face! (You would smile too, if you knew me personally and pictured me dancing!) 12 x 12 acrylic on cradled panel Click here to view on my website.  In Galatians there is a list called the fruit of the Spirit, speaking of qualities that will grow in the life of a person who has given herself to GOD. There are nine characteristics, and joy is the second one. (By the way, not only did I skip over to the second passage I have been working on for the challenge, I also skipped the first concept. This is a great step forward - or so I hope - for this girl!) As I contemplated painting joy, my thoughts started with bright color, and then also bubbling over. I love using many layers and tex...

Honorable/Self Control I have already run into snags with my challenge, and with my planned projects. And it is only the SECOND DAY! I am on the second day of Leslie Saeta's painting challenge, and I am having issues with how to make these paintings work well, and I have gotten a bit sick. :( I am seldom sick, and this is really 'throwing a wrench in the monkey works', as someone I know used to say! I sure hope you don't catch it from reading this blog! 12 x 12 acrylic on cradled panel This second painting in my series is called Honorable. (based on Philippians 4:8) I was thinking yesterday about what things are considered honorable, and my mind went to military persons who have gotten medals and the purple heart. Although I do not know very much about the military, I am so thankful for the service of those who are there to preserve my freedom.  The white reminds me of the many veterans who are aging, and the honor of white hair, age, and wisdom. The gold ...

True I have really been looking forward to today! I am participating (once again) in  Leslie Saeta's challenge  to paint 30 paintings in 30 days. I hope to combine this with a couple of other projects, and at least FINISH a painting each day. (Maybe not paint the whole thing in one day...) I have two verses that will be my direction this time around: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." and Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. These two important lists should give me plenty to work on! And if I need extra paintings at some point, there is a local garden where I would like to try plein air painting.  12 x 12 acrylic on ...