Brenda Stichter, artist

Abstract 022 Taking classes from an artist in a nearby town, I have been stretched beyond what I am comfortable with, and have learned more than I thought I would! The teacher has started with the basics, and while most is review for me, each week I have come home with a workable challenge to improve my skills.  These classes have not been 'monkey-see-monkey-do' type classes. They are, maybe, more comprehensive in covering a lot of art education. (Don't get me wrong - I really enjoy the MSMD type workshops, and I usually learn new skills in that type class as well.) Each class has sent me home with homework to keep practicing, and it is such a good exercise to keep pushing ahead with learning in new areas! This time, the teacher challenged me to be less hesitant, and to respond to the color I was seeing. (This abstract was based on a still life.) It was so helpful in opening my eyes to one of my problem areas, and is something I can work on!  NLA 11" x 14...

The Waters Like so many other people I know, I have 'a thing' for the ocean, or a big lake, or a running stream or waterfall, or, really, almost any water! When we visit the water, I can sit for literally hours watching the waves. I lived on a lake for part of my growing up years, and loved it then, too, but I think I may have taken it too much for granted.  SOLD 6" x 6" on cradled panel One of the things that is so fascinating about water is the way it changes in different circumstances. I remember skating on the lake almost every day in the winter, and great times snowmobiling when the water had turned to ice. I remember being stuck out there on a sailboat with no wind when the friend with me had to get to work. I remember watching the blue water turn green and gold and gray during a storm. I loved whitecaps and swimming and canoeing.  As I read in the Psalms recently, I came across a couple of passages that described 'the waters' responding...

Psalm 75 Psalm 75:1-3 (Amplified Bible)  We give praise and thanks to You, O God, we praise and give thanks; Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near and they who invoke Your Name rehearse Your wonders. When the proper time has come [for executing My judgments], I will judge uprightly [says the Lord]. When the earth totters, and all the inhabitants of it, it is I Who will poise and keep steady its pillars. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that] In another version, verse 3 says "the earth and all who dwell in it melt". I am overwhelmed today by the power of GOD.  In this painting, there is a lot of texture, a bit of iridescent accent, and colors that I love. The colors remind me of earth in the springtime. I am thankful that God keeps all of creation steady.  NA 16" x 20"  acrylic on watercolor paper ready to frame

Declaration Today I returned to my first love in the studio... ABSTRACT! Ahh, how I love it! I love to get filthy hands (check) and turn my canvas around and around to find the best look, (check) and try to make my paint respond to the painting and the concept in order to communicate an idea.  I have been thinking about getting older today. Some days are great, and then there are some... Interestingly enough, the Psalm I read today was written by an old person. As I age, my prayer is that I will finish well, and will share the glory, power, and beauty of my GOD.  SOLD Surprisingly, I even wrote a poem about my thoughts. Want to hear it? When I am old and gray, When my strength fails, When confusion and slowness and sloth Shadow my steps, YOU. When I am young and gray, When my strength revives, When cheeriness and desire and drive Design my direction, YOU. YOU. Psalm 71:17-18 (Amplified Bible) O God, You have taught me from my youth, and hitherto hav...

Red Barn Again last night, I attended a class in another town to brush up on my skills (pun intended). I enjoy these classes, but at the same time, they push me out of my 'comfort zone' as I return to skills I haven't practiced (portrait drawing) or haven't ever tried (oil painting). I am sure this is a valuable part of my pursuit of excellence as an artist. I definitely want to be the best artist I can be! NLA 9" x 12" on deep canvas I chose these particular classes because I really appreciate the work of the artist, Nazar Harran; and also because I enjoy the gallery where the classes are being taught, Artworks Galleria in Fort Wayne, IN. Nazar does many different kinds of work, including landscape, portraiture, still life, but best of all, ABSTRACTS!  Last night at class, my neighbor was doing a tight, precise landscape, using the same photo I was using. I felt great about my work, until I looked over at hers... Eventually, I realized that my pre...

Silence and Praise Silence and praise are two things that have been emphasized in my Bible reading lately. As I have mentioned in other blog posts, I am currently reading in the Psalms - usually one Psalm a day. It is odd for me, because I often like to read several chapters in a day, so this approach slows me down, quiets me, and often fills me with praise and awe for GOD. 22" x 30" Painted with the finest quality acrylic heavy-body paint on hand-made, prepared wood panel Ready to frame This painting has a lot of vertical movement and line, which to me suggests a curtain or veil. In one area, the 'veil' is separated - opening to show what is hidden behind it. There are layers upon layers, sometimes showing through, but more often covered. The large, three-ring shape is iridescent, and can only be seen when the light is right. (see below) The most exciting and beautiful part of the painting is where one can see through all of the veiling to the color and move...