Brenda Stichter, artist

Nest Egg While some of the artists who have been part of this January painting challenge are relieved to be finished, I have to say I am sorry it is over! I have really enjoyed painting and posting, and have not felt the stress that I have noticed during the other challenges I have been part of. This has been so much fun! 10" x 10" acrylic on watercolor paper mounted on cradled panel Click here to purchase from my website. This painting is a reminder to me of where my 'inheritance' is, as found in  1 Peter 1:3-4 (New American Standard Bible) "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you ". What a great reminder! 

Not All in One Basket A lot of fun! That is what this painting was... And I want to do a mini-series on a similar concept. Of course, starting a series 2 days before I finish a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge is a little ridiculous, but one of the things I love about these challenges is that they encourage me to keep on painting on a daily basis - even when the challenge is over.  10" x 10" acrylic on watercolor paper mounted on cradled panel Click here to view or purchase from my website. This painting is a reminder of the Biblical principle found in Matthew 6 concerning money. I want my financial 'eggs' to be in the right basket! Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be a

the Cleft Yesterday we visited a friend who is desperately ill. He is on a ventilator in the ICU in the hospital. His wish, as he has expressed it, is to 'finish well'. The nurses have commented that he is a kind man, and his wife told us that he had not complained one time. I would say that he is on the right track to finishing well! SOLD 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper In contrast to that scene, the children of Israel in Exodus 32 - 33 quickly gave up on the One Who had rescued them over and over. Moses had been missing for 40 days (which, admittedly, is a really long time) and they gave up on him and on GOD. But Moses was with GOD, and I absolutely LOVE (and am a little jealous of) the relationship I can read about. You should definitely read Exodus 33 to see this interaction.  But the part I am wanting to share is from  Exodus 33:18-23 " Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before y

Purple Crayon It would seem like an easy thing to just add some purple crayon to that painting, just so that the name makes more sense. Wouldn't you think?  SOLD 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper My daughter gave me a delightful gift last Christmas. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. I loved that book as a child! Have you read it? It spurred my imagination as a child, and I think I like it even more as an adult.  But, luckily, he kept his wits and his purple crayon.  Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Abstract 024 "How long did that take you to paint?"  Okay, may I just vent a little bit here? Maybe that is a very well meaning question, but it usually comes across to me as, "why do you think that is any good and why are you charging so much for it?" Let me answer the question. 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper Updated If the question is meant to be "how long was your brush (or  palette  knife) filled with paint and touching that surface", then the answer is probably almost embarrassing. "Well, probably, um, around a half hour, maybe?" (That's when I expect the "My five year old..." comment.)  I decided the rant was a bad idea... so I have removed it! ;) Have a great day. Still practicing, and trying to be a skilled worker, Brenda

For Glory and for Beauty One thing that I really love about Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge is that it often calls me to not only practice my craft, but also deepen my reason and appreciation for what I am doing.  I have said before that I would not paint if I didn't have something I needed to say. I am actually not sure if that is true. I still created artwork during the days that I had 'put it aside' for other things, but then it was purely for the enjoyment of it, I think.  But when I am painting much more often - especially when I paint every day - I find the need to replenish the well of creativity, so to speak. The daily practice is essential, and fun, and important, but the need for depth becomes insistent. And I love it! SOLD 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper   Again today I was reading the Biblical instructions to the ancient Israelites for building the Tabernacle and preparing the priests. I noticed the repeated use of

Daddy's Girl No longer available 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper   "I've long since stopped feeling guilty about taking being time; it's something we all need for our spiritual health, and often we don't take enough of it." Madeleine L'Engle, Walking on Water

Beauty Required "Come over as soon as you can," I said to my son. "We can go as soon as you are ready." The last couple of days I have missed doing my challenge paintings due to paperwork obligations (yuck) and the opportunity to spend a whole day with my adult son (hooray!). I hate missing my painting time, but boy, do I love spending that family time! Sold 10" x 10" acrylic on cradled panel Click here to purchase from my website. Recently, as I am reading through the Biblical book of Exodus, I have been seeing all of the beautiful and artistic preparations that are being made for the building of the Tabernacle - the place for the worship of GOD - by the wandering sons of Israel. That place was magnificent! I cannot even imagine some of the things described there.  It makes me think of our day, and the place of beauty in our culture, and more especially, in our places of worship. In culture as a whole, beauty seems to be relegated to physical

Abstract 023 I am feeling a little bit disappointed right now, because this photo just doesn't do this painting any favors. I want to show all of the colors, the layers, the texture... but it just doesn't reproduce well. My camera's "eye" isn't good enough to take it in.  SOLD 12 x 12 acrylic on canvas panel   In a couple of places in my Bible reading today, the leaders of Israel got to see GOD. In Exodus 24, HIS glory on the mountain looked like a fire that was consuming the mountain. But when GOD invited Moses to come up, Moses went up. To everyone else, the view was shrouded in smoke and cloud. I am excited to see GOD's glory someday... when my eyes are ready to see HIM.  Exodus 24:18 Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

the Follower triptych "I guess this one isn't communicating with me like some of them do," my son said. He is a great critic for me. Even though he is not usually fond of abstract art, he is surprisingly good at picking out the strengths and weaknesses of my work. To tell the truth, though, I think part of the reason he had trouble getting the most out of this triptych is that I cannot put the meaning of it into words. And sometimes when I don't have the words in mind, it is obvious in my paintings.  3 each 6" x 6" acrylic on watercolor paper Click here to view or purchase on my website.  I am the Follower. I am following the Cloud and the Pillar of Fire through the wilderness. It is not always clear to me where I am going, but I know that my Leader is taking me in the right direction.  Exodus 13:21-22 "The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them

Conversation Emergency  lights, fire, volcano, heat, power ... all of the concepts that come to my mind with these HOT colors are dynamic and potent. The color both draws me, and at the same time, incites caution. I love the vitality, but is it SAFE ? It reminds me of some favorite quotes from books by C. S. Lewis about Aslan.  “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”  ― C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe "Only you mustn't press him. He's wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”  ― C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper mounted on cradled panel My painting today is a reminder of the conversation between GOD and Moses that is described in Exodus 19. Oh, you don't even know how much I wish I could be there with HIM - yet, I would be terrified! GOD is awesome, and yet, HE

Water From the Rock "Water from the Rock is what I needed; Water from which no one is denied..." The old tune is playing in my head as I type. It was a vinyl record album that my parents had when I was pretty young, and I think it may have been one of my Mom's favorites.  10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper Some days, I just feel the need to play with my paint. And some days, I would LOVE to be on a beach somewhere... I started playing with this painting yesterday, and was surprised by the way my reading tied in.  Exodus 17:1-6 (New American Standard Bible) ... and there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water that we may drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” ... So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do to this people? A little more and they will stone me.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pass before the people and take with you s

Glory Abstracted landscapes seem to be very popular now, at least from what I have found in my research. So I wanted to communicate my meaning today in the form of an almost landscape. I want to show glory breaking through dark and stormy circumstances.  10" x 10" 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 purchase from my website. Grumbling a nd glory don't seem to have anything in common to me. In fact, they almost seem like opposites. But these two words were strongly linked in my reading this morning. I was really interested to try to think of why that might be. In Exodus 16, the sons of Israel were complaining to the LORD after wandering for 6 weeks in the wilderness. They were hungry. I usually think about how quickly they had forgotten all that GOD had done for them, but today I was thinking instead about how quick I am to complain, even t

Triumph It is not a person who is my enemy. It is sin. Principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.)   So when I read passages like I read today from Exodus, I can wholeheartedly appreciate the victory, and the song of triumph.  10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper, mounted on cradled panel I especially enjoyed painting the red tones in the underpainting today! I had a painting that I liked underneath, and I think it is even better with the top layering.  Exodus 15:1 - 18 (New American Standard Bible)  Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and said,  “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. 2 “The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will prai

Go Forward Loaded with iridescence and color, this painting hints of so much unseen ahead. Maybe good, or maybe bad, but definitely outside my comfort zone! I just cannot see through the 'wilderness' there... 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper Though this passage references the escaping slaves between the rocky cliffs and the ocean, yet they were coming through the wilderness and could not imagine a way of rescue. God said, "Stop whining, and get moving" (Brenda version). This really resonated with me today as I read my Bible. I really love that HE will fight while I keep silent. HE never shoots friendlies, and HE is always victorious.  Exodus 14:13-15 (New American Standard Bible)  But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent. ” Then the Lord s

Passing Through "How's your dad?" I asked.  "He is weaker... he cannot do the things he wants to do. He wants to finish well," was the answer. It is heartbreaking to me to see the struggles of this dear man and his family. He wants to finish well, and honestly, I cannot imagine him missing that mark. He is one of the most Christlike men I have ever met. I have been painting this abstract for several days, actually, and it has been partly inspired by deep water right before a spillway or dam. There are shapes and sediment deep in the water, currents flowing fast mid-depth, and debris on the top that might distract the eye from seeing the beauty - the whole picture - that is right before one's eyes. Like life, right? So much like life.  SOLD 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper, mounted on cradled panel ready to hang or frame Here is the Scripture that has been on my mind concerning this painting:  Isaiah 43:1-7 (New American Standard Bible) Bu

1951 Mercury Hood Ornament And here is the fourth of the series of antique hood ornaments from my husband's collection. It has struck me that painting them at different times has led to different approaches to the paintings.  Each was painted with the same group of colors:  Matisse Australian Sky Blue Winsor & Newton Phthalo Green Yellow shade Golden Permanent Violet Dark Matisse Paynes Grey Matisse Titanium White It has been a fun exercise, and maybe I will eventually paint all of his collection! 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper, mounted on cradled panel “The Symbol of all Art is the Prism. The goal is destructive. To break up the white light of objective realism into the secret glories it contains.” e. e. cummings

1948 Packard Hood Ornament The weather man is predicting rain and cold weather for the coming weekend. So, my morning was spent balancing hood ornaments on chair edges, in front of sunny windows, trying to catch photos that I can translate! I have a couple done, so I hope that the sun will return by the time I need more photos! 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper, mounted on cradled panel When a sudden ray of sun or a moonbeam falls on a dreary street, it makes no difference what it illumines-a broken bottle on the ground, a fading flower in a field, or the flaxen blonde hair of a child's head. The object is transformed and the viewer is transfixed. Celebrate that moment of beauty and take it with you in your memory. It is God's gift to you. Luci Swindoll

1956 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Hood Ornament The second of my paintings of my husband's hood ornament collection, the 1956 Caddy has drawn the question, "Was it in a green setting, or is that just a color choice?" Well, I guess I should be flattered. (smile) I am actively pursuing a representation that is NOT realism... but I am glad it is recognizable enough that they ask about it.  I am excited about the idea of a set of four of these paintings in the same palette - four of my favorite hood ornaments - to be displayed together. I think it will look very cool!  10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper, mounted on cradled panel “By a curious confusion, many modern critics have passed from the proposition that a masterpiece may be unpopular to the other proposition that unless it is unpopular it cannot be a masterpiece.” – On Detective Novels, Generally Speaking; G. K. Chesterton

1949 Plymouth Ship Hood Ornament Here is a completely different direction for me to head in... I am painting from my husband's collection of antique hood ornaments! I love this one, and I like how the painting worked. These hood ornaments might make a fun series...  10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper, mounted on cradled panel "We do not want merely to see beauty... we want something else which can hardly be put into words- to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it." C. S. Lewis

Jake My son came over today and he played his guitar for me for a while. Well, he played his guitar, and I sat and listened to him. I LOVE HEARING HIM PLAY! I hope you can see from this sketch how much he loves to play, too.  SOLD 6" x 6" acrylic, pastel on watercolor paper

Whatever My Lot Another artist in the 30 in 30 challenge posted a painting today that I thought seemed to tie in with mine, and she chose words to a hymn as part of her design. I am thinking of a different hymn, but it is a good tie in for me.  When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. SOLD 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper The mirage house appears to approach the edge, and maybe even slide off the work. The colors run and fade in and out of each other and it is unclear whether this is intended as a scenic representation or a dreamscape. The overall effect is unsettling and maybe unfinished looking. All of these things are intentional and seek to express something that I don't have the words for.  Yet, it is well with my soul. 

Sometimes "Did you have a good visit with your friend?"  "No." That had to be the most surprising thing I had heard in - well - years, maybe. My family is populated with extroverts, to varying degrees, except for me. They all love meeting and being with people. (I love people, too, but am quickly drained by being 'out and about'.)  So this was startling to me, to say the least! I have been sidetracked by what the implications of that visit will be. Is it time to change course, or do we steer straight through? Do we turn around and go back? Do we just sit out here in the churning waters and wait?  SOLD 10 x 10 acrylic on watercolor paper My painting has a lot of texture, (as I love to do!) and the main colors are opposite one another on a color wheel, which can show conflict or competition. At the same time, before I added the disturbance - the white - the painting was smooth, linear, and calming, even with the use of orange and blue complements

Puppies sketch I am participating in the Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 painting challenge   this January, and since I know I will still be busy celebrating with family for the next day or two, I decided to post this little sketch I did recently while I was spending time with them!  We used to raise boxer puppies. It was always so tough to sell them at the end because they had reached such an adorable stage! So curious and bouncy...  study  4" x 4" colored pencil on gessoed watercolor paper