Brenda Stichter, artist

Keep a Stout Heart "Are you reading your trash novels?" my Beloved Husband will ask whenever he finds me reading. (To tell the truth, I doubt he knows what a trash novel really is.) I do occasionally read historical fiction, but since he is not really a reader, ANY novel is a trash novel! A favorite comedic writer of historical fiction is Georgette Heyer , and I was reading from one of her books the other day as I thought about the finishing touches for this painting that was on my easel. Toward the end of the story, the hero says, "Keep a stout heart, Clorinda," to the heroine (who is NOT named Clorinda), and surprisingly, that sentence stopped me and carried my thoughts out of the book and into 'real life'.  20 x 16"  painted with the finest quality acrylic heavy-body paint  on watercolor paper ready to frame This painting has been a handful because I have been painting on a different kind of watercolor paper than I am used to. It surpri...

Glenna My grandmother was a beautiful socialite in the 1920s, according to family tradition. We actually have a couple of photos of her from that time doing a 'scarf dance' with friends. I think my artistic 'soul' came through my grandmother. She had a gorgeous singing voice, and an infectious, tinkling giggle when I was a small child.  SOLD 6" x 6"  Painted with Golden Open Acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper My first try with Golden Open Acrylics, this little 6 x 6 figure sketch turned out well! I love it, and am looking forward to practicing and learning more about and with Open Acrylics!  Today, on social media, both of my kids announced that they are accepted and attending seminary this coming fall! Amazing to me!  So today, my thoughts are on heritage. Both the heritage I received, and the one that my Beloved Husband and I pass on. This verse says it perfectly.  Psalm 16:6 "The lines have fallen...

I Love Being an Artist study "It's embarrassing, really," I thought to myself as I uploaded this little landscape study today. Yesterday I was looking at my Instagram feed, and noticed another artist working with her Pantone book to plan colors for her next pieces. Why have I never thought to use my Pantone book (a throwback to my commercial artist days) for my color research? SOLD 6" x 6" (technically 5.875" x 6.5") Painted with acrylic heavy-body paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Ready to frame Almost every part of being an artist is 'my favorite'. (Not marketing, so much, or taxes, or loading up after a show... but everything else!) I really love the research part, whether it be searching for composition, technique, or color theory. I have four color wheels in my studio that I use when I paint, and they cover different color theories. I love to try to figure out how the theory feels , and which one wo...

Gomer's Wilderness For the last several days I have been looking at my painting Gomer's Wilderness  and thinking that I wanted to change it - make it a more interesting painting. So today in my studio, I worked on it, and I like this version much better!  NLA 20 x 16"  painted with the finest quality acrylic heavy-body paint  on canvas, gold leaf

Ambiance "Thanks for the fun date," he said to me as he drove me home. My husband and I have been married for 31 years now, and we still try to date each other every Friday night, and sometimes more often than that. We are still actually pretty crazy about each other, and I am so very thankful! That solid foundation of acceptance and encouragement allows me to do my best - and him, too.    SOLD   11 x 14"  painted with the finest quality acrylic heavy-body paint  on canvas This painting is not a heavy, overworked painting. It feels light and allusive. But somehow, to me, it leaves no doubt that it is a finished painting. And I love it! Every once in a while, I become aware again of how much I depend on my Heavenly Father's love for me, even more than that of my husband. This morning was one of those mornings. I was feeling especially in need of Him, and He gave me a full dose of His attention, through His word, another person who called me, and circum...