Brenda Stichter, artist

Hidden Treasure It is the 30 th day of the 30paintings in 30 days challenge for September 2017, and I think this year I have come the closest to doing all 30 of them. Considering what all has happened this month, it is remarkable to have gotten 27 paintings done, and I would guess that all of the artists participating would say the same thing. I really wanted my last painting to be spectacular.  My hope was that everything that I have learned and all of my comfort in my studio would come together and I would create a MASTERPIECE. Well, I am beginning to wonder whether I will recognize a masterpiece if I ever do paint one! Sometimes it takes weeks to begin to really see what is happening with a painting. I don’t really know how to explain for those of you who are not artists, but I can get so involved with the details that I lose track of the big picture. No longer available 12" x 12" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on 1.5” deep ga

Autumn Abstract Due to appointments and interruptions, I am running behind today. I will still be painting, but I am posting an abstract I painted earlier this month and have been keeping just in case I had a day like today!  6" x 6" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on Art Bite panel Ready to frame I really hope your day is as beautiful as ours is here, though I don't know whether that would be possible, since it is absolutely perfect here today! Anyway, here is my blessing for you today, from the Old Testament.  Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV) "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Tag-along This morning on the treadmill I finished a book that I really enjoyed. It was a who-done-it by Josephine Tey called the Singing Sands. She has a style of writing that makes me occasionally laugh out loud, and I find I did not completely solve the mystery before the end of the book. I have not really been a fan of mysteries before, though I do love reading the Father Brown books by G. K. Chesterton (along with any other writing by him, I have to say!) I have also recently begun reading some other authors that are newer to me based on the recommendations of my friend, Emma Lou. Though I have loved to read for as long as I can remember, I still have to give myself excuses for sitting still and reading! Especially novels. But even non-fiction books that are important to my painting or to my spiritual life can feel like a guilty pleasure sometimes. Is that the case for you, too? So I have come late to the party of people who read on the treadmill. Ha ha! I have enjoyed vi

Celebrate! Acts 20:32 (HCSB) “And now I commit you to God and to the message of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.” First thing this morning, as I was watching the sunrise and reading my Bible, I saw this verse, and it made me think about my kids. They are capable, levelheaded adults, and one would think that their mom would not be thinking about their welfare CONSTANTLY. But I am. Almost all the time! And I am guessing most moms are right there with me in hoping for and praying for the best for their kids. Right at present, a couple of bigger needs have come up in their lives, and though I know it is all part of becoming a successful adult, I really want to find a way to rush in and solve the problems! As I talked to my daughter today, though, my mouth said to her, “God will provide. He always does. He has never failed.” (To which she answered, “I know” – the perfect answer to make this mom’s heart ha

Divided and Distracted Australian Sky Blue by Matisse is one of my favorite paint colors. I had a large tube of it that was nearly empty, so I started this canvas with that color. I couldn’t seem to come up with a theme, composition, or color choice today, so I decided to just start and see where it went. I decided on a muted orange-yellow to play complement to the purplish blue, so that came next. The result was very unsatisfying, so I started doing this and then that to try to fix it. 20" x 24" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on deep gallery wrapped canvas Ready to hang All day today I have been a bit distracted with the deep divisions being expressed in our country YET AGAIN. Social media, educators, athletes, the President, my Christian brothers and sisters,  Gen Xers… everyone is shouting and no one is listening. We are all taking our stands and throwing memes, videos, and proclamations at each other. EVERY topic has the two sides

The Water of Life This morning our speaker at church talked about heaven, or more precisely, he spoke about the New Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21 in the New Testament. It is a passage that has some special connection for me, besides just my longing to see Jesus there. If you have followed my work for a while, you may remember that I painted a series about stones – particularly precious stones – mentioned in the Bible. Revelation 21 was one of my main Biblical sources for 12 of those paintings. I felt very privileged to be able to share my grouping of paintings (see below) at church today as a way to encourage people to think about the beauty God is preparing for those who love Him. 9" x 12" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on canvas panel Ready to frame The beautiful descriptions took my breath away again today. GOD designed beauty, and HE is expressed through beauty, somehow. I absolutely love it that the GOD who created me, a

Not My Style My hair stylist is the best! I suppose a lot of people feel that way, but really, they should try Tony. She has taken my hair through all kinds of interesting phases, and now I have a creative, artist-y haircut. When I was a barista in our own coffee shop, I had smooth, shining hair that was just right for that job. But now that I get to paint – ZOWIE! My hair sticks out in unpredictable places and sometimes is purple. When I am at art events, sometimes people will say, “Are you the artist? I thought so. You have artist hair.” I love that comment. Sometimes, though, on a “bad hair day”, my hair looks “nice”. Rats! Sometimes it lies down nicely and looks like an ordinary short hair style. I am sure I would like it on someone else, but it is definitely not my style!  (I have to say, too, that although my smooth style as a barista worked for me at that time, I think most who know me would agree now that it was not really my style either.) NLA 12" x 12"

Fortitude September 21 is my daughter’s birthday! I would love to be going to visit her today. I have to admit, though, in one area I failed at least half the time. I rarely got a birthday cake baked for my loves. I have no idea why I consistently failed in that area. We had a lot of other birthday traditions that we practiced, but those cakes always seemed to get the better of me.   One of the things we started at one point was decorating our meal table with photos of the honored person. I spent a day going through photos, both digital and printed, to choose the best ones or the ones that helped tell an interesting story. We have a pretty large table, so it would take a LOT of photos to cover the whole thing. I would put a clear heavy plastic cover over all of it to protect the whole scattered, jumbled, fun bunch of memories.  The collection would stay on the table for weeks, and sometimes we would switch from “our spots” at meals to enjoy a different photo grouping. What fun

How Do Ya Like Them Apples? “How do ya like them apples?” After a really cursory google search, I found that this phrase may have originated in WWI, and has been used since the 1920s. For some reason, I am familiar with it, maybe through books or movies I have seen. It is not a straight forward question, as many of you already know. In fact, I would say it carries more than a little bit of irritation or sarcasm. We have lived in our home for 21 years now. Our kids grew up here, for the most part, and it now seems too big for us. We have a small orchard that we planted years ago, and it produces loads of apples,  peaches, pears, and some other fruit too. The problem for us is that we don’t have the time or energy to take proper care of it anymore. We don’t get it sprayed, pruned, or harvested, and lots of ugly, bug- and bird-eaten fruit goes to waste. We feed a little to the cows, and we do manage to pick up some of it, but it is way more than we can manage. 22" x 30&qu

Legacy My dad had what he called “Lake Fever”. Almost every trip in the car or vacation we went on ended up near a lake. For many years, all five of us would pile into Dad’s small plane and we would fly to a park or a town with a lake nearby. Today is the day Dad would have turned 81. I cannot imagine him at that age, of course. Dad worked and flew until he was taken to the hospital right before he died. He was intensely involved in aviation, and intensely in love with my mom.  And more significantly, he was intensely a follower of Jesus Christ. NLA 9" x 12" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on canvas panel Ready to frame I am so thankful for my dad. The most significant things in my life are things that he lived, and I picked up through his example. I learned to fly, and to see the clouds as playgrounds that are unadulterated by human interference. I learned what a loving family and home life looks like. And most significantly, I lea

Weed or Flower? Yesterday, my husband's Uncle Clyde died unexpectedly. It reminded me of the way life catches us unaware, and of making sure the important things come before those that are only urgent. So, this afternoon I called Mom. We play games online, and communicate that way sometimes, but it had been over a week since I had called. It is always so good to talk to her!  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 view or purchase on my website.  During our conversation, we were both bemoaning our aches and pains, a little bit. I hate to admit it, but, it's the truth. She pointed out  that sometimes, those very irritations bring about change for the better, or expose a problem that needs attention.  This painting represents some 'volunteer' plants that have grown in the planters in our yard. They reminded me of the conversation with Mom, i

Long, Tall Abstract I have to post ONE MORE challenge painting while traveling! Again, I will fill in more info when I get a chance, but here is day 16. 6" x 19.5" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Ready to frame This painting sat on my easel for quite a while, and I kept thinking I had to do more to it. But I found it so appealing, and couldn't think what more I would add. I actually just really like the colors, repeated characteristics, and contrasts, so I have called it finished. 

I did not intend for these to be mountains, but they sure look like them. They bring to mind a touching story, and a Psalm. 3 each 6" x 12" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight watercolor paper Ready to frame My dad, Peter Tanis, died unexpectedly in 2000. He was a godly man, very intelligent, and highly respected in general aviation circles. I loved and respected him "to the moon and back".  When Dad was in the hospital that last week, he was suffering a lot of pain, but even worse, his medication seemed to effect his mind. He was really struggling. "Coincidentally", I had been memorizing Psalm 121. When things were particularly tough, I could share Scripture with him that was so pertinent to our struggle! Let me share the first 2 verses with you.  I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1‭-

Delight I really wish you could come and look at this painting with your great eyesight. (I have to wear glasses to see it...) The detail and color are just delightful - if I do say so myself.  Delight has been a favorite word of mind for a LONG time, maybe because it is one of those cool words that sounds like what it means, you know? Like whoosh! ( Onomatopoeia , anyone?) At least, it does to my ears.  As I am typing, a beautiful, tinkle-y song has come up on my iPod, and it seems to 'say' delight, too.  6" x 6" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on hand-made, prepared wood panel Ready to frame Well, also the weather is perfectly warm and sunny today, and it feels, you know, delightful. Now I just need to keep myself paying attention to find a pleasant smell and taste, and I will have all five senses filled with delight! (Does Diet Mountain Dew count?) There are so many places in the Old Testament book of the Psalms that speak of

In the Beginning Sometimes I try to imagine what our universe looks like from beyond. Or at least, how our solar system and our planet might seem from outside. I am pretty sure our perspective - our view of ourselves - is severely warped! I could go into some of the things I think about, like how reality is perceived (are there only 5 senses?), but it would get pretty weird! Sold 10" x 10" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on hand-made, prepared cradled wood panel I actually love thinking "big thoughts" that are way beyond my limitations. In a way, abstract painting is an expression of big thoughts to me. I try to paint what cannot be seen with sight.  Once in a while, I start to get close to what I wish I could say.  This painting started out in an entirely different direction, but only until I had the first layer down. Then I immediately was pulled in and wanted to work with what was happening in front of my eyes. I absolutely lo

Abstract Composition Class Today was another beautiful day in Northern Indiana, and boy oh boy, was it busy! This evening was the first session of the abstract classes I am teaching, and we worked on composition. It is probably the toughest of the four sessions - at least, we are hoping so! This 6" x 6" exercise is not for sale at this point, but is a good example of some of what we worked on. The last part of the class was painting on small surfaces with one color and using our references to different compositions to make a pleasing work.  Excited to paint more tomorrow!! Here we go!

Glad "He has made me glad, He has made me glad! I will rejoice for He has made me glad!" This older chorus based on Psalm 100 has been playing in my mind's ear today. Often, I know when I have last heard the song, or what has brought it to mind, but not so today. But if there is music playing in my internal headphones, I better paint about it! SOLD 6" x 6" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on hand-made, prepared wood panel Ready to frame Psalm 100:1-5  "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."

I Would See Jesus This morning in church, I was really having a tough time paying attention. I mean, I was distracted by decor, other people in attendance, the music ... I just could not turn my mind and heart upward. So I started praying about that. I really long to focus on and be still in the presence of my Heavenly Father, especially on Sunday mornings.  The focus in this painting is a vertical composition, and I wanted it to be obviously layer upon layer.  I used a lot more paint colors than I usually do, and it kept me paying attention in order to try to develop a painting that was cohesive.  11" x 14" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on gallery wrapped, deep canvas I am not sure that my focus was completely better this morning, but I pray for renewed eyes, and a renewed heart for my Father! It reminds me of the verses in John when some strangers want to meet Jesus. They say to one of His disciples, "... Sir, we wish to see Jesus.

Sunflower Such a busy Saturday! It was a good Saturday, though. One of the fun things I did today was attend an art fair - not as a vendor. I found a lot of friends there, the weather was outstanding, and there was some some gorgeous artwork.  SOLD 11" x 14" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Ready to frame I must say though, I don't have a lot of words left for blogging this evening. So, I will just leave this bright flower here. Happy Saturday!

Busy Signal "When would be a good time for a phone call?" I asked my daughter via Google hangouts. I know how busy both of my kids are now, and that they can often briefly respond to a message when they are not available for extended conversation. As it happened, she was free to take my call, and it was grand to hear her voice. Remember when we used to get a busy signal if someone was already on the phone, or if *gasp* they took the phone off the hook so they wouldn't be disturbed? I guess we might still choose to ignore a call if we are busy, but we usually have our phone at hand, and our caller just hears our voicemail message and leaves a message.  11" x 14" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Ready to frame This painting reminds me of a cityscape at night, or traffic and street signs.  It is primarily a purple and yellow, complementary color scheme, though it is not overwhel

Rhythm It was a good trip to Dallas to see our son, though I would recommend you allow yourself more than 4 days for a round trip from Northern Indiana to Dallas and back! I loved seeing him, meeting his roommate, seeing the campus of Dallas Theological Seminary where he is attending, and seeing how he is already making friends and finding his rhythm in grad school. AND, to make matters better, we only got slightly lost once or twice!  So today, I am making an effort to get back into the rhythm of my own life.  I went to the gallery to take down my August  joint   exhibit, and caught up on mail, email, and errands. And now I am really excited to finish my preparations for the Abstract Classes I will be teaching beginning next week.  6" x 6"  Painted with the finest quality acrylic heavy-body paint on hand-made, prepared wood panel Ready to frame It was great to get back into a more normal rhythm this morning. I love the routine of coffee, calendars, and prayer