Brenda Stichter, artist

Spring at Baintertown  I think maybe I have been feeling the tiniest bit jealous of a bunch of my artist friends who are plein air painters lately. There are plein air events starting in our area, and some projects which are being painted outdoors, and it seems so appealing! I know I could go out and try it, but I don't have the equipment I think I would need, and there is just something a bit intimidating about starting something unfamiliar. I have painted in my back yard a time or two, but I am not sure that quite counts, since I can run inside at any moment to get something I need...  Anyway, today I am looking out my windows at the falling snow (sigh) and am so grateful for my camera and my studio! I have decided to paint a scene from a favorite walk that my Beloved Husband and I often visit, and I am just delighted that I am not too cold or too wet, and that I have all of my tools right at hand. I know. I am a wimp. And also, I will probably go out and try it one of these day

Jambalaya "What do you think about that for a title?" I asked my adult son. "I have no strong opinions either way", he said. "Well, oddly enough, it just seems like it is the right title for it," was my answer. You know, I almost NEVER just have a title for a painting pop into my head!  Sold 22" x 30" Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Ready to frame Click here to view on my website. I have probably told you before, I am not a cook. At all. I can cook, but it brings me zero joy. Which makes it really odd that this painting seems to want to be called by a foodie name.  Do you suppose it is because it sounds like 'jumble' -  which is where my head has been lately - that I am called to that title?  In spite of the crazy, jumbled look of this painting, there are a lot of factors that make it good painting. Some of the things that are looked at when paintings are being

Home Away From Home   John 14 is a New Testament chapter that can almost always bring me hope. This painting started with me thinking about these verses: John 14:1 - 3 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.  John 14:27  “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.  What would you start with if you were trying to imagine heavenly dwelling places, and you wanted to paint them? I started with iridescent gold paints. I have a couple of brands of paint, and a couple of colors of gold which I purchased in a paint/tool bundle from an artist who was giving up his acrylic painting practice, and so I had a mix of paint to start with. I t

Early in the Morning  I have been so grateful in the last few days to be able to return to my painting! It was not the time or location that caused me problems this time though. I went to my studio day after day and painted, but was not able to finish anything that felt complete. (Well, that is not quite true. I finished a floral painting done in an impressionist style that sold on Facebook before I posted it anywhere else.) Though my world would have appeared to be improving, generally speaking, I had some very, very difficult days!  12" x 12" Painted with the finest quality acrylic heavy-body paint on canvas panel, heavily textured Ready to frame Click here to purchase via my website. This past weekend, Easter weekend, My Beloved Husband and I were able to visit our daughter in Michigan and attend the Good Friday service that she was part of in her church. What a blessing that was! I had started my Holy Week with readings in the Gospel of John, and the service we attended w

That Lovely Fragrance   "These past several days I have had a 100% failure rate," I told my artist friend. "Ouch! Keep at it." He responded. "Thanks, I will..." 12" x 12" Painted with the finest quality acrylic heavy-body paint on canvas panel Ready to frame Click here to purchase via my website. In response to my comments about my recent struggle, my dear daughter reminded me that it is fitting for Holy Week. She is so right. I cannot really find the words to express how homesick I have felt for seeing my Savior face to face. The reading I have been doing, and my preparations for Easter have just brought those thoughts closer every day.  This Holy Week painting focuses on the worshipful act of Mary in pouring her treasure on Jesus.  I am especially moved by the idea of Mary offering such a valuable gift, and breaking the alabaster jar containing the perfume. It always kind of tugs at my heart to think of her devotion and worship. As I worked on