Brenda Stichter, artist

Wait in Silence  Well before I took any paint or canvas in hand, I knew where this painting was headed. It did take a few turns along the way, but it has mostly stayed true to where I started, which is an expression of a favorite section of Psalm 62. I have memorized it a BUNCH of times, but keep having to relearn it, but I find the painting expresses it well. Here is the version I have memorized.  Psalm 62:5-8 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.  36" x 36" Painted with artist quality heavy-body acrylic paint on 1.5” deep gallery wrapped canvas Click here to view on my website. Or here is another beautiful translation:  Psalm 62:5-8 New Living Translation Let all that I am wait quietly before God

 New paintings are difficult in some ways. It's not so much that they are difficult to paint, but deciding when they are truly finished, and titling them - that can be brutal. Maybe not for all kinds of art, either. Maybe that is mostly an abstract art problem.  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 shared photos of this artwork on Instagram, and asked for title suggestions. I especially liked the first idea - Pool Party. We have a pool right outside my studio window. My Beloved Husband was a "pool guy" for many years, so of course, we had to have a pool! It was usually a busy place in the summers while our kids lived here. This year, though, we have not really had swimmers, and in fact, the pool is only kind of ready for them. Our summer has mostly gotten away from us, and our pool is showing it's age - and ours! Oddly enough,

Kintsugi Bowl Today I am celebrating the One Who makes the broken beautiful.  Psalm 145 I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever. The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glo

Freedom  "Tell me about the painting." This was one of the responses from my 'preview team' - people to whom I text photos of my work, especially when I am really excited about it, or when I need input. I was surprised to find that it was difficult to use words with this one. So pull up a chair and grab a glass of lemonade; this might take a few minutes.  Work started in earnest on this painting during the weekend surrounding Independence Day. I had already begun putting some paint on the canvas, and I saw what I wanted to do next with it (during the time my Beloved Husband was called away during the holiday.) Of course, the idea of freedom was part of my thoughts and celebration for July 4th here in the USA.  I had two phrases in mind at the beginning. One, Freedom Isn't Free, was indicated by the strong red color at the top of the canvas, with drips coming almost all the way to the bottom. I thought of those who have fought for freedom for the USA, yes, but also

Hickory Tree  The third (and last) of this series of tree painting is the hickory tree painting. This tree is a beautiful, enormous tree that shades much of our back yard. Several years ago, we hosted a family reunion at our home (for 50+ Stichters!) and one of the uncles said that he thought this shagbark hickory was a state record tree for its size. I would believe it!  6" x 6" Painted with artist quality heavy-body acrylic paint on 1.5” deep gallery wrapped canvas All three paintings available. Comment or contact me for more info.  Passages that show up on this work are  Romans 8:3-5 What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh,