Brenda Stichter, artist

Paintings are hung at the coffee shop This weekend has been a bit crazy! My husband, daughter and I have been busily preparing, framing, and doing paperwork for a solo exhibit I am doing at a local coffee shop. Somehow, each time I do a show, the last few days seem like pandemonium as I get ready - even though I try to have each painting ready as I complete it. NOT that I am complaining!  I love seeing all of my paintings displayed all in one space. Also, preparation for displaying work helps me prioritize and catalog things more efficiently.  Well, I hope this is a great time to share my work, my motivation and inspiration, and maybe also a chance to meet new friends. Better go finish hanging title cards! 

Gentle Shore This was an early morning start. I have been rereading a book by Mary Todd Beam called Celebrate Your Creative Self , and I could hardly wait to get a brush in my hand! I had already started preparing the surface to paint yesterday, so this morning I just had to choose colors, additives, and get started!  I really love the things that are happening here. I love having texture without the heavy paint application. I like the ways the colors are combining and moving on the paper. I just think the painting feels happy and relaxed.  I was thinking about a verse this morning, too, that has tied in with this as I worked. I have found it to be so encouraging to think about becoming more and more like the GOD I love with all of my heart and soul. I am thankful that, although I fail, HE purifies me daily and makes me more like HIM. So humbling. The resting in HIS love and provision of righteousness is like sitting by the ocean - sin and fear sweeping away with each swell

Day Five For the painting 'Day Five', I decided to try a completely different style. I have always liked the Arts and Crafts period, and the Art Nouveau period, and so I decided to try my hand at representing a current take on that model. I tried to respect the concept of using earth tones, while at the same time using my preferred brighter versions of the colors. I love the stylized natural elements and the framing one often sees in artwork from these periods, so I tried to use similar techniques.  This painting served a few purposes for me. First, trying a new-to-me style; next, meeting a need for a bird themed painting; and also, communicating a couple of things about a passage in Genesis.  Day Five was the day GOD created birds and fish. I wanted to use structure, design, and beauty to communicate those aspects of HIS work. I also wanted the painting to be clearly done by an artist - not a photograph caught by chance - to represent the intentional nature of GOD'

How Lovely Once more, the bird theme was my focus as I began studying and preparing to paint this morning. (And once again, it has been too many days since I have had enough time in the studio!) I have had the theme in mind for quite a while, due to a themed competition coming up near me. I have never attempted to enter something like this, so I am working on several different approaches to consider for the event.  Today, I first spent some time considering many Scripture passages that mention birds. I was intrigued to find that many focus on the idea of refuge. And many focus on the idea of provision, which in some respects is related. I found so many great passages to meditate on! Next, I went for a walk on the boardwalk in our town that passes over a swampy area, a wooded area, and opens out along a lake. I    (along with my daughter)   watched for birds and studied shapes and 'attitudes'. Wow! I feel like I learned a lot just this morning!  So here is today'

I just launched my new website, and would really like feedback on it! Is it slow to load? Can you find what you want to find? Let me know what kinks you run into... (I have found a few already!) Also, I run Chrome... does it look ok on IE? THANKS! http://brendakaypaintings.com/

Abstract 014 I am posting a 'just for fun' painting today!  I love the look of this little abstract. I think I would like to visit that 'place' I can see back through there.   SOLD 5x7 acrylic on watercolor paper Contact me to purchase or   

Perfect Peace As I was finishing John the other day, and reading again about when Jesus' disciples gathered before Jesus' appearing to them, I thought about this idea for a painting. I had almost the whole painting in mind as I read and could practically see it with my eyes wide open! I hesitated to paint it, though, and had a tough time getting it done.  Once again the concept has been Jesus' words to HIS own followers extending them perfect peace.  By looking closely, the many colors 'behind' the dark veil can be seen. Through the tear, the brightness is overwhelming. The view beyond offers purpose and hope for the present.  SOLD 5x7 acrylic on watercolor paper