Brenda Stichter, artist

Presence I have been working on this painting, which originally was supposed to be a completely abstract landscape. It has become more representational, and is looking like a tree painting - making up for a different try, maybe?  As I was painting, I was listening to Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. I wanted to find a quote from him that I vaguely remembered about guilt and failure, and sure enough, I did find it. But the overwhelming focus in the book is being constantly in GOD's presence. This was compelling for me to think about, and when I read from my Bible today, I found verses that reminded me of being close in HIS presence.  So, although today's painting does not attempt to express these verses directly, I am practicing my painting in HIS presence today.  Coram Deo.   Psalm 17:8 (Amplified Bible) Keep and guard me as the pupil of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will continue be...

I Am Though I have not been posting much in the last week or two, I have managed some time in the studio! I have been working on another larger canvas, and it has been a challenge for me. This one is 18 x 54, so the usual composition structures have to be adapted to work well.  I like the repeated shapes in this work - both the clear, sharp shapes and the shadowed, suggested reflections. Though it is difficult to see here, there is a reflected rainbow pattern on the shapes on the right of the painting, and also on the horizontal area to the left. There is quite a bit of iridescent accent work.  The triangle shapes were built from the letters in the Name, I AM, the name GOD calls Himself. I read about the throne of God, the Creator of Heaven and earth several places in the Bible to find more to spur my mind with HIS beauty. HIS throne is described several places in the Bible, and my mind is overwhelmed with what it must look like. Of course, there is no way ...

Hearts and Emotions Once again today, I started out attempting a painting - abstract of course - that would express trees. I have several concepts in mind that I want to work into the painting, so today I made another attempt, using a painting I started yesterday. Once again today, the painting started to go in a different direction than I had planned. And once again today, I responded to the direction of the painting itself, thinking all along about what it may be representing.  This painting reminds me of a sunrise after or through a storm, with waves all around. Even through the darkness and turbulence, there are bits of iridescence and color that shine through.  My Bible reading lately has been in the Psalms. I have planned to read one a day for a while, and meditate on that for the day. It is fewer words than I am used to reading, and it has actually been a challenge to stop that soon! Today, I must admit, I read TWO psalms! :) Due to some medication that I am tak...

In Peace I have been thinking about painting trees for an upcoming contest, but of course, I don't want to paint trees just for the sake of trees. So today I started working on a painting I have had in mind for quite a while which expresses trees in an abstract way, along with a concept of the way GOD holds the universe together. (I never seem to take on small ideas, somehow!) But as I got to this point in this painting, I was forcibly reminded of a couple of verses that were in my reading in the Psalms this morning. Over the weekend, we met a person who is suffering deeply, both from past abuse, and from deep guilt. I wish this person would find the complete comfort and peace offered by our Heavenly Father when we accept the gift of a new life through Jesus Christ. In HIM, I can lay down and sleep in peace, for I am forgiven and free.  Psalm 3: 5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. Psalm 4:8  In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alo...

Coppertone After a crazy day, I am finally getting to my painting. I started this one a day or two ago as a companion to 'Summer Livin' ' . We have snow again today, and it is causing some difficulties around here. I think it makes me think about summertime! The paint is thickly applied, and the copper color is an iridescent paint.  11" x 14" on watercolor paper iridescent accents ready to frame

Summer Livin' I spent a couple of snowy days at home cleaning up my studio after the 30 in 30 challenge that I participated in. I was also getting my household back into a bit of order! It actually was fun to be a homemaker for a couple of days again. (I had the chance to ride in the snow plow truck with my husband - what a treat!) The colors in this painting  (though they are called cool colors)  definitely remind me of summer.  Probably wishful thinking on my part! It reminds me of life and growth, warmth and activity. And, as is often the case, the painting is based on the cruciform composition. I recognize that my life, growth, warmth and activity come from a life built on the gift of my Savior on a cross - true life.  Philippians 1:21 (New American Standard Bible) "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." 11" x 14" on watercolor paper ready to frame