Brenda Stichter, artist

   Swimmer warm-up Once again, I am working on a more representational painting! I got permission to use a photo reference from one of my first college roommates, Lisa. She  posted a snapshot she had taken and talked about it on social media, and it struck a chord with me! When I paint the final version of the work, I will share her post, but for now, I am really enjoying working on it.  7ish" x 22ish"  One side cut, 3 sides deckle edges Painted with the finest quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free watercolor paper Ready to frame Click here to view on my website. I can envision this trimmed down and framed, or maybe just framed, and hanging near my mirror, or in a changing room at a pool or beach. This person in her swimsuit holds my respect and admiration. (Can you tell?) Painting the final version will be a delight!  I Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always!

Oldest Granddaughter This is a copy cat blog post from my last post. Gotta keep at this project while I feel the inspiration for it! This time, though, I am posting a work in progress. (WIP) I have photos of each of my siblings in easy chairs with their oldest grandchildren sleeping. I LOVE these photos! And since next month's challenge for an art association I am part of is to paint a portrait, I decided it is a great time to get started on Christmas gifts... don't you agree?    This painting is, of course, not for sale, but it is 22" x 30" on 300 lb. Fabriano watercolor paper that has been gesso-ed with lots of texture. I knew that my portraits would not look at all like the one from the demo, which was beautiful, lifelike, and very recognizable. 

Bruce & Liam I have photos of each of my siblings in easy chairs with their oldest grandchildren sleeping. I LOVE these photos! And since next month's challenge for an art association I am part of is to paint a portrait, I decided it is a great time to get started on Christmas gifts... don't you agree?  I think maybe this is the perfect way to end the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge from Leslie Saeta.  This painting is, of course, not for sale, but it is 22" x 30" on 300 lb. Fabriano watercolor paper that has been gesso-ed with lots of texture. I knew that my portraits would not look at all like the one from the demo, which was beautiful, lifelike, and very recognizable.  I will attach a photo of my brother and his grandson so you can see how I did. :) 

Puppies sketch I am participating in the Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 painting challenge   this January, and since I know I will still be busy celebrating with family for the next day or two, I decided to post this little sketch I did recently while I was spending time with them!  We used to raise boxer puppies. It was always so tough to sell them at the end because they had reached such an adorable stage! So curious and bouncy...  study  4" x 4" colored pencil on gessoed watercolor paper

Press On Having been asked to do a sketch for a bulletin board at church, I decided to use the sketch as today's challenge painting. Actually, the theme and verse fit right in with what I have been doing - although the genre and medium are different!  Philippians 3:12 (New American Standard Bible) Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. NFS 5" x 7" marker on marker paper

Bruce & Pups Today I just wanted to post a 'throw back' sketch I did in 1991! This is my husband, and he was playing with pups from our boxer's litter of 11. I have always loved this sketch - and Bruce does too. It hangs in his office.  NFS

'Selfie' With the chance, once again, to spend a bit more time in my studio, I have found myself with several things in the works (so to speak.) One thing I have been doing is preparing the substrates I will be painting on with textured gesso, acrylic additives,  and sometimes background paint. It has been a learning curve, and very enjoyable too.  I had textured this little 6" x 6" canvas with Golden Light Molding Paste, and was uncertain of what I wanted to do with it. WHY I thought I should try a self portrait, I do not know... but I think I like how it is turning out. (I think it might be done, but I am reserving the right to more touch-up... )