Brenda Stichter, artist

Riches II One of the many things I love about GOD's Word, the Bible, is that it is 'living and active', convicting, inspiring, and moving me on a daily basis. HE has given me great treasure, if I will only slow down and accept it.  Again today, I was captivated by the realization of the mercy, love and glory of GOD toward me. It is unimaginable that an all-powerful, completely self-sufficient, and totally holy GOD would look at me, accept me, and even love me and make me able to be in HIS presence. How could I ever help but love HIM? Ephesians 2:4-7 (New American Standard Bible) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ J...

Riches There is a workshop in my area scheduled for September that has me very excited! An abstractionist has some work in a gallery about an hour from me, and I have really admired his work. I recently got an email telling me that he will be giving a workshop - and it is so close to me! I am really looking forward to learning from him!  I have been painting very thin layers lately, enjoying the way the acrylic reacts to the texture of the gesso below. But I have wanted to get back to painting with heavy layers now and then. I really enjoyed the messy process with this painting! I am working on what my theme will be for a 30 in 30 painting challenge , and am considering a different approach to my work. I expect to often paint without as much explanation of my method and reasoning. I would love your feedback on this different approach, by the way.  The verse that is inspiring this painting today is: Eph 1:18 (New American Standard Bible) I pray that the eyes of your ...

Undone Undone. It is a word that is 'popular' - maybe overused. In spite of that, it was the word that most connected with what I want to express with today's work.  Textured underlying gesso helps shape the color in the upper layers. Iridescent highlights help to accent the focal point.  My quiet time today left me literally in tears as I focused on the meaning in this scripture passage. I am in awe of HIM Who chose me, and made me blameless because of Jesus. It makes me focus on HIS goodness and glory.  Ephesians 1:4 (New American Standard Bible) Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. SOLD 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border

August Rose Just playing around with the trends I am seeing... the blue and orange seems to be the choice of color right now, so I decided to try to do the whole painting in these two colors plus a few white highlights. The background of this painting, as usual for me, is very heavily textured.  In spite of my attempt to make the shapes very abstract, they turned out to be quite recognizable. I guess that is a good problem... I very seldom do floral paintings, but I enjoyed reducing this rose to simple highlights and shadows. Maybe I will have to consider more of these. :) Sold 5.25" x 5.75" acrylic on panel , rounded corners

Beauty II I have been contemplating the importance of finding just the right 'language' to express what I have to share. I am watching a documentary of the artist Gerhard Richter (a little at a time), and thinking about the philosophy he expresses. I believe that his work is very powerful, and clearly communicates his views and experiences.  My views, though, my worldview, and my experiences are entirely different from his. I want to use my art to express my worldview, but not in a cliched way. (I make no claim to the skill and experience of this artist!) I am searching and practicing and learning in an attempt to find a way to 'say my piece'.  Beauty II is a reworking of a recent painting. I love the colors and texture, but thought it needed a bit more work. Some details are included for you to see some of the parts I like so well. (Original blog post about the concept 'Beauty' available here.) 22" x 30" acrylic on watercolor paper ...

Though None Go With Me From an old, old chorus, the title seemed especially apt for the lonely feeling here. Some of the words to the song are "I have decided to follow Jesus (x3) No turning back; no turning back. Though none go with me, still I will follow. (x3) No turning back; no turning back." I must admit to feeling a bit nostalgic when I think about this song. The picture feels a bit nostalgic, too.  SOLD 5" x 7" acrylic on watercolor paper 

One Thing As sometimes happens with larger, more involved paintings, the composition, color, and concept in this one changed as I worked on it. I had one idea in mind, but as the work developed, it seemed to go a different direction! By the time the work was finished, I had one concept that kept coming to mind as I worked. 'One Thing'.  The painting is so involved and busy. Some parts of it remind me of a crossword puzzle. If you could see the painting up close, you would see that almost every square inch has complex color or texture or interest. So much to see. I kept thinking about how our world seems to be going crazy - ripping at the seams. How there are so many things to do every minute of the day; so many good things that seem to be important. How those I love are going through many different trials, from medical issues to unemployment to separation from loved ones. How many people are being persecuted for their faith in many places all over the world. But ove...