Brenda Stichter, artist

Glory ACEO Today is the last day of the painting challenge, and the 16th day since I broke my arm! I have been sorry to miss out on most of the challenge, but have enjoyed working on these little ACEO works since I have not been able to manage the bigger paintings.  (I have, as of yesterday, been given a 'go ahead' to start working toward flexibility and strength in my arm and shoulder again. So thankful!) Today's ACEO has a big message to communicate in a tiny package! (For more information about ACEOs, click here .) The Scripture verses that I am working from are  Colossians 1:26-27 (New American Standard Bible) that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  It is incredible to me that the GOD of the universe would care enough about me - such a...

Invisible Visible ACEO Last Tuesday evening was a highlight for me, in spite of physical difficulties. With a LOT of assistance from my husband and my daughter, I was able to enjoy the privilege of attending a lecture and showing of art by Makoto Fujimura, an artist I greatly respect and appreciate! His work and words have been influencing my thoughts each day since, and I hope these things will come through in my artwork.  Along with that, today I have been contemplating an idea from today's Bible reading in Colossians. Here is the passage:  Col. 1:15-16 (NASB) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. I have been thinking about the concept of Jesus being a visible image of the invisible; the idea just cries out for an abstract painting.  ...

Be Still ACEO Psalm 65: 1-2 (New American Standard Bible) There will be silence before You, and praise in Zion, O God,  And to You the vow will be performed. O You who hear prayer, To You all men come. 3.5" x 2.5 "  Colored pencil  & watercolor on watercolor paper Tomorrow in Grand Rapids, MI, one of my favorite artists, living or dead, will be speaking, and some of his art will be on display. I am very much hoping to be strong enough to go hear  Makoto Fujimura . 

Wasn't Finished ACEO Please forgive my going on and on about my broken arm... I really do realize that in the big picture, it is a miniature problem. Still, it is making a big daily impact on me personally as I am 'grounded' to a recliner, limited to one hand - thankfully my dominant hand is still working! - and enduring, um... , discomfort. Already, in one week, I have acertained a lot. It is the time in my life when my job is art. (So much to learn and to communicate...) I feel stymied when I cannot do the art I want to do. I feel as though I have been interrupted mid-conversation, and I Wasn't Finished. I do think the Big Picture for me is becoming clearer, and my job today is to continue by working on Miniatures.  Philippians 3:12-14 (NASB) ... 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 re...

To be brief, I have evidently broken my arm near the shoulder where it is tough to cast... so my challenge painting is on hold. Sure hope to get back at it soon!

Rejoice This is the third painting in a row with a similar title and a similar theme. I am currently reading in the New Testament book of Philippians, and am continually struck with the concept of joy. Paul is writing as he is suffering, and he is encouraging his recipients to be joyous.  I wanted the painting to convey joy shining through trial... Part of the best part of the work is the strong contrast and more intense color that is completely surrounded by a more muted hue.  I have also been thinking so much of those around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. I pray for them, and I wonder if I should pray that they would have joy in the middle of their suffering.  It reminds me what a wonderful life I have. I have everything I need and most of what I want. May I also be filled with joy.  Phil 2:18 "You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me." 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" ...

Joy II study The second in a companion set of paintings, 'Joy II' concerns companionship (interestingly) and friendship, joy and shared direction.  The movement, both horizontal and vertical, are important, both to the painting and to personal interaction. It is significant, too to have both companion paintings expressing some of the same concepts.  Phil. 2:2 - 3 (NASB) "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves"   study 11" x 14" acrylic on watercolor paper 1" white border