Brenda Stichter, artist

Rachel's Day Five Today, I finally finished this commission painting that has been consuming my attention for much of the summer. Between finding the size, hearing the specifics, and getting started, it was on my mind for a long time - and the painting took a long time too. This is a color change and size change (from 11 x 14 to 18 x 24) from a previous painting I did, and there was so much to figure out on it!  For more on the meaning of the painting, please visit my blog on the other painting. Last night, I also pulled together and framed all of the paintings I will be taking to Lakeland Art Association's gallery in Pierceton, IN for my solo exhibit there. I also have an art fair in about a week that I am participating in, and a contest that I am entering - and I have yet to start my painting! It is due on September 4, so I had better get crack-a-lackin'!

Praise Completely out of the norm for me, this painting has been interrupting my every attempt to paint my usual abstract style, and also my commission painting that is waiting for me! Every time I tried to start something else, this kept coming to the forefront, so I started it.  A couple of verses from Psalm 119 have been on my mind a lot lately too, and I think this painting is my response to these verses. They definitely describe my desire to pursue my Heavenly Father! Psalm 119:2, 10 (Amplified Bible) Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart. 10 With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments.

Lovebirds Today I am just sharing a tiny painting I did for friends that are getting married - two tiny lovebirds. Congrats Susanna and Peter!

In Sickness and in Health ACEO Several weeks have passed (WAY too many) since I have had much studio time. I have spent hours on the computer organizing, printing, planning and otherwise preparing to get my work out the door for people to see. I like that kind of work, but I almost think I am starting to shrivel up and dry (like my paints!) a little since I haven't been painting! 3.5" x 2.5 "  Colored pencil  & watercolor on watercolor paper Along with the planning, we have had some hospital time. I am sure that it is pretty unusual to like that - unless there is a new baby involved! My husband has been battling a nasty bout of kidney stones for about a month now. It is so uncommon for this strong man to be laid low for more than an hour or so, so these have been very tough days for him - and for me to see him suffering.  For years now, he has taken such good care of me when physical and medical things slow me down. He is always there for me. I was s...

Recently sold pieces Tomorrow is my second ever art fair, and the first one I have ever done outside! I have been working hard at preparations for this show, and a lot of other (non-art) events this summer, and have missed blogging!  My last show was a success, and I sold quite a few pieces, as this collage shows. I suspect that may mean that this time there will be few sales, but I am looking forward to sharing my paintings with people, and telling them WHY I paint. I mean, besides the fact that I love doing it. I paint to honor my Heavenly Father, and in the hopes that others will want to pursue Him too.  I hope I will be back here soon!

Art Fair on the Lake This past weekend I had the privilege of painting live in the gallery that is currently displaying my paintings. It was also the weekend of the Art Fair, and there were large crowds of people there! The weather was gorgeous, the crowds were cheerful, and the wares were colorful and varied. Such a beautiful event! For this opportunity, I chose to paint 'Art Fair on the Lake'. My hope is that this painting brings to mind the joy of the weekend of color and beauty, and is a cheery addition to someone's home! 20" x 20" Painted with artist quality heavy-body acrylic paint on 1.5” deep gallery wrapped canvas Click here to view or purchase on my website. 

Forerunner forerunner [fawr-ruhn-er, fohr-, fawr-ruhn-er, fohr-]  noun 1.  predecessor; ancestor; forebear; precursor. 2.  an omen, sign, or indication of something to follow; portent: The warm evenings were a forerunner of summer. 3.  a person who goes or is sent in advance to announce the coming of someone or something that follows; herald; harbinger. 4.  the Forerunner, John the Baptist. According to this dictionary definition, 'Forerunner' is the perfect title for this painting.  As part of my opportunity to have my work displayed at Canal Street Gallery in our town, I have the chance to paint a 'demo' during the huge art fair on the streets this weekend. Wow! What a fantastic way to break into this art business thing! *smile*  At the same time, I AM TERRIFIED! Ok, maybe just nervous and scared and nervous. This will be the second time I have painted in front of people, and it is definitely not in my 'box' as of yet. So, I am pract...