Brenda Stichter, artist

Who Are YOU? Earlier this week, I was so excited to find a website that I loved of another artist . I have visited her site several times, and I am still loving it! I love the depth into which she goes as she explains her work, life, and inspiration.  12" x 12"  painted with artist quality heavy- body  acrylic  paint  on cradled panel Ready to frame   or hang One of her projects set me working in a different direction than she is working, but with a very similar concept. To put it into only a few words, it is the idea of allowing any and every thing to call me into worship, and to ask my Heavenly Father, "Who are YOU, Lord, that You can make that sunrise" or "that You allow me to notice such tiny beauty" or even "that You can allow that situation?" This concept really struck a chord with me. I had to paint it, but how in the WORLD do I paint something like that? This is a layered painting, and the part that appears white is actually iride...

Let the Little Children Come When this painting went to my 'fan club' (my family, mother, and friend who lives far from here), I got the same response from ALL of them - so I am sure you see it too. All saw a snowman, and one of them asked if I think this is how snowmen procreate - by sitting on colorful snow-baby-eggs! Ha ha! Well, interestingly, I was thinking of babies, children, pregnancy, and I guess it really shows! (I definitely did NOT intend the snowman though!)  NFS 24" x 36"  painted with artist quality heavy-body  acrylic  paint  on canvas  Painting can hang vertically or horizontally Ready to frame   As I was reflecting on 'women's issues' and the problems of unwanted children, sexual slavery for mothers and children (primarily), abortion, drug use, rape, and on and on, I felt the need to paint about these things, even though I am well aware that they can be politically and socially divisive. I hate - HATE - to be divisive. But...

Like a Tree Planted By Water diptych What an exciting morning! As I started my research for today's work, I found a new source of inspiration that should really help me with my website, newsletter, etc. I found several galleries that might be a good fit for my style, and people that 'talk the talk' and 'walk the walk' where abstract art that is focused on Jesus is concerned. (Did you follow that run-on sentence?)  Then as I read in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, (a very sad book), I found a passage that just spoke to me - hit the spot, so to speak! I was so wound up that I could hardly wait to get into my studio! BUT THEN I actually did get into my studio.  2 cradled panels, 30" x 44" total (22" x 30" each) painted with artist quality heavy-body  acrylic  paint  on h andmade prepared cradled panel edges painted black Ready to hang When I thought the mail might have arrived today, I headed out to our mailbox. It is not a long dri...

Could I Have This Dance? I remember a song from the 1980s called Could I Have This Dance  and I have to admit, it has been going through my head all morning!  For today's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge , I painted something completely different from what I usually paint. I was playing with color and texture, and employing some of the concepts taught by Bob Burridge in his workshops. (I had the opportunity to attend a couple of his shortened workshops at an art expo.) One of the fun things about these challenges is taking chances and trying different things.  9" x 12"  painted with artist quality heavy-body  acrylic  paint  on canvas panel Ready to frame   Click here to view on my website. Because I have to get my business sales tax figured out today, I am posting early and keeping it short! Talk to you tomorrow!  Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB) “The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with jo...

Unafraid The old man stood up in church to read from his Bible. We had just sung "O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast... Under the shadow of Thy throne, Still may we dwell secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone..." and he went on to read from Psalm 112 about not being afraid. I was surprised to find myself crying as I listened to him. I hadn't even realized that I was afraid! But, there it was - I was feeling fearful. No longer available 12" x 12"  painted with artist quality heavy-body  acrylic  paint  on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Ready to frame   When I texted this photo to my 'fan club' of my good friend, mother, and family, I told them that I hadn't titled it yet, but that it would have to do with not being fearful. Surprisingly, two of them immediately texted back, "How about Unafraid?" (How did I not think of that, anyway?) I love the free color, t...

Fresh Perspective Today I had a marketing consultation with Leslie Saeta  and we talked about my art, and my goals for my art and my marketing. (I didn't even know I HAD goals until we started working together!) It was so helpful to have fresh eyes looking at my website , my Facebook page , my blog, and my other social media sites. It was great to have someone helping to define my work and to define who might be interested in it. It was a fresh perspective.  11" x 14"  painted with artist quality heavy-body  acrylic  paint  on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper Contact me to purchase Ready to frame   Before Leslie and I started talking on the phone today, I had already gone to the studio to paint. I had a plan and a direction I was going with my painting. As sometimes happens, the painting kind of decided to go in its own direction! While it is not what I thought I would see, I do like this painting. It is a different 'view' th...

Falling in Love Again "Could you come and speak to a group Friday morning at 7:30?" the text reads. WHAT!? I am almost never decent by 7:30. I am in my artist 'uniform' at that time, and it would definitely not benefit ANYONE to see that in public! This has been a very interesting week - and maybe just a tiiiny bit overwhelming - and so very promising at the same time.  16" x 20"  painted with artist quality, heavy-body  acrylic  paint  on canvas, unpainted sides Ready to frame   As I have looked back at my paintings for the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge that Leslie Saeta is hosting , I am seeing 'new' colors and composition. (Still lousy photography skills, but... ) It is exactly one of the reasons I have participated so many times. I learn a lot, and I remember that I love to paint.  Each time, I return to the studio, reexamine color theory, composition, line, shape, value, and so on, I find my love of painting rekindled.  This same...