Happy Birthday, Faithfully Drawn!
On July 11th of 2020, I published my first ever blogpost. It was a tiny oil painting, measuring only 5” x 7”, entitled Wisher. This little painting was a big deal. You see, Faithfully Drawn had been an idea in my heart for quite some time before it actually came into existence.
Oil paint on canvas
5" x 7"
(From post: Make A Wish)
I like to take my time to meditate on an idea, allowing it to percolate through my thoughts for a bit before I create. This holds true for all my life choices, as well as my artistic ones. My good friend, Loan, once shared an analogy she had heard on the topic of how different people make decisions. Some people are quick to act like race cars, maneuvering in a split second. “Me,” she said, “I’m more of a shipping barge - I need to plot a course, check weather conditions, and make large turns very slowly.” I can relate. I’m pretty sure I’m a barge too… just give me a few months to ponder that answer and I’ll get back to you :P.
Sunrise Over the Columbia, 2020
Oil paint on canvas 15” x 30”
(From post: Sunrise Over the Columbia)
This little wisher painting represented a big step for me but it was special for another reason - it came with a wish. I wished that we would choose to view the world with more hopeful eyes and open them up to God’s beauty all around us. This wish was more of a prayer really; a desire, not just for myself and my faithful art blog friends, but for all of us.
Self Portrait in God’s Light, 2021
Vine and willow charcoal on newsprint
18” x 24”
(From post: Lean into God's Light)
The experience of writing and making art for this blog has revealed God’s beautiful answer to my prayer over and over again. Even now as I’m typing to you, dear friends, I can’t help but notice all the beauty just outside my window. Tall noble pine trees decorate my view, casting moments of restful shade. In-between them, golden rays of sunlight illuminate the overgrown prairie grasses. Wildflowers dance in the gentle breeze while Tucker and Dale play amongst the salsify poofs. I truly wish you were here with me to share this moment. But, I also know that God’s breathtaking art isn’t limited to my yard. It is everywhere!
Oil paint on canvas 12" x 16"
(From post: A Celebration of Flowers)
Over this past year, I have shared 32 posts and each one testifies to the fact that God’s art is all around us! His beauty is above you in the clouds, and in your garden, and just down the street on your local walking path, it’s even in your kitchen. Evidence of His goodness is in every smile, every purr, every hug, and it is right in front of you every time you look in the mirror.
It is my sincere hope that God has answered my prayerful wish in your life as well. I hope that this blog has (and continues) to inspire you, encourage you, and point you to God. If my work stirs even one of those things in your heart, then I consider it a success and if I have managed all three, then it is a red-letter day and a cause for celebration!
Continue to seek out His beauty and keep your heart full of hope, my friends,
~ Prayerfully yours,
Angela
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Yirah, 2020
Oil on canvas
20” x 16”
(From post: God's Art is Awesome)
Isn't that something - a whole year already! I miss attending your drawing class each week, for both your wonderful lessons and the camaraderie...
ReplyDeleteRe: today's post - it seems like God is reiterating the same message I felt last night while watching Soul (the animated movie): Like a fish in the ocean, I live & breathe God's blessings; May I never again consider it all just water <3
P.S. - this is Loan, not "Unknown"! I swear I'm logged in!
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