One week in and many more to come.

 

Winter Moon

Ok, most of us have made it through the first week of quarantine. We have discovered that a small unseen virus has challenged how we go about living. Along with the social distancing and the late winter snow storm I am feeling especially isolated. My routine of journaling on the deck, no matter what the weather, has gotten me a cold. So now I am sick as well.

I have noticed how quiet everything is. Not many cars traveling on our street or the sounds of construction in our neighborhood. People are not walking in small groups, so the chatter has faded. It’s a good time to hear the conversations of the birds playing in the bushes. It’s a promise of things to come and that nature keeps on humming along. Even our Bradford Pear Tree has survived the heavy snow, albeit a few less branches. It gives me hope that after this season of darkness we will find the light again.

As I resume writing this week, here is another snippet form my book, “Drawn by the Light, Finding Strength in Dark Spaces” that I know will bring you hope.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Seasons come and go and sometimes you may linger in them for long periods of time. Sometimes if you stop and listen you will hear a knock; just open the door.”

If you are interested in getting on my waiting list for a copy of my book CLICK HERE.

A New Book Is Coming

 

 

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“As I begin my story and describe an important first picture, I will take a moment to paint the background. When one thinks of creating a new painting, the background is the first thing that needs to be laid down. With the appropriate background, the things in the foreground are noticed more easily.” An excerpt from my new work in progress. “Drawn by the Light, Finding Strength in Dark Spaces.”

After five years of procrastination I have finally hired an editor and started working on my book. For the longest time I did not know how to start. Fear can stop you dead in your tracks. This year I promised myself that I would be unstoppable, so here I am. Six Chapters in to my faith journey and how it has influenced my art. This is the tentative Cover.

It will be a beautiful book, full of art and hope. Release date should be sometime in July.

~Pam~

 

Manzanita

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“Manzanita” 12″ X 9″ original acrylic on vellum paper, matted in white to 16″ X 12″   $75.00

One of my favorite things at the break of daylight is to look out my bedroom window at the wild Manzanita that grows in the rocky terrace of my hillside yard. I have this amazing view from my bed. It starts my day off being reassured that the wilderness that I love surrounds me and it brings me present with nature.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in Prescott value the scenic views that surround our mountain town. I love to capture small snippets of the views to create my paintings. These Manzanita bushes tell their own story of survival in this arid landscape. It amazes me how they can continue to blossom even when we come into draught. They radiate a message of hope, that when I am in a Draught of Creativity if I focus on the positive beauty around me,  soon I will find the answers.

This is the second painting of the 2020 year done as an “Early Morning Study” This painting was first started last year but never finished, set aside and abandoned. This year I chose to give it new life, new meaning, just as it’s real counterpart growing outside my bedroom window, it becomes a survivor. A reminder to me and you that no matter what, hope is always present. You just need to imagine it.

~Pam~

For more Early Morning Studies

Thumb Butte

Thumb Butte

Thumb Butte”  Acrylic on Vellum Paper 

Thumb Butte is the Iconic Landmark in Prescott. I am fortunate enough to have a beautiful view of it right outside my window.  It is one reason I bought my home 15 years ago, and it never disappoints me as the seasons go by, the weather changes, and the sun shifts over the butte.

It has been a special place to me since moving here. The Yavapai Indians call it the Sleeping Lion, and it is sacred to them. No wonder I am drawn to painting this butte frequently. I have painted it in all its splendor, and in all it’s seasons. This time I painted it as an early morning study on vellum paper.  I love these small studies 9″ X 12″ matted to 12″ X 16″ and ready to frame.

My paintings of Thumb Butte never last long. So let me know if you are interested.

Have a marvelous New Year, may it be the best ever.

~Pam~

Creating Liturgical Art

THE LIGHT SHINES

“The Light Shines” 30″ X 30″ Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas

Two times a year I have the privilege to paint pieces for Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott, AZ. This usually comes during the season of Lent and Advent. There is nothing I love more than to paint for the Glory of God. This is my opportunity to paint “LITURGICAL ART”, art for the Church and the people of the Church.

Some of you know that I also sing in Trinity’s choir.  So we have been preparing for the Advent Cantata that Trinity does the first Sunday of December.  It is a special morning of praise through music with the Trinity choir and orchestra.  I always try to paint a visual representation of the story behind the cantata. This year’s cantata “And There Was Light” is written and arranged by Joseph Martin. We have sung many of his cantatas, they are a joy to listen to, are up-lifting, and really put you in the spirit of the season.

I usually start thinking about an art piece for the Cantata once we have begun to practice it.  This year I immediately visualized a candle and a star of Bethlehem, both represent the Light of Christ.

During the Studio Tour in October is when I usually start the piece. Those of you who visited the studio saw the begining of it. So I thought this would be an appropriate time to debut it, since Trinity has started using the image for advertising.

Thanks go out to my Trinity family, who encourage my work and are some of my greatest supporters.

~Pam~

 

 

Acequia

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“Acequia” 9″ X 12″ Acrylic on Velum matted to 12″ X 16″ and ready to frame. $75.00

Many of you know how much I love New Mexico, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s work. She has always been an inspiration to me. Her work to me is sensual, spiritual, and simplistic in form. I love to study her work and whenever in Santa Fe I always go to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to see her paintings up close and personal.  This week in the studio one of my Early Morning Studies is centered around a past article I reread in the New Mexico Magazine. “Real Simple O’Keeffe” This article talked about How she quietly trail-blazed a path of organic, minimalist living.  Very similar to my own life style. They showed pictures of her home in Abiquiu, her garden and the Acequia del Pueblo still flowing through stone and mud packed ditches. The article inspired me to paint the Acequia in a manner I thought Georgia would approve.

It’s now matted and ready to be offered up to the first one of you that wants it. Just let me know.  It’s a one of a kind original and no prints will be made. They always go quickly. Shipped free in the USA.

~Pam~

To follow my blogs.

Magical Moment

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“Magical Moment 18″ X 14”

I am getting ready for the next Les Femmes Show on July 13th in the Marina Room at the Hassayampa Inn.  So I decided to paint an old favorite, Thumb Butte with a magical twist.  I see this butte every day as I gaze out my patio door. Some nights in the winter celestial sky the moon appears to be right over the butte, with a little imagination I can visualize that now in the midst of summer. When the moon would not reach this point until I was snuggly asleep. You know how much I love colors, this bold, high energy painting brings them all together.  I invite you to see more of my new works at Les Femmes des Montage.

Thankful for Winter Snow

SNOWFALL

“Snowfall”  12″ X 9″ original acrylic painting

Winter is upon us and we have had a beautiful season so far. Those of us living in the Southwest are very thankful for every bit of moisture that falls from the heavens. Living in a forested area if we get snow we are doubly grateful for this form of precipitation because it seeps into the ground with no runoff.

 

This week my praise painting is all about snow, and the blessing it becomes. A delight to the eye, the snow falls heavy with moisture and settles in the nettles of existence. At first seeming to suffocate but ultimately nurturing all life.

Praise paintings are early morning studies on vellum paper that I create after my meditation and journaling when I first step into the studio. Simple heartfelt quick studies of what is on my mind.

If you enjoyed this you may like to visit my website.

“Snowfall” an original acrylic painting

9" X 12" acrylic on vellum paper, matted to 12" X 16" and ready to frame.

$75.00

Praising Winter Rain

PRAISING WINTER RAIN

“Praising Winter Rain”  9″ X 12″  acrylic on vellum

Welcome to 2019 and the winter that we have been waiting for. Those of us who live in the Southwest pray for winter rains and those like myself who have the great fortune to live in the mountains of Arizona are thankful for snow falls.

Any moisture is a blessing…

This year is starting off with plenty of it so I created this praise painting to express my gratitude to God.

Praise paintings are early morning studies on vellum paper that I create after my meditation and journaling when I first step into the studio. Simple heartfelt quick studies of what is on my mind.

If you want to see more of my work, please visit here.

Praising Winter Rain, Original Acrylic Painting

9″ X 12″ acrylic painting on vellum paper, matted in white to 12″ X 16″ and ready to frame.

$75.00

“Watchman”… a painting for an Advent Cantata

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“Watchman” 40″ X 30″ Original Acrylic painting on 1 3/4″ gallery wrap canvas

It’s that time of year when my thoughts turn to the Trinity Presbyterian’s Advent Cantata. I am busy rehearsing it and this year the music is especially beautiful with Joseph Martin’s and Heather Sorenson’s new Cantata “Christmas Dreams”. Some years the music just calls for an art piece and this year was one of those.  The Advent Cantata is being performed the first weekend in December which corresponds to the first weekend of Advent so I needed to paint the art piece early.

This last weekend was the Prescott Area Artists Studio Tour and since I am asked to do a demo during those three days; I felt it was a great time to work on the Advent painting. Some of you who came to the Open Studio saw it in the process.

My original idea was a Child’s Dream where a small  Christmas Manger would be under a tree and the ornaments would consist of Magi, Shepards and the Christ Child. One of the guests during the tour said, “keep it simple”.  I took it to heart since I myself was not sure the first version would really tell the story I wanted it to.  So since I work very fluidly and intuituve, the “Watchman” came to be.

Now the symbolism gives a profound statement to the beautiful words in the song  The Promise and the Prayer, “Here the music of the stars, words of hope from ancient bards. People hear the glad Noel: God will come, Emanuel.”

If you want to know more about the Trinity Music Program visit their site here.

Come and enjoy this beautiful and free Cantata with full orchestra.

 Dec. 2, 2018 at 9:00am or 11:00am.

 Trinity Presbyterian Church

630 Park Ave. Prescott AZ.