Reflections of Grace

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Grace is something I  reflect on during the season of Lent, which also coincides, this year, with the writing of my book;  Drawn by the Light, Finding Strength in Dark Spaces. It is the perfect time to reflect on my faith journey which I talk about in my book and it is a perfect time to think about Grace and how lucky I am to have received it.

Here is another excerpt from my book: “Amazing, GRACE is a beautiful thing, and when I realized that I was given it for free and unconditional by the light and love of God I raised my hand and said, ”Me too Lord”.

Lent is my time for contemplation and forgiveness of myself and others. It is the one time of year that I sacrifice my own comfort to draw myself closer to the light of God. Lent is the time to be thankful for grace, given to me simply because I am loved.

Douglas McManaman who is a Deacon and a Religion and Philosophy teacher at Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy in Markham Ontario, Canada states it this way in his article What does Divine Grace do for us? “Grace is a sharing in the divine life. It is the infused presence of God, a presence that is supernatural, not merely natural. Human persons are not born in a state of grace. And there is nothing we can do ourselves to earn grace. Rather, divine grace is favor, and it is freely bestowed.”

If you are interested in following my journey of faith while I write my book. Sign up now to be put on the waiting list

Journaling my way to a book

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One of my practices is journaling each morning on my studio deck,  No matter the weather I am usually out there unless it is freezing or below. This morning it was cold but refreshing and beautiful after a lovely snowfall last night; so I sat quietly to take in deep breathes of the clean air and gather my thoughts.

This year I have felt a subtle shift in my being. I don’t know if it is because of the beginning of a new decade or just me moving into another season of my life; but I do know that it is God directed. I feel as though I am joined with everything. A wonderful oneness with my environment has settled over me. A freedom to be myself has loosened me up, and I feel loved.

This is the year that I have committed to writting my book and God has placed all the people and tools I need infront of me. I feel so overflowing with gratitude and love that I want to share this feeling with others.  I am like a waterfall flowing into a river and finally meeting the sea. I want others to be encouraged by my journey and find their own sea of joy and happiness. Please feel free to follow this journey with me, by joining my   e-mail list, as I share snippets of thoughts as I write my book. “Drawn by the Light, Finding Strength in Dark Spaces”

Blessings, ~Pam~

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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~

 

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~

 

 

PRAISE and PAINTING

H0215 24x24One of my morning rituals is meditation, prayer and praise. Thanking God for everything.  It steadies my life and makes each day flow in a perfect sequence. It does not mean my day is always perfect but it sure is a lot smoother than if I didn’t meditate. As an artist I have combined painting with this.

Each morning when I step into the studio I create a study on Vellum, usually about something that struck me during meditation.  I call them praise paintings. This year I am creating a series of  1/2 day Praise and Painting Workshops. These workshops will be for anyone, non-painter as well as artists who want to grow their practice of meditation and praise. All supplies will be provided the only thing to bring is your willingness to learn a new form of praise and thankfulness.

My favorite place to hang out besides my studio is at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott. So they are graciously hosting this event in the Ballard Learning Center.

630 PARK AVE. PRESCOTT, AZ

MAY 18  1PM-4PM

For more information or to register 

 

Thankful for Winter Snow

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“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