Paintin' the Town

2011-05-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

The Start of

Lil Cowboy

Pastel on Sanded Paper

Pastel and OIl Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-05-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

A bit more progress on Liza in the window

I'm working on getting her smile just right.

It's somewhere between a smirk and a smile.

Happy Mother's Day!

Me with George and Liza at a horseshow.

George is always a gremlin for pictures.

Where did those years go?
Aintree Horse Show

David last summer in Harbor Springs MI

Liza and Cotton in Pumpkin Patch George holding Dixie

Pastel and OIl Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

My third day after beginning this portrait.

This is where things get really slow. It is like when a house goes up.

The studs and exterior seem to fly up and then it takes forever to finish.

Getting the values (the relative darks to lights) is really important at this stage.

The darkest dark is the black of the marble floor and the pupils in her eyes.

The greens in the curtain and the vegetation in the background is the next darkest--and a close third --the darks in her hair.

The darks in the vegetation behind Liza's head are not as dark in the painting as they appear in this posted photo.

When you are working from a photo it is very important to note that shadows will look black especially on a print. They are not to be painted this dark.

With digital editing you can sometimes lighten the shadows-but not always.

If you can work from life it helps to note the correct color notes and then use this as your study when you are finishing in the studio.

The lightest light is in her dress, the curtain lining and the light parts in her face and eyes. Another light is the sun sparkling through the leaves.

My goal is to orchestrate the lights and darks so the emphasis is on LIza and then her surroundings.



The alignment of the blacks in the marble floor need straightening. I love the way her shoes are really shown off against the black floor.

Did i mention how cute I think the shoes are? Just kidding ---it is in a previous post.

Pastel and OIl Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-05-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

"Liza in the Window"

The camera is tricky. The colors in the painting are not as dark as shown here.

When working with photo references it is always important to know that shadows are never as dark as the photograph shows.

Pastel and OIl Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-05-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

A Variety of Textures!

A new portrait in pastel on sanded paper

This portrait is going to be so much fun to do with different challenges.

The greens in the plants behind her

The softness of the folding curtains

The linear direction of the woodwork

The hard marble surface

The rough exterior bricks

The softness of the face

I love the texture of the rough brick juxtaposed against the softness of the child's face.

Such a sweet expression.

I love the little bows on her shoes and the way she has her feet turned.

In defense of our crazy people

2011-05-01T18:53:00.001-07:00

Designing women was one of my all time favorite shows from the 80's.

I love this excerpt about the South's crazy people!

Nancy Nickey Curran Pastels Memphis Tn

2011-04-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

Baby George

Mixed Media on Paper

Malachi 4:6

He will turn thehearts of the father to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or I will come and strike the land with a curse.

2011-04-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Grapevine Christian Academy vs Gainesville State School

Faith Christian Academy

Gainesville State School in Texas is made up of 14 teammates. Every game is played on the road - their record is 0-8.

Teenagers convicted of crimes ranging form drugs to robbery make up the Gainesville team. Most have no families to support them. They have ragged cast off equipment.

In contrast, Faith Academy in Grapevine, Tx has many prosperous families with a football team of 70 players and 11 coaches.

Knowing there would be a blowout when they came up against Gainesville the Faith coach had a plan.

He asked the Faith supporters to divide up their fans with one half of them to cheer for Gainesville. He said to imagine never having someone support you. Imagine their lives of neglect.

The message the coach wanted to get out to these kids was "you are just as valuable as any other person on the planet"

The Faith cheerleaders practiced cheers for Gainesville. They made a banner for them to break through at the start of the game.

The cheerleaders knew the names of the players. The Faith parents also called them by name and cheered for them all night long.

Faith won and Gainesville was perplexed.

Their quarterback said he never knew there were so many people in the world that cared about them.

Each Gainesville player was handed a Bible, a hamburger, and a coke as they boarded their bus.

Gainesville State School

Proverbs 11:17 Your own soul is nourished when you are kind.

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good when it is in your power to act.

Pastel and OIl Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-04-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Consider the lilies. They toil not and neither do they spin.
Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Luke 12:27

I believe this to mean do not worry about anything--look at the Lillies, they do nothing and yet they are beautiful and thrive!

The Easter Lilly

The "white-robed apostles of Hope.

Churches surround their altars and crosses with these beautiful and flagrant flowers at Easter. Tradition says that Lilly's were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ experienced the agony of knowing what was to come.

It is said the flowers grew from where his sweat and drops of blood from his brow soaked into the ground.

Legend also has it that they were found in the empty tomb after the resurrection of the Virgin Mary.

Paintings have depicted the angel Gabriel extending Lillies to Mary as he announced the news that she would give birth to the baby Jesus.

We see them in homes and churches as a traditional symbol of Easter--symbols of hope, purity, and innocence thanks to the gift Jesus gave to us.

Lilly's are the tallest of flowers yet they hang their heads down.

The beauty of the Son of God is matched only by the greatness of his humility.

"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians2:6-8).

Oil and Pastel Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-04-11T10:14:00.001-07:00

The manufacturing Process of
Oil Paint.

Oil and Pastel Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-04-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

"The Holy Trinity"
Andrei Rublev
CA 1410-2-

Tretiakov Gallery, Moscow

Many believe this painting to be the most perfect Russian Icon ever created.

It shows God at the center, Juses to the right and the holy spirit on the left.

The cup symbolizes communion. The perspective is to let the viewer into the intimate scene. The purpose is to portray the Trinity as if they are welcoming the viewer to have a seat at their table.

The night before the crucifiction Jesus asked God to let us be filled with God's love as Jesus enjoyed God's love.

In Loving Memory of Ashton Christine Alford

2011-04-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ashton Christine Alford

1991-2011

A 2009 graduate of St. George's Independent School in Memphis, Ashton's little sister Anna is in my daughter's 9th grade class.

Ashton was an excellent student and on a dance scholarship at The University of Alabama. She was planning to attend law school after graduation.

On her way to Oxford from Tuscaloosa to visit her boyfriend Ashton was killed in a tragic car accident.

So many young people were at her funeral today. Students from St. George's, Alabama, and Ole Miss were heartbroken and tearful as they said goodbye.

One of her favorite things to say was "don't worry, be happy".

She was 20 years young.

Isaiah 40:18-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 49:14-16

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit

Oil and Pastel Portraits Memphis Tn Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-03-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

The beginnings of a study for

"A Boy and his Dog"

OIl on Canvas Panel

Study for

"Waterfall"

Pastel on Sanded Paper

Wysteria Covered Silos

One of my most favorite signs of spring are

these beautiful old silos busting forth with riotous purple!

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.

(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves. (Thomas Edison)

Oil and Pastel Portraits Memphis Tn Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-03-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

"Virginia and Bubbles"

"Virginia and Bubbles" has progressed.

The background is a bit warmer--not so many blues and purples.

The shape of this little ponies head is tricky.
The shadows need to be dark but not too dark! Values!!

The wire in the background needs to disappear.
Edges need to be softer.

What a cute little pair.

They look like they know how very cute they are!

Values

relative darkness or lightness of a color

Most of the time a problem with a painting is in the values.

When the value is correct it just about doesn't matter what color is used, as shown below.

Debbie Edgers Sturges incredible wildlife paintings are bursting with color! Love these!

Tenth Avenue North
is coming to Memphis!
April 14th
I love their song You are More

You are more than the choices that you've made

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes

You are more than the problems you create

You've been remade

A beautiful song and so comforting!

Oil and Pastel Portraiture Memphis Tn Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-03-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

"In the Field"

Ben and Beau

Pastel on Sanded Paper

The Daily Paintworks Challenge

has raised $4000.00 for Japan relief.

Artists are asked to paint a small painting with only one stroke of a color at a time.

After one stroke is applied a new color has to be mixed.

This exercise prevents over working of a painting and getting too caught up in the details!

The paintings are auctioned with proceeds going to help Japan.

Click the painting below to see the paintings entered so far!

Oil

Carol Marine

Lemons

oil

Sue Barrasi

As I look around my garden, marveling at how God's hand makes beautiful buds from seemingly dead and withered branches, I see a little gardenia bush that I had planted last year.

This poor bush had a rough year.

It was constantly dug up and chewed at by my new puppy. It endured a scorching summer with very little rain and it just looked as if it was not going to make it, but today I see a small leaf starting to form, there is green in the limbs and there is hope all around.

So if you feel that you have been dug up and chewed upon, that you have had to endure a drought of some kind....take heart...spring is such a wonderful time to remember:

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, O God,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving

toward all that he has made." Psalm 145: 13

Samaritan's Purse - CNN - Japan Relief Airlift

2011-03-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

Prayers for Japan!

Sandra Bullock - one million dollars to the Red Cross

Franklin Graham and Samaritin's Purse - sent a 747 cargo plane with blankets, meds, etc --made possible by--Lowe's, Vince Gill, Ricky Scaggs and many more generous Americans.

Franklin Graham explains the mission.

Take me out to the Ole Miss ballgame

Ever since I watched my sons play in Little League I have been a baseball fan.

"The Fireman"

Oil on Linen

My son, George was a pitcher -- with nerves of steel.

Small but fast-- he could always get that ball where it needed to go!

HIs baseball career is over but the memories will last a lifetime!

Baseball Today!
Oxford, MS- "Home of the Ole Miss Rebels"
Swayze Field

Truly a glorious spring day for America's favorite pastime!
--even though my Ole Miss Rebels were taken down on Sunday by the Tide.

The Rebs gave a valiant effort.

I wanted so badly for the Bama player who kept trying to steal second to get out--no luck- that 'Bama boy was too fast and always made it back safe.

Hotty Toddy!

Great baseball movies:

A League of Their Own
The Lou Gherig Story
Angels in the Outfield
A Field of Dreams
The Natural
For The Love of the Game
Bull Durham

Any more suggestions?

Pastel and OIl Portraits Nancy Nickey Curran

2011-03-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

First Shooting Light

An intriguing book about 19 hunting clubs on the

Mississippi flyway.

First Shooting Light: A photographic journal reveals the legacy and lure of hunting clubs in the Mississippi flyway

From Billy Dunavant's Quail Hollow club to the Dunklin family's Oak View club located on their 10,000 acres in Arkansas, this book gives a beautiful pictorial presentation.

All the families involved share a common love for the sport of duck hunting and the belief in the conservation and preservation of the land.

They want to insure that in 100 years the land looks the same as it is today.

The photography done by Murry Riss is some of the most spectacular of any I have seen in a publication.

An interesting and engaging read by ArtsMemphis describing local lore and history of these Memphians, their common bond of camaraderie and love for nature and its wildlife.

oil portraits memphis tn nancy nickey curran

2011-03-06T18:13:00.000-08:00

Emotion and soft Beauty

The Art of Carrie Ballantine

Carrie is an amazing realist artist. She started out as a strictly graphite artist working in pencil. Her pencils were more like paintings rather than drawings evoking true emotion and evident love of her subjects.

She moved on to colored pencils as her medium of choice and worked with those for 15 years.

She later took a two year sabbatical to learn how to work in oils.

A two week oil paiinting workshop with the wonderful realist painter and teacher Anthony Ryder was beneficial.

Her favorite subjects are horses and the people and landscapes of the west.

Pick up the latest copy of Art of the West magazine to read more in depth about this fabulous artist.

The video below is an excerpt from a workshop Carrie taught.
She is giving critiques to an artist who has done a beautiful bronze sculpture of two children at a hospital involved in pet therapy.

The other critique is of a beautiful drawing of a young girl.

http://astore.amazon.com/nancy042-20

The palette of Anders Zorn Swedish 1860 -1920 OIl Portrait Painter of HIgh Society

2011-03-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

White, Black,
Ochre and Vermillion.

These colors made up the limited palette of Anders Zorn.

Zorn, a well known Swedish painter painted three American Presidents.

He lived in the same time as Sargent and Sorolla.

Martha Dana

1899

"Midnatt"

(Midnight"

oil

1891

It is amazing that he got such beautiful colors in such a harmoniously soft painting.

"The Waltz"
The Biltmore Collection

It is wonderful practice to take these four colors of his and complete your own painting.

Make a color chart with these four colors and learn the simplified palette of master Zorn!

Portraits in Oil and Pastel Park Cities University Park Highland Park Dallas Tx

2011-03-05T18:37:00.001-08:00

Pastel portrait of John

Canson Mi-Tientes paper

Highland Park Texas

16 x 20

Pastel Portraits Memphis Tn North Mississippi Oxford MS

2011-03-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

"David"
Pastel on Paper

Pastel comes from the word paste.

It is pure pigment. Mixed with oil it becomes traditional oil paint.

Edward Degas, Edwourd Manet and Toulouse La-Trec, Whistler, and Cassatt were all pastelists.

"L'Etoile"

Edgar Degas

Pastel

Daniel Greene is perhaps the most famous modern day pastellist and has his own lines of pastels made to his specifications by Unison.

"Green Checkerboard"

Daniel Greene

Pastel

His pastels can be purchased at major art supply stores including dickblick.com

Master pastellist Dan Greene in his studio with one of the paintings from his famed " NYC Subway" series.

Pastel is the most permanent of all the mediums in existence.
Its intrinsic beauty is without peer.

My favorite paper to use is museum grade Kitty Wallis sanded paper. This heavy high quality paper has a gritty surface that can hold many layers of pastel without need of spraying. It will take even the softest pastels and allow many different looks to be achieved. This paper will take oil or watercolor under paintings.

Childrens pastel portraits are finished with a combination of types of pastel. First I usually begin with Nu Pastel sticks or conte pastel pencils which are both hard.

Carb-Othello pastel pencils are a bit softer .

These are wonderful pencils in color sets of 12, 24, 36 , 48 and 60.

I use these until a third of the paiinting is complete and begin using Rembrandt pastel sticks which are softer than the pencils.

I finish up with Rembrandts and softer pastels such as Sennelier, Unison, or Great American pastels.

Children's pastel portraits from the Mississippi Delta have been recently completed on Kitty Wallis sandpaper.

Oil portrait paintings completed in Nashville Tn were done of two children from Belle Meade with their golden retrievers. I loved using the soft Unison pastels for this project. Oil Paints I prefer are Windsor and Newton.

I used Nu Pastel for a child in Birmingham Al in sanguine for a timeless look.

For pastel portraits finished for a family in the Park Cities neighborhood of Dallas Tx I was asked to include a child's beloved horse.

This child and pony done at Germantown Charity Horse Show in Germantown Tn shows a happy little girl on her first pony.

Pastel Organizations:

The Pastel Society of America

The Pastel Society of the West Coast,

The Degas Pastel Society,

The Pastel Society of the Southeast,

Pastel Society of the Southwest,

The Pastel Society of North Florida, The Pastel Society of the Northwest,

The Pastel Society of Oregon.

The International Association of Pastel Societies,

APOW website

Mary Cassatt May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926 Master Pastellist

2011-03-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926

"Margot in Blue"

Mary Cassatt

Born to an affluent investment banker Mary Cassatt and her family travelled extensively.

She moved to Paris when women were not yet allowed to study at the famed L'Ecole des Beaux Arts.

Many impressionist painters befriended her including Degas and Pissaro.

Degas influenced her greatly .

When asked by Degas to exhibit with the impressionists she remarked:

"I accepted with joy. At last, I could work with absolute independence without considering the opinion of a jury. I had already recognized who were my true masters. I admired Manet, Courbet, and Degas. I hated conventional art."

"Margot in Yellow"

In order to give attention to her art career she never married but painted many familial scenes of women and children.

She is especially known for her extraordinary pastel.

She studied in America at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts before she moved to Paris.

"Child in Orange"

William-Adolphe Bouguereau A fabulous French painter

2011-03-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

"Springtime"

Bouguereau was a wonderful French painter and staunch traditionalist.

His stunning and realistic genre paintings with mythological themes were modern interpretations of Classical subjects-both pagan and Christian-with a heavy concentration on the female human body.

Although he created an idealized world, his almost photo-realistic style brought to life his goddesses, nymphs, bathers, shepherdesses, and madonnas in a way which was very appealing to rich art patrons of his time.

Bouguereau employed traditional methods of working up a painting, including detailed pencil studies and oil sketches, and his careful method resulted in a pleasing and accurate rendering of the human form.

His painting of skin, hands, and feet was particularly admired. He also used some of the religious and erotic symbolism of the Old Masters, such as the "broken pitcher" which connoted lost innocence.

"L'Innocense"

"Crown of Flowers"

In his own time, Bouguereau was considered to be one of the greatest painters in the world by the Academic art community, and simultaneously he was reviled by the avant-garde.

He also gained wide fame in Belgium, Holland, Spain, and in the United States, and commanded high prices.
Bouguereau's career was a nearly straight up ascent with hardly a setback.

To many, he epitomized taste and refinement, and a respect for tradition.

American millionaires considered him the most important French artist of that time.

But after 1920, Bouguereau fell into disrepute and for decades following, his name was not even mentioned in encyclopedias.

The world can be so cruel to these wonderful artists. He has certainly come back however and is highly regarded today.

I love his angels, religious and children's paintings. They are so soft and peaceful. The Art Renewal Center website is dedicated to preserving the memory of Bougereau. Its worth a visit!

2011-02-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Stirrup cups are fascinating to me. A hunting tradition, the expression "stirrup cup" has two meanings, both closely connected with hunting. It has long been a tradition for those partaking in a hunt to have a drink before the hunt commences, as a toast to success in the pursuit of their victims.

The tradition goes back a long way, certainly into Medieval times - a drink would be offered to riders before they set off after their quarry, whilst they were mounted on horseback, comfortable and ready for the off.

This design enabled the rider to grasp the cup in a gloved hand whilst clutching the reins of a frequently skittish horse, and may have originated with drinking horns. Over time, more elaborate designs were produced, usually with a hunting theme, and occasionally, bearing inscriptions connected with the chase.

Some examples which survive have their bases carved with the heads of the prey - the fox being most popular (most hunting in the UK at least, is of foxes), but hares and stags being quite common.

This said, silver cups were still rare - few riders owned their own, and would use more conventional wares for the toast.

The Master of Foxhounds and other officials of a hunt might own their own, and they were occasionally given as gifts by a Hunt to one of their members. Because of their relative rarity and small size, antique stirrup cups are highly sought after, and quite valuable.

Many silversmiths and craftspeople in glass are now making cups for a growing collector's market, often far more elaborate than any used by the hunters of yesteryear. It is doubtful whether many of them are used to toast the success of a hunt, but are bought in the hope that they will grow in value.

Space---The Final Frontier!

2011-02-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the most beautiful days I have ever seen on the Florida beach.

A cool breeze was blowing over the beautiful blue coastal waters providing a sun drenched playground for kids of all ages, seagulls, sandpipers and pellicans.
I had just sat down with a perfect view of the water with my trusty camera some good books and an ice cold drink when the lady next to me said, "oh do you have your camera ready to take a picture of the space shuttle launch?"

I remembered hearing something about a launch and said, "huh?   oh is that today?"

She said it was scheduled to go in 4 minutes.   What luck!

Talk about your photo op!.

I then noticed all the people lining up to watch.

After a few delays it finally shot up into the sky and a yellowish red flash flew across the sky. Everyone cheered.

(reminds me of the song i love so much by Katie Perry--Fire Work)

I happened on one other shuttle launch many years ago.

   We were headed to that collegiate spring break mecca of Ft. Lauderdale and stopped off in Orlando for a few days of the Magic Kingdom.

Four of my Ole Miss girlfriends and I were huddled discussing what ride to go on next when a man next to us pointed out the shuttle in the sky.

We lliterally looked at our ticket booklet to see if we had one that would take us on that. We thought maybe it was part of the famed Space Mountain!

Hats off to the the astronauts as they are true pioneers of the Final Frontier.

If you ever get a chance to watch Apollo 13---of "Houston, we have a problem" fame---it gives a glimpse of what those men and women astronauts go through during space travel.

The Treasure Coast and the Fleet of the 1715

2011-02-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

But store up for yourself treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys or thieves do not break in or steal Mathew 6:20

Visiting Florida and looking out at this beautiful ocean I realize how my time here on earth is but a millisecond in relation to what has all come before me and what will come long after I am gone. If you could see all that has passed up and down the coast line and what continues to sail by it would be amazing.

There is truly Treasure, pirates and swashbuckling adventure on these high seas!

Right in front of my locatioon on this beach out in the ocean is where the famed Fleet of the 1715 went down.

The 1715 Treasure Fleet refers to one of the 11 ships returning from the New World to Spain.

July 31, 1715, seven days after departing from Havana, Cuba, all 11 ships were lost in a hurricane near present day Vero Beach, Florida.

Pieces of Eight will still wash up on the beach from time to time.

Thousands of sailors perished from these ships while some survived on lifeboats to tell the stories.

The treasure had been lost lost for hundreds of years until the 1980s when famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher located the sunken ships with the newest technology then available.

It took months for the treasures to be brought up by Mel Fisher's team and armed guards were always visible floating just above the surface keeping the treasure safe.

There were frequent skirmishes with pirates and others who came to take part in salvaging some treasure.

The Mel Fisher museum located in Vero Beach has much of the treasure on display and available for purchase.

Mel's biggest find has been The Atocha off the coast of Key West and has yielded a cache fo $450 million dollars!

Mel fought over 100 court battles before the US Supreme Court finally ruled that the treasure was his. The state of Florida tried to claim the treasure for themselves.

Diving the Atocha!!
Adventure seekeres can go down and look for jewels at this underwater emerald city.

Professional divers will use their high tech blowing equipment to help you search.

41 Emeralds were found by tourists on their last trip!

They have found nine bronze cannons!

Mel has passed away but his family continues the treasure hunt all over the world!

Let the Sunshine In

2011-02-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

I love the light in these paintings!

Francisco Pons Arnau

was a Spanish Academic painter active in the mid 19th Century [Correction: late 19th, early 20th Centuries].

He became a follower of Joaquín Sorolla --so well known for his masterful light filled paintings.

He painted portraits, figures, landscapes and what might be called intimate landscapes — garden scenes with detailed depictions of shrubs or trellised vines.

Beyond that, I’ve been able to find little information.

Fortunately, there are several examples of his richly colored, light-filled

paintings on the web.

Angels in our midst

2011-02-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Hebrews 13:2

Always one of my favorite verses.

The mystery and intrigue of the angels!
Angel Trivia? Well, angels are anything but trivial.

Angel means messenger. The angels were created higher than man and are intercessors for man. They are constantly around us and are guarding and protecting us. Remembering the angels around you can inspire you to strive for behavior befitting a believer in Christ Jesus.
They're always watching!

The angel Gabriel delivered the message to the shepherds about the birth of baby Jesus and the tidings of good joy to all people.
Gabriel will be the angel who sounds the trumpets when the end of the world comes and Jesus returns.

He's a very important angel!

Angels are mentioned 173 times in the Bible as having been created probably during the time of Genesis.

There are a great number of Angels in existence and the number never increases or decreases.

Although they have no flesh or bones, they usually take on the appearance of man---never infants or female.

Other times they are in dazzling white and blazing glory.

That is how I like to think of my angels --dazzling and glorious!

They must have a localized presence and can only be in one place at a time.

Archangels-----Highest form of angels. The chief angel.

Cherubim--first mentioned in Genesis at the expulsion of Adam and Eve. Cherubim were to prevent man's access to the tree of life.

They hold and form the throne God sits upon when he comes to earth.

Seraphim--means fiery ones or burning love

They stand upon the King as he sits on his throne ready to minister to him. They take the form on humans with wings.

The word Seraphim is also used in conjuction with fiery serpents who were sent to inflict the penalty of sin on man
Num. 21:6,8; Deut. 8:15

Not all angels are good. Some are under the power of Satan. There is great unseen conflict raging in our universe. Our sovereign God is always in control and will defeat these evil spirits after he has used them for his purposes.

Good always triumphs over evil.

Angels in the Movies:

It's a wonderful life ending

Heaven Can Wait

Angels In The Outfield Part 10

The Finding of Moses

2011-02-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

The colors this artist uses are amazing and the light is gorgeous.

He was truly masterful!

Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

1836-1912

"The Finding of Moses"

One of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema's greatest works sold November 4, 2010 for $35,922,000 at New York's Sotheby's.

"The Years at the Spring"

Portrait of Mrs. Charles Wyllie

Born in the Netherlands and trained at the Royal Academy of Antwerp in Belgium, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema became famous for his depictions of the decadent lifestyle of the Roman Empire.

He is known for languorous figures set in fabulous marbled interiors against a backdrop of dazzling blue medeterranean sea and sky.

HIs artwork fell in into disrepute after his death and since the 1960's it has been reevaluated for its importance in 19th century art

Master of Shadows

2011-02-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

Peter Paul Reubens

Master of Shadows The Secret Diplomatic Career of the Painter Peter Paul Reubens

This story about Reubens life was set amist the Spanish Inquisition and the backdrop of European courts.

Filled with intrigue and espionage, glamour and secrecy this book has all the ingredients of a modern day thriller!

Peter Paul Reubens

Born 1577 in what is now known as Belgium

In 1577 Reubens was Born to a struggling middle class family. He rose to the highest order of European Aristocracy based on his artistic merit

Twice knighted by England's KIng Charles as well as King Phillip of Spain.

The mostt renound painter of his day, Reubens was granted access to many European monarchs including King Charles of England and King Philip IV of Spain.

Reubens became a diplomat involved in clandestine mediations between King Charles of England and King Phillip of Spain.

He was instrumental in bringing the 8 Years War, which ravaged his homeland to an end.

Of strong moral character, humble beginnings, and a charming personality, Reubens has earned a place in art history as a genius and master of his craft.

"Virgin in Adoration Before the Christ Child"

2011-02-04T14:33:00.001-08:00

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands..." 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Portrait of the Landsharks

2011-02-03T17:32:00.000-08:00

Ole Miss Rebels
Landsharks take the Field

updated

Pastel on sanded paper
Oxford Ms

Pastel portrait of Madison Houston Tx

2011-01-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

"Madison"
Houston Tx
River Oaks

Pastel

Pastel portrait Boy and Pet Lab Collierville Tn

2011-01-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

John and Brinkley

Pastel
A few weeks away from completion.

equestrian pastel portrait Collierville Tennessee

2010-12-29T13:19:00.000-08:00

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

I wish for peace, prosperity and love for all in 2011.

As we grow up, we learn that the one person who isn't supposed to let you down, probably will, and the one person that you never thought would be there for you, is.

You're going to have fights with your friends, you're going to lose some of your friends, you may even fall in love with one of your friends.

You will eventually lose someone you love and love someone you never thought you'd find.

People are going to hate you, love you, love to hate you, and hate to love you, but the ones you mean the most to, will always be there for you in the end

Phillippians: 3:13-14

No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all i should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

Happy New Year!!!!!

2010-12-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

Insure your Art!

"The Scream" and "Madonna" both by Edward Munch were stolen in broad daylight from the Munch museum in Oslo,Norway. The art was not insured against theft. The reason for no theft insurance? The belief that irreplaceable paintings need not be insured.

Is it better though to be compensated five million dollars for your stolen art or nothing?

The cost of insuring a museum's entire collection is prohibitive. Entire collections are not usually stolen and therefore having "incident" insurance is an option.

Photograph and document your art. Insure your art for the amount it would take to replace it in the event that would be possible. Keep in mind a portrait commissioned in 1995 for $10,000.00 might cost $25,000.00 to replace by the same or comparable calibre artist. Don't forget how much you invested in the framing. Expensive frames also go up in value and might cost twice what you paid ten years ago.

Many artists save reference photos in case of fire, flood, or theft.

Understand your insurance policy Theft/damage insurance for art usually costs $1-$2 annually per $1,000.00 of coverage.

Your basic homeowners policy will not cover much in the way or artwork. It is best to have specialty insurance through Chubb or Great American.

First Christmas Pastel portrait Portrait University Park Dallas TX

2010-12-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

Frist Christmas

Pastel on Paper

Another Art Caper?

2010-12-01T04:16:00.000-08:00

Recently a collection of 271 original works of art by Picasso have surfaced. These have not been seen for years and were unknown to the present art world.

An electrician who worked for Picasso asked Picasso's son for an appraisal.

The collection of paintings and drawings are worth almost 80 million dollars.

Picasso gave many of his works away but they were usually signed and dated. Many of the pieces in question are not dated and therefore should have never left the studio.

It is now a matter for the French courts!

2010-11-25T21:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

What are you thankful for?
I am thankful for family and friends. I am thankful for those that keep us safe.
God Bless the USA.

Enjoy the season!!

2010-11-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

WWW.DailyPainters.Com

2010-11-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

Freedom from Want

2010-11-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

Freedom from Want

CORNUCOPIA, -also known as the horn of plenty--one of the most recognizable symbols of Thanksgiving.   It originated in ancient Greece and symbolized abundance.   The original was a curved goats horn filled to overflowing with fruit and grain.

December 11, 1620---102  pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.

46 were lost that first year.

But the harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one.

 And the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast -- including 91 Indians who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year.

 It is believed that the Pilgrims would not have made it through the year without the help of the natives.

The feast was more of a traditional English harvest festival than a true "thanksgiving" observance. It lasted three days.

Did you know that the Pilgrims trip to the New World aboard the Mayflower lasted 65 days? It was a cold and damp journey, and since the ship was wooden, passengers were not allowed to light a fire for warmth or for cooking their food.

1934---The first Thanksgiving classic from the National Football league hosted by the Detroit Lions

If April flowers bring May flowers, what to May Flowers bring??

Pilgrims!

Killer Cranberry Sauce


 1-1/2 C sugar
 1 navel orange
 1/2 t grated ginger
 4 C cranberries
 1/2 C (2 oz.) toasted pecans
 
 Grate the orange peel and add to a pot with the sugar and ginger.
 Add the juice from the orange into the pot and simmer over 
 medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
 Add cranberries and cook until they pop - about 5 minutes.
 Add pecans and cool sauce.

2010-11-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

Longreen Foxhounds

November 6th, 2010

A crisp beautiful morning at Birdlands
Como, MS

The 53rd Annual

Blessing of the Hounds

The Reverend Sam Godfrey presiding.

Bless, O Lord, rider and horse, and the hounds that run, in their running. Bless and shield these riders from danger to life and limb.

May thy children who ride and Thy creatures that carry, come to the close of the day unharmed.

Bless those over whose lands we hunt and grant that no deed of ours may cause hurt or trouble.

Bless all the creatures who partake in this hunt and grant that they may find their true destiny in Thee

Bless these hounds to our use and their lowly part in thy Service. O God, who sanctifieth all things by Thy word, pour down Thy blessings upon these

Thy servants their horses and their hounds, to all who shall take part in this hunt, grant protection of body and soul.

Grant that the spirit of true sportmansship may prevail in all that we do this day.

May the Blessings of God almighty be upon you now and reign with you always in Jesus' name we pray.

Our beloved Trumpet

with Melissa up!

Chip Carruthers

The Snooty Foxes

Birdlands

Home of Jake and Harriet McFadden

Johnny Appleseed

2010-11-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

It's November...........

...the cold weather is almost upon us.
College Football is in mid -season.

Some are happy and headed to bowl games

and some ...well.....there's talk of "rebuilding"

and other sentiments over a disappointing season.

It is the month we start to get ready for the holidays and give thanks for our many blessings. For this great country and the bounty God gives to us. My children used to sing the Johnny Appleseed prayer before their snack time everyday in preschool. It brings back many wonderful memories of their childhood and good friends.

"Oh the Lord's been good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun and the rain and the appleseed, the Lord's been good to me"! One of my favorites!!!!

“In the 1700’s, John Chapman, a man who became known as Johnny Appleseed, was famous for carrying a sack on his back filled with apple seeds then planting the seeds and growing acres of apple trees in the Western portions of New York and Pennsylvania. The Johnny Appleseed song is a delightful way to say Grace before meals with family and friends. The words to the Johnny Appleeed song promote how much we have to be grateful for in our lives.”

Wood Duck

2010-11-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wood Duck

Oil

$200.00

Sir Alfred Munnings The $7,000,000 Artist

2010-11-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

Sir Alfred Munnings

Immensely popular in the UK and America Sir Alfred Munnings is known world wide for his equestrian art.

Few artists have acheived the fame and fortune of Munnings in their lifetime.

Blinded in one eye from a briar while lifting a dog over a hedge, he was determined to follow his dream of painting.

And follow it he did!!

His works have found homes with some of the wealthiest patrons

His greatest love was the racing scente.

His ability to capture movement is unsurpassed.

The highest price to date (January 2007) of a Munnings painting was from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Whitney.

"The Red Prince Mare," sold for $7,848,000, far above his previous auction record of $4,292,500 set at Christie's in December, 1999.

Munnings was elected president of the Royal Academy of Art in 1944 and was knighted in the same year.

Winston Churchill, who was also an avid painter, once said to him, "Alfred, if you met Picasso coming down the street would you join with me in kicking his... something something?" to which Munnings said he replied "Yes Sir, I would".

He died on July 17,1959. .

Sir Alfred Munnings 1878-1959: An Appreciation of the Artists and a Selection of his Paintings

Stress

2010-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00