50 States--Delaware

50 States--Connecticut

50 States--California

   

Okay, so this one's a bit simple, but hey, so is the poppy :)

I shouldn't have started thinking...

I was listening to Focus on the Family this morning; a past program with Steve & Marybeth Chapman.  The topic was adoption and orphan care.  My heart is broken for orphans, so I'm encouraging anyone who reads this to consider supporting individuals (first) and organizations (second) who are actively working on behalf of orphans.

Here are some personal recommendations:

*The Gwartney Family serving with Good Shepherd's Fold in Uganda. Check out their blog.
http://www.goodshepherdsfold.org/

*Pastors Daniel and Lily with Mercy Homes in India












*Tom & Teresa Stamman with Impact Ministries International

God is a Father to the Fatherless~

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you.

50 State Flowers--Arkansas

Apple Blossom

I like this one too.  It's difficult to get all of the layers of shading in 15 minutes! 

Arizona

Catus Flower

This one was quite challenging, but I'm pleased with how it turned out! :) 

Alaska

This is a little better.

The 50 Flowers Project--Alabama

I will readily admit that I have no formal training in any artistic technique.  I see what I want to draw or paint and then I just work at it until I like what I have.  A couple of months ago it dawned on me that I needed to practice, practice, practice drawing what I see.  I LOVE flowers of all types, so I decided to start there.  My favorite flower is the Gladiolus, and I began searching "The Google" for pictures of Gladiolus.  I came across the 50 States Official Flower page, and I was hooked.  Now I have embarked on a sketch a day (15 minute sketches) to improve my skill and have a designated enjoyment at the end of the day.  I do love sketching! :)

So here we go!

Alabama Camelia

This one is pretty rough, but I know I will improve as I practice.

Dear Blog, how long I have left you!

Wow!  It was February and now it's November!  Here's some of what I've been up to since then:

Tropical Georgia

One for Audrey

Rejoice

Morning by Morning New Mercies I See

Blue Vintage

January--A Poem from October

Perfect end-October evening
passing whisps in clouds under
a spot hot moon full of it's own November wishes

My feet are cold~frigid with tomorrow's thoughts
long before today is resting

I am trapped by distraction
unable to sit still; afraid to go and do

Betrothed to impatience; married to restlessness
pregnant with fuss; nursing dismay

my prayers escape like bright fleck sparks
from the wood fire my neighbors are burning
in warmth and clarity

January--Studies for new paintings

I've had a few sources of inspiration in the form of orders this month...here are a few study sketches in preparation for these works.

 

 

 

 

 

January--Sewing Project--Finished?

Happy New Year!  I finally finished sewing a design that I've been working on for several months now.  I'm not sure what the end product will be (throw pillow, wall art, baby bib...), but I'm glad to have finished a design that was stuck in my head.

Here it is:

It measures 18" x 24"

Here are some detail pictures :)

 

 

I really enjoyed choosing the colors and designing this piece.  I simply could not get it out of my mind until I had actually put it together.