New Works....

"Thoughts and Stripes"  acrylic and oil on canvas
24" X 36"

"Ebb and Flow"  acrylic and oil on canvas
30" X 30"

It took all of last year of exploration and experimentation to get to these, my latest paintings. There were moments of frustration and confusion, but also of revelation, and clarity.  I hit milestones that I built upon with the satisfaction that they held integrity and were leading me further.  It was a solid year of trial and error, vulnerability, and truly waiting upon the Lord for a breakthrough. Looking back, it was a good year. While it was happening, not so much!  I didn't like leaving the studio having painted over previous paintings, yet again.

A major breakthrough occurred one night in my studio as I was at a peak point of frustration.  It was that frustration that broke through the "carefulness" that was stifling my work. Ironically, my preoccupations of the work being strong prevented it from being impacting or dynamic.  I couldn't capture the subtleties of emotion and thought that I yearned to.   I was over thinking and over analyzing.  Once I let go, in a fit of... 'I've had it', the work became stronger.  I didn't look at those pieces for a couple of days after that breakthrough.... still unconvinced.  When I did, though, I was relieved.    

I am content with where I am now- for the time being (shouldn't it always be like that- there is always a place to grow into.)  It has been extremely liberating to be more free with my process, something that I used to relish while painting in college.  It was more difficult than I imagined to paint with the freedom that I am currently experiencing in the studio.  Working in a vacuum, with limited studio time and a new domestic and maternal setting led to work that I was desperately trying to free, but couldn't.  I was repeatedly stuck trying to throw caution to the wind.

It has been challenging, as my growing type A personality (in every day life -just to get things done) can stunt my flow of creativity, but I made some important breakthroughs and am thrilled with that!  I am more excited to continue to break through new barriers. 

Be Blessed!  Be Inspired!



"Study of the Language of Color and Texture"
8" X 16"
Mixed Media on Canvas

 This is my most recent piece.  It is titled, "Study of the Language of Color and Texture".  It sold and found a new home! 

I worked on a smaller scale to focus more closely on texture and color.  This piece is 8"X 16".  It is an inspiration towards a new body of work, which I am currently pursuing and am very excited about! 

Smaller canvases will come together to be exhibited as a whole, comprising of various rectangular canvases. Each canvas will also work as individual pieces. Photos and more information will be forthcoming.

Be Blessed!  Be Inspired!

My Paintings to be Displayed

at Romero-Hidalgo Studio

 Bird Road Art District

November 17, 2012

7-10 pm



"Bubble Gum World"
24" X 30" X 1.5"
Acrylic and Oil on Canvas

I will be exhibiting two of my paintings at Romero-Hidalgo Studio, 4241 SW 75 Ave, at the Bird Road Art District.  Every third Saturday of the month, artists throughout the art district open up their studios for the public. 

The open receptions are fun and vibrant, allowing guests to see artists' working studios, talk with the artists and see some great art!  Most studios welcome you with enticing treats and appetizers, as well as refreshments. You can walk throughout the majority of the studios, which are lined up along 74th and 75 avenue, just off of Bird Road, actually between Bird Road and 48th street. 

A quick complimentary shuttle ride will take you around to visit studios that are slightly further away. If you have a map of the studios and choose to take your car, you'll find yourself there in a few short minutes.  There is free parking available anywhere in the art district.

Please click on the following link for additional information on how to get there,  a map with the names of the studios and studio addresses, and other useful or interesting tid-bits:

Bird Road Art District Information

If you can make it out, you will have a wonderful time!

Be Blessed!  Be Inspired!



Commission : Psalm 91:1-2

Psalm 91: 1-2  Acrylic and Oil on Canvas,  48" X 60"

A Brief Update...

I never wanted to be that blogger that neglected her blog for more than one month- tops.  I'm so sorry guys, I've become that blogger.  Motherhood and many family and art related projects (all good, thank God) have filled my days and yep- nights. So at four months of silence, I am making time to give you a brief update.

Ok, so here's the update... I have had time to work on some great projects.  I'm excited to say that I have sold three commissions this year!  I just completed my final commission last week.  It has been a great time of exploration, experimentation, and growth for me as an artist.  Here are some photos of the first two commissions.  I'll wait for the reveal of the last one before I post pics (It's still drying).





"Corner of Faith and Hope".  Acrylic and Oil.  36"X90" Diptych

  


"Corner of Faith and Hope" in it's new home.





"He Gives the Desires of Your Heart" Acrylic and Oil.  Each canvas is 30" X 30"
Psalms 37:4

 




"He Gives the Desires of Your Heart" in it's home.

   I feel really blessed to have had the opportunity to work on these commissions.  God has been exceedingly gracious!  So dear followers, know that I haven't abandoned you- this (the blog, my website, my artwork, my involvement in our church, research- and in turn, writing about everything I find in the area of contemporary Christian art) is a growing puppy.  I simply haven't had time at this moment. I do what I can -I can't not paint... the twitches come back--- ahhh just kidding-  well sort of. There is much to be done.  With time as my ally, I will be able to accomplish it according to God's measure.

I am happy to say that my youngins' will be starting school soon.  When that happens, everything will fall into place- including regular blog posts filled with the wonderful insight and findings that I am constantly researching. I have notes and references that I am all too eager to share. 

I would love to hear from you!  What are your thoughts about the pieces?  I welcome very frank critiques.  As artists, we sometimes fail to see what others might when it comes to our art because we have looked at it too much to see it with fresh eyes, and truthfully, because we are too emotionally involved (at least this is the case with me- a novice mistake).  I would benefit from you sharing something that you see, feel, etc. that would help me to grow as an artist.

Be blessed!  Be inspired!
:)

Thanksgving Day Live Worship Painting 2010

 

"Thank You". Acrylic on Canvas. 20"X48"

During a worship painting, thoughts leave me and I am able to dialogue freely with my Heavenly Father, having Him lead the colors, shapes, and brushstrokes.  This year it was an honor and privilege to paint to the amazing music of Ingrid Rosario during our Thanksgiving Day service.  She is such a powerful and anointed woman of God. 



Ingrid Rosario and me sharing moments of worship.



This painting began as a vision in my mind.  As I prayed throughout the days leading to Thanksgiving, I had a recurrent vision of a vertical painting where the main focus was a representation of  vivid and luminous colors offered up to God.  The painting that resulted depicts a strong sense of gratitude for the gifts that our Lord has placed in us. 

We are given gifts and talents according to the call that has been placed in our lives, whether they deal with song, dance, art, speech, faith, culinary skills, hospitality, writing, craftsmanship, theatre, maternity, or paternity to name only a few of the wide spectrum of gifts God gives us.

With this piece, I envisioned our hands placed together joined at the base of the palms as an offering of worship.  Hands outstretched, away from our bodies, holding up the thoughts of majestic gifts and talents that He has graciously granted us- yes for His Kingdom, of course- but also for our joy and pleasure. 

The highest form of worship, for me, is to offer up the gifts He gave me, right back to Him.  This the greatest "Thank You" that I can offer.  Therefore, I named this piece "Thank You".

As I glance back at it now, it reminds me of my daughter showing me her drawings- proudly and happily, her arms outstretched as far as they could possibly go, desiring the art to reach me more quickly than the rest of her could as she runs towards me. 

Live Painting:  Photographs of Live Painting by Lynda Carcache



The Sketches



The first sketch along with a scripture to express reverential Thanksgiving.  Romans 12:28  Therefore, we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.  That says so much!

 



Playing with the design to get a dynamic composition without compromising the message or the vision

 My prayer is that with each new piece what I see in my mind's eye and feel in my spirit is more clearly expressed and evident. I want more of Him and less of me depicted in the visual interpretations of His messages.

Be blessed!  Be inspired!

Beautiful Fall

Beautiful Fall 6"X6" Acrylic on canvas

 This piece was  inspired by the magnificent colors of Fall. It turned into something more.  It is my representation of beautiful fall into the arms of our saviour any time we are in despair, are lost, are lonely, need guidance, etc. in short have moments of humanity.  When we fall into His arms, that is a beautiful fall.

The beauty of dying leaves (up north) create this beautiful array of hues!  Through the process, I began to  think of our choice to die to our reliance upon ourselves- to take care of our own problems, sorrows and/or deficiencies, and instead simply allow ourselves to fall into God's grace.  That is beautiful and that will in turn create a life that would otherwise not surge on its own:  true life-  filled with grace, joy, power, and freedom. 

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:6

I found there to be a subtle but significant metaphor between the changing of seasons from Fall-Winter, and ultimately Spring to the death to our self-reliance, and in turn true reliance on God.



Be blessed!  Be inspired!

Autumn Passage

Here is a visual doodle of the magnificent colors we saw while on vacation just a few weeks ago. It is acrylic on canvas, 6"X 6".  I seldom, if ever, make such small paintings, but I thought I would try just to see what happened.  I was more relaxed with the smaller format. The strokes were moves of my wrist and hand rather than my whole body.  I'll continue working this size, and different dimensions, but dearly miss painting on a larger scale... I used to paint on heavy paper taped together by masking tape and built up with textures of gesso, medium, and paint and thoroughly enjoyed it (in college- I had nothing but time then). 

While I am between series and commissions, I will continue to experiment with dimension.  I look forward to a breakthrough in a direction I am headed in, but am careful not to place too much expectation.  Expectation is my kryptonite!  I just relax, basque in God's presence and see what happens.  It is amazing how difficult it can be to deliberately let go and just paint sometimes.  One would think....

Be blessed!  Be inspired!

Live Worship Painting for 2010 Women's Conference

I can finally sit down to share the wonderful events that took place in the Edifica 2010 Women's Conference in Miami, FL.  Things have been so wonderful since!  God has taken care of putting things in our lives in order so that we can dedicate our time to Him and rest on Him also- very important!  So after a wonderful vacation, (trip inspired paintings are forthcoming!) I want to share the women's retreat weekend!  On Friday October 22, 2010,  I painted live through the initial worship, preachings of our home pastors, and concluding worship.  It was, all in all, perhaps two hours worth of time painting live before the congregation.  I truly felt the presence of God throughout the night.  I am posting the photos in the order that they occurred:





Here is one photo of the exhibit in the lobby.  I created a board that provided my artist statement and information about the series:  Finding a Niche

  


Our pastors, worship band, their families, and me praying before beginning the service...





The Lord's blank slate...

 


The Christian band, "Contagious" was amazing and the presence of God was tangible.

 


Lead singer  (on the projection) and guitarist for Contagious...

  


Here is the progression of the painting during our Pastor's wife's preaching.





Almost finalized...



Amalfi Blanco, a tremendous woman of God and Christian singer (far left), concluded with several songs to wrap up our time with God.



This weekend was the first formal showcasing of my work as a Christian Artist.  The website, blog, logo, and business cards all came together to materialize the beginning of a vision God has placed in my heart for several years now. God has graciously given me talents and a passion to execute pieces of art to glorify Him, and bring the messages of His word to a visual format, through my interpretation.  I am overwhelmed and filled in a way that only God can accomplish. 

This marks the beginning of a very special journey for me.  I felt extremely loved and supported in this endeavor. I am so exuberant for God's inspirations and ideas, and the actualisation of those inspirations and ideas.  Our God is magnificent!  He puts passion in our hearts for His plan for our lives and then is faithful to assist along the way.  Words can barely describe how blessed I feel to have embarked on this new walk with God along this extremely fulfilling new path.

Humbly and with an endeared heart I pray that you be blessed and be inspired!

God Bless you!