When they saw the star
they rejoiced
with exceeding great joy.
Matthew 2:10
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Hot Chocolate for Sophia
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| 24 x 24 x 1.5 inches 60 x 60 x 3.81 cm |
My
daughters, 3 and 8, love hot chocolate. It is something I purchase year round,
because yes, they enjoy a cup during the summer months too. Especially, my
Sophia.
There
is a method to her drinking. First, she shovels the whipping cream into her mouth and somehow 'chews' it to her
delight. Then she stirs the rest of it blending it into her drink. Thus, this
painting is an 'ariel view' of her stirred hot chocolate.
It
is always a happy five minutes in the house when it's time for hot chocolate.
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| Addison and Sophia, and hot chocolate and happiness. |
What food or drink takes you to your
five-minute-happy-place?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Grounded
Sometimes when life appears to be coming at you all at once...
not enough work...late bills...car trouble...decisions...
new job...new house...new location...empty pantry...
kids...twins...triplets...worry...options...
doubt...pride...ego...Love...infatuation...promotion...
responsibility...weakness...sorrow...pity...deadlines...
college tuition...more options...more decisions...teenagers...
terrible twos...and threes...exhaustion...parents...laughter...
friendships...family...life...
It is very important to stay grounded through it all.
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| Close-up |
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| Grounded 20 x 24 x 1.5 inches 50.8 x 61 x 3.81cm |
What grounds you?
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Summer of Love
Summer of love I love your memory
Smiling, holding hands, wining and dining
Laughing, playing, with so much life and free
Always together, our souls combining
Running your fingers through my long black hair
Our sweet mouths were closed while our brown eyes talked
A place of millions; we were not aware
Your safe arms holding me close while we walked
No one else can play our instrumental
It’s an unduplicated melody
One we stumbled upon accidental
I smile when I think of the history
Our love rises above the solar wind
And pulls stronger than the greatest black hole
A love so mighty we can not rescind
Alive and powerful we can’t control
Summer ended …our love will always be
Summer of love…I love your memory
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| Summer of Love 24 x 36 x 1.5 inches 61 x 91.4 x 3.81 cm This painting is hi-gloss |
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| Picture taken a little closer to show gloss effect |
Why are so many songs and books based on summer loves?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Stairway to Heaven
watch your step
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| Stairway to Heaven 30 x 40 x 1.5 inches 76.2 x 101.6 x 3.81 cm |
I would be remiss if I didn't add this song to this post : ) While it proved challenging to find an instrumental version under five minutes, with decent quality, and without ads, this one fit the bill.
Did you found this post to be unique, thought provoking,
and enjoyable?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Embrace
There are people that live life with their arms wide open,
Receiving and accepting everything.
The odd thing is,
If you don’t embrace a few things in life
You end up empty handed.
So embrace.
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| Close-up Midnight Sable Palmwood (petrified wood) rare and highly collectible |
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| Embrace 14 x 18 x 1.5 inches 35.6 x 45.72 x 3.81 cm |
What do you embrace in life?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Eclipse
e·clipse/iˈklips/
An obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illuminationDon't ever let anyone, or anything
...objects, thoughts or feelings...
Eclipse you.
Always let your light shine.
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| close-up |
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| Eclipse 24 x 24 x 1.5 inches 61 x 61 x 3.81 |
How do you avoid eclipses in your life?
Thank you for your comments.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Into the Deep
Sometimes,
when we
wait a little longer…
squint into the Milky Way…
prolong your thoughts…
explore mysteries…
allow our taste to linger…
hear with our eyes,
and see with our fingers...
Then, we will begin our ascent
Into the Deep.
We will summon unknown senses.
See colors with our eyes closed.
Smell melodies that flew past us
and hear aromatic scents.
We will tastes words that skipped our palette
and gain the ability to
But only
if we go
up
Into the Deep.
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| Into the Deep 24 x 48 x 1.5 inches 61 x 121.9 x 3.81 cm |
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Baptism
Welcome to KESA Collections blog. This particular post is unique for two reasons. This is the first time I have had a guest blogger, please welcome Stuart Nager; published author/Creative Chameleon, practicing and living a creative life. He has become a dear friend, one of the few I have turned to for inspiration when I get 'creatively-stuck', and I am always eager to read next what he has penned. He has some awesome sonnets and short stories.
He was only given the title of the painting and this exact picture (from my iPhone) to use for his inspiration. There were no other requests from me, he had free reign. Enjoy.
The preacher stood in the cold river, waiting for the
faithful arrive…to be saved. Rev. Joshua had been doing this forever, blessed
with the gift since he could wade into the water. He smiled in anticipation, looking forward to
saving another soul, bringing them fully into the fold of the lord.
He had no congregation but his own faith. Self ordained,
righteous in his belief, Rev. Joshua held his arms out, palms out, in
supplication. Beatific would be an invented word for him, if it had not already
existed at that moment. This was holy, in his mind, and he waited for others to
join him in all that was holy.
The Rev Joshua waited the morning away, tranquil in the
buzzing of the wildlife around him. Stoic, time passed him by in common
communion, nothing disturbing the ordinance of his faith. The afternoon came and went, and dusk was
descending, and still no one else was there save he.
Finally leaving the water, stiff, water shriveled, he
collapsed to his knees on the tall grass. Joshua felt shriven, as he had
presented himself to the ultimate. He had confessed, did his penance, and was
absolved, and he felt this not only for himself but for everyone, for every
soul. It had been a baptismal experience of the highest power, and he would do
this again tomorrow.
No one came this day; no one came the day before, or the day
before that. He doubted anyone would arrive in any of the coming days. He had
made his peace with this, his private communion, his baptism for the world.
He stood up, looked into the heavens and said only
“Hallelujah.”
For more of Stuart, please visit his site at www.stuartnager.wordpress.com. Sign up for his blog or enter one of his blog writing challenges.
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| Baptism 24 x 30 x 1.5 inches 61 x 76.2 x 3.81 cm |
The second reason this post is unique is because I am introducing a new element in some of my paintings, starting with this one...semi-precious stones! This painting contains over two carats of moonstones and over 60 Swarovski crystals. I am really excited about this new add. I have a couple more in the works so be sure to return often to have a look : )
We would love to hear your comments on his story, my painting, our combined forces...thank you so much.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Color Blind
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| Color Blind 30 x 24 x 1.5 inches 76.2 x 61 x 3.81 cm I find when I spend more time looking at the color of a persons words, when I take time to observe their actions, when I gaze into their heart, when I squint and see a hint of their intentions, when I stare at their voice, only then do I see their true colors. Are you color blind? |
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Silver Lining
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| Silver Lining 24 x 36 x 1.5 inches 61 x 91.4 x 3.81 cm |
It may not always be visible.
It may appear staggered and disconnected.
It may be dim at times.
But your silver lining is always there.
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| Just over 100 Swarovski crystals applied by hand |
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| close-up to show color and texture |
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| close-up to highlight more texture I really love this piece. |
Do you always have your silver lining in sight?
Do you think it requires hope? Or hope and faith?
Friday, September 23, 2011
Faith
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| Faith ~ SOLD ~ 24 X 30 X 1.5 inches 61 x 76.2 x 3.81 cm |
~The way to see faith is to shut the eye of reason~ Benjamin Franklin
~Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen~ Hebrews 11:1
~To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.
To one without faith, no explanation is possible~ Thomas Aquinas
~Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase~ Martin Luther King Jr.
~Faith is a passionate intuition~ William Woodsworth
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| Close-up Swarovski crystals representing Faith |
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| Faith (it's a little hard to see the crystals, but they are there:) |
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on faith. Is it necessary? What are your favorite faith quotes?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Versatile Blogger Award
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| Versatile Blogger Award |
An award! Whoo Hoo!!!
I have only been writing my blog for about four months and to be recognized by not one, but TWO different fellow bloggers, well, I’m speechless. Did I mention it was on the same day?!? Crazy!
First I would like to thank Deeone Higgs, author of Kingskidd Chronicles .I KNOW he reads so many blogs so the fact I was on his radar just tickles me. He is someone I have known shortly and have come to enjoy sharing and challenging each others thoughts and ideas. Thanks D!
Secondly, I would very humbly (curtsying) like to thank Mike Shippey, fine author of HABITUALVICTORY.COM . I have to admit I was thrilled to receive the award from my friend Deeone but to be surprised by a stranger…well, that’s just down right cool. Thank you Mike!
So, there are a few rules for the recipients of this wonderful award:
- Thank the person who shared the award with you, by linking back to them in your post.
- Share 7 things about yourself.
- Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it.
Seven things you may not know about me.
1 ~ I nap daily. Seriously.
2 ~ After the Bible, I find the construction and assembly of the dictionary and thesaurus very illuminating and engaging. Sadly you would not know this by my limited vocabulary and poor spelling.
3 ~ My favorite breakfast is chicken enchiladas with two fried eggs on top. I don't have it often but that is probably why it continues to be my favorite.
4 ~ When I was 18, I played in three different soccer cups (tournaments) in three different European countries. And yes, it was very cool.
6 ~ As much as I love sports, I don't really get into boxing. Yet, I love ALL boxing movies and I find chess-boxing fascinating. I'm still trying to figure all that out too.
7 ~ I LOVE love.
Well, there you go…just when you thought you knew me ;)
The blogging world is less than five months old to me. I am certainly a newbie. Finding 15 blogs was a challenge for me, I realized I need to and would like to read more and broaden my topics some. I really enjoy supporting other's endeavours and I wish the above authors an abundance of success in all things. In the above blogs you will find motivation, inspiration, laughter, art, business tips, how-to's, stories, poetry...
I encourage you to stop by each one and say hello and congratulate them on their well deserved award.
If you have any questions or comments, as always please feel free to ask/post below :)
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Awakening
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| Close-up of The Awakening |
Once or twice in our lifetime,
when we open our
eyes,
ears,
heart,
and mind
simultaneously
is when…and only when…
we experience
a great awakening.
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| Two panels. Each panel is 30 x 24 x 1.5 inches 76.2 x 61 x 3.81 cm |
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| Close-up |
Has this been your experience too?
How have you been awakened?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
LoveSick
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| Close-up of LoveSick |
My eyes refuse to cry; does it matter?
My limp arms no longer have you to hold.
Heart, why do you pound, then pitter-patter?
Lungs, I long for breath, please expand and fold.
Oh tears, why do ye hide? Set yourselves free.
Sad eyes, help the blue tears fall…push, kick, shove.
These empty hands are full of your memory.
My lonely fists clinch to capture your love.
Tears, why do ye resist?...flow again flow
Release yourself…today…tomorrow…when?
If my fingertips could touch your shadow
But for a moment we’d be joined again.
LoveSick, living without your love – feigning.
Gravity, pulling down my tears – streaming.
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| LoveSick 24 x 48 x 1.5 in 61 x 121.9 x 3.81 cm |
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Art to Painting the Sides of a Canvas
What color should I paint the sides of my canvas? How should I paint them? Should I paint the sides of my canvas? Do I leave spills or clean them up?
Some artists run into these dilemmas, and ask these questions, typically in the beginning of their art career. Once you have established a painting style it will not even be a second thought with what to do with all that extra white space. As you will see, you can incorporate more than one look into your style.
Here are some things to consider:
Will your piece of art work be framed?
If it is framed then there really is no need to paint the extra canvas space.
Do you like uniformity?
Then I would consider painting the sides of all your work either black or white.
You can always choose to 'wrap' the painting around the sides of the canvas. This is the same as 'extending' the picture as shown here in Let There Be Light and Baptism.
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| You can see the ombre effect on the side |
I went one step further in Bands of Love and used the palette knife to continue the image. Yes, that uses MUCH more paint and adds more time, but this was a special painting for me so there was no holding back.
Use a Background or Complimentary color:
This is an easy one to apply and I have seen it used often. Take a look at Regret. The background was black so I just continued the color to the sides of the canvas. If I would have opted to go with a complimentary color then I would have chosen either a silver, a dark grey, or a dark purple.
Contrasting Color
One last color option is to choose a Contrasting Color to paint the sides of your canvas. I see this mostly in whimsical and children's art. But it certainly is not exclusive to them.
Spills ~ do I clean them?
It depends. If you are painting a modern, or 'clean', painting then you may want to consider wiping up any spills. Also, it may add an interesting contrast to leave it, just a thought.
Here is a piece that had spills that I chose to leave. Have a look at Heavenly.
If you are an artist then perhaps this has given you some new ideas to try next time you create your next masterpiece. If you are a collector or admirer of art then perhaps this has given you some insight on what an artist experiences while working.
Please feel free to comment, which look do you prefer?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Scattered Promises
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| Scattered Promises 16 x 20 x 1.5 in 40.6 x 50.8 x 3.81 cm First painting of The Covenant Collection |
Where do you keep your covenant?
That sounds heavy...on a reinforced shelf?
Where do you keep your covenant?
That sounds special...in a precious box?
Where do you keep your covenant?
That sounds personal...in my heart?
Where do you keep your covenant?
That sounds complicated...can someone else handle that?
Where do you keep your covenant?
Or.....are your promises just scattered about.....
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| Close-up Swarovski crystals in Lt Col Topaz 3mm, 4mm, 5mm |
Please share with me, where do you keep your covenant(s)?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Blessing
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| The Blessing 18 x 24 x 1.5 in 45.7 x 61 x 3.81 cm |
I don't necessarily think that you have to fight for what you want, but I do believe struggles are involved. When you have your eye aimed and locked on a goal, or on a dream, then challenges are strategically set before you and mountains suddenly appear from nowhere.
We are constantly dodging and weaving just to keep our goals and dreams in view, that we often miss the beauty in the struggle.
Think about when:
a flower opens for the first time...
a baby is delivered...
that firecracker explodes...
...wow, that is some beautiful chaos.
Find the beauty in your struggle. And close behind, you will find your blessing.
Please share, what blessings have you received from certain struggles?
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| close-up |
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| close-up |
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