Pinky Promise (we'll never move again)

This pic popped up on my FB memories and I giggled. This was snapped over 5 years ago when we were on our way to our new house with the last load of belongings in the back of the car. We were completely exhausted but excited.

We, to that point, had moved over 20 times (we've lost count, truly) and we were getting ready to move into one of the most unique properties we ever dreamed that we would get to live in.

That is when we pinky promised each other that this would be our last move. We even joked that when our time on earth is done, we could just be moved to the cemetery next door...(I know, we're those people.) Seriously, we thought this was it!

Pigeon Run had everything...big open space, history, studio potential, and we loved that place, but...we realized now that maybe our assignment there was to steward that place and leave it better than we found it. We had an amazing 5 years there and if I took the time to list all the wonderful and life changing events that happened while living in that space, this blog would be too long.

My Hubby made a masterful decision that knocked me for a loop when he said, I think we should put this place on the market. What?!!! ,and a few choice other expressive words, was my answer, but put it on the market we did after praying for the people who would live there.

After a bit of a gut punch in realizing that I had the perfect studio, I resigned myself to the fact that God must have something greater in mind for us. It isn't about a house, it's about life and living that really matters.

As I sit writing this post this morning, looking out at the foggy lake view, I realize that what I think is the pinnacle, the most amazing, doesn't even touch what is to come and I find myself filled with gratitude. Gratitude for so many Friends and Family that came and helped. They lifted, moved, packed, and made decisions when I was completely frozen in this process. I've said thank you so many times but it doesn't seem to cover what I feel.

We moved from 2800 sf not including garage and studio space to 780 sf of living space. A 1966 raised ranch with an inspiring view.

She needs a little updating, (studio, kitchen update, workshop, deck and outdoor spaces, just to start) but she's a sweet little project and we are very happy here already.

Yesterday, I carved out a bit of studio space and I'm really looking forward to creating and living here.

Hubby got a good start by taking out this little half wall cabinet thingy and it opened up the space so much.

It's a beginning...We believe that if we can dream it, we can do it. I would have never guessed 3 months ago that we would have done this and made this move, but I believe there is goodness and purpose in it and we are excited to watch it all unfold.

Why Post Undone Paintings?

I'm getting ready to come and participate in the Annual Artful Blooms Garden Tour in Historic Zoar, OH and I'm spending lots of time in the studio.

(Check out the flyer at the bottom of this post for more details)

So I've been posting a lot of, in process, pieces of art and I do get asked now and then Why? Why do you post undone paintings?

Over the course of my art career, even before I even considered what I do a "career", I have really enjoyed posting paintings while they are still in process.

I adore the feeling of beginning a piece. Tearing into the plastic that surrounds a canvas, squeezing paint from the tubes onto the palette, choosing those weapons of war otherwise known as paintbrushes and mark making tools.....and.....my absolute favorite moment....Yes, putting that first directional mark on the canvas.

I typically have an idea in mind when that first mark is left and it begins, the journey of blank canvas to refined form is my passion, even more so than when the final details make the piece reach it's finale. This is often the reason that I can have up to 4 paintings in process all at one time.

I've posted so much on Instagram, Facebook, and in stories and reels about these processes because I get so excited to share this moment with you.

I want you to be as excited as I am about how each mark, brushstroke, and color, all of those elements of art work together to create a piece that speaks encouragement, power, life!

What speaks at the end of the process is the culmination of layers represented by moments that happened in the process of creating.

Though the end result is the goal, the execution during the journey of the process is where it all happens. I receive inspiration and release it back and am taught and grow with each layer and I am grateful to just be a part of it all.

Please join me to see some of these end results along with so many wonderful local artists who will be displaying their work at Artful Blooms Garden Tour in Historic Zoar Ohio June 19th 11-4

I hope to see you there!

Artfully Yours, Tina

Painting Pure

Do You like color? I mean really love color...like the paint aisle in the art supply store is akin to the candy aisle in the little store where we got to go and when we got a treat as a kid. I remember walking up and down that section with so many choices and colors knowing I would get to choose one thing. I could just couldn't wait to enjoy my choice.

Would it be the little wax bottle that had this yummy juice, a handful of taffy, or my favorites at the time....tootsie rolls??

It was so fun the memory attached to that little store...It was innocence, it was pure. A pure memory, clean and rich.

I feel the same about that lane of goodness and potential known as the art section at the supply store. I like to go in there and drink in all the eye candy. Pure color, it's never been touched. It's never been squeezed from the tube and it holds all the potential to be anything.

The thing about art supplies is that they are just going to sit there with all that promise, but in the hands of an inspired artist with a fresh idea, a spark of passion, and a skilled hand....that artist uses that tube of pure, untouched paint and brings to life inanimate objects.

An artist, whether they wield a brush, a hammer, an instrument, ...the goal is to create a pure and honest image, message, melody, a word that has the potential to encourage a heart and possibly change the world.

"Pure" 24"x24" Mixed Media Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Original Available (Contact Me) Tina@TinaLawver.com /Prints coming soon

If you would like to take a journey, like I did, check out this amazing program and learn how to create beautiful art, The Program opens up this week. Check out the information link right here.

Artfully Yours,

Tina