Cues from a Sunrise (a painting in process)

Most mornings, I watch the sunrise from the kitchen table in our little cottage near the lake.

I get to be witness as the light changes and in turn changes everything it touches. I observe how the colors are made more magnificent with each passing second for that is how very quickly the change happens. There's magic in it, beauty in it....I believe it's a daily gift from a loving Father in heaven. Nature cries out that there is a God.

Today, like most days, is a studio day. Ted and I prayed before he left for work this morning that even the daily things we do, make a difference remembering that God is in the details and He has already been where we are going today and His plan is perfection. That we can rest in the Bringer of the day.

On the easel and in process, is a painting focused on a moment, a magical, never happen again moment, that encourages and allows for a change of the heart, a perspective shift...

A blue song bird is sent to minister to her and she is being infused with encouragement which will lead to a next step in her life of purpose.

Color cues from a sunrise, vintage music pages, the contrast of dark to light, a look, a glance, intentional marks and flow of the paint all working together to create a visual reminder that, when we lose our way or forget our purpose, there is an eternal plan and it's so important that gentle loving reminders come in tender forms to bring us back to it.

Blessings,

Tina

See available paintings by Tina

Artfully Purposed

When I get into the process of creating a painting, in my heart, I have a knowing that the process and the journey is for me...but the finished piece is for someone else.

Someone out there is longing for this image.

Within each mark, in the laying down of paint is a message someone wants to make a part of their life, their story.

Some may look at this statement and think, Wow...Arrogance?

or is it confidence in purpose?

The Artist surrendered to this, knowing that the time they spend in the studio is intentional, purposeful, and has the potential to encourage, lift up, and be a part of someone's story in a meaningful way, changes the whole creative process. It changes from making pretty things to creating lasting, even eternal images, that evoke emotion, affirm, and breathe life into someone.

Yes, that's what I believe art can do. I've been on both sides of this experience.

Why would an artist spend 40 hours a week, pouring their heart out in color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value....

with the intention of working all of it together to create...

balance, rhythm, pattern, emphasis, contrast, unity and movement??

the goal is that all of these elements of art would flow harmoniously in the direction of loving on someone that we may have not even met yet.

How divine.

A few weeks ago, a lovely woman walked into my booth at a fine art show. She connected immediately with a piece and then we began a conversation that very quickly broke the surface and got deep.

She asked me questions about a few pieces, but not the typical questions. Questions like "What were you thinking about when you painted this?" and she pointed, not to just the painting as a whole, but to a stroke that was in the painting. I was wow'd by that and grateful to have the opportunity to share. Looking at that particular brushstroke brought back the moment it was executed. That one stroke meant something to me and it was part of what meant something to her.

Love these moments. At this particular show, this happened several times and I felt at home.

It's amazing when someone views your work and tells you a story about something you, the artist, created. For me, it's a sense of completion. That's when I know that I've met the person who, in the process, I knew for whom this particular piece was created.

It's such a connection and so moving and an experience that breathes life back into me.

I received a beautiful note yesterday from her. She chose a collection of pieces that day that had a deep meaning to her. She sent me a photo of how she displayed them.

(with her consent, I share)

(left to right..."Affirmation", "Empathy", "Warrior")

...as well as her personal thoughts on them as a collection. (beautifully written MRJ)

With a grateful heart,

Are You an Art Collector? (of course you are!)

5 Reasons to Collect Original Art

Whether we realize it or not, we actually do collect art. We, in fact, are Art Collectors.

We purchase clothing, cars, homes, accessories, etc...based on how it speaks to us which is essentially an Artful Choice. We want to live with it! We respond to the color, the movement, and how it affects our surroundings. Hey!, we even buy food items in exciting boxes and containers!

The connotation of the term, Art Collector, brings up images of the wealthy, the privileged, those in grand homes, and those with disposable income who can afford to put these meaningful pieces in their spaces.

Though there may be some truth to that, I have found that those who are really active in collecting art, even though they really don't define themselves that way, are people of all backgrounds, financial means, educational achievements, and social status. Art, Original, Amazing Art is so accessible for anyone.

Because of this, I can honestly say that the common denominator boils down to one thing....

That essential thing is ....CONNECTION.

connect with the "Emmergent" Series pictured here

We, as Artists, are inspired and moved to place our hearts on full display for the world to view. We are vulnerable and honest, as we reach out with images that inspire, beautify, and speak life....with the goal of encouraging and lifting up those who view our work, we pray for that connection.

When a deep connection is made from artist to collector, there is a dissolve of excuses and obstacles that prevent someone from making that piece of art theirs because, in their body, mind, and spirit, it was created for them and is theirs already.

5 Reasons to Collect Original Art

#1 Art collectors feel deep emotional connection to their art collection and use it to express and share themselves with others.

Their art collection reminds them of important memories and milestones as art has been used to mark history since the beginning of time.

#2 Art collectors understand that supporting the arts really means supporting those who create for a living so that they can keep making art that can speak to hearts and change the world as it has for centuries. Many Collectors feel a connection with an Artist via style and message and desires that Artist to continue to create. In the early movements of Art, these individuals were called Patrons.

#3 Art Collectors understand that these pieces they connect with become heirlooms and are passed on to their loved ones as part of a meaningful legacy. They remind them of what it meant to their Grandparents etc. and because the art has become part of the background to the memories that were created in their lives, the pieces take on special meaning as they are passed down to the next generation.

#4 Art Collectors simply enjoy adding unique, one of a kind beautiful, works to their life. They become conversation pieces. They love seeing it everyday. They enjoy knowing the artist personally whether they connected with an existing work of art or had a piece commissioned in collaboration with an artist.

#5 Art Collectors LOVE the excitement of the search, the hunt, for that special piece to add to the collection. Like collecting anything from jewelry to antiques, Art Collectors love perusing through galleries and shops to discover that one of a kind piece they connect with. It's just fun and adds joy to life!

There are multitudes of ways that collecting art adds value to ones life. Isn'ti it amazing how beautiful art is more accessible today than it's ever been?! Getting to know artists, personally, is easier than ever! We can know why they do what they do and who they are. It's fascinating to me as I am a collector as well as an artist. These are incredible times as the gap between artist and collector is not as vast as it used to be.

Always Artfully Yours,

Tina

Tina Lawver is a thriving artist based in Ohio. See her available works here.

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