Overcast Morning at Lake Bartlett

...it is good for me to draw near to God:  I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Thy works.  - Psalm 73: 28

Overcast Morning at Bartlett Lake,  10 x 10 oil on canvas

Well, its been too long since my last post.  I'll try to do better.  Thank you to Patrick for finding this spot for one of our September painting meet-ups.  One thing you might notice is that the foothills look further away in the photograph than in the painting.  The camera does that, and that's one of the many reasons some painters prefer to paint a scene on site.  Another thing you can see is that I tried to match the colors of the land and water.  An artist doesn't always choose to use the actual colors in an outdoor scene.  Its fun to be bold and creative with color, and can yield some stunning results.  But sometimes I want to remember a spot just the way it looked and felt when I was there.  And this cool peaceful shore is one I wanted to revisit whenever I see my painting on the wall. 

I can only imagine. . .
       - Bart Millard

In the Morning, 11x14 oil (still in the works)



     I've been working a couple mornings on this scene from a shady pavilion at a northern entrance to Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  There'll be some color corrections and some rocks and details in the foreground before I am finished.   Though I go alone to this spot I end up enjoying conversations with several different people who stop by one or two at a time.  We talk like old friends, just appreciating the beauty of God's creation, sharing things that spark fond memories, sharing current interests and projects.  One man spoke of how his mother and father painted, each in different styles and mediums.  Someone asked if I was going to put a haze across the mountain.  Another really admired the fence when I was working on it.  Another was glad to show me his own artistic paintings of cars, which he had on his phone.  One cyclist just stopped to watch quietly, and wished me a pleasant day as he left.  One lady talked about her dog and how he would love to get home to the swimming pool.  Two park volunteers shared enthusiastically about their work watching out for the safety of people on trails.  I took their card and might look into volunteering for the parks. 
     For me, these interactions with supposed strangers who don't seem like strangers at all, is as uplifting and fulfilling as singing in a choir or the praise team at church.  Its a foretaste of God's renewed creation, when redeemed voices and lives will blend in joyous harmony.  I can only imagine!

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way;  
In peace tat only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live!
                            - Washington Gladden, 1879

Mission Trails Morning, 11 x 14 oil

 

During our recent vacation with family in California I was privileged to paint with the San Diego Plein Air Painters group at a couple locations.  Beautiful Southern California!  Now that we live only 5 hours away, I hope to go there often to capture the hills, the ocean and the historical landmarks. (and catch a Padres game!)

 

Me painting at Mission Trails Park north of San Diego



In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way;
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master let me live!

Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

 – James 3: 18

 

Peaceful Garden I, 16 x 12 oil

This painting is close to finished - needs some flowers I think.  Thank you to our friend Mike for sharing his wonderful garden with Arizona Plein Air Painters last Wednesday.  There was plenty of shade and plenty of photo-worthy scenes to keep me busy painting even when its too hot to be outside this Summer.  What is it about stone, water and plants that refreshes the soul?  I don't know, but I thank God for little oasis of peace. 

(plural for oasis?  oasi?  oasises?)

New Painting - Birds Preening at Saguaro Lake

How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
- Psalm 104: 24

Birds Preening at Saguaro Lake, 8 x 10 oil

 

I've started using Utrecht artist grade oil paints - love them! 

 

This painting I started on site a couple weeks ago while we were out with our painting group.  After a couple hours Jim and I were ready for breakfast, so we ordered delicious omelets at the restaurant by the marina, one of our new favorite places to eat.  I had to chop the sky off to fit my camera's frame and show you the rocks in the foreground.  The rocks under the shallow water and the birds on the rocks are my favorite parts of the painting.  I hope you enjoy them, too!

Painting of - er - the week!

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. - Psalm 18: 32
 

Walk in the Foothills I, oil 12 x 16

This is another Plein Air painting I started on site one morning last week, and finished at home today - well, as finished as its going to get - its hard to know when to stop!  I hope it gives you the sense of the sprawl of the residential areas between the foothills, and the cool shade I found to set up my easel.  Yes, astute viewer, the foothills are really shaped that way (I think Dr. Suess must have been inspired by Phoenix.)  I'm trying to finished unfinished work this week; next up will be a Plein Air oil of Saguaro Lake.

Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. - Proverbs 19: 21

Ocotillo in April , 20 x 16 oil on canvas

 

The desert flora is bursting with happy pinks, oranges and yellows at this time of the year.  This robust Ocotillo, easily 10 feet tall, is in my front yard and I enjoyed painting from the shade of the carport, and visiting with friendly neighbors who stopped by to chat.

 

Painting of the Day - Contemplation

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things that are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4: 18

Contemplation, 8 x 10 pastel

 

 

I painted this on site at Spur Cross Conservation area last Wednesday.  My friend, Paris, is in the foreground planning her watercolor painting.  We go to places of astounding beauty to paint, but more lovely is the painter's spirit, which unlike the mountains and foliage, is unseen yet eternal.  Its the thing that brings exclamations of awe to the lips of my friends and I, and partakes of the shapes, colors, temperatures, textures, values, perspective, fragrance and mood of the beauty God has placed before us for our enjoyment during our stay in this temporal world.

Painting of the Day - Patio Roses II

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. - Psalm 51: 10

Patio Roses II, 8x acrylic

 







Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16: 3

Rider at Dusk

8 x 10 acrylic

 

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Ephesians 5: 21

This study of Pinnacle Peak was painted by me with helpful intervention from some wonderful new artist friends during our Wednesday morning Plein Air meet this week.  8 x 10 pastel.

 

What a great painting morning we had!  About 7 artists showed up and everyone was eager to interact and take interest in each others' work.  Afterwards we had a lovely brunch at The General Store restaurant/antique shop at Pinnacle Peak. 

 

Special thanks to Gary Bender, President of the Arizona Pastel Artists, for encouraging me to try my pastels this time.

 

Painting of the Day

In silence my soul waits for you and you alone, O God. - Psalm 62: 1

Tonto National Forest Entrance A

by Debra Rutherford

8 x 10 acrylic Plein Air

 

Another image I painted recently on location.  This month I am reading Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton with my Tuesday morning women's study group.  There are plenty of invitations to be silently alone with God in the quiet majesty of this natural area.

Painting of the Day - Bartlett Lake II

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
 - 1 John 3:11

Bartlett Lake II, by Debra Rutherford

20 x 24 acrylic

Painting of the Day - Happy Birthday to my grandaughter Lily!

God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. - Genesis 1: 31

Zinnias and Guests, by Debra Rutherford

8 x 10 acrylic

 





Painting - Trust and Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15: 13

Trust and Hope, by Debra Rutherford

16 x 20 acrylic

In a previous post this painting was an unfinished study, created on a hilltop where I like to sit to listen to God.  Now that the shadows and flowers are more defined I'm ready to leave it alone.  The slopes that face East actually reflect warm colors into the shadows of the rocks facing West.  I hope you like the colors of the morning and the meandering path into the hills as much as I do.



 

I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. - Psalm 3:4

This morning I had the pleasure of joining a group of Plein Air painters for a few hours at Bartlett Lake in Tonto National Forest.  This is the little painting that I started, featuring the marina and the desert plants just starting to bloom.  There was a cool whisper of a breeze, so pleasant!

detail of Bartlett Lake, by Debra Rutherford

8 x 10 acrylic on canvas

Painting of the Week - March 22, 2013

But now Lord, what do I look for?  My hope is in You. - Psalm 39: 7

 

Today's painting is unfinished. It is my first plein-air work. Plein-air painting is painting outdoors straight from nature. I walked this morning to the crest of a hill in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, sat on a rock and worked out the values, lines and features.  I also took photographs that I will reference for finishing the tighter details in my studio.  Just as other artists have told me, the light changed rapidly, and as the sun rose higher the colors became less warm.  I look forward to doing a lot of hiking and outdoor painting. 

 

Things I learned from my first experience: 

• Wear sun screen and a hat next time.  
• A 16 x 20 canvas stretched on a frame is easy to carry to, as well as from, the worksight.  You can manage it without an easel, but I wouldn't want to with a larger canvas.
• A square sectioned plastic lidded containter works efficiently for a plein air pallet; you can pour a little water in one section and tilt it against a rock so that it makes a little well in the corner to wet your brushes (This if you are using watercolor or acrylic paint,)  and the lid preserves left over paint when you pack up to leave.
• A sweatshirt or jacket with good pockets for water bottles makes water seem less heavy to carry; one bottle of water to drink and one for paint thinning and brush cleaning.
• Just a couple squares of paper towels is sufficient.
• Select a few small (light weight) tubes of paint, or prepare the sections of your container with amounts you think you'll need.
• Always take a camera.  There might be an unsuspecting bug or animal nearby that you can photograph.

Painting of the Day - Sanctuary in the Morning

Honor and majesty are before Him:  strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. - Psalm 96: 6

Santuary in the Morning, by Debra Rutherford

16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

Painting in Progress

For you have been my hope, sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth."   Psalm71: 5

Today's painting is not finished, but I did not want to neglect this blog.  My reference is a photo I took in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve this week.  Next time I post it will be finished.

Its just been such a full week getting all settled in to our new home in Phoenix.  I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful artists at Southwest Art Celebration going on this month in Scottsdale, and have been even more inspired to keep painting.

Art of the Day - The Stones Cry Out

Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, ³⁸ saying:

“ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’^[d]
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

³⁹ And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”

⁴⁰ But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” - Luke 19: 37-40
 

Today I'm sharing with you a photograph I took this morning on my FIRST trek to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve near our new home.  These rocks look to me like a choir in formation facing the rising sun and getting ready to cry out in jubilant praise.  This morning my heart sings with them!

Painting of the Day

I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." - Psalm 16: 2

I am not an authority on roses at all, but my favorite ones are those that are pink tinged with yellow.  These were just poking their heads out from a darkly shaded patio, hence the dark background. 

Roses on the Covered Patio, by Debra Rutherford

9 x 12 acrylic on canvas

Painting of the Day - February 27, 2013

Don't you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?
 - 1 Corinthians 3: 16

Do you ever stop doing something that is healthy for you, because the distractions of this world shove it aside?  I got off track with my daily painting, and it did not feel good.  So its good to be back. 

If you have a daily practice that is life-giving to you, take it like vitamins and don't let distractions, self-doubt or anxiety rob it from you. Everything will get done that needs to be done within Gods perfect timing.  Ask God for His peace.

Peace in the Desert, by Debra Rutherford

6 x 9 acrylic on watercolor paper

Art of the Day

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him..... Romans 15:13

 

I confess.  I have failed to paint for two days now.  My excuse is that I am on the road and all I want to do is drink in the beauty.  Today our journey brought us to New Mexico and a wonderful peace settled around me as the vast desert and mountains came into view.  The sunset turned the mountains a deep purple near Albuquerque and streaked the sky with orange.  The highway traffic did its part adding twinkling headlights to the darkening ground. 

 

I decided to share with you someone else's art I saw today.  I took this snapshot at a rest stop in New Mexico. It is called "Prayer Sticks" by John Geldersma.  From the angle I took you can see a map of the world reflected from the opposite wall.  I hope all believers will join me in remembering to pray for our country and for the world.

"Prayer Sticks" by John Geldersma 2007

Carved and Painted Wood Installation for Art in Public Places Program, New Mexico

 

Painting of the Day

When Jesus spoke again to the people he said "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8: 12

I received such a good response from my Zinnias and Bees paintings that I will be painting more of them from time to time.  Today's painting is a miniature.   Its snowing and sleeting loudly on my windows tonight, but this little painting takes me in my mind to a quiet warm sunny garden.  Ahhh.

Bee on a Zinnia, by Debra Rutherford

2.5 x 3.5 acrylic on watercolor paper

Painting of the Day

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10: 31

I love to try new things, so I can learn something.  For example, I have never tried to create a loose impressionistic still-life painting like this one.  I thought it would be quick and easy - just a few fat strokes and a few highlights, right?  Well, I have a new respect for painters who do this type of work. 

 

Gravy Bowl and Apple, by Debra Rutherford

8 x 10 original acrylic on canvas covered board

Painting of the Day

For this is the message you hear from the beginning:  We should love one another. - 1 John 3: 11

Today I painted 4 miniature paintings called ACEOs (Art Card Edition Originals.)  I only learned recently that there are collectors for these 2.5" x 3.5" paintings.  Some are artists who want to trade with other artists. Others just like to collect them like baseball cards.  You can see other artists ACEOs on E-bay : )

Painting of the Day

By day the Lord directs his love, by night his song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life.
 - Psalm 42: 8

Today I painted a cactus to go in my "Arizona series." I think it looks like its singing.

 

"Sing in the Desert" by Debra Rutherford

8 x 10 acrylic on canvas covered board

My Mural Work

Today I began studying the Gospel of John and writing down all the things that Jesus said about who he is.  Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life.   Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6: 35

I have decided it is time to show the mural work I have done.  My latest mural was for my grandson.  I designed it referencing photos from a book about our National Parks.  The background is a scene in Yosemite. There are three deer, a bear, a fish, an eagle, a squirrel and two wolves in the painting.

My first mural I created years ago at the Tulsa zoo for the Australian Tawny Frog-mouth bird exhibit.  Here are the mock-up panels I presented to the art director at the time so that she could choose which scenes I would put together on three walls.
As you can see, the panels can be rearranged so that you see more plants or more rocks.  Unless the exhibit at the zoo has changed, my signature can be found at about eye level toward the front on the right.  It was great fun to paint large like that!
I am ready now to take on more mural commissions.

 

Painting of the Day

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord. - Psalm 104: 's

Today's painting is from a photo I shot on the rocky road east of Apache Junction in Arizona. 

Meditation in the Desert, by Debra Rutherford

20 x 16 acrylic on canvas covered board

 

Painting of the Day

I call today's painting "Blood in the Garden."  Its is a cross-bred red and yellow Zinnia from my garden.  As we enter Lent I am reminded of the agony of Jesus Christ as he prayed on the Mount of Olives, in preparation for his impending suffering on our behalf, so that those who would accept his gift would have eternal life.

He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done."  An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. - Luke 22: 41-44

Blood in the Garden

acrylic on canvas covered board (12 x 16)

Painting of the Day

"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." -John 7: 38

Today's painting was my first attempt at "abstract" painting with pallet knives.  "River" is oil on cold-press watercolor paper (4 x 6.)   The colors I used are Titanium white, Naples Yellow, Cerulean Blue and Red Ochre.  It looks to me like a calm river ride to some some mysterious and beautiful place.

River

oil on paper (4 x 6)

Painting of the Day

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. - Proverbs 3: 3

Today I finished the sea lions I started to paint yesterday.  You can look at yesterday's post to see the progression of the paintings.  This time I referenced pencil sketches that I did at the Tulsa Zoo. 

Sea Lions II

original acrylic on paper (4 x 6)

 

Sea Lions III

original acrylic on paper (4 x 60

 

Painting of the Day

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity! - Psalm 133: 1

Oops!  I ran around doing other things today and did not get my daily painting completed.  However, don't you agree that two half-done paintings should count as one finished one?  Hopefully these two will be finished tomorrow.  Thank you for stopping in, and have a blessed evening.

Painting of the Day

And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. - Ephesians 5:2

Today's painting is a rather folkish 13 x 7 1/2 acrylic on paper.  Its a scene of a place I love to visit, Prescott, Arizona when there are arts and crafts on the village green (and corn dogs!)

 

 

Painting of the Day

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. - Psalm 136: 1

Today I painted from photographs of the Zinnias that flourished in my garden last summer.  For those of you, like me, who do not have a green thumb, throw Zinnia seeds on some dirt and watch them take over - even in draught!  The hummingbirds loved them, too.

Zinnias and Bees

Acrylic on paper

4 x 6

Painting of the Day

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. - Isaiah 40:28

Today's painting was a stretch for me, but a learning experience, so I'll share with you what I learned.

You will see that I have posted two paintings. The second one is the same scene in abstract design, as simple as I could force myself to do it.  After painting the flat colors of the second painting, which you might call a study, I realized that it would have benefitted me to create the second painting first.  The study would have shown me how to narrow my pallate of colors and target the parts of my composition that I wanted to have most importance.  After seeing the colors of the simpler study, I went back into the first painting with those colors and "fixed some areas that I was least happy with."  What I learned, and what many accomplished artists know already, is that it would be well worth my time to do a preliminary study before tackling the final painting.

If you are an artist and this is helpful to you, I would love to hear from you.

"After the Storm" by Debra Rutherford

Acrylic on paper 4" x 6"

 

Study for "After the Storm"



Painting of the Day

"Poolside 1" by Debra Rutherford

 

Welcome to my new blog!  I have made a goal to create A PAINTING A DAY!  This 4" X 6" original acrylic painting, featured on my gallery at debrarutherford.artspan.com, was just completed today.  It is a sea lion at the Tulsa Zoo.  Sea lions are my favorite zoo animal.  They are such adorable characters and, with their smooth lines, they are a joy to paint.  I hope you like it.  CHECK BACK TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT'S NEW!

My Bible verse of the day: 
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. - 3 John: 4