Under Pressure

Someone once said, "When you're pressed, what's inside comes out".  I see this evidenced in my life.  I have been pressed on every side this summer...beyond what anyone should need to bear...and here's what emerges from my soul:  This painting is a result of showing up at my easel, putting brush to paper without prior conceptualization or thought, and seeing what happens.  What comes out.  The painting is meant to be open to interpretation...every viewer brings to the event their own feelings, imagination, eyes.  I see storm clouds...but they're moving.  I see rough seas becoming calm as they reach the shore.  I see land, dark and distant, but an opening--a cove--for safe approach.  I see reflections...mirrors to the moment.
I see light...bright and glowing light...that remains constant despite the storm's attempt to obscure and cover.  That's what is inside me...an ever present knowing that Light is within reach, just beyond the darkness, just beyond the storm.

"Flight"  ~~private Maine collection

Walking in my Painting

I went for a walk in my painting, 4 years after painting it.  And something miraculous happened.  Let me tell you the story...

The painting, "Megan Jill", is a commissioned piece from 2009.  It was to depict not only the boat, whose namesake would be the recipient of the artwork, but also the quaint Maine village of Friendship Harbor.  Several of the wharves and buildings were owned by the same family as the lobster boat.  I took on the project, using a photograph as a reference, as I had never been to Friendship, Maine.  

Fast forward to 2013...while on an trip up the coast of Maine, my friend suggested we visit the coastline north of Damariscotta.  We headed toward Friendship Harbor and I became excited to see it firsthand!  As we drove down the narrow, curved pavement (upper right portion of the painting) and onto the wharf and I felt like I was back in time.  Back to the days when I was sketching and painting the piece.  I recognized all the buildings, the bait shacks, the peaks of the houses...it was surreal and fascinating to this artist's brain!

 Of course, I wanted to find the Megan Jill!  So I explored each corner...but came up empty.  Walking down the last pier, one boat caught my eye, the Jill Marie, as I strolled past it.  But it was not the same color, so I kept moving.   When I came back from the end of the pier, I read the words "Jehovah Jireh" painted on the side of the Jill Marie.   I hadn't noticed them the first time I walked by!

Translated, this means "The God Who Heals".  Tears began to fall from my eyes.  I knew it was God speaking to my heart.  Telling me I am on the right path.  For back in 2009 I was diagnosed with a troubling illness within a few days of quitting my job and pursuing this artistic journey full time.  As I worked my way through the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanies any serious diagnosis, painting kept me grounded in the present moment.  Painting was, and continues to be, a tremendous instrument in my day to day peace.  Through the miracle of prayer (mine and those of my precious friends) I have continued to paint full time for nearly 5 years now.  It is my dream come true.  Being able to express myself through watercolor painting has truly brought great healing, to my soul, and subsequently to my body. I am grateful beyond words to my God and the special people in my life who lend loving support and encouragement to me as I walk this amazing walk called the journey of life!  

Friendship...the name of the place...and the name of so much more!

Morning Light

If we fail to pause, even for a moment, to bear witness to nature, why are we here?  Beyond cars and concrete and cappuccinos is a world that quietly marks the passing of time through light and tracks and new birth...melting snow, green buds, singing birds.  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven.  This painting is of a large pine tree that sits on the edge of our property line.  I look out upon it as I sip my morning coffee.  And in certain seasons, the morning light illuminates the base of the trunk and lower branches.  It has always captured my attention--enchanting me with thoughts of  how light can make its way through a thicket to warm up the snowy forest floor.  Today, as I was silently watching through my window, a deer made its way behind the tree and rested just to the right of the trunk, nestled in the snow, taking a moment to her self.  Made me wonder if she would farrow early and bring forth an spotted spring fawn, but after a while was joined by others in her herd and they moved on.  It is precious and sweet to gaze upon the creatures of the woods.  We must take time. 

Comes the Dawn

Twelve Noon on New Year's Day.  Happy 2014!  I absolutely love New Year's Day...its a new beginning, a fresh start.  Its a chance to grow, learn, change, appreciate, and love...just a little bit better, a little bit more, than the year before.  Building upon all that I learned, I journey forward into this budding pathway.  I have some new things I want to try, some new thoughts I want to think.  Join me in this voyage we call life...the adventure of a brand new year!  

AND, as is tradition at Dragonfly Arts, the first painting of the year ("Comes the Dawn" pictured above) is given to the first person who asks for it...free!  (This one is painted on aquaboard and is 5"x7") My email is dragonflyartsofmaine@yahoo.com 

Christmas 2013

Dan Fogelberg's most famous Christmas song is Auld Lang Syne, of course.  "Saw an old lover in the grocery store...la da da da Christmas Eve..."  But he breathes new life into this 19th Century Christmas hymn and it has become one of my all time favorites.  You can find it on his "The First Christmas Morning" CD--highly recommended--as a collection of beautifully written or resurrected pieces that point to Christ, the whole reason for Christmas.  Enjoy! 

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

In the bleak mid-winter, the frosty wind did moan

The earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone

Snow had fallen softly, snow on snow on snow

In the bleak mid-winter, oh so long ago

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him nor the earth sustain

Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign

In the bleak mid-winter a stable place sufficed

For the Lord almighty, Jesus Christ

Oh what can I give Him, woeful as I am

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb

If I were a wiseman, oh I would do my part

Yet, what can I give Him - I will give my heart

Oh what can I give Him - I will give my heart

Words: Christina Rossetti, 1872. Music: Gustav Holst, 1906.

Maine's Coastline

Ocean's Edge
16"x14" $275 framed

 Maine's coastline is as variable as the weather...rocky here, sandy there...smooth sailing one day, storm front moving in the next.  Hearty beach roses are among the flora and fauna that frame the sea, their beauty showing forth despite salty air and challenging conditions for growth.  I love sitting on the rocks watching the waves crash and the seagulls diving for dinner.  Sometimes a lobsterman cruises by, stopping to check his pots next to the colorful buoys.  Capturing the tides on canvas, the ebb and the flow, reminds me to remain flexible and moving, growing and loving every day.                                                                                   

Prout's Neck Tides and Roses
~~sold

SPLASH!!
24"x20" $450 framed

Cranberry Skies
27"x17" $750 Framed

Boat House Blues

It's been a while!  Summer morphed right into fall before I could even catch my breath!  I have missed writing and posting here...and look forward to a bit more activity in the coming months!  Life has been incredibly busy, but oh so very good.  I relish the sweet moments time has given me...now tucked away as fond memories of family, fun, and fulfillment of my dreams through painting.  God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good!

~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine~~

Hope

Spring flew right past me this year!  All of a sudden it's June and I haven't posted on my blog in a long time!  I had a little fun with acrylics a few weeks ago.  They are the opposite of watercolors in technique, but one can still achieve a similar "watery" effect. 

I named this painting "Hope" because Spring always brings with it a promise of hope...the cold winter melts into greens and purples and pinks...the quiet snowflakes give way to chittering, chattering birds...the frosty air turns fragrant and warm.  It's not that Spring went by without my noticing...it's just that I was busy marking time in Nature, not online!  The violets carpeted my lawn, the daffodils laughed in the breeze, the tulips smiled before each faded petal fell, the lilacs and honeysuckle scented the garden then gave way to the irises and lupines. 

And so it goes...and so it goes. God's mercies are new every morning...He brings forth the flowers and the rain...the sun and the moon...each in its own time. 

Happy June...Happy Summer...Happy Trails!

This painting is in a private collection in Maine.
 

Herschel's Barn

Crystal blue skies and daisies in the field.  All is well at the farm.  A quintessential summer day.  Farmers love these kinds of days, because so much work can be fit in between sunup and sundown without obstacles like mud or cold.  But farmers have a lot to teach us about how to live out our lives.  Sunny days are great--but rainy days are just as important when growing a crop.  Seeds are planted along with the faith that  rains will come to soften the shell so new growth can emerge.  Faith that after the rain, the sun will warm the soil so roots can reach deeper still, enjoying the nutrients found in the layers found beneath the surface.  The faith of a farmer--simple, elegant, and rich. 

This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

Poetry

The Owl Moves

A calling

She slips from the flannel envelope of her

Slumber

And mind

Beckoned by the stillness

The chill

The darkness to gaze

Amid the barren branches of the winter's night

A voice

Created, of a creature

An oral beacon that echoes in the cavern of time

Louder, still louder

"Speak, my heart listens; guide, I will follow"

Distant diamonds of light

Wings brush the dawn

Her flight



By RMM 1/28/13

Mountains in my Mind

There are mountains in my mind.  Some I climb up, some I climb down.  When atop the thrilling peak, I can see distant lands and times.  When in the valleys, I see both sides more clearly as I wait patiently in the shadows for guidance.  My hope is that I always have the courage to take one more step--whether up or down--and remember that my Savior is with me always.  I've been listening to a "new" album on my turntable...here are some words of wisdom from one of my favorite musicians, Dan Fogelberg: 

The higher you climb, the more that you see

The more that you see, the less that you know

The less that you know, the more that you yearn

The more that you yearn, the higher you climb

~~18"x15" $325 framed

Happy 2013--Happy Painting!!

Four new tubes of paint + one new brush = a happy day of painting!  New Year's greetings a few days late...but better late than never.  In this sunset painting, I was inspired by the dark tree shadows contrasting against the pink/orange glow of the setting sun on the snow.  Just beautiful!  A new year means a fresh start, new goals, new fun--and many new paintings!  I am pleased to be back in my studio after a holiday break, connected to my passion, and ready to see what 2013 brings!  I am grateful to my Lord who has provided this opportunity, and promise to steward it carefully! 
And, as is tradition at Dragonfly Arts, the first painting of the year is available for free to the first person who asks for it! 

Christmas Message 2012

This scripture says it all...so my words will be few:  "Fear not!" the angel of the Lord said unto the shepards.  So easy in concept...yet at times so difficult in action when following the path God has chosen in faithful obedience.  Love casts out all fear...if we love enough, if we allow God's love to be enough, the fear will abate.  The fruits will be recognized as joy and peace.  Merry Christmas my friends! 

 ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

Reflections of a Water Lily

This time of year, when the skies are mackerel-striped gray, I tend to reflect back on the past 11 months...what I've done, what worked and what didn't, fun times, hard times, and sunny days.  Last June, some artist friends and I travelled to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to paint en plein aire.  When we were about to leave, I snapped this shot of the sun glowing behind the petals of the water lily.  Couldn't help but be inspired to paint it!

In 2012 I spent more time painting and teaching watercolor painting than ever...had more shows and exhibits than ever, and was able to reach out to more people than ever with my message of Light and Hope.  Being able to paint is so special to me...not necessarily the talent, but the opportunity:  spending time and creative energy to put brush to paper...to be able to impact the viewer...in my case, I hope to bring peace to the heart of the beholder.  As I put my trust in Christ, my Creator...I hope to continue this journey receiving each day, one by one, as the gift that it is. 

  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

The Happiest Day

Early September morning in Vermont...fishing on a little river up North.  It was one of those magical mornings where the sun hit the edge of the leaves to make them glow and glitter...with the water glistening as it rippled along.  A gift from God just for me.  I painted this scene while sitting on a rock...my foray into Plein Aire painting is producing decent fruit.  In the middle of it all, I was overcome  with pure joy...I felt so happy...like I was resting peacefully right in the palm of His hand.  The safest place for me to be.  Right where I'm supposed to be.

  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine~~Giclee prints available: Image size 10"x8" $60 unmatted/unframed.

On the Beach that Day...

Glorious weekend to mark the "end of summer" here in Maine.  I spent a bit of time at the beach...walking, reading, and even painting!  It was perfect!  That being said, I am ready for fall.  I love all the seasons, and look forward to casseroles, football, and the trees revealing their true colors.  As a momento to the wonderful summer weather we've had, I'm offering this little unframed 5x7 watercolor free to the first person who asks!  I am grateful to the people who have supported and encouraged my journey as a full-time artist...and grateful to God for His perfect provision each and every day for me to keep on keeping on!   

Seguin Island Lighthouse

Took a magical trip across the ocean to this little island that houses Maine's second oldest, yet tallest lighthouse.  It was a quinticential summer day on the Maine Coast...breezy, sunny, warm, simply wonderful.  I was inspired by the lens of the lighthouse and tried to imagine how I would capture the multiple dimensions of light coming into the lens, as well as going out.  What is the source of Light in your life?  Does the Light come in as well as go out?

~~13.5"x16.5" $295 framed

The Vessel

My friend discovered this vignette at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens the other day and we sat in the sun painting to our heart's delight.  It was a glorious day after several filled with clouds.  I was inspired by the light reflecting off the dark vase, which stood at least five feet tall on a wall of granite.   I resisted the urge to climb up and look inside.  What would I have found?  When we look inside the dark, do we find any light?  Dan Fogelberg wrote a line in a song, "There's a light in the depths of your darkness".  It's a wonderful song...full of hope despite all that is not right in the world.  My compass point these days is to remember I am God's vessel, reflecting His light in the darkness.  Leaning on His strength day by precious day.  

  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

Wintergreen Sunflower

I reaquainted myself with acrylic paints recently and composed this sunflower painting for the fundraiser Wintergreen Arts Center in Presque Isle, Maine, is hosting in a couple weeks. I wanted to capture how the sunflowers I grow keep their "faces" to the light...looking up...seeking the sun...very uplifting. The clear blue sky represents that peacefullness which accompanies a positive attitude. Reminds me to keep on keeping on, chin up, face to the Son.

  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

SPRING!!!

Can you feel it? Can you hear it? Spring is in the air! The birds certainly have known it for a few weeks, now, as they have been singing their sweet spring songs in celebration! I have been inspired to paint tulips...lots and lots of tulips!

Pink tulips, red tulips, peach tulips, tulips in vases, tulips in the garden. What joy it has brought me as the transition from Winter into Spring takes place. The melting snow reveals the promise of the new season--green grass, sprouting crocuses, velvet soft mosses. Winter into Spring has many moods--solemn clouds give way to glorious sunrises, which yield yet again to rain and even snow. Each day has a gift to share with us, even if it's so dark that we can barely perceive it--and sometimes it is so light that the glare makes us miss the details...but the gift is still there. May our hearts be light as we seek and find the gift in every day!
The top two paintings are available, framed in blonde wood 13"x13" frames with a white mat for $250.  The bottom painting is in a private collection in Maine.

Rutabaga I

Ru-ta-ba-ga: a brassicaceous plant, Brassica napobrassica, having a yellow- or white-fleshed, edible tuber, also called Swedish Turnip. Or as I like to see it, an orb with a really cool purple color that melds into a nice orange-y gold hue and flowing green leaves that have holes where the bugs got at them. This is definitely a vegetable that is under appreciated, but apparently quite healthy for us. Try adding carrots or parsnips to a mash of rutabaga, with some butter (not too much!) and garlic and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese... delightful! Consider this my ode to eating more vegetables--along with all those other things that are healthy habits to employ! God gives us all that we need to nourish our bodies and souls--its up to us to partake in His bounty!


  ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.

Dawn of a New Year

New Year's Greetings! The dawn of a new year...a clean slate...a chance to live life as you've always dreamed it. We have this power, this choice within us. It's up to us to make the decision--to live authentically, simply, lovingly, peacefully. The Source that gives light to the sun wants to share that light with you. This, too, is a choice. A daily surrender not to our appetites, but to what brings everlasting peace. My New Year's goal is to be in touch with that peace each and every day...the fruits of my spirit will tell me if I am on track.

And as is traditional at Dragonfly Arts...this small 5x7 first painting of 2012 is being offered to the first person who asks for it--free!

Peace be with you all in 2012!

Christmas Message 2011

The Wisemen heard the Good News and wanted to worship the New King. They asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)

They searched, and found their King…but it was not what they expected, to say the least. The star led them to a house where they discovered the Boy Child and his mother Mary. No royal robes, no golden crown, no throne, no palace. Did they turn around, assuming they were mistaken? Did they look at the night sky, seeking another star?

Nope. They bowed down and worshiped. And opened their treasures. And offered their gifts. (Matthew 2:11) To the little Child who was their King.

Have you ever encountered such a scene…where things did not turn out the way you planned…they way you hoped…the way they were supposed to? Feelings of discouragement, despair, anger and frustration seem warranted. But God’s ways are not our ways. He asks us to look at the Wisemen, and worship anyways. To open the treasures anyways. To offer our gifts anyways.

What does that look like in real life? Look for glimpses of God’s hand in your circumstances…and worship His presence in your life. Keep a close eye out for nuggets of clarity and truth, treasures in the sea of confusion and chaos. And offer ourselves as instruments of His Peace in times of uncertainty and unrest.

And remember…Wise Men Still Seek Him.
Christmas blessing to you and yours.

Sunflowers with Blue Vase

My mother in law, affectionately know as "Dinah", has a little saying when happening on something delightful: "That'll give you a lift!!"
That's what I feel when I see sunflowers--and was immediately inspired by my friend's vase full of fresh sunflowers earlier this fall. Their blooms lean this way and that as they follow the sun. Do you ever find yourself stretching toward the Light?

This painting was donated to a fund-raiser to help a special friend in his battle against cancer.  Sadly, he passed away in the summer of 2013.  His creative spirit and warm smile lives on in our hearts.  RIP E.H. 

Autumn Streamers

Memories of a mountain stream. If you look closely, a flyfisherman is casting his fly off the left bank. There is a rhythmic beauty to casting. The sounds of the rushing waters, the smell of the Maine woods, back and forth, landing the tasty bait just so. With any luck, a brookie will be enticed by the meal at the end of your line. Regardless of the "catching", flyfishing to me is one of the best ways to relax while soaking in Nature at its best. God's magnificent creation. All is good at the edge of a mountain stream.

16"x14" $250 framed

Five Plant Pots

The temperatures dropped last night. Morning frost is imminent! Our short summer growing season is fading fast. Here is one more tribute to my love of flowers and antique watering cans! The crisp air turns my thoughts to apple-picking, football and casseroles! It transports me into an action mode focused on harvest and preparation for winter winds. I love the autumn season...a time of transition, turning inward to a place of silence like a snow filled sky. I love the multitude of colors shown by the maples and birches and oaks. I hope to put on my jeans and fleece and be out there documenting God's wondrous colors with my paintbrush!

  ~~~This original painting is in a private collection in Maine. Giclee prints are available...$60...image size 10"x8".

Duck Ledges I

Ever been to an island where you feel big and small all at the same time? Perspective is a fleeting element of life. I see it, and just as fast lose sight of it. I'm always coming back to the Truth of the moment I'm in...gaining a foothold on perspective...hoping to keep it as I take the next step and live the next minute in time. God catches me as my foot slips into fear and worry, and sets me aright once again...giving me perspective...teaching me Truth.

  ~~~This original painting is in a private collection in Maine.  Giclee prints are available for $80.  Image size is 10"x14". 

Cape Porpoise Dories

Summer in Maine...couldn't ask for anything more in life!

The early morning sun dances off the hulls of these dories at the dock in Cape Porpoise. Waking with the sunrise in July is always a treat...soaking it all up before winter comes again!

~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.  Giclee prints are available...$40...image size 9"x6".

Prout's Neck Tides and Roses

The beach roses have begun to bloom. The warm summer sun has arrived. Time to head to the water's edge and relax. I've been busy painting several new pieces, and hope to post many of them soon. It's been a while since my last post...further evidence of time spent in front of the easel instead of the computer. Suits me fine, as I'm much more comfortable handling a paint brush than a keyboard. Now it's time to enjoy our short summer...time in the hammock, time at the beach, time with special friends. "Down time" is essential in the balance of life...but how often do we find ourselves on the cusp of a moment's rest, only to be pulled back into the "doing" mode that beckons so temptingly. My advice is to fight against the tendency to "get things done" and for a few weeks this summer create a sense of sabbath rest to feed your soul. The hardest part will be for me to take my own advice!! How will you refresh your self this summer?

~~16"x14" $275 framed

Prout's Syncopation

I am so ready for summer. Can't wait to get out to the water's edge to hear the waves crashing and see the sea gulls soaring. The thermometer is pushing 70 today despite some clouds. The seasons come 'round, 'round again...long winters turn into decadent springs. I read in Newsweek today that our brains are overloaded with information...knowledge that doesn't necessarily help us to make better decisions. What better way to clear one's head than to head out to the ocean (or wherever you find peace). Our minds are sharper and we are more truly ourselves when we take time, the precious time, to just be.

 ~~~This painting is in a private collection in Maine.