if you're the kind of person who likes behind the scenes pictures & progress shots but doesn't necessarily like your social media feeds to be filled with a picture overload then I have a feeling you're going to like my blog from here on out. I figured out how to post a blog (and pictures) from my ipad last week, I know, I'm technologically not up to speed, but now that I know how I'll be using my website more often for a load of pictures because obviously if you're reading this you like my art, and I do appreciate you for that and letting me live out my dream and calling.
So, here's what I am working on this morning..
((yes, that's a tote bag... I know, I'm excited too!))
((in progress 6"x6"))
((12"x12" background inspired by some magazine pictures--those are on my Flickr if you have one))
((2"x4" minis that still need words-- I'm open to suggestions, just comment below))
((6"x6"))
((that squirrel's name is jumpy...if you were wondering))
((a selection from a W.I.P.---my mom said that looks like a fish, do you see it?))
((this is a 12"x12" and I can't show you the whole thing just yet because it's a surprise for a couple at my church BUT I will reveal the whole thing later this week!)
I tend to work in mass quantities. As you can see, I'm never just working on one thing, my desk has 31 paintings on it right now & yes I counted. I hate wasting wet paint so if I have leftovers on my palette I'll start a new canvas.
this morning as I was working very hard and focusing on the details of a tote bag I thought to myself 'Seriously, I'm spending so much time and putting so much love on this thing. It's kindof silly because it just a bag...'
Then Colossians 3:17 popped into my head. It says this,
"and WHATEVER you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
...then, I remembered my friend Alicia telling me a story about a company who just makes socks. That's it. Just socks, but they make darn good socks! I want to just paint things, that's it. Just make colorful & pretty things and I want each thing I make with my hands to be so pretty that you can tell I love what I do and I spent time on it. So WHATEVER I do, WHATEVER I make, even if it's a tote bag...I want to do it with love because in this moment it matters and it will matter to someone else when they receive it.
Go out into the world today and do what you do and do it well in the name of The Lord. There is no other you who can do what you do!
--Valerie