Light in the Darkness

 

The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.

I love painting horses, especially big white horses. They cheer me up when I am down and I have had more than a few down days over the past couple of years. Most of us have. The world can seem very dark at times and it is difficult to see any way out.  But in times like these a phrase from a favorite song winds its way to the front of my mind. It is an oldie, was never a classic and I doubt that many people remember it.  It sounds so simple, but it is meaningful to me:  "Don't try to drive the darkness out, you just turn on the light."  Turning on the light is all it takes but it isn't always easy to find the light switch.  It is worth the effort. Even one dim little light is better than stumbling around in complete darkness.  For me, the light switch is to be working in my studio. It is my way of expressing gratitude to the Creator for the beauty and wonder of the world. It brings me joy and I like to think that He likes it too.

 

 Acrylic on Wrapped Canvas

It has been fun to be working in acrylics again. They are faster drying than oils, less messy than pastel, and lend themselves to  all sorts of techniques. I did this one using a glazing process along with scumbling and dry brush. That is pretty much my standard way of operating, but experimentation is what keeps work fresh and new. Even if the result isn't great it can be a learning experience. You learn what works by finding out what doesn't work.

 

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Majestic African Lion

 

Majestic African Lion

His Royal Highness
Portrait of an African lion at rest but ever watchful. Lions are among my favorite subjects and i paint them often. Their regal appearance and raw power fill me with awe. What amazing creatures!

The Wisdom of Picasso
Recently I ran across this quote by Pablo Picasso:
“God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant and the cat. He has no real style, He just goes on trying other things.”

Of course, to me He is the quintessential Artist, rather than “just another” one, and He does have style, even though He doesn’t limit Himself to any particular method or material.  But I like to think of Him trying out other things, perhaps just because He wants to, perhaps because that is who He is. His creativity is never ending, He doesn’t get bored, never runs out of fresh ideas, and somehow one new thing leads to another, then another and another, and…

That is an encouraging thought, especially for those of us who have been at this for a while. Even though others may think we are too old to play, we just keep on trying new things, or new ways of doing familiar things. In theory, we can stay young forever because we never have to lose the wonder and joy of new discovery, new adventures, new  accomplishments - often without ever leaving our studios.

It isn’t always easy, however. We all go through “artists’ block” sometimes, or times when it seems we should be doing something else, something more important, more practical, more lucrative, more grow-up. Do those other things also, if you must, but don’t give up what really brings you joy, just keep on keeping on. Because being joyful and sharing your joy is what life is really all about. It seems to me that it must please our Creator too or he wouldn’t have filled the world with so many wonderful things.

 This pastel painting is available through my website,  https://www.dellaburgus.com/

 

 

Intelligent Design Zebra

Intelligent Design

side view

A uniquely designed zebra shows off his stunning coat. Inspired by the abstract patterns of his fur, I chose a close up format for a modern look.  It was painted in acrylic on stretched canvas, 16 x 16, with a depth of  1 5/8 inches. The edges have been covered with a matte black. paint. The painting can be displayed with or without a frame.

God did give the Zebra great beauty,  but those extraordinary stripes are also quite practical. The markings of each individual animal are unique, enabling zebras to recognize one another. And, while black and white stripes may stand out to us, their predators are color blind and easily confused.  Zebras run in a herd, called a “zeal” or a “dazzle.”  They usually move in a zig zag pattern which creates even more confusion. The stripes run together and makes it difficult to identify a solitary animal.

Lessons from a Zebra
1. We are all different and we are all beautiful.
2. There is strength in community, so run with your tribe.
3. A moving target is harder to hit.
4. The shortest distance is not always the best path.
5. With enough “zeal” you can “dazzle” the enemy.

For more information or to purchase this painting, please visit my website:

https://www.dellaburgus.com/workszoom/3829703#/

White Horse "Devotion"

         Reference photo by Karen Broemmelsick

  Devotion

Joy Comes In the Morning

Portrait of a graceful horse saying her prayers in the early morning light. During times of chaos and uncertainty, I often find comfort in nature and animals.  They help me remember happier times and forget, if only for a moment, the present distress. Their joy is somehow contagious, and it gives me the faith to believe that the One who created all things can surely get us through this.

This is an acrylic painting created on stretched wrapped canvas. standard depth, about one half inch, and is shipped unframed.  All the edges have been finished and fastened on the back. It may be displayed with or without a frame. 

Assembly Required

No floor in the studio yet, but my drawing table arrived. Unassembled. The three most feared words in the English language are "Some Assembly Required." Sometimes it is even called "Easy Assembly."  That's when you know to run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.  Last week, besides the table we were also blessed by a chair and also a bench that needed some assembling.  The problem seems to be that most assembly instructions were written by aliens. And no, by that I don't mean people from other countries. These directions came from a galaxy far, far away - a planet where Part A connects to number 57, and the round peg actually does fit in a square hole, where triangles have four sides and left means right. Fortunately I am married to a man who is a genius at putting things together, so in each instance the end result bore a reasonable resemblance to the picture on the box. Not because of the clear, concise directions but because of Larry's great mind and perseverance.

At this point the drawing table is sitting by a big window in the living room.  Out of respect to the carpet and furniture,  I have to refrain from using any messy art materials, but I am grateful for a place to dream and to plan and to sketch. For now charcoal and graphite pencils will have to do, but it will be a thrill to unpack the pastels and paints when the studio floor is finally finished.  There are commissions to do, and paintings to paint - and they are waiting for me!