'The Gaze' Equine Art Modern Horse Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Gaze'

30 x 30  Acrylic on Canvas

SOLD FROM FACEBOOK TODAY! Thank you. 

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  Once in awhile I get this driving urge to paint with REDS.    This is a deep dark rich red almost like the red on the new Dodge products my husband drools over.  I extended it with Indian Yellow as my base and from there begin to develop this composition.  Latex Heavy Acrylics are the medium and the canvas is Frederix Red Label.

QUICK POSTING ADDITION:  Interest Rates have dropped again. Our daughter locked in at 4.5 percent to refi her house.  I have two sons in the mortgage business that are doing her loan and are finishing up our refi.  This is the best time to do it and either move to a 15 year or refi at lower rates.
Justin Brown, my eldest son, has 8 years experience in the field. You can reach him by clicking "Justin Brown"; or my youngest son, Morgan, the artist, has three years in the mortgage industry and he can help you as well. click "Morgan Pace" here.

The Thought:  I woke up this morning realizing the crispness in the air and stretched giving thanks for the fall of the year.  I feel more alive in fall than any other time of the year.  It is and always has been my favorite season.  As I began praying this morning and greeting the Lord on my awakening,  I picked up with where I was last night turning things back over to Him so I don't carry them around all day.  We had been out to Bluffdale TX to visit Debbie Grayson Lincoln, another fellow Texas Artist and a blessed friend from high school.  Age has brought our love and respect for each other deeper through the years. She is my strongest partner in prayer.  After the drive there (2 hours one way) and home and the few moments we were able to stay and visit, I was left in a tranquil state on the way home that lasted ebbing gently through me even as we fell asleep last night.

It is the type of calmness you wish stayed with you always.  A deep abiding peace that only comes from Him.  There is much before us right now in our personal lives that requires decisions and actions and I realized in a split second this morning as I was turning this over to the Big Guy, that we were lacking a plan.  Despite the fact that 99% of our plans never reach fruition.... it is always good to have one.  The vision was that of the star...reminding me of the Star of Bethlehem...the guiding star in the heavens.  The light that leads to the Father; the light that leads home.

It is time for a basic plan for us with out so many details and what ifs jumping in.  It is time for us to lift our eyes to the star and turn our chaos back to peace. It is time to empty out the clutter and focus on the light.

Follow the light. Simplify the clutter in your life so you don't trip getting there. Why are you holding on to so much stuff??

Laurie

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,” Philippians 1:9-10   

'Late Sunset' Sail Boat Sunset Landscape Oil Painting Lake Ocean Scene by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Late Sunset'

6 x 6  Oil on Board

SOLD  from blog! Thank you.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  Crisp colors that reflect the new chill in the air sailing in the early fall evening.  The winds are strong out of the north and it makes sailing glorious!  So the colors I chose reflect the feelings of being out on the lake with the cooler winds.

The Thought:  First day up...I am ready to go back to bed and I just got here. I do not think that is the best sign...but lower temperature all day yesterday helped.

My brain is not in full gear this morning but I prayed heartfully and God knows where I am.  Heartfully.  Word spell check says that does not exist, but for me it does. To have ones heart fully open to God. The intake and exchange of His love and grace for this day.  To have ones heart fully filled with His presence to the point that you truly pass it on to others through out the day.

Be heartfully good this day and be filled with His gracious love.

Laurie

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

'My Recital Piece' Music Child Playing Piano Painting Art by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'My Recital Piece'

20 x 24  Varnish Overlays on Canvas
Available at The Rare Gallery, Jackson Wyoming. 

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: When Hollee phoned from the Rare Gallery she requested another music piece. These are done with antique music from a great grandfather. I take various pieces and they are varnished in layers on the canvas.  Over those layers are intermittent layers of acrylics.   These are usually ONLY for galleries.  You may contact me to request one for yourself.  I can do pianos and children, Violins with children, Conductors etc.

The Thought:The old bed is getting old and uncomfortable. I am ready to be well and up and moving. I feel so much better today than yesterday...and yesterday I felt WAY better than the day before.  No other symptoms but fever and lots of that.  Terry thinks I picked up something from my Wednesday Piano students.

I have been rereading the book "Fifty-seven Words That change the Word" by Darrell W Johnson.  It is a journey through the Lord's prayer.  This man is gifted in his insight into our faith; his writings are  to be read and reread as you will pull even more out the second time.  As I was only into the second chapter I realized there were parts that seemed new...as if I had not read them before. I think we glean certain things when we are "just reading" than when we are "studying".  I have decided to go through the book with paper and pen in hand this time.

Here is a small excerpt.  If you think you might enjoy it, order it.  I had an art collector in Canada that sent me this book and one other.  I have enjoyed both of them. This one captures my heart as it presents things that I have never examined before.

Chapter 1, page 11.

"Have you ever observed that the only thing the first disciples of Jesus are recorded to have asked Jesus to teach them is,"Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1)  There is not record of anyone asking Jesus to teach them to lead, or to counsel or to heal or to cast out demons or to preach. They may have asked him but there is no record of them doing so. Why? Perhaps it is because they could see that Jesus' leading, counseling, healing, casting out, and preaching ministry emerged out of his relationship with his"father." And they could see that the key to that relationship was prayer."

On the back cover of the book it says "Nowhere is Jesus' brilliance more manifest than in the prayer he taught his disciples to pray, the prayer that has come to be known as the 'Lord's Prayer".  A mere fifty-seven words in the oringinal Greek, the Lord's Prayer gathers up all of life and brings it before God in eight stirring meditations.  Darrel Johns shows how the Lord's Prayer sums up the essence of Christian faith and when prayed in faith, draws us into the Triune God's work of transforming the world."

This prayer crosses my lips at least two times a day sometimes many more.  It opens all of my spiritual time with God in the mornings before I lift my head from the bed and it close my day and opens my spiritual time with my Father before I lay myself to sleep. From it I begin my meditation on my own prayers and exchanges with my Father.

I have to add here that I was so touched by the many replies to "Pearls" that I received. Some are so personal I did not want to post them on the blog, but rest assured I gave thanks as I read them all.  Everyday near pearls are there for you to string on your strands in your memory.

May His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Laurie

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."  Matthew 6:9-13

'Morning Spirit' Contemporary Horse Oil Painting, Modern Equine Art by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Morning Spirit'

COMMISSION PAINTING
SOLD

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is a painting rich in life and color. It is painted for a college student and preplanned by the mom to surprise her with it when she comes home.  I think it might be birthday/Christmas.

She liked the Autism donation painting so the horse is very similar to that painting from earlier in the summer.

The Thought:  This is from my laptop in bed.  I am totally not sure what is wrong, but lots of chills and fever.  Tylenol is my friend right now.  My body aches; some muscles are sore and I think they are sore from shaking with the chills late yesterday.

Forgetfulness is where I am heading today. Our daughter managed on Friday to admit five minutes before we were leaving to drive her to school that she forgot to make a poster board assignment.  My question was 'Which is more impt the assignment or not being tardy?'   She chose to be tardy and jumped in to get off the internet the info she needed for the poster.   She appeared home with it after school still working on it.

She of course had a hundred and one reasons why she forgot it.  She had told her Dad the day before she had to do it, but it would not take long.  She promptly forgot it totally.   

I am an opposite personality. I DO ALL WORK FIRST...even before taking a bathroom break.  Must have been something in the way I was raised.  I am not sure even that is healthy.  Work always comes first before play...and somehow I play very little.

Coming up sick like this presents an opportunity for me to rest and I am going to take advantage of it and truly rest as much as possible. Somehow I need to FORGET the work that awaits me in the studio.

Do you forget things very often?  I believe it is easy to drop the ball when you heart is not in the direction of what needs to be done.  We are that way with God too.  Our hearts are usually going opposite ways than spending time with Him.  We put it off; we forget it; we go on with our lives with out Him. 

Start your day with Him this morning, don't forget!

Laurie

“For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "the Lord will judge his  people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10"30-31-

'Big Tex' Bevo Texas UT Longhorn Modern Oil Painting by Laurie Pace

'Big Tex'

SOLD

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  In celebration of the opening of the Great State Fair of Texas, I painted this longhorn to mark this day.  Yes this is really the second day it is open, but I hit the weekend at least.  For some reason the paint is thicker and adding in some green really popped the beauty of this longhorn right out.

The Thought:  I was reading a book yesterday when sitting at the orthodontist office with our daughter.  It was talking about a grandmother's lustrous pearls.  The young grandchild knew her grandmother was very poor and could not own such a luxury as real pearls.  The mother pulled her daughter into her lap and explained that the grandmother always talked about her "pearls".  Over the years the grandmother took those special moments, those "pearls" and strung them on a delicate string in her memory.  She often talked of her "pearls" and how precious they were to her.    Made me think about that for quite a while. Memories .... pearl memories... moments so precious and finely polished and savored in our minds all strung together as a lifetime of precious memories.

We seem to concentrate more on the negative happenings in our life. We definitely pump more energy into them through thought and through actions.  We need to make a new habit and start celebrating the 'Pearls' in our lives.  We need to wear those 'pearls' and share them with others.

See if you find a pearl in your day ...email me with what you find as a special memory that you make today to save as a special moment to savor over the years.

Laurie

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 100:2

'Marco Polo Lily 1' Flower Art, Marco Polo Lily Painting, Pink flower Painting by Laurie Pace

'Marco Polo Lily 1'

30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This was the first one in the Series that was finished. I start Number two today.  Vibrant pinks and raspberries contrast the yellow greens and the main focus is the composition not the content.

The Thought: Catching up...is it possible?  My new list became old...my newest list has not been made, so for a short day I might consider myself catching up.

I now teach five music students on Wednesday. It is a  break to my painting and my studio work, but I enjoy working with the students on both piano and guitar.  I have one young lady that tears up her guitar with flying fingers and energy abounding.  She has taken for about a year and is as passionate about her music as any adult I have ever met.  THAT kind of student makes it worth the time to teach.  I look forward to seeing her every week.

God seems to plant those special people in our lives here and there.  They are the ones you are eager to greet when you cross their path knowing you will feel lighter and happier after you are with them. Is it an attitude that is  'learned'?  Or is it something 'born' in that individual?  Sort of reminds me of the debate on beauty.  I do believe a lot of 'who' we are is genetic.  I also believe in the possibility of change and growth under the watchful plan of God.

Do you think folks were drawn in that way when they heard Jesus was in town or traveling through? Was there a 'pull' from those live sparkling brown eyes and an undeniable confidence from his movements and words?

God is more than a visual thing of all we have around us.  God is a spiritual presence that we often forget.  Ignore. Don't have time for. In a hurry.  Maybe tomorrow. I will put in on my list.  Not yet, I have one more thing to do.

Stop, make the time right now.  Be blessed to be a blessing today.  Bring Him with you all day.

Laurie

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36  

'Early Fall Dance of the Ponies" Equine Art Modern Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Early Fall Dance of the Ponies'

SOLD
30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  VIBRANT colors for sure as this one was painted over a two day period of colors and scrapping.

Coming soon... My Flower Pop Art Series will return; here are the pre-sketches:

I have already finished the top left sketch ... the painting of it at least.  Watch for it on the blog. This series is 30 x 30 but I may throw in some small ones for test paints too!  Be ready to make me an offer to pop some color and beauty into your home.

The Thought:   Our teenager posed a conversation yesterday on beauty.  She skirted around issues that are obvious, like beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and beauty is as beauty does.  Terry and I enjoyed conversing with her and just watching her brain work as she begins to explore new thought paths.  She explored the facade of beauty that the media presents. She climbed through the terror thoughts of what is beautiful to a mass murderer. (She did not like it, but we had to think about beauty through the eyes of evil as well.)  We covered the birth of a baby yet how mothers react differently to the responsibility of caring for their babies once they are here.  Ying and Yang hit with you can't have beauty with out ugly. She and her dad covered benchmarks for establishing beauty.

Frustratingly at one point she stopped and said, "One could write endlessly on the subject of beauty."  We both grinned at her.  She realized then if she was to write about beauty she had to chose her perspective.   Every person has their own perception of beauty and that is established in their brain at an early age by what they are exposed to.

So last night found Terry and I laying in bed discussing what was beauty.  We had been visited by his cousin Bob Pace and his wife Annette.  They are "retired" at fifty and sailing the Carribean full time in their "home" on the water. The images they shared on their computer were undeniably beautiful to both Terry and me. The sun setting in Bob's backyard each night of his home on the water is breathtaking.  When I asked what were the biggest fears .... it was always Weather.  They stay on top of the weather.

I cannot even begin to imagine the beauty of "living" with so much less... less stuff, less earthly responsibilities, less traffic, less stores, less people, less conflict.  I would love it for just two weeks...but to have that freedom every day at age fifty?   Terry and I blew past that years ago. We are still trying to climb out of college debt and medical debt.  Our life is given as it is today and beauty if found here, right now. We only have to open our heart to see it and feel it.

Beauty is holding Terry's face in my hands and staring into his eyes.  Beauty is holding my granddaughter while she is sleeping.  Beauty is in the birds singing right now in my backyard.  Beauty is in the first breath of fall with cooler temperatures today.

Beauty surrounds us and uplifts us and gives us hope. Beauty is God. Beauty is good. God is good.

Laurie

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple." Psalm 27:4

 

'Snow Herd' Equine Art Modern Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Snow Herd'

18 x 27 inches

Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by Check or Paypal: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: A similar painting to Snow Herd last year, but stronger. These colors are more defined with the pulls.  Snow Herd was chosen by a large firm on the east coast to be on their holiday card this winter. This is one of my highly collected painted pony pulls.

HORSE ART AVAILABLE

SAILBOATS, FLOWERS, and OTHER ART AVAILABLE

                     Contact me with offers on any piece....it is the fall and time to Pay if Forward.

update: Already sold 

FIVE UP FRONT, SUNDANCE, GREEN AND WHITE CALLA LILIES, WHITE ARABIAN NIGHTS 2, and PINK PEONIES.  THANK YOU!

The Thought:  We were watching a documentary last night on Pete Seeger.  I had no background info on him before watching this so it was quite enlightening.  He was born 10 years before my own parents arrival here on this earth.  I commented to Terry that his Dad would love all the banjo and guitar music as the story started out. Then we came to the part where he joined the Communist party.  Terry said NOPE we could not share this with his dad.  As an artist and musician  I had to go beyond the beliefs of the individual to the core of the music.  How he has affected the lives of so many of us growing up with his music and the common core of his words of kindness and love.  Here is a link to his song page, you might recognize some of his work.  My favorite is "Turn Turn Turn, there is a Season".

http://www.peteseeger.net/songsby.htm

TURN, TURN, TURN

Chorus:
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time for every purpose under heaven.

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep.

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together.

A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing.

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of peace. . .I swear it's not too late.

Words from the book of Ecclesiastes
Music and additional words by Pete Seeger (1954)
TRO - (c) 1962 (renewed) Melody Trails, Inc., New York, NY

The one thing that stuck out so strongly through out the entire documentary was the joy he lived in  life every day.  The sheer contentment of both he and his wife and how they were totally comfortable with who they were and where they were at all times.  They were what I call, comfortable in their own skins.  They truly accepted themselves for how God made them and for the simple way to live and find contentment with their gifts and how they always gave back to the local community. They actually began life raising children in a cabin they built themselves on the Hudson River in NY. No heat or a/c, no electricity, but they lived there quite a long time.  In the film, his now adult children chuckled when they reflected back to the simplicity and joy of their early life in this cabin.

Made me stop and ponder.  I am not sure I am fully comfortable in my own skin.  Every morning I stare in the mirror at the aging face and the body with added pounds.  I am not sure who I am.  I have no issue with aging, wrinkles and a few pounds, but obsessively I would like to find the control to loose about 10 pounds.  Why can't I be happy right now where I am looking in the mirror? Why do I want to change that?  Why do any of us want to make changes when we are so unhappy with our situations?  We are the ones that allowed ourselves to get there. 

What will it take to be comfortable with who we are right now at this moment?  To forget about all the "buts" and begin living and giving to those around us now.  When do we start trusting God to take care of the rest.

Make Peace with yourself today. Make peace with Him.

Laurie

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7

'Amarillo by Morning' Equine Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Amarillo by Morning'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is from one of my Texas Galleries that is closing. It is home and freshly varnished.

Other art work available below. Follow the links.

HORSE ART AVAILABLE

SAILBOATS, FLOWERS, and OTHER ART AVAILABLE

                     Contact me with offers on any piece....it is the fall and time to Pay if Forward.

update: Already sold 

FIVE UP FRONT, SUNDANCE, GREEN AND WHITE CALLA LILIES, WHITE ARABIAN NIGHTS 2, and PINK PEONIES.  THANK YOU!

The Thought:  If you ask me what I did this weekend, I am not sure I could answer.  Somehow the days are flying by.  I do remember Saturday our daughter slept in past noon. I had so many errands to run and didn't get to them waiting and worrying a bit... but she bounced out of bed scaring herself that she slept so late.  She scurried around to get her chores done and her wash started. When Dad got home we left for errands topping off the evening with a wonderful "Dad-made" hamburger... which everyone loves here.

As I was dusting on Saturday, taking the time to individually dust each item on each surface I allowed myself the time to appreciate and give thanks for the memories attached to it and acknowledging the joy it brings to making our house a home. Sometimes I think we collect things and don't think about it again.

During our lifetimes we explore many paths and accumulate many memories and take on lots of burdens at the same time.  Some of us assume  many roles in our lifetime like mother, sister, daughter, artist, teacher, etc.  Our roles are not only inside our family but reach out into our community as well. God has a mission for us in each of those rolls and it is up to us to carry it through.  Just like in my dusting of my treasures, God treasures each of us individually and has gifts and journeys for each of us. We are His instrument  to channel good to others around us.

We are an expression of His love at all times.  Take a moment and think of the "treasured" people in your life.

Laurie

"Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!" Daniel 10:19

'Texas Longhorn' Bevo UT Longhorn Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'No 328 Texas Longhorn'

24 x 36 Oil on Canvas Palette Knife

SOLD FROM THE BLOG THIS MORNING.  THANK YOU!

Contact me to purchase through check or paypal. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace  Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  Thick rich oils pulled on the canvas. The Holbein Duo Oils are so buttery it is always a new joy when I pull them through the surface.

HORSE ART AVAILABLE

SAILBOATS, FLOWERS, and OTHER ART AVAILABLE

                     Contact me with offers on any piece....it is the fall and time to Pay if Forward.

update: Already sold FIVE UP FRONT, SUNDANCE, GREEN AND WHITE CALLA LILIES, WHITE ARABIAN NIGHTS 2, and PINK PEONIES.  THANK YOU!

The Thought:  Did you ever stop to think about what type of feeling you give out to other people?  God radiates pure love to us.  What happens then?  Are you open to take in His love, His grace, His peace?  And what do you do with it then?

Each day we are given the opportunity to bloom a little fuller.  Our beauty ripens, our talents sharpen, our gifts are more abundant...and His Love fills us. Every day we touch others in our day and hopefully we radiate on to them the inner love and peace we hold so preciously.  Each day holds a new day of possibilities to share His love.

" Without His love I can do nothing, with His love there is nothing I cannot do. "

Unknown Quote

Laurie

"Bless the Lord, O my soul....who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1, 5

'The Rain' Contemporary Horse Equine Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Rain'

5 x 7 inches  Oil on Board

Third in this series of small equine pieces.

$100

Contact me to purchase via check or to use paypal: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace    Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is the third in the series I did this week.  The Sun, The Moon and The Rain.
 

The Thought:  It was a sad day yesterday when I received the call that Patina of Marble Falls will be closing.  Marnie and John have put so much of their heart and soul into that store and the beauty and kindness they have brought to Marble Falls is unbelievable. They have touched lives and changed lives all for the better.

I do not know how the brick and mortar galleries are going to make it in this economy.  Everyday it seems to get worse despite the stock market and the analysts.  They do not walk in our shoes every day. Terry and I live off his American Airlines wages which are the same he made in 1991 with no hope of seeing a raise.  We have lost vacation time (1 week was removed from all mechanics every year), sick leave ( we get 1/2 day's pay instead of a full day's pay), some holidays are gone.  Try grocery shopping and running your household on the same income that you had almost twenty years ago. They are in contract negotiations at American with their pilots, their flight attendants, their ground workers and their mechanics.   Their executives all received hefty bonuses earlier this spring...the rest of us scrape and scramble.  Then they turn around to tell us they have no money. 

I had been teaching public schools for about 6 years in the early nineties.  I left teaching because of all the testing requirements and less teaching requirements.  We had to teach to the Texas standardized tests for each grade.  When we went to open house with our daughter at the high school last week, we were informed by both the history teacher and the science teacher that they had no ability to teach anything different that the scheduled calendar for that course mandated by the district. Mandated DAY BY DAY.  I think our graduating generation is in deep do-do if this is how it has been in our school districts. 

I started painting and selling my work in the late nineties...seriously selling.  I have been painting most of my life, but the work began to leave the house instead of residing in a closet.  With the economy slowing down I believe my art will be slowing down.  I have always painted every day and shared with you new paintings each day. With Patina closing I will receive back what is left in their inventory and will be selling it at reduced prices.  Earthworks in NY will also be closing their doors in December, but they are relocating to a new place yet to be found.  I will also be receiving back work from this gallery from my current show.  If you are interested in a list of work and images, please click here:

HORSE ART AVAILABLE

SAILBOATS, FLOWERS, and OTHER ART AVAILABLE

                     Contact me with offers on any piece....it is the fall and time to Pay if Forward.
                                         update: Already sold FIVE UP FRONT!  THANK YOU!

Changes is inevitable. Nothing remains as it is. If it did we would never grow and move on to new beginnings. My love goes with John, Marnie and Kim as this door closes in their lives.  The loss is that of Marble Falls and the surrounding communities.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "We must become the change we want to see."  Growth always involves change and with it comes risk.  Risk means stepping out and trusting God. For Him it is the known, for us it is the unknown.  Benjamin Franklin once said,"When you're finished changing, you're finished."  I am not ready to finish changing yet... I embrace change and growth. New tomorrows are filled with promise and today is here ready for living.

Can you accept the risk of change?

Laurie

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 -

'The Sun' Contemporary Horse Equine Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Sun'

5 x 7 inches Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by personal check or Paypal: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace    Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  A second in my series this week.  This one has a brilliant gold background reminding me of the Texas Sun on a summer day.  Holbein Oil are a treasure to work with on this small prepaint of a larger canvas.
 Due to the closing of Patina Gallery and the coming return of work from Earthworks, which is relocating over the winter, I have compiled a list of available Original Fine Art Paintings.  Browse through and make me an offer!

HORSE ART AVAILABLE

SAILBOATS, FLOWERS, and OTHER ART AVAILABLE

 

The Thought:  I know I am getting older because my oldest son just had another birthday.  It is the inevitable.  He was so sweet sending me a gorgeous bouquet of white flowers.  I thought it was just as sweet when his Dad came in from the garden bearing a red rose off our JFK rose bush, or was it a Mr Lincoln?  and he added it to the bouquet.  I took some pictures but they are a bit blurry.

What is the old saying, "Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?" 

When I was skimming around the internet reading and reviewing some of the billions of thoughts out there about old age, I came across a note about a book called "Thy Will Be Done" by St Francis de Sales.  The book is filled with his correspondence and thoughts.

"If you get tired kneeling, sit down. I beg you put yourself in the presence of God and to suffer your pains before Him. Do not keep yourself from complaining, but this should be to Him in the spirit of a daughter, as a little child to its mother. For if it is done lovingly there's no danger in complaining or in begging cure or in changing place or in getting ourselves relieved.  But do this with love and with resignation into the arms of the good will of God."   

"Isaiah the prophet calls Him the Man of Sorrow.  He loves sorrow. He understands sorrow and those who have them. Don't torment yourself to do much, but suffer with love what you have to suffer. God will be gracious to you madam, and will give you the grace to arrange this more retired life of which you speak to me.   Whether you are languishing or living or dying, the Bible says we are th elords and nothing but the help of His Grace can separate us from this holy love. Never shall our heart live save in Him and for Him. He shall be forever the God of our heart. "

I had to share it...as I reread it at least four times savoring and retaining and embracing his words. I may have to find the book and read it.  There is a grace to be had as we grow older.  I emailed back and forth with Jill yesterday about how men seem to age a bit better than women as our face begins to fall with the rest of us sagging.   It begins to truly come to pass in your fifties.  I look at all the hype in the world on youth and I question why?  There is beauty in every day of our lives.  My life is who I am as is my body.  I am not sure there is any art market for it in the least, but if I could paint my heart's desires, it would be the face of woman in all ages and the hands of man through out his days.

Cultivate an attitude of gratefulness in old age.

Laurie

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

'The Moon' Horse Equine Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Moon'

5 x 7 inches oil on Panel

SOLD

Contact me to purchase through personal check or paypal: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace    Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:   This new series is a gift series for the holidays.  Affordable original art perfect to slip into a frame for that special friend.

The Thought:  Inner peace is my mantra today... it is Friday.  Different for us though as our weekend is truly Monday/Tuesday with Terry's job schedule.  Inner peace should be every day this early in the morning.  I try not to borrow tension from looking at the dreaded list.  Yes I have a new one this week.

I allow myself to sit back and feel God's peace fill me as I breath and pray to Him.  The stillness is energizing and calming.  The less focused I am on current day problems or needs, the more at peace I can become.

The house is quiet. No tv blaring, no Ipod playing, no coffee pot burpling (I don't drink coffee) ... nothing but quiet surrounds me.... and of course peace.  Tension is not high as I just been up about 30 min getting Terry off to work... and this is His time.  My time with Him. 

I wish you those moments right now. Close your eyes and breathe out all the tensions you hold with in...even if only for a few moments.

Laurie

"The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Numbers 6:26

'Four Quackers' Baby Duck Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Four Quackers'

5 x 7 inches

Oil on Panel

$100   SOLD FROM THE BLOG! Thank you.

Contact me to purchase, I take personal checks or paypal: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace    Graphics One Design 2009

This posted early... but here it is....

The Painting:  A tiny one but fun. I have had this sketched out since early summer and just now painting it.

The Thought:  Decisions seem to be a normal part of our day. We are constantly having to make a decision. Should I take the freeway to work, or the back way?  Should I eat breakfast this morning or not?  Should I take my lunch or buy it?  This are small everyday decisions we make by the dozens. Then there are the larger ones that affect not only our lives but the lives of those around us.

When we face these major crossroads, it is time to stop and pray about it.  Any choice, small or large, opens up a new adventure or happenings in your life. When it is a major one, it usually has longer lasting affects on lives.  Allow yourself to be guided by His light and let go of any fear that creeps in.  There will be surprises along the way, good and bad, but with Him you are equipped to handle it all.

Through prayer and intuition, guided by Him, you will always know what feels right for you.  Flexibility will be needed in these new blessings.

Laurie

"Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light." Genesis 1:3

'Crossing the Mississippi' Horse Equine Painted Pony Pull by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Crossing the Mississippi'

24 x 36 x 2 inches

Acrylic on Canvas

SOLD

COMMISSIONED PAINTING

Contact me for special pre-holiday prices in my yearly pay it forward paint off.

Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace   Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is for a family in Missouri.  They have beautiful horses, live in the city and have to drive to visit their babies and ride.  The mom just redid the family room and sent me pictures of the inside with her colors. I love the combination of what appeared in this composition.  I hope in my heart it warms their room with its personality and grace.  Praise to Him for the spirit that fills the canvas.

The Thought: Last night we sat with our daughter and had tea and discussed our favorite bible verses.  Hers was of course  a favorite of ours,

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

My favorites were both in Isaiah and Terry's was in 1 Corinthians.

Each day in our lives we have a new opportunity to make new memories and make the best of that day for not only ourselves but for those we walk with that day.  Those memories can be the thoughts that carry us through doubt and dark times.

Don't miss the opportunity today to share the day and make it count.

Laurie

"I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest."  John 10:10

'Yellow Rose' Rose Flower Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Yellow Rose'

16 x 20 inches

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me for your holiday gifts now!  I am paying it forward with special commission prices for the holiday.  Email me...Laurie. 

Due to the two on coming shows I am culling through pieces on what to take where.  What is good for you is I am offering several pieces basically at cost plus a bit for my time as I am ready to clean out what is here and make way for the new.  Some of these paintings are from Patina, where they are having to close their gallery.  Some are returning from my show in New York.

HORSE ART AVAILABLE  

SAILBOATS, FLOWERS, and OTHER ART AVAILABLE

      Contact me with offers on any piece....it is the fall and time to Pay if Forward.

My  thought is simple.. Simplify you life to find your treasures.  That would be family and much less stress.

We have had the joy of our granddaughter yesterday and we will have her again today.  I can't think of anything more special!

Find your joy...


Laurie

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2 2:1-2

'Bright Line' Horse Equine Painted Pony Pull by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Bright Line'

24 x 36 inches

Oil on Canvas

SOLD   COMMISSIONED PAINTING

Contact me for your very own Painted Pony Pull:  Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace   Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  A commission piece that was a treasure to paint.  The more colors, the bigger my smile.  This collector wanted the full scale and it is all present in this freshly painted pull.

The Thought:  I had one of my newest collectors remind me about the little artist with the fuzzy hair on tv that always said, "There are no mistakes, only happy accidents."

    I believe this to be a treasure full of words in both the art world and your world.  God does not make mistakes.  We do tend to have lots of mistakes... but to God, they are truly happy accidents.  It is our inability often to make wise choices that brings us closer to Him. Therefore I believe there are no mistakes in our lives.  We each must experience what we must to grow in the direction we are meant to grow. 

    Find the best in your day today and think about those little words,  no mistakes, only happy accidents. It will lighten your view of what is happening around you.

   

   Laurie

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8   

'Longhorn' Texas Bevo Longhorn Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Longhorn'

18 x 24  x 2 inches

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace    Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  Pulling paint for longhorns varies so many things in the face area.  Each longhorn face is a unique as a human face,  thus the pulls bring in an interesting variable.  The Longhorns are popular for holiday gifts.  I usually get two to three commissions for them.  Contact me early for the holidays.

The Thought:   Chameleons are interesting animals.   From an artist standpoint they are ever changing as they match up to their environment. 

    Robert Fritz once said, "One of the most importnat results you can bring into the world is the you that you really want to be."

    For me it was an artist. I always  believed I was an artist. My entire life I have not swayed from this gift or belief.  I have explored and participated in many different areas of art from teaching, to commercial art, to self indulgence in making my own art.  

    Many folks we meet in life seem to drift through with out direction. They never seem to grasp what their purpose is; they never recognize or discover the gifts they have; they never use the gifts they have.  They are like the chameleons, ever changing to be what is needed at that time.  When they are at church, they are deeply convicted.  When they are up parting at night and drinking, they are a party animal.  When they are a Lowe's, they are a handy man.  When they are giving a speech in front of people, they become a politician.  Their views change with every situation and their loyalties are easily swayed.

    When you hang out with certain people, you act a certain way.  You are influenced by their beliefs and actions.  You loose sight of your own being as you slide into a "chameleon" type response.

    While I think it is necessary to be flexible and adaptable, I strongly believe it is vitally important to always be yourself.  The "Yourself" that God made.  Make a list of your friends and family.  Just a short list of maybe five or six people.  Then next to their name think first and then write down "who " you are around that person. Do you change with each of them?  When you look at the list, which "You" do you like best?  

    Develop the real you into your full gift of who you are. Then begin to live your life to its fullest potential.

Laurie

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 

'The Wolf' Wolf Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Wolf'

18 x 24 inches

Oil with Palette Knife 

SOLD

Contact me to make an offer to purchase: Laurie

© Laurie Pace    Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  I began painting and the eyes of this wolf are thickly interesting. I was not sure if I like it but as a whole it is powerful with the thick pulls of buttery oils. Holbein Duo are the best for me.

The Thought:  I was reading the send out from another columnist about the imperfections in each of us.  If you are like me, some folks literally drive you up the way with either their words or actions.  My first reaction is patience, but that does not always work.  I do try to contain my frustration. Years of teaching has enabled me to rely on the Suppress Tool.

   Lets turn it around. How do other perceive you?  Are they holding their breath and counting to ten because of your actions or words?  We often forget to look at ourselves.   We all have bad days and good days.  We have to accept there is no perfection in any of us here on earth. Instead of being frustrated and angry there is another way.

   
   We must learn to accept the imperfect.   We must be ready to accept the imperfect.  When someone is rocketing off due to a bad day, take three minutes and try to understand their situation. When you stop and care and show that you really care to take a few minutes to ask what is wrong, you are able to diffuse much of their dysfunction.

   
   Learn to love imperfection and give both yourself and others a break.

Laurie

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  Psalm 121:1-2 

'On a Reach' 2nd in a Series Sailboat Paintings by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'On a Reach'

18 x 24 inches

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to commission a painting: Laurie

The Painting:  This is very similar to an early painting that is in a show in NY.  It is a commission piece that will live on the east coast.  I have three of these in the Summer Storm Series.

The Thought:   I have written about imitation being flattering but not good,  as we should individually seek our inner creativity and soul.  What I didn't cover was the thought that often the devil is in the business of imitating God.  His goal of course is to  be like God through deception to us.  Disguises can hide some scary people from us and we often allow them into our lives deceived by their false fronts and taken into their deception.  

Have you read the Chronicles of Narnia?  It was in one of the stories that a donkey was persuaded to wear a lion's skin to pretend to be someone he was not. The donkey was rather simpleminded and easily controlled into doing this.  The ape behind the plot was the "bad guy"; he was later exposed by the true King of Narnia, the Lion Aslan.

Always listen and think before acting. Pray for guidance and discernment.  God will provide.

Laurie

"Beware of false prophets in sheeps's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."  Matthew 7:15

"Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many." Matthew 24:4-5

'Standing in the Wind' Horse Equine Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Standing in the Wind'

20 x 20 x 2 inches

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to make an offer: Laurie

© Laurie Pace   Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: It was so smooth today painting with my oils. I decided pure oils and no impasto.  Good music and lots of vibrant color.

The Thought:  We have two family members down right now.  One is in the hospital and the other wretched a back today.  Found out it was not a wretched back but it was major indigestion from high acidic foods and the answer was antibiotics for the bacterial infection of the stomach and a bland diet. 

Believe me when I say this does not go over well with a teenager that lives on pizza, subway, jalapeno cheese and hot wings.   Tonight the teen consumed tilapia, brown rice, (Carrots uneaten), organic applesauce with a sprinkle of sugar on the top and a piece of sweet white bread.  There were some faces, but no gagging. Bland diet is for 6 weeks. 

The pain was pretty incredible for our teen. No position was comfortable.  We continued to try and talk  through the pain reminding it was important to give it up to God to find comfort.  As much as I wanted to believe this would work and the teen would walk upright again, and soon,  I think it was the pain medication they gave  which prompted the happy dance as we left.  Hunger had set it as it was past the dinner hour.

God is our strength at all times.  Challenges confront us that are often simple and aggravating. Others are life threatening.   Forgetting your cell phone is a bit down the scale from a flat tire.  A flat tire is further down the scale than an ambulance ride....but with everything God is there.  If we turn to Him we can find that little bit of peace as He comfort us.   I couldn't talk the pain out of our 17 year old, but I can pray for them and for the healing that needs to come.   I can't take the pain from our hospitalized love one, but Terry and I have had them in constant prayer for over a week.  We draw comfort in the knowledge that what will be has already been written by Him.

God is your strength and your comfort today and every day.

Laurie

"Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; For the Lord has comforted His people." Isaiah 49:13

'Rising Spirit' Horse Equine Art Painting by Laurie Pace

'Rising Spirit'

24 x 30 inches

Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me for a commissioned horse painting. Laurie

© Laurie Pace  Graphics One Design 2005

The Painting: Another one from the archives. It has not been a painting weekend and it is always a trip to go back through things painted four years ago. This was a very strong color palette and more impressionistic horses. 

The Thought:  Did you ever sing that song when you were little that went,

"Me and my shadow, my shadow and me. We're always together, we're good company."

   Sometimes I like to think of God being that shadow. In truth He is leading me so the sun has to be behind me. The play on words deepens if you look. The SON is behind me, my shadow leads me... the shadow is God.  God has the lead and Jesus has your back.  

   Know this in your heart through the waking hours today. Seasons follow seasons and sunrise follows moon set, and there is truly no need to worry as the Father leads you.  He will keep you in the right place at the right time if you are truly following Him.  If not, there is no telling where you will end up and in what kind of mess. 

   Can you feel the SON shining on you?

Laurie

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!" Psalm 108:1

'Mountain Pony' Equine Horse Art Painting by Laurie Pace

'Mountain Pony'

30 x 30 inches

Acrylic on Canvas

SOLD

Flashing back a few years to show what was compared to where I am in my work.

I may entertain revisiting these palette colors.  

Contact me for commission work: Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace      Graphics One Design 2007

  

The Painting:  Rough scrapes of color prepare the base of this painting. Overlays of acrylic then create the vision of the horse. This one was painted in 2007.  I may try to do one this week that retains this sense but in my current style.  It is important that an artist explore and continue to learn and grow with in their journey.  It is also important to be original.  A sense of style is unique to each of us that paint, and often through either workshops or straight copy imitation, we see pieces of our own work showing up in the internet in the works of others. 

The Thought:  I have to jump back to that old list today. I didn't look at it yesterday at all.  Not even sure where I am on the list but I am positive it is time for a new list.  Right? 

  

  This morning I opened up email from a local Dallasite asking about possible lessons.  My brain was flying as I wrote him back this morning.  Some of you already know this, some of you are not there yet, but as we grow older things begin to change in your mind without you even "working" on it.  With the years comes a certain realization of priorities and what is important in life. Giving back has been a primary driving source in my life.  God has given so richly to me in my lifetime to date. I have lived in countless places, met an abundance of people along the way, sharing and caring with moments at that time.... and moving on to the next place.

  

  The world offers so much and most of us never open our eyes to see it. Many never offer their hands to help others or give of their time. What we find to be timeless is Love.  Love is God's middle name.   What we give in life with love it always comes back around.  If you never give, do not be surprised when you find yourself alone in life. Maybe not alone physically, but alone emotionally.   

I have to share that a great uncle passed on this weekend.  He was the best example of a great man that walked his faith by word and example. Having mentors in your life like him that exemplify and show you the path setting a pace before you, equip you mentally for your journey. May God be with the Brown family today surrounding them in His Great Love. 

  
Seek and you will find, but be careful in choosing what you seek.

Laurie

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."  1 John  4:8