'Bubble Girl' Portrait Watercolor Child blowing Bubbles by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Bubble Girl'

8 x 10 Watercolor on Aqua Board

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: This is my first attempt at using Aqua Board with watercolors.  I am by trade and experience a commercial artist and illustrator.  BUT, it has been years since I have 'illustrated' anything.  So this is a first to try out this product. Before being the "Painter of Horses" I was the "Painter of Pears" and before that and for a very very long time, "Painter of Children and Women".   I am going to continue doing my horses as they are what I am known for internationally, but with this pull to go back...I believe it is time to see what I bring back to the table from the abstracted side.

An interesting journey...

The Thought:  As I dropped our daughter off at school on Friday morning and I was singing my way through the crowded turn circle lanes in front of the school,  I remembered that movie "Mr Mom".  Are any of you old enough to recall it?  Here is Tom Hanks driving the kids for carpool to school and he goes in the out and out the in.   All of the mothers are honking and upset.  "You are doing it wrong.." one yells at him.

So the word tripped across my mind... that I am fallible.  The day before after I dropped her off, I was driving down the street that crosses through the neighborhood totally entranced by the mega colors on the leaves.  We never ever ever have a pretty fall, and somehow all the torrential rains have created color in our leaves.  I was intune with nature as I drove looking upward at the colors and contrasts along the sidewalk edge near the car when I suddenly caught in my side vision three cars all stopped from different directions and the STOP sign that has been there since I went to school here in the late sixties.  I handily stomped down on my little Passat's brake pedal and neatly came to a quick stop.

All the cars did their thing and then I proceeded forward reprimanding myself to watch the road and not the scenery. 

I am almost 57 years old. I have never had a traffic ticket in my life.  I do not like to drive, so I probably have not been out on the road as often as you have, but I am a pretty good driver.  I had this sudden knowing that struck me.  I have entered a new stage in life and finally recognized it.  I do not know everything.  I cannot do everything.  I am fallible.  The older I grow, the more I accept there are some limitations and my body and mind cannot be what it was at age 30.  Seems like up until recently I demanded the reputation of "knowing" what I needed to know in life and of course I do it all right.

I don't.  I don't do it all right.  I am fallible.  I am doing it wrong... thinking of life as a match to win. Trying to do it and do it all right. Accepting the fact that we cannot possible know all and do it all right is a positive first step of growth and maturity.

Maybe that is why is it easier to let go and let God.  He does it all right.

Laurie

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9  

'Morning Haze Ponies' Commissioned Equine Modern Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Morning Haze Ponies'

36 x 36  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me for a commissioned painting. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  The collector lives here in Dallas. She came by the studio with paint swatches and we spent an hour or more visiting. I felt like I had a good grasp on the color palette for her room and her personality as well.  Once I started working on it, I stayed up most of the night painting so I am rather sleepy this morning.  This was a two day painting of many hours.  Holbein Duo Oils of course and my signature style.

The Thought:   My rose colored glasses keep me in a state of denial I am sure.  Denial of reality that surrounds us in life.  Sometimes I tell Terry those rose colored glasses were a gift from God.

I believe we are all blesssed with unlimited good. There are seeds with in each of us waiting to be nurtured, watered and grown.  We are each abundantly blessed with a garden to grow and from our garden we feed others from our soul with our gifts.

By wearing my rose colored glasses I try not to concentrate on the ugliness of human nature.  I prefer to honor the good in every one and celebrate the gifts they possess and bring to the world.  All good comes from God through all people and all circumstances. Divine ideas and thoughts are buried in each of us.  Time to stop, slow down and figure out what you have. Pull a few weeds while you are doing it and polish off those rose colored glasses.

You are after all, a child of God and blessed with unlimited good.

Laurie

"Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, grwoing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold." Mark 4:8

Close up Shot 'Dance of Red Ponies' Modern Equine Art Contemporary Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Dance of the Red Ponies'

18 x 27  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is a close up shot of this painting, just a piece of it.  This painting was varnished yesterday and I took a few close up shots of it.  I haven't painted much but will be starting some new things today...so right now you get a snap shot close up of the red ponies.

The Thought: A shot at life...is the phrase that comes to mind.  Things that happen in our lives often determine our direction.  Unfortunately that is when we desperately come back to the Lord, seeking what ever it is that we need.  Why wait until things are so bad?  

Of course as I reflect on those words I know the answer myself.  Life.  Life keeps us caught up running to catch up with the "next best thing".   The entire time the best thing is right inside of us waiting to be opened.  That would be our hearts. 

We all want a shot at life.  What is your definition of this? What is a "good life" to you?   I think the older you are your priorities change. You find with the accumulating years of life that accumulating stuff only weighs you down with more responsibilities and bills.  I wish I had answers to how to have a quick fix, but that does not exist.   Only hard work and prayer can help you realign your life to the point that you have a good shot at life.  It is a give and take with yourself between the needy side and the wanting side.

Your best shot is to let go and let God.  He provides every need.

Laurie

“For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25

'Power of Three' Modern Equine Art Horse Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Power of Three'

18 x 27  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  A pull ... a pull with some favorite colors on THICK crisp white.  There is a movement with in these on the pure white that brings me to a musical movement as you would read music and perform it....in 3/4 time of course!  Named the Power of Three...can you guess why?

The Thought:  I promised pumpkins and babies didn't I?

Oma and Tink Reading

 

Bampa and Tink waiting for something to eat.

 

 

Pumpkin carving

Promises are a special thing.  How often do you make promises in one day?  My mind echoes with the words,

"I PROMISE I will do it today."  

"I promise I will be there to pick you up."

If you are like me, when someone uses those words you hesitate unless it is someone that has a trusted history with you.  A "carry through" history.  There are those in our lives we love that make promises and we know it will carry through, we just don't know when it will carry through.  Their word is good but their calendar and clock run differently than the time the rest of us live on.  AND then there are those (and I am one of these) that will promised to do something and they do it, but everything else suffers to make sure it gets done.  I find myself having to juggle time to make sure I complete what I have committed to.

God is the perfect promise. 

I am sure you all have heard the phrase, "God promises not to give us more than we can handle, and He promises to give us the strength to overcome the trials that come into our lives." 

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

Anything that comes our way or tempts us, any tragedy, or anything in every day life, we are capable of facing it, living through it and spiritual growing. Never is it easy. There are times I have had doubts and truly had to shake myself back to my faith to make it through.  I have rarely doubted my spiritual faith and my strength to prevail, but often looking back I wonder if it was the human side of stubbornness or if I truly let go to let God.

Another favorite promise:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

He has promised love, care and forgiveness.  He keeps all promises to us if we believe and honor Him. The condition it to believe. The promise is to be saved.  We are to love God with all our heart, all our mind and all our actions.

His promises are woven through out the Bible. Many times the promises are tied to the word "if"as it requires an open heart to receive His promises and gifts.

God goes to great lengths to find you and give you His Promise if you are ready to listen.

Laurie

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." 2 Peter 1:2-4 

'United Ponies' Commissioned Horse Oil Painting Daily Art by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'United Ponies'

30 x 40 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is  a commissioned painting for a family in the United Kingdom, hence the name United Ponies.  They wanted a vertical painting with my signature style of painted pulls and requested softer colors and lots of greens.  Can you find all the horses?

The Thought: We had Tink yesterday. I will try and post some pictures later this week.  Rainy day again yesterday too.  God is restoring our area back from the seven year drought we have been in.

On Sunday our youngest daughter carved a pumpkin with one of her friends  for the carving contest at the high school.  I took some pictures of that too and they are still on my camera...so you may get caught up suddenly with all of them.  Normally at this time of year Terry and I make up a big batch of chili, usually our first for the winter, and we have a gourd carving party.   I miss it.  We use to live in the country and we would put my big art tables outside on the back porch and have several big trash cans for the mess and friends would come and carve their gourds and eat chili. I was always one of the judges for the final ribbons.  We take the carving seriously like an art.  Terry is actually pretty darn good at it. 

Okay and that brings me back to "Halloween".  Our 17 year old daughter is battering us about Halloween.  As you remember she is our foster/adopt daughter that we welcomed into our family this summer.   I am doing research to educate her this evening on where the holiday came from.

Here are things I found on the internet...true or not I do not know but I am reading and making my decisions based on the the extent of what I find there for factual pieces and then to my Bible.

1. Halloween was introduced into the professing Christian world centuries after the death of the apostles, yet it was celebrated by the pagans centuries before the New Testament Church was founded.

2. Halloween came to America through Scottish and Irish Folk customs and can be traced back to a paganistic time.

3. Nov 1st is Satan's day...did you know that? That is why Halloween is referred to as All Saint's Eve.  The Druid priests believed the immortality of the soul passed from one body to another as death. They believed that on the last night of the old year (Oct 31) the lord of death gathered the souls of all those who had died during the year and had been condemned to live in the bodies of animals, to decree what forms they would inhabit for the next year.

Another article said the people believed in fairies and that the spirits of the dead wandered around looking for bodies to inhabit. Since the living did not want to be possessed by spirits, they dressed up in costumes and paraded around making loud noise to frighten away the spirits.  

4. Halloween was celebrated to preserve in the minds of the people that this was a false doctrine of the immortality of the soul, to believe the dead are not really dead.  Almost all heathen nations had days to honor the dead.  The date of October 31 is the eve before Nov 1. All celebrations began at sunset in anticipation of the great day of Nov 1st, dedicated to the lord of the dead.

5.  Who was this lord of the death?  Matthew 22:31-32   "But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."  The dead do not serve God.   Paul in the book of Hebrews speaks of "him that had the power of death, that is the devil" Hebrews 2:14.  So the devil, Satan, was lord or master of the dead.

 Makes me wonder how we can call Halloween All Hallows or All Saints' Day and celebrate it in the Christian church.  Did you know that Martin Luther posted his epoch thesis on the door of the church at Wittenberg on Halloween?  He chose that night because he knew the town people would be coming to church.

The Catholic Church took over the Satanistic day and made it All Hallow Eve where all the saints of the Catholic Church were honored. From this grew a custom where people would go door to door on Nov 2 and request small cakes in exchange of a promise of prayers for the dead relatives from their families.

Now the candy.  In Ireland it was customary to have a procession led by a man in a white robe wearing a horse-head mask. The procession levied a contribution from the farmers in the name of an old Druid god.  If a farmer did not give liberally with gifts, they were tricked with the curse of bad crops in the next year.   So the act of trick or treating comes out of Ireland and the Druid paganism.

The Jack-o-lantern comes from Irish Folklore about a man named Jack who tricked the devil into climbing a tree. Once the devil was in the tree, Jack carved a cross on the trunk, preventing the devil from coming down.  The devil then made deal with Jack not to allow Jack into hell after he died IF Jack would remove the cross from the tree.  After Jack died, he was not taken into heaven and he was not allowed into hell, so he was forced to wander around the earth with a single candle to light his way. He kept the candle in a turnip to keep it burning longer.  When the Irish came to America in the 1800's they adopted the pumpkin instead of the turnip.  They also brought the idea that the black cat was considered by some to be reincarnated spirits who had prophetic abilities.

The Bible speaks negatively about occultist practices, spirits and witchcraft and witches. It condemns the practice as well as the people involved in it. As Believers we are to have nothing to do with the occult.   It is up to you and your family how you respond to Halloween. 

Our home is not decorated, but our porch light will be on...the only ghost that lives in our home is the Holy Ghost.   He welcomes anyone to open their hearts to His love and peace.

Laurie

  ^"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,  or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.  Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you." Deuteronomy 18:10-12

'Autumn Winds' Modern Equine Art Horse Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Autumn Winds'

30 x 30  Acryilc on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  Delicious.  It was delicious painting with an orange sherbet color.  But gee, look outside and see all the golden leaves tinted with this orange sherbet color and you can't help but want to paint it.  THICK paint adorns this canvas as you can tell by the ridges of paint piling on edge as I pulled the colors.

The Thought: Have you ever had to pick up the phone and dial for tech support on your computer?   I added Snow Leopard to my Mac. Somehow the morning after adding Snow Leopard, several of my itune folders were empty of favorite songs, like Josh Radin and Ellis Paul etc.  I was painting in acrylic at the time I discovered this so I had to wash the brush and give up on the painting to call Tech Support. I simply cannot function in the studio with out my music.

Well, I didn't really think about this call being tech support, but it was. I went through the website at Apple.com and clicked the support button and answered 5 questions and then it said I would get a call back from an Apple Technician. By the time I finished reading those words, the phone was ringing.  It was Apple Tech Support.

I am impressed.

What we determined was it was snow leopard and it wasn't snow leopard. It had something to do with the youngest daughter trying to charge her NANO on my computer.  Somehow many of my folders remained but the songs were gone.  Some of you realize that this is music accumulated over the past four years.  Lots of music.  I had played the music the day before but when Snow Leopard was added something readjusted in Itunes and poof.... the folders were empty. NOT all of them, but some of them.

MAC has this wonderful feature called TIME MACHINE.  I do believe one could write  a fabulous novel or movie based on a kid at their computer with TIME MACHINE.  You simple click the button and the screen goes starry like and pulls you into a vacuum back in time.  Suddenly your computer is at the date you set.   I love it. The kid would too if he really screwed up, he has an opportunity at take backs.    Too bad life is not like that.  We retrieved the missing music and reset two library files at the same time.  Presto it was fixed. 

I commented how great it was to have such fabulous tech support.  He said, well you have 154 days left of tech support.   You have to pay for tech support each year.  I can't remember why I would have done it, but YEAH FOR ME...I had it.  I will make sure I buy it again as reaching a real person in less than two minutes that actually speaks English with out an accent (For my old ears) is a miracle these days.

The only thing faster and more efficient than Mac Tech Support is GOD support.  God's is 24/7 and instantaneous if you allow Him into your heart.  No, He can't do the time machine go backwards thing, but He can provide instant peace as you step forward.  GTS  God's Technical Support... Pray it forward.

Laurie

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20   

'Morning Winter Sky' Contemporary Equine Art Daily Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Morning Winter Sky

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This one grew over a week's time.  It started out quiet gold and then as always erupts in color.  I do not think if you held me down I could paint a picture without a color explosion. What I love are the carved ribbons of color in the forelock and the mane, and the subtle plays of orange and blue.

The Thought:  I groaned inwardly this weekend as our youngest daughter missed all homecoming activities because of her choices not to turn in math homework or study for two vocab tests in English. It was truly been a rough week this week.  I cannot believe how much has changed since Morgan was in high school. Did you know parents are able to sign on to a website and see that the student arrived at class; they can see what assignments are being given and they have total access to the teacher's grade book EVERY DAY?   It truly is like being a mouse in the room.   There is something good about technology.

We are all faced with choice in our lives. I know I have not always made the best ones either. Sometimes God has seen fit to take my bad choices and at least give me a glimmer of something good that can be squeezed out of it.   I suffered from control disease.  My oldest daughter really suffers from it. I think it came from my Mom's side of the family, but then when I think of my dad,  gee, the genes came from both sides.   I am sunk.   I envision just taking off running through an unknown field filled with soft grass and wildflowers and just laughing and throwing my hands up in the air, "GOD I GIVE UP...take my life and do what you will with me. I want to serve you."

I then think about Tink, the 8 months old granddaughter. (You do know her real name is not TINK, nor is it Tinkerbell, which is what TINK is short for....I use her nickname for blogging purposes)...back to thinking about Tink.  She does fine with out controlling things.  Good heavens she is fed when she is hungry and changed when she is wet, and people spend all day talking to her and playing with her.  Before she sleeps day or night, she is held closely and given a bottle and sung a soft lullaby... she literally worries NONE.  Not one thought crosses her brain that worries. Can we ever be so trusting as an adult?

Are you ready to give up control and let God take care of you?

Laurie

"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:11-12

'Gentle Woman' Modern Equine Art Daily Horse Oil Painting Commission by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Gentle Woman'

24 x 24  Oil on Canvas

SOLD COMMISSIONED PAINTING

Contact me to commission something for your home. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  She asked me to paint something special and this is not quite done, but enough to share it with you.   http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/1529  This is one of the songs I listened to as I began to paint "Gentle Woman".  Her nephew is also a classical Pianist and he has some inspiring music that he has written and performed on this link.  http://derekremes.com/?page_id=4  When I do commission paintings I like to listen to the music that is the favorite of the collector wanting the painting.   She made it easy....

The Thought:  God guides us to different doors to open in our lives at different times of life.  Sometimes we open the door and sometimes we don't.  More often I think we don't.  We tend to want to control our own destiny.  What we have to begin to accept is God does not guide us where He cannot provide for us.  So next time that door seems to be slightly ajar, even though you think NO, I don't think so... maybe you should step over the threshold and trust. Trust in Him to provide.

As children growing up we would have run a muck if we did things our way. I was blessed to have controlling parents that made sure things were done their way.  My Dad especially was the stickler for my way or the highway.   What they did was provide the best they knew and gave us their unconditional love.  God is no different.  He knows the path for each of us. It is not always the easiest path, but it is our path.  He will provide what we need as proceed in life.  We have to trust.

Our youngest daughter still has not caught on to this yet.  At 17 she is still in the ME-ME age.  What can you do for ME???  When I start to worry and really get twisted from the verbal battle, I have to let go and let God.  She is actually old enough to take her choice of doors and find what is there for her life.  Terry and I can only stand back in love as she braves the adult world.

What ever door you stand before today, do not be afraid.  He is on the other side and He is going to walk with you when you open the door and enter in. You may be pleasantly surprised by the joy that you find in the journey and you will be surrounded by His power and love.

Laurie

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever." Philippians 4:19-20

'Moonshine' Modern Contemporary Equine Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Moonshine'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: This is a large version of a small painting I did entitled "The Moon."  The little one just sold and as I was packing it to ship, I decided I wanted to paint a big one. That is what I usually do with the little ones is use them as a test for colour and movement.

The Thought: Wii is still happening in the morning.  When I do over 45 minutes though, I feel whipped.   That is what I did yesterday.  I hit the shower when I was done and dried off and began to dress realizing I was so tired I wanted to fall back into bed.

The journeys we face in life are not always easy. Whatever you are confronting right now, know you are gaining both experience and strength as you go through this time in your life.  

Last night I began to wonder if I was doomed as I walked into the daughter's room and she had used permanent marker to draw on a piece of clothing...with a symbol of something not acceptable to this household...and permanent marker staining her less than two month old bedspread.  (Massively on her bed..not just a few markers...more like BLEED from the tip of the marker.) Of course it does not wash out... the comforter is in the dryer right now and it will be back on the bed with the marks in tack as scars to remind her of thinking of house rules of not doing "art" in bed.  As I lay in bed last night I prayed really hard to have an open heart and mind to the situation and the ability to forgive and move on.  I can only pray she has learned something in the process.  I have.  No markers out of the studio.

I will pray for you today...and please pray for me as we both go one step at a time with Him by our side.

Laurie

“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 15:23 

'Purple Horse' Equine Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Purple Horse'

18 x 27 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  I think it was the mood of purple that hazed over me as I started painting this black horse.  I didn't use much black.  I didn't think I like it and then I truly did like it as it developed it's very own cool personality.

The Thought: It was a day yesterday of taking one step forward and two steps backwards.  I always anticipate Wednesdays to be a wash as I teach piano and guitar in the afternoon.  The day began calmly as I put in 45 minutes on the Wii...and then had breakfast with the daughter.  It went slowly downhill the next 30 minutes and then crashed a few times in the next hour.  A rainy day made traffic a nightmare at the school...ah but we were two minutes early and missed it all!  I was thanking God and singing on the way home until my cell phone rang and the daughter announced she did not have her name tag.   If it had not been raining I would have told her to walk home to get it...but I took pity and spent 25 more minutes retrieving it and taking it back up to the school, fighting the late buses and frantic parents in the pouring rain. 

Did I mention the locks on my Passat won't work because she has slammed the doors so many times?  Or that her backpack tears and rips up the leather in the cars?  Add in the earlier request to bring me dirty towels as I was washing towels this morning and then I find four wet towels on the floor....

It was after ten before I started my painting day... hence the purple horse.  It totally represented my purple mood.

God loves us each unconditionally. We are the ones that put limits on things.  We need to love each other as God loves us.  Love those that mistreat you. Love those that are grumpy. Love those that leave wet towels on the floor.  Love those that slam doors. Love others unconditionally...with out complaining. Caught you there...hard to do it with out complaining too.

Forgiveness is not always an easy thing.  It is hard to let go of hurt feelings or disappointments from others and from ourselves.  We have to allow God to flow through us as we resolve our inner conflicts and let go of the anger.   Forgive and move on with life.  Otherwise you will be STUCK.

Only through God can you experience the power of this love where you can find true peace.  This peace overcomes all conflict causing growth in otherwise stagnate conditions.  This peace will bring compassion in place of anger.

God is with you and with me in every situation and in every moment. Only as we allow forgiveness into our heart and spirit will we find peace.

Who do you need to forgive today?

Laurie

"When he saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." Luke 5:20

'Time on My Mind' Abstract Oil Daily Painting by Laurie Pace

'Time on My Mind'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to commission work by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: This is an oldie from the external harddrive. I do not have a painting that is new! I do have five, make that six drawn off on canvas ready to paint!  Stay tuned for new and approved.

The Thought:  Typical conversations in our family might revolve around who is going to do what.  What is your most UNFAVORITE thing to do around the house?  Mine is taking out the trash.  I love washing dishes or cleaning bathrooms.  Each of us has our likes and dislikes.  Each of us is made differently.  The daughter still at home does not like doing dishes or homework.  She avoids both like the plague.  Our older daughter loves to bake, but 10 years ago she couldn't operate the stove. Looking out on a broader approach...not only are our daughters unique, but so are we. 

While our God is the one and ONLY GOD.  YOU are the one and only YOU.  Some of you are creative. Some of you like to cook. Some can't stand being in the kitchen and can't draw a straight line, but they can sing with the angels.   Each of us has unique talents and skills to share.

When I think of art and try to define it, what is art?  Art that I do can be on canvas or paper.  Another art is the preparation of a meal for family.  Go even further to the plates and bowls you eat out of; sculptor's hands used clay to make those.  Other hands make art as they play the piano, the guitar, the violin; old hands hold the young hands of a child quieting them when they are afraid. 

Creativity is born in all of us. We are each unique. Give of those creative gifts to the world.

Laurie

"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God."  1 Corinthians 2:12

'Flying Three' Modern Equine Art Horse Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Flying Three'

24 x 36  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: You almost feeling like you are flying with these wild ponies.  Painted in dimensional layers of acrylic, this painting is a conversation piece plus color.

The Thought:  Morgan mentioned that there is talk of continuing the $8000 bonus to new home buyers AND offering for Refinancing as well. Granted this is in the talk stage in the congress...but it is something to hope for as many folks are still facing foreclosure.  For others, this provides a time to buy that first house and have that $8000 to help with closing costs in your first purchase.

Catch up with them on their blog:  www.mortexlending.blogspot.com.  Both of the boys blog daily and I throw in some thoughts as well.  I am in three solid years of daily blogging and have rarely missed a day. My mom calls if my blogs don't post. My daughter calls to see if I am still alive.  I feel I am an experienced blogger now.  I am laughing as I type this.  Certifiable I am certain.

Wonder what would happen if God offered an $8000 bonus to sign up on His side? That would be a signing bonus to heaven right?  Reminds me of that old song Stairway to Heaven. 

Well He offers something better than cash money...He offers life eternal. That sort of makes you stop and think doesn't it.  I always remember ministers preaching on the treasures of heaven. Lay up your treasures in heaven, not here on earth. If you heart is right your treasure is with God, not with money and stuff from this life.  When your heart is right with God, your giving to others will be right. When your heart is poured toward God you realize that it is from your heart you operate in life each day. Our heart is attached to our treasures, so where ever your heart is, that is where your treasure is.

You have a choice to reaffirm your commitment to Him through every day. You must choose where your treasure will be, what your vision will be and who or what holds your heart.

God holds my heart, who holds yours?

Laurie

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20

'Dance of the Red Ponies' Modern Equine Art, Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Dance of the Red Ponies No. 362'

18 x 27  Oil on Canvas

SOLD FROM THE BLOG

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

                                        © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  Rich reds were in my palette on this one... and I wanted more red but tempered my desire with other colors!   THICK buttery paints and a treasured pull, one of my signature pieces.

The Thought: Blog is late this morning.  The computer froze up as I was finishing it and wham I had to force quit Firefox and I lost the entire thing. Even the normal save as draft was not functioning in blogger.  So this will be short and sweet as it took me 45 min to write what was here and I do not have the time this morning to repeat the exercise!

Whatever His plan is, it was not for me to share what I had written. I was given the Kreative Blog award.  I was suppose to share 7 things you would not possibly know about me.. and I truly put my heart into it. Then I was to chose 7 other artist/bloggers that I would pass this on to.  I think I have done this before so that is probably why all the malfunction.

I will tell you the Spirit is active in my life today as always.  He is in yours as well. As the day unfolds know that God is evident in every moment, just stop and take the time to look and you will find Him.  His Spirit is upon us. His Spirit is woven through the fabric of our being and our lives.


Know Him today in all that you do.

Laurie

"After the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice." 1 Kings 19:11-12.

'Purple Haze' Modern Equine Art, Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Purple Haze'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  The first painting was called White Knight.  I wanted to paint the subject again and sought the deep contrast of cooler colors and white. You only find slight soft accents of reds and yellows.  The paint is thick and is Holbein Duo Oils. 

The Thought: The gathering of so much talent took place yesterday at the Dutch Art Gallery. The Artists of Texas had their first gallery showing.  Kay Wyne was the liaison for the AOT group and the gallery and did a fabulous job. 

When you walked in  you were blown away by the intensity of the work as well as the diversity.  None of this everyone painting the same thing.  None of this "your work reminds me of someone else's work".  All original and all unique.  I will put up a slide show in a day or two of the show.

The Artists of Texas is a group that welcomes application for membership for any artist that resides full time or part time in the state of Texas. We jury in the artist at this level and invite them to be on the website and on the blog, http:artistsoftexas.blogspot.com .  Our website is www.artistsoftexas.org.  From this group is a very select juried group that blog on www.dailypaintersoftexas.blogspot.com.

The origination of this group was from email visits with  Jamie Williams Grossman, an NY Artist and fellow member of Micah Condon's international group of Daily Painters, www.dailypainters.com.

Jamie gathers artist in NY state for paint outs and shows.  Both the friendships and the art have blossomed into a positive thing.  From emails back and forth with Jamie, I decided to begin the Daily Painters of Texas and with the help and blessing of Micah we began.  Vernita Bridges-Hoyt and Debbie Grayson Lincoln, both fellow members of Micah's group, helped as we started up. Kay Wyne of Dallas and Debbie Cannatella of Tyler are also an important part of our jury group for new members.

God has blessed us richly as artists to come together to celebrate our gifts.

Laurie

“The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Psalm 25:14-15

'Three Apples' Fruit Art, Apple Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Three Apples'

8 x 10 Oil on Board 

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

DO NOT FORGET IF YOU ARE IN DALLAS, COME TO THE DUTCH ART GALLERY
for our opening show today and meet the artists from 2-5pm.

The Painting: Crisp colors of fall in this contrasting of hues red and green. These were honey crisp apples I bought at Whole Foods last week and as they were drying from washing I snapped pictures on my green kitchen towel. Had to paint them. Gotta love it.

The Thought: More Wii today... much better as I didn't work out by 35 minutes. I do not feel as drained.  I can honestly say I am tighter all over from the yoga and aerobics.

I am determined to try and do this at least five times a week added to my huge daily list...but I worry when I start humming the tune of the step song from the Wii.  Daughter says I am doing it too much. She has me working on my MYSPACE.  Yes I have one. I visit it once a year. I have never used it. Interesting concept. 

Finding the WHOLENESS in life is important. On the way back from driving the daughter to school yesterday, I noted in a yard ready for Halloween two tombstones. One was were an old tree used to be that had to be cut down after one of the recent storms. That tree had to be 75 years old. It was huge and shaded much of the house and street.  The tombstone read.  "R Oak Tree 1920 - 2009"  on the other side of the yard was another tombstone, "Rest in pieces" and there were some of the smaller branches of the oak tree.

That made me think about Resting in Peace....that should not just be at death, but it should be when we are alive.  Wholeness allows us to rest in peace, God's peace through out the day.  When we are not whole in Him, we are indeed resting in pieces.... one piece at work, one in the kitchen, one outside doing yard work, one piece paying bills, one piece jogging around the block while the mind is soaring through all the things that you need to do yet today.

Wholeness is a natural state of God.  We have to accept it and affirm it to have that whole peace.  We have to affirm strength, health and well being. We have to affirm our love of Him. When we do that we are able to restore vitality to life each day.

Breathe deeply and inhale oxygen rich air provided by Him.  This begins restoring cells in your lungs and spreads it through your body.  Open your mind to peace and to Him and center yourself in wholeness today.  Eat nutritious foods prepared in a healthful way and begin exercising and strengthening not only your body but your mind as well.

Body, mind and soul....God's given expression of His love of wholeness.  Find His wholeness today and do not rest among the pieces...but rest in His whole peace.

Laurie

"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24

'Two Pair' Pears Oil Painting, Fruit Art by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Two Pair'

18 x 24 x 2  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  I need to take some better pictures as I shot this last night as I finished it.  The lighting was not good.  I love painting pears. There is something about giving character and color to each one.

The Thought:  SORE.  Wii makes me sore when I over do it.  I started getting up earlier and I do 30-45 minutes of Wii fit now.  Then shower and then stumble achingly into the studio to start my day.  I puts me about an hour and a half behind from where I need to be when I take the daughter to school.

I keep an image of good health in mind with trying to exercise more. I know it provides more energy once you re-coop from the workout...but I am tired now.  The good I am imagining will slowly become a reality as my fitness improves.  I can already tell a difference in flexibility when I am bending or reaching.  The more I exercise right now, the better it is... and of course in sensible moderation.   Learning to treat your own body with respect and honoring the body God created you in is important.

It is easier to respect and be nicer to others more often than it is to be nice to ourselves.  Embrace the fullness of life today and the abundance God has provided.  Imagine the good and it will become a reality.

Laurie

"Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears for they hear."  Matthew 13:16

'Brilliant Color' Flower Art, Floral Oil Painting, Flowers in a Vase Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Brilliant Color'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is similar to one that I sold this week.  It is a second huge painting of thickly applied Holbein Duo Oils in gorgeous roses.

The Thought:  Well Mr Truck was up and running and Terry drove it to work. It sounds about 2 years younger at least.  Perhaps we might have replaced the waterpump before?  I don't think so... I think they just give up.  Other than  a sore body from the contortions he made while fixing it, he is a happy camper.

This was my second morning on the Wii fit.  The first day I did 1 hour of exercising. I hurt so bad the next two days I didn't do anything.  This morning I got up early and worked out doing yoga, Aerobics and running.  It takes 45 min to do 30 min of exercising.   At least I am in the normal range...altho it is up at the border on the BMI.  I hope to try and get it 30-45 min at least 5 days a week.  My oldest daughter allowed me to borrow her Wii fit.  Maybe someone will think about that for my birthday.  Yes that is next month, or actually in about three weeks.

Keeping fit for the body is a challenge as we grow older.  The body creaks and aches a bit more when you over do it.  Seems like keeping fit in my faith and walk with the Lord comes easier as I get older. I feel more relaxed and less pressured by go go go and do do do.  It become less important at times to push myself...I stop and breath and take the time to think before reacting.

How is your "keeping fit" with God?  It has to be more than five times a week for sure.  He is a constant for you... realize that this moment.

Laurie

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 

'Of the Earth' Modern Equine Art, Contemporary Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Of the Earth'

30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  Inspired by Spirit of Fire and the palette of earthy oranges and rusts balance by deep blues and golds... this dynamic painting evolved.  A blue eyed white horse... of the earth.

The Thought:  Terry is working on his truck.   I have to pray for divine order.   He is after all, an airline mechanic with a practicing license.  He is truly good with cars and loves taking them apart.  He has rules about everything being laid out and marked.  He was good when we moved about marking and remarking boxes and wires with tags of what they go to.   He has his own 'divine order' going on.

I had suggested we take Mr Truck to the fix it mechanic on Monday. We cannot be with out two cars during the week with the daughter in school.  I have to take her every morning around 8:30 and then Dad picks her up at 4:15.  I was only trying to spare him the backbreaking work that it involves working on the truck. He has had a bad back for the past three weeks.  Pretty stubborn he has continued his quest.  He is not sure what all is wrong with it and has approached it putting one fire out at a time to eliminate what it could be.  

I am  a woman... a bit more impatient and of course feel time spent is better going with a fix it shop doing it all at one time.   Taking it apart on Mon/Tues to do the thermastat and whatever else he did... then putting it back together again until next week, when he will take it apart again to do the timing chain/belt... and then back together again until the next week to do the heater core... hummm... too much extra work for this woman.  Still makes more sense to do it all while it is apart in pieces.

God provides us with divine order and we ALWAYS seem to ignore Him.  Well probably 98 percent of the time.  We need to relax and pray more about our actions and decisions.  If you take the attitude of just waiting... waiting on life... you miss out on the joy ahead. Sometimes we have to make those decisions and take those chances to find our desires of the heart.

Today affirm God's divine order through out the day.  The right outcome will appear in perfect time.

I think I will go lease a car this afternoon.

Laurie

"The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits." James 3:17

'Spirit of Gold' Modern Equine Art, Large Daily Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Spirit of Gold'

24 x 36  Acrylic Overlays on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

                                        © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009


The Painting:   Another joyful piece with the acrylic layering. It begins with washes overlaying washes and then the painting.  Bright, crisp and clearly alive!


The Thought: Take a breath and let it out slowly.  With this breath I want you to release your anxieties this morning.   Take another breath and feel God's breath filling your lungs...hold it for a few seconds and slowly expel the breath into the atmosphere... sharing God's breath out from your body.


Be secure in Him today.  His presence and peace surrounds you and protects you as you live this day. There is joy in life and in living. There is contentment in giving and helping others. God Spirit protects us through every moment of our day.  He is our constant companion...so if something crops up unexpected, know you can handle it because He is right there with you.  His all providing presence supports you always.

We were suppose to have our Tink yesterday  and that always brings us much much joy!  But we alas, we didn't get her.  She caught another bad cold at her "day care" place.   She came to visit on Sunday afternoon and showered us all with sneezes.  I am hoping Terry and I stay well!

May His Love surround and guard you always.

Laurie

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11

'Moon River Crossing" Contemporary Equine Art, Daily Painting Modern Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Moon River Crossing'

18 x 24 x 2  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: Powerful strokes of nightfall with the moon in the upper left corner.  The curling splashes of water rising up foaming around the horses as they cross the river.  Red Horse behind the White Horse.  This piece could have had several names.  As always with the thicker pieces, many layers of incredible Holbein Duo Oils applied with a palette knife.


The Thought: Goodness cannot grow in Grumpy Soil.  Holding onto to negative thoughts only breeds unhappiness and discontentment. When we do this, it keeps us at a distance from the goodness of God.

On the other hand, if you make room for goodness in your life, it will come.  If you let go of the negativity, the grumpiness, the judgmental attitude and you will find LESS STRESS and more joy. If you want a fuller life, with positive energy flowing through you at all times, you have to stop being so negative about life.

Express your concerns and your disappointments with God.  Have true heart to heart conversations to let Him know your heart, your hurt and your pain.  This will be the first steps to finding your true path in life fulfilling what He has for you, instead of you choosing the dark bumpy grumpy roads. Don't let those worries back in.  Give them to Him to handle.


Be prepared to have a new and wonderful joy filled day when you do this.

Laurie

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight." Proverbs 3:5

'Spirit of Fire' Large Equine Art Daily Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Spirit of Fire'

30 x 40  Oil on Canvas

SOLD this morning just before I posted this blog!
It is on its way to a new gallery in Shanghi.  Thank you.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: Just back here from my NY show, this beauty has been featured in Western Art Collector in an ad and write up last year. She is ready for a new home.  HEAVY palette knife dominates the exterior feel of this composition while strong color contrast builds the energy.

The Thought: Sometimes I feel overcrowded by life.  Between the responsibilities and the personalities and the compounding of work and home life, the hours are not enough and something always suffers.

I believe when we arrive at this point we are open to attack from all sides.  Evil creeps in when you least expect it during your day and often you react in a human fashion lashing out instead of walking with Him.

God wants us to always be considerate of others and their feelings, even over our own. It is when we lose control that we lose.  Be wise today and be prepared to turn to Him and not to anger. Forgive those that do come to battle you and speak back with kind words.   I have failed at this and you will too, but we can keep trying.

Laurie

 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." James 1:19-20

"Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy; it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking; it is not easily angered and it keeps no records of wrong." 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

'Spring Showers' Equine Art Huge Horse Modern Contemporary Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Spring Showers'

36 x 48 inches  Oil on Canvas

SOLD FROM THE BLOG! Thank you.
Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: This beauty returned from Patina at Marble Falls.  That was the gallery that had to close it doors and many of us are sad as it was one of the best of all of the galleries.  It is HUGE.  Standing four feet tall and three feet wide, is filled with the colors of rain as horses gallop toward you splashing.  ENERGY abounds from this painting. I just delivered it up to The Dutch Art Gallery for the show opening there next week, but it is for sale.  So contact me if you are interested.

The Thought:  I have to stop and take a breath and remember.  I remember with warmth and a wide smile my grandson Grant.  Grant died from complications from the flu in February of 2007. He was only 11. With the Swine Flu wiping through our population and so many deaths on the flu with children and adults... in our family we take it seriously.  My daughter and son-in-law chose not to go public with Grant's death almost three years ago, but they stay in touch with any one they can minister to going through this today.  A loss of child is so abrupt and to us so unnecessary.  Trying to stay focused that there is a greater plan, is totally impossible when you are in such new grief.

Be careful right now. Remember to wash your hands often.  Try and NOT GO OUT and expose others if you are sick.  I know with this flu, you are contagious two days before you show symptoms...so still be alert to always cover your mouth for coughing and sneezing. Always wash your hands and do not share drinks and food. 

Our family is eating out less.  We usually do in the winter anyway. We shop less in general and really stay on top of hand cleaning and avoiding places with large crowds.  I have watched this spread through our local schools and the families affected that have sick children.  It seems to linger almost three weeks before it finally clears a child's body entirely.  If you have three kids at home...it is going to take awhile to work it's way through your family...so try and stay well.

 Someone told us once to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while you wash your hands.  It takes longer than you think!  Sing away today...it works with Jesus Loves Me too!

Laurie

“It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 

'On a Reach 2' Sailboat Lake ART Oil Paintings by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'On a Reach 2'

5 x 7 inches oil on board

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This is my third small sailboat piece for the show in Dallas.  Small palette knife with big action.

Note:

I just finished helping the boys set up their blog... interest rates are at 4.5% for home loans... check it out!

http://mortexlending.blogspot.com 

The Thought:  Saying Grace... that stuck in my head this morning.  When I was driving our daughter to school yesterday and I spotted all the different 'neighbors' out walking in the hot humid air heavy wiht moisture.  Some are older and walking slowly with a cane. Some are middle age and walking their dogs...and then there are the younger ones. These are the ones that still look fabulous in their short shorts and jogging tops and they are not walking, they are jogging. Somehow they still look unsweaty and gorgeous. 

As I drove along I had that fleeting thought of "wonder what it would be like to be able to jog and be healthy and thin and carefree'...but I stopped myself before the entire thought floated out of my head.  Why would I not think this of the older man with the cane? Or the middle age couple walking their dogs obviously trying to battle those 25 pounds?  While things might look 'good' on the outside, each of their lives are filled with things we cannot even know about.  Maybe that young mom has a husband in Afghanistan.  Maybe that middle age couple has started a new walking routine for better health after they buried a parent.  Maybe the older man with the cane is smiling and totally carefree because he has lived through the what ifs... and has arrived at this day... the day the Lord has given him...today. He is no longer affected by yesterday or tomorrow...only by the joy of this day and this moment walking.

Say grace over this day; God will enrich your life and you will openly embrace the whole day.  What is ...is this moment right now.  Savor it; live it.

Laurie

“I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.” Isaiah 43:11-12   

'A Horse in the Sun' Equine Art Large Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'A Horse in the Sun'

30 x 30  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This began with an undercoat of Indian Yellow, swipes of Deep red and orange and gorgeous sunrise runs of paint.  Thus began this composition.  The added layers of acrylic build the horse off the surface of the canvas.

The Thought: This was a busy shipping week with over 15 pieces going out to various collectors and galleries.  The market had slowed last month but was quite brisk this weekend.  I gave up trying to figure out the economy.  We closed on our refinancing loan yesterday, pulling together all our home improvement loans out on the house we have redone.  It settles everything in one loan for 5% which is a positive thing for us until we know if Terry will be offered an early retirement package.

Our daughter was off for two days of Teacher Inservice.  She worked hard rebuilding her science notebook and I think she is enjoying being back in school again.  She missed her friends. She enjoyed the weekend though as we did some winter clothes shopping and found a cute sweater jacket for her. Maybe we will get some cooler temperatures soon so she can wear it!

I received an email that contained the catchy phrase  "Soul Reason".  Pretty darn catchy in fact.  When you decide to do something or you are making a major decision in life, perhaps it would be wise to examine the SOUL REASON for doing it.  It triggers thoughts of what and why you do things in life. Then to think about how those decisions relate to your soul and who you truly are... it is enlightening.

What's your soul reason for getting up this morning and reading my blog?

Laurie

“[A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.] O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”- Psalm 63:1