'Together Through The Journey' Equine Abstract Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Together Through the Journey'

30  x  30  Oil on Canvas

SOLD THE DAY IT POSTED! THANK YOU!

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I finished this painting last week.  Lots of earthy feel and colors as the horses are woven into their environment.

The Thought: When I was painting this piece, I was thinking of how horses often blend into their environment.  Horses are either at peace, or they are rather hyper and on the move. Here in Texas it is common for them to be part of the landscape rather than on the landscape.

This is true of the nature of God with in us. He is indwelling and filling us with peace and serenity. He is woven through out our being.  We are often unaware of the true peaceful state of our souls when we are constantly pushing through the day creating our own chaos.  I believe in meditation and finding that quiet time of reflection and just being... totally just being. The stillness within is the stillness you seek and it is there you will find yourself at peace in that inner sanctuary of you. This is where God is waiting for you.  His spirit provides for you a constant source of tranquility and peace.


I wish for you this day moments spent in that source of His Grace...all inside of you right now, just waiting for you to be still to discover the power of His Presence.

Laurie

"And have them make me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8

'At the Ocean' Child portrait on the Beach by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'At The Ocean'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Available through the Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas Texas

Contact Pam

Contact me for commission Work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010


(What is she gazing off thinking about?)

The Painting: Just about finished!  I started this painting this past weekend and worked on it on and off on Saturday and Sunday and then finished it this afternoon. I will live with it another day and do touch ups and then it will be in the show coming up at the Dutch Art Gallery.

The Thought: I have been reading from the book I began last week about living in the NOW to Terry.  It sounds simplistic but of course is not.  The more we share in the book we discuss the reality of how much we truly allow the past and future to control our now. 

When you live in the now you are embracing God's choices for you and knowing these are right choices despite how you perceive the situation.  Our perception is always shadowed by the past and the worry or fear of the future. Situations are never as they first appear to be and immediately our minds begin to jump backwards to associations of times similar in the past.

The most disappointing news can induce fear or the thoughts of a negative outcome, but when we steady ourselves to the current NOW moment we are able to realize we have a choice and a God given guidance to respond to situations on what we choose to do or not do. The situation may only be perceived in that split second as disappointing, and when we sit back and do not allow fear to drive our mind, we leave ourselves open to choices.

There is always an inspired way from Him to follow.  With the Spirit of God as our guide, we can always make right choices.

Laurie

"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name."  Psalm 86:11

'Blue Glads' Flower Oil Art Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Blue Glads'

Private Collection

Contact me for commissions. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This painting lives in Ohio.  This collector has two beautiful sons that I love to watch grow on their family blog.  Can you tell I met her through painting for her and I am the one gifted with the relationship and loving glimpses into the boys as they grow.

The Thought:  The word grow and spring seems to be appropriate, but I am on the thought of praying to reach out to those that are not near me.  From my sister Jan in Arizona, to the two wonderful growing boys in Ohio, to dear friends through out the United States and even the world, my prayers and hopes reach out to you far and near. To my classmates from the 1970 graduating class of Lake Highlands High School, to my fellow artists from Daily Painters and Artists of Texas, to my dear friend in Virginia and my other cherished friend in Detroit...I pray for you all.

Some one wrote me on yesterday's blog and said they would keep some of their scratches on their 'coffee pots' and she is right as those experiences make us who we are in our journey.  Praying and watching over others as they grow, bump their heads, gain scratches, make crumbs and discover the world, is huge.   When I watch the moon rise in the night sky, and I am saying my evening prayers, I know they see the same light from the same moon.  When the rising sun breaks the dawn, I welcome the day in prayer for them for their day to begin with this joyous light as well.

God's love wraps around us where ever we are and He lovingly greets us with a spiritual connection that crosses through everything...time, space, objects...through everything. He is woven within the fabric of our human body and our spiritual being.   So when I pray for these loved ones, I envision my prayers connecting through God's wrapping around surrounding them.  

My prayer reach out to you too.


Laurie

"but truly God Has listened; He has given heed to the words of my prayer." Psalm 66:19

'Fleeting Moment' Woman portrait Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Fleeting Moment'

  Oil on Canvas

Private Collection

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This piece resides up near Boston.  It survived a house fire I am told and may come home to be refurbished. 

The Thought:  I know there are many of you out there that keep the perfect house ....and are so punctual and good about cleaning.  My sister Jan is for sure.  She is older and much wiser and from her I have learned so much about life and cleaning. She came to help me move once and I marveled as she scrubbed down Terry's filthy coffee pot.  I am not one to even touch the machine as I do not drink coffee, but she firmly removed all the old coffee stains and shined it right up and then attacked the toaster, which I do use.

I am so caught up in my work in the studio I become ignorant to things like this in the kitchen. I am totally anal about scrubbing bathrooms clean, sinks and counters in the kitchen, but I disappointingly often forget about the coffee pot and the toaster. Every time I look at them I think of Jan and then think of God.

We are like those coffee pots. We are in use daily always busy and always working.  Those stains build up and grunge sets in. With out taking the time to "clean up" daily, we just add more stains on top of more stains.  Those daily visits with God are vitally important and should not be ignored.  God cleans those stains off when we take the time to talk to Him and ask for His forgiveness and guidance.  If we compare ourselves to the toaster...we stay pretty crummy with out His clean up touch.

Lets get in the spirit of spring cleaning and shine up our lives, removing the stains and crumbs from every corner.  Jan is my spiritual sister and I am forever grateful to the Lord for her guidance and influence. She is my prayer partner through it all.

Laurie

"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name." Psalm 86:11

'Guadalupe River' Landscape River Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Guadalupe River'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Private Collection

Contact me for commission work.  Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Another painting from the archives.  Enjoy this beauty and feel the serene presence of peace.

The Thought:  Were you ever faced with something in life that made you hesitate and even be slightly fearful?  It could truly be almost anything now days.  The media is truly playing up everything around the world to get our attention with warnings of chaos and tales of doom.  It is how they make money in their business by their ratings on TV and the advertisers who will pay the big bucks for the evening news slots for ads.  Looking at the world today, there seems to be huge problems ahead according to the media.

It is easy to be led into a fearful place if you watch the news on a daily basis. Problem here in Texas is the every changing weather and if you don't watch the news you will have no clue when those spring storms and tornadoes hit or when the next (I am laughing) snowfall comes.  We had snow in late March last weekend.

All of this plays right back to yesterday's blog and living in the now and not allowing the fear of yesterday's news to affect you today.  Your attention should be drawn to the now in your mind dwelling with the spirit of God.  God should be the blessed news in your life if you need "news".  The Spirit is every present within you and surrounding your family. The Spirit weaves through out the world in every person, place and situation.

It is His spirit that is the safest place we can be.  Through Him you will find the wisdom of God for your life and find the courage to do what you need to do and live through this day with its challenges.

Appreciate the many opportunities He gives you. Trust in Him and do not be afraid. Be Courageous. You are blessed to live your life fully.

Laurie

"I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world."  John 16:33

'Horse Four' Equine abstract Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Horse Four'

30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Private Collection

Contact me for Commission Work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  From my archives...As we are in the midst of packing and moving you will have some paintings of old. 

The Thought: I am late blogging this morning due to exhaustion.  We were busy yesterday helping Justin and Tara with their move to their new home south of Arlington.  They have a beautiful new house to fill with their love and dreams and we were happy to be apart of that start up you might say.  We literally didn't eat all day yesterday until seven thirty last night; I don't want to do that again.

By this late in the morning sleeping in, I almost feel more tired than if I was up early doing.  I will probably feel 'behind' all day.  Even though this Blog will go up two hours late hopefully that does not mean my day will run two hours late all day.  I will miss every appointment I have.  I have to remember this is God's time and not mine.

Yesterday in traffic driving hours with the truck full of the load that would not fit in the mover's 26ft van, Terry and I had time to reflect and talk and vent.  In the book I am reading I am stuck in the chapter on Pain...the Pain we inflect on ourselves.  We have experiences in life that occur moment by moment.  The experiences come to an end, but the feelings of the experience stay with us forever unless we learn to let them go.  That goes back to my favorite, "let go and let God" mantra.  When you store these unpleasant associations up in a back place in your mind, every time something unleashes them you get a rush of late associated memories and pain. When certain situations compound over the years happening over and over the pain increases and multiplies.  This also seems to tie into another favorite, 'to forgive is to forget'.


When do we finally learn how to do that?  We continually punish ourselves by holding on to unpleasant memories and pain from the past and it keeps us from living in the now.  Maybe the experience today would not hurt us like it did ten years ago.  Maybe we have learned new coping skills or have had other new life experiences that would lend themselves to a more positive outcome.  Yet, we still bring in all of yesterday to today and it totally incapacitates our ability to live in the now. Cultivating peace in our minds and our lives is primary. We all have peace within us, we just seem to have a hard time recognizing it or finding it in the jungle of stress we dwell in.

 I believe these are two very hard things to do and apply all the time in order to find peace and live in the now. I know for me I have to remind myself to let go and let God.  I will be adding to that prayer the next phrase,  forgive, forget and move on.  The hardest step is learning to forgive yourself and then wiping out the pain that remains in order to get to the forget, before you can even take a step to move on to peace and living in the now.


If you take my hand, we can do it together.  Feel peace in living in the now, instead of living continually with the anger and hostility of your past.

Laurie

Let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it.--1 Peter 3:11

'Before the Crucifixion' Portrait in History, Christ Jesus Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Before The Crucifixion'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Private Collection

Contact me for Commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  This is from almost ten years ago. I came across the files and wanted to share it.  We are in the season of Lent... in preparation for Easter and Christ's Resurrection.

The Thought:  I do not know why I did not paint more in this series. I think I did three pieces.  This seems to be the only one I can still find on disk.  It was done well before the Mel Gibson Version of the Passion of the Christ.   The pain depicted in the painting was even too much for the person I painted it for.  They said it physically hurt to view it, but you know, maybe it should. It was definitely not a picnic type situation.  The burden He bears for us is not light and could not be depicted that way either.

I enjoyed forming and painting the characters of each of the men and women surrounding Christ in this scene.  I remember working on it for months before I was finished. Always in His time.  Everything is in His time.

I am hoping with the move to do more pieces that reflect the power of Him in my life and my response to so many things in the bible. I love painting my horses and I will not stop that, I simply want to add to it.

When you feel or are inflected with this type of what seems to be unbearable pain in your life, what do you do?  So much of our pain is brought directly to ourselves by ourselves.  We often allow pain to enter our own world. Living in the present moment would possibly eliminate some of this.  Live for right now...let tomorrow and yesterday go.  Allow Him to carry your troubles and your pain. Focus strictly on this moment.

Laurie

^"Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorian and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him." Matthew 27: 27-31

'Chloe' Equine White Horse Art Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Chloe'

20 x 30  Acrylic on Canvas

She is soft and gentle.
Private Collection SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:   Don't know what drove me to pink, but I can only guess subconsciously I knew Tink was coming today.   A sweet gentle Chloe is a rescue horse at the Goldwaith Horse Rescue here in Texas.

The Thought: Yesterday Terry and I drove over to ULINE to pick up boxes for packing.  I dislike the freeway very much.  I always check my iphone for traffic problems before we get on and then with clenched hands I try hard to think of positive things.  It seems like every time we are on the entrance ramp to pull out into the first lane, there is solid traffic in that first lane and NO ONE wants to let you in.   I remember taking the KY driving test when we moved there twenty years ago and that was a test question.  If you are in that lane you adjust your speed slightly to allow a car to merge into the line of traffic.  Texas drivers don't honor that.  Especially Dallas drivers.  They just stare straight ahead and will not slow a tiny bit to allow you to merge. 

Occasionally there will be that exception.  As you pull down the ramp you see the car coming just at an angle and they are actually slowing down... the driver waves at you to pull on in and you give a sigh and a wave back of thanks.   If you are anything like me, you are gleefully honor that gentile driver for his compassion and safe driving.

The same is true for us.  God honors us when we seek the best for others and not ourselves. How can you help someone out today?

Laurie

"When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:7-11

'Something Different' Abstract Woman Painting by Texas Aritst Laurie Pace

'Something Different'

Not sure of size  Acrylic on Canvas

Make an offer!
Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

 

The Painting: Did not paint yesterday, but did drive out to Mt Vernon to do measurements at the new house. What I posted was from a class session last year. It is not finished, but not time to dig into the archives. If you see paintings available you like, please email me. We are moving in two weeks and TP does not want to move them!


The Thought: Today on the road I kept seeing the billboard signs for that one group called "I AM SECOND". Don't know if you know what they are but you can google them.  Very interesting and very on target.  Here is their website: I Am Second.

I am second. God is first.  It does not work any other way despite us trying to be first. We simply cannot be first. Every time we manage to try and be first we will be knocked down along the way.  How many times must you be knocked down to know you are not first?  Some folks live their whole lives and never get it.  Often times, evil forces are in the play and you cannot be first in line to battle against them. You must allow Him to be first to protect you and give you His Armor....the Armor of God.  Don't let the devil take you down... be second and let God take the lead both in battle today and in your life every day. You can't make it without Him. 

 I hope you enjoyed the slide show. It is of the house we are hopefully buying. I say that because we do not close until April, and nothing is for sure until you sign those papers!

Laurie
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.”- Ephesians 6:10-11

'Princess close up' Portrait painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'CLOSE UP BEING A PRINCESS'

Contact me. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

SNOW in Dallas  March 21, 2010

The Painting: Just a close up of the one I am still working on. I was sick so no painting.

The Thought:    The past 36 hours have not been the best, but definitely not the worst either. I hope to be back in the studio today boxing and painting.

While in bed, I did read more in the book I mentioned and one of the thoughts I have been working over is the difference between an emotion in your body and an actual thought in your body when you are quietly sitting emptying your thoughts.  Must be why they say some folks act from the heart with out a thought and then there are those that think everything through at least a hundred times before they take action.

If you are sitting quietly and surrendering to the simplicity of no active thoughts, how do you feel an emotion running through you? I am still working on this.  Have you figured it out yet?

Laurie

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”- Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Power and Majesty" Equine Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Power and Might'

30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

PRIVATE COLLECTION SOLD
Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  I revisited a painting from two weeks.  This is sheer power...and thick paint.

The Thought:  I just bought the new book by Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now.  Funny thing is a good friend spoke to me last night about being still and in the moment and give in to the point of surrender.  What other choice do you truly have in life?  Until you surrender all you can have nothing.

The back jacket of this book talks of leaving behind your analytical mind and get away from it all.  Those squirrels  are working overtime in your head anyway... give them a rest....find a higher place to be. As both this author says and my friend says,  "silence speaks". It is here you will find the answers to joy.

We are going to try this today several times... and I challenge you to do the same... surrender it all.  You have nothing to loose and only everything to gain.  All you need is yourself and quiet... find it and do it. As my friend says, "Listen to me...."  

Laurie

"Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:3-4

'Against the Wind' 30x40 Large Horse Daily Art Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Against the Wind'

30 x 40 inches  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Rough and rugged and shouts out WIND WIND.. RUN AGAINST THE WIND.

If there is one layer of paint there are at least 8 layers or more.

Here is Mac's finished painting for the contest:
And THANKS to ASEL ART RICHARDSON to Jim for donating the canvas to Mac.

The Thought:   Layers in life.  How many layers do you have?  I remember when I hit fifty it was a WOW moment of realizing how long I had been alive and how very much I had done in my fifty years.

From a tiny child first growing up in St Louis MO... transplanted to the heat and humidity of Dallas at age four... my first shock was living in an apartment complex and bunking in the same room with my 8 year old brother.  Culture shock on steroids between the move and the sharing of the room.

Then layers of years of piano lessons and drawing and painting along with education and my first guitar. Next layers of working as a model print and runway and college and marriage... and more working and traveling to work.  The following layers were having children and working at an ad agency for 10 years and teaching art and music from my home.  After that a layer of getting my teaching certificate and teaching in the Texas Public School System.  Five years was MORE than enough of that layer. Then it was art... art...ART and more ART. I continued to teach at home many young children...watching them grow from age 5 or 6 up to teaching art on their own.  

I am in that layer of really enjoying my painting right now. I paint to celebrate HIM and I paint to enjoy the gift.  I enjoy the journey.  We are now heading into retirement but I will still paint and work.  As we move I will layer in some classes at the new place too. It helps to get to know the community and I will also substitute at the local schools.   Moving to a new community is an entire life changing layer.  

Terry and I both know this is probably our last active layer independently.  In 15-20 years we will have to be closer to the kids and to medical.  I want to embrace this 'layer' openly and spirit led by God.   It is through His Grace we live and serve. ( Our oldest friend and physician is our age from high school... he just welcomed a late in life baby with his 51 year old wife last year.  They then decided to have another and went with implanting eggs. They are having triplets in about 10 weeks... ;)  Talk about layering another major 20 years in child raising... they have my heart and prayers with this undertaking. )

Where has the time gone in my life? I want to do more more more.

 I am not sure where you are in yours...but take a moment and give thanks for the 'layers in your life.'  God is good...all the time, God is good. Go out and live for Him.

Laurie

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”- Galatians 5:22-23

'Honey Horse' Equine Art Horse Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Honey Horse'

30 x 30  Acrylic on Canvas

Private Collection

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  A commission painting where the eye of the horse captured the soul of the entire piece:

The Thought:  Yesterday was a day of running and quiet and movies.  We did the traditional Target run and bought Tink clothes, my new summer paint clothes (Cheap t-shirts to fill with paint... at $6 a piece), a few magazine with flavors and colors and choices for the Mother of the Groom dresses, a CD for Mac, licorice for Terry and of course coffee from Starbucks.  Then off to Asel Art for Supplies.. egads $450 worth of paint and canvas.  Being an artist is very costly. 

Terry ran next door to buy some fresh hot ciabatta bread and olive oil garlic dipping sauce and we headed home to make homemade tomato mushroom garlic sauce over wheat angel hair.  After we stuffed ourselves,  Mac and I began painting this afternoon. She is working on a large project for a contest.  After arting all afternoon we watched 'The Time Traveler's Wife'.  Pretty cool movie!

Lots of red!  Her theme is "Open Your Heart" but her's is "It takes a lot of Heart".  You will see the final piece in the next few days.

Here are two she finished this week:

Blue Doxon

Red Chihuahua

God blesses us in the most unexpected ways when we are least expecting it.  May you find your treasure today in a Blessing from Him.

Laurie

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”- Romans 15:13

'The Princess' Child Princess Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Being a Princess'

11 x 14  Oil on Canvas

Click for pricing:
Available through the Dutch Art Gallery Dallas.

Contact me for Commission Paintings. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  I am preparing for a show at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas and this is a piece for this show.  Little girls have dreams of being a princess. This is painted from a photograph shared by a collector and I fell in love with the soft look of the little girl.  This is a TINY painting for me at 11 x 14 inches so I am a bit out of practice painting so tiny....but I hope you will enjoy it.

The Thought:   I have several things in mind this morning.  

First, How well do you take criticism? I think I wrote about it earlier this month, but I am hitting it again. Sometimes there are folks that find fault in everything.   I often think they suffer from being what we call "Grumpy Pants" in our family.  Positive criticism helps us grow and learn from situations.   Criticism that is constant and bitter does nothing but sow ill thoughts and later negative words between people.

Today when reading in the bible, Terry and I came across "Anyone who loves learning accepts correction; but a person who hates being corrected is stupid." Proverbs 12:1 

Second, we also read Psalm 35:1-10.  You need to read it yourself, but the main parts are asking the Lord to battle right next to you as you fight.   To pick up the shield and armor and rise up and help you. We want to hear from God that He will save us.  As we read this Psalm together, we were moved by the power behind it.  We have His power surrounding us at all times if we just believe.  When criticism comes, we need to be open to it and learn from it.  We need to protect ourselves from the "Grumpy Pants" in our lives and realize that is why God gave us the gift of discernment.  Open your ears and listen, open your heart and love.

One day, according to Christ, He will return and set us free from all of this.  He will be back.  It has been described as in the blink of an eye, as fast as lightning can flash from the east to the west, He will come to us.  Everyone will see Him...the earth will tremble and those that do not know Him will be in fear of what is happening.  At this time, those that know Him will not fear. 

Our hearts are open right now as our direction seems to be for us, in a limbo state as we wait upon the Lord. He is definitely NOT in a limbo state as He knows exactly what is to be in our lives. Many have comments and suggestions to offer up to us and we listen carefully and take it all in, but realize in the end, the Lord is in control and we will know our direction.

My prayers are for you today that you will wait upon the Lord, that you will open your ears and keenly listen to all those that offer their sage advice and criticism and use the discernment that God has provided for you to move forward.  

Laurie

"And in the future, you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God the Powerful One and coming on clouds int he sky." Mark 14:62

'Grey Appy' Horse Oil Equine Art Daily OIl Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Grey Appy'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Private Collection SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010


This is Conni Togel...dear friend and fellow member of the International Group of Five, The Five Graces.

 Click on the picture above and go to page 21... and enjoy my sister of the heART!

The Painting:  Not sure this painting will stay as it is. BUT I worked on it yesterday and will probably reattack it today. The colors are dynamic and I do not think this picture does it justice. The soft patterns of an Appy with tinted greys and whites and woven in blues, golds, greens and mauves.

 The Thought:  I hope you have time to click on Conni's magazine article above. You have to go to page 21 to start reading her story and realize the great joy she brings to many people with her gift of art.  Her gift to us is not just with her artistic ability but also to her joyful view of life and how the world turns. I am blessed to own one original and I absolutely love it.  I have Picasso  aka BaaCaso.

Click the painting if you would like a print of this or any other of Conni's delightful pieces. 

We are all gifted with special talents to share with others.  Think about yours today and then relate for a moment how you do use those in giving back to the world.  Share the joy, share the love and share yourself.

Laurie

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”- Colossians 3:12

'A Girl's Best Friend' Woman and horse painting By Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'A Girl's Best Friend'

16 x 20  Oil on Canvas

Click below for purchase information:

The Dutch Art Gallery Woman's Show

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I finished this painting adding in the dark shadows that were lacking in the first image shot I took of this.  Again it will be at the Dutch Art Gallery for the upcoming show.   

 Western Art Collectors  April Edition The State of Art in Texas.

The Artists of Texas 

www.artistsoftexas.org

The Thought:  Everything we read in life leaves some type of impression on us.  Heck, everything we watch leaves some time of impression on us as well.   In times past the written word was something special shared to pass down between generations, often stories and parts of history keeping alive through the sharing of the written word from family to family.

The legacy of the past written in hand word by word is something cherished. Do you realize most of our students in high school cannot write cursively? When did this happen?   They cannot even read handwriting in cursive.  I can only speak for myself, but I still write in cursive and take pride in penmanship as I do.  When I am writing in my journal or writing correspondence, it is written with time and love woven through every stroke.  The motion enables me to concentrate on the phrasing and wording and what I am trying to communicate.

The Bible is a beautiful example of collected words, phrases and stories of old pulled together in a book of God's best work. From it we have the guide for our lives.  Paul writes about this in Romans, "the Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope."Romans 15:4

One day this week forget about the television.  Spend time reading the Bible and some of your favorite literature. Pick up your pen and start a journal.  Begin your legacy of life by setting this example in your own family.  Write notes for those that you love and tuck them into their wallets or purses...Hand write those notes, do not text them.  Part of the love is in the physical writing of the thought...taking Pen to Hand and then to paper to express what needs to be written.

Laurie

"Examine and see how good the Lord is. Happy is the person who trusts Him." Psalm 24:8

'Hints of Picasso' Floral Flower Roses Art Spring Colorful Blooms in a Vase by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Hints of Picasso'

24 x 18  Oil on Canvas
Private Collection SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

 

 Mak is here painting for the week.  Sunflowers tonight.

The Painting:  Fun with colors again and this one zings.   The free looseness of color and brush ring out expressively.

The Thought:   I remember in childhood days for running free or riding my bike as hard as I could, feeling free and able to race the wind.  Then there was the day I was in my head in that "free" zone that I literally ran my bike into a parked car bumper from the bike side.  I bounced off pretty darn hard a bit dazed.  My front fender was bent on my bike and my knee had jammed tightly, but I was able to jump back on and ride the rest of the way home.

I think we get there in life too.   We are cruising along feeling like the top of the world and WHAM...something happens that throws us into a tail spin.  You never can predict these things.  When things are really going good sometimes you don't want to talk about it because you might jinx it.  

The best thing to do is to remember the plan is already in motion and what is to be will be.  Live today and this moment doing the absolute best you can.  Don't worry about the pitfalls and the blows from out of the blue, because God will be there with you every step of the way.  

He already knows what is ahead of you, so trust. Trust in His plan and do it His way.  I still ride a bike!

Laurie

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”- 2 Peter 1:5-8

'Pretty in Pink' Equine Abstract Art Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Pretty in Pink'

10 x 10  Oil on Canvas

Private Collection SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  I debated whether to put this one up. The colors are so intense and this doesn't show it properly.  I may post it again later once I get a good picture in good light.

The Thought:  When I take a photo of a painting, the light matters. As an artist I do not have all the photography equipment that would make it nice, so I do what Peter Togel, husband of Conni Togel, www.Charisma-art.com taught me to do.  Simply take it in natural light.  The picture above was in the studio at 10 at night.. not good light.  

I began to think about that and with the "light" being the most important element to viewing the painting at its best... that would be true in life with all situations.   View them in the "best light". That light of course is God's light.  With the worst of situations, stop and regroup and view it in the "Best Light"   It works on situations, people, unplanned or planned events...it works on everything.  There is always a positive way to view things.... viewing them in the best light.

Yesterday we moved our boats out to Mt Vernon. We had to stop at Royce City and re-tie them down. Terry had the second one piggy back on top of the first one. We have 18 ft DART catamarans. They fly on the water... and definitely try to fly off the trailer on the windy day we had today.  We piled both dogs in the truck and headed off east.   We stopped at a small park just before arriving in Saltillo and allowed them out to water and potty... and then back in the truck to Sheriff Paul's house.  We had to literally tie Paddy down in the back seat as he wanted to eat all Sheriff Paul's dogs, his cows, his horses and his donkeys.  Paddy is a bit aggressive as dogs come. He loves people but nothing else on four legs.   It was a fast trip over and back home.

 This is not our boat in the picture, but it is a picture of how our boat works on the water.

We have a blue boat and a dark red/orange boat.

Terry has had to stay quiet most of the time. His pneumonia is still not clear. We are on round FOUR of antibiotics.  He has still not been released for work.  Taking the boats out today was a major outing for someone that has been resting for two months.  He wants to be well for the summer and sailing again.  Come join us this summer! (It is not for the weak of heart.)

Laurie

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”- Romans 8:28

'Color of Two Painted Ponies' Equine Horse Abstract Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Color of Two Painted Ponies'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

 

Private Collection

Contact me for commission work Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I began layer on this last week.  I saw flowers in pots and ladies dancing, but most of my buyers look for my equine art...so last night I began working to find the painted ponies... voila here they are.  I truly enjoy the movement of colors in this new signature style and so far it has been exceedingly popular.

The Thought: Movement. When I think of motion and movement I instantly think of the world around me.   When you live in the city of Dallas, there is CONSTANT movement of people, cars, airplanes, dogs, cats, birds, etc.  There is absolutely never a quiet still moment. In the city it cannot be.  In the country you face less people induced noise, but definitely nature at her loudest... birds, crickets, wolves, dogs, water and stillness.

I believe the loudest movement is in the pure stillness that seems to evade our presence.  Have you noticed in your life how stillness and quiet is so loud?  With that loud is of course movement, be it movement around you that moves slowly in the stillness, or movement of your brain as the squirrels run around in circles on the treadmills of your mind.  

How do you stop the movement? How do you get to that meditative point of pure stillness? That is something to work on this weekend.  Find time to mediate and be alone.  As you sit and slowly breathe, notice the piercing noise of silence and the movement surrounding you.  Begin to rise above it all to the level place of peace.  That is where you will find God.  

He is constantly moving circles around you creating paths and challenges to strengthen you.  Meet Him in His swing of motion and bring Him to you at a peaceful time, not just at the times of need when you cry out in pain or want.  It is delightful to meet with Him and match His motion and His step and begin to move as He plans for me... swinging in the same rhythm as He does matching perfectly His motion.

Laurie

“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”- 2 Peter 1:4

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

'The Original Trigger'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010


I do not know why when I clicked SUBMIT this morning, it did not submit!  Better late than never.

The Painting:  THICK oil with the palette Knife.  This is a favorite in my home, but now available for purchase.  I will be sending it on to a gallery in the next few weeks...so if you like it, email me now.

The Thought:  The trigger finger... Terry has been teaching me to shoot a gun over the past year, altho I have not pulled a trigger in about 7 months...I hope to shoot again and learn more. I did not like shooting at the range because of the noise level. It was deafening. I look forward to starting back up again in the country.

Triggers ... what are triggers in your life?  What are those things that cause an immediate reaction in your temperament or demeanor?  There is something for all of us, that triggers an emotional negative response.  Have you ever thought about trying to learn to control those emotions and not allowing yourself to react so negatively?  There are people in all of our lives that seem to "push the right buttons" to get our dander up and start us down a wound up tense stressful path.  What if we could learn to go the opposite direction?  Think how much LESS stress would be in your life and how much healthier you would be.

If you can, write down some of the things that do trigger you off... and pick one out to work on for awhile. See if you can desensitize yourself to that immediate negative response.  God wants us to work on ourselves; He wants us to live our lives more peacefully, and we seem to do just the opposite.

I will be right there working on my "triggers" while you are working on yours.

Laurie

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”- Deuteronomy 7:9

'Rain in the East' Equine Abstract Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Rain in the East'

20 x 20  Oil on Canvas

Private collection Ohio

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

 The Painting:  A play on color values of blues and turquoise. Then add fun fillies to the mix and you have Rain in the East.  It was a rainy morning yesterday and that inspired this painting.

The Thought:  Appearances are deceiving.  I was surprised to hear a friend of almost 18 years say something that surprised me to the point of thinking "what'?  Relationships always seem to require a give and take on both parties. If balances are not maintained then the relationship fails.  Time and experience is what normally strengthens relationships.  The more time thrown into the mix, the stronger the feelings... feelings of love or feelings of distrust.  Time proves all with people in our lives. 

Terry and I have to reflect and pray about something in our lives over the next 24 hours.  It is something that affects the rest of our lives and is important.  Yesterday was nothing short of chaos...definitely not of God or it would not reflect the continual shifting and changing in so many uneasy directions.   We are afraid of failing not only ourselves but those that we cherish and love.  While we would give to our last breath, there are those who would not...those are the ME people..."what's in it for me?" 

I feel selfish right now, but I believe we are about at that point.  We simply want some time to live life and enjoy it... to find a sense of less stress and simply our lives.  If you have the answer, email me... I would love to hear it.  I have to turn back to what a good friend pointed out last year to me... let it all go.  Let Him do it.  In His Time.  Actually how about  HIS IN TIME  ... the acronym  HIT... it's definitely a HIT... His In Time.  He is never late.

Laurie

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”- 1 Peter 3:15

'A Girl's Best Friend' Woman and Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'A Girl's Best Friend'

16 x 20  Oil on Canvas

The Dutch Art Gallery
"Who Does She Think She Is"
Women Finding Their Voice

Show Opens April 9th and Run through April 15th

Contact the Dutch Art Gallery for Pricing on "A Girls Best Friend" by Laurie Pace

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Well, it is not quite done, but I am posting it since it is 90% at this point.  It will be at the show in April so if you are interested,... now is the time to contact Pam to purchase it so it is marked SOLD as the show opens!  She does the absolute best custom framing in the southwest... and a Berle wood frame would look stunning on this painting.

The Thought:   A Girl's Best Friend... that is an open statement.  I remember lying in bed this morning praying so hard begging God to hear my frustrations and supplications...as I recalled all the greatness in Him. He is the Problem Solver. He is the Father that watches over.  He is the Grand Planner. He is the Wise Counsel. He is my Father. He is my Best Friend.

There is much on our plate to handle in the next three weeks as we have a working contract on our home and will be moving the first part of April.  We did not anticipate this so soon.  Terry has not been released to even return to work to begin the retirement process. We are doing paperwork right and left between the house contracts, loan contracts, and retirement paperwork.  Hours on the phone and still frustration with living at the bottom of a hill in Dallas where the phone connection and internet are not very strong despite me paying extra money for fast hook up.   It all complicates the process.

I think I will be humming an old favorite,  "lean on me..."

Who is your best friend in life?

Laurie

“who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,”- 2 Timothy 1:9

'Rights of Spring' Equine Art Painted Pony Pulls Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Rights of Spring'

20 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact Steve at the Mirada Fine Art Gallery, Colorado.

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Gorgeous Color in thick buttery oils in my signature style... available through Mirada Fine Art Gallery.

The Thought:  Facets of light sparkle in our lives through out the day. We are usually too busy to notice the beauty of the prisms charging the air.  The light shoots through the glass and shoots color in every direction breaking the solitude around us... and still we ignore the beauty before us.

When I paint like this, I love capturing the colors in the air making up the horses. This painting will be shipping to Mirada next week for the April 3rd show.

May your day be filled with the light and color of our Father.

Laurie

"So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory."--Psalm 63:2

'Appy Spring Storm' Equine Horse Oil Painting Daily by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Appy Spring Storm'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Fun with an Appaloosa... color and striking compliments.  Gorgeous Oil Painting on Stretched.

The Thought:  Spots...I guess we all have them. We have rough spots, smooth spots and colorful spots...both on our bodies and in our lives.   Crystal always tells me that the brains of the appaloosa and the dalmatian are similar and lacking some genetic powers of smart...but I find that hard to believe. I have never tried to look it up... but I know they both have powerful spots.

When I paint my Appy's I love having fun with my colors and blending to create that fresh look of spontaneity.  Our 'spots' in life are the things that keep our life from being smooth all the time.  They can be bright spots or dismal spots. They are often unplanned spots of things we could not predict happening to us in our lives.  Our plans are never His plans and we tend to get panicky when we are free falling and not able to control what is happening.  That is a free falling spot in life.

I know for a fact though, what ever 'SPOT' I am in,  God is there with me, protecting, guiding and giving me the strength I need to walk the walk through that 'spot' in life.

What color are your spots today?  God has a wonderful sense of humor.

Laurie

 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”- Psalm 139:23-24

 

'Afternoon Practice' Mixed Medium Antique Piano Music Girl Child on Piano Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Afternoon Practice'

24 x 36  Mixed Mediums on Canvas

Commission Sold

Contact me for a commissioned painting of your own in this musical series. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Mixed Mediums in varnish overlays on canvas. Part of my limited edition of Antique Music Practice paintings.

The Thought:   Practice Practice Practice. How often did my mother tell me to do that from second grade on?  I always had my favorite songs I wanted to play and she would buy me the sheet music but I had to practice those old stuffy composers.  That is how I felt about them then.  I paint by their compositions now.

Practice is something that helps us develop new habits in our lives.  When you are wanting to lose weight, you have to practice practice practice eating a bit less and exercising a bit more.  It does not happen over night.  It is simply practice practice practice.

If you want to learn to speak in front of a group of people and you always get nervous... you have to practice practice practice.

If you want to learn to drive you have to practice practice practice.  If you want to play a mean game of basketball, practice practice practice.... and if you want to paint, the same is true, practice, practice practice.

Find your way with where ever you are in life knowing at all ages you have to encourage and create new habits and new hobbies and new ways of life.

With God you practice practice practice in praying more. Praying in the morning before you get out of bed thanking Him for the day and asking Him how you can serve Him.  Praying as you leave your home for a safe journey to work or to the errands you are running. Praying through stress through out your day.  Praying over your meals to bless and nourish your body to serve Him.  Praying at night before you close your eyes giving thanks for the day and the fullness of life and all He provided for you.

Life is not easy, it takes practice practice practice, with the best being element being Prayer.

Laurie

Matthew 6:10-14   "This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

'Texas Herd on the Move' Colorful Abstract Horse Equine Art by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Texas Herd on the Move'

30 x 40  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010


Here is the invitation out for the Colorado Show. If you are in the area... stop by!

The Painting: Brilliant colors spill across the canvas surface creating a translucent feeling of energy running through the horses.  

The Thought:   Are you filled with God's translucent energy?  I was in a situation yesterday that I have never been in before.   It was stressful before it occurred, but while I was in the midst of it, I felt Him flowing through me and I was not nervous or distracted by fear.  It was God's Translucent Energy filling the fabric of my being, and from it the peace that was needed.

I know each of us face things like this in life.  We face people that throw barbs at us and accusations that simply are not true. It is rather hard not to come back to defend yourself, but you do not need to.  What is important is what is in your heart and what is between you and God.  You are going to fail at times in your life, but pick yourself right back up and keep going.  

If you never fail at things you never grow and learn from mistakes.  God is there with you, helping you up and dusting you off.   Do not waste your energy trying to defend your stance... go with God and allow Him to cover you with His grace. 

Laurie

"You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit."  Job 10:12