Large Sunflower Commissioned Painting, Sunflower Paintings, Flower Paintings, Texas Aritst Laurie Pace

'Large Sunflower in Progress'

36 x 36  Oil on Canvas

SOLD COMMISSIONED PAINTING IN PROGRESS.

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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We finished our angel tree shopping yesterday. We had chosen a seven year old girl to buy for and went to Old Navy for clothes and to Target for toys.  We love doing this every year.  T'is the season to be giving from the heart and your time to those that are in need.

Terry had thrown out my wreath for the front door. SO, he took me to Hobby Lobby and helped pick out things to put together a new wreath for the front door.  He had bought a live tree for us to decorate and then hopefully plant after Christmas...but dad gum it looks like a Charlie Brown Tree. It is pretty pitiful.  We are going to address that this week.  He helped decorate the fireplace and move some things around for Christmas decorating.

Is it time to move things around in your heart and your life to be prepared for the coming?

Here as promised is a picture of our Tink from Thanksgiving.

Laurie
 
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” - Psalm 136:1,26

Hurried, Equine art, Horse Paintings, Oil Paintings, By Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Hurried'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Do not know who I painted this for, but it is available and can be shipped in the next week out for a holiday gift.  It is a palette knife painting with my well recognized colors and buttery paints. You can click on the close ups and see the work pretty well enlarged.

Specially PRICED to sell for Christmas and newly painted.
Email me if you are interested.

 Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010
 

I left these higher resolution so you can click on them and see the paint close up.

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In church yesterday Pete preached on the word TRANSFORMING.  The childrens word just prior sampled out popcorn seeds...and how they change from a hard seed to a soft puffy piece of popcorn. They kids were studying Saul transforming and changing to Paul.   Pete spoke out of Mathew 24... and spoke about transforming and change...and always being prepared for the coming change by keeping God first in thought, word and deed.

The advent speaks of the coming... each day is a change... a transforming time as we prepare for the coming of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Every day is transforming in your life as well and you should be in constant preparation for the change with your focus on God.

Today I am hoping we are off to Longview. I have to return two things I bought when Vicki and I shopped and I think we will have lunch at the Mexican Restaurant... a fun day... if not and we go tomorrow, then today will be doing outside work and painting on my 36 x 36 inch Sunflower commissioned piece.

May your Monday be blessed.  Believe in Abundance and it will be yours.

 

Laurie
 
“Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” - 1 Chronicles 16:8

Mountain Herd Commissioned Painting for Ocean Prime Restaurant Denver Colorado, horse paintings by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Mountain Herd'

3 ft x 4 ft  Oil on Canvas

SOLD
Commissioned Painting for Ocean Prime opening in Denver, Colorado.
Will be hanging in a private dining room.

Contact me for commission work.  Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Website  

We made our turkey yesterday and it was really good... and we now have our official LEFTOVERS!!!

I worked on the sunflower yesterday and the guitars, but neither are finished.  This is a short Sunday blog because we are heading to church in a few moments. We got up late.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent and preparation begins as we focus for the celebration ahead.

I had received a note from a reader that made me tear up today. I wrote her last year "your life is already different"... and she shared that she kept that in her heart this past year and found power to begin healing.

Your life is truly different every day and you are empowered to make changes at your own will every day.  Many of us are drawn to take steps backwards before we can go forward. I think the other missing element for all humans is giving yourself permission to move forward.  We tend to keep ourselves paralyzed because we feel we are not deserving and in many ways have given up on ourselves.  God has not ever given up on us.  He is right there with you this very moment. Every step forward He is lighting the way.  The steps backwards, He catches you in His arms as you fall or fail again.  We all fail every day and we all ask Him for forgiveness and try so hard the next day to walk toward His light. 

You have permission to heal. You can only do that from the inside out. The seed has been planted and the growth will come. You will bloom as you never even thought that you could. Things will happen in your life that will amaze you.  Give yourself permission to be happy. Give yourself permission to drop that load of "darkness" that ties you down backwards.  

Instead of that childhood game I grew up playing called "Mother may I?",  it is "Father may I?" and His answer is

"YES YOU MAY, my daughter/son."

Laurie

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” - Colossians 3:16

MOUNTAIN HERD in progress for Ocean Prime Restaurant in Denver, Horse Paintings, Equine Art, Painted Pony Pulls, Texas Contemporary Artist Laurie Pace

'Mountain Herd'

3 ft by 4 ft framed  Oil on Canvas
 SOLD 
Commissioned Painting in PROGRESS...watch for finished piece in the next few days.


This painting is for a private dining room in the new Ocean Prime Restaurant opening in Denver near Christmas Time.  It was an honor to be commissioned for this painting.  I am about half way
through the piece and it will go to Dallas to the Dutch Art Gallery for special framing
and then crated and shipped by a top art handling company to arrive in Mile High City.

Contact me for your own unique painted pony pull. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Thanksgiving is a day to remember in prayers and thoughts all of our blessings as well as the blessings of our country and it's beginnings.  It is celebrated in the US and Canada, as well as in Leiden in the Netherlands.  Many today call it Turkey Day.  Takes the romance out of the Indian and the Pilgrim story.  But there are many things in our history that tie it all in together.  Read about it on Wikipedia.

We are home from our travels and I have a camera full of TINK pictures. Have to get permission from Tink's mama to put one on the blog, but I will see what I can do.  Daddy Larry did a superb job of  preparing our Turkey Day... and the left overs yesterday at Justin's were even better.  When Terry and I left Dallas late Friday, we stopped in at Whole Foods and picked up a turkey to cook this weekend.  We wanted leftovers of our own.

Today I will be working on the Ocean Prime painting and a guitar painting. The guitar painting is of three of the guitars used by the Kings of Leon.  The research into this group was interesting and even more so when you studied the instruments they share and use while performing.   After that I will be starting sketches for a 36 x 36 x 2 inches mega big sunflower painting and finishing up Krysta's portrait.   Lastly, two more portraits of some gorgeous little girls from Georgia.  It will be a busy two weeks but I love everything I have to focus on to paint.

Before I forget... please pick up a new copy of SOUTHWEST ART for December. There is a FABULOUS 8 page spread for Contemporary Fine Art International in it, filled with some incredible international art work from their membership.

Advent starts this weekend.  Prepare your heart and home for that special birth date ahead!  
 

Laurie
 
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” - Hebrews 12:28

From Darkness to Light, Sunflower Paintings, Flower Paintings, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'From Darkness to Light'

18 x 24 inches Oil on Canvas
SOLD Commissioned Painting

Contact me to commission a painting. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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The best part of Thanksgiving is the family gathering together and sharing a meal.  We had turkey at Stacey's house and she and Larry out did themselves again in their preparation of wonderful food. All of our kids were there and we only missed having my Mom there and our grandson Jonathan. 

We actually kidnapped our granddaughter for the FIRST TIME...she is staying with us away from home.  First time for her, for mom and for dad.  Stace and Larry are going to get up with the early birds to hit the sales. Her best friend Shannon is going with them as well.  Meanwhile Bampa and Oma have the Tink. 


On the long drive home we stopped at Steak and Shake and she had chicken strips and a vanilla malt...her first.  It was a bit dicey as she wanted ketchup on her fries and chicken.  The truck was packed tightly but we did the best we could.   Maybe digging up pieces of chicken off the floorboard when it warms up outside.


I sent out my first Constant Contact Letter over Thanksgiving.  I will be doing a once a month letter with available paintings in it.  If you are interested in getting this in your email, let me know by emailing me. Click here to email me. 

 Enjoy this long holiday weekend and rest in His Peace.
 

Laurie  

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17

SUNFLOWER PAINTINGS in progress, flower paintings, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Sunflower progress...'

18 x 24 Oil on Canvas
SOLD

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Thanksgiving!  A short blog as there is much to tend to in the kitchen.  I cannot believe the graciousness of our Lord in all He provides us on a daily basis in our lives.  No life is perfect. Every one faces change that brings smiles and tears.  I am thankful for a family that can rally together and care for each other in the good times and the bad times.  

I am especially praying today for the troops across the seas.  I totally rips my heart to know so many fine young men and women are laying their lives on the line in foreign countries trying to bring a better place to people they do not even know.  I am praying for our nation's leaders and for all the world to find the peace that passes all understanding. 

May your day be filled with this peace and may your heart be filled with Thanksgiving.
 

Laurie
 
“[Spiritual Fullness in Christ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7

SUNFLOWER PAINTINGS in progress, flower paintings, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'In Progress Sunflowers'

24 x 18  Oil on Canvas

SOLD COMMISSIONED PAINTING IN PROGRESS

Contact me to commission a painting. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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WOOHOO... yesterday was a free day. I don't take many of those. Vicki picked me up and we drove to Longview and went to the mall.  WOOHOO... Mt Vernon is only a tiny northeast Texas town, but Longview has a mall, a Target, a Best Buy and many other familiar stores to us transplanted from Dallas. It was also only about 40 minutes to get there.  A bit better than the 90 minutes to Dallas.  Cannot wait to try out the Mexican Restaurant by the mall next trip with Terry.

We spent three or four hours in Dillards as we shopped until we almost dropped.  I only have two things to return that did not go with a skirt I was dealing with... and as we made our way out of Dillards to the car, Vicki said, "WAIT, we have to go down here." and she took me to another store she loved and things were not badly priced... I bought a Christmas Sweater Jacket there.   We looked rather comical leaving the mall with our arms stuffed full of clothes on hangers and bags and bags and bags.  My feet truly hurt.  I have never said that before in my life.  We were there shopping for five hours straight.


I am praying canvas arrives today that I will be up painting on most of the night. HAVE to have it finished immediately. I have negotiated for weeks with Ocean Prime Restaurants for a rather large piece for one of their Private Dining Rooms in Denver's new restaurant.    My painting will be of my  internationally collected painted pony pieces that are so popular.  I will revisit with the decorators tomorrow as we discussed quieter deeper mountain colors that did not scream out loud... the golds, rusts, dark turquoise, deep blues and greys.   Before I take off on it, I want to be sure I have the right palette up. 

Here is the painting they fell in love with...it is the one that was featured in Cowboys and Indians Magazine in January of this year.  If you click the painting you can buy your own giclee canvas print of it from Fine Art America.   

God is every present in our lives...in the bounty He provides for us.  We seem to always want more...more than what we have, but I do not believe we take the time to truly recognize and give thanks for what we do have.  Stop and look around and count your blessings. God is good, All the Time, GOD IS GOOD.

 

Laurie  

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” - Psalm 100:4-5

Sunflower Oil Paintings, Commissioned flower paintings, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Evening Sunflowers'

24 x 18  Oil on Canvas

SOLD COMMISSION PAINTING IN PROGRESS

Contact me for commissioned work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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I did begin a painting today.  This is one of two sunflower pieces for a new collector in D.C.  You can watch it's progress.

I promised a lesson here or there... so this one is a writing lesson. Artists must have imagination and feeling in order to create... so choose one of these and really write about it.  You can send it to me to post if you are brave!

1.  You are an eraser on the top of a pencil.  The third grader that has you in his hand is taking a math test.  Tell me about your next ten minutes.... as he removes you from his pencil bag all the way until the test is finished.

2. You are a blade of grass... it is early morning and the sun is just up. Describe how you feel...and then describe more as you hear a loud noise nearby. It is a lawnmower starting up.... Tell about your awakening to the sunrise and the next thirty minutes after the noise starts. Describe your feelings.

3. Remember being a kid and waking up on Saturday morning. What were the smells and sounds you heard as you laid in bed.

Choose one and write away...but use your imagination... see with color, describe with feeling.

Getting in touch with your emotions and feelings is necessary to be an artist.  It is also necessary to be on that same praying field with God.  The more in depth you are in your prayers and feelings, the more connected you will be to Him. 

 

Laurie  
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”- Colossians 3:15

WIND, Equine Art, Horse Oil Paintings, Texas Contemporary Artist Laurie Pace

'Wind'

6 x 6  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Today I will paint. 

After being gone I am ready to paint and the weather is warm here, which is odd.  We will have afternoons in the seventies for the next few days.  

Watch for some small gems for gifts in the next few days and a few more FREE give aways.

I was thinking about doing some different things on this blog as well.  I may start doing a few lessons sprinkled in here and there for artists or at home moms or home schooled kids. After teaching so many years I have a unique group of lesson plans I could share.  Let me know if you might be interested in this and if you are, I will start doing it. 

Yesterday in church Pastor Pete spoke about Cain and Abel. When you just basically read the story in the bible it makes you wonder why God would just 'choose' Abel's gift over Cain's gift... sort of random sounding.  But Pete pointed out it was not the 'gift' itself but the heartfelt giving from the soul and heart of the man.  Made me realize how important it is when you do for others that you do from your heart and not just your mind or in rote actions.  

I am in preparations here for the holidays that are coming up and with every deed will go much pray and thought in my 'preparations'.  Blessings to you.

Laurie  
"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—”- 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

Rocky Mountain High, Abstract Painting, Horse Oil Painting, Equine Art by Contemporary Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Rocky Mountain High'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Available At Mirada Fine Art Gallery, Denver CO
Email Steve.

Contact me for Commission Work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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As we were driving back yesterday from St Louis to home, I was so tired I drifted off to sleep several times lulled by the motion and speed of the car.  The trip was pretty nice, but we started out early at six in the morning with our first destination STARBUCKS in a small town about an hour and a half down the road. We had decided that was breakfast as we each had a Starbuck OATMEAL and Terry had a mocha Grande.  The we were off into some pretty thick fog for the next two hours and the temps were still just above freezing.

As we crossed the Oklahoma border suddenly it was 64 degrees outside and cloudy.  Lunch was at Braums in some small OK town. We had to stop because the roads were so choppy and bumpy it set off our ESP for four wheel tracking in rainy conditions. I am not sure if the roads are worse in OK or AR. 

 

When we were trying to exit off Hwy 69 to the Indian Nation Turnpike to head southeast to cross the OK/TX border, there was road work that forced us two miles PAST the turnpike just to detour us over a bridge and back heading north to use a different entrance ramp.  Talk about feeling out of control... I did. And there was nothing I could do about it. Terry was driving and even he could not have done anything in the thick traffic except follow the detour signs.

It was a nine hour trip home, and after unpacking the car, I uploaded the new ILIFE on my computer. I pray this was not a mistake. I will know in a few days I am sure. Photoshop CS5 is HORRIBLE.  It locks up and is just about unusable.  I am counting on ILIFE to work.... but again I have no control over this, only over how I react to it.

 

Life reminds me in a way of being in  God's car. He is driving and He and ONLY He knows the route we have to take for my life.  I can bellow out my opinions all day long; make suggestions to turn right or left, but He is simply not going to go a particular direction because I have asked Him to go that way.  Sometimes I think He says, "Okay, we will try your route."  Usually that means several u-turns, and an occasional dead-end.  I can just imagine Him smiling at me with a gentle wink and turning the car back around heading in a different direction.  Meanwhile I have been so busy trying to force navigate I have missed many beautiful sights and happenings along the way. 

My suggestion to you today is to sit back, trust Him to 'drive' for awhile and open your eyes to what is around you.

 

Laurie
 
“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”- Psalm 95:1-2

Portrait, Oil Painting, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Portrait'

12 x 12 inches  Oil on Canvas
SOLD

Contact me for Commission work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Just a short note this morning.  We are still in St Louis with family. We should be heading back to Texas soon.  
Okay this did not post...so I am posting it now as we have just arrived home Sat evening.

Keep in mind always there is Divine Order in our lives. Each event leads us to the next one in our lives on the path God has created for us. Each experience provides knowledge and gives us wisdom in our next experiences in life.

Trust in His divine order in your life today.

 

Laurie  

"Truly I direct my steps by all your precepts, ...the unfolding of your words give light."  Psalm 119:128,130

Treasures of the Sea, Child Portrait Painting, Painter of Children, Child's Portrait, Portrait Artist, Texas Contemporary Artist Laurie Pace

'Treasures by the Sea'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas
SOLD Commissioned Painting 

Contact me to paint your children for that special holiday gift. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Bless my husband Lord for his stable presence in my life.  Thank you for placing him at my side to do this journey.  

We are safely in St Louis, actually just south of St Louis in Pacific Missouri.  St Louis is where my family is originally from. I was born here years ago.  Coming to this weekend to celebrate the life of my Aunt is bringing together the cousins that have been close from birth.  We are those 'stair step' cousins; we are all two years apart, well almost all of us.  My youngest brother arrived 11 years later, so he broke the cycle you might  say.   But being here has brought back even more memories, good memories.  

Looking around the room last night you saw tears and heard laughter; you felt pain and you were comforted with love. Generations of family and friends came through sharing past memories.    Today will be a service in my Aunt's honor followed by her burial. I am looking forward to the family time that will come after all of this. With my Aunt's family,  her daughters, the grandchildren and the great grandchildren...it is amazing how we extend out in our lives to touch others.

May His peace be with you.

Laurie
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”- John 17:17

"Hurried" Equine Art, Horse Paintings, Horse Oil Paintings by Contemporary Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Hurried'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Short blog as we are set to travel. I may miss a day or two, but please come back to visit in a few days. I will try and at least blog when I can, but there will not be new artwork. 

This painting I am still debating on if it is done or not. It is wanting a new home for the holidays and it is priced specially to be affordable.  Email me if you are pulled to it.   I may keep working on it. 

I thought of the word UNEXPECTED after the phone call of my Aunt's death.  Life is filled with change, big and small. Some surprise happenings bring joy to us of good news, some bring sad news that brings us to tears. Each of these, happy or sad, bring not only change but the invitation to learn and grow from the happening. It is our reaction to the 'change' that determines our own outlook of handle the situation. Ben Pace always said, 'You can get GLAD just like you got MAD.'

Be open today to life's surprises and to unforeseen happenings that come your way. Be open and receptive and know He will provide you with what you need to journey through the change. Release those expectations of how life should be.  I heard from an old friend and his sign off was "Life is what happens while you are looking for something else." (John Lennon - I looked it up)  

Allow God's light to fill you on this new path that has opened. The journey will be filled with challenges. Welcome it as you would a new gift given to you.


God has given you this day.
 

Laurie
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Visit our new site:

EXHAUSTED Woman Figurative Oil Painting, Art Deco Painting, Art Abstract Painting, Women in Kitchen Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Exhausted'

24 x 24  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Website 

Thinking ahead to the Thanksgiving celebration next week, I remembered back to those previous dinners that I cooked, served, ate quickly, and cleaned up.  This is how I felt.  It is probably strange...even for me but I had the best fun sketching it out and painting it.

We lost another dear family member this week. She has celebrated her 'continuation' day and is now with her mom and dad and her other cousins.  She leaves behind a family that will always celebrate her gentleness.  My aunt was special to all of us. She loved each of us dearly for who we were and was always ready with a hug or a 'good job'.    My memories are of breakfast pastries smeared with butter on top. It was not like they were not sweet enough as they were, but at her small kitchen table I lathered my special pastry with butter.  It was at her house I had my first coffee milk.  My mom would not allow it, but my Aunt did.  I learned she like to sprinkle sugar on her tomatoes and salt on her grapefruit. I followed suit.  She and Uncle were always good about soft ice cream cones as well. They lived in the house they bought when got married, and they lived there for a long long time.  I did not return to visit after they moved out of the house into assisted elderly living. I could not even fathom them anywhere but there at "their house." When I was a wee little girl, she nicknamed me Laurie Boo.  I don't remember why and I remember as a grade schooler I was mortified with the name, but always smiled when she called me by her special name.

Other childhood-young adult memories include running through the sheets and laundry she would hang in the back yard... or sleeping in the basement at their house on an army cot.  I had my first 'smell' memory there...don't laugh... I was in the shower...my uncle's special shower in the basement. It was the boy's bathroom. The girl's bathroom was upstairs. It was full up, so  I showered downstairs and when I picked up the soap he had in the shower, it was dial soap.  From that moment on I had a love for smelling soaps...and if it was dial soap, I was home. 

 

There were Christmases there filled with family, church and if we were lucky a snowfall on Christmas Eve.  Her home was always filled with family, laughter, stories and good food. Those memories will stay with me even though she has left.  She gave to all of us the best of her years here on earth and now we celebrate her life and the special touch she left in each of us.

 

Make a memory this day... or celebrate a memory from yesterday.

Laurie  

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”- Psalm 119:18

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Watercolor Portrait in Progress, Aquaboard Try Out by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Krysta Continues'

Watercolor on Aqua Board 

Contact me for commission work.  Laurie

 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Monday was a cloudy cool day. I told TP mid day it was a lazy day.  We were up at six thirty and drove into Winnsboro about 9. I had a hair appt and finally chopped off the long hair. I had to wait to cut my hair while Ken was shooting the video of my work.  Pictures later.   We left there and went to visit The Jersey Girls.  This is a dairy in Winnsboro. We sampled homemade yogurts, cheeses and fresh unpasteurized milk. Oh my gosh, it was all wonderful.  We came home with a sack full.  We did read up on the raw milk and really have to debate if we will use it all the time or not.  I have to check it for my lactose intolerance. From what I have read, usually it is the pasteurization that creates the problem with lactose and pasteurized milk. But then you have to consider the possibilities of harm from unpasteurized milk. Let  me know your thoughts.

I truly had no desire to work in the afternoon, but Terry painted our bathroom and I worked on Krysta's painting adding in more blond. Her dark hair will be blended over it. With watercolor I have to think backwards.

My thought for you today is to be faith filled.  Be fearless in this day and feel the freedom God graces  in your life.  As an adult fear and worry seem to consume us.  Our focus is often not in the correct direction. So try imaging Jesus standing beside you all day long.  He is walking the walk visibly with you this day and you are going to remind yourself of that.  Keep this vision with you. Think of Him next to you participating in your day and watching over you.  Allow your faith to led you this day. Jesus is the way-shower.  Live free today...free from your worries.  

Laurie  

"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink....Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" Matthew 6:25

Beginnings of Krysta, Watercolor Portrait on Aqua Board, Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace, Contemporary Fine Art, Paintings

'Beginnings of Krysta'

BIG aquaboard...not sure of the size and will have to measure... Watercolor on Aqua board.

Contact me to commission a painting.  Still time before Christmas.  Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

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Go with the Flow.  I have to do it when I use watercolor.  Let go and let it flow.  Try not to be limited by the constraints of edges or specific colors.  I probably should do a Liz Hill workshop.  She is one of the best watercolorists in letting go to let it flow.

Allowing energy and fluidity into a painting is often hard. An artist has this controlling side of wanting perfection.  Wrong of course.  It is not the end product but the journey.  I guess life should be that way as well.  Let go and let God.  Allow Him the room to work in your life, release the tight control you have over it.  

When I paint I tend to cling to the photo I am using as a guide.  My hand paints to form the image in front of me.  Line by line, shape by shape, carefully crafting it to be just so.  If I do that, the painting loses its spontaneity. The painting loses it's free spirit.  The trick for the artist is to release the tight grip on the paintbrush.  Allow the watercolor to flow and cross lines. Life does not stay in perfect lines ever. It is always spilling out in different directions.

Letting go does not mean giving up on the specific subject, it is about going to the source of the specific subject... the energy and life of the subject...the Godliness of it. So instead of despair if the painting seems to not look exactly like you wanted it to, release it and allow it room to develop.  The 'look' you are after will surface if you step out of the way. 
 

Laurie  
"I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me." John 5:30

For some of the finest artwork in the south from the Artists of Texas, click the state and visit our site.

Dusk Paint, Horse Paintings, Contemporary Fine Art, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Dusk Paint'

8 x 10  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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It is actually nice outside...nice and cold.  Not sure if it made it to freezing or not, but the drive up to Bonham to see Dad yesterday was absolutely perfect. The trees were a bounty of colors from soft yellows to vibrant oranges to deep rich reds all surrounded by the lush dark green of the tall pine trees in this part of the state.  Such natural beauty created by God.  We had lunch at Cappy's downtown and I highly recommend it.

I have decided to teach some workshops next year. Over the next month or so, I will be compiling a syllabus of what I want to cover.  There are many great workshops and teachers out there now, but I have prayed about this and feel called to follow the direction I feel I am being called.  I have 29 years of teaching art woven into my past 9 years of selling my art, and 10 years with the ad agency.  I have been taught by the best and by the worst and from each I have learned and grown from the experiences.  My first workshop will be in Dallas at the Dutch Art Gallery.  It may be as early as the end of January. Pam has given me a choice on dates, but I realized I needed to get busy to be ready and I have to book it.  Maybe later in the spring might be better. Email me if you would attend a Dallas Workshop.

  I would like the second one to be at a location that the artist can feel it is more of a retreat of healing, rejuvenation etc.  If you have an ideas or requests... email me.  With Terry being retired from American Airlines, travel to different parts of the country are not hard to do.  If you can gather a group, do it and I will come.  I want to do one in Santa Fe and maybe one in Colorado, like in Fort Collins maybe? I will wait to hear from you. SO EMAIL ME!

Just coming out of Veterans Day and the elections, I have prayed often for our new leaders taking office.  There is much that goes into the running of our cities, states, nations and the world. Praying for the world community is important as well. God is present in all people and in all circumstances. We have to trust even during the worst conditions to believe there is method/reason to the wars that plaque us as we defend the right to freedom for other people across the world.   If you have the ability to lead, to teach or to volunteer to help others, it is time to put this in your life.  Be it leading a bible study, a play group for your little ones, a PTA gathering, the choir at church, a political calling, teaching, whatever the inspiration is, respond to it with a willing heart and be at peace that you are in the right place. Share your gifts.


Laurie  

"We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us:...the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness." Romans 12:6, 8

Facing the Wind, Horse Painting, Contemporary Fine Art, Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Facing the Wind'

9 x 12 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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What a twisted day yesterday.  We left early morning to go pick up the truck in Mt Pleasant and I was all excited about the day.  Obviously God had other plans; either that or I chose a path that lead to the chaos.  From one phone call of over an hour to the next one of over two hours and back to sketching a painting or two on canvas, then working on meta descriptions and tweaking things on the www.cfaintl.com website aka www.contemporaryfineartinternational.com .... to more calls from family and then from new collector for a commission piece.  I cannot really complain because I know it is unfolding the way it will unfold and I am working as hard as I can to stay ahead of the drain. 

The downfall of the day was when the CFAI site had to be removed and reloaded.  That is a 2 hour process but something I had to do with the new meta descriptions etc. 

Terry put primer in our bathroom yesterday and then cooked dinner and it was yummie.  Grilled chicken and grilled veggies.  I could get spoiled on that.  

A good night sleep leaves me this morning with a relaxed body, my heart at peace and my spirit ready to meet this new day.  This weekend I am sure you have a list of chores to complete, but pace yourself.  If you need rest this weekend, take the time to take care of yourself.  Only then can you find peace and strength you need.  As your body relaxes you will find more of your negative thoughts disappearing.  Peace will fill the space of the negativity. Smiles will be easier and so will the new week ahead.

Learn to give thanks for these breaks and learn to allow yourself to enjoy the peace for rejuvenation of the soul.  God rested as He created the world...and you too must rest.


Okay this did not post this morning and it saved as draft. I just found it!
So it is posting this evening.

Laurie
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.: Matthew 11:29

Appaloosa Horse Equine Oil Painting By Contemporary Equine Artist Laurie Pace

'Appaloosa Small'

5 x 7  Oil on Canvas


SOLD from the Blog today! Thank you!!

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

I have fought it long enough and decided to start putting small paintings up for sale. Usually by now I have more accomplished and off to Galleries but with the Artist of Texas show and all our family things this fall, I am behind.  It is good for you though to pick up some small pieces at good prices.  I am going to continue doing horses but want to work larger again. The small ones lack the loose freedom I have with the palette knife. 

 I painted this afternoon and finished two more small ones you will see over the next few days. It is growing dreary with rain outside and is suppose to be cooler this weekend.  I love this weather! 
Terry finished painting our bedroom yesterday and next step will be drapes to finish it up.  He has really worked hard on all the painting.  After the drapes are up I can take pictures.


Last night we went to a Veteran's Day Banquet honoring Veterans from World War II. This year they honored C. L. Coe of Mt Vernon. He is a 92 year old survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. Good food, good fun and good friends.

What are the important things in your life? Do you keep your focus and your priorities straight?  Success is not measured by  money.  True wealth lies only with the power of God.  The economy will rise and fall; times change, nations change and with it history is written. Over the past 2000 years the faith of our fathers has not changed.  God is ever constant and unchanging. If you can focus on Him, your life will stay in perspective.  We seem to tense up and get angry as things become uncertain.  That is when we need to redirect in prayer to Him.  From that will comes our reassurance and we will be filled with the strength we need.  

God has many possibilities waiting for us. Are you ready?
 

Laurie  
"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Post note: Our Doctor, we call him Doctor Steve aka Dr Paul Stephen Worrell, always has a quick check method that applies to the above.  When you are hurting somewhere he will grab your hand and apply pressure to a pressure point causing you great pain. When that pain hits you tense up and your shoulders draw in and your face tightens.  He laughs and presses harder and says "BREATHE"  As you refocus and take  a deep breath and let it out slowly, your shoulders fall and relax, your face softens and suddenly where he was pressing does not hurt any more, nor does the original compliant.   Seems like when things are tense and we are hurting we pull inside of ourselves drawing up tightly into a ball.  The true answer is in relaxing and giving up.  Giving it up to God.

DR Steve is on Twitter now!   Dr_Worrell  catch some of his tidbits.

Fall Color Oak Tree Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Fall Color

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

SOLD but watch for some more FREE paintings this week.

Contact me for Commission Work Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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When did the tree turn ruby red?  I walked outside with Paddy early this morning as the dark was lifting from the pond and realized our oak outside the kitchen window was solid red leaves.  Before me on the ground was a carpet of red fallen leaves and still a bounty above on the limbs. 

The palette of fall is alive with wonderment and strong vivid hues of reds, oranges and yellows. Such will be my painting.  When we were in the midst of summer just two months ago it seemed like today was far away.  Cooler temperatures, rain and trees bearing up the regal autumn colors.  God's touch in our lives keeps change constant.  Change is something you can count on in your life and God is there with it. His light even shines in the darkness that sometimes seems to creeps in.  When we feel lost in shadows or situations, we need only close our eyes and envision His light bathing us with His love. 

This day is Veteran's Day.  This day is a day to honor all the men and women over the past two centuries who have fought to preserve our freedom.  This day is celebrated as well for special birthdays of my oldest friend Janet  aka JJ in Austin, Texas, and for Terry's deceased brother David.  (I will make a low fat Italian Creme Cake for us to share over the next few days in memory of David.  We miss him so much.)

That thought takes me back to the loss of Ben, Terry's Dad in September and stopping in prayer to allow God to remind us that death is but a CONTINUATION to the next change. We will remember him today as he served in both the US Navy and the US Airforce.  My Dad served in the US Army.  We all have someone near and dear to us that has given of their life to defend and serve the citizens of the United States of America. 

Laurie

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"  Psalm 27:1 

Dancing in the Leaves Equine Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Contemporay Artist Laurie Pace

'Dancing in Leaves'

30 x 40  Oil on Canvas

Re-posted because I actually got  a better camera image of it!

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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This painting is at the gallery in Dallas.  It is one of my favorites this year and probably because of the palette colors.

Did you know that colors affect your moods? Some colors can bring out the best in your making you feel positive and energized.  Other colors can bring you to a somber point.  So what are your favorite colors?  What colors draw you in to go "AWWW"? 

God as the great Creator, brings every color to His palette in our world.  Look around you and see the explosion of all the elements of art, from color to balance, to space and symmetry.  This is home. This is God and this is love. He is woven through our very being and His love and grace are a mighty force of love in our life... attracting us and bringing us into His good.  This love inside of us has the power to reach out and pull into us simple harmony and abundance. Begin doing this by blessing your own circumstances. Find the good that surrounds you and give thanks for it.  Affirm God's hand in your heart and your life by being open and ready to receive His good.

Your ways in life will be an example to others, attracting them in to the goodness that surrounds and fills you. It is just like the color attraction. We are drawn to what either brings love, comfort or happiness.   

"This little light of  mine,  I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
Laurie  

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." Psalm 119:18

"God's Love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." Romans 5:5. 

FINISHED LARGE DINNER PAINTING by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Finished Dinner painting'

4 ft by 12 ft  Oil on Canvas
 This is the finish of this painting. It is with a decorator in Highland Park Texas.
Julie Guidry is a home designer with a flair for art.

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Who are you? or should I ask, Who do you think you are?

There are many people we honor in our lives who are important to us. We look to them as our mentors and we respect what they say and do as they seem to set that high example in living life and honoring God.  If you look closer you will find they not only honor God but they honor themselves as a child of God. 

How can you begin to do that in your life? We all have that small inner voice that talks to us all day long.  We have that continuous conversation going in our thought part of your mind. For me that is the dangerous part.  I can convince myself of almost anything and talk myself into anything and definitely rationalize anything.  Am I honoring God and myself when I do this? No.

Be quiet and listen.  There is deeper inside, a small quieter voice.  This voice nudges you and keeps you on the straight and narrow.  It is the little voice that reminds you to exercise and to eat better each day. If you are like me, that louder voice in my head rapidly dreams of fried chicken and sweet tea at Chicken Express.  My quiet voice is saying "salad at home, you have all the ingredients."

We have to learn to stop the obnoxious noise of endless thoughts and prattle in our minds and begin listening to God.  He speaks through that quiet voice.  He has given us our gifts and talents and we have to use our human choice on how to use them in our lives. He gives us constant opportunities to do more and learn more. 

Spending time with God and in His Word allow reflection and study as we can apply what we read to our present day journey.  We want to reflect His Love, Grace, Wisdom, Knowledge, Joy etc. to those around us. We honor Him through our reflections and actions to others. You are indeed an honored child of God.
 

Laurie

"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves, with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Joined at the Hip Contemporary Tree Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Joined at the Hip'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas
SOLD
I am thinking about doing more trees in this series. I did a group of these trees several years ago and loved painting them.

Contact me to commission a painting. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Back with a short blog for the morning.  We were in Dallas this weekend and we are back.  My mom welcomed us on Thursday night and we enjoyed spending my birthday together on Friday.  Saturday was the opening of the Artists of Texas show at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas.  Unfortunately I had a horrible migraine and only lasted a few hours before we had to leave.  Pam did such a wonderful job with Kay Wyne and Sharon Hodges helping to hang over 350 paintings.  I have pictures but have not downloaded them  to the computer yet... but I will.

Terry is going to be putting more memory in my computer this morning and setting up a new router to help with my "new toaster". Then back to work!  It struck me funny when my brother Kirk ask me about the "slots' in my computer...wondering how much memory it could take.  I am understanding each computer has a set amount of space for memory, slots I think he said.   I ordered the max that I could put in.  This is suppose to help my computer run faster and smoother.   

Now think about how God created us.  We have a huge capacity for memory, more "slots" than you can count, more than any computer.  I personally believe it is God that allows us to run smoother and faster.  It is that complete TRUST  IN HIM that is the key to it all.  No error messages can wipe you out if you believe;  only HE can bring you to your knees wanting to hear from you daily.  If you trust Him, He will protect you. He will carry you through all of it. TRUST IN HIM

Laurie  

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Painting in Progress By Texas Contemporary Artist Laurie Pace

 Still in Progress

4 f tby 12 ft   Oil on Canvas

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Day off.  After today, I may take a day off from blogging here and there over the next week. We have much going on and I may not have access to do so.

Every one needs a day off on occasion. I told my kids it is called a MENTAL HEALTH DAY.  When they were growing up, each semester of school if they did not have too many absences, they were allowed a Mental Health Day each semester and they loved it. They never abused missing school and it was good for them to feel like they had control. Only rule was they could not take it to avoid a test. 

Sometimes mental health days provide the extra rest our body needs from the stress and expectations we have daily.  What ever the reason, God is present in every moment as you heal and relax. It is a good time to spend reflecting and trusting Him to provide direction as you go calmly through the day with confidence of recharging your batteries for a better rested tomorrow.  His grace is present there with you.


Give thanks for the day off and all the new opportunities and thoughts that will come from this gift of rest. May the day sustain and uplift you that the return to life will be one filled with His power.


Mom if you are reading this morning...thank you. Thank you for your love and light that have filled my life for the past years.  I celebrate this birthday knowing you have walked beside me through out my life, always in constant vigil with your support and wisdom. You are the best.  I love you very much.

Laurie  

"From his fullness we have all received,  grace upon grace." John 1:16

Continued Progress of Painting from Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Progress from an old painting'

4 ft by 12 ft  Oil on Canvas
 This is a continuation of a story on a painting I did in 2008... a huge 4 ft by 12 ft. 
I just found images of it when cleaning out my files and decided to share the journey.

Contact me for Commission Work. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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It has been raining for two days now but no one is complaining.  Suppose to rain today and tomorrow be crisp and clear. I am so ready. The rain has made for a nice birthday week nourishing me as well as good nourishment for the earth.  God is indeed good.  The next best thing was TWO birthday cards from Jan!  I thought the first one was over the top but then came a second one.  I feel loved...Thank you my heart sis.

Celebrating the year and anticipating the next finds me filled with enthusiasm for God and for life.  Allowing Him to work in you will bring about the same results... happiness, contentment, rich satisfaction, restful sleep and the continual love He keep wrapped around you. 

With this newness filling you, you can set new goals and dream about things.  He will guide you and guard you as you do.  Your enthusiasm will spread to relationships in your life and those around you will anticipate the joy your bring to each day. God will guide you. God will guide me.  He will reveal in His time the path that your life will be. Set your mind and heart to be open to this journey of discovery. Do not be afraid. Look at it like each day is a new present to unwrap and experience.  
  

Laurie  

Brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm you call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble.  2 Peter 1:10

4 ft by 12 ft painting in Progress Texas Artist Laurie pace

'BIG'

4 ft by 12 ft  Oil on Canvas

Progress shots... 

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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I came across this image and several others from two years ago. I was painting a huge 4 ft by 12 ft scene that the decorator wanted certain elements in.  This would be tough to do in this studio here at the lake.   The image shows the canvas on my easel, the images sketched on and the painting beginning in the background.  I will post the rest over the next few days.  

Think about your life in the same way.  We sketch out in our mind what we think should be and we begin filling in the experiences and the happenings around our visions.  In a painting things change constantly on the surface. Unpredictable smudges or color combinations often turn into the best things.  Too much control and you loose the soul of the painting.   

Does God view us in that sense?  He watches us get our ideas and plans together and we have the freedom to begin working toward them and doing things, but if it is not His way, things are never smooth.  We get those blotches on us and it helps us define who we are and how we deal with things thrown at us in life. These 'blotches' are sometimes the best things that can happen to us as well.

You are, after all, a work in progress. 

Laurie

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,”- Ephesians 1:18

Caught in the Storm Equine Abstract Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Caught in the Storm'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas



Another available FREE painting with free shipping in the US. GONE GONE GONE!
This one is heading to Washington! Thank you.

Contact me for commission Work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

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I have had the staggers for two days with messed up sinus and dizziness that is quite bothersome. Makes painting very difficult at best.  I take it as a nudging from God to slow down and stop doing so much.

My brother is helping me set up my new back up system.  Back up to the back up you might say.  Of course God doesn't really weigh in on these earthly issues. Only we are paranoid and controlling enough to want back ups of backups.   If I didn't have to have everything for tax purposes I would stop worrying about it entirely.

I challenge you today to give up a worry that has been nagging at you.  Let God know you are going to let go of it and put it ALL in His hands and then do it. Don't think about it, just allow him to carry the worry for you all day long.  Stand firm in your faith.   What can it hurt?
  

Laurie

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”- 1 Peter 5:8-9