Texas Contemporary Fine Artist Laurie Pace: August 2011

31 August 2011

Yellow Flower Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace Rounding Corners in Life

Little Yellow Flowers

Backyard Blooms Gallery Series 2011

Yellow Daisies Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

5 x 7 inches Oil on Gesso Board

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011

Contact me for your own commissioned painting

or to purchase this piece: Laurie

ROUNDING CORNERS IN LIFE

I have to laugh as I began to think about this subject for the blog this morning. It is one of my last images of Lady L on her bike with Bampa behind her helping her round her first corner. She had been riding very well in a straight line but we were introducing turns and rounding corners, something she had to practice to negotiate without tipping over.

Square corners in life are all about efficiency and control. Ninety degrees is ninety degrees and a square corner is a square corner...but what does that mean about rounding corners?

When you look back at this past week or past month of your life there are probably things you might have done differently. As much as we would like to we cannot rewrite the past and undo those things that are irrevocable.

The first step is to move on and I suggest...rounding the corner into this day and leaving yesterday behind you as you make that turn to face the new in front of you. If you are in conflict over things and unable to resolve them, you need to turn off that path...round the corner and put it behind you.

Next step is learning to let it go. Egads that is the hardest for me. No one else can make the decision to let something go except you. It does not require that you must forget it and it does not mean that you no longer affected by its impact on your life, but it does mean you are in control and will not let it have the power over you to take time away from today mentally or physically. Learn to tuck things away in your mind where you can reflect on it if necessary but you no longer dwell on it. Do not let it devour you...walk away, turn the corner and leave it behind.

Now you have the new in front of you...what was around the corner ten minutes ago. Make the effort not to repeat any of the negative behaviors or self-defeating behaviors from that past experience. Learn from it and gather from it important tools to use 'around the corner'. Just like Lady L learned after falling a few times, she had to pedal and turn her handle bars to get around the couch as she rode her bike around the gathering room. She was bruised and a bit leery after falling, but as soon as she spotted the clear path ahead after she turned, those thoughts were behind her and she was facing a smooth ride crossing the area before her.

So whether your corners are square or rounded is not important, but what is important is that you are taking the turn into a new venture in life today.

Laurie

Psalm 56:13
"For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life"

My Blog My Website Giclees on Canvas, Prints and Cards The Five Graces The Artists of Texas Daily Painters Contemporary Fine Art International Artists of Texas Blog Daily Painters of Texas Blog

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30 August 2011

Epsilon Abstract Horse Painting in Sante Fe Gallery for Sale by Texas Contemporary Equine Artist Laurie Pace

Epsilon Two Horse Race

Available at Adeib Khadoure Fine Art in Santa Fe on Canyon Road.

This intense Abstract Horse Painting is 30 x 40 inches of Layered Acrylics. If you email Adeib and tell him you saw it on the blog you can expect a special price on the painting. He will ship it out to you immediately.

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011

Details below:

Contact me for your own commissioned painting or to purchase this piece: Laurie

HIS MERCY

The sound of rain on the roof awakened us early this morning. I had prayed all the way home from Dallas yesterday asking God in His Mercy to bring some change to our weather patterns. This summer has devastated our beloved state of Texas. A type of anxiety and depression looms over the population with the now 74 days of temperatures over 100 degrees compared to the average of only six days at 100 or above. Seventy four days will probably spread this week to seventy-five, seventy-six or even seventy-seven but then it ends. The two week forecast I saw late last night showed rain chances Thursday, Friday and Saturday and temperatures back in the low nineties. Then next week there was even a day showing the highs in the eighties. This is a day to celebrate life... the hope with a promise from Him to give us exactly what is needed in our lives...in His time and not ours. A New Day. A New Reason to Celebrate.

Relief spread through my entire body and I cried in praise and thanksgiving for His Mercy. This has been a summer none of us will ever forget.

Texas is a state known for 'just wait an hour, the weather will change'. Not only that, Texas has five distinct regions through out the state creating a different living environment in each area. This summer the drought hit all of the regions sparing no one the excessive heat and dry lands. Cities caught totally with no water as their resources dried up and evaporated. How does a city or town survive without water? Across Texas fires burned at will from early spring and are still going strong now here at the end of August.

I am unsure where this blog will go... but with a prayer in my heart and a plan in place, I hope you will join me on this journey. I am A Texas Artist.

Laurie

"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole WY

The Dutch Art Gallery Dallas TX

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SR Gallery Hong Kong Gillian Jones Gallery Ohio

29 August 2011

Study of Trees Landscape Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Study of Trees

SOLD
Thank you Ugallery!

5 x 7 Oil on Canvas Tree Painting in Brilliant colors.

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011 Contact me for your own commissioned painting or to purchase this piece: Laurie

Times they are a Changing....

Well this weekend marked several important moments. One was Jon's 14th birthday and the other was Lady L learning to make those pedals go around on her bicycle. Wahoo the princess is loose in the house on her wheels now and you better watch out. The more she goes in circles around the living room and kitchen the more daring she is.

We bought this bike for her a few months ago and although she could reach the pedals, she could not get enough pressure on them to get the idea of pushing and pedaling...until Saturday.

Mom and Dad are really good about no riding with out the helmet. She wears it constantly like a mini biker. On our way to Jonathan's birthday we passed a group of riders all with their helmets on. She had a huge grin on her face when I pointed out their helmets...she spoke out loud in awe..."Oma, look they have helmets like I have." It gave us the opportunity to reinforce the safety issues involved.

Life is amazing as we are all confronted with new things to do and face in our lives. Many times 'our feet do not touch' the pedals... and we try so hard to make it happen and the wheels just do not move despite our effort. What happens then? We have to wait upon the Lord... and presently He will bring it to be... what His plan is. We have watched Lady L try for three months now to pedal this bicycle and she is so proud of her new mobility.

On Sunday we visited Mom and I was thrilled to see her looking cheerful and energetic. God is good as the Great Healer has touched her with His mercy and recovery has begun.

In my studio I have violets blooming. It is with a smile I tenderly care for this beauties as they are pretty finicky. Water and food and sunlight in measured amounts and they thrive and bloom through out the year. Right now all three plants are in full bloom and the colors are spectacular. This is one of my precious blessings that remind me of His Power and Touch in my life. Despite the drought outside and the temperature of 113 degrees last night... inside my home colors are vivid on my violets as well as on my canvas.

Laurie

Isaiah 35:1 " The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose."

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

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28 August 2011

Abstract Palette Knife Flower Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Yellow Flowers Painting

at Rare Gallery in Jackson Hole

Contact Hollee to purchase.
This is a gorgeous Palette Knife Flower Painting framed
and ready to hang in your home.

20 x 20 Oil on Canvas

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011
Contact me for your own commissioned painting or to purchase this piece: Laurie

Passing the Good

We are traveling again...in Dallas for the weekend and dear Carol is house sitting and caring for the dogs. We love Carol! So do Paddy and Annie.

We stopped at Whole Foods on Friday to shop for Mom who is on a 10 fibers a day diet. Of course we picked up the things WE are not suppose to eat....
and we came across TOMMY... really Tommy in person. I had seen this man standing behind one of those food things they have set up giving out samples. Made me wonder because he did not have on the typical apron the servers usually have on. When we made our third pass by him Terry stopped to try out the food he had there... SALSA!!! TRULY REALLY TRUE and really VERY good!

Tommy's Salsa

Those of you that read my blog realize I am huge into natural foods and stay away from additives, nitrates, msg, high in sodium products and no processed meats etc. Tommy's products are all natural, reflecting his upbringing in Austin with parents that cooked this way at home.

Once I am home I will try and add a link to his site on my blog...but meanwhile...go visit it and find the store in your area, or order from his site. TRUE TEXAS HOME MADE SALSA. Meeting him in person made it even more delightful knowing he is the one that made the salsa we were tasting and buying. We picked up some of the meat rubs and after we use them this week I will report on those as well.

I realized today that my studio and teaching started in 1982 and next year I will have been doing this for 30 years. Seeing a person jump out there to start a business like this is so appreciated as I know the journey is different for all of us, but equally as satisfying if you are following your true path.

I wish Tommy well with this venture and truly encourage you try out his Texas Salsa. Meanwhile... we are enjoying time with grandson Jonathan and his birthday and seeing Lady L again and in all the eating we are enjoying two of Tommy's salsas... YUMM!

Laurie

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

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27 August 2011

Abstract Flower Painting White Hydrangea Floral Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

White Hydrangea Abstract Flower Painting

20 x 20 inches Acrylic on Canvas

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011 Contact me for your own commissioned painting or to purchase this piece: Laurie

REACHING OUT

We all have our uniqueness about us. Our way of coping when we are upset or sick or even how we react when we are happy. I have come to realize in my years of life that there are those that want to be left alone and those that absolutely drain you of life if you do not set boundaries.

How do we get this way? Are we born like this or do we learn it? It seems like it is inset in us like we cannot learn to change...but I believe we can change.

Learning to reach out to others when you are in need can be humbling when you are a very private person. On the other hand, learning to do things on your own and not be so dependent on others is scary. Both are accomplished first by learning to reach out to God. Extending your arms and hands to Him and giving Him your heart, your pain, your troubles, your joys,... basically giving Him your life back. He gave you life... and He planned to be there with you through out ALL of it. Somewhere along the way you stopped reaching out to Him.

Tree limbs grow upward to His light... reaching out with their tender branches seeking light for growth. You cannot grow with out His light in your life. Spiritually you are starving and emotionally you will be drained with out His nourishment. Trees die with out light. You are dying with out Him.

God is always there to help us... even as tiny children He was there. We learn early in life the give and take from the adults around us. If they keep us from helping for whatever reason we begin to learn to keep to ourselves that we are not good enough to help others and then we begin down that road of "I am self sufficient, I do not need you." From there we determine we have control if we do not let others into our lives and we keep hidden our inadequacies and fears. Others learn at this young age they get attention when they need something and cry hard enough. This young one becomes overly dependent on someone reacting to their constant needs and as adults they are very needy people. They too have forgotten that God is the giver to provide all of what they need every day.

Finding that peace in the moment of the day, realizing that He is there with you to provide for all of your needs is often the hardest step. STOP and take stock of what is happening in your life at this very moment.

Reach out to Him. He is waiting for you.

Lord, hear my prayer this day, that you are the only way. I have tried to run my life in my own way and I have not found peace. I spend my time worrying about why things are not happening the way I want them to and I realize then I do not have control. Help me to realize that doors will close in my life and I must be ready to walk through new passage ways in confidence knowing you are with me as change occurs. You alone know what is best for me this day. Remind me gently my role is to care those those around me and focus on those who need my help. Take my eyes and worried heart from centering around myself and place before me those I need to give to this day.

It is only through you that I can be who you created me to be. Give me hope and strength as I grow my faith and guide me through this day. I reach out to give my hand and heart to you. Amen.

Laurie

2 Timothy 4:17-18

New International Version (NIV)

^" But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen"

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

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The Dutch Art Gallery Dallas TX

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26 August 2011

Horse Painting Three Ponies Racing by Texas Equine Artist Laurie Pace

Three Ponies Racing

SOLD
Horse Painting Watercolor by Laurie Pace.

6 x 6 inches Watercolor on Board

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011
Contact me for your own commissioned painting: Laurie

Harmony

The spiritual beginning of each day is with a prayer to the Lord to bless the day and to provide the gifts needed for that day.

Working together in harmony reflects divine order...a spirit that is everlasting in the work being done. From the moment it starts through the finish, this divine order reaches out to many lives.

Helping hands working together to finish something brings joy and harmony blended with goodwill. This was an Easter Cross built of flowers by the youth in our church.

A rider must be in harmony with his horse to participate in competition. The beauty of riding and jumping as one is incredible to watch. God wishes to be with us every day in our lives... moving together with Him as one. Think of the beauty of relying on Him in everything that you do... He is there hand and hand, heart to heart.

On life's journey we encounter many trials...no different than the boulders in this stream. The water slices through in perfect harmony gurgling its way downstream oblivious of the large boulders sitting in mainstream. When you allow God into your life, He brings perfect harmony and order to keep you from feeling overwhelmed. He will bring you through the boulders in your life with the same ease that His waters travel downstream.

Keep your thoughts in order and steer away from fear or doubt. Do not allow discouraging things to pull you into negativity. Affirm your 'harmony' with God.

Laurie

"Put things in order...and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole WY

The Dutch Art Gallery Dallas TX

Our House Gallery El Dorado Hills CA

SR Gallery Hong Kong Gillian Jones Gallery Ohio

25 August 2011

Wildlife Wolf Painting In His Eyes by Texas Wildlife Artist Laurie Pace

In His Eyes

Wolf Wildlife Painting by Laurie Pace
18 x 27 inches
Oil on Canvas

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011
Contact me for your own commissioned painting
or to purchase this piece: Laurie

His Simple Grace

In the distance yesterday we heard the thunder. It had thundered and turned dark the day before but the storms scooted around us. The thunder I heard late yesterday afternoon was deeper and the wind in the trees was stronger. It sounded like an army marching toward us with cannon fire.

God wanted to make sure we heard Him coming. The marching of the raindrops on the skylights in the den made the arrival of His rain official. I was in the kitchen making salmon with yams and a fresh relish of red and yellow peppers with onions served on sliced romaine lettuce and a small side of yellow squash. We topped it off with delicious mango mixed with raisins, nectarines and honey. I love cooking and watching the rain outside the windows. The entire kitchen and breakfast area are surrounded by glass windows...and yesterday the view was of rain.

Before we ate we graced and prayed extra long for all the bountiful blessings... the rain (which was going longer than 30 min by that time) and Mom being released from the hospital. Throw in all our other thousands of blessings and we sat teary eyed watching the rain fall before we picked up our fork to begin eating.

The Grace of His rain was close to an inch. Our trees would love to have this every afternoon if possible and we continue to pray for it throughout the day.

Even my ivy on the back patio shimmered in crystal droplets twinkling back at the heavens in it's glory.

Good Morning God

This is your day

I am your child... Please show me the way.

You heard our prayer dear Lord and our cry for rain, and in your mercy you have blessed us.

Laurie

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2 NIV

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole WY

The Dutch Art Gallery Dallas TX

Our House Gallery El Dorado Hills CA

SR Gallery Hong Kong Gillian Jones Gallery Ohio

24 August 2011

Abstract Horse Painting A Pair of Horses by Texas Equine Artist Laurie Pace

A Pair of Horses

22 x 28 inches Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
Available...

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011
Contact me for your own commissioned painting
or to purchase this piece: Laurie

SEEDS to plant....

In this non-relenting heat watermelon has become our friend. We buy the seedless one and usually pick up a smaller mellon so it does not go to waste. Nothing tastes better than a shake of salt on a slice of cold watermelon. YUM! This new variety of seedless makes me wonder how they keep growing them if there are no seeds from the fruit to spread and create new plants.

Morgan called earlier and was sharing his day and mentioned he and Kelly might do some community service together on the weekends. We were talking about planting seeds of kindness in our days. Simple seeds go back to my typical adage of share a smile it goes a mile... or as I suggested to Morgan open a door for someone and say good day to them. Those simple things can change a life.

Traveling last summer to upper state NY was a trip of seed planting as well. Many new friendships were made and days of art and sightseeing shared, and Jamie Grossman gave generously of her hospitality to Terry and I in the Saugerties area of New York. I was thrilled to meet her and Gretchen Kelly. Jamie planted seeds in me in early 2009 when Artists of Texas came into being after she blogged about the gathering of the NY artists to paint in the Hudson River Valley area.

The beauty of our September 2010 trip to New York state has stayed with Terry and I. I do believe if NY did not have state income tax, we might pack it up and move north.

This was taken of the evening sky at Jamie's country home. It was absolutely stunning. I took many images as she toured us through the countryside and I am just now getting to them and hope to use them in some of my work. More Jamie seeds planted.

May this light of Heaven fill your life with God's love and grace. Go and plant a seed today.

Laurie

"In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good" Ecclesiastes 11:6

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

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The Dutch Art Gallery Dallas TX

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23 August 2011

Progression on In His Eyes

18 x 27 Oil on Canvas

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011
Contact me for your own commissioned painting
or to purchase this piece: Laurie

The Heat of The Season

So many heat related sayings...The heat of the moment, the heat of the battle and they still all boil down to the heat of the season. Texas remains under a scorching sun literally drying up water resources for many towns and killing the trees and forests in the state. Many cities are on water rationing and some have had water sources totally disappear. The Sun Burns on.

Our little pond still has some water in it but I doubt there will be any left in the next few weeks. We had about 1/2 inch two weeks go but that evaporated last week.

"They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him." Revelations 16:9

In all times we must learn to glorify His name. This has been a rough five days but I do glorify Him and know He will provide what we need for each moment of our day and night.

Want to share one link on this... Earth Issues.

Laurie

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. James 1:11

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole WY

The Dutch Art Gallery Dallas TX

Our House Gallery El Dorado Hills CA

SR Gallery Hong Kong Gillian Jones Gallery Ohio

22 August 2011

Abstract Horse Paintings Horizon Blue Ponies by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Horizon Blue Horses
SOLD

18 x 27 inches Oil on canvas

Climbing Stairs

Sometimes life feels like climbing stairs...often taking two steps up and then stepping back one... trying hard to make it to the top.

What do we think we will find at the top? What are we climbing for?

Is this what it will be like at the top of the stairs? Looking down through windows of time seeing where we have been, catching glimpses of times past?

Perhaps we are so busy climbing we miss out on the things around us. We miss valuable moments to make new memories and share thoughts and love with our family and friends.

Currently we are on the road between home and Dallas. Larry, our son-in-law, lost his mother Friday. It was unexpected and she died blessedly in her sleep. I have known her for several years now. We have shared the joining of our middle children in marriage. We have buried our eldest grandson together and shared many meals and holidays since then. She brought gentleness and a sweet smile to all of us and she doted on our little grand-daughter Lady L.

At this same time my mom decided to visit the hospital again. We thought 2008 that she had spent enough time there to last for ten years or more...but she has a digestive issue they are working on right now. Please keep our family in prayer at this time and realize my blogs may not be as regular with so much going on.

Our climbing is slow...but we give thanks to God for every single moment in this day. Lady L had a new song last night. We made up new words for her morning song.

Good evening Lord, This is your night

I am your child, tucked safe in your sight.

Laurie

“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8 NIV

GALLERY LINKS

Mirada Fine Art Denver CO,

The Rare Gallery Jackson Hole WY

The Dutch Art Gallery Dallas TX

Our House Gallery El Dorado Hills CA

SR Gallery Hong Kong Gillian Jones Gallery Ohio

20 August 2011

Abstract Horse Painting Horizon Ponies Fall Play by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Horizon Ponies Fall Play
A new Horizon Pony Painting from my Studio. Abstract Horse Painting in my signature pulled paint. Will be dry next week and ready for varnish.

24 x 36 inches Oil on Canvas

©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 1998-2011
Contact me for your own commissioned painting or to purchase this piece: Laurie

No Outlet

Saw this on our walk and it trigger some thoughts in my mind. Not sure how it all connects but in my mind I was thinking about life... their is no way out (outlet) of 'cheating death'. We are all born and we all die. The second sign 'Residents and Guests Vehicles Only' brought into focus that if you want to go past this sign... past death into God's kingdom, you must indeed be a resident or guest living with Him in this life. (Terry says we are all guests on this earth, just passing through.) The sign loomed before us on the walk forbidding in a sense and alarming you with it's warning....yet just beyond it beckoned light and beauty on our walk. The lane ends about a quarter to a half mile further down where it ends up in a private drive which has a gorgeous view of this point on the lake.

Without the hope of our Father in our lives to care for us daily, I would become like this plant.. with out life and purpose, drying and dying in the heat of life experiences.