The Old Wagon

A recent paintout with Outdoor Painters Society in Temple, Texas, took me to Summers Mill Retreat Center near Belton. The acreage is full of vistas and vignettes for a visual artist’s delight!

It’s always more fun to paint with a friend, so Karla and I searched together through many possibilities for painting on the property. One little thing that captured my attention was the light on the edge of an old wagon as it leaned under a cabin’s shelter. So, we set up our gear under the nearby massive oak to enjoy a few hours of painting there. (Well, actually Karla was sitting on the back of her car because she forgot her tripod, but that’s beside the point.)

As I painted, I enjoyed the shade of the oak, the sunshine on my back, and the sounds of children playing in the distance. Families strolled by and some individuals wandered over to see what I was doing. After a few quick conversations, I would return to the visual dance that the sunlight was having with the old wooden wagon. What was up with that pale turquoise green color in the late 1800s? It seems to show up in houses and furniture and now on this wagon. Was it on sale or something?

Now, here is the rest of the story…

As I painted the wagon wheel, I noticed the rusty metal rim tires, the faded wood of the spokes and then the cup shaped metal and wood that formed the hub in the center of the wheel. And suddenly, there was a familiarity hugging me that took me by surprise! It was the same as a wagon wheel hub I have sitting in my house! The same as the wagon wheel hub I possess from my grandfather’s old wagon, the one that probably belonged to his father, the one that I brought in my move as one of several family treasures that connect us to our ancestors. Back in the day, Grandaddy Miller drove a wagon that must have looked like this one! And the connection grabbed me, quite took me by surprise, and made me almost gasp! I could almost visualize the grandfather, who I only knew in childhood, hooking a mule to that old wagon and rattling up a dirt road in the hills of North Georgia. It was one of those serendipitous events that make you go, “Awww.” Those are the little bonuses that often happen on a plein air adventure!

After a few days of painting in both cold and warm weather, being with like-minded artists, exploring new places, and even having a visit with a Fallin cousin who lives only one hour away from me, I’m back home now. (And, found that my sweet husband remembered to clean up the kitchen!) Sometimes, this life is just plain good!

October 5, 2020

30 Days of Daily Painting

Have you been following on Instagram?

If not, let me catch you up quickly. I entered the 30 Day Strada Easel Challenge to paint or draw each day from life and post daily. I chose to begin the month of September only using black and white. With my Copic Sketch Markers, I used only 3 values in greyscale to sketch. Some days I used pencil. I even tried black and white paint! (see September news) But, by Day 15, I was really missing color in my paintings! That’s when I broke out the red and repainted the hummingbird study (it sold) and more paintings with color followed after that!

What did I learn from this Challenge?
1. Painting is my job. I will show up every day for work.
2. Drawing in grayscale is basic to seeing the darkness or lightness of a color in life. Thumbnail sketches before painting are key!
3. Drawing from life helps me work faster because the conditions change so quickly!
4. Weather influences my art.
5. There are many artists posting on Instagram. Group challenges like this give opportunities to meet wonderful comrades in painting!

Time to pack these daily artworks, 11×14 and smaller, away! If you see one that you like, message me — I will send you a better uncropped photo of the painting so you can see it better, and make you a deal! … I am ready to move on to some BIG Canvases!

November 4, 2019

Painting and Praying

My best prayer times seem to be while I’m painting outdoors. Maybe I’m listening better when the only sounds I hear are those of nature, the very creation of God. Maybe He speaks more vividly when I am studying visual images and analyzing how the light shines on them. Maybe I am more focused, for at least an hour or so, and easier to speak to when I’m all alone. I paint and I listen and I pray.

This morning I have been thinking about my friend who challenged us to read a chapter in Proverbs each day for the 31 days of November. As I read, I apply it to myself, but can’t help but think of her, as I know she is reading the same verses.

Though my friend is from Crawford, Texas, she lives in Thomson, Georgia! (Yes, there is a parallel to my move from Thomson to Crawford, TX.) Our paths intersect in so many other ways. But this morning, the intersection comes from prayer, from a common faith in Jesus, and from the Holy Spirit hearing prayers from TX to Thomson and back again.

I’m often reminded that I live miles away from many people I love. When they hurt, I long to go and be with them. But this big wide state of Texas is a looong way from quick trips. I can be with them through the power of prayers. Though it may sound trite, prayer is anything but! “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much.” (James 5:16) And the Holy Spirit can carry those prayers from here to there, from me to God… from God to me, and He hears. The impact of prayer is As Wide As A Texas Sky!

September 4, 2019September 6, 2019

Running Low

I’ve been watching the water level in the pond get lower and lower with the summer heat. The edges now show yellowed grasses that were once rooted deeply in the water. The fish fins pop up and I wonder if they are getting crowded as the water shrinks in August weather.

This morning I woke before sunrise and went out on the porch to drink coffee. I studied colors as I watched the peachy pink sky become lined with lavender and explode into orange, as the bright ball of sun said, “I’m back! And ready to heat things up and soak up all the moisture I can find!”

It’s been a while since I had an opportunity to paint outside. I’ve been working on a commission, (which is a great plan for days when air conditioned studios are preferred.) But I was missing my interaction with nature and my communication with the Creator, as painting outside is my favorite form of worship.

I knew if I only drank one cup of coffee and grabbed my paint gear, I could get out there before the heat became miserable. But I sat and stared. I was running low, as low as that water level dipping below the reeds. My mind had been overloaded with this thing we call life; too much going on, too many decisions to make, too much noise and too many interruptions. Can you identify? I needed to be alone with God and paint, to see the things He wants me to see, both visual and spiritual. So I picked up my backpack and easel and drove to the other side of the pond.

I saw the beauty of the water’s edge, the light and shadow in the surroundings, the cool yellows of morning light, and the white and purple blooms of the wildflowers produced by the August heat. And I began to feel reassured that I’m surrounded and supported by God’s love and goodness, His direction and provision. Thus, my spirit soared and was renewed.

By 9:30 a.m. the sun had made its way over me and pushed me indoors. I packed up as I chuckled about the irony of someone naming an August wildflower “Snow on the Prairie,” despite the August heat! It must have been due to wishful thinking.

Here’s to the days we are “running low” and praying for the desire to overcome it. My wishful thinking has something to do with hoping my energy level will rise.

Isaiah 40:31 says “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”

Oh yes! I am hanging on to that. Maybe you needed to hear that, too.

March 30, 2019April 16, 2019

Welcome Spring!

And when I say “Welcome Spring,” I truly say that with feeling and meaning this year! Was it a long winter for you? Or is it just me? (My thoughts go out to those who live “above the snow line.”) Here are a few spring paintings from my easel:

melaniestokesart.com — At Day’s End 16×20 oil

Spring Paintings En Plein Air:

Bluebonnets are just beginning their season! More to come!

I am certainly enjoying being able to paint outside comfortably and seeing more variety of colors in the Texas landscapes. And yes, all those infamous Texas wildflowers are truly amazing!

All paintings are available. Contact me for prices and commissions.

A Recent Commissioned Piece – based on a plein air study of peach orchard – 24×36 oil

And…

To answer the question I know you want to ask, …”Yes, construction has begun on our home!” (That was another reason the winter of waiting seemed to be long.) Steve has been drawing up plans and doing the “Demolition Dance.” Now, our contractor will take our ideas and this shell of a metal building and turn it into a home. (Really. We aren’t crazy, just creative. Stay tuned to be sure!)

September 10, 2017

Standing in the Storm

As I post Day 10 of the 30 Day Challenge, I’m pulling out a painting from last May. All thoughts and prayers are directed to everyone in the path of Hurricane Irma. And just as these palms stand strong in the Florida landscape, we pray that the spirits of Floridians and Georgians will stand strong during this storm.