texas landscape – Melanie Stokes Art

February 6, 2024February 6, 2024

Morning Light

melaniestokesart.com — Morning Light
24×30 oil on gallery wrapped canvas
$700

Painted during the late summer when the hay grass had turned a Naples Yellow, this landscape is currently on my guest room wall. I walked in there today, noticed it, and said to myself, “I had forgotten about that one!”

I don’t know how I forgot about it, except that it was painted at a time when I was in between shows. It wasn’t dry enough for “From the Ground Up.” And then, life got busy, so I just put it out for sale on my website today!

I love the finished painting as much as I loved the morning light when it hit that yellow hayfield one summer morning. It was one of those mornings that grabbed my attention and said, “Paint me!” I probably had a coffee cup in my hand, walked out on the porch to breathe, before the Texas heat took over by 10:00 a.m., and used my cell phone to record the scene, for reference in a painting.

The painting, Morning Light, is in my guest room, for now. But, if it gets your attention and you are interested, be my guest! The paintings on my walls are often changed. (And I wonder if my husband notices.)

November 8, 2023November 8, 2023

Protection and Provision

After a long, hot Texas Summer of no rain, we (as in the collective, whole county “we”) were thrilled to see the storm clouds of September rolling in. The dark clouds and hailstorms came, but we all were glad to see the parched earth become covered in green again.

The water in the tanks, ponds, lakes and streams began to rise and the cattle did not have quite as far to stretch into the mud to obtain a drink. Now in November, Lake Waco is able, after a few years, to supply water to all the households which depend on it.

The photo references for these paintings were taken on a walk through our property. Both images were striking enough to make me want to paint them. And as I painted, the titles, Protection and Provision, came to my thoughts

How many times have I used those words, as I prayed for my own or another’s needs? “Lord, grant us Protection and Provision in these days.” Two “P” words that sound poetic, but are packed with power and meaning.

I hope the images speak. The titles speak. But my words will also speak of the Protection of an Almighty God. I see this in a variety of circumstances, in amazing miracles that have happened, and in retrospective realizations as I live through these years. I live in gratitude for the Provision of daily needs, as I continue to trust God. Just when we think the water is as low as it can go, the rains come. We are restored and ready to move ahead.

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023

Just Over the Fence

Just Over the Fence 12×12 oil

This is the view I see from my porch. I often sit out there, drinking coffee in the mornings when the weather cooperates. For several days I have been noticing the morning sun glinting off of the red horse trailer, surrounded by wild sunflowers against the overgrown summer greens. And even if it is the first day of summer and we are already hitting temps of close to 100, I sat under the porch shade and painted from 9 to 10 a.m.

Yes, I have things I need to get painted in the studio. But, this morning, painting en plein air became the priority. While I painted, I listened to the birds sing, felt the warmth of sunshine, and even detected a coyote pup barking somewhere in the brush. All of this was necessary to remind me of why I paint what I paint. A snippet of time, an hour actually, was recorded with colors of paint and a variety of textures to proclaim beauty, and wonder, and miracles that grow from seeds. And I never tire of examining and marveling at it – this natural world in which we live.

Just Over the Fence – 12×12 en plein air

May 2, 2023May 2, 2023

First Spring

The new calf walks awkwardly, trying to get used to the way her legs work. And the mama cow, (we call her Red), walks along beside Little Red Pepper, casting a shadow of protection over her, as she experiences her first spring.

I enjoy watching cow behaviors! Sometimes Red walks beside, sometimes leading in front, and sometimes nudging her calf along from the back. But I can see patterns of protectiveness and guidance from the mother figure. And when she needs to graze further away, she leaves the little one in the care of the black angus that we call “Karen” (because Karen seems to be in everyone’s business).

Painted from my photo reference and experience, I enjoyed depicting this promise of spring. Red Pepper has been peppy from those first days. She is old enough now to run around the pasture, venture further from Mom, and is looking very healthy.

The warmth of spring light, the excitement of blossoms and flowers budding and blooming, and new life on the prairie always bring hope for days ahead. Walk forward in the light, little one, but come back near the herd when you need them.

December 30, 2022December 30, 2022

As Ducks Fly…

This landscape, from a photo on our property, was used for demonstration in the recent Earth and Sky workshop. The 11×14 study had been on a table in my studio for a few weeks when I felt compelled to paint it in a larger 24×30 format. It was one of those paintings that simmered for a few weeks, as I made minor adjustments. And before I knew it…the ducks were flying in, or out, depending on the weather, both outside and in my painting.

We have a pond (or tank, as people around here call it) and are often entertained by the migrating birds that come around. The ducks stay for awhile. And then something changes and they leave. It could be the wind, the temperature, a predator, an event that disturbs their peace, or the need to get up and find food. As they fly, they usually go together, making the trip easier. “There is safety in numbers.” Sometimes, I see one staying behind. Maybe he/she is more brave. Maybe he/she is tired of the group. Maybe he/she is lost.

It’s a thing to ponder: How do they decide where to land? Seasons change, circumstances shift. Then, as ducks fly, maybe we do, too.

Ducks can’t fly backwards. (Or so the internet states.) So, here’s to a New Year of flying straight ahead. Remember to land and rest. Enjoy the company of others. And when seasons change, move on. Oh, one more fact: ducks remember where they came from and often return year after year to visit.

September 22, 2022September 22, 2022

Separation Day

The Mama Cows gathered at the corral gate, wondering why the calves were being herded into the trailer, not knowing that the young ones were about to be taken away.

This was the scene I captured with my camera on the day that the year old calves were taken to another place. (We won’t speculate as to whether they were going to another grazing area or to market. The cows on our property belong to someone else, who leases the pasture from us.) We get attached to the cows, watch them from birth, give them names, feed them by hand (well, my husband does that.) And we are glad to have them on our acreage.

Being the novice rancher that I am, I did not expect what came next… As the truck and trailer rattled away with five calves, the cows began to bellow! And they bellowed and bellowed for about two days. They knew those babies were missing. They thought if they kept calling, they would come back. They knew they were supposed to be checking on them and keeping them safe.

As the wails went on, my “mama heart” hurt for their pain. Can cows have emotional pain? They wanted to care for their young, but the new distance was making that impossible. I thought about the times I’ve had physical and emotional distance from my own children. I thought about women who lose children through custody battles, illnesses, adoptions, and miscarriages. I thought about mothers and children and the heartaches that come with the joys. And then, I remembered… for goodness sake, we are talking about cows, here!

The stark contrast of the darks and lights drew me into the scene. The barricade of the gate seemed so final against their faces. The cows’ attention toward those leaving was a shared experience for the ones left behind. Their wails of mourning subsided after a few days. And, once again, the remaining cows became content to stroll from back to front pasture, searching for the perfect blade of grass.

September 4, 2022September 4, 2022

Glory Fills the Skies! a Solo Show of Visual and Written Observations by Melanie Stokes

What a thrill it is to see three years worth of paintings and writings, all hanging in one gallery!

At Warehouse Living Arts Center 119 W. 6th Avenue Corsicana, TX

If you have been following this Texas journey, you know how I’ve been obsessed with observing the big skies and painting them. These twenty five paintings are each 24×30 gallery wrapped canvas with painted edges. Though I do paint en plein air often, these were painted in the studio from my own photos and studies. And most of them were inspired from our property, right here in Mart, Texas.

The show, Glory Fills the Skies!, will be at the Warehouse Living Arts Center in Corsicana, Texas until September 28. I am grateful to the many who came to the opening reception to share this experience with me. And I love watching people use the QR codes to read The Story Behind the Paintings on my website.

Here are a few other opportunities to visit the show during September:

Weekdays until September 28 – 12 noon to 5 p.m.

September 8, 6:00-7:15 p.m. Meet the Artist (Before opening of Our Town theatre production by WLAC)

September 12 – 10 a.m. – FBC Waco Senior Life Group Visit

SATURDAY, September 17 – 12 noon to 5 p.m.

AND, be watching for the release of the images on my website for those who would like to visit and purchase via internet. Sign up for my newsletter to be sure you are notified when released.

Each painting is $550, (plus sales tax and shipping.) A few samples…

Glory Fills the Skies!

July 17, 2022July 17, 2022

Vespers – an Evening Prayer

As I painted, I thought about the Spirit of God hovering over the earth, somewhat like this sun setting on a cool evening, and coming close to our hearts as we pray to him. The word, “vespers” came to mind, “associated with evening prayer.”

My Freshman Year at Shorter College (many moons ago), I often went to a Vespers service after eating supper in the dining hall with friends. I don’t remember hearing the word, “vespers” in my Baptist upbringing before then, but I soon found out it was an evening devotional service that had good sing-alongs with guitars. It was a ritual that delayed going back to the dorm room to study, and an opportunity to socialize with friends, so I was usually in. (And besides, there were usually a few cute guys who tagged along with us which always made it more interesting.)

Even though my main motivation for attending the service on this Baptist campus might not have been to commune with God, His Spirit usually made himself known. God seemed close to me in the outdoor settings, through the songs or devotional thoughts.

And for a brief moment at the setting of the sun, I still bow in gratitude for another day.

“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3

June 24, 2022June 24, 2022

Cloud Cathedral

I spotted the sheep, scattered across barren land, as we travelled through west Texas. My husband and I had been discussing the need for rain in this area of the state. This image continued to develop in my mind as we rode along. And, after a few sketches to consider the composition, I had an idea for a new painting.

Tall wind-ravaged cedars, making me think of columns in a cathedral, pointed upward at the swirly thick clouds, as if begging them to drop rain. The sheep were grazing in different directions, seemingly oblivious of each other. And a Bible verse I learned long ago came to my mind. “All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6

(More contemporary language says it this way — “All of us were like sheep that had wandered off. We had each gone our own way, but the Lord God gave him the punishment we deserved. “) As a child, I learned that this spoke of Jehovah God sending Jesus to earth to rescue all of us wandering sheep from our sinful selves. And I accepted it and believed.

Sometimes sheep can be really stupid. They can wander with no direction. They only think of themselves. They get lost.

As I enter this Cloud Cathedral, I see the tall cedars pointing upward in reverence and the winds of hope swirling overhead with power, leading me to thoughts of the Lord God who sent Jesus. He brings redemption, forgiveness, and guidance in being more than sheep. And maybe, lacking a pipe organ in this cathedral, a shepherd boy’s flute plays a haunting, child-like melody, reminding me of Jesus when I wander from truth.

April 30, 2022August 21, 2023

A Sacred Moment

I sat on the ground, maybe twenty feet away, and observed the spell-binding sacred moment of birth.

The labor, the exhaustion, the slow delivery process, the maternal instincts for cleanup and greeting her offspring, the bonding . . . all consumed my camera’s attention for over two hours. The other cows grazed silently nearby, as in a prayer vigil for the completion of the task.

This moment, this precious moment, was captured as the Mother Angus was successful in nudging the new life to stand on its own four feet. The cord was detached. Air was expanding the lungs of the little one. Thin legs were shaky, but strong. Initiation to the herd followed after this.

The Mother will continue her role of guiding and providing, until the young one is ready for independence. I’ll keep watching to determine how she knows when it is time.

With humans, the cords may be detached, but the heart strings remain intact for years and miles. And, we are glad to be able to keep in touch with our children through technology. Call your Mama, today.