Welcome to my monthly newsletter! Scroll down to stay updated with the art and events happening in my world. Be encouraged and inspired to live wholeheartedly in your own life!
Hello friends!
First things first, I want to send out a BIG, HUGE THANKS to those who bought my art the past couple of months! Your purchases have been an encouragement to me and my hope is that the pieces are lasting reminders of joy in your home. My paintings, (originals and prints), are always for sale on Etsy or you can email requests. :)
This month I thought I’d just pop in and remind us all that we humans get to choose to what and to whom we will give our attention. Every individual has agency and is in charge of their own selves in this arena…so let’s choose with intention and with wisdom what will win our focus.
At the moment, the whole world is shouting for our our attention. On all the sides and in between, and in all arenas that matter in life, there seem to be voices with facts and nonfacts and alternate facts that speak with superiority and certainty, demanding that we pay them our attention. Guess what? Just a reminder - We are not obligated in any way. :) Phillipians 4:8 has some good advice….
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.”
Give your attention and focus to the things you know YOU’VE been made for.
Today I choose to pay my attention to the people I’ve been given to love. When my 12-year-old, chocolate-pudding-colored eyed boy talks to me about projects, and games, and friends, and, and, and… I will choose to give him my full focus, knowing he’s got much to say before he becomes a teenager next month. At coffee with girlfriends I’ll give my presence fully, not in a “relational points game” sort of way, but with genuine curiosity so that they know they’re free.
Today I choose to give my full attention to the work of my hands. I’ll give my contemplation to songs from my heart that have until now been neglected, and I’ll paint things I see in my dreams. I’ll cook, and clean, and do general home-making activities, giving my full attention to each task. And those business-y things that make my heart race and hands sweat, I’ll set my mind on those things too.
When we choose to give our attention to the good and live fully present with those around us, we are walking in Love - walking in The Spirit - walking in The Light.
Just a reminder - We’re not obligated to give our focus to anything else.
- Sarah
Paintings of Late
As I mentioned above, I’ve been writing songs and painting dreams.
One of the songs I’ve been working on, in conjunction with my friend Angela Pinkston, is called “Wild and Free”. Much of it is a compilation of lines from favorite poems by Antoine de Saint-Exupery and Henry David Thoreau. Poster fashion seemed appropriate for these paintings inspired by the song…“All Good Things Are Wild and Free”, Etsy
Upcoming in the “Wild and Free” Series…
“To Live Is to Be Slowly Born”
“To Love is to Be Wholly Known”
“Awake, My Soul, to This Wild, Wild Wonder”
“This Treasure, Found in a Vapor”….etc.
On talk of dreams…
My dreams have been full of doorways, lately - beautiful doorways with unknown mystery and adventure beyond their gates. Paintings in process…
Vocal Lesson Curriculum
This month, my focus has been on writing curriculum. I’ve been teaching voice lessons for the past 10 years and have been compiling the lessons into a book called, “Sing, A Guide to Good Singing”. It is now available on Amazon in ebook form, along with a corresponding workbook. Check it out and leave a positive review. :)
Art for Sale
Landscape #1, original painting, acrylic on wood panel, 4 ft x 8 ft, $4000
Grandeur, original painting, acrylic and oil on canvas, 2 x 3 ft, $2500
Abstract Watercolor Garden, original painting, watercolor, acrylic, and ink on art paper, 18 x 24 in. framed, $500
Several paintings landed in their new homes last month…
(Thank you, again, to all of you who bought.)
SOLD Life is Golden $5000 (prints available)
SOLD Watercolor Flower: Blue, $200 (prints available)
Commission a painting!
Is there a painting you’d like for me to create for you? Do you have an idea, a mission, a message you’d like to display through images on your walls? I'd love to have a conversation and work to create for you a just-right painting.
“Eduardo’s Dreams” - The piece below was created for a man who’s dreams were filled with wide open spaces and deep roots. His wife commissioned this painting to hang in their home as an ever present reminder of the real things.
Patreon Community Subscription
This is a way we can engage in an online creative community! It allows me to share my art and inspire you as you put YOUR form of beauty into the world! Patreon is a subscription platform that allows me to serve you in all kinds of ways, starting at $2/month. Check it out! I invite you to join us!
Patreon Virtual Painting Party via Simulcast
Painting Party Simulcast this Wednesday, September 30, @7:30pm CST!!
Paint along live or play it back later! Register today!
FREE for Patrons with their $25/month subscription. Paint one every month!
If you’d like to paint just this painting email Sarah for the link: $35
Patreon Artist’s Way Book Club
I believe every single person on the face of the Earth is creative in their own way. If you’ve ever questioned whether this is true or wondered what exactly you’re here to do, this book has all kinds of insights, exercises, and encouragement toward understanding what The Great Creator is up to in you. Join us for these engaging conversations!
Wednesdays @7:30pm central via Zoom! Sign up on Patreon $10/mo.