penfrea. com Nehemiah's Art

Teenage Art

They filed in the studio on a blustery and rainy afternoon coming from a small town in Redwood Country, Northern California. Some knew each other previously and the chatter among them was upbeat, energizing and fun. They gathered around the “Idea Table” searching for reference material for what they might like to draw. Moving to the tables we talked about today’s theme – the media they would be using (colored pencils) with an admonition to “Be Unique” and “Compete only with yourself.” Jazz music played in the background as images of Rockwell’s work flashed across the screen. We talked about geometric shapes as being the building blocks of composition. Each worked on something totally their own. This student worked hard on the detail of the outside line, carefully observing the lumbering giraffe in the photo. I love they way she composed the animals spots. For me teaching students, whether teenage or younger children, is a fulfillment of a dream. I’m excited for the journey ahead. and to see each student develop their own unique style.

Student Drawing Class

I am so looking forward to the Student Drawing Class that starts this week. In this season of life there is something thrilling about passing on the baton to the next generation of artists. There is so much I want to share with them about being creative, expressing themselves and seeing the world around them with new eyes. There are so many great life lessons within the perimeters of creating art. There is time to talk about patience and perseverance and excellence to name a few. We will be focusing on a famous artist each week and considering the unique contribution each one made. There will also be a different style of music playing – having a tie in to the artist we are studying. For example, we will discuss the paintings of Norman Rockwell, who is uniquely American while hearing jazz which is uniquely American. There is much to pack into a limited time frame and I anticipate a great six weeks.

I’ve been dreaming about doing this for some years and working toward an opportune time to get started. My gallery studio is coming along one step at a time. It seems like slow going, but when I step back and see what has been accomplished these last three and a half years I am filled with gratitude. So many people have helped me. Above all, God has put hope in my heart even on trying days.

I am blessed – tremendously blessed by God for this new opportunity. Sometimes dreams are born out of adversity – in fact they are often fueled by such. There are concrete reasons people choose to try to make their corner of the world a better place for someone else. May the learning begin!

Painting Children

It would be more accurate to say “Painting Pictures of Children.” My mother did something very important for my self concept as a child. She painted my portrait. In doing so she conveyed how very important I was to her. I was the baby of six and my parents found many ways to communicate how treasured each one of us were to them and to the family. In response, I love portraying the everyday activities of children in paintings. I want to pass on their tradition of placing high value on children.

These paintings are from two different eras. Each portrays the special relationship of children with their pets. In the color harmonies I thought often of the color theory lessons of my painting teacher in the 90’s, the late Jim Faber. Now with students of my own I enjoy sharing the magnificence of the visual world – a world created with marvelous color and light.

Art Nite at Nehemiah’s Art

Coming Monday evening, August 22nd, 2016, an Art Nite in Fortuna, CA! Come learn how to create an acrylic painting in one evening among the company of five other friends. The time is 6 PM – 8:30 PM and the cost is $35 per person. A Vintage Art Studio ambiance with the art materials and easels provided makes for a fun evening to spend with friends and explore your creative side! Taught by an experienced artist teacher that is passionate about realist art.

There is only room for six, so sign up early! garagemuralsm

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Twice Blessed…the Musings of a Bi-Vocational Life

Like many these days I have two jobs that help me to make ends meet. Most people would consider themselves fortunate if they liked one out of two jobs. I have two vocations and I love them both…thus “Twice Blessed.” In ministry the Apostle Paul made bi-vocational ministry common. We all know him as the writer of many of the books in the New Testament, but he was also a tent-maker.

I have been busy the last few months with my return to ministry and there is nothing like it. One has the opportunity to be with people in some of the most significant moments of life – birth, death, weddings, a crisis, celebrations and sorrows. What a privilege!

My other “vocation” has been on the back burner for awhile. During the past year I have had opportunity to have some fun “paint nites,” teach art to some amazing individuals with intellectual disabilities and even paint a large canvas during an Easter worship service. But I haven’t painted for myself in the studio. So this short Christmas break gave me opportunity to get the studio in working order and begin to “block in” a couple of canvases. Blocking in means that one quickly sets in the basic colors and composition to see if the arrangement is going to work. The whole day went by likity-split.

The concept of vocation invokes a sense of “calling.” I feel called to both ministry and art. Ministry is serving and art is expression. They are different but both fields point to the Great Creator. We are made in His image so we in turn can feel joy in creating. He is our example and so we are to serve. Twice Blessed.

Paint Nite in Fortuna

A Paint Nite evening brings together friends old and new to experience the process of making a painting in a fun social atmosphere. On this evening we painted a still life with pears and a lot of laughter in between.

Set in Nehemiah’s Art Studio and Gallery in Fortuna, California, Art Nite is a time to try something new and enjoy the time with others who are also exploring uncharted territory in creating their own acrylic painting.

A previous Art Nite shows paintings of peace roses.

Art Nites run 2-3 hours and typically are on a weekday evening. Groups of friends (up to six people) can plan an evening together or one can register for an open evening and meet new people that just want to enjoy the experience. The canvas and paint are included in the price. Refreshments may be planned by the participants.

Watch for the next Paint Nite to be scheduled later this summer in Fortuna.

My Art Studio Has a New Name

When my art studio moved, I wanted to give it a new name. It wasn’t long before the idea of “Nehemiah’s” started rolling around in my mind. Now I have a great rescue dog named “Nehemiah,” but I named the dog as a mascot for the gallery (not the gallery after the dog 🙂 . He’s quite comical. But that is a side note.

The story of the studio/gallery has a deeper meaning.

For a long time I have liked the story in the Old Testament of Nehemiah. It’s an inspiring story of building up from the ashes. A man named Nehemiah was working in a land away from his roots (and his heart). So when one of his brothers came to visit Nehemiah asked how things were at home? The answer he received devastated him. Things were terrible. “They were in great trouble and disgrace.” And to top it off the wall around Jerusalem had been torn down and the gates burned by fire. The people were completely demoralized. Not a pretty picture. Nehemiah’s response was to sit down and weep and for days he mourned, prayed and fasted.

As a result of this tragedy, Nehemiah came to believe that God has put an idea in his heart and the rest of the story is how Nehemiah approached the King (gutsy move for a cup-bearer) and was granted what he needed to go help boost the morale of those in Jerusalem. By wise and selfless leadership, Nehemiah created a climate of hope and courage whereby the people rallied around his idea, and the wall was rebuilt and the families were reunited and built up. It was quite a turn around.

The name “Nehemiah” means “God is compassionate,” or as a children’s book so aptly put it, “God wipes our tears.”

Nehemiah is a story of hope.

I want my studio and gallery to be a place of hope. And that’s where this part of the story starts, and the future begins.

Art Ability and Disabilities

In the most recent chapter of my life book I find myself teaching art weekly to a group of intellectually disabled adults. The time spent with these precious individuals has been both challenging and rewarding – mostly rewarding. What was challenged was my preconceived notions as related to art and the mind. Art, like many other enjoyable areas of life, is a gift from our Creator bestowed on individuals as He pleases. And I think sometimes that God likes to rock our world in giving talent in places and in people whom we might assume would not gifted in this way. Our minds truly are fascinating. I think God smiles extra big and even laughs when He gives an extra special dose of talent to those who struggle mightily with basic life skills. It is an amazing juxtaposition to behold.

The necessities of life can be hard on these dear ones and I am often in awe of their perseverance and determination to do the best they can without throwing in the towel of discouragement. And so, as one of their teachers, I am the one that feels blessed. The time I share with my new friends in nurturing their gift of art is a joy. In fact they are the ones that teach me some new life skills, and I am grateful for the experience.

Art Show and Open House on the North Coast

Open House and Art Show in Fortuna, California

On Saturday, June 28th, 2014 there will be an Art Show and Open House at 3601 Clifton Way in Fortuna in Humboldt County, California from 9 AM – 2 PM. Fortuna is a small town near the ancient redwoods about twenty miles south of Eureka. Both the house and the original art inside are for sale. The artwork is in the classical realism style by a local award-winning artist. In addition there are reproduction prints and cards available. The house is on the market: http://landmarkhumboldt.com/property/239543 The main home is over 1,700 square feet and in addition there is a back 24′ x 24′ building with a half bath and pellet stove. The grounds are situated on a nearly double lot and has twelve different fruit and nut trees as well as kiwi vines, roses, hydrangea, wisteria, and a great variety of other foliage. A great place for a family or a couple that likes some additional space for a ‘man cave,’ ‘woman cave’ or hobby area. Garage/workshop is 22′ x 30′. Art lovers and “Looky-Loos” are welcome to come see the property during the open house and art sale. For questions regarding the property contact Leah Price at Landmark Realty in Fortuna, California.

http://landmarkhumboldt.com/property/239543

New Drawing Class in Eureka

In the process of art and the process of life there is great value in just sticking to it, and be encouraged in step-by-step progress.

Starting Saturday morning, July 5th, (and running for six weeks), there will be a new drawing class through College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California. Here is a link to the information: http://www.redwoods.edu/Departments/Community-Ed/Art.asp