Lest Ye Think I've Been Resting on my Laurels...

That's another way of saying, yes, I have been painting a little while living in DC.  It's been hard to squeeze it in but here's some recent work. Life is fast paced here in D.C., loving it!  Expecting more time to paint when I'm back in Alabama in May.  We're trying to take it all in while we can 

Whew! What a week! Politics, Politics, Politics!

   Wow, what a week here in D.C.  I was right up there in the middle of the vote on increasing the debt ceiling.  We were actually on the House Floor watching as the voting was going on right up until just a few minutes before Gabriel Giffords came in.  Unfortunately there was such a crowd we were ushered out just before that happened and I saw it on TV when I got home.  I was on "the hill" taking a seminar in "Congressional Operations" that I was very fortunate to get into.  It was a great 4 days finding out what really goes on in the halls of congress...and walking those halls and listening to Senate and House hearings.  

   One of the hearings I attended was on the severe drought that is happening in Africa.  39,000 have died in the past 90 days due to starvation, disease, and extreme conditions as they are refugees fleeing from the fighting in Somalia.  The drought has come on top of the terrible conditions with the conflict there.  They told of one woman who had carried her child on her back for 9 days with no food to speak of.  Our burdens here are so light in comparison to this and many other areas of the world. Even here in our own country there are so many suffering.  

   Another hearing I listened to, again about Africa, was a doctor who had been working at a clinic there and has developed a new method of treating hydrosephalic babies.  The incidence of this in Africa is much greater than in the U.S. and there are only about 4 neurosurgeons to handle all of the cases.  Many more deaths are happening due to this problem.  Our leaders have difficult jobs.  I know we're all cynical but we need to choose wisely who we vote for and look out for the good of everyone, not just our own interests.

   Meanwhile, every day this week I listened to the Daily Audio Bible on my I-phone and guess where they are broadcasting from?  Africa.  I believe there's a reason God is opening my eyes to all these things.  I met someone in the seminar from JSC (Houston) who has been working with a group in Africa and they've dug a well in the community.  I may have to get involved. Maybe you should too.

   In addition to all that I sold my original of my "Ready to Ride" painting this week. Cool!  Prints are available on my FineArtAmerica site if you're interested. I've spent 26 years of my career with the shuttle program.  We will definitely want to remember this era so this is one that I hope folks will want to have.  

The funny thing was, I had to have it shipped from Alabama to Alexandria which is just down the road from where I'm living in Arlington.  Not sure how the buyer found my site but it was a birthday gift for her husband.  Thanks to my friend Rhonda for handling that shipping for me.

   Hope you're doing well and, if you're back home, I hope you have power and no damage!  Bad storms in Alabama AGAIN!  What's up wi dat!

...and btw...GO JUNO to Jupiter!  Nice launch today.

Take care!

Tina

Where Does Time Go?

I can't believe it's almost the end of June and time for the fireworks of the Fourth!  We've been so busy since about mid-April there has not been time to look up.  We've moved to D.C. for a year and it's just now beginning to kind of feel like home.  We've been home to Alabama twice on whirlwind trips and, though I miss friends and family, I'm adjusting to life here.  It's good to be off the road and home to "Home 2" since we've been on the road for 10 days with my job and for a quick trip home.  I haven't touched a paint brush in months but plan to start doing a little painting here soon.  I'll post when I can.  Meanwhile, enjoy the 4th! Also, check out this blog that I just ran across...  Fiona and Twig ...cool stuff.

Lady Di...Oil on Canvas 18" x 22"

What a beauty she was.  Tragedy that we lost her.  With the royal wedding coming up I thought of her and wanted to add her to my portfolio.  Prints available on FineArtAmerica.com under my site shortly. 

Purchase framed fine art prints on FineArtAmerica and let me know what you think!

oil framed prints

a series of small serendipities...: Austria is AWESOME!

You must check out my daughter's blog and keep up with her life in Germany...
a series of small serendipities...: Austria is AWESOME!: "A friend and I took a trip to Innsbruck a few days ago. We had a day off and decided to get out of town and see something. Innsbruck, Austri..."

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The Rickles Family

At long last I have just delivered the mega painting I've been working on for about 4 months now. The Rickles family, one of the best looking families you'll see. This was a gift to my sweet friend Peggy who worked with me for 12 years and was my right hand. She has been a huge influence in my life as one of the sweetest and most loving Christian women I've ever met. She has made coconut or strawberry cakes for me for every birthday and Christmas for the last 15 or so years and has been there for every sad or happy milestone in my life. I'm forever indebted to her for blessing my life. I know she was Heaven sent. This painting is to go over her mantle in her beautiful new home and is 45 1/2" wide x 34 1/2 high". I was so tickled that the colors blended beautifully with her room and that she was so happy with it. She's the little lady in the center. What a great mother and grandmother for her children and grandchildren. What a joy to be able to do this for her.

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Misha - Another Arizona model

I recently finished this piece that I started at the workshop in Arizona (see below).  Misha modeled for us for about 3 hours.  She was a very pretty young girl with a terrific voice.  She and I had to do an accapella solo for the class.  I'm afraid hers was MUCH better than my quick verse.  She looks a little solemn in this pose but the lighting on her strawberry blond hair with the blue was very nice.  I hope I did her justice.  I'm currently working on a family portrait of a very dear friend who insisted I could do a family of 10.  It has been quite a challenge although it is a beautiful family.  Hopefully it won't be too long until I can post that one.
More later!


Wishing you Joy!

Tina

Finally Finished "Fil"

Such a joy to paint "Fil" our Hopi Indian model at my Arizona workshop (see that story below).  I've finally finished him but the photo doesn't do it justice.  Oh well, until I can get a better camera and find out more about lighting it will have to do!  On to the next project!

Stay tuned! Tomorrow night is the "Dragonfly Ball" at the Burningtree Country Club in Decatur with my band, "The Valley Cats".  Life is good!

Arizona Workshop - What a week!

I have had a wonderful time this week in Prescott Arizona with my friend and fellow artist Glennis Black. You just can't imagine how magestic those red rocks of Sedona are...that was about an hour drive...well, that is if we hadn't gone to Jerome first.  Jerome is an old copper mining town turned artist colony that would have been really neat had the galleries and shops been open : )  Never mind we took 157 curves, sharp curves, in 12 miles on the ride up. Yep, that's with me driving about 150 of those.  If you know me at all you know what a scaredy cat I am.  You would have been proud of me though.  I did finally have to pull over and let Glennis experience it.  What a roller coaster.  It was gorgeous though.  BUT, what we were here for was a 4 day portrait painting workshop with Chris Saper and oh my goodness, I can't believe how much I've learned...not only about painting portraits but the whole business.  I'm so excited to get back home and put some of what I've learned into practice.  Thanks Chris for a very in-depth study and for all the excellent information.  I really should wait until these are finished but I did want to show you what I've been working on.  We had some great live models to work with and I especially enjoyed our Native American model.  His skin tones were wonderful to paint plus he was kind enough to share with us some stories about his native Hopi culture.  I'll post these again when I have them completed.  Please do comment and let me know what you think! 

 

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Next Saturday - Paint with me!

Yes it's beautiful outside today!  I'm going to get out and plant some seeds, plant some impatiens in my shady backyard, worship God and his magnificent creation, open the windows and let the crisp Spring air flow through the house, celebrate a birthday and take a rest from the rest of life.  All the while I'll be looking forward to next Saturday morning's "Coffee, Tea, and Painting Therapy" session which will be at the home of Cindy Griswald - address is 17567 Martin Dr., in Vestavia subdivision.  Take 72 W and turn left on Lucas Ferry Rd., take the first street on the right (Jeffrey St.), keep going until you see Martin Dr. on your right, go through the 2 way stop and Cindy's house is the first house on the right facing Martin Dr.  The house number is on the mailbox.   Can't wait to see her home and enjoy some food, friends and painting this landscape scene which was furnished by Anna Tominack.  Take a 4 hour break from your Spring chores and join us to enjoy learning something new! All supplies are furnished and it's only $45 per person.  All you need to do is sign up using Paypal over to the right on this blog or e-mail me at TinaS@pclnet.net.  There are spaces available so sign up today!

On Writing....

In 2007 I jumped off a cliff and decided to do a CD of some original songs.  Along came Sister Grace and a flurry of exciting things for us.  We've been sort of on stand by due to some events in our lives and I'm missing those days.  I'm wanting to dig out my guitar and get off on a tree stump somewhere and  howl!  I was reading a blog by Sara Beth Fair earlier this morning and was so inspired.  She's not only a gifted artist but an excellent and inspired writer.  It made me think of the time that I was heavily into writing for our CD and how close I felt to God during those days.  Some of the words that came were definitely gifts from Him and I felt inspired this morning to post this one...  thanks to my dear friend Whit who helped me bring this one to life, we need to do some more writing...

I Keep Calling Out Your Name 

Hello it's me again

I hope you’re listening today 

I've tried to talk to you before and you've ignored me

But I keep coming back anyway 

Seems like I would give up

But I'm you’re God and I am offering my love

I keep calling out your name

In your joy and in your pain 

All I ask is that you call back to me

I’ve always been your friend

I know the treasures in your heart

The stories gathered there 

And I've prepared some things 

That you've not seen so far 

Walk with me and believe 

And we’ll solve some mysteries

You know I am the source

I keep calling out your name

In your joy and in your pain 

All I ask is that you call back to me

I see you try and make it on your own

Saying you don’t need Me

But wouldn’t you feel better in My arms 

All it takes is you believing 

I keep calling out your name

In your joy and in your pain 

All I ask is that you call back to me

Tina Murrah Swindell Whitney Hubbs ©3/07

Lexi - Mom cried

At last I finished the big oil portrait I've been working on for a couple of months.  It's 30" x 36" oil on canvas.  I was working from a low resolution digital picture which made it very difficult to see the details.  That's ok, I just used a little artistic freedom!  I received a note from the person who commissioned the painting for his wife....she had tears, which he said was very unusual for her.  I was so thrilled that she loved the painting!  I believe she actually took the photo of Lexi on the beach and I was struck by the colors in the dress as well as the seagull and his shadow...not to mention the water.  Such a joy to paint. 

Looking forward to the next "Coffee, Tea, and Painting Therapy" session on April 24th.  Still looking for what I want us to paint.  Any ideas?

Save the date! The Valley Cats will be at Panoply Sunday, April 25th 2:45

Hope to see you in Huntsville on April 25th.  Our band will be performing on Sunday afternoon at 2:45, April 25th.  Hopefully it will be a great time to get out and enjoy some fine art, food and music.  Mark your calendars!

Slideshow of Today's Painting Class

Today was such a beautiful day!  We had a wonderful breakfast at Robye Andrews new home and embellished our somewhat plain photo model into something beautiful!  Sorry if you missed it!  Enjoy!

The Simple Way of Love

My sweet niece Marla Delong has written a beautiful book that is a must have.  Her quotations are so well written and the depth amazed me. I'm so proud of the way God is using her and her dedication to serving him.  The site is under construction but you will be able to order soon using PayPal.  Meanwhile, e-mail me at tinaS@pclnet.net and let me know if you'd like a copy.  They are $25 each.

Do you honestly believe that you are loved?

This simple little book is a warm, grace-filled, thought-provoking invitation to taste and discover what it means to live deeply loved in a relationship with God.

Read it in twenty minutes, but be changed for a lifetime.

“The Simple Way of Love” is a visual parable of what it means to dwell in grace. The dialogue between art and words will take you on a journey to the inward places of your heart that will challenge your innermost beliefs and help you discover the secret that can deeply transform your life.

The Simple Way of Love

Check out "Click Chick!" and the Valley Cats

My sweet friend Stephanie Fenton (also my sister in "Sister Grace")has started a new blog called "Click Chick!" and she is taking some excellent photos these days! She had some most unusual and interesting characters to photograph last night!  Well, it is true!  She has posted some photos of "The Valley Cats" from our photo/video shoot last night.  Check out her blog but please, continue on to some of the other things she's been posting and check out some of the links from there.  Special thanks to Steph, Deon Hargrove from Railroad Bazaar, and Tom "Sound Doc" Macgruder for using their special skills to make us look good last night!  Well, they did the best they could!  We'll be posting the video when it's ready.