Claudia Finn ~ In and Out of the Studio ~ An Artist's Diary

Angel in the City

2011-12-30T17:50:00.001-05:00

Angel in the City
oil on canvas
12 x 24

This painting is entitled Angel in the City.

It interprets the verse in Psalm 91:11, which says "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

detail

I love working in the palette knife style with bold colors that when overlapped create much more interesting surfaces and color combinations. I will show you a couple of photo enlargements of the surface so you can see easily.

Also! I would just love to hear about your Christmas!! If you don't like comment boxes, then e-mail me at claudiafinn@gmail.com, and in the subject LINE box please write YOUR FAVORITE BLOG READER, so I will take note!

detail

5 things I am thankful for.
1. Getting my guitar (a Gibson songwriter deluxe) fixed at Alpha music because it sounds much better and is easier to play! ( they lowered the action and I love this!!)

2. My sweet sister gave me 3 most thoughtful gifts for Christmas (one of them was the sweetest picture of me and our mom) in a wonderful cream colored shell frame. Leslie Knight my sister is a thoughtful and wise and trusted sista friend! I love her!!!

me and Leslie

3. That is #3!!!This is a picture of me and my sis, Leslie taken by a special friend Jo in college. I have always loved it!

4. The amount of traveling I have done recently has fueled my creative enthusiasm!! Yippee and Yahoo

5. I am thankful for the thought recently that the symbolism I relate in my art is what makes it more unique. This thought gives me direction.
Happy New Year to you!! May God bless you in many ways this year, and may we have eyes to see them so that we will fill the earth with more praise for Him.

Love,
Claudia

Christmas Day

2011-12-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

Honey's wonderful mantle arrangement

The Moore's welcoming wreath

Over the river and through the woods is the song lyric that goes through my head when we head over to the shore to our cousins' house at Christmas. What a treat to see the warmth that exudes in the Moore house with good food and delightful company and the beauty of Honey's natural arrangements tucked all over the house. The arrangement above was thought up by Honey and John inspired by seeing a John Audubon print. The print is of a mother dove feeding her baby. John asked me and another artist/carver to create our versions of the theme several years ago. Honey created this beautiful arrangement using them together for her mantle this year. I think it is one of the loveliest things I have ever been involved with.

The view across the field from the Moore house

Kelly and Brice

Cape Charles, Va has the prettiest sunsets!

Here is the cutest baby in the world... the newest little one in the family. He is just starting to walk, but he has already ridden on an ATV. John and Kelly are absolutely the sweetest parents too! It was so much fun to see him play with his toys, drink his bottle, and investigate all around.

Karen snatching some baby snuggling

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

streets of NYC

Hey Friends!
I hope you are enjoying the preparations for Christmas and Christmas Eve! I am, but I still have a few more presents to find.

I wrote a Christmas song and am so excited to share it with you! I sung it last night for the first time to a group of kind folks and fellow musicians at a local open mic. I would love you to hear it, here's the link to Reverbnation. A musical site where songwriters put their songs. I will have it up by Christmas Eve.

It is an answer to a specific prayer, because I asked God to give me a song like a traditional Christmas carol, and I wanted it to be worshipful.
I hope and pray for you to sense God's presence in a new and excitingly fresh way this year and from that it would give you ways to express your love for Him. The song is titled Wise Men. I want it to remind you of our wonderful traditional Christmas songs and at the same time sound new because it is new. In the same way Jesus came a long time ago but He speaks in new ways that confirms His presence everyday! It is exciting to live my day looking for His voice.

Here's a link to a u tube video titled The Way created by Robb Esperat, a worship leader at Virginia Beach Community Chapel. It is based on my painting titled The Way (20 x 24). I used one of my favorite techniques called palette knife.

Merry Christmas with love!

Claudia

A Nest for Three

2011-12-16T00:49:00.002-05:00

A Nest for Three
oil on wrapped canvas
12 x 16

I have been intrigued by the beauty of woven things full of texture. A handbag, scarf, shoes...doesn't matter. Nests also have these qualities and have become a favorite painting subject. They are also full of symbolic content that tickles me. I always imagine the mama caring for the babes and on her way back home to check on the eggs (birds to be). I have seen two this week, each is so individual and beautiful. It is a short term home.

This thought reminds me of the sermon I heard this week. It encouraged and comforted me because my aunt Mary Charles just went to be with God in heaven. She was my good friend (one of my BEST) and I will miss her. All my life she made me feel so special, smart and pretty. The sermon encouraged me not to see earth as my home, but to know that heaven is my true home and is to come. I love the image I am seeing in my mind of the reunion of Mary Charles and her beloved husband Steiner B., and her special sister friends, Betty and Nancy (my sweet mama). I also imagine how she feels now having been given a new body when she meets Jesus for the first time. I know she is glad to be free of this world, what a beautiful difference for her, as she lived the last five years paralyzed from two strokes. My joy is full for her.

Thank you Mary Charles for being my sweet friend who encouraged me with words and kindness all my life. You blessed me with your life.

"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (John 17:14)

New York New York

2011-12-06T00:04:00.001-05:00

Celebrate 45th Street New York

You are good You are holy You are glorious!! These are words from a worship song that Pat and I sang in the sanctuary of the Brooklyn Tabernacle on our trip to NYC this weekend. To hear so many earnest voices singing to God, these words that praise Him, was a tiny glimpse of heaven. Many years ago I had heard of this church and wanted to visit. I was so excited to ride the subway to Brooklyn from 45th Street and the minute I walked in the sanctuary I felt God's presence! Tears welled up with anticipation of what God was going to say to me in the worship time. I loved the beauty of the singer's love of God, the prayers lifted for the pastor and his wife as they were serving in Spain this past week, and the sermon spoke to me, and others.
When I was walking down the street later, I saw a young woman with one of the invitations to a Christmas concert coming up, I knew she had just been there because she was carrying this invitation they passed out to everyone leaving. I said to her, " wasn't that sermon wonderful", she said "yes, it spoke all about me." It is amazing how the sermon spoke to the depths of my soul, and how I sensed God was there to teach me. I sensed it the minute I walked in. I have been to sermons where the pastor starts out with the words, " I only have one verse today, guys don't get nervous..". but, I praise God for churches that teach the meat of the Word and are excited for what God does with it because it carries His power to change people and speak to their soul.

1. I thank God for Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, and the beauty of Him that I saw and experienced there, I wish we lived near NYC, I'd want to worship there!! You can hear the sermon and other great ones on the Brooklyn Tabernacle site, the one I heard was dated (12/04/11). I love how the Word pierces my heart.

3. I thank Him for the way I saw Him give Pat and I such fun things to discover on our trip to NYC to CELEBRATE 22 years of our marriage!! Cheesecake at Carnegie's Deli, Frye boots (feminine and half off, cause they were the last pair they had in my size)!, picking up little fun gifts for the kids, laughing and crying while watching The Help late Sunday night; Pat told the kids that "he didn't cry but he could have it was so good!" :) We have been to NYC before but there is always so much to explore here!

4. I loved the way we had an amazing breakfast of fresh waffles, scrambled eggs, fresh muffins of so many kinds, fresh juice and hot tea every morning on our little vacation!!

5. I love discovering that my new favorite singer Steph Macleod, is now on i tunes and I can listen to his heartfelt songs about God. These really build me up.

The photograph was layered with Kim Klassen's texture Pheobe and I worked with the Hue filter.

Rejoice

2011-11-29T10:21:00.001-05:00

Rejoice
Acrylic on wrapped canvas

24 x 36"
Gallery at the Chapman in Hampton

At the cusp of the advent season I am excited to start a series of paintings which celebrates the birth of Christ and reminds me that I am eagerly waiting for His return in glory. As I prepare for Christmas I want to prepare my life for Jesus, who came to the world as a light.
John 3 : 17 is key to my joy!

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

If you want a great description of Advent and ways to celebrate it in your home, here is a link:
Celebrate Advent

5 things
1. My best friend Pat and I are getting ready to celebrate our 22nd anniversary!!:) He is the best!! I am thankful to God for my hub!
2. I had a great lunchtime visit with my high school friend, Sandra. She lives in New York and we spent the day together catching up, visiting art galleries and laughing and praying; it was like we picked up where we left of (oh so many years ago:)) She was in the an early morning Bible Study with me that met before school.
3. Had such a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, it was so fun and we all took turns working on one dish together.
4. I feel that I sense God's creative direction for my painting. I always have received direction in bits.
5. Pat and I are planning a short trip to celebrate our anniversary, one of my favorite things to do is investigate new to me cities.

Used Kim Klassen's Golden texture on this shot.

5 things

2011-11-15T19:54:00.001-05:00

Showing Us the Way

I am going to start or end my blog posts with 5 things I am thankful for. I love how God asks us to dwell on the pure lovely and good and I think writing these things down will help me dwell with a thankful heart in the abundant blessings I am given.

1. My son, David and I had a talk about how everything we do, we should try to do our ultimate best because we are ultimately doing everything as unto the Lord. Afterward I noticed he was in a really good mood and he also paid me a complement during the discussion.

2. A music minister from Connecticut asked to use the oil painting's image above (Showing Us the Way) for a poster he was creating for the choir program. I had prayed after Advent last year that God would allow me to be involved with Advent in some way in the coming year. The program is titled, A journey from Advent through Christmas! wow!!

3. My daughter, Kate brought her grades to all A's and B's, this is especially a blessing since she had been out sick with the flu for a week during the 9 weeks!

4. Had a fun lunch date with my hubby best friend, Pat! We love this Mexican place that is so close to his office!

5. Found out how to re sync my car for music from my i phone, now I can listen to my favorite tunes there, I love to sing in the car. I have a new favorite singer, Steph Macleod from the UK.

Nashville Landscape

2011-11-08T18:42:00.004-05:00

Landscape and Nashville Sky

Took this shot in the lovely land of Nashville, Tennessee. Sharing it here with you here after a short trip there to celebrate my daughter's 18th birthday! A friend from just out of college days, Lynn, said it for me "I still can't believe you have an eighteen year old daughter!" Thanks Lynn!, one of the highlights of the trip for me was catching up with you!

Kate!!, you are the most special daughter your dad and I could have ever dreamed up! We love you and are so proud of you and thankful for the blessing you are to us!

Beach Postcard

2011-10-25T23:03:00.001-04:00

beach postcard

There is beauty in the look of vintage things to me. The beauty of layers. I met a wonderful woman over the weekend named Mary. She was well over 65. She had so many wonderful words to say, and she made a strong impression on me. She talked to me about her prospect of listening to God to help organize the start of a house for women first getting out of jail. I was taken with her pursuit of the will of God and am thankful for the blessing of meeting her.

The beach photo uses two of Kim Klassen's textures, the ladder and word.

Love,

Claudia

Pumpkins mean October Pies

2011-10-15T22:10:00.000-04:00

pumpkins layered with
Kim Klassen's water-stained and thursday

pumpkin pie ~ my favorite!

Made this scrumptious pie this evening with Kate. Ever since I read that the ingredients included cream cheese I wanted to try it!! serving it warm with home made whipped cream too!! Yum.

What is your favorite pie to make in the fall? If you have a homemade favorite, leave me the recipe. I'd love to try yours too!

Paula Dean's Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

2 cups canned pumpkin, mashed

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten

1 cup half-and-half

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional

1 piece pre-made pie dough

Whipped cream, for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place 1 piece of pre-made pie dough down into a (9-inch) pie pan and press down along the bottom and all sides. Pinch and crimp the edges together to make a pretty pattern. Put the pie shell back into the freezer for 1 hour to firm up. Fit a piece of aluminum foil to cover the inside of the shell completely. Fill the shell up to the edges with pie weights or dried beans (about 2 pounds) and place it in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil and pie weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is dried out and beginning to color.

( I didn't fuss with the crusts like this:))

For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined. Add the sugar and salt, and beat until combined. Add the eggs mixed with the yolks, half-and-half, and melted butter, and beat until combined. Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, if using, and beat until incorporated.

Pour the filling into the warm prepared pie crust and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with a generous amount of whipped cream.

Tootles!

A Visit to the Virginia Beach Arboretum

2011-10-13T23:09:00.000-04:00

Going to the Tidewater Arboretum in Virginia Beach today gave me another day of summer. Even though the skies threatened rain, and later delivered, I enjoyed full beds of summertime favorites! (Cone flowers, and yellow Coreopsis here) They are full of color still growing strong in mid October.

I am finishing up a song and can't wait to put the link on my blog for you to hear it. The creative process started months ago on it, but the sermon I heard on Sunday gave me something to finish it. Hope you have a great week!

Tootles

I'm Seeing Red

2011-10-11T11:16:00.000-04:00

roses

Today is Tuesday!! I look forward to posting in the Texture Tuesday Photo Challenge each week and this week's subject is a color. Red it is! It was funny how everywhere I went today I saw this color. The trees have just begun to change color, and I even got to see a few red leaves today. That is special to me and I guess I have passed this excitement on to my daughter, because over the weekend she told me that she had seen her first red leaf of fall:) Love this. Used a little Golden on this shot.

dogwood

Tried a blueberry muffin recipe that I have to share from Beach Cottage, they are great for sending with the kiddos off in the early morn. Here's the recipe. Thanks Sarah!

Beach Cottage Go To Blueberry Muffins

2 cups flour

1/2 cup butter melted

1/2 cup sugar (may want to increase to 1 cup depending on if you like them sweet)

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup blueberries (or other fruit)

rind of 1 lemon

1 cup of milk

1 egg

Mix dry ingredients in bowl and lemon rind

Mix all other ingredients in separate bowl

do not overstir

add blueberries, fold in lightly

bake on high for 15 minutes

Tootles !

Little Rose-Moss

2011-10-09T09:31:00.000-04:00

LITTLE ROSE-MOSS beside the stone,
Are you lonely in the garden?
There are no friends of you,
And the birds are gone.
Shall I pick you?"
"Little girl up by the hollyhock,
I am not lonely.
I feel the sun burning,
I hold light in my cup,
I have all the rain I want,
I think things to myself that you don't know,
And I listen to the talk of crickets.
I am not lonely,
But you may pick me
And take me to your mother."

Hilda Conkling ~ Poems by a little girl

Love ~ A Walk on the Beach

2011-09-28T12:20:00.001-04:00

love

With LOVE being the theme of the Texture Tuesday photo challenge, it made me think of First Corinthians 13. How do we know where there is love? I think this is the best definition I have ever found.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I LOVE that I got to walk the beach near my childhood home this week...

Tootles

used Kim Klassen's texture called the ladder

After the Rain

2011-09-21T11:55:00.002-04:00

to everything there is a season

I am loving the images I can make with my i phone. I was in the grocery line tonight and had to be told there was a huge gap between me and the one at the register.... cause well...I was working on this photo :) Am I the last on the planet to find out about Instagram? Well if you just crawled out from under a rock or a studio like me take a look at their web site and the incredible images you can find there. Lots of photographers are there to follow their inspiration!! My name is claudiasfinn, look me up if you'd like to follow me there. I took this shot of my white rose bush today and love the positive negative spacey thing that happened in the square! I added Kim's Thursday texture which gave it a very softened aged look. Check out what all the other photographers came up with today.

together

My post for Katie Lloyd's Scripture and a Snapshot

Blue Rose

2011-09-19T23:15:00.001-04:00

blue rose

to everything there is a season

and a time for every purpose under heaven

My post for Katie Lloyd's Scripture and a Snapshot

Reflection

2011-09-14T10:27:00.000-04:00

Reflection

Reflection ~ a thought or an opinion resulting from consideration and prayer.

Going into new season I feel inclined toward reflection.

This week Kim Klassen from Inspiration Studio asked for the Texture Tuesday group to post a photo representing the word ~ DO ~ as well as use the unusual texture Autumn Burst! What a fun challenge, check out her link to see what the others DID !!

I DO absolutely love to wade in the ocean water near my home.

Beautiful

Check it out~ Katie Lloyd's Photography blog where she and many creative photographers post scripture interpretations on the blog called, Scripture and a Snapshot! It's a great way to bring attention to God and the beauty He creates!

Thursday's Thrift

2011-09-08T11:20:00.000-04:00

Just found this inexpensive idea that can add that beach cottage feeling for pennies. I found it at Apartment Therapy, but it was first published on Poppytalk. It gives just the right look of milk-glass I absolutely love the turquoise colors here!! I know that seeing this will make me give bottles and jars a once over before buying my next jar of jam.

Goodbye Summer On To A New Season

2011-09-06T00:57:00.000-04:00

Rise and shine cause here comes a new season. I love the song taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes:

To everything there is a s season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; and a time to die; a time to plant; a time to reap that which is planted;a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; and a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away a time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silent and a time to speak, a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

This makes me consider what season am I in at this moment. What is being birthed, what is dying, what should I be planting, what can I reap and build up? Just today I was weeping because my kids are so grown up, and a short time later laughing about the possibility of a funny business venture with a friend.

I love the beach and the way the waves represent change and growth.

Welcome new season!

I used Kim's texture Crackerjack on these photos multiplied a few times.

Tootles

I love Orange!

2011-08-30T17:23:00.000-04:00

Orange Buoy

Scatter Joy

Julie Legg

Hello Orange and Hello Tuesday! Kim Klassen's photographic challenge was to interpret the word orange today and well... I just had to involve my buoy that screams Ice Cream. I took a few shots this morning and duplicated the layer Golden a few times, (that one works on everything)! Anyway, just popping by to share today's Texture Tuesday photo with you and to wish you an outrageously great week! My talented friend, Julie Legg posted this one, she is amazing at combining scripture with images! It is so fun to see the various interpretations! So click the link and go blog browsing! Don't forget to follow a few:)

Tootles !

Joy Comes in the Morning

2011-08-28T13:05:00.002-04:00

morning glory

This year I bought a package of morning glory seeds and placed them around my fence. I also gave them little poles to climb and have enjoyed watching them become the late summer show stopper of my end of August garden. Their tender new shoots create the most wonderful lines reminding me of effort to try something new. Today is the day after Hurricane Irene passed Virginia Beach by, so now to pray for our northern neighbors. Psalm 30:4

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of his Holy name.
I thank God for sparing my family and home from the hurricane's force. I know that God tells me I will face trials in this life, so I am thankful He spared me this one.

Kim's just stitched layer reminds me of a spider's stitching:)

Isn't this beautiful!

East Beach Coastal Living Inspiration House! Colorful Inspiration!

2011-08-24T20:20:00.001-04:00

I love the deep, watch the world porches

I love the wall color against the white wispy drapes!

Here are some photos of the Coastal Living House located in Norfolk, Virginia's East Beach in Ocean View. I grew up in Ocean View, but moved to Virginia Beach when I was in 6th grade. I think that is what makes me love the beach so much. The sounds of seagulls, the feel of the sand, the finds of shells and driftwood~ all make me smile, and rejuvenate me.

I love the many outdoor sitting areas!

View of the sea

It has inspired me to create the the illusion of salt water, and a beach y cool day in my own home. I have now painted my kitchen, studio, and am starting on my laundry room. I am so happy with the incoming tide of the beach inside my own house. Enjoy the photos of the East Beach Coastal Living house!!!

Tootles !

An Apple for the Teacher

2011-08-23T10:12:00.000-04:00

after

Here is my photo for Kim's challenge this week >>> Create a photo using two textures that represents going back to school <<<. I used her Golden and A Stitch in Time textures, duplicating the Golden twice:)

I am thankful to God for all the teachers in my children's lives and me and my husband's! ~ a HUGE blessing!!

before

Painting the Walls

2011-08-20T09:55:00.000-04:00

My $ 6 dollar wicker chair find

Hey there!!

I have been taking a summer break from creative painting for a week or so to paint some room's in my homey home. I've been inclined to add color in various places, and it's so fun to see the impact. Here's a glimpse into my beach cottage. I selected a palette but was also very inspired by the Coastal Living House in Ocean View East Beach, (especially the kitchen). New Ravenna is always full of ideas, and the house was chocked full of their mosaic beauty! Makes me consider changing out my back-splash !!Hey my second hand find this week is the $6 dollar wicker chair I got today from a CHKD (Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters). It sits pretty with the rocker I used when my kids were little enough to rock, creating a beachy duo!!

Tootles

Fresh coat of white on my reed chair my mama gave me

Used Salt Water to meld with the silver collection of family photos

Painting the living room a grayish tan

Painted the kitchen blue! Love this cool feeling color!

Norma Wilson's Seagull Monoprint!!

2011-08-17T20:47:00.002-04:00

Norma Wilson's Gull
mono print on paper

Yesterday was fun at my art buddies house. Norma is moving to a beach cottage so Adele and I went over to offer some clear thinking sound-boarding. What to pitch, sell, give away, and keep~this process can be well quite mind boggling. Norma gave me a most special gift!, a mono-print of a seagull. It has the most soft and simplified qualities. Thank you so much Norma!! You can go see her blog and hear about her wonderful paintings on her blog called Norma's Daily Paintings.

Here are some my garden pictures of this weeks beauty there. Tootles!

Tootles

GARDEN INSPIRATION

2011-08-08T09:56:00.070-04:00

Boats at Night
12 x 24
oil on canvas

These wonderful gardens I found around the town, I love Virginia Beach!

orange picket fences lined

against blue water

the night fishermen behind

Nest of Life

2011-07-21T20:01:00.004-04:00

Life Nest
12 x 16
oil on wrapped canvas
genre ~ still life

"And when they had platted [woven] a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed [a hollow stem that grew by the rivers, a few feet in length] in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head" (Matthew 27:29-30).
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1st John 4:4.

Oil Painting titled Trust

2011-07-19T23:14:00.002-04:00

Trust
24 x 36
oil on canvas
genre ~ still life

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways submit to Him

and He will make your paths straight.

I love a straight path.

I love that this verse has some answers to the question of how to trust God.

I love thinking about the action words of submit and lean not.

I love seeing that the result of these words is that God will work at making my paths straight.

Flee as a Bird to Your Mountain

2011-07-19T01:34:00.003-04:00

Psalm 11:1

photo

This is a photo I created for posting on Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday. I think it gave it a beautiful glow.

Psalm 11:1
In the Lord put I my trust how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

Katharine Gilbert and the Virginia Artist's 2011 Juried Exhibition

2011-07-19T00:05:00.006-04:00

I loved meeting Katharine Gilbert at her one woman show yesterday at the Charles H. Taylor Art Center in Hampton, Virginia! My family is close friends to her relatives, so I wanted to carve out the few hours it took and enjoyed the afternoon so much! There is such a beauty in the experience of this body of work called Facets of Seeing: Recent Work.

Katharine won the Virginia Artists 2010 First Place Award in its juried Exhibition of Virginia Artists.

More published photos on the net of the show are here.

Artist Statement

The visions of natural objects in context of my view without the preconceived normality of its place within nature leads the my eye into a realm of surreal visions. Out of context, and placed in a space that unifies the uniqueness and individual beauty all its own.

Thus my series often begins with moving shadows in which the objects themselves become the ghost of the image. Ever changing in nature their life is but a moment but the reality of their existence remains mysterious. The flow of time and space with nature is with ease and there is no hesitation in her movement as light flows so does the image.

I work with colors that are contradictory but complimentary in nature - I find these realms hot but cold and within all the illusion that progression within the work is the essence but not always true... for within the growth there is destruction as many awakenings are occurring... to follow the vision is the beauty!

Her works create a strong, quiet statement. Many are developed from the textures and layers she sees daily in her backyard. Her photographic techniques are intriguing, combining drawing, and mixed media processes. Bravo Katharine!

Katharine Gilbert

This year's winner will have a one man show next year
oil painting by Daniel Robbins

This painting won the Realist painting award
Mark Miltz
oil
American Otaku

Carrie Davis
graphite drawing

Last stop was Blue Skies Gallery
Chris Pascuzzi colorful fiber work

This Week in Pictures

2011-07-15T22:20:00.003-04:00

Pink Coneflowers

2011-07-12T08:12:00.013-04:00

Kim Klassen/ Texture Tuesday this week is asking for photographers to interpret the word.... PINK. A certain color can bring to mind many images to me just by hearing it spoken. It is often used in art to suggest joy and happiness. Did you know that during the Elizabethan era there were laws about who could wear it?!! Status laws.

I love working from the challenge of one word. I began thinking about the possibilities of a photograph, and I immediately thought of the cone flowers in the front yard. This cone flower group seems to be dancing together. I used Kim's texture ~ Golden.

Flowers appear on the earth, the season has come, the cooing of the doves is heard in our land."
Song of Solomon 2 : 12

Have a great Tuesday!
Tootles

How I love Thee, Let me Count the Ways

2011-07-07T21:38:00.005-04:00

Series titled Coneflowers
photographs

Sunset by the Bay

2011-07-06T08:09:00.020-04:00

Quiet Seascape
Sunset by the Bay
12 x 12
oil on wrapped canvas
painting continues on sides

Kate's birthday present to me by Shore artists
Robert and Tracy Morris

One of the most fun things for me in visiting a place is to see the local art. Every time I visit the Shore, I have seen these wonderful bird sculptures, so when Kate gave me one upon meeting the artists, Tracy and Robert Morris on my birthday it was extra fun! I just found out that they are made of one piece of PVC , and for years I was thinking they were made of metal. I love the shape and the way they move in the wind. I have to say I have loved placing my heron, (mine is a male) in my garden and he makes a wonderful focal point! You can find one at R and T Nautical on 27376 Lankford Highway in Cape Charles, 5 miles north of the Bridge Tunnel. Stop in, they are sure to give you a kind Eastern Shore welcome.

Deuteronomy 14:18

...and the stork, and the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe and the bat.

Sunset on the Bay ~ Music Inspiration

2011-07-03T23:00:00.005-04:00

Today we bought a chair ~ perfect height for the desk that we installed using counter tops along two walls. This room is now my "music place." I think it a good thing to establish places to do certain things. I think it makes it easier to get in the mindset. I spoke of my great aunt, Elizabeth Spencer. to a kind friend of hers at my cousins' shop, the Gull Hummock.

I remembered the place she had to read her Bible.

I went to her home, shortly after she had passed away some twenty five years ago. There was a strong feeling of intimacy where she had read her Bible. The light blue wing chair had worn arms and it had her shape pressed into the back. I remember the feeling I had in the room to this day. This sweet friend of my aunt's recounted how she had been her favorite person and how Elizabeth had used her life to glorify God. I pray that I will bring attention and glory to God with my life too. Elizabeth was always a strong role model for me.

Kate saw this and it reminded her of her recent trip
to Disney World.

This week was my birthday and a favorite local musician, Lewis McGehee sang Happy Birthday to me!!

Thanks Lewis, I loved it!

Pat and David were were on a youth mission trip; so Kate and I took off for the Eastern Shore! We had such fun seeing some family, shopping the stops, eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Jack, and shelling for sea glass.

sweet Kate!

Going toward home we stopped in the Sunset Cafe and had fun hearing Lewis McGehee as Kate and I saw the sun set over the boat silhouettes. They even let Jack come on the deck with me, what a fun day!

Some of my original oil painting sunsets are at the Gull Hummock on Mason Avenue in Cape Charles.

Take a listen to my music on Revernation Claudia Finn Music I hope to put some more originals up soon! :D

Tootles

The Nest ~ Psalm 91:4

2011-06-26T21:55:00.002-04:00

Nest for Three
12 x 16
oil on wrapped canvas
genre~ nature

Stage one of the Nest
a painted line drawing

second stage
putting in underlying color

third stage
adding contrast with light

Stage 4
adding form and contrast
and a bit of texture

Mama hiding the babes

Focusing attention in one portion of my garden this year has given me so much enjoyment. This is a happening place! Yesterday I discovered three baby birds in their nest. It was so fascinating to see their protective mama cover the three babies with her wings as I discovered them while I was clipping the bush where they were.

I love the verse that describes the Father's love in Psalm 91:4 ~ He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shall thou trust...

And they all sang "We're hungry"

daddy up on the trampoline
keepin' watch

Friday Find

2011-06-24T09:16:00.008-04:00

Trees and Circles
Acrylic and collage
24 x 36
mixed media
www.claudiafinn.com

This acrylic collage utilizes beautiful, marbleized papers from MoJo handmade papers. It is painted with acrylic paint and has a final protective finish.

water bottle
from BayCreek
~cute!

One thing leads to another, (I like this saying). But, sayings can fill our mind, whereby our responses are based on them and not on God's Word or His truth. I challenge you to listen to yourself. Listen to the way you are telling yourself things that may not be the best. You may have been telling yourself these things for years. Listen and hear if it is good, if it is truth. Truth ~ do a word study in the Bible. Pray for God to make your life full of truth and light. I am reading a great book which looks closely at 21 prayers of the Bible. Hey! all of these I want to pray over my life and my family and church too! Written by Dave Earley, this book is my Friday Find!

21 Most Effective Prayers of the Bible

view at BayCreek on the Eastern Shore

Combed the beach at BayCreek, and followed in a golf cart on Father's day
while Kate (daughter) and Pat (hubby) golfed.
Found driftwood and a bucketfull of shells & 2 pieces of sea glass.

Elephants are Artists

2011-06-21T10:48:00.005-04:00

Elephants
36 x 72
oil on wrapped canvas
genre - animals
www.claudiafinn.com

3 Blind Men and an Elephant

One day, 3 blind men happened to meet each other and gossiped a long time about many things.
Suddenly one of them recalled, ” I heard that an elephant is a queer animal. Too bad we’re blind and can’t see it.”

“Ah, yes, truly too bad we don’t have the good fortune to see the strange animal,” another one sighed.

The third one, quite annoyed, joined in and said, “See? Forget it! Just to feel it would be great.”

“Well, that’s true. If only there were some way of touching the elephant, we’d be able to know,” they all agreed.

It so happened that a merchant with a herd of elephants was passing, and overheard their conversation. “You fellows, do you really want to feel an elephant? Then follow me; I will show you,” he said.

The three men were surprised and happy. Taking one another’s hand, they quickly formed a line and followed while the merchant led the way. Each one began to contemplate how he would feel the animal, and tried to figure how he would form an image.

After reaching their destination, the merchant asked them to sit on the ground to wait. In a few minutes he led the first blind man to feel the elephant. With outstretched hand, he touched first the left foreleg and then the right. After that he felt the two legs from the top to the bottom, and with a beaming face, turned to say, “So, the queer animal is just like that.” Then he slowly returned to the group.

Thereupon the second blind man was led to the rear of the elephant. He touched the tail which wagged a few times, and he exclaimed with satisfaction, “Ha! Truly a queer animal! Truly odd! I know now. I know.” He hurriedly stepped aside.

The third blind man’s turn came, and he touched the elephant’s trunk which moved back and forth turning and twisting and he thought, “That’s it! I’ve learned.”

detail

The three blind men thanked the merchant and went their way. Each one was secretly excited over the experience and had a lot to say, yet all walked rapidly without saying a word.

“Let’s sit down and have a discussion about this queer animal,” the second blind man said, breaking the silence.

“A very good idea. Very good.” the other two agreed for they also had this in mind.

Without waiting for anyone to be properly seated, the second one blurted out, “This queer animal is like our straw fans swinging back and forth to give us a breeze. However, it’s not so big or well made. The main portion is rather wispy.”

detail

“No, no!” the first blind man shouted in disagreement. “This queer animal resembles two big trees without any branches.”

“You’re both wrong.” the third man replied. “This queer animal is similar to a snake; it’s long and round, and very strong.”

How they argued! Each one insisted that he alone was correct. Of course, there was no conclusion for not one had thoroughly examined the whole elephant. How can anyone describe
the whole until he has learned the total of the parts.

detail of Elephants

56th Boardwalk Art Show Festival Morning

2011-06-18T15:54:00.002-04:00

Parked in this garage on the tip top floor

found these change purses ~ the blue one is mine:) the pink is Kate's at
Go Fish

Kate wanted a BIG Frap

I'm a sucker for a pug (it's a family thing)

I love her! I want one!

view from the Boardwalk

Will Corr's booth 2606/2607

This is the piece I purchased!!!I love it!

I had such a great time with Kate at the Boardwalk Art Show. We purchased from a favorite artist, Will Corr

who I taught in many art classes at First Colonial High many years ago....Kate purchased her first piece of original art from him too!! It is a work on paper like mine above, I just love Will Corr's work. ( Check his web site out at www.willcorr.com/ If I had a bit more in my pocket I would have taken home a work on wood panel, maybe someday. The one above makes me dream! Kate loves hers too!

Tootles!

2011-06-17T09:10:00.001-04:00

Nest
8 x 8
Nature Still Life
oil on Gessobord
Sold

My well behaved model

Last night's rain made me get up to throw out the 10=10=10 I purchased a few days ago. A gardener friend told me to use this formula on everything. He is a landscaper so I will take his word for it. His garden is beautiful, so there you go. I love advice from experts in their field.

The bird feeder is replenished and ready for the day. Watching the birds and their ways is becoming one of my favorite things to do. Today a fat blue jay stayed a minute for me to enjoy his color.

I go this way

...and that way

"Look at the birds of the sky. They do not sow or reap, or gather into barns; yet God feeds them."
Matthew 6:26

Nest for One

2011-06-16T18:47:00.003-04:00

Nest for One
Oil on canvas
24 x 36
Nature Still life

I just joined up with a great group of painters called Daily Paintworks, and I am very happy about it because some of the best artitsts I know of are posting there. The creators are David and Carol Marine. Carol is a well known painter whose style of painting I admire! You can see her work here on her website! Her large still life oil paintings are just beautiful and full of vigor!

I invite you to check out my personal page there often:)!! It will be growing. I wanted to show you the progress of my garden project.

painting freebie pots with turquoise paint

My garden sign with a wash of paint

a favorite combination double daylily and hydrangea

Garden Inspiration Day

2011-06-14T14:40:00.004-04:00

Here's my photo for Texture Tuesday Today's Texture Tuesday challenge asked for "pretty much anything goes." So I posted my very fave old fashioned flower. The hollyhock's magenta color is standing tall next to my white fence and it called for me this morning to take its pic. I used the Shabby texture from Kim Klassen collection, a freebie she sent. I just love the things she sends!
Today was garden inspiration day! I went with some friends to Stoney's to paint the sunflower field, but I think it needs another week or two to be in Van Gogh order. They were so taken with the beauty and creativity of Stone's that we never got to painting, we wound up purchasing plants and taking photos, and talking.
On the way home from the farmer's market, I saw a special road side gift (in someones trash). A white rocker!!! which I quickly tossed it in the back seat. It found a home in a border which needed a focal point. I love freebies! I love freebies even more than bargains!

Happy Tuesday, and Tootles!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heaven, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17.

Garden Design Solved

2011-06-10T21:26:00.001-04:00

Kitty coming to help me

using the bench here to create
a chair to sit

liking the shape,
planning pavers for the walk path

This morning something quite unusual happened in the garden when I was working on my "design problem". I heard a funny squeak, only to turn around to see a snake with a bulge. I thought it must be a baby bird inside, so I got my hoe and gave the snake a swift hit. I then saw an odd sight. A frog stumbled out of the snake. I didn't see where the snake went, but I saw the frog come toward me as if to say thank you.

I wondered what lesson this had for me. I wondered if I would have helped this little frog if I had known it was a frog and not a favorite bird. It reminded me of the verse, "The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight." Proverbs 11:1

Kitty Little

50 cent annuals!

The Nest oil painting by Claudia Finn

2011-06-09T11:13:00.002-04:00

Nest
8 x 8
oil on gesso board

Yesterday morning into late afternoon reminded me of the line in the song, "and these are a few of my favorite things." I have never counted raindrops on roses as a fave, (I'm a more raindrops on hydrangea kind of gal ); but painting with Norma and Adele this week was full of things like that. When I got there Norma showed me her newly planted garden, and we also saw one of her neighbor's garden's, which was full of inspiration to me. This morning I went out in my side garden (my fenced dog yard) and prayed that God would give me His wisdom about a design problem. This area takes up quite alot of space and has always needed some solutions. I walked inside and got a blue spray can to mark out the design. I felt led to spray out the design. It is great and I do not take credit. It will take quite a bit of work, but work is fun. This morning's devotional from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers meditated on the scripture James 1:5. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God..." I'm also sharing some photos of Norma and Adele's paintings from the day. Looking forward to getting out of the studio next week with them to the sunflower field near my house that is blooming!! Tootles

Norma Wilson's cow and rooster paintings

detail of Adele Looman's painting

every garden needs a sign ~ mine announces the flowers

I'll show you more of the problem spot soon

Texture Tuesday! Texture with Words

2011-06-07T22:10:00.002-04:00

For today's challenge given by Kim Klassen we were asked to create a photo using a texture and words. I decided to combine one of Kim's awesome textures with the painting I finished today. I love the way it made it seem older, almost like a vintage love letter. If you haven't discovered this group yet, then head over to the link and check out the fun, the inspiration from other artists, and the ideas are just brimming over the top!! Kim is generous and is always sending amazing free textures to explore to keep it fresh; she also teaches classes about this fine art of texturizing a photo!

Nest
8 x 8
oil on gessoboard

Vintage Photo of a Hydrangea ~Texture Tuesday

2011-05-31T16:50:00.006-04:00

My Texture Tuesday entree for ya! I loved using the textures on this photo!

I love the way Kim Klassen's textures can give a photo a vintage feel. This hydrangea from my garden was shot today but I used several of Kim's textures on it. Not too Shabby, Porvous, and Yesteryear were layered with the final touch exploring levels and the saturation which helped to create the romantic feel.

I made it for Pat, (my wonderful husband).

Happy Texture Tuesday!!Check out the other photographers on the link!

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-28T19:57:00.005-04:00

Freedom
oil on canvas
20 x 24

This morning I was taken aback for a moment when I realized that a yellow finch was on my wire garden fence. Yellow birds have become my very favorite because of the sweet times they have shown up and represented special lessons to me. This morning after I took her photo I realized it looked as she was on the outside of a bird cage. She looked free to me, and this brought to mind the verse, "Whoever the Son sets free is free indeed." from John 8:36.

I also want to say thank you to all the wonderful people who have served this country and given their lives to protect our freedoms. Happy Memorial Day! See you on Tuesday:)

My Yellow Bird

Sunflower Field Photo with Kim Klassen Texture~Not too Shabby

2011-05-23T19:35:00.003-04:00

Sunflower and Cosmos

Here is my photo where I used Kim's latest texture called Not too Shabby for this weeks Texture Tuesday challenge! Last year my favorite field planted cosmos and sunflowers close together, so I remembered this one from the files and wanted to use it today. I can't wait to see what they plant this year! I hope to show you within the month! When I walk through a garden it reminds me of differences and unity an how the diversity and differences make one another look more beautiful. Romans 12:10 says; "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
If you'd like a copy of this photograph just email me, and I'll let you know the price and details.

Tootles.

Outer Banks

2011-05-20T19:57:00.003-04:00

Outer Banks

Today was a friend's birthday, I love Face book for the simple reason that there is an application that I said yes to many moons ago that reminds me of some one's birthday. You can tell them quickly that you're happy it is their special day. Christy will always be a special friend, she threw a beautiful wedding shower for me. Christy lives in the Outer Banks so I textured this photo I took there last year to tell her Happy Day. I used Kim Klassen's Luminous, which is one of the easiest textures I have found and seems to work over everything. Happy Birthday Christy!

Plein Air Painting in my Garden

2011-05-17T17:40:00.013-04:00

Waiting to Plant
8 x 8
oil on panel

Norma

Adele

This morning my friends, Adele and Norma came over to paint. I was happy to get some at home plein air (out of doors) painting in, with all the comforts of home nearby. I had been working on a certain pocket of my border garden and was happy that they seemed pleased to paint it. We had fun, jam-min to the tunes, and working from the border garden. We noted bug spray, hats, sunscreen as essential ingredients for spring and summer out door painting. I can't wait to make my art more transportable. Sunflower fields, the Hermitage Foundation, and fresh flower markets, were all mentioned as future potential subjects. I finished the painting above alla prima, all in one setting and called it Ready to Plant. I was so glad to finish 95% of the painting before it started raining:)

They Hatched!

2011-05-15T10:20:00.007-04:00

This morning I woke up early and couldn't wait to get out in the garden. Yesterday when I was gardening I could feel it in the air that something special was getting ready to happen. Last night Pat and I went out to dinner and afterwards meandered through K mart. I purchased some high garden boots, (wallies), and some small begonias to plant, and I was excited to put them in. As I was going about the task, I heard coming from the birdhouse at least two small beautiful chirps. So tender... I also noticed the mama wren in overdrive going back and forth, and could tell she was bringing food, not nest stuffing. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wren!! I can't wait to see em!! Today at church we sang a favorite song by The Afters, You Light Up the Sky, and it has the line that says You light up the sky to show me You are with me. God shows me so many intricate wonders and beautiful truths, always to show me that He is with me.

Proud papa busy at work

Favorite knockout rose!

Birdbath full

"Vintage" photo layered with Luminous

This week's Tuesday Challenge in Kim Klassen Texture Cafe is to post my interpretation of the word "vintage". I can't think of anything more of the 40's or 50's, than foxgloves, such an old fashioned flower. I used the versatile texture Luminous with my favorite spot in the garden. Please visit my website, to see some paintings inspired by spring.

Gardens and My Very Favorite Photo

2011-05-10T08:06:00.000-04:00

Flowers of the Field

Kim Klassen asked this week over on Texture Tuesday for us to post our very favorite photo that we have made using one of her great textures. Well the abstract garden here is one of my favs because it is full of some of my very favorite of God's creations~sunflowers and cosmos together. God has created so many amazing flowers but sometimes when certain combinations come together it makes my jaw drop and I just have to stop and snap it. Sometimes the photo will suggest a scripture reference to me after I have finished it. This photo reminds me of the verse 1 Peter 1:24. For, all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall. but the word of the Lord stands forever." Here I used such a versatile layer called Luminous. Drop on over to Kim Klassen Cafe to see the other photographer favorites, they are soooo talented! Also I invite you to take a look at my website at Claudia Finn, it's where I have my recent work. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Men are Like Grass

Spring's Nest

2011-05-09T19:49:00.005-04:00

Spring Nest

Definitions are helpful to me, words sometimes help me see new ways to think. This oil painting titled Spring's Nest (24 x 36) was painted this week. I looked up the definition of nest, and ol' Webster says...The nest in which a bird lays eggs and hatches her young. I love Webster's concise and oh so perfect definitions. I saw a wonderful sight a couple of days ago that stayed with me. My cousin, Ken gave me a wonderful birdhouse that he made many years ago. I was gardening near it, and decided to knock on the side of it (knock knock), well guess what!! a sweet mama bird came out and looked at me, studied me, and flew away. A short time later after finding a piece of the nest, flew back in and ...well you know and this went on and on. I love having it out my kitchen window to watch the activity. I am including a textured photo today. And of course it is of ...a ... nest:) This oil painting is 24 x 36 and is in the series of Nests I started this spring.

Stoney's

Spring Promises ~ Inspiration and Hope

2011-05-05T21:31:00.002-04:00

This week the gals at Kim Klassen Texture Cafe' are putting up pictures of flowers they found in their yard. I love to tend my yards's garden and over the years it has grown and grown.

Here's to sharing a few photos of the yard taken over the year using one of Kim Klassen's wonderful photo enhancing textures.

Kim Klassen Texture Cafe' is an large group of photographers who love to create with photo layering.

Roxanne Steed ~ Guest Blogger!!

2011-05-02T22:14:00.001-04:00

I am so very pleased to introduce you to a wonderful artist! Her name is Roxanne Steed and she is an amazingly gifted painter, and I should also add teacher. I got the gift of sitting down on Saturday and watching her demonstrate her painting technique at London Square Gallery at 4410 Colley Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia.

This demonstration was so helpful because I heard the artist's thoughts throughout

the stages of the painting's progress. Roxanne said she really enjoyed doing this workshop and wants to follow it up with a full workshop ~ on the use of palette knife and its various techniques as well as expanding of the understanding of color~ perhaps in a 2-day session, one indoors and the second day outdoors. She "particularly likes to relate this all to "Finding Your Artistic Voice" and hopes that each attendee will be able to leave with more understanding about how to do just that!"

Just a few of the paintings at London Square Art Gallery

Seeing this demonstration increased my admiration of her work, though I was already a fan. Seeing her work in person is important because pictures of it do not allow you to enjoy one of Roxanne's most important elements ~ texture. Roxanne is known for her palette knife technique, her color theory and floral subject matter. She grinned over the picture showing her holding a brush, as she knows some people "purists" will get weird about "where's the palette knife?!" but she said "as I continue to experiment with the use of both at different stages of the painting. Once the large shapes are blocked in (with knife and/or brush) I pretty much finish the whole thing with the knife. It's a great tool for manipulating some great effects with paint!"

The Nest ~ Oil Painting

2011-05-01T19:53:00.005-04:00

The Nest
36 x 24

This oil painting was painted from a nest that I found in an English Antique shop on Colley Avenue. It is full of unusual ferns and little plants that were tucked in. I always wonder about the thought process of the bird as she or he is gathering material for their home. Are they full of anticipation? I'd like to think so. I wanted to show you this painting in progress, beginning with the final painting and ending with the initial line sketch. Today in church we were encouraged to wait with hopeful anticipation of what God has in store. This is a beautiful mindset to carefully maintain.

Some of my Favorites ~ Flowers Continued

2011-04-30T08:19:00.004-04:00

I got so many ideas to share for floral presentation in the garden yesterday at Stoney's on First Colonial Road, I am showing you some more today! There is such a beauty to the textures of the pots, the bright lively color of the fresh, spring flowers, the colors of paint of the wooden or metal surfaces.

Have some wellies?

little birds in a row with the complements of red and green

the perfect garden bench for serving guests or potting plants

unusual strap buckets with overflowing bounty

Moss lined wire baskets

Add a wooden box on top of an iron sewing machine botton

Nests placed here and there

The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.

The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does.

The LORD upholds all who fall; and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time.

You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and faithful in all He does.

The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth…

Psalm 145

Flowers ~ Favorite Friday

2011-04-29T10:20:00.004-04:00

Whether I am painting them or just gazing at them or photographing them...well you get the picture. I love flowers. I wanted to show some of the creative ways I found this morning at Stoney's in Virginia Beach to display them. Everyday Carolyn (and her elves) make this place a great destination for artists seeking color inspiration, photographers, and of course those seeking the freshest of vegetables and good eats. I am excited to see a free demonstration of Roxanne Steed's palette knife style tomorrow (she also uses an abundance of flowers in her work) at London Square Gallery from 12-2. Can't wait!!

Stoney's on First Colonial Road

In chair seats

in wire baskets

On rungs of a ladder

in baskets

My daughter Kate made me this kitchen window sill arrangement, isn't it lovely? I loved seeing it this morning and it reminded me of the verse in Song of Solomon 2:12. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of the birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land."

Texture Tuesday

2011-04-26T19:34:00.011-04:00

Tea Cup and Hydrangea

Today is Tuesday and I am posting this photo for a challenge I heard about at Kim Klassen's Cafe'! Today's challenge is to use one of Kim's textures and a coffee or tea cup in the photo!! Here's mine and I used Kim's texture called Luminous. If any of you are photographers, take a look at this inspirational group of artists and maybe you'd like to join in the fun of those who post on flicker or their blogs. It's loaded with things like tutorials and insights. Lots of inspiration for painters too:) Sending the love your way, and happy Tuesday!

Here's a little about Texture Tuesdays.

Nest Painting Demo

2011-04-25T19:59:00.006-04:00

The Nest
24 x 36
oil on canvas

The nest has many connotations to me. New beginnings, a special home, a plan that has been brought to life. I wanted to show this painting to you as it evolves. This demonstration will also be shown in different posts. Here are the first two steps, the initial line drawing in paint and the beginning of the color in values. I am considering the size of the egg and how many will be there. Don't you just love the morning sounds of the spring birds?
"Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." Matthew 8 : 20.

starting to lay in the darks (3)

Work in Progress ~ drawing in the shapes (1)

Work in Progress ~ painting in the lights and darks and the egg size and shape (2)

Painting Scripture

2011-04-23T17:16:00.000-04:00

Isaiah 12 : 3

Isaiah 12:3

3-4 Joyfully you'll pull up buckets of water
from the wells of salvation.
And as you do it, you'll say,
"Give thanks to God.
Call out His name.
Ask Him anything!
Shout to the nations, tell them what He's done,
spread the news of His great reputation!

I give thanks today for all He has done and what He accomplichsed on the cross.

Picasso Exhibit!!!

2011-04-20T12:27:00.001-04:00

If you can do it, I highly recommend going to see the Virginia Museum of Fine Art Picasso Exhibit. The amazing body that has traveled from France has only one east coast stop!! My family and I went yesterday. The collection is well represented of the most groundbreaking of Picasso's styles ~ Cubism. I think the studies, showing the formative thoughts and intentions of the larger paintings were well presented here. Picasso was such a ground pushing and media investigative artist jumping from lithographs to etchings to relief sculptures to clay to be cast in bronze. I loved seeing some personal photographs that gave a bit of insight; especially the one of him teaching his little children to draw. There were a few quotations written high on the museum walls. These sometimes added to my interest in Picasso's personality. So I looked up some this morning and this one stood out to me. "They ought to put out the eyes of painters as they do gold finches in order that they can sing better." Pablo Picasso. I appreciate your message Picasso, thank you!

Some images from Richmond streets that I snapped of the street art.

The Garden Path

2011-04-17T09:55:00.003-04:00

Garden Path
24 x 30
oil on canvas

I enjoy seeing paintings in progress. I especially love seeing them when I can see them in stages. Yesterday I went to a a four hour workshop at London Square Gallery in Norfolk, Virginia that was led by a renowned artist in the area, Gloria Coker. She was a great teacher and I learned much hearing about how she addresses the painting process. One thing I really liked is how she talked about taking breaks, by putting the painting aside, when her mind is no longer giving new information. She likened it to a dance with the painting.

I showed this painting to Glora yesterday, and she suggested a clump of flowers at the end of the path. Hydrangeas are a favorite flower so I planted a bush this morning at the end of the garden path. Play Where's Waldo with the previous post to see the changes. I'd love to know what you think.

Oil Painting of a Garden Path

2011-04-14T21:25:00.008-04:00

This painting was had many changes
Beachy Garden

painting in progress
oil on canvas
24 x 28

I love the inspiration of a garden path, so full of light and the intricate designs of flowers. This one reminds me of my cousins Lane and Ken's garden. They were the ones who sparked my interest for it way back when..

It is beautiful how when someone is so excited about something they pass on that excitement to others without really knowing it . When I first saw their spring garden in full bloom, it was the first time I had ever seen a butterfly bush. God is good to provide such wonderful people to inspire us in our lives in different ways.

I love this quote, " Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars...and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy...look at the flowers-for no reason. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are. ~Osho

Nasturtiums

Tahiti Daffodil

Easter Art - The Way

2011-04-14T08:24:00.006-04:00

detail of The Way

The Way

This painting, The Way was featured in a video. It is really cool when an artist can share about the intention of a work. My intention was to create a piece which spoke about the enthusiasm that the Father has for showing the way to the Son. This video was created by Robb Esperat, a worship leader at Virginia Beach Community Chapel. Click on the words The Way to see it.

The Chicken Challenge

2011-04-13T11:42:00.010-04:00

We're a Couple

Nasturtiums

Pealing paint colors against geraniums!

Fresh flower boxes

Two peas in a pod

The bottom of this is an old iron sewing machine

Poser

This week's DPWC (Daily PaintWorks Challenge) is to paint a chicken. Well this morning I saw the cutest chicken couple, just perfect for this week's challenge of painting a chicken or two. If you live in Virginia Beach you really should stop by Stoney's to take in the early morning barnyard sounds of tractors engaged in work, chickens announcing the day, and their selection of perennials is amazing. Look at how wonderful this favorite fresh market looks, and everyday you can expect the freshest vegetables! I heard a song with these words this morning "The Heavens declare Your Glory, Lord." This morning I think I saw God's glory in the neighborhood fresh market!

Daffodil Oil Painting

2011-04-12T15:50:00.008-04:00

Growing by the Water
20 x 20
oil on canvas

This morning I stopped the car to take some pictures of inspiration. Some of my favorite flower combinations happen in spring!! Don't you just love pansies and daffodils, daffodils and vinca, tulips and daffodils? My neighbors Kay and Keith re-designed their garden recently and added this unusual variety of daffodils. I must add that they are fragrant too! They are called Tahiti. This double or peony-like daffodil stands up straight under its own weight, (even in the wind)! These are great for zones 3-8. The way they looked so beautiful together made me consider them and reminded me of the verse, Luke 12:27. Consider how the flowers grow. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers.

detail

Enjoy the garden!

Duke of Gloucester Street

2011-04-09T10:43:00.004-04:00

I got the chance this week to walk down one of my favorite streets. Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg. Shall I say she was decked out in her finest spring attire! I was there at around high noon thus the extra strong contrasts, but am so inspired now to paint gardens and get mine in top shape:). A well maintained garden always does that for me. Standing on the cobblestone paths and picket fences I enjoyed the creative ways that were used to bring a sense of order.

Texture Tuesday

2011-04-05T10:07:00.004-04:00

Today is Tuesday and I am posting this photo for a challenge I heard about at Kim Klassen's Cafe'!. Today's challenge is to use Kim's texture called Warm Sun. Since the sun is playing hit or miss this week I wanted to post a warm memory photo. I had already jumped on using this texture when Kim first gave it out, I will share a special photo of my son, David and our dog, Jack. If any of you are photographers, take a look at this inspirational group of artists and maybe you'd like to join in the fun of those who post on flicker or their blogs. It's loaded with things like tutorials and insights. Lots of inspiration for painters too:) Sending the love your way, and happy Tuesday! Here's a little about Texture Tuesdays.

Before WarmSun

After WarmSun

Julie Legg

A mention about using texture to enhance photos wouldn't be complete without mentioning Julie Legg. Her blog is beautiful. Julie is a beautiful woman of faith, and it comes out in her photographs and art. She created this beauty from a photo I took in Ocean View. Visit Julie's blog for extra inspiration.

Announcing my New Website!!

2011-04-03T19:53:00.004-04:00

Announcing My New Website!!

I have been working on this, this past week, and I am really am happy to tell you about it. I have learned a little bit more about HTML codes, so I am sure you understand that I am so happy to get back to the studio easel. Fine Art Studio Online is a great source for artists to virtually create their own site with the outstanding help of their online task force. I am not the most HTML savvy, so yes... I filled out my share of question tickets; but I got prompt and kind support! I am in their fan club! YEA and thank you, FASO! Would love love love for you to take a visit there. Let me know what you think.

In Flight
Painted Collage
20 x 48

Double Time Seagull painting by Claudia Finn

2011-03-16T16:35:00.012-04:00

Double Time Gull
6 x 6 Oil
50 + shipping

Yesterday I spent a wonderful afternoon painting with some friends. It is just plain therapy (art therapy) getting together with these folks. I come home rejuvenated to paint, paint and ...:). This is not the painting that I painted at Norma's house. Though it is the same 6 x 6 canvas with the orange under painting. This canvas underwent 10 - 12 transformations ( IE) sink wash offs to be where it is today. I remember a college assignment where I was asked to create 100 versions of a subject. I chose a cup. By the 30th version I had explored many styles, approaches, and most importantly had gotten to the point of the fun abandon of interpretation, This is the spontaneous place where inspiration flows, and that sometimes takes a few or so trys:)

Adele Loomans was painting a beautiful commission and it was far enough along to really get excited about. It is a piece she is creating for a grown daughter who had lost her dad to cancer. I love Adele's style, but to fully appreciate it and it subtleties you must see it in person. Her work is found at Olde Towne Art on High Street in Portsmouth. Adele also teaches oil painting there. This is a fun place to go because there are many artists under one roof!! The more the merrier!

Adele Loomans
oil painting in progress

Norma Wilson
oil painting of an Ostrich

Norma had just finished this funny portrait of an ostrich. Norma is a well known Daily Painter and she is mostly known for her animal portraits, especially her cows and her chickens and roosters. The Daily Painters are a group of very talented artists who post their work online together and commit to painting almost every day. Cool!. I thank God for the gift of art friends and for the fun of the comradery.

Walking the Shore

2011-03-11T23:05:00.007-05:00

Shore Bird
oil on canvas
6 x 6

I have watched today the video of the sad and devastating news of the tsunami. The aftershock can be multiplied with the amount of media so readily available today to tape so many versions from many people's personal experiences. The strength involved in the water is almost beyond comprehension.
The contrast was obvious to me when I took a walk today on the beach, I found such beauty there. Waves curling under, a funny dog who gave me a smile, and so many of my favorite colors. I pray God will comfort the fears of the people involved in this devastating situation.

Art Work Available at Beach Gallery

2011-03-07T17:33:00.006-05:00

16 x 40 acrylic/collage on wrapped canvas
Beachy Sunny Day

22 x 28" oil on canvas
Oaks Behind the Dunes

These two are going to Beach gallery on 313 Laskin Road. Pacific and 28th Street. Beach Gallery features some of the best local art in the area. Please go in and see the diversity Brian Murden, the owner has displayed there. This gallery deserves Best of the Beach. The back door is where you need to enter until the Laskin Road repairs are complete. The line up of shops features some of the Beach's finest. The unframed piece called Oaks Behind the Dunes is there without a frame. Ask Brian to suggest something perfect for it, he is great at that!

Love for you to check out my music on ReverbNation

2011-03-01T08:46:00.007-05:00

Love for you to check out the original music I am putting on ReverbNation, such a fun thing to feel like a star. All kidding aside, I love having this venue to put my music where people could find it and hear it at whim. Please feel free to share it with your friends or get a widget for your blog...or like it or fan me or...you get the message, I'm excited about writing music!

A Hope For Shelter

2011-02-28T12:13:00.008-05:00

18 x 37 inches Oil on wood panel

Here is the completed painting titled A Hope for Shelter. I decided to keep the work in a folk art style with the angel having just wings and no arms. Kate thanks for being my ever ready model! Please pray that someone will like this painting enough to buy it so that it will help to raise money for the safe house that is to be built in Nepal for girls rescued from sex trafficking. It is going to be one of the items in a silent auction. If you would like to read more about the group Great Commission Resources please follow this link. They are involved in many places and efforts. Great Commisssion Resources

A Hope For Shelter

2011-02-24T21:33:00.016-05:00

My daughter Kate modeling hands for this painting

detail of painting

This painting is a painting created to help raise funding for a shelter for safe housing for girls rescued from sex trafficking in Nepal, Africa. The group Great Commission Resources is raising funds to build a "safe house" in Nepal, Africa using artist's works for a silent auction. I listened to some facts in church this week and was saddened to hear that mostly girls involved in this horrific situation are under twelve years of age. I couldn't help but remember the innocence of my precious daughter Kate at that age. The injustices of this world can break your heart, so I pray that when this house is finished it will indeed help to save many. This work is in progress and I will show you the final piece in a week. If you're on Facebook, I'd love for you to follow my art there, just click here for my Facebook page and you can follow my blog on there too, just click the link here called the Paintings of Claudia Finn

detail of painting titled Hope for Shelter

Angel Spread Your Wings

2011-02-22T08:45:00.003-05:00

Angel Spread Your Wings

20 x 24 oil on canvas

Available

angel spread your wings

sing the praise of the Father

in the clear blue sky

Made this Facebook banner on Picnik

"Meandering Together"

2011-02-20T22:28:00.009-05:00

Meandering Together
9" x 12" oil on canvas

$150

I have really loved writing this blog because it has given me an opportunity to develop my love for putting words together. This little poem is about this painting above. It is a haiku, which is my favorite form of poetry because it is so spontaneous. The 5 7 5 pentameter is easy to create.

us two in beauty

meandering through the snow

under the moon's light

I have started putting some original music on ReverbNation, I hope you will link to it and listen to my song titled A Heart That Knows the Truth. It is about the path from fear to trust in the Lord. It was inspired by the account in Matthew 8:24, where Jesus was in a boat with the disciples. A storm comes up and the disciples were afraid. They were fishermen so it must have been rough. The song is about the transition from fear to faith.
Come visit me on Facebook on my page called The Art of Claudia Spencer Finn, and you can also follow my blog on Networked blogs if you'd like, it is called Claudia Finn's Paintings.

"Snow's Coming"

2011-02-07T17:24:00.006-05:00

Snow's Coming

8" x 8" oil on canvas

$125

Using color in this oil painting of a little bird to suggest the winter season. I love these little wrens with their adorable darting behavior. One reason I love winter is that it is easy to see birds in their habitats, perching on the bare winter branches. Like me on Facebook on The Art of Claudia Spencer Finn

"Searching" SOLD

2010-12-09T22:41:00.008-05:00

Searching

9" x 12" oil on canvas

SOLD

Growing up all my life near the beach has given me wonderful memories of its beauty. I remember as a child my dad teaching me to dig for fiddler crabs, and the fun of learning to ride a raft all the way to the shore. I love walking the dunes and shoreline. This painting was inspired by those memories.

Julie Legg photograph

I also wanted to share with you this photograph that Julie Legg created from one of my photos taken in Ocean View in Norfolk, Virginia. Julie is a gifted photographer and Photo shop expert and creates beautiful photographs that bring attention to God's unique creations.

The resulting photograph is so beautiful to me. To see how she accomplished this go to her post titled Beach Umbrella Tutorial on her blog. Thank you Julie for taking my simple photograph and changing it into this beauty!! I love it!!
Like me on facebook on The Art of Claudia Spencer Finn

"Behold the King"

2010-12-05T20:17:00.013-05:00

This piece was painted to represent the beauty of God's love and the blessing of the gift of Jesus Christ; His birth, life, mission of death, and the life He continues to live. His love inspired me to paint this piece that leads the viewer toward Bethlehem. John 14:6 says " I am the Way, replied Jesus, and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." A video was made by Robb Esperat, a worship leader at Virginia Beach Community Chapel using this painitng. Here is the link to see it.

Behold the King
20" x 24
oil on canvas