The Lion of Judah

I finally did it.  That big, blank canvas in our dining room that I mentioned a while ago has now been painted!  It took me so long to decide what I wanted to do on it.  I toyed with so many ideas, but one day I thought of a regal, kingly lion, and that seemed right.

So here it is!

I had originally envisioned the lion to be much more regal and less cheerful, but this is what came out of me.  The more I look at that cheerfulness the more I like it.

I looked at a lot of photos and drawings and paintings of lions, and then I sketched it out on the canvas.  For me that was the easier part.  I was most nervous about actually painting it, but I had fun doing it.

Feels good to get a project done.  I'm thankful for this lion.

What projects have you been wanting to complete lately?

Mothers' Day Custom Paintings

Back in November I have the privilege to be a part of a wonderful modern dance piece about being a wife, a mother, and a follower of the Lord.  It was a refreshing and fun piece about the peace we receive from the Lord each day and the joy He gives us.  I loved dancing with the women He had brought together to do this, and it really thrusted me back into choreography again, something I had been wanting to pursue again for some time.

One night, as I was ready to fall asleep I got a great idea.  It was an idea for some set design for our piece.  I would paint portraits of each one of us with our children, and we could display them on the stage during the piece.

I went to work the next day and gave it a try.  After finishing one I knew the other ladies would like them, so I continued to work on the rest.  I knew their children and also looked at countless pictures of them to get their hair and size and shaping right.

After many people asking me if I would paint these and sell them for their families, I decided to list them on Etsy.  This would especially be a great Mothers' Day gift, but I can do them any time of year.

I also will work with other sizes than the ones already listed in my shop.  Contact me with any inquiries.

And if you are wondering why I didn't paint the facial features...  I can't.  I'm not great at painting facial features to look like the actual person I am trying to paint.  haha!  That is why.  I could pretend it was some artistic choice, but it really wasn't.

I love having mine hanging up in our home.  It reminds me of the blessing it is to be a wife and a mother.  It will be neat to have this moment in time captured on canvas, as well, since they are of course ever growing each day.