Oil Portraits

Imagine

An oil on canvas dedicated to women who are not waiting for a Prince Charming to rescue them.

Women whose faith and courage make them bold and beautiful. Women who believe and pursue their God-given calling. Read more about what inspired this painting: Empowered Women: The Strength Behind ‘Imagine’ Painting

All God’s Creatures Great and Small

African animals surround a modern-day Adam and Eve in this oil on canvas.

Fearless

When you need a tiger inside.

Often opportunities for growth strike terror to the core. During these times, remember that you have a tiger inside! Don’t be afraid! Reach for all God has for you to be and to do!

Hope is the Thing with Features

Hope is the thing with feathers features a visual representation of the poem by Emily Dickinson:

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

Nightingale

Nightingale is for those who find themselves in the dark night of the soul. Nightingales are known for their powerful and beautiful song.

God gives us a song of hope when we can’t see the light of day. Read more…

Bluebird

Bluebird envisions hope, faith, and perseverance amid hopelessness, despair, and depression.

Bluebirds are known for their joyful songs, tendency to fly long distances, and ability to survive in the most difficult of surroundings. These qualities have led bluebirds to be used in religious icons and as symbols of peace.

This bird, painting, and song will encourage you to trust that a new day is dawning. You can emerge triumphant and discover the grace of God needed to pursue your destiny. Read more about Bluebird and how she graces an album cover for a song by composer Deborah Keily Hanson: Bluebird Oil Painting and Song.

Golden Butterfly of Chiang Mai

The story behind Deborah Keily Hanson and my collaborative project, Golden Butterfly of Chiang Mai, is so amazing that I wanted to share her account with you read more…

The Rose

“The Rose” was inspired by a promise/warning I received in my early twenties while walking through a forest in the Netherlands when I was a missionary.

These words entered my thoughts: “You will blossom into a woman of God through many thorns, watered by your tears.”

The thorns and tears did follow as well as the blossoming. Read more about the Rose: Discover the Symbolism Behind the Rose.

The Rose is available on my Fine Art America Store.

Release

A mermaid comes up and out of the water; her chin still submerged but she’s beginning to discover her voice. She longs for more than merely walking on dry land. She desires to soar in the heavens. But she doesn’t, yet, have what she needs to make her dreams come true.

Release.

When God’s plans for you go beyond your potential. When you dare to go to the next level, overcome the creative blocks that keep you back, develop the skills you’ll need to fulfill His calling for you.

Sure, you’re terrified. Who wouldn’t be. You’re taking the risk that all your work will be in vain, at least as seen through your eyes, according to your own estimation.

But just perhaps, what God wants to develop in you and release through you will have eternal benefits you won’t see until heaven.

Release.

The invitation lies before you like the heavens do for a mermaid who can’t yet walk let along fly..

Reproductions available on my Fine Art America Store.

Be Brave

Be brave when your eyes cannot see. Be brave when fear stifles your voice. Be brave when you dread the path before you. Be brave when trusting God is your only option.

I saw this painting in a dream when I was undergoing a series of health tests to determine whether I had a serious disease. I thought about all of the women who are going through similar experiences. Fortunately, my health tests came back in my favor. Not so for so many others. Read more about Be Brave.

Reproductions available on my Fine Art American Store.

Awaiting Spring

Awaiting Spring visualizes my search for hope as I wait for this seemingly unending Covid-19 pandemic to end. Awaiting Spring is dedicated to those clinging to grace while in their waiting. Read more…

The Seven Virtues

The Seven Virtues was inspired by 2 Peter 1: 5 -7. I came across the seven virtues during the Covid 19 pandemic. They seemed like the perfect antidote for the social unrest and animosity happening, even among families and friends as people divided over issues.

These virtues stirred my heart, and I found myself longing for character traits that had eternal value. I researched a flower that best symbolized each trait: As I painted, I asked God for grace to grow in each virtue. Read More…

Welcome Home

Welcome Home is my tribute to the millions of immigrants who have sought refuge and a better life in America. We welcome you! Welcome Home is a mixed media oil portrait. Read More…

Isaiah’s Portrait

This is one of my most challenging and yet rewarding paintings. What a privilege to capture the essence of this amazing boy. Here’s a short video that shows my process.

Beauty for Ashes

I painted Beauty for Ashes after my daughter lost her son. The lilies in the background symbolize her grief. Baby Harrison is in heaven where she will one day meet him again, wrap him in her arms, and rejoice in their uniting.

I watched her heartache transform into joy when she held her rainbow baby a couple of years later.

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