The Giver, an Acrylic Painting with a Purpose

The Giver is an acrylic portrait that expresses a glorious burden—the challenge of bringing literacy resources to struggling readers. As an instructional coach, I have the privilege of working alongside many empathetic, hard-working people who share this mission. People who look into the eyes of students and see the pain that results from not being able …

In Need of Grace to Paint and to Give

Why do I torture myself so? I ask myself this every time I start a new portrait. The beginning seems so easy: ideas grace the mind…an outline drawn…the hollow of a mystical person appears. But then it doesn’t take long for excitement to give way to feelings of helplessness as I enter into that dark space …

The Seeker, an Acrylic Portrait

The Seeker is an acrylic portrait with penetrating eyes that search through your soul. A friend, Renee Elkins, expressed the mesmerizing effect she has on you: “Beautiful…I feel like she is looking into my heart and soul. She makes me want to always speak the truth to her…assuming she would speak to me of course!” READ THE …

New Refrain from the Identical Creativity Website

I wanted to let followers of this blog know that I had to shut down my former creativity website, Refrain from the Identical, due to hosting problems. I've launched the new website and will begin linking this blog to my new creativity website. The first post titled, Blossom, features my recent acrylic painting.

Purposes of Non-Productivity

When did production become the touchstone of our worth? The concept of “being” as opposed to “doing” fascinates, and yet frustrates, me. As a person of faith, I believe that Jesus’s sacrifice for me enables acceptance apart from my performance. I also get the concept of moving beyond sitting back and doing nothing to actively …