Uncategorized – Through My Eyes

A Look At Self

I have always been one who did not like looking at myself. Somehow as I have grown more artistic and have met other artists I realize that it is not an uncommon trait.

One of the things that was required of the artists in the master class series I have been watching was a self-portrait. It was not just a physical representation of themselves but also represented their artistic style.

Facing yourself in a portrait forces you to face your flaws and imperfections. By doing a self-portrait I had to acknowledge every wrinkle and layer of fat and you know how painful that can be.

Now that I have done it I get why it is important. I can’t fully understand or capture others until I can face my own imperfections.

Here is my self-portrait.

Not too bad for a 74-year-old I guess. I’m not perfect nor have I been or ever will be but Jesus loves me so I’m okay with who I am.

A new year is a chance to regroup, restart, and reignite passion for life. Have a great year.

Follow My Paintings

If you want to see my paintings and on occasion watch me paint go to Sue G Heath Gallery on Facebook.

Interested in purchasing you can contact me we by messenger or email.

How To Begin

Now that Christmas is behind us I’m looking forward to what I can create in the new year. I like to try my hand at different things. While I primarily concentrate on southwest art and landscapes I want to learn different techniques and venture into portraits.

How do you begin a new year of painting? I’ve been watching the Master Class Portrait videos and have been amazed by watching other artists. The techniques were varied and so were the results. One guy actually dripped wax on his canvas and painted the wax.

I like to sketch, sometimes just roughly and others I add colored pencils so I can see before I paint what kind of image I am going to have. It gives me a chance to play with the colors or toy with different techniques.

In the new year, I want to explore all I can, try new things, and see where life leads me.

Have a joyous and profitable new year.

Keep Christ in all you do.

Finishing Touches

It has been my experience so far that the last strokes on a painting can make or break it!

This painting was actually done as what I refer to as a waste canvas, you know when you use leftover paint to create another painting. It had actually been sitting in my barn for over a year. I pulled it out tonight with the intention of painting over it.

Sometimes just relooking at a piece can be a game-changer. What just looked like a bunch of strokes before tonight was given life. Just creating an open eye made all the difference.

She’s not perfect. She’s not even pretty, but she is unique.

Never throw out a canvas. A second look and a few extra strokes might be your next sale.

Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

Visualization And Painting

Yes, it’s almost 3 AM and if I’m not creating art I’m thinking about it. If I’m asked to paint something that I may deem more difficult than normal I use visualization to make it happen.

Rather than risk a total failure if I am struggling with a painting I just have to stop and sit with my eyes closed and try to visualize what the object or person looks like. Not just a flat image but try to see the full 3D image. The mind can do it if you allow it to. Clarity in how an image looks can make the difference between a good painting and a great painting.

Typically I paint from photos but if I am sketching something freehand visualization helps a lot. Details can make all the difference. The one stroke that you miss can make a difference.

I am the world’s worst at finishing a painting too quickly. When I slow myself down and see the finished product in my mind I am much more successful at completing something saleable.

Take your time, see your success. It is reachable.

Have a great day.

Message Of Christmas

If you are a FB friend you have probably already seen this but I wanted to share with those who haven’t.

This tree is a very inexpensive gadget that is attached to my computer. The tree itself has no meaning but the star and the lights do. The star led humble shepherds to a manger bed and three wise men who had a lot to fear but risked it all to appear there. The lights like the colors of the rainbow remind us of God’s forgiveness. Jesus is the light of the world and as we celebrate his birth we need to remember this simple tree and what it means to forgive.

God bless each and every one of you. Be safe but enjoy life to its fullest!

Have a Merry Christmas.

My Routine

Everyone has their own early morning routine. Mine is undoubtedly different from most people.

I get up anywhere from 5 – 7, go to my kitchen and grab a small pot and put on my stove. In this pot I put 2 cups of water to boil. When the water comes to a full boil I add 7 – 10 whole cloves and one teaspoon of honey. I let this boil for another minute and remove to steep for at least another 4 minutes. I know you are dying to know why! I have had IBS for more than twenty years which has been dormant for the last ten. Unfortunately I had been misbehaving and overeating which has triggered a flare-up. After seeing a few videos on clove water I decided to do my own research. What I found was pretty amazing. There are reports the use of clove water can help heal everything from minor stomach irritations, parasites (yes, humans get them from bad meat and dogs) to cancer. Well I am here to tell you it definitely helps IBS. I am on day 5 of the 14 day protocol and am already feeling a lot better.

I started using spices for healing about three months ago. Since adding the spices to my diet I have noted my age spots are getting lighter, my hair is softer, I am more alert, the benefits are just amazing.

When I eat breakfast I add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric, black powder, ginger, garlic and cinnamon. These all contain healing properties like antioxidants that promote wellness. A few of them are a little pricey but cost far less than a doctor’s visit.

Do your own research and start your own journey down the path to better health.

Finishing Projects

With Thanksgiving past us, I have been frantically trying to tidy up my craft room. I am bad about starting a project getting bored with it and then starting another one. This week I have gone back and finished two projects.

Project 1 – Incomplete Wall Hanging

I had already quilted this but needed to hem it all around and add tabs for hanging.

Project 2 – Table Centerpiece – Quilted

This piece I had already quilted except for the border and the edge needed hemming.

While neither of these was a difficult project they were worth the time to finish.

You will be able to find these completed projects on my Marketplace page on Facebook.

What unfinished projects do you have?

Have a great day.

Feeling Thankful

Today like most days I am thankful that God has allowed me to open my eyes to this crazy world. While each day brings new challenges, it is so important that we don’t contribute to or fall prey to the negativity of our surroundings. We still live in a beautiful world.

Today and every day I am so thankful that I have a warm and loving relationship with my heavenly Father who sustains me through all things.

I am thankful for a loving husband. We all know how husbands are. He’s hardly perfect but he has walked this journey with me for the last 38 years. So far I haven’t killed him yet!

I am equally thankful for my two sisters who have always been there for me even on some very tough days. The rest of my family may be small but they are all loved.

I am thankful for my newfound friend and fellow artist, Maner Noble who has opened up a whole new world and opportunity to me. Her passion for art is only matched by her passion for life.

Today I am not feasting but will be doing other things to stay busy. If you are traveling today please be safe. As you sit down at the table today put Christ first. Allow Him to sit at the head of your table and your lives.

Lastly the feeling of love you get today needs to be shared every day. We ARE our brother’s keeper and the world definitely needs more love.

Have an awesome holiday!

Versatility In Art

While my main genre has been landscapes I am venturing out into other areas on this journey to perfect my craft.

Tonight when I could not sleep I came up with this image and quickly put her to paper.

I’m sure we all heard this directive at some point in our lives. Right now I’d like to say that to Congress!

Anyway, I am trying to be flexible and not get stuck in just one category of art. Changing the painting surface can also stretch your imagination. I paint on canvas, paper, wood, metal, fabric, and anything else that it will adhere to.

Regardless of your art or craft continue to think out of the box and see just how far you can reach.

Have a peaceful sleep.