Blog – Page 5 – Melanie Stokes Art

August 22, 2021August 22, 2021

Fences and Freedom

On a day when I feel the particular sadness of this 2021 World so heavy in my soul, I happen to be painting the barbed wire of a fence. This fence is overgrown with vines, choking and holding something in or out, dividing the acreage by imposing restrictions on its natural order. It is an image that contrasts against the beauty and freedom of the vast sky behind it. The painting was started days ago without any of these thoughts. I’m getting back to it on this day, just when I need the revelation it brings.

I am downcast, carrying pain, both the deep pains I feel for others, and concerns of my own. I know that pain and worry need to be cast away. Some days it is difficult to shake off. Some days it seems I am begging God all day in my prayers. Sometimes I think I empathize too much.

But today, as I paint, my Creator God reminds me that He is there in the beauty of the background. He is always there in power and strength, always offering His Spirit to guide, always providing assurance of life that cannot be choked out by the evil in this world. His love, given through Jesus Christ, can never be choked out.

In this politically divided climate of 2021, my soul longs for a way for us all to reconcile and live in peace with each other, agreeing to disagree, respecting opinions as opinions. That is what freedom in America has looked like in my lifetime. I’m still hopeful. But, if it doesn’t look that way anymore, I can cling to the freedom I have in heaven.

I’m reminded of a song: “Gonna lay down my burdens, down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside…and study war no more. Gonna lay down my sword and shield, down by the riverside…and study war no more.”

I pray for a healthy balance between fences and freedom for all of us.

June 28, 2021August 21, 2023

Before the Rainbow, Comes the Rain

Rainbows usually come as a surprise. Before the rainbow, comes the rain. And, at the end of a dreary day, often torrential and stormy, when we think the sun has vanished, it peeks through the clouds and a glorious burst of colors is displayed in a big way! We are surprised! Even though we know God has promised it. Even though we know that’s what happens when sun breaks through the wet sky. But we are surprised and delighted and reminded, once again, that God keeps his promises, in His time.

June 22, 2021June 22, 2021

Greens on A Gray Day

There is much “to-do” about how to make greens, because (heaven forbid) one should never use greens straight out of a tube! So, on this gray day, I enjoyed respite from Texas heat and painted the muted greens on our property from observation. For the artists reading — On my palette was ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, light cad yellow, yellow ochre, burnt umber, payne’s gray, titanium white and a touch of radiant red. From that, (no green tubes there) I painted the greens of the hayfield and mesquite trees. In case you noticed in the photo, yes, there are other colors at the top of my palette, but they are dried up spots from other sessions.

Now back to those of you who don’t care what colors I used. As I painted, I thought. I thought about the twists and turns of the tree trunk and wondered how long it took to get to this size. Knowing the power of the wind that blows across this field, I imagine this one is deeply rooted. Notice how the twisted limbs show that life knocked him for a curve for a few years! And, notice the new growth toward the top; the tiny branches that keep growing, even when the trunk itself has done a full life’s work. Even after the Texas Ice Storm, when it looked dead, this mesquite came back to life for another year!

In case you missed the obvious lesson here…life is a journey of twists and turns. It makes us, or breaks us, as we learn to adapt to the winds that blow. We start with basics and learn to mix the paints to give the results we want. Strong roots are important for standing against obstacles. And the twisted scars that we end up with are often beautiful, when we stand back and observe with a grateful heart. Even on a gray day.

June 6, 2021August 21, 2023

It Was Somebody’s Home

How many times have you seen an old home and wondered about the people who lived there? Honestly, that is one of the recurring conversations I have with myself. And for some reason, it’s not just the big, beautiful houses that get my attention. Visually, I am drawn to small cabins, old shacks, log homes…and imagining the impoverished lifestyles of my ancestors.

No, I didn’t grow up on a farm. But my parents did, so I’ve heard the stories. My mother, the youngest of thirteen children, told me that she didn’t realize how poor she was as a child until much later, because everyone was poor during the Great Depression. My father grew up in the hills of North Georgia in a home that looked similar to this one, not uncommon for the time and location. He stated that he went to college to get out from behind a mule and plow.

I took a photo of this cabin at George Ranch, near Rosenberg, Texas. No one was living there. It is well maintained as a historical site. Back in my studio, I imagined the people who could have lived in this shotgun house. I knew there had to be a woman shelling butter beans on the front porch. There must have been some chickens running around, providing eggs and meat in the pot for a special meal. I imagined the man in the back, hammering or fixing something on a worktable. And there probably were children running around barefoot. (But they were moving too fast in my imagination to capture them here!)

It was Somebody’s Home! And I hope it was filled with love. For, whether one is living in poverty or riches, if a home has love, it can withstand the storms, sure to come! This one did.

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

Things Above

Painting in a recent plein air event took me to Galveston, Texas. For four days, forty four juried artists painted from outdoor life, all over the island. And by Friday, we had created the Plein Air Southwest Show that rivaled works in many nice galleries! To be a part of the talent in the room was thrilling!

I came home with paintings of historic homes, beautiful parks, the harbor docks, and shady estates. But the image that stopped my thoughts for a moment, and called to me to paint it, was this one.

As I was touching up a painting on my host’s front porch, I looked up from my easel. The light on the church steeple at the end of the street caught my eye. The image seemed to ground my thoughts, which had been a bit scattered from the whirlwind week. I pulled out a 9×12 panel and painted, not focusing on the whole scene but the steeple pointing upward toward the light.

And God spoke with the visual image. Things Above…Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth….and the things of this earth will pass away. (These thoughts come from multiple Bible verses. So, it’s not a quote, but words that came to my memory.) I was reminded to focus on spiritual things, trusting Him, and listening as He guides me.

In this world, I am assured that God is above all; above all this crazy stuff on earth which will eventually pass away, just like the drips on the painting. Set your mind on things above. And let the worries drip away.

April 21, 2021August 21, 2023

It’s Bluebonnet Season!

melaniestokesart.com — **Got the Blues?**
20×20 oil
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It’s Bluebonnet Season in Texas! And that means plein air painters are traveling the back roads, looking for the perfect scene to paint their annual bluebonnet painting! I haven’t found a field of bluebonnets in a good location yet. But the close up studies have been really fun. And from that, painting the larger 20×20 reminded me of painting hydrangeas in Georgia! (Some of my GA friends may recognize the same style.)

Those of us in Central Texas are glad to see the bluebonnets blooming! It’s another sign that spring is here – new life, longer days, sunshine and brighter colors!

If you’ve got the winter blues, maybe a bluebonnet painting would take care of that:

…or a walk through the bluebonnets…that’s a sure cure for the blues, too! Happy Spring!

March 23, 2021September 29, 2022

Gentle Nudges

Gentle nudges, whispers of wind, light plays with shadow, fresh air inflates the lungs, sounds of birds are singing for miles, smells of spring grasses rise from the earth…breathe again.

It’s been a winter. A time of illness, sadness, cold. But with this painting, I feel the gentle nudges of a vast God, who reminds me that He is always there.

February 18, 2021August 21, 2023

More Snow…

It may look pretty, but this Texas Storm has been serious! The anticipation of experiencing below freezing temperatures in single digits was as disturbing as the actual storm. We (mostly my husband) prepped for days: ordered propane, hauled water jugs, bought packaged groceries in bulk, filled up the cars, put away potted plants, wrapped outdoor faucets…and listened to weather reports, searching weather apps to plan ahead.

It is unsettling to watch the world freeze over and know you are not in control.

As I post this, many in this community and all over Texas and beyond, (my internet has been out so I haven’t seen all the updates), are without heat and water after the seven days of storm.

Since several of you have asked about us, Yes, we are fine! We have gas logs so we won’t freeze, we have been on the rolling blackouts, which gave us enough power to zap something in the microwave, take a quick shower, or make coffee. We are dressing in layers and sitting with cozy blankets. It’s not that bad. And now, the electricity seems stable and the internet has returned!

When challenges arose, we came up with creative solutions. (And that “we” includes many of you.) We “made-do,” we used what we had, we shared with others, we invented ways to stay warm and concoct meals. We fed birds and rested a lot. We practiced gratefulness.

And we painted! My artist daughter-in-law and youngest grandson opted for the option of gas logs and joined us this week, while our son and their oldest son stayed home to take care of animals. (Don’t feel sorry for him. He doesn’t mind roughing it on a camping trip.) Nicky and I have enjoyed our artist retreat of being in our own silent worlds of painting while Papa and the 8 year old have found some adventures of their own!

The temperatures are supposed to rise above freezing tomorrow (a first for this eight day span). When all this snow melts, I am wondering what will happen. Will the water from eight inches of snow ever soak into our Blackland Prairie gumbo soil? Are there house maintenance issues, like busted pipes and cracked windows, to deal with? And more importantly, will the grocery stores have enough food for all of us to dash to town to restock our pantries?

I plan to be more aware of my use of electricity and water. We have always practiced conservation, but this experience brings up the recurring thought that many of us are just plain spoiled with luxury.

I’m reminded of the words of Paul in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content with whatever state I’m in.” (even when that “state” is the frozen state of Texas!)

February 5, 2021August 21, 2023

My Art From Mart or #artfrommarttx

When we began preparing for a move to Waco, Texas a few years ago, my husband and I knew we wanted to live in the country, on the same side of the county as our son’s family, and wanted more than one acre of land. Our house hunt led us fifteen miles away from Waco, to more land than we needed, six miles from our son, and a Mart address.

Mart, with a population of about 2000, gives many subjects and opportunities for paintings. (You may have noticed I’ve been using the hashtag, #artfrommarttx, on my Instagram account.) I took a photo for this painting while parked at the Dollar General. Like so many rural places in Texas, the grain elevators dominate the skyline of the town.

Read’s Grocery, on the main street, is a convenient six miles for me when I need a quick trip to the grocery. During the days of quarantine, they remained open with stocked shelves and sanitizing protocols, for which I am grateful.

Pizza Pro is on the right side, with delicious baked spaghetti and, of course, take out pizza! They even sell empty pizza boxes to artists who need wet canvas carriers!

The friendly staff of the U.S. Post Office of Mart has been such a help to me in shipping paintings and filling orders for prints. They always have time to help me figure out the best way to do things. And our rural carrier, who brings packages to the door, has become a first name friend. Gotta love the small town life!

I was puzzled by the names of some Texas roads being FM2957 or FM939. I’ve always had trouble remembering numbers. Words like “Lake Felton Parkway” or “County Line Road” come to my mind easier. I learned that FM stands for Farm to Market and was an avenue for that in the beginning of their construction. This painting, Farm to Market, is the view I see as I enter the Mart City Limits from the County Line Road (or FM 939). And those hay bales have been there with the For Sale sign since about summer before last.

So, yes, we moved to Waco. But, we have a Mart address, and we are really closer to Hallsburg and Elk. If you decide to visit, it might be best to call for directions. The porch rockers are ready for you. But I’m probably around back, painting art from Mart!

Instagram: #artfrommarttx @melaniestokesart

December 28, 2020

Cowboy Approved

I have pondered purchasing boots for over two years. When a Georgia Girl moves to Texas, it seems necessary. So, with after-Christmas prices, and a gift card in my hand, I made the rounds of four or five stores, specializing in cowgirl boots. But, I felt like Cinderella’s sisters, as I tried on several brands that would not go over my instep! With frustration, I commented to a salesperson, “This must be a sign for me to forget about cowgirl boots and head back to the Georgia Beaches in flip-flops!” (He didn’t laugh.)

I had pretty much given up the idea of boots when I turned into Kohl’s as I walked past. They were having a shoe sale, but I didn’t see anything western looking. Then, on the top shelf of the Clearance section, I saw one box that proclaimed, “Cowboy Approved.” They were my size AND 60% off!! I thought to myself, “If these fit, I will have to buy them no matter what color they are.” Imagine my surprise to find cowgirl boots in my favorite lime green color! But the real test was when my foot slid right in – it was a Cinderella moment!

Okay, so they are gaudy green and not exactly what I had in mind. But I am a crazy artist lady, over 60, and can wear them with confidence! And, I shall.