Painting for Camp Elim

I just started painting these big panels for the kid's Bible camp that's up the road from where I live.  They're big.  They're made up of two 4' x 8' boards, hinged in the middle.  The people at Camp offered to bring them out to me so that I could paint them HERE...INSIDE...instead of outside, with the panels roped to trees on Camp property.  What a great idea!!

Except I forgot that the ceiling in our garage is JUST 8'.  Which means that these 8' panels can't be stood up to paint.  Which means that they have to be painted outside after all.  Aack!!

My hubby came to my rescue, as usual.  He worked up a way to secure them in his carport, so I have a roof over my head, and a level place to work, and they're screwed down so the wind won't blow them over.

Of course, painting outside means I have to wing-it when it comes to setting up my equipment...as you can see in the first picture.  The second picture shows my palette...not at all professional, but it worked!

Here are some progress pics.  This is painted VERY loosely.  I have to work on it some more, but I need my friend (who is WAAAAYYYYY better at painting people) come look at this and give me some constructive criticism.  Once again, there will be no pouting!

And Then Forward...

So, I decided I really, really needed a different color scheme.  This one is better.  Much.

It's amazing how a better color choice can improve productivity!  This one just feels more welcoming to paint...if that can be said.  Makes no sense, but it's true.  I'm thoroughly enjoying painting this one!  I'll post again when the girl is finished.

And We Begin Again

Number 3 here we come!  This one will HOPEFULLY go faster than the other two...dare I say that?  There's only one person in this one, so SURELY it won't take as long!  This whole background needs another coat...and that purple will have a diagonal line in it instead of just hanging out down there in the corner.  Should be fun!

Finally Progress!

Spring break is a wonderful thing!  Even if you don't have kids in school, I heartily recommend it!!  You take a week and you don't do ANYTHING that's in your normal scope of activity.  Instead you do all kinds of things that you never get a chance to!  It's delightful.

Of course, having enjoyed a week of play means that I made ZERO progress on my paintings.  That proved to be a good thing, though, because I ended up changing the main people in this image!  It's good to take time to ponder!

I'm thinking the crowd needs some serious work.  We'll see...!

Starting Number Two

Just started the background of the second canvas yesterday.  I already see places that will need more work, but other than that I like it.  It's kind of cool to have this 4' square painting dominating the sunroom in our house.  It's definitely not subdued!

Unfortunately it's spring break (did I really just say that?), so  we'll be "playing" this whole week.  Not much painting being done!  We'll see if I make any progress...

Carrots, Anyone?

I found a MUCH better reference pic for a little girl.  This is the first, rough layer of paint.  She'll get better (hopefully!) as the layers get added.

This guy however...

I told you I needed to work on his face.  And I DID work on his face, but clearly not enough!  He still needs some serious help!  Did You hear that Lord?  I need Your help!

I was reminded the other day, that I always SAY that God is faithful.  That He never changes.  That what was true yesterday is still true today.  So, if I've seen God's kindness in helping me paint in the past, why do I tend to doubt that He would help me today as well?  He will, and He does.  Because He has given me this love, and this talent, and He will use this to glorify His name.

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth."  (Psalm 115:1)

Step Three

Phew!  Progress.

I painted the cook twice.  The mechanics face was also painted twice, and I'm seriously considering a third pass!  Today I do the guitar player, and being the central focal point, he's supposed to POP.  We'll see!