Getting down to business..

Hi art lovers!  I'm about to go on a journey. I wish it was to Israel! Israel is a destination on the top of my list and I'm told anyone who feels the holy lands pull should go and soon. As I contemplate my journey I'm listening to the video my son Matt is watching for the 50,000,000 time. "The Prince of Egypt." Its the story of Moses and the exile of the Hebrews out of bondage in Egypt for 400 some odd years. This amazing children's VHR (yes) VHR makes me cry every time. Maybe its because Matt loves it so much and watching him act out the parts is so wonderful to me. Matthew knows every song by heart and repeats every line almost perfectly. He came in this morning and said he needed to watch it... again. "I love Moses' words mom", what words I say? "Let my people go!" he yells, with his cute little hand pointing up to Heaven.  Matt is my special boy. He has an extra chromosome and a ton of charisma! Matthew's story is one I really need to tell... later.


Anyway, Heaven is where I spent most of last night. I was sitting in the Throne Room of God with godly sisters in Christ at my church. We approached our King in prayer over my new business. Our prayers rose up to Heaven like sweet incenses to the Creator of Everything and we sat in awe at the thought. I dedicated this new journey to God. It was exciting!


Why? Because I'm going to do it right this time. Asking God to be our CEO. Made to many mistakes in the past by jumping without asking God if it was the right thing to do.  He's in charge because the concept of business/commerce was His to begin with. So as I ponder our next move, (mine and my new wonderful parter) with God at the helm, it feels good. I'm peaceful. My path is straight ahead and my prayer is for wisdom. 


In Matt's movie Moses is just discovering his lineage and he is totally freaked out that he is not the son of a Pharaoh but of a slave.  He discovers later that in fact he is the son of THE KING and the task he is given to deliver his people is his path in life.  Moses is stepping out into the unknown with God at the helm. What a journey! I pray mine doesn't take 40 years!

vessel in the Reign

Hello art lovers...  To me symbolism speaks volumes in art. Many times Jesus spoke in parables and used, "narrative art" given directly from His Father to help people of any generation to seek, understand and unlock the eternal truths that He spoke. 

John 12:49-50 (NIV): "For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."

To try and explain my faith story through paint, using symbolism is the most efficient way to get there from my heart.  I love to study abstract art like that of one of my favorites, Picaso. To untangle a work of abstract art (assuming the artist had hidden information within the art for me to find) is a delight to my eyes and mind. 


Understanding where the artist is taking you is what art is all about. In my opinion however, at times artist abuse their gift of story teller. I mean, "every picture tells a story dont it?" Thanks Rod!

Vessel in the Reign (Glory from the Father) is a story of glory and the rhythm of His Reign in Heaven – Life, worship, death, eternal life, worship – 5'x4' acrylic and collage on canvas.  enjoy the journey.

Two very creative fathers...

Hi there art lovers, long time no write. Who cares anyway if Mary Owens writes. Well, I do. I care a lot. I care, so I'm writing about painting, about my time left on this planet and how I spend it in my studio. I'd like it very much to one day have the time and resources to create a bunch of art and for others to see it. To add to the world of art so that when I'm gone there will be art left on this earth done by my hand and maybe someone will appreciate it. And maybe someone will even learn something from it, or expand there vision of art because of it, or even to know God through my art. Wouldn't that be something... Art created by humans is meant to be seen by humans. To be appreciated or not what does it matter really?  It is the act of creation itself that matters. The God given ability to produce a piece of art is holy. We were created in His image and given the power to create. This makes us 2nd generation creators. Chips off the old block if you will. The fact that I walked this earth and painted something, or sculpted something, or glue some stuff together to make a collage matters to me and to God.  He is enjoying what we create and watching how we use the free will He gave us. Why?  Because we are His creations and He desires it.

Unlike my earth father, Jack, who spent vast amounts of time in his studio, producing brilliant works for absolutely no one to see, I want that. I want my artwork to be seen.  Jack did his art for himself. To do anything for self alone is hollow.  To give your talent away is holy.  No matter what our talent is, we all posses a talent and we are meant to give not keep it locked away or buried in a closet like Jack did.  So, that is why I write stuff and post artwork from my hand.. to be seen by other humans. Already showed this one to God.

Here's my take on the late Jack Fletcher... hope you enjoy it too. Happy father's day early!

Heap of help on the way!

Hello art lovers! wow.. 3 posts in less that 2 weeks! I'm on a holy roll!

Okay, so I'm almost finished framing "African Angel." I want to make sure its as perfect as possible so that my painting can be part of the church plant team's efforts in raising funds for the trip to Kenya. I'm hoping that her eyes will open hearts and wallets so that her little village receives the help they  need and a brand new church building where they can worship.

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

Sometimes being an artist is so hard emotionally and even physically, but when God uses your talents to help humanity... which He desires from all of us... it's the most amazing feeling... to know that God is smiling when we do. I mean, that's why He gave us talents in the first place... to bless others and to give Him joy!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..Colossians 3:23

Sorry, I goofed on my last post - correction: Bondo is in Kenya and not Uganda. Our church has a mission to Uganda every years as well. I get them confused.  Maybe someday I will be on one of those teams. I would love it!


so I'm fixing this post and adding links so you know I'm for real. feel me?
http://www.ichooseyou.net/  and  http://www.cypresscreekchurch.com

Almost forgot - I'm having an image made for gicleé prints of African Angel. I hope to sell them to recoup some of the money invested. I'd like to sell a few for continued help in the missions efforts...if anyone is interested. $50 ea.

the original is 18"x14" oil on canvas and the gilceé will also be canvas. 
add $8 for shipping.

Be blessed

....over and out!

African Angel

Hi art lovers! You'll have to read my last post to understand this one...

Here she is!  I'm happy with this painting, however, I never did pick up a brush on my night alone. I sat on my couch and watched a movie instead. I couldn't bring myself to start the painting. I was real bummed out at mo.

It was getting dark to fast, the lighting in my studio wasn't right, my old oils were hard as rocks. Not that a little linseed oil and mineral spirits couldn't loosen them up but it was just enough for me to give up.

I also never posted my last blog. I just did... if anyone cares to read about my continued frustrations in being a older mother, a full time business owner and artist who doesn't have time to paint. As a matter of fact I started this blog thing to post a painting-a-day, thinking it would be a great discipline for me and I would improve my art. Ha! So, guess I should instead call it a painting-one-day! : )

African Angel was a blast to paint once I got started. I stalled for hours then knocked it out in 1 1/2 days, about 8 hours.  I wanted to be loose with my brush strokes so the art wouldn't be tight. Thanks to Carol Marine who I watched do a demo at the Wimberley Valley Art League last week, I was able to suck it up and move on to paint it. She encouraged me and I went for it. Hope you like it too.

Pulled out my dusty oils

Hey there art lovers, I actually have a night to myself! Really exciting but, I feel kind of lost at the moment. I hope to start a new painting tonight.  My subject? A little African girl with the biggest eyes I've ever seen and a an innocent smile that says, "I dont have a care in the world or a clue about how desperate I am."

I've never painted a dark skinned person. I consider this a challenge involving a great deal of joy!  The only problem is I haven't painted with oils for almost 8 years. Scary stuff!  When I'm finished I'm giving it to a friend who will sell it at a fundraiser/concert to raise money for a mission trip to Bondo, Uganda. I hope it sells.

Okay, so I'm stalling....playing with my cat, Mogli. He is so fat and soft. He knows he's not getting my full attention because I'm scratching his ears while I type this. He really wants to bit me right now but he's stalling.

I'll post this little African Angel soon....

Another Jesus?

Hello Art Lovers! I hope you are well. Well.. I painted Jesus, again. I know.. not another Jesus painting... so over done. Ah, but I never get enough of Jesus! If He was all I ever tried to capture in a creative way, I would be happy. Michael Angelo move over. I'm captivated by this painting. For one thing its primitive. I like primitive art. Another thing is its on tortured paper, like my troubled dad did in the 50s. The Acrylics skipped over the crumpled texture and added a dimension that I love. Third thing is the nail frame. My husband helped me make it. We demolished our old picnic table so its real weathered wood. Then there are the red nails. Why red you say...Duh..turns out I'm one nail short of the 39 lashes Jesus endured before the cross. I think I know just where to hammer it in. I have to admit that this frame housed a previous Jesus I painted in 2000. One even more primitive than this one. As I grow in my faith my Jesus grows bigger in my vision. One day I'll see His face! Never again will I try to create a perfect human example because I don't think any human can capture Him... it has always been the other way around. I will always try and reflect my God given talent and hopefully my heart. Here it is hanging on the back of my house: peace...

Primitive Reflection of Perfection
Acrylic on paper and board

31.5"x37"

Time Stands Still?

Happy New Year Art Lovers!  


It's 2010!! This fact is really hitting home. Time is marching through His-story at a vaporous pace and I'm feeling my artist spirit begin to hyperventilate! During the holiday break off from school and busy work days I'm usually able to experience that amazing feeling of paint smoothing over a canvas. However, medical emergencies and moving furniture filled this one. As I reflect on 2009 I'm left with the summary of what I'm not doing in my art career.  High hopes gave way to low productivity while raising kids and funds.  So, 2010... and I begin again. Not giving up but diving in. Not sulking, but shaking my head and laughing at myself... because my kids are healthy! Thank you Jesus!  And, there's always enough food in the pantry and gas in the cars.  All I ask for this year is that time would stand still... just a little while, so that creativity might flow and finished paintings could grow so that I'd have something to show.  


If no one sees your art.... is it?  

Reflecting on simplicity

Hi art lovers... all 3 of you. It's been a long time since I've posted.

A lot has happened. I lost a dear friend and client and I have designed and painted another set. A very complicated one. I'll post a photo of the set soon. But, its been a emotional and wildly busy ride! My life has been way to complex. Adding a new set design to the mix of a full time business and a family has totally exhausted me. I know, set boundaries silly! Although, to me, overdoing it at times stretches me and grows my knowledge and I believe God will use that to bless me down the road to a growing art career. Set design is a versatile art venue. I know a lot more now about painting big, painting objects and painting fast. I'm sure it'll come in handy somewhere. The most wonderful news is I actually painted while on my recent vacation to the beach on Padre Island! First time to paint there! Off the balcony of the condo we normally rent all I could see was sky, ocean and sand. Three distinct stripes of color. As a primarily abstract artist I loved that challenge.  KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid! The weather was divine. The wind, normally raging, was only a breeze and the November sun was low in the sky. The funny thing is my acrylics were still wet almost 2 hours after applying my underpainting! Coastal humidly apparently makes acrylic act like oils. I didn't mind to much because I love oils. I think I'll call this small, simple composition, "Balcony View at the Beach". Catchy huh?  Simple was my mantra on this long awaited vacation. I hope that when you look at this painting you enjoy a simple moment of peace. The stress and pressure evaporated with every humid brush stroke. I'd like to paint this beach scene again because the beaches in Texas are endless, so I'd need an extremely loooong horizontal canvas and an extremely loooooooooooooooooo-oooooooooooooooooooooooooooong vacation to get horizontal.  later....

HIGH TIDE

This painting was painted live at an event called FLOW, "For The Love of Water". The event was a weekend seminar/workshop thing to raise awareness of the drought in Texas.  I was asked to paint live at their "quick draw" auction. I did. Here it is.  It was a blast!  


The artist were asked to paint their love of water.  I absolutely love water, of course.  And I love color. High Tide is all about the emotion and life around water. Without it we die.  Water is fluid color, excitement, movement, reflections and collections of shapes. My watery painting is called High Tide because I love the ocean, and all the interesting stuff that washes up with the tide onto the beach.