Sunday, June 28, 2015

Good News Post!

Saugatuck Journey of Light
22x30
Mixed Media
©Antonia Ruppert

This is a quick Good News Post!


I'm super thrilled as I write this. My proposed piece - "Saugatuck Journey of Light" has been accepted by the Arc Hotel which is being built in Muncie, IN. I am thankful to God for the opportunity and for my friend Bill who let me know about it.

Oli's Pets
12x12
Acrylic on Panel
©Antonia Ruppert
This piece came together this week to a great response.  This is what I was told, "OMGoodness...you are awesome...it is beautiful...I knew you would do an amazing job...God bless your hands woman!" 

Rough Patch
14x14
Acrylic on Paper
©Antonia Ruppert
This piece is something different for me. Very. I was surprised at the playfulness and freedom of it.  I put music on and my paints and this is what happened.

So thats it. Good news all around.  Thank you for joining me here!





Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Spending Daddy's Day Without Dad? - Some Inspiration

"Robert Lee James"
©Antonia Ruppert
Graphite on Paper
This is all still new to me. This spending Father's Day without my Dad.  I know my friends LaTanya, Laura and Bruce can relate....

Perhaps this is the path for you too this Father's Day.  In any case, I want to invite you into this moment with me--this inspirational/celebratory moment.

Remembering the Inspiration
First, I recall as a young girl watching Daddy come home from a hard days work and draw.  I was delighted by what he would create with just a pencil, paper and eraser. I thought to myself that one day, I’d like to draw like that too.

Remembering the Celebration
Second, I remember how over the years, I utilized Daddy or the feelings about him for creations.



"Real Men Read" - Markham Public Library, Markham, Illinois
Latex and Acrylic Paint on Wood 
(Bench Constructed by Ursich Construction)
"Daddy Daughter Day"
©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor
"For Lauren"
© Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor
18x24

For the "Real Men Read" bench for the Markham Public Library in Markham, IL, I utilized photos of my Dad for the figure on the right. Additionally, this painting, "Daddy Daughter Day" shown below shares a closeness I experienced with my Dad growing up.


After completing the painting above, I received these words on my Facebook page:

My name is Lauren... and my mom is Mia...I wanted to thank you for the BEAUTIFUL painting of me and my dad. It was so special. I couldn't have dreamed a better birthday gift...It's brought me to tears a few times already and I've only had it a few hours.

I lost my dad at 3 so that didn't give us much time for pictures together so my collection is limited. But now I get to look at us together everyday. There's no words to describe what that means to me. Thank you for your time and work. I cannot wait to display it in my home forever! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Can you believe that the impetus for this started when I was a little girl watching my Dad draw?

Over the years, Daddy seemed interested in my work and what new project I was working on. His last words to me were “Toni, keep doing what you are doing.” Since I did not know they were the last words, I cherish them all the more.


I celebrate these moments...

What moments do you have to celebrate?
How might you express them today?

I will leave you with this song and a concluding encouragement. 


No matter if this past Mother's Day, this upcoming Father's Day or the next birthday is challenging, I encourage you to create for your loved one. Make a song, a rap, a dish, a painting, a poem, a journal entry...

Feel free to let me know how it goes in the comments below.