Keep Your Head Up

"Keep Your Head Up - design sketch"
©Antonia Ruppert
Ink and Watercolor on Paper
6.5x11

Keep your head up. You can do it. Stay Positive. It will work out.

Today marks the first day in this new month. Its a day for pranks according to my daughter but, I think its a day for new beginnings.

So encourage yourself.

I submitted this design idea to a new training center that is looking for art.  I loved the message and thought you would also appreciate the positive vibe.

I dedicate this creation to my godson BJ and my dear friend Anita.

Keep your head up.

What I've Noticed Despite Pain

What I Noticed #1 - Ink on Paper ©Toni Ruppert

I did not realize how pain could affect me. And my art.  Physical pain affects the way you think and move...and talk and create.

I have had weird pains in my back. Hopefully, this will be taken care of over the next few weeks as I am scheduled to see a specialist next week. Sometimes I've had to sit still so I would not feel anything.

This has obviously affected the way I see myself.  I've seen myself frail...

On top of that, we recently moved.  With the pain and moving, I've noticed EVERYTHING.

Details. Cracks on side walks. Reflections in window glass.
Here is what I've noticed so far:

What I Noticed #1 - Ink on Paper ©Toni Ruppert

At the grocery store, I was getting a package of hashbrowns or something, when I turned around to see a guy who was IN my personal space. We locked eyes and in the instant that it took me to notice the joint in his right hand, I felt fear. I said hello, signaled my daughter and went on. That whole day, I thought about him and what brought him to THIS morning. I felt like this guy was a kid at some point. This drawing is the result of my encounter with him.

On My Mind (Detail) - Ink on Paper ©Toni Ruppert

Two friends of mine who are missionaries in Santiago Chile have been on my mind. They care for abandoned children among other ministry programs.  Jack and Janine are extremely faithful and committed. You can read about them here: http://chilemission.org/swansons/ 

On My Mind #1 - Ink on Paper - ©Toni Ruppert

More...

On My Mind #2 - Ink on Paper - ©Toni Ruppert

On My Mind #3 - Ink on Paper - ©Toni Ruppert

All I know it that it is important to keep creating despite the pain.  Jesus es vencedor (In Jesus we always have the victory.)

Purpose: Using Creativity to Encourage and Connect

Higher Learning ©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor on Paper, 36x42

I just started reading The Success Principles by Jack Canfield - the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. In the second principle, Canfield expounds that one must be clear why one is here. After a few exercises, I’m sharing with you my reader my purpose. My purpose is to use my creativity and interpersonal skills to encourage, recognize and inspire others to joyfully express their God-given talents to help others and connect with them.

This week, I connected with some friends on Facebook asking them to name this painting. Based, on their comments, this painting is called “Higher Learning” also known as “Our Father.” Thanks to Shawanna and Chenetha who provided these name suggestions. I am in appreciation to everyone who commented.

This watercolor painting is 36x42 and is part of a “worship series” for Living Springs Community Church, a church 40 minutes south east of Chicago. After the church administration chose a theme, I created a series of photographs from models(Thanks Rance and Buddy). After creating some sketches, the administration chose one for me to work from.

Next step? I will complete a final painting in the series with the theme “praise.“ I’ll be looking for an African American woman model from Chicago to photograph with chin length curly hair who has a beautiful smile. Based on my original sketch, she might look a little like me. Any suggestions?

Putting One's Faith in Action

Sleeping in Safety ©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor/Pastel on Paper

This week, I watched a TD Jakes video entitled Put Your Faith in Action. It inspired me to not let my dreams die. In the message, TD Jakes said faith works if you work it. This week I worked it.

I painted more. I added exercise to my daily routine. And I simply prayed. Praying is always an example of putting one's faith in action. It takes faith to be close to God...faith to believe.

This watercolor painting - "Sleeping in Safety" describes what I want for myself, my daughter and women everywhere - to experience love and safety. The swirls and waves came to me like a rush. I painted them first on watercolor paper. Then my daughter allowed me to draw her which I did. That pastel/charcoal drawing was then added on top of the watercolor. Voila!

Faith to Continue the Course

"Release for Tina"
©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor on Paper

As I begin this blog, I know I can stay the course with faith. I can alter the destination slightly. What I need is a good paint brush, some arches water color paper, a vision and music by "Mary, Mary" in the background. I'm an artist and artist's create. With a faithful decision:

1. I can further my artistic education - the goal is artistic mastery.

2. I can choose to embark on a path that is perfect for me - painting.
3. Jan, 1, 2009 is the beginning of the rest of my life.
4. I take full responsibility for the changes I want to see.

In this post, I am including one of the images I loved creating in 2008. I created it for my friend Tina who was going through a storm.  It's called "Release for Tina" and was created with watercolor. It was a joy to know that this work helped someone else get through a tough situation.

I have faith to continue the course and practice resiliency. I am most grateful to be able to create, for my supplies and for people to share my work with.