...While Visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia

Beyond My Mountains

Oil on Gessoed MDF Panel

12 x 12

Available through my website

This piece is titled, "Beyond My Mountains." It is from an experience I had while visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It is meant to depict the feeling of joy when moving through something --whether spiritually or figuratively.

Such an amazing view...

Once we all got out of the car...it was pure perfection.

What was your last "take your breath away" experience?

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.

For Moms Whose Life May Not Be a Fantasy

"Julia - Standing Strong"
12x12
©Antonia Ruppert

Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel

Do you remember what two shows were on Saturday night TV in the 80’s? I won’t make you strain to remember.  They were Love Boat and Fantasy Island.  I bring them up to remind you of the endings—always perfect and wrapped up in an hour.  Though in real life, circumstances are not always a dream, I’m learning from other moms that one does not have to wait to be faithful. 

Don’t Wait to Believe

When I talked with Dee, she shared how she came to trust God with her children.  She recalls being anxious when her first daughter went away to college.  She says she cried - she was so scared.  At some point, she was assured by scripture when Jesus says he had not lost one(John 18:9).  She always goes back to that key verse.

Additionally, when her second daughter’s right side went limp while running track, she knew something was wrong.  She could not get in to see a specialist for her daughter for 6 months.  She remembers thinking, “Really Lord?’  The scripture that encouraged her was John 11:4 (But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death…”  Her daughter’s condition was eventually diagnosed and managed. 

 “God is amazing,” Dee says. He carried her through.

Don’t Wait to Worship

While getting to know Julia, it became apparent that she is a true worshipper. If you only knew her story, you'd understand her exuberant praise.

After suffering a stroke in 1995, she promised she would be a better mother.  Having a stroke brought her family closer to her.  God brought her through the slow journey.  That is why she praises God so much.

"Tina (Attentive and Faithful)"
©Antonia Ruppert
12x12

Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel

Don’t Wait to Laugh

As I painted Zoraida we could not help laughing and talking. 

Zoraida shared with me the funniest story about her children.  They were about  six and three at the time.  One day , some friends of her mother showed up to visit her. In her excitement, she forgot to offer them anything-no water, cookies or anything. This was something she often did when friends stopped by.  

After talking for a bit, her small children appeared with the tray. They had placed  real glasses and everything on it.  They walked in with juice spilling between the two of them. The three year old asked, “Do you want juice?” in Spanish.  But she said it wrong since she was just learning , both English and Spanish.

Zoraida smiled and laughed as she recalled this memory.

"Hannah Remembering" - progress
©Antonia Ruppert
12x12

Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel

Don't Wait to Remember

The funny stories continued when I talked to Hannah.

She recalled a day when her husband was home with their two year old, Marcus. When she returned home, Marcus came downstairs with a substance on his face and arms.  Hannah thought it was poop all over him and started freaking out.  She did what every mom would do. She smelled it, etc., but there was no scent.  She went upstairs and found what he’d gotten into.  what she saw made her laugh.  He  had found a stash of cheetos and coffee(was it ground?).  He had dipped the cheetos into the coffee and ate some and smeared some. 

It’s one of those stories you remember with laughter.

Thanks to all of the mothers who have shared their stories with me.  I am headed today to my church New Life Community Church to worship.  As part of the service for Mother's Day, folks will be able to see twelve paintings from my series.  Here is a sneek peek at the installation: 

Portraits of Motherhood
 Installation view at New Life Community Church (Melrose Park, IL)
©Antonia Ruppert

Portraits of Motherhood 
 Installation view at New Life Community Church (Melrose Park, IL)
©Antonia Ruppert

In conclusion, I am learning so much from my painting series.  No matter what mountain you are facing, no matter what battles you’re fighting - you don’t have to wait.  No, this is not the Love Boat or Fantasy Island.  But, what I’m learning from other moms is that one does not have to wait to be faithful. You can believe, worship, laugh and remember.  Now.

Who do you know who'd love to see this post? Thank you for using the share buttons to post on Facebook, Google + or where ever you hang out.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Faces of Strength - a Mom with a Global Heart

"Lori's Heart"
Mixed Media on Panel
12x12

In my last post, I shared about Lori.   This post, I hope to inspire you with her strength story.

For Lori, it all started at a church youth group about four years ago.  The topic was about an organization called “Feed My Starving Children.” a non-profit committed to feeding malnourished children.  She thought it would be a good way for her own children to be involved - “kids helping kids.”  

About two years later, after Lori became the president of her parent/teacher association she was given a huge task.  The superintendent suggested they come up with a community service project for the middle schoolers.  The idea to do something with “Feed My Starving Children” kept coming back to her. 

The idea was sealed when she saw they had a mobile packing day event which allows groups to pack meals at their own location.  She says she felt it was a way for the students to be “globally connected.” It was a chance to “reach beyond our borders.”

It took a big step of faith and a ton of letters, followup and fundraising. As a result of her step and that of many other community members, there were: 

• 108,000 mobile packs
• 510 volunteers
• 3 different packing sessions
• 14 pallets of food

298 children fed for one year!

Lori says she learned “not to limit God with what my idea of possible is. All things are possible.”

Can I hear an amen?

Faces of Strength - What Do You Have a Heart for?

"Lori - in Progress"
Oil Pastel and Acrylic
12 x12

Have you ever met someone who is so purposeful about her calling?  

That is my friend Lori - another strong subject in my Faces of Strength series. 

Besides being a wife and a mother of two teens, Lori has a real heart for children.  She had always wanted her own children after holding babies in her church nursery.  

After starting her family later in life, she believes family to be the most important foundation.  As her children are now older, she says its important to develop relationships with them as they mature.

So what happens when this determined wife, mom and PTA president decides to help starving children and make a global impact?  

I will share the details of Lori’s mission in my next post.

Meanwhile, what do you have a heart for? What mission would you be willing to exert great strength for?

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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.

For the One Who Thinks 1986 is Ancient

"Imani"
©Antonia Ruppert
Watercolor
8x11

Doesn't it just rub you when your kids think you're waaay uncool? Here is a poem inspired by my youngest daughter, Imani, age 9 - who currently thinks 1986 is ancient.  To read why I wrote this, go here.  

One Day ©Antonia Ruppert

One day soon in the mirror you’ll see

all I had hoped you’d be

You’ll look long and hard and say

“Mom also wore her hair that way.”

Your skin etched with laughter 

where smooth use to be

Your velvety hands

moistened with Mr. Clean

That your way will be guided 

and your dreams made true

Is all I can ever hope for you.

Yet, in the mirror, one day, you’ll see

though today you laugh hilariously.

In the mirror one day you’ll see,

you’re more than ever like me.

What I Learned this Week about Laughter

"In the Mirror"
©Antonia Ruppert
Acrylic and Mixed Media
12x12

Do you ever laugh at yourself? This week I learned that part of being human is being able to laugh at your own experiences.  My 9 year old spent some part of this evening watching some of my old videos and laughing. 

This was NOT a “laugh with you” kind of laugher.

She said look at your clothes, why did you wear that? (And I thought my clothes were just fine.)

She then said, “Look Mom, look at your dancing!” After some moments of watching, she finally said “You freak me out!”

I had to say OK and laugh with her. Some of my old videos were a bit much -  to say the least.  We had a moment together.

I am working on a poem - an ode to my youngest which I will share with you next post.

Pictured in this post is another painting from my series Faces of Strength.  “In the Mirror” is a rendition of Sylvia. Another painting of Sylvia is posted here.

This week I learned to not take myself so seriously. Have you laughed at your own self lately? 

Go ahead, look again at those old videos. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Faces of Strength: Awaken to Joy

"Awaken to Joy" © Antonia Ruppert
12 x 12-  Mixed Media on Panel
Prints are available on: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/toni-ruppert.html

Waking up to joy. I know it’s hard to feel joyful when it’s storming outside (as it was yesterday here in Chicago).  Waking up at 2am when it’s your turn for “doody" duty is usually not a joyful moment either.  If you feel 100% joyful, read no further because that is what I’m talking about today.

I was a guest at a friends Naidy’s baby shower.  My friends and I found a way to bring a smile by writing encouraging and funny notes on the diapers:

• I Poop Butterflies
• I’ll Thank You Later
• I’m God’s Little Reward
• Don’t Forget to Love Me

I had to laugh imagining my friend changing diapers in the middle of the night with these messages on them.  Awakening to joy is all in how you frame it. 

Last week, for my Faces of Strength project, I interviewed and started painting “Jenny.”   She experiences the highs and lows of motherhood and yet finds simple joy in receiving love from her kids. When they look at her with love - she gets a huge thrill.   

I painted this piece "Awaken to Joy" based on what Jenny said.

"Awaken to Joy" © Antonia Ruppert
Progress 1: Paint and smooth on primed panel

"Awaken to Joy" © Antonia Ruppert
Progress 2: Add lists and collage/Mod Podge it

"Awaken to Joy" © Antonia Ruppert
Progress 3: Add tissue paper with words and acrylic medium

"Awaken to Joy" © Antonia Ruppert
Progress 4: After drying: Add glaze of color and drawing

It was an exhilarating experience for me as I added lists and collaged pieces to the panel thinking of how I could express this idea of joy.

The other day, before my youngest fell asleep in the car, she said, “I love you Mom.”  So of course I’m tearing up driving down the expressway.  Like Jenny, it was simple, but it filled me with joy.  I wrote the memory in my journal so I would not forget it.

Are you awaking to joy?  Whether you’re in a snow storm or another storm of sorts, it’s all in how you frame it.  You might be on diaper "doody" or in another season of life.  Remember its all in how you frame it.

Faces of Strength: No Stopwatch for a Mother's Love

"I Arise" © Antonia Ruppert
12x14-  Mixed Media on Panel

Does a mother’s love have a stopwatch? What about an online timer? This week while painting, I was reminded that these do not exist.  I realized for perhaps the 1000th time that a mother’s love is strong and should not stop. I’ll write more about this today and also invite you to my next group art show.

I interviewed two mom’s and worked on drawings and paintings of each for my "Faces of Strength" project.  

"I Arise" progress © Antonia Ruppert

"I Arise" progress © Antonia Ruppert

I learned and was reminded that:

• Patience is the number one quality you need in motherhood.  (Sounds like being an artist)
• Mother’s don’t get to whine. 
• The best thing about being a mom is that look of love from your child.
• Getting up at 4am daily to care for one’s family is not too early.

If you are curious about what’s on the minds of mothers and women in general, I invite you to my next group show:

Valentines Day Opening

“Women of Many Colors” Group Art show curated by Dianna Long.  

Feb. 14, 2015 (1-4pm) Art show opening reception

March 21, 2015 - last day of show. It closes at 4p.m.

Urban Art Retreat

773-542-9126

1957 S. Spaulding Ave. Chicago, Il. 60623

(Chicago, Lawndale Community)

I’d love to meet you there.  I will have four paintings and a time based piece with paintings, drawings, photography, words and music. The idea that I can compile these various media to create a moving story to share fascinates me. 

Right now, there is no stopwatch for my girls.  The best thing about being a mother is the Thank You I get from my 21 year old and the hugs from my 9 year old. The best thing right now about being an artist is getting to talk about this in my work.

How does this resonate with you?  Comment below or tell me in person at the show.

Becoming a Better Neighbor: Painting Joan

"Joan" © Antonia Ruppert
8x8-  Acrylic on Panel

What if I told you that you could become a better neighbor in 3 easy steps?  I hope you’d say, “Come again?” In the winter especially, being a better neighbor in 3 or 30 steps is not easy.  It involves seeing, having compassion and being willing to give of your time.

Here’s my story…

Recently, I received a call from a dear friend who asked me to check on Joan, my neighbor. What my friend was asking was for me to spend more time and call more often in this season. 

Joan - the subject of today’s painting - is my neighbor and has been since we moved over a year ago.  She is a kind-hearted person and whenever we talk on the phone she says “Have a blessed day.” 

I did not know a lot about Joan, but over time I’ve gotten to know her. She’s been to my place and I have been to hers.  When Joan and I talk, we talk about about the news, our families and sometimes we pray together. Her bible is usually near her.  

This week while visiting, the light was hitting her in such a way - I knew she would be the subject of my next painting.  I had my camera with me and took pictures of her from different angles.

I spent time painting her this week.  Though I painted daily, I did not finish it in one day.  If I would have shown you the painting the first day, it would have looked like this:

"Joan" Day 1

Here is the second day of progress:

"Joan Day 2

Today I went back to see if I’d gotten everything just so.  I found a few things to tighten up a bit.

After painting for a while, at some point, I showed it to Joan and she said, “Yep, that’s me.”

I love when paintings like this come together.  I am grateful to my dear friend who reminded me of how to be a better neighbor.  Becoming a better neighbor as well as painting this piece is not a "3 easy steps"process. But I’m glad.

Did you know I welcome commissions?  See more of my work at Fine Art America.

No More Candy

"No More Candy" © Antonia Ruppert
8x8-  Acrylic and Charcoal on Panel

So I peeked in the fridge and saw this half of an apple.  It was ready to be tossed - for real - so I decided to paint it before I did that.  Did you know that "ready to be tossed" apples are delightful to paint? There are so many tones that your eye must be sensitive to. There are grays, browns and greens that you don't see in fresh apples.

I called it "No More Candy" after a suggestion from my daughter's friend Faith. It brought a smile to my face.  FUN!

More than Life

"More than Life" © Antonia Ruppert
6x6-  Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas

This wee painting gave me joy to paint.  At first, it looked like mush - honestly - and then it came together for me. Inch by inch.

Inching there. Thats what I'd like to think it was like.

I think thats what we're suppose to do - keep trying until things come together.  I've heard lately of my friends pursuing their New Year's resolutions - to lose weight, to get closer to their family or to go for their destiny. Maybe thats you.

Steady and sure - you'll reach your goals.

This painting is of dying flowers I almost tossed.  I call it "More than Life" because I found something uniquely lovely in them.  Still.

Still Life There!

"Still Life There" © Antonia Ruppert
9x12 -  Acrylic and Charcoal on Panel

I love when something destined for refuse gets reused.  These dried flowers I wrote about in my last post still hold beauty.  I decided to paint another painting with my hand holding the blossom from a different angle.

I'm reminded of something my friend Maritza often says, "He wastes nothing" meaning God wastes nothing.  I'm convinced our lives are like that.  We may feel washed up, tired and ready for a siesta - but there is something yet beautiful in each life experience.

Paul Manwaring talks about nothing being wasted in his blog piece "He Got You Ready, He Wastes Nothing." Its a short post but full of meaning.

Meanwhile, my piece "Still Life There" is of a flower I was ready to toss. I'm so glad I didn't.

Feeling the Love

"Feeling the Love" - Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas- 8x10

Sometimes you can have so much fun, you can lose track of time. I have been having fun experimenting with acrylic paint, charcoal and various mediums(paint additives).  Since the last piece was acrylic and pencil, I decided to push it a little with charcoal.

This small painting is acrylic with matte medium and charcoal.  The piece started with a bright overlay of orange and yellow - two of my favorite colors these days. Perhaps that is because of the blues and grays outside this time of year.

I started the drawing in charcoal beginning with the eyes of the figure on the right.  That part was completed first. Then I let it rest. I needed fresh eyes.

After coming back to it with afresh, I began the figure on the right and then the background. My friend Tina asked me if I ever painted in an abstract style.  Since she asked, I experimented with that too.

Sometimes the best things happen when you're just playing.  Ha! Ha!

I'm wondering what you do that feels like play? Feel free to comment below.

With Help from Friends

With Help From Friends  - 9x12 - Acrylic/Pencil on Panel

Sometimes we are blessed with a few key people in our lives who encourage us.  Sometimes these friends walk beside us or kneel beside us holding us up.  This small painting is the image of what I see when that happens. I call it "With Help from Friends."

The piece is layered and textured with warm hues first. After that dries, then comes the drawing. This time, I created the drawing from several photographs I took. 

I like to go back into the drawing with acrylic - highlighting one area or another.  I appreciated the way this small painting came out. 

With Help from Friends -- (close up)

Hope for Another Day

Acrylic and Pencil on Panel - 9x12

This painting came to me after a time of thinking about some of my friends and family.  Some are going through some tough situations.  The only thing I could do was respond by creating.

I created a drawing showing someone's head being lifted up. That prompted the painting - I loved the drawing so much.

The sun, the egg and the flowers are all symbols of new life, growth and warmth.

After priming the panel with gesso, I created a wash of yellows and reds.  Using the drawing as a guide, I recreated it on the piece after the wash dried.  Additionally, I painted the flowers and egg from life. I eventually went over the entire piece with pencil to add emphasis. 

I call it "Hope for Another Day."

Happy New Year!

"Daddy" approx. 7x7 Pencil

Happy New Year! I begin this year with a small drawing of my Dad. We lost him just after New Years 2014.  I am grateful to have become an artist because of him.  I am grateful God gave him to us even for such a short time. So with that, I start 2015 creating...again.

"Royalty," acrylic figurative © Toni Ruppert

"Royalty" 16x20 Mixed Media on Pine Board
© Toni Ruppert

I wanted to paint some STRONG WOMEN.  I put a post on my Facebook page to see who could pose for me.  One of my long time friends, Pat, replied to me.

It was awesome to see her in person after so many years.  As you can see from the picture, Pat is very stately and beautiful. Deeply spiritual, she has a strong presence about her.

"Pat in Sepia" Photo ©Toni Ruppert

After sketching her that day and taking photos, I could not wait to get home and get a chance to work on it.

I started with a 1/2 inch blank 16x20 pine board which I quickly covered with color. I chose yellow and orange for the underpainting.  Those colors mean fire and energy for me - I wanted to ensure that came out in the final.

As I created “Pat” I made some decisions.  I know you can’t tell from the photo, but I used Sennelier pastels for the back ground.  I loved the effect and sprayed it to hold it.

Underpainting © Toni Ruppert

Progress © Toni Ruppert

I decided to place a silver crown on her and to accentuate the shawl.  Her actual shawl was so  beautiful, I wanted to do it justice.

I chose jewel-like colors to show this.

Playing with the shawl...

I work sometimes by computer. Blowing up the photo on my screen. Yes, my computer is turned on its head. That’s the only way I could rotate the photo just right. It worked....!!

Progress with the computer....

At this point, I slowed way down. I was having such a good time painting “Pat.” I took my time and enjoyed the peace.  At one point, Mike--my husband, took a photo of me painting.  It was like the perfect shot.

"Royalty" in Progress © Mike Ruppert

The next phase was what I call a cruise phase. Adding more and more detail, I painted the face and just played with it.

At the end, I knew it was not completed. I wanted to show a pendant with “something” in it.  I’ve been going through some tough stuff lately and so have some of my friends.  By God's grace, I am sustained.  I was moved to show something to depict what may lay underneath the beauty and composed state. 

I borrowed Norwegian Expressionist Edvard Munch’s painting Der Schrei der Natur (The Scream of Nature) otherwise known as “The Scream.” I painted the actual head screaming as her pendant.


I immediately knew the agonized expression on the face of the pendant was perfect.

Close up of "Royalty" ©Toni Ruppert

Adding the "scream"....

"Royalty" © Toni Ruppert

“Royalty" is now completed and ready to share. For more information about prints of "Royalty” click  to my Fine Art America site.