Art Everyday Finale - Morning Devotion

Morning Devotion
12x12
Oil and Acrylic
©Antonia Ruppert

This morning, I awoke and had devotion time. That time reading scripture all connected with this watercolor painting to create this new oil piece, "Morning Devotion."


The collage below shows the inspiration/process. It started with the watercolor painting which was created yesterday from an idea and a batch of photography. Then this morning, after devotion time and another photo, I was curious how the whole idea would look in oil.

Morning Devotion Inspiration/Process
Watercolor - left
©Antonia Ruppert

If I learned anything from this past month's art everyday challenge, it's this- Be Open.  One never knows where an idea is coming from. 

Art Everyday.  As I end this challenge, I reflect. Though I did not post every single day, I created something everyday - for which I am grateful. 

Art Everyday Month - What's Your One Thing?

"Untitled"

Oil and Charcoal on Canvas

30x40

©Antonia Ruppert

Do that one thing first. That's what I learned today. My friend and fellow artist Elaine shared a resource with me- The One Thing - a book by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan.

The synopsis from their website- What’s the ONE Thing you can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary? 

That one thing for me was to finish this painting which I started in 2012.  I wanted to finish it to submit it for the Black Creativity 2016 juried exhibition held at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.  I felt like the painting needed revisions. Here is the painting before the revisions: 

"Untitled"

Oil and Charcoal on Canvas

30x40

©Antonia Ruppert 

Thank God I finished it before I left the house today. 

As it turns out, I blew a tire this afternoon. So I spent the day getting roadside assistance and getting my tire fixed. 

Surprisingly, nothing bothered me about how I was spending my time.  I had already completed my most creative work. 

So I ask you - What is your one thing such that by doing it would make your day?

I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Also, this painting is currently untitled - but on my Facebook page, I am currently accepting "title" suggestions.  Go there to share your suggestions.

I appreciate you already.

Flow Paintings: Paintings I Paint to Music Within

Do you have a song that plays in your head over and over?  I do. It seems I'm always singing or humming. Music just takes me there, you know? These paintings are my response to music within. I call them flow paintings...because they simply flow out. 

"Bold and Beautiful"
Oil on Panel
12x12
©Antonia Ruppert

"Breathing in Joy"
Oil on Panel
12x12
©Antonia Ruppert

"Joy is Within"
Oil on Panel
12x12
©Antonia Ruppert

Here is a sprinkling of the music that I have played while painting - 

1. K'Jon - On the Ocean  - it plays over and over...
2. Paul Bolache - Praise is Rising
3. Colorado Mass Choir - Stir Up the Gift
4. Judith McAllister - Halle Halle Hallelujah  - I can't help but dance in worship...
5. Lamar Campbell - More Than Anything
6. Youthful Praise - Lord You're Mighty
7. Kim Walker - I Exalt Thee
8. Lord, Do It - Hezekiah Walker
9. William Murphy - It's Working

What music do you listen to? What influences your work? I'd love to hear from you.

New Painting is Accepted: “Genesis of Survival”

"Genesis of Survival" ©2011 Toni Ruppert, 30x40, Oil and Charcoal

Do you know a more inspired, more encouraged, more joyful artist from the "west side" than me?  Today I'm even more pumped!

Acceptance!
 
Yesterday, I got an acceptance letter for my painting “Genesis of Survival” to the show "Testimony to Being" at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.  

I’m really excited about this acceptance as it is the first time I’ve entered something this personal into a show and it was accepted.  “Genesis of Survival” is one of my favorite paintings because I love the detail work done with a palette knife.  It's like painting with a flexible butter knife.


Detail:

"Genesis of Survival-detail" © 2011 Toni Ruppert, Oil and Charcoal

 

The exhibit will be on view from October 15, 2011 through November 5, 2011 at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.