"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.

Barack Obama Learning Center - Daring to Dream

Board Members -  D. Carter, E. Proctor-Harris and G. Dudley ©Toni Ruppert

“This is a dream come true.” “It’s been twenty-five years in the making.” I heard this over and over at the Barack Obama Learning Center Grand Opening in the Village of Phoenix, IL.  On Sunday, August 19, 2012 - many residents, officials and well-wishers came for the ribbon cutting ceremony and open-house.  The energy was high and the smiles were genuine as the community welcomed its first library.

This is the first public building in the US named in honor of President Barack Obama. 
It’s good to know the history of this library.

Phoenix Library Board President Jessica Buckner
and Recording Secretary Martina Mahaffey ©Toni Ruppert

In the Phoenix Rising, a publication of the Village of Phoenix, writer Martina Mahaffey shared the history of Phoenix’s pursuit of a library of their own. The Phoenix Public Library Board of Trustees was established in April of 1987. Over time, the residents were serviced by the Harvey, IL Public Library. A “library room” was eventually established in the William Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center in Phoenix.  After four years of planning and visiting other libraries--the new library was established as a partnership between the Phoenix Public Library, the Village of Phoenix and the South Holland, IL School District 151.

Library Director -Kaleena Woodard
and artist Toni Ruppert. ©Toni Ruppert

I was there with a few hundred well-wishers to celebrate the library opening.  I was invited by Xavier Menzies, Library Director for the Markham Public Library in Markham, IL.  I had the opportunity to work with Menzies while creating art for the Markham Public Library. 

The Barack Obama Learning Center  - celebrated by many.

One resident, Barbara Stewart and I talked about the value of education and the seeds of knowledge established in us as children.  I was impressed to hear that her grandmother instilled in her a love of reading by having her “read” comic strip pictures and share what she thought the pictures were about. Barbara is now a journalist.

The Stewart family celebrates. ©Toni Ruppert

Mayor Terry Wells and Thornton Township
President Frank Zuccarelli ©Toni Ruppert

I reconnected with Art Burton, my former freshman advisor at Loyola University Chicago who now teaches history at South Suburban College.  Burton would often speak of his hometown Phoenix, IL. 

Dr. Florine Robinson and Toni Ruppert
©Toni Ruppert

Brett Fickes, Area Instructional Leader for Thornton High School in Harvey, IL spoke of knowing Phoenix Mayor Terry Wells for many years from Thornton High School where Mayor Wells teaches Modern U.S. History. 

I also celebrated with Dr. Florine Robinson, Chair of the Senior Citizen Committee for the Village of Hazel Crest, IL.  It was absolutely fabulous seeing her again - Dr. Robinson was the first person who purchased a painting from me.

What I Learned

I have 3 takeaways from speaking to people at the event including Mayor Terry Wells, former Mayor January Belmont and her daughter June Mitchell:

Phoenix Mayor Terry Wells
and Brett Fickes(School District 205)
©Toni Ruppert

Former Mayor January Belmont
with her daughter June Mitchell ©Toni Ruppert

• If you’re going to do something, do it right. - The ceremony, the open-house and the library itself is first class.  
• Teamwork makes the dream work. - This library was built via a “tri-partnership” as Martina Mahaffey called it in her article. I noticed an overlapping of the faith-based, political, community and educational arenas. Pooling resources together made this building possible.

Brenda Mason and Mae Buchanon
were in charge of the beautiful tables of food.
©Toni Ruppert

• Human relationships are ultra important and perhaps more so than financial capital.  I noticed a genuineness as I connected with people.  Having good relationships builds projects...and public libraries.

If you’re in the Phoenix, IL area which is about 35 minutes south of Chicago, IL, do visit the library. It is a testimony to dreams.

Big Idea? Get an Adviser

"Higher Learning"  Watercolor/ Ink on Paper  ©AntoniaRuppert

“Many advisers make victory sure.”  I learned these wise words of King Solomon years ago when I was mentored as a young Christian.

In my last post, I mentioned three things that help put BIG IDEAS into action.  One of these three things was having many advisers.  I thought it might be helpful to you, my reader, to further explain this concept and how it is helping me reach one of my goals. 

Here is who I've sought advice from:

• Amos Johnson, Jr. - Adviser to Christian Entrepreneurs
• Centerpoint - Governor State University’s center for small businesses in Illinois
• Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) - Chicago’s small business incubator

Adviser to Christian Entrepreneurs
Amos Johnson, Jr. and his Biblical Entrepreneurship Training Center -  I was introduced to him via a Facebook group for Christian Entrepreneurs. 

“What is my calling? How can I continue to focus on what God has called me to do with my creative gift?  Before getting advice from Amos, these types of questions swam in my head.

Working via phone with Amos has helped me get more and more clear about these questions.  I had not yet considered that God was truly interested in my business. Something to consider, right?

Business Development Advisers
Further, I asked the folks at Governor State University’s Centerpoint - .  This business center’s mission is to create a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs.  Bob, Dan, Don, Marlene and staff have helped me tremendously.  From one-on-one meetings about planning my business to an Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, they have provided practical knowledge.

Technical Specialists
While at Centerpoint, Don encouraged me to check out the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC).  I called and found their Procurement Technical Assistance Center to be world class.  They strive to help all Illinois based businesses build contractor relationships with local, state and federal government entities.  I’ve learned way more than I ever expected.  I am so grateful for their help.

Concluding Thoughts
I had a goal and needed help fulfilling it.  In order for me to go to the next level in my artistic business, I sought advice. In one of my affirmations, which I posted on my Facebook Page, I wrote:

My every step is guided.
I make right choices.
I give it my all--
heart and soul.

I would not be able to believe and declare this without the help of many advisers.

How have you sought out advisers? What’s your process for seeking out mentors? Please share in the comments below.

How I Go for the Really Big Ideas

"Morning Meditation I"   India Ink and Acrylic on Paper   ©Toni Ruppert    

I had a big belly laugh this week. My sister texted me something funny my nephew BJ asked.  She wrote, “So out of nowhere, BJ asks me, “Mommy, how did I come out of your mouth when I was born?”

My sister said she was speechless.  I cried laughing.  Kids ask the darnedest things, don’t they?

Bj reminded me of how inquisitive I was as a child. I was definitely an explorer of new things.  That same curiosity leads me today as an entrepreneur.  I like to ask myself:
 

• How else can I inspire and encourage with my work?
• How else can I be of creative service to my clients?
• What would happen if I went after “The Big Ideas?
• Why go 2x when I can go 10x?”

That last question is from Dan Sullivan, author and founder of Strategic Coach.  In the May 2012 edition of Success Magazine Dan writes about 10 times thinking. The idea is to grow something important to you by 10 times.  The chosen 10 times goal  - while not an end in itself - would catapult you into a new set of abilities. With these new capabilities, you would then be able to go 10x in any area you choose in the future. 

I read this and a light bulb went off.  I thought this might help me put BIG IDEAS into action. I’ll share how this act of going 10x actually fleshed out in my daily life.  After some consideration, I decided to:

1. Write my vision and make it clear

2. Make victory sure with many advisers

3. Work hard to bring a profit

Let me explain the first one.  The second and third action step will be explained at another time. 

 

Big Ideas Must Be Written

For me, implementing the 10x way of thinking started with scripture.  The Bible says, "Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly.” - Habakkuk 2:2.   After taking in that scripture along with Dan Sullivan’s idea, I realized I already had a lined softcover book that I could write my affirmations in.  I also had an almost new 5 subject yellow notebook. I named it and am now using it for my BIG IDEAS which include: 

©Toni Ruppert

• plans for my future art fair booth
• 3-month goals with deadlines
• charity goals(American Cancer Society - Relay for Life)
• plans for paintings I’d like to see in public spaces across the U.S.
• other awesome ideas gleaned from my advisers

 

Results of Going After Big Ideas

The last two to three weeks have brought some personal results and some bruising disappointments.

A personal result of writing down my vision has been that my morning routine is absolutely inspiring me - I get out of bed excited about the day. 

Additionally, after writing my daily affirmations,  I shared them once or twice on my personal timeline on Facebook.  After seeing them, my dear friend Leanna shared that she liked seeing them daily.  So I started posting the affirmations daily on my personal timeline. I am considering posting them regularly to my Facebook Fan page so everyone can benefit - let me know what you think, okay? 

It has not all been a bed of ease.  First, after collaborating with another artist on a BIG IDEA art project for a University, our idea and concepts were not chosen.  Bummer! Second, two mural projects for a local school district did not materialize as I’d hoped.  Ouch!  Finally, the super duper press release for my summer art camps was nixed by one of the park districts I'm working with.  Slammed!  (It was my own responsibility - I did not know the correct regulations and procedures that needed to be followed.)

Though this all happened, I find myself in a good place -- a place of trust.  The BIG IDEAS are flowing and I’m going after them.  Again, I will share more soon.  I leave you with one of the affirmations I posted this week:

Rising before the sun came up, I ran to meet God. This glorious day is here! I AFFIRM:

I can flourish.
I excel in strength.
He leaps with me.
I am lifted.

101 Ways I've Created

One of my favorite childhood memories includes drawing on the "den" floor with lots of paper and crayons.  My Dad use to come home from Brach's Candy in Chicago and sketch.  I think back to how connected I felt to Dad when I created something. 

"Meet the Artist" Orland Park, IL  Public Library, 2010  - Photo by Van Westrop

I remember one time when Dad first showed me his drawing with an eraser technique. It was a cool way to blend graphite and create highlights.  As a child, I was in awe as he guided me. 

A lot has happened in my life since those early years.  Yet, I am able to create.  This week, I was led to remember ways and circumstances I’ve created over the years.  I came up with over 100 ways. 

Almost Losing a Child; an Easter Reflection

"Kayla's Longing"  12x16  Watercolor  ©Toni Rupper

Last week I almost lost my artistic muse of 18 years.  My daughter was in a car accident in which the car was totaled.  I call her my muse because in addition to being a gift from God, she has truly been my inspiration and creative stimulus.

As an artist, I sit and reflect on Kayla as my creative muse.   I realize that many times, I’ve taken her for granted.  I’ve been on “artsy - auto - pilot” many times.

Kayla has posed for me and I’ve drawn and painted her through out the years. “Stay there!” I shout as I run to get my camera. “Hold that pose please,” I plead as I rush to get my pastels.  From the time she was a wee one, I’ve practiced my artistry with her. 

"Best Friends II"  12x16  Watercolor   ©Toni Ruppert

The Night it Almost Changed

As a Mom, I sit here and reflect on my daughter’s accident.  I came upon the night scene with flashing lights, police and my little car off to the side at a weird angle.  The car was on the opposite side of the road, turned backwards.

After being directed to park across the road, I made my way back to find her.  I hugged her and commenced the serious work of being a Mom to a teen who has experienced a car accident. 

Later, as my husband and I went to retrieve our belongings from the tow company, I saw the wreck in daylight.  A machine. Smashed, crushed and destroyed.  My daughter and her two friends walked away unscathed.

I praise God for his infinite mercy in this matter.  It could have been much worse.  I can not imagine a parent losing their child in this way.  As I said, my child has been my inspiration for close to 20 years:

"Dreaming of Innocence"  24x36  Acrylic  ©Toni Ruppert

"Kayla Sleeping"  12x16   Charcoal  ©Toni Ruppert

"Kayla Sleeping"  18x24  Mixed Media  ©Toni Ruppert 

"Kayla Posing for Me"  9x12  Pastel  ©Toni Ruppert

"Angel of Glory"  9x12  Watercolor ©Toni Ruppert

"Longing II"  12x16  Watercolor  ©Toni Ruppert

"Dreaming of Innocence"  24x48   Acrylic  ©Toni Ruppert

"Deliverance" 9x12  Acrylic  ©Toni Ruppert

Contemplating Easter

As last week fades more and more into the back ground, I reflect on Kayla...my art...and the Easter message of love.


Mary's son Jesus was crushed and it was no accident.

Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Author and pastor Frederica Mathewes-Green offers her thoughts about Christ's crucifixion in her post, "Viewing the Crucifixion in a Different Light." 

 God did not spare his child.  I am a Mom and I cannot fathom the deep power of this kind of love.

 My friend, illustrator Gail Green said it best in her Facebook comment to me on my Facebook Page "...the message of Death and Resurrection is all the more poignant when we contemplate the deep pain of losing a child."

It is something to reflect on.

Give Up On Your Dream? No Way!

'Worship in His Presence"   36x48 inches   Watercolor and Ink  ©Toni Ruppert

My sister-in-law, Bridgette, called me the other day and asked me "Aren’t you glad you didn’t give up on your dream?” I almost ‘died’ right there because that day, I felt like I was in the middle of a Job-like experience and my current dream seemed out of reach.

But after speaking to Bridgette, I discovered that it’s all in perspective.  She reminded me of the year 2004 - a significant year for me.  That was the last time I worked as a secretary-who-really-wanted-to-be-a-full-time-artist. 

She brought to my mind how all I had hoped for at the time was to schlep my stuff to a Borders bookstore.  Maybe, just maybe -  “they” would give me permission to show in their cafe.   

After she said that, it prompted me to review my journal from March, 2004.  I saw: 

--I wanted to be in an art show and barely had an artist statement together
--I wondered if the local park district would let get a spare wall to paint on
--My Thursday night watercolor class with Lenox Wallace at The Center in Palos Heights was my lifeline and only artistic outlet
--I tried to share my portfolio with an admissions person at a local fine arts college
--I brought my portfolio to work to show to the public relations rep. - I longed to paint something  - anything - for my employer

Lots of dreaming, hoping and praying in March 2004.  

Then, in 2008, God prompted me to take a step of faith. That one step was to walk through a door HE opened for me. That door led to my second public art project for a city library. That second project was huge and helped me and two other artisans financially.

As I contemplate my sister in law’s question, “Aren't you glad you didn't give up on your dream?,” I know my answer. 

And there are more creative dreams for 2012 that I’m not going to give up on.

What dream are you not giving up on?