Video – https://youtu.be/XtWipnxLL4c
Hello friends,
Welcome to Sunday’s ART of Truth for December 2024. Today is my first Sunday’s ART of Truth since July. This Christmas in Paris image really touched me, so I decided it would be the inspiration for this mixed media piece. I was initially captured by the festive, but subtle colors in the imagery. Secondly, I was drawn to the light that is shining in the windows throughout the pathway. I knew that I wanted to capture the magic of the Christmas season. This got me thinking about all the people & things around me that I am so thankful for.
My family, the 7 beautiful grandchildren, and the legacy that we have created and instilled in those around us. I find myself tearing up as I think about the things we get to share with our loved ones. However, I am also struck by the reality that not everyone is surrounded by loved ones. My heart feels heavy as I think about that. I was thinking about all the things I take for granted. The breath that I breathe. The roof over my head. The kitchen stocked with food. The man who sits beside me every day (usually asleep and snoring) I think about this humble rectangle that we lived in, and that we raised our kids in. I think about my job and the kids I get to teach and touch with learning and play.
Deeper still, I think about the moments we live for…the moments that we can’t put into words. Sometimes those moments are difficult and painful, often they are not. So many are full of blessings and warmth like the windows glowing in this image. At times, we walk the cobblestone path alone, seeking something that we need. Sometimes, we walk shoulder to shoulder with a loved one – enjoying laughter and good conversation. I want more of those moments. I want more exploration. I want to practice taking the time to be IN the moments that I can’t put into words (or take a photo of)
As I was creating this piece, I was thinking again about the layers. The papers chosen and what they meant to me. As a Jesus follower, Christmas is my Happy Birthday to Jesus. The one who came as a babe to one day love us to his death. Don’t worry, it’s good. I chose various papers, some that were Greek. I loved thinking about the words of old, in Jesus’ day. I love thinking about the nations and all the languages spoken there. As well as all the things we have in common no matter where we live.
We want hope.
We want to know love and give love.
We want moments that we can’t put into words.
We want to be seen, held, and cared for.
We want to live in the warm glow of those storefront windows.
We want sacred moments that make us laugh and cry.
My friends, this is my prayer…
I pray that you find and experience these things if they are calling to you. I pray that you have those moments that leave you speechless with joy, love, and gratitude.
I pray that your holiday is meaningful in all the ways that you value.
Love and blessings until next time,
Beloved-Reborn
Cara-Renee Wolf
FULL SUPPLY LIST UNDER PHOTOS!
Supplies used:
DecoArt Americana Craft Paint – Alizarin Crimson – https://shop.decoart.com/americana-acrylics-reds/?sku=DA179-3
Digital Image – UniqueArtFactory Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/listing/1813980450/christmas-in-paris-noel-landscape
Lace Stencil – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HHMJ9JZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Script Stencil – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081CZ1DVQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Liquitex Flexible Modeling Paste – https://www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Flexible-Modeling-Medium
Vintage Photo Archival ink Refill (Ranger doesn’t make a single pad that is vintage photo archival ink. You have to buy the refill and a DIY ink pad) – https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Ink-Distress-Archival-Re-Inker
DIY Ink Pad – https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-AIP48077-Empty-Archival-Pad-Empty
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Nickle Azo Yellow, Sap Green Hue, Alizarin Crimson Hue, & Raw Umber – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=golden+fluid+acrylic+paint&crid=TA5XHZCRZ1EL&sprefix=golden+fluid+ac%2Caps%2C1258&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_15
Liquitex Fluid Matte Medium – https://www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Matte-Medium-8-Ounce/dp/B000IYWYNE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=30FI0W8XIGTIO&keywords=liquitex+fluid+matte+medium&qid=1705870882&sprefix=liquitex+fluid+matte+med%2Caps%2C1033&sr=8-3