Wednesday, March 31, 2010

MAY Ascribing Artists Exhibit: Reflections of the Spirit

Ascribing Artists Exhibit: Reflections of the Spirit

Huntsville Art League, 3005 L&N Dr. Suite 2, Huntsville, AL 35801

May 1-31, 2010. Reception and Art Talk May 16, 2-4PM

The Ascribing Artists is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. The Ascribing Artists ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:1, 2 we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists is an avenue to bring together artists with this same belief and offer a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

For more info visit www.AscribingArtists.blogspot.com or e-mail: AscribingArtists@gmail.com

Artists Participating in A Work of Heart Exhibit in April


Vanessa Austin
Rita Campbell
Shawn Doughty
Paul Fulda
Gina Hurst
Paul LaBathe
Michele Lee
Johanna Littleton
Karen Martin
Linda Morton
Denise Onwere
Adrienne Saulsbury
Payge Semmes
Terri Shows
John Stout
Tim Thornton
Amy Wilburn
Scott Wiley
Lynn Weatherford


Ascribing Artists Exhibit: A Work of Heart

Reflectives Frame & Art Gallery, 220 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

April 1st - 30th, 2010. Reception and Art Talk April 11th, 2 to 4 PM

Ascribing Artists is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who desire to ascribe or attribute their work and life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name" and shows that we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

Not all Ascribing Artists paint religious themes or Biblical depictions. The subject matter of the artist is not necessarily what makes us Ascribing Artists, it is the heart behind the artist with the desire to share the gospel. We recognize that anything we do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord, so our desire is not to offer something that deserves praise, but to point you to the only ONE worthy of praise.

For more info visit www.AscribingArtists.blogspot.com or e-mail: AscribingArtists@gmail.com

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Artist Link Added: Bridget Troup



The Ascribing Artists Blog is delighted to add Decatur, AL artist Bridget Troup to the artists links. Please check out her beautiful jewelry and artwork at: www.BridgetTroupDesigns.com. Look for Bridget's featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists blog coming soon!

Bridget creates jewelry "that can be worn just as easily with jeans as with a formal gown... jewelry to take you from jeans to the Red Carpet!"

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Cutting & Pruning: 10) Driven

The Lord has seen fit to add nine Ascribing Artists in the past two weeks! May we all rejoice in His grace and be encouraged by one another. Now, whereas the Lord is Faithful, I am not so much and apologize for not being able to send out a devotion during the past several weeks. My inability to do so is evidence of the fact that I still need cutting and pruning! From the email responses I have received the devotions are deeming to be fruitful, because the Spirit has taught us and made them effective. I am thankful for all you who have replied with comments.

Now, we left off seeing Jesus leave the masses to cross the sea and visit the one. A demon-possessed man who became the first Gentile missionary in a place where pigs can’t fly or swim. A place where Jesus is quickly rejected and begged to leave. So, what drove Jesus to go so far out of his way only to leave? We established two reasons, one it was the will of the Father and two Jesus told this man to “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19b, preparing the area for the future spread of the gospel. We also see in the Gospels, Jesus proving He was God’s Son through miracles that showed his total authority over creation, the spirit realm and physical flesh. So, the reasons behind the trip and healing this one man are multi-faceted.

As I look back in John chapter 15, where we have been learning about cutting and pruning, I find another primary reason for this one man mission. In verse 16, we had just discovered that our “fruit should abide” and on either side of this verse are two punctuating verses. John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” and John 15:17, “These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” Jesus was driven to that particular man, yes because of the reasons mentioned above, but also out of his great love and compassion for this tormented individual. When gauging the activities of our lives, love is a good measuring stick. Abiding fruit is best ripened when watered with love. So the question becomes, are these activities that occupy our lives driven out of a love for self or a love for others? Ouch . . . I like all this talk about love as long as self has a large part. I will be the first to admit that if we really desire to walk the talk then this will become a daily battle, because self is so evasive and sometimes difficult to discover as a motive and even more difficult to suppress. We must be diligent all the while praying for forgiveness, grace and a Spirit-filled walk.

Our lives will produce abiding fruit when our activities:

1) have eternal significance

2) are directed by the will of the father and not the masses

3) are driven by our love for one another

Passion week is coming . . .

Paul LaBathe

Friday, March 26, 2010

Andrea Lucas Studio- OPEN HOUSE Sunday March 28th Pelham, AL

Andrea Lucas Studio is having a very simple OPEN HOUSE Sunday March 28th from 2pm until 5pm. Light refreshments. Cash and check only. Infants OK but no children under 12 (insurance). Stained Glass, Jewelry, Pottery, etc!! Hope ya'll can come!! PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!

104 Hunset Mill Lane, Pelham, Alabama 35124

PS. Remember, if you have purchased from me within the last year, even if it was only a set of earrings, you get 30% off one item or 1 set of jewelry. Also the 30% applies to windows and everything!

Yippee!

Andrea Lucas
andee18711@charter.net

Thursday, March 25, 2010

APRIL: Ascribing Artists Exhibit: A Work of Heart



Ascribing Artists Exhibit: A Work of Heart

Reflectives Frame & Art Gallery, 220 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

(Across from Hampton Cove Elementary School)


April 1-30, 2010. Reception and Art Talk April 11, 2-4PM

The Ascribing Artists is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. The Ascribing Artists ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:1, 2 we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

As a part of this creative ministry, Ascribing Artists is an avenue to bring together artists with this same belief and offer a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

For more info visit www.AscribingArtists.blogspot.com or email: AscribingArtists@gmail.com

Artist Link Added: Amy Wilburn

"Baby Bunny" by Amy Wilburn, copyright

The Ascribing Artists Blog is delighted to add photographer Amy Wilburn to the artists links. Please check out her unique photography at: www.AmyWilburn.etsy.com

Look for Amy's featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists blog coming soon!

A little bit about "Baby Bunny"

My family rescued a cute bunny (something difficult to do and not recommended by wildlife experts for novices like us to attempt). We happily set him free as soon as we could. Answering a prayer, God let us know a short time later that Baby Bunny was fine.

In this photograph Baby Bunny was sitting in my blue bracelet. The photo has been digitally manipulated into a high contrast black and white image with a touch of blue.

Ascribing Artists: Focus On Faith TV Segment


Thank you to everyone who prayed for us yesterday. The interview with Stephanie Beecken WAAY TV 31 went great! The Lord continues to open doors for Ascribing Artists to reflect His Glory!

We would like to thank Adrienne Saulsbury, Denise Onwere, Johanna Littleton, and Terri Shows for participating in the interview. You can find their artwork at Lowe Mill Arts on the third floor. Also, Paul LaBathe provided Ascribing Artist background info.

The Ascribing Artists: Focus On Faith TV Segment aired last night at 10PM and again today at 5AM, 6AM and 11AM. I hope you can catch it!

Link to video: Focus On Faith: Ascribing Artists

We want to thank Stephanie Beecken for this wonderful opportunity!

Interview Transcript:

Dozens of people in North Alabama are using their God given talents to teach others about faith.

60 Valley artists have come together and formed the group called ‘Ascribing Artists.' They do everything from paint, draw and sculpt all while giving glory to God.

Denise Onwere has been an artist for 5 years.

She's always loved to paint and decided to fulfill her passion and talent full time.

"I know that there are a lot of people out there who have something that God has given them and they should know that and it's okay to say God has given me this and I'm proud of it," said Onwere.

She is not alone.

Paul Labathe is strong in faith and an artist as well. He founded the Ascribing Artists group.

"Basically is comes from Psalm 29:2 which is, ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name," said Labathe.

The artists come from all over North Alabama.

Some have a studio at Lowe Mill in Huntsville.

There is no charge to join.

The group even has a blog with links to the artists' websites.

"The point is to, in the opportunity He's given us, is to show our art and exhibit our art is to try to point others to come and know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we do," said Labathe.

The Ascribing Artists display their work in exhibits across North Alabama.

The Artists will have their work on display during two upcoming exhibits.

Scheduled Ascribing Artists Exhibits:

A Work of Heart

Reflectives Frame & Art gallery, 220 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

April 1-30, 2010 Reception and art talk April 11, 1-3 PM

Reflections of the Spirit

Huntsville Art League, 3005 L&N Dr. Suite 2, Huntsville AL 35801

May 1-31, 2010 Reception and art talk May 16, 1-3 PM

Reporter: Stephanie Beecken

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Focus on Faith Interview

Hello Ascribing Artists,

We are very thankful to our Lord for the following opportunity He has made available for us. Stephanie Beecken with WAAY TV will be featuring the Ascribing Artists ministry for her Focus on Faith segment. Today at 4:00 she will be interviewing several Ascribing Artists who have studios at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment.

www.lowemill.net
2211 Seminole Drive Southwest
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 533-0399

We invite everyone to come out and give support. If you are not able to make it, we ask that you diligently pray for those there to speak and act in a manner worthy of the gospel. That those speaking would do so clearly and boldly as the Spirit leads. That those hearing would truly hear and have their hearts softened.

Thanks for your support and prayers,

Gina Hurst and Paul LaBathe

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Artist Link Added: Karen Martin



"Live, Laugh, Love" photography by Karen Martin, copyright

The Ascribing Artists Blog is delighted to add Harvest, AL photographer Karen Martin to the artists links. Please check out her unique alphabet photography blog at: www.KarenMartinsEverydayAlphabetPics.blogspot.com

Look for Karen's featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists blog coming soon!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Artist Link Added: Julie Ellsworth


Artwork by Julie Ellsworth, copyright

The Ascribing Artists Blog is delighted to add Madison, AL artist Julie Ellsworth to the artists links. Please check out her beautiful artwork at: www.consume-create.com Look for Julie's featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists blog coming soon!

"Sculptural Weave Basket" by Gina Hurst



"Sculptural Weave Basket" by Gina Hurst. Plexi-glass with nuts, bolts and washers, Awarded 2nd place at Seneca Art League Art Show.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Artist Link Added: Terri Shows


"Am I Blue" by Terri Shows, watercolor, copyright

The Ascribing Artists Blog is delighted to add Huntsville, AL artist Terri Shows to the artists links. Please check out her beautiful artwork at: http://www.TerriShows.com Look for Terri's featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists blog coming soon!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Book Review: “I’d rather be in the studio!” The Artist’s No-excuse Guide to Self-Promotion

I just finished reading Art Biz Coach, Alyson B. Stanfield’s book “I’d rather be in the studio!” I highly recommend it to artists who want to make a business of their artistic talent. It is
The Artist’s No-excuse Guide to Self-Promotion.

This book is for artists at every career level from starting out to well seasoned. It takes the fear out of self-promotion, which can sometimes paralyze artists with excuses.

Alyson encourages artists to think of the business side of their artwork and she gives plenty of tips, ideas, and suggestions on how to promote themselves in very creative ways. Her advice is invaluable!

In her informative book she teaches artists how to:
  • Introduce yourself as an artist so people want to know more
  • Nail your artist statement to discover the right words for all of your marketing strategies
  • Expand your mailing list and use it to cultivate collectors
  • Create marketing materials that outshine the competition
  • Become a media magnet so buyers come to you
  • Take advantage of your Web site and blog to build a bigger audience
Artists, you will have no more excuses for getting your art out there after you read I’d rather be in the studio! You will be inspired to take action and reap the rewards of your success!


Thank you Alyson for your insight!

Gina Hurst, Art Consultant


To learn more about Alyson Stanfield, Art Biz Coach, please visit:

Friday, March 19, 2010

Portrait by Betty Burchfield


Portrait by Betty Burchfield, oil, copyright

Photo for portrait

Art News from Ascribing Artist Betty Burchfield:

This painting was more fun than a barrel of monkeys to paint. These two are so mischievous. Who would ever have thought that this photo could be a painting!
These are the changes made to the painting. I love special requests and I love to make people happy.

Special Request: Change background.
Straighten Doug's shirt and change to burgundy. Make eyes a wee bit more open.
Put Charlotte to the front of Doug. Change color of her tee shirt to Hunter Green.
Make Charlotte's eyes a little bigger and add eyelashes and eye shadow.
Place Doug's hand on Charlotte's arm.
Vignette picture.

I also love to see a husband who follows Jesus' teaching...... "The husband is to love his wife as Jesus loved the church." (As you can tell by the painting and Charlotte's tee shirt.... Doug takes good care of her. )

"The wife is to be submissive to her husband." ( I think Charlotte is working on that).

God gives us all a talented gift. What we do with that gift is our gift to Him. By making people happy, is one of my ways of giving back to him.

God is so good.

Betty

"Daddy Boy" by Betty Burchfield

"Daddy Boy" by Betty Burchfield, oil, copyright

Photo of Betty's Dad

Something Special from Ascribing Artist Betty Burchfield:

Our family didn't have a good picture of our Daddy. I found this old photo (the baby in the photo is now 54 yrs. old). This is what I love to do for others as it brings forth the image of somebody dearly loved into a nice oil painting.

I was angry at Daddy when he died of a massive heart attack. As I painted this picture of him, I had an awesome experience talking to him. As I talked, I told him that I forgive him and praised him for working so hard to give us a good home. He took very good care of us working two jobs. I decided to title this picture "Daddy Boy" as that is what I called him when I was young.

Through this God given talent, I was able to reach out to my Dad in my mind's eye and forgive him. I also rid myself of this "guilt" I have felt since 1963 of not being nice to my Daddy. I am placing his painting in a special place.

Isn't God wonderful!! Through the talent he gave me I was allowed to communicate with my "Daddy Boy" and ask him to forgive me also.

Betty

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Writing a Bio and Artist Statement


Concerning writing a bio and artist statement, here is something to think about...

Your bio is about you and your artistic accomplishments. It is written in the third person (otherwise, it would be an autobiography). It helps to think of it as your résumé in paragraph form. Write it in reverse chronological order, acknowledging that your most important accomplishments are those that are most recent. I think it's nice to
open a bio with a short paragraph summarizing your current work. This can be taken from your statement and reworked for the bio format.

In contrast to your bio, which is about you, your statement is about your work--the current direction of your work, not the history of how you got to this point. It's your opportunity to define a body of work before others respond to the work and define it for you. Your statement--because it is a statement--is written in first person. It is not the definitive statement about your work forever and ever because your work changes. You must allow your statement to get better
and to grow along with your art. My litmus test for a good statement is that it makes me want to quit reading and look at the artist's work again. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of words.

Copyright 2007 Alyson B. Stanfield. Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist. Visit http://www.ArtBizCoach.com to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.

Christian Art Contest for March/April

Hello Everyone,

This is just an FYI. We had several people contact us stating that 30 days is not enough time to produce a specific piece of artwork for a themed contest, so we decided to make it a 60 day contest. The new deadline is April 30th. Please visit the site as the prizes have changed as well. The donated proceeds were used this month to add a 2nd & 3rd prize to the contest. This way we will have 3 winners instead of 1. Hope this will motivate more people to get involved.

Take care & God Bless!
JoAnn

Christian Art Contest

www.ChristianArtContest.com

March/April 2010 Contest!

Submit March 1st through April 30th
$250 1st prize
$100 2nd prize
$50 3rd prize

$15 fee to submit 2 images.

Theme: Through the eyes of a child

Contest theme is open to interpretation:

*Images of children
*How children see things
*Favorite scipture verses about children

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. ~ Isaiah 11:6

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 18:4

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. ~ Luke 9:48

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. ~Proverbs 20:11

Continue to spread the word & let's get those entries in. We want to be a blessing to others!

Loretta Goodwin Gallery Artist Submissions Wanted



Loretta Goodwin Gallery
Birmingham, AL

Artists Submissions

At this time the gallery is interested in new artists submittals. Loretta Goodwin Gallery is Birmingham's premier fine art gallery and we are aggressively looking to stay positioned as this area's best source of art for both residential and corporate collections. We invite artists who are committed to their art, interested in gallery representation to follow our artists submittal process to contact us.

Obviously, we will be looking for artists we believe will be a good "fit" for our gallery and that we believe we can be successful in representing.

Visuals of an artists work must come in by mail in the form of photographs or digital jpeg images. Artists may include some biographical information, but the gallery does not require it and the review is based solely on the merit of the work.

Submissions should be addressed to:
Dirk Walker, OwnerLoretta Goodwin Gallery
605 S. 28th Street
Birmingham, AL 35233

Submissions need to include a self addressed and stamped envelope for the material to be returned.

Please note…
Artists may not drop off work or portfolios for review or discussion. The gallery does not make appointments with the artists or review work on a drop by bas
is until the management has reviewed the submitted visuals and feels there is a possible fit.

Artists with websites can also submit website information below, and we will review your work by visiting your website.

Artists interested in representation with Loretta Goodwin Gallery may submit personal website information here:


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Artist Link Added: Lynn Weatherford


"Washed by the Water" by Lynn Weatherford, copyright

The Ascribing Artists Blog is delighted to add Athens artist Lynn Weatherford to the artists links. Please check out her beautiful oils on her Etsy link at: ArtByLynn.etsy.com Lynn's artwork is full of emotion and color and often there is a story behind each image. Look for Lynn's featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists Blog coming soon!
The Story Behind "Washed by the Water"
This painting is a Lyric painting after the lyrics of the song ' Washed By The Water,' by NeedToBreathe. This is my interpretation of the lyrics. In the background are the literal words, of all the ugly hurtful sins of the world. The sins that can happen to us and hurt us. Sometimes according to the lyrics even our friends and loved ones can turn around and crucify us. But if one is washed by the water of Jesus all of those hurtful things really don't matter. Because one day we will all have the hope of a place were the hurtful things do not exist through Jesus Christ. I painted a child here to represent innocent and purity. The fun she displays shows the joy one celebrates as a new life in Christ. oil stretched canvas 18x30

This painting recently won second place in the state of Alabama's Chancellor's Award in Community Colleges. Award Reception was held November 23, 2008.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Birmingham Art Fest, Largest Indoor Art Show, Call For Artists Deadline March 20th

For more info contact Jennifer Harwell at harwells@gmail.com

Drawing Heaven

Vicki Garner sent the YouTube Drawing Heaven link below. It is about a prodigy child who is gifted and paints what the Lord shows her... it is an incredible video by CNN. Thanks. Vicki for forwarding this.

YouTube - Drawing Heaven

Congratulations to Johanna Littleton- Energen Art Competition

"Beauty from the Sea" by Johanna Littleton, copyright


Congratulations to artist Johanna Littleton!


Her painting "Beauty from the Sea" made it into the Energen Art Competition.

Johanna's artwork will be on display at the Energen Plaza in Birmingham March 26th – April 11th. On April 11th there will be an Artists Reception followed by the announcement of the winners!


Again, Congratulations to Johanna Littleton!


To see more of Johanna's artwork please visit her studio at Lowe Mill, Third Floor, Studio #312. All are welcome!


Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment

2211 Seminole Drive Southwest
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 533-0399

Artists Links Added: Johanna Littleton and Tim Thornton

The Ascribing Artists blog is delighted to add Decatur, AL artist Johanna Littleton and Athens, AL artist Tim Thornton to the Artists Links. Check out their websites at:

Johanna Littleton: http://www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/b/beckyjo


Look for both Johanna and Tim's featured artist spots on the Ascribing Artists blog coming soon!

They both give praise to our Lord and Savior for their artistic talents and glorify Him through their artwork.

Reminder- Call for Art for Reflectives Frame and Art Gallery Exhibit in April- DEADLINE MARCH 20th

Call For Artist Entries- REFLECTIVES FRAME AND ART GALLERY

Ascribing Artists are invited to submit artwork to be exhibited as a group at Reflectives Frame and Art Gallery. The exhibit will be on display for the month of April to include a Reception and Art Talk April 11, 2-4 PM, 2010.

Reflectives Frame and Art Gallery is located (Across from Hampton Cove Elementary School) at 220 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763. www.ReflectivesFrame.com

Please contact Gina Hurst if you are interested in exhibiting at Reflectives Frame and Art Gallery and she will send you the exhibition form. You can reach her at Gina@GinaHurst.com or (256) 361-4960. The DEADLINE for submissions is March 20th, 2010.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." As a part of this creative ministry, you will join others with this same belief and contribute to a creative outlet for artists who "Ascribe to the LORD."

Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. The Ascribing Artists ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:1,2 we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do.

For more information about Ascribing Artists please visit: www.AscribingArtists.blogspot.com or e-mail: AscribingArtists@gmail.com

We hope to offer more exhibiting opportunities in the near future.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Paul LaBathe and Gina Hurst