"Glamour Brush" Enhanced Portraits by Betty Burchfield

Before Photo

After Oil Painting

Art News from Betty Burchfield:

After seeing the look of approval on this sweet lady's face, I realized that our paint brushes can do the same as Glamour Shots did......Enhance the individual.

I asked Dr. Phil if he wanted me to redo the painting I did of him and Robin and give him some black curly hair. He laughed and said he would love that. Therefore, I am going to start advertising my "Glamour Brush".

(to see Betty Burchfield's painted portrait of Dr. Phil and wife Robin see 2/2008 art blog post:

http://huntsvilleartblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/robin-mcgraw-gives-thumbs-up-to.html)

"GLAMOUR SHOTS" put make up on, restyled hair and retouched wrinkles for their subjects... SO... why can't our paint brushes do the same!

This beautiful young lady worked with me on some changes on her Oil Painting of herself from this photo .. We did the following:

* Removed dark shadows under the eyes

* Added eyelashes

* Changed highlights in the eyes

* Softened beauty mark

* Brightened teeth

* Changed lip color to match with dress.

* Brought hair down on side of face in order to thin the neck and face.

* Softened wrinkles in neck, chin line and smile lines.

* Removed the deep line under the neck line.

* Added shadow under the chin to enhance neck.

* Cropped photo to make subject appear slimmer.

* Added an exciting background.

The painting still looks like Latonya but enhances some of her features. She was overjoyed when she saw the painting.

I have found that most people (especially ladies) like to see a photo of themselves that flatter them selves so why not have an oil painting that does the same.

See how our magic paint brushes can make subtle enhancements! I work from photographs and special requests are my specialty.

God gives each of a talent and what we do with it is our gift to Him. Making people happy is my way of giving back to Him.

Artist, Betty Burchfield aka Little Reb

Please sign my guest book at:
http://www.littlereb.com
(porcelain dolls)

Please sign my guest book at:
http://treasuredreflections.net
(Oil Paintings

http://www.porcelaindollmakers.com/
(to view porcelain dollmakers)

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....:
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Ascribing Artist Angela True chosen as Featured Artist for Cancer Awareness

From Ascribing Artist Michele Lee:

One of our local artists, Angela True, was featured in yesterday's issue of the Huntsville Times. The issue was entitle Think Pink and dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Angela was chosen out of several artists who submitted entries. She is quoted on her blog about the painting as follows:

"Recently, I got an opportunity to visit with my sister. She is quite a remarkable woman and I wanted to paint a picture to celebrate her. This painting depicts Mind, Body and Soul. The little jack is about her childlike playfulness, that's the "Mind" part. The "Body" is represented by the pink ribbon, yes, she is a breast cancer survivor. And lastly the purple Irises, her favorite flower. This is her "Soul". Purple is a royal, regal color and she is royalty to me."

If you would like to see more of Angela's paintings, you can go to her blog entitled Pick My Brains Art http://pickmybrainsart.blogspot.com/

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

From local artist and art advocate, Carole Esk'ridge: (and founder of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists)

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

An Academy inspired by the American Academy in Rome. It will not be focused on the academic status. It will be guided by talent and devotion of the Student to an art form(s) as a career. It will be a place to live and learn the Art forms the Student loves from dancing, to writing, to singing, to acting, to painting and beyond.

Who would qualify for entrance to the Academy?

The disabled who are physically, mentally and / or financially challenged, who are art career minded, who are hard workers, who passionately love creating, who have a body of work in an art form, who will listen to their teachers / mentors and work at learning and create a body of work while at a seminar or living at the Academy.

The Academy will be a place where?

Those who can't do certain normal functions can live in hope, surrounded by a loving atmosphere, with healthy food and a clean environment. The whole person: mind, body, soul and personality will be cared for with love and desire to understand the needs of each Artist.

Our GOAL:

Is not to compete with other education institutions in the academics but to embrace the disabled Artists with HOW TO KNOWLEDGE of their Art so that they can compete in the Arts. THE BEST TRAINING IS TO LEARN FROM THOSE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN THEIR ART. This must be done with disabilities taken into consideration from Savant to Folk Artists and those in between. If an individual has a disability they would be welcomed warmly. In the spirit that Mother Teresa of Calcutta greeted her beloved ones she cared for with reverence of the Christ within them. Such loving is our quest!

A REQUEST TO ALL READERS:

If you would like to support the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists please send donations made out to "Visionary Guild Grant Fund" Treasurer, Ann Denbo at 2304 Brookside Drive, Decatur, AL 35601.

Contact Carole Esk'ridge about her efforts and find out how you can be involved at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com or singskt@knology.net

A little bit about Carole Esk'ridge:

Ms. Eskridge is the visionary of the formation of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists. She founded the Visionary Guild for Mentally Ill Artists in 1991. She received a US Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

Ms. Esk'ridge's artwork is in the Birmingham Museum of Art collection. She has exhibited three times in jury art shows at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Her work can be found in the archives of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Ms. Esk'ridge is presently working on a large painting and a historic Pro-life novel.

Esk'ridge is the Mother of two adult daughters and will soon be the grandmother of two. She is 62 years old. She is a Catholic.

Carole Esk'ridge is donating 100% of the sale of her paintings to The Academy of International Enabled Artists. To view Carole's artwork please visit: www.caroleeskridge.com

For more info about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists or Carole Esk'ridges artwork please contact her at: (256) 429–8697 or caroleeskridge3@gmail.com

Read the Huntsville Times Article about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists at: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125335178062050.xml&coll=1

Dara Murphy: Worship Painting

Update: This was a fun event. It was a delight to meet Dara. This is the picture that emerged from her worship painting, which was created while listening to worship music. One person in the audience mentioned they thought the finished artwork would be pretty a picture... but when you think about it... what Christ went through for us on the Cross... was not pretty... I think Dara captured the reality of such a sacrifice... in her bold colors and expression.

Dara Murphy is the Preteen Director at Hill Crest Baptist Church in Anniston, AL. If you would like for Dara to paint a worship painting for your group, please contact Dara at: (256) 238-9600 or dara@experiencehillcrest.com

We have asked Dara to be a featured artist on the Ascribing Artists blog. Look for details soon.

----------------------------------------

Come see the paint flow

The picture emerge

And feel the message

Dara Murphy will do a live painting before your eyes. She has entertained groups of 3000-5000 yet she is delighted to come to a small group at Willowbrook Baptist.

You are invited to join too!

Tuesday, September 22 at 10 am

Contact Information:
Doug Merchant
Minister to Mature Adults
256.883.LIFE, ext. 155
dmerchant@willowbrook.org

Willowbrook Baptist Church

7625 Bailey Cove Road

Huntsville, AL 35802

(256) 883-0907

Art news about: Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists

'Joy will be our goal' at studio

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Huntsville Times

The leap of faith Carole Esk'ridge is taking astounds even her, and she is a woman of unbelievable faith.

At the end of the month, Esk'ridge is leaving the historic Russel Erskine, the former hotel that's now an apartment building for the elderly and disabled, which has been her home for 22 years.

She's selling or giving away her possessions, and the 62-year-old is going to live with a family in Hanceville. There she plans to open the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists for creative types like her who struggle with mental illness: "Joy," she said, "will be our goal."

Esk'ridge said she has a spot in mind for the academy near the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and it will be part home, part refuge and part art studio.

"It will be a place where those who can't do certain normal functions can live in hope, surrounded by a loving atmosphere, with healthy food and a clean environment," she said. "A place where the whole person - mind, body, soul and personality - will be cared for with love and desire to understand the needs of each artist.

"It will be a convent, almost, but for lay people."

She's not certain how she'll fund this academy.

"God will provide," she said. "It sounds strange in this day and age, but I believe in God, and I believe He answers prayers.

TO READ MORE OF THIS INFORMATIVE ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT:

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125335178062050.xml&coll=1

Contact Carole Esk'ridge about her efforts and find out how you can be involved at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com or singskt@knology.net

If you would like to support the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists please send donations made out to "Visionary Guild Grant Fund" Treasurer, Ann Denbo at 2304 Brookside Drive, Decatur, AL 35601.

Monte Sano Art Show TOMORROW

Huntsville will celebrate the arts at the 11th annual outdoor Monte Sano Art Show held atop Monte Sano Mountain Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 160 artists and crafts people from the southeast will exhibit and sell their works. Admission is free. Parking is $4.

Guests will enjoy the original works of art as well as live music, food, an area just for the kids and the wonderful views of the Tennessee Valley! There is something for everyone! In addition to the artists booths, there will be artist demonstrations throughout the day. Russell Everett whose studio is in Roanoke, Alabama will judge this invitational show.

Local artist Debra Simpson conceived the art show. Debra believes the outdoor beauty of Monte Sano in the fall is a perfect place to view excellent art. She remembers one of the first southeastern outdoor shows called "Plum Nellie" held on the border of Tennessee and Georgia near Chattanooga. It became an annual pilgrimage for art enthusiasts. Debra wants a tradition to continue here on Monte Sano. She has sought out key artists from all over the southeast. Debra is an oil painter. Her works have been shown internationally and have won awards at the French-USA competition in portraiture.

This year's featured artists will include Daniel Hessler and Sloane Bibb and this year's emerging artists will include Rachel Lackey and Rachael Gutierrex Horn.

Musicians will perform throughout the day.

Follow the signs on Monte Sano Mt. to enjoy this wonderful event on September 19. For information online, visit www.montesanoartshow.org.

(Excerpts taken from Valley Planet 2003 article and updated for 2009.)

Art News and Praise from Linda Morton

"Radial" by Linda Morton, copyright

The piece I entered in the Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, TX was sold on opening night. This years show featured 143 pieces of art from 95 artists. The 143 pieces were chosen from 968 entries, the 24th Annual Bosque Art Classic juried art show opened Saturday, September 12, at the Bosque Art Center with approximately 240 people attending, 41 participating artists traveled from several states and within Texas to attend the opening night festivities. Unfortunately I could not attend but was ecstatic to learn that my colored pencil painting Radial had been sold. The Lord was smiling down on me and my work I pray that it will continue, but if it doesn't I'll just keep working and giving Him credit.

To view Linda Morton's artwork visit her website at: www.LMortonart.com

Wendy Allison's website added to Ascribing Artists Art Blog links

"and He Bade the Storm be Still" Psalm 107:29 by by Wendy Allison, copyright Acrylic on Canvas, 24 x 36 SOLD

Ascribing Artists is delighted to add Wendy Allison's website to the artists links. Please visit at: www.wendyallisondesigns.com

Watch for Wendy's upcoming featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists art blog.

Wendy will also be a the Monte Sano Art Show this weekend. Stop by and and tell her Hi!

www.MonteSanoArtShow.org

Amy Crews' website

We are delighted to add Amy Crews' artist link to the Ascribing Artist blog. Please visit her website at www.AmyCrewsGallery.com or her facebook.

We have invited Amy to be a featured artist on the Ascribing Artist blog. Look for her upcoming highlight. She will share her journey of circumstances that lead her to her passion of creating art and ultimately knowing "God is in control".

Angel's Island Coffee House "Call for Artists"

Angel's Island Coffee shop to feature local artists artwork on a monthly rotation.

Owner, Angel Wright notes "We are always looking for new artist for our wall. It is free and we try and feature a new artist every month".

For more info about this great opportunity call (256)319-3424 or visit Angel's Island Coffee website: www.angelsislandcoffee.com

Angel's Island Coffee has been named the best coffee in northeast Alabama in The Times' Readers Choice 2009 Awards. http://blog.al.com/ breaking/2009/09/angels_island_coffee_named_bes.html

Angel's Island Coffee, 7538 S. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL, angelsislandcoffee@yahoo.com, (256)319-3424 or visit: www.angelsislandcoffee.com

News Article: Athens On the Square

Art to have its day on Athens square

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

By Victoria Cumbow

Times Staff Writer victoria.cumbow@htimes.com

Event set for Saturday (9/12/09) promises lots of choices for visitors to see, buy

Downtown Athens will be bustling with people Saturday as the Duck Run 5K and Art on the Square take over a few blocks.

More than 55 artists will be featured this year during the art event. Diane Lehr, Art on the Square board member, said applicants doubled this year. The board brought in independent art professors to choose which artists will be showcased.

"We hired an independent panel from the region," Lehr said. "They have nothing to do with our board."

She said by doing this, it gives a more varied choice of artists for spectators to see.

The day "is totally dedicated to art," Lehr said. "Everything from painting to throwing clay on the wheel to beaded necklaces."

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT STORY GO TO:

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/limestone.ssf?/base/news/1252487766234030.xml&coll=1

More about Art On the Square: www.AthensArtOnTheSquare.com

Artist Betty Burchfield honored in You Tube Video

Betty Burchfield sent the attached link below. It features her painting of Oksana and the sculpted doll she also created of the concert artist.

From Betty:

Such a marvelous experience getting to know Oksana and her husband, Alex. At first I was so nervous having such a famous concert artist and composer in my home. When I went to the the door, there she stood ...... wearing blue jeans. She and Alex just made themselves at home and we bonded immediately. I made a replica doll of her in this red gown she is wearing.

Just another one of the blessings God has attached to the gifts He has given me.

God bless

Betty Burchfield

"Little Reb"

Road to Light by Oksana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR1aNC8IsBg&feature=channel_page

Athens, AL: Art On The Square Sept. 12

Click on image for larger view or visit: www.aots-athens.com

Click on image for larger view or visit www.aots-athens.com

Funky Friday - Sept. 11, 2009

Featured Artist: S. Renee Prasil

"NCAC Vessel" by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

"Children" Pencil, by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

"David's Table" by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

"Birth of the Blues" Triptych, by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

From fine art to functional art, the talents of S. Renee Prasil have been commissioned for various organizations, businesses, and homes across the United States. Murals, tiles, vessels, sculptures, portraits, landscapes-Renee works in clay, paint, found objects, and more.

Recent highlights-
-20th Anniversary "Relay for Life" poster for the American Cancer Society Huntsville
-'Panoply of the Arts' poster artist
-City of Huntsville's bicenntenial celebration (TAC Rocket)
-"Happy Child"TM vessel creator. In collaboration with local potter, Conrad Lippert, the first two limited edition (2005,2006) profits were donated to the National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC).
-'Casual for a Cause' designer (United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville) 2006/2007
-Sculpture Wall design (United Cerebral Palsy Hsv Admin Bldg). This work, of clay and glazes, is in collaboration with the clients of UCP under her guidance.

Renee has received awards and acknowledgements locally and regionally for her art in paint and in clay. Most recently, some of her work toured the state of Alabama and exhibited at the State Capitol. Alabama Governor Bob Riley has one of her clay pieces, "King Cotton and Butterfly Queen", which exhibited at HAL's "Unique Views of Huntsville III" (Huntsville Museum of Art 2007).

She shares her art as both a professional artist and as an arts educator. Other accomplishments:
-began the Art Ministry at Whitesburg Baptist Church (WBC) in 2001 with Debbie Milner, Recreation Minister
-developed and began the popular Hampton Cove Elementary "Cove Art League'.
-develops original teaching plan/projects for adults and children with challenges as a Teaching Artist with VSArts of Alabama (Birmingham)

Renee hopes to always continue learning about art and is excited to share her knowledge and experience with others as an arts instructor with
-the Huntsville Museum of Art
-the Huntsville Art League (HAL)
-WBC R.O.C.
-UCP
-ARC
-VSA Arts of Alabama
-Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, AL
-and others

She also offers private and semi-private classes and pARTies to encourage others interested in art.

Renee is a true "synesthete", a condition which allows her to experience other senses in a 'visual' manner. "I am visually oriented: I feel in color. This passion for art is a gift which continues to drive my life, and I am forever grateful. The individuals that art has brought me into contact with-fellow artists, collectors, students-have greatly enriched my life. It is the 'richness of existence', the joy from the simple, everyday things, that I wish to share through my art".

Often hidden information is included in her pieces. Since the late 1990's, the initials "TYG" are found in her art. People who have noticed these letters have sometimes assumed they represent a collaborating artist. They are correct, in a way. As a 'natural' artist (she decries the term 'self-taught'), she believes that "talent is a gift from God". "TYG" is her acknowledgement (as well as her personal reminder!)-'Thank You, God' and "To Your Glory'.

Asked what Renee's favorite verse was and why she responded with:

The verse "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; " Colossians 3:23 KJV is the verse that I took as 'mine' after acknowledging that my talents are a gift from God and not the result of 'my endeavors' alone. This is also when I began adding the initials "TYG" to the art. It is also the verse I currently use at work, (Whitesburg Baptist Church) as an integral part of my signature.

Side note: My initial 'paraphrase' of this verse or 'Internalization" of it, was "And whatsoever you do with your hands, do it heartily, as if to God and not to men…”. I now read it with emphasis on the ‘whatsoever’-meaning more than just what I do with my hands-“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord”, etc. And I am but a weak and puny human, and fall all too short of this reach more often than not. Which is one of the reasons why it is a ‘good thing’ to have a ‘signature verse’ for daily living-it is there as a reminder for ME more than as an encouragement for others!

Contact info-

Art and Info website will be available soon- www.SReneePrasil.com.
Renee currently shows and sells artwork through the Huntsville Art League and Zazzy's/InteriorMarketPlace. She may also be contacted directly at 256-533-7329.

Featured Artist: Diane Lehr

"Blue Moon" by Diane Lehr", copyright

A Collage of "Friend's Journey", "Forgiving Flight" and "Running through Flowers and Dreaming of You" by Diane Lehr, copyright

"Friends Journey" by Diane Lehr, copyright


Diane Lehr

The Art Of " Diane too"

Some call my work "sweet" and "child-like" and I consider that the ultimate compliment. As a young girl, the stained glass windows I saw in a small Catholic church in Memphis Tennessee, intrigued and mystified me. Those moments I spent in that quiet little church gave me courage and hope as I prayed for things beyond my reach. I felt at home in the churches I attended and found refuge from the storms that were part of life. I came to love a most poignant verse painted on a wall in that small church that stands today as a testament to my art, and to my life. It was from the book of Matthew and part of it said,
"..Unless you become as little children, you will never know the Kingdom of Heaven."

The symbols of my childhood dreams live on in my art, representing the hope of a little girl in a seemingly overwhelming world. In my work there will always be evidence of charity, compassion, strength, freedom and love. The stars, of course, represent all wishes, hopes and dreams. The horses are strength and freedom. The birds represent our guides in moments of doubt. And of course, you will always recognize the symbols of God’s love. These are also representative symbols of my becoming me.

As an adult, I worked over twenty-five years as an RN, primarily with pediatric patients.
I have traveled extensively seeking opportunities for artistic study and expression. I lived in Europe and studied the "classics" throughout Germany, France and Italy. After living in Europe, I moved to New Mexico and fell in love with the land and its diversity of people and cultures. It was there that I studied the devotional art created by the santeros of New Mexico. Their style became an inspiration for much of my work as it represented their homage to the spiritual traditions of "old Europe" and "new Mexico." In this place of light and sky, also known as the land of enchantment, my work evolved into a reverential yet joyous medium which I hope will inspire spaces of heartfelt devotion in each of you.

Diane’s work is currently shown at “diane’s” and Overton Park Gallery in Memphis or can be obtained by contacting Diane at RNbullit@aol.com.
She will also have her work available at Art On The Square, on September 12, in Athens, AL.

Featured Artist: Linda Morton

"Picnic Basket" by Linda Morton, copyright
"Watch Tower" by Linda Morton, copyright
"Inflight Refueling" by Linda Morton, copyright

Artist Statement: Linda Morton

Each of us, in our art, has a special gift that must be shared with others to expand the limits of human awareness.

I only have a High School Education, I'm not versed in theology or psychology and I'm not an eloquent speaker, that's not the gift I was given. All I can do is speak from my heart. It my sound childish or corny to say that I try and turn my art over to the Lord, and this is especially true when I do a portrait of a deceased loved one, but if we can turn our lives over to God why not my art.

When I start a piece of art I try, but don't always remember, to begin with a prayer, being human I sometimes forget and when I do I'm sure He understands, but I try. I do this so that each piece is dedicated to Him, and I ask that He take over, after all its His gift I'm just the instrument if it wasn't for Him I wouldn't have it in the first place. When the piece is finished I also sign the piece using a cross instead of a t in my last name, again as a sign that this piece is dedicated to Him. I didn't do this when I first started doing artwork I have come to this over time just like my artwork has grown so has my faith but this is the way it should be we aren't born fully developed and neither is our faith it grows and develops and hopefully we arrive where the Lord planned for us to be.

Bible Verse:

Revelations 21:5

The One who sat on the throne said to me, "See, I make all thing new!"

To me this verse is so true we see it each spring with the rebirth of nature and if you think about it with the birth of every child mankind is made new and we ourselves are made new every time we ask and are given forgiveness, not because we earned it, but because God loves us so much, He is always willing and ready to forgive.

I can be reached at joe.morton@knology.net always to sure to state that you are writing about my art in the subject, since my husband has a habit of deleting emails from people he doen't know to view more of my artwork go to my website LMortonart.com

O prosper the work of our hands! - Psalm 90:17

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and prosper for us the work of our hands -
O prosper the work of our hands! - Psalm 90:17

Psalm 30:5 Soul Painting by Angela True

Ascribing Artist, Angela True, had an inspiring post on her blog recently.

http://pickmybrainsart.blogspot.com

"Psalm 30:5" by Angela True, copyright

Angela True posted: This is another soul painting. All of a sudden a thought came upon me, "weeping prevails for a night." And I knew it was meant to be another soul painting. I googled that phrase and found that it was Psalm 30 the second half of vs 5,. " Weeping prevails for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." I could just feel the anguish of my soul weeping and just hanging on. Then all is better with the new sunrise.The promise of a new day.
So here it is and I hope you enjoy it.

http://pickmybrainsart.blogspot.com

Funky Fridays Art Showing at Artisan's Cove, Hampton Cove, AL

Artist Paul Fulda has new Art Website

"Savannah" by Paul Fulda, copyright

Artist Paul Fulda sent this exciting Art News:

I just wanted to let you all know that I have published an internet site, paulfulda.com . I've been somewhat quiet about my activities over the past year, but since I'm excited and about to bust, I wanted to share what I've been doing.

During my college days I took some classes in art. They were electives, but subjects that interested me. I took oil painting, sketching and architectural design. I still have a couple of the early pictures in the attic somewhere. Some years after graduating, I studied under a local watercolor artist, Jim Gilbert and did some additional painting. Then came a long dry spell. With a growing family and demanding job, I had to put painting aside.

Last year I decided to find my palette and brushes a start painting again. I worked on my own for a while and then found another wonderful artist, Chuck Long. He is a great person and terrific painter. I've produced nearly 30 paintings over the past year. Susan, Chuck and the others students have given me a lot of encouragement and so I have begun to dip my toe into the world of art shows. I hope to list the shows on my website soon.

In the meanwhile, I hope you visit my website and view a few of the paintings. I'd love to have feedback from you about the art and the website. Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards to all,
Paul

Feel free to leave a comment on this post for Paul Fulda

Featured Artist: Michele Lee

"Balance" by Michele Lee, copyright

"Kayla" by Michele Lee, copyright

"Her Spot" " by Michele Lee, copyright

Artist Bio

My name is Michele Lee. I am a visual artist living in Madison, Alabama. I have been painting since 2003 and am blessed every day to be given the chance to do what I love. My story is not unlike most artists. I started drawing at a young age then put it down for a while. I will try not to bore you with the technical details. Instead, I would like to share with you what happened to me in 2003 that completely changed my life.

Early one Sunday morning I awoke with one of the worst feelings. I knew that my life was in a downward spiral with drinking, lying, cheating, steeling and generally living in constant darkness. I got up early and thought to myself, I am not going to be able to do this life again today. Please God let me either die or…well, just die. As I went to reach for my bottle I felt a sense of presence that made me want to not drink but go to church. Now, I had not gone to church in quite some time, so I really was not into doing that. But I did. I sat there that morning listening and praying for God to remove, what I thought of as a backpack full of guilt and fear, from me. I cried out to be lifted and carried away. In that instance I heard a voice calm and clear, I thought I must be losing my mind. The voice spoke to my entire soul and said, “I know you have had a hard time sweetie. I am SO very proud of you. You have tried this your way for a long time and now it is time to go with me. So let’s get up and do this together.” I cried, and I still do today even typing this. I got up and walked out of that church. I don’t remember a whole lot of the next few days, but I do remember going to treatment and feeling as if it was not me doing it. Almost like watching someone else go through the motions. I met my husband shortly after and was given a sketch book. I had expressed to him how I used to love to draw when I was a little girl. In the front he wrote, “Have a wonderful weekend. This is for you to find that little girl again.” I do believe God gave that to me through my husband. Since that day I have not stopped drawing and painting. God has held my hand like a strong and loving father through treatment, divorce, loss of a family member, re-marriage, starting my own business, discovering me and art. I can’t tell you the process of how I paint. I just know that it is a spiritual experience. For me it is a time of meditation with my Dad, my God. Through my art we have, together, worked through many issues and had many long talks. He has shown me a way to give back to others and to live a life free from drinking and fear. I believe that God gets to experience many things through his human children and through me I believe it is one form of art. I am not Van Go and really never wish to be. I just want to enjoy the gift he has given to me and to share him with others. You know there are many ways to say what he has done for me through the canvases…but I think there is one word that simply describes it….and that is LOVE.

I was asked what my favorite bible verse is, and I think it is the one that I wear on a bracelet around my wrist every day:
1 Corinthians 13:13 These three remain Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest is Love.

The three paintings that I have selected are special to me. They are:

“Balance” It is a painting that I did about a year ago and it reminds me to simply stay balanced on the golden path.

“Kayla” Was the first piece I did for someone that changed my life. She asked me to paint her daughter that was no longer here. I was hoping to give her a piece of art that would help her to see Kayla as she is now. I did that, but got so much more in return. I got to really know a special girl who has taught me that every second of everyday is precious.

“Her Spot” It is a painting of my spot. What I love to have around me. And who I am.

For more information about Michele Lee please visit her art journal blog at: www.MicheleLeeArt.blogspot.com and her art business website at: www.ArtisticFinishesStudio.com

Featured Artist: Betty Burchfield

"Betty Ruth, Self Portrait" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright

"Madison County Court House, 1887" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright

"Grandfather" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright

"Tea Party" by Betty Burchfield, Oil, copyright



Betty Burchfield

God truly gives each of us a talent. What we do with that talent is our gift to Him. My talent is "Art. After a six weeks course in oil painting.... I was asked by my instructor, Billye Williams, if I would take 3 of her new students as she had full classes. I gasped and said "But, I've only taken one class from you. I don't feel qualified". Her response was....."You have a God given talent and the best way for you to learn is to teach". I began classes in an unfinished basement using a ping pong table for the 3 students to sit around with portable easels for each. Billye was right ...... teaching made me study and experiment with the oils much more than I ever would have.. After approximately 2 years, my little business of teaching escalated to teaching beginners, children and advanced. I also had a waiting list. During this period, my way of giving back to God was to conduct a voluntary class at AOkay Home for the Elderly once a week.

Betty has won many prizes at art shows. At one show in Utah, she won first, second, third and honorary mention. She now has been painting 50 years.

She developed a new technique using a person's old photo of something or someone dear to their hearts and making a museum quality oil painting. This was the technique she taught on the internet with much success. Betty has two CDs on the market for teaching this tecnique and also for teaching how to make porcelain dolls.

She gives all the credit to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "Without Him, I would be like a kite trying to fly with no tail". She is now 72 and still painting pictures. She has painted several celebrities such Dr. Phil and Robin, Oprah and Oksana. "My road has been filled with surprises and meeting so many nice people" states Burchfield. She also thanks her family for their love and support. Her son, Dave, encouraged her to get back to painting a few years ago. "My children are my fan club" Betty proudly announces with a big smile.

These are some of the pictures using her new technique.
Please sign my guest book at: www.LittleReb.com
Porcelain Dolls

Please sign my guest book at: www.TreasuredReflections.net
Oil Paintings

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....:
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Featured Artist: Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury

"Sabbath Best" by Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury, copyright

"Fantasia" by Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury, copyright

"Ode to Georgia" by Adrienne Rowe-Saulsbury, copyright

Adrienne C. Rowe-Saulsbury

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She is a graduate of Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland, receiving degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and General Studies. She completed a Master’s degree in Education from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. And is currently working on completing a massage therapy certificate and licensing program in Madison, Alabama.

Musically gifted she enjoys singing with the First church choral, Inspirational choir and with an all women’s group called Chang’d. Her earlier college choir performances with Pro Musica have taken her to Washington D.C. to sing at the National Cathedral and the Kennedy Center on two occasions.

Adrienne is an artist having created over 250 paintings and drawings which include illustrations for two children’s books. While teaching she had a unique opportunity to be the resident artist at the Snickerfritz Art Gallery in East Cleveland, Ohio. She has had her works displayed in various libraries and museums including MLK Library in East Cleveland, Ohio and A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama where she is currently living.

Adrienne is married to Elder H. E. Phillip Saulsbury and they have a beautiful three year old daughter name Autumn.

“Writing, teaching, ministering, quilting, singing, painting and speaking are God’s gifts loaned to me. I will use them to the best of my ability; for His Glory, for His purpose, for His service, for my salvation!”

One of Adrienne's favorite bible verses is: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

To find out more about Adrienne please visit her website at: www.SimplyAdrienne.com