31/365 paintings challenge

Flowers. I don't have any in my garden right now so I am painting my own.

Asta x

30 paintings

How did I do that? 30!!!

An elderly Franciscan brother has been enmbraced by Sister bodily death and is joyously being greeted by our maker God. Death has sent Flemming where his hope lay. This was going through my mind as I painted today.

Pax,

Asta x

29/365 Paintings Challenge

28/365 Paintings challenge

This painting is far darker than the photo makes it look.But it is late at night and I can't find the light I need for a decent photo. We had a busy day, with my brother and his family visiting...which is why I painted late. I must admit that when I start in the evening it takes every ounce of will power to get started.

27/365 Paintings Challenge

Is anybody out there?

Asta x

26/365 Paintings Challenge

25/365 paintings challenge

Finished basic course with alternatives to violence project. Two full on days. Not all that happy with today's painting but at least I have kept up with the commitment.
Peace,

Asta x

24/365 paintings challenge

Off to alternatives to violence traning today.

Asta x

25/365 paintings challenge

16 years ago God answered my prayer for a daughter. Happy Birthday Riva.xxx

22/365 paintings challenge: future daughter

Tomorrow my baby girl turns 16. It will be the echo day of her birth, one of the most joyous days of my life! After the birth of my boys my heart's desire was for a girl to complete our family.

The painting is for her, in honour of the elegant and gracious young woman that she is becoming.

Proud mum,

Asta x

21st day, 365 paintings challenge

Yay 21 paintings! Just a little nervous that I have two full days coming up...non violence training and a long commute. Also my daughter's birthday. This will be my biggest challenge yet.

Paint your world with your passion -

Asta x

20/365 paintings challenge

Tomorrow I will celebrate 21 days of painting. They say it takes 21 days to develop a habit. I know this to be true because I have started to dream of making sure I fit my painting in.

Painting everyday is giving me confidence in other areas of my life. I have always wanted to try out being vegan...and now I feel brave enough to give it a go. I have signed up for the 30 day vegan challenge.

Peace, joy and goodwill to all.
Asta x

19/365 paintings challenge

Today I heard a young man died. I am so saddened by that news. I used the process of painting to ponder 'crossing to the other side'. I was also thinking about the fabulous story - ' The Great Divorce' by C S Lewis. His vision of life after death had much to teach me about the 'perils' of attachment here now. An excellent book for those challenging themselves to let go of clutter, physical and mental.

Asta x

18/365 Paintings Challenge

Got up really early to do this but only finishing now at 11.30.

17/365 Paintings challenge.

I painted this one with my children's Godmother in mind. She wants a vibrant painting of a tree for her new home. Not sure if she will like these colours though. I might try painting another tree or two with different colour combinations.

As I have been painting I made myself 'watch' a dvd on veganism. It was disturbing. I am almost surprised at the joy in this tree...perhaps it is  because I found myself praying for respect and kindness to all living creatures. I kept thinking of St Francis calling all things brother and sister. Preaching to fish and birds.
You only have to look in the eyes of gentle cows...or greyhounds to know they deserve to be treated gently as brothers and sisters.

Pax,

Asta x

15/365 Paintings Challenge

Place...I have always longed for a sense of place. Since we have come back to our old home, after 8 years, I feel I have that a little now. A basic house on a small and ordinary suburban block. I didn't expect to feel this way, but I am glad I do.

Pax,

Asta x

14/365 Paintings Challenge

I think this one might be political. I wasn't sure what I was painting...I guess it was on my heart. It is simple (husband's words) and not as fussy (son's thoughts) so I suspect it might not be so popular, but this one speaks to me at a deep level. Can you guess what it might be about? It might mean something different to you, or nothing at all. And that is all okay. I think it might actually be a few things to me, when I think about it.

Yesterday on FB I had the most amazing reaction to that day's painting. I could not keep the smile off my face. It certainly helps spur me on. Seems others like colour too. Certainly we all like 'place'.

I came across a 365 Journal the other day. I was tempted to get it (even though it is not essential and not secondhand) but I was put off by the physical reminder of how far I have to go.

A friend who is working on a large gardening project is doing a bit every day. I posted on her page these words - inch by inch is cinch. We shall see.

Asta x

13/365 Paintings Challenge

This was inspired by a photo of a colourful courtyard in London.

Shalom,

Asta x

12/365 Paintings Challenge

I was reading a YA novel called 'Greylands' by Isobelle Carmody. Hell for me would be Greylands - a dull place with no colour. And actually for the protagonist it is a place of grief and loss, a place he visits after his mother dies. It isn't a good place.

A challenge to paint without colour was posted under one of my paintings on Facebook. It might be a good exercise but I want to paint the world in joy, and colour is my vehicle of choice. No Greylands for me.

Love,

Asta x

11/365 Painting Challenge - Cleo

I wonder if I will ever be able to paint natural hair colour.

Pax,

Asta x

10/365 paintings challenge - Lady in Red.

I took my daughter out today so I was late painting.  After my initial panic that I wouldn't get it done, I settled down to a wonderful night of painting. That said I really hope this doesn't happen to often. I much prefer to paint before I go out then I don't have it hanging over me. That makes it sound like a burden, but it is more like an itch I have to scratch.

Peace and joy,

Asta x

9/365 Paintings Challenge

I had a friend in this painting...she just gave me so much joy. May you feel the same.

Can you help me name this painting? I'm thinking it could be the subject's name.

Asta x

8/365 Paintings Challenge.

I'm calling this one Fancy Pants Valance. It was inspired by gypsy style bedding I'd seen in a book. Its about A5 in size because I'm low on supplies. I will have to restock ASAP. Thankfully a friend is bringing around some preloved acrylic paints on Friday.

I have to share that Blue Eyed Hippy has an admirer and is sold. I am thrilled. She's going to a lovely home!!!

Peace, joy and colour,

Asta x

7/365 paintings challenge

A storm has  dumped its rain on us. It is hot, humid and dull outside but the plants are glistening, and with uncontrollable fires in a favourite part of Australia at the moment, I am giving thanks with colour.

Asta x

6/365 Paintings Challenge - Epiphany

We sang carol's at church today - The Epiphany of our Lord, and I was happy to be an Anglican. I love the long Christmas season. So in honour of all that ( and what I have been meditating on) today's subject of my painting has been named Epiphany.

Peace and all good dear friends,

Asta x

Day 5/ Asta's 365 Paintings Challenge

Blue Eyed Hippy.

She was inspired by Sumara Brown - who looks good in a hat, and face painting Kristie Pansini.

Thanks for all the Facebook support!!! I value each and every 'like' and comment. Today was hard. Trying not to think about the next 360....

Asta x

4/365 paintings - Bright Spot

A gloriously bright corner where I imagine snuggling up with a good book. I hope it brings you joy. - Asta x

3/365 paintings - Lynda by default

I thought I was painting myself but apparently (according to my kids) I might have painted my friend Lynda. We have often been mistaken for each other. Once a lady said to me, "I have been to lots of your funerals." I was a little confused - what??? - until I remembered the similarity between Lynda and myself -in our appearance and our work in the same church. Lynda is an Anglican priest and I was honoured to briefly support her as her assistant. I miss her now that I have moved, but we did talk on the phone for well over two hours just the other day.
Asta x

Day 2, 365 paintings

This is the way I imagine my friend's little girl as a woman.
Asta x