You're worth everything and more

Recently I've been thinking about my sisters, particularly the five crazy, silly, energetic, funny, but cute ones still living at home. Growing up it seems I couldn't stand to be in the same room as my sisters, but since I've been in college I've learned to miss their little quirks and I've really grown to love them dearly. It even pains me to see that they have each grown up a little bit more from the last time I've seen them each time I visit home. Instead of teasing and nagging, I've become concerned and protective of my sisters well being. I worry for their futures and pray that they succeed. I remember how fragile and sensitive my self-esteem was as a young girl and throughout high school. Understanding self worth is a difficult task. I know how feeling less than what you are really worth can plague you at such a young age. It is a burden that shouldn't be in their innocent and sweet little lives. I cringe and cry to hear of the bullying that happens from time to time at school to them. I know that experiences like these have a big affect that can leave an impression that this defines who they are. 

Well I'm here to say that it's not. And even though right now in their lives they feel like clothes, popularity, and boys are what defines the rest of their future, I'm here again to tell them that it's not. Trust me, I've been in that boat and now I'm in a place that I never dreamed I'd be with a man who is my prince charming and treats me like his princess. And I too never imagined that I could deserve this. I'm here to tell my sweet sisters that they deserve it too. Instead of retaliating against those who have hurt my siblings, I'm going to replace it with letting my sisters know how much they're worth.  So here's to you Cecilee, Millie, Emma, Livi, and Gracie. You are amazing. If each of you could see yourself the way Heavenly Father does, you would see a strong, beautiful, daughter of God confident of her divine purpose in this life. You each have a unique way of lighting up a room with your sweet spirits and I know everyone who loves you can testify of that. I want you to know how important each of you are and how bright your futures will be. Your individual talents and personalities will effect many lives to come for good and you will leave little footprints on their hearts. And even though now the boy in your class you like may not know you exist, or your best friend betrayed your trust, or kids in your grade have chosen to pick on you for reasons unknown to you, know that you are beyond this. This is only a small moment in your life and it will get better beyond you could ever imagine. I was that little girl once too and I met my prince. I'm here to tell you that you will too. And he will love you so much that he will wait to be intimate with you and will take you to your castle where you can be sealed to him for eternity. I love each and everyone of you sisters so much. You have left impressions on my heart. And even though I'm old and it seems like I may not know much, you can always call your big sister and tell me about your day. I'd love to listen :)

I had the opportunity to take some of Cecilee's senior pictures and here's how a few of them turned out. I can't get over how beautiful she is and the amazing young women she's become! I'm rooting for her to  come to BYU-I :) But I know wherever she chooses she'll go far!

Gracie, Olivia, Emma, and my adorable brother Adam got a hold of grandma's camera and this was the result. I can't help but fall in love with how their personalities leak through each photo. Gee do I love these little stinkers.

A weekend my sisters were in Idaho

Gracie's baptism day

Art: My Journey Part 4

My absolute favorite medium to work with in art is oil paints. There is just something so exhilarating about preparing the palette and mixing the paints. Oil painting is a medium that can be manipulated in many ways  and the possibilities are endless. I've learned a lot about oil painting in the past year. My most recent oil painting class was Landscape Painting with Brother Griffin. In this class my eyes were opened to a different approach to oil painting. I've always had this mentality that oil paintings always need to be photo real, but Brother Griffin's style is more loose and allows you to take a journey through the painting. The beauty about this particular style is that from farther away the painting becomes more complete. As I experimented in becoming more loose, I felt more successful in my paintings. In this class we had the opportunity to go outside and paint in plein air. It was such a different experience compared to painting from a photo. We were asked to paint six landscape studies and choose one of them to paint a final. I want to share some of the most important things I learned from my teachers, some of my own work, and some landscape artists that are very successful and produce amazing  paintings that I aspire to be like one day. 

This is one of Brother Griffin's landscape studies he gave away. It's a scene from Bear Lake and he said the water was really that blue that day. Brother Griffin paints professionally as well and sales his paintings for quite a bit of money. I was thrilled when I was given this study and it has now become a priceless treasure in my home.

My Landscape Studies at Henry's Fork

Scene from a river on a sunny day.

This is the same scene just closer and overcast.

This was the second study I ever painted. I loved learning how to paint water and reflections so I chose it to do my final from this one.

At the end of the semester in this class we were told to display our studies and our final. The class was then instructed to begin with critiquing comments. At first everyone started to express degrading comments. But I know as an artist, you have to develop tough skin, and so I began taking it in so that I could learn from it. Then Brother Griffin stepped in and started talking. Now he doesn't just give out free compliments. He will be honest in telling you how it is. He expresses the things you did right and things you did wrong. Here are some of the things he told me.

• Be careful with sharp edges on a tree, it draws a lot of attention.
• Said he really liked them and that they could be put in a gallery. (I was shocked at this)
• He said I am successful at painting what I see but how can I go beyond that.
• Said I was one of the better ones in the class and that it was A material.
• Told me to think about: Can't stop with just copying, How can I make them work?, What is my unique stance?

Brother Griffin ultimately taught that he wants our artwork to look like our own, BUT with knowledge.  We are taught in art to draw:

What you see

What you know...and then

What you WANT to see

That's the beauty of being an artist. A painting is a combination of perception and conception. It is a constant challenge, but without the struggle we'd lose interest. By incorporating a clarity, freshness, and purity into my work, I can create something truly beautiful and inspiring. You can draw the eye of the viewer in so many ways by being more bold with your stokes, increasing the contrast and the brightness and dullness of colors. Art is an ever changing learning experience and it is something that has shaped and continues to shape me into who I am today.

Puthuff's original painting

My emulation

Hanson Puthuff was a famous landscape painter. Brother Griffin gave us the assignment to emulate one of Puthuff's beautiful paintings to help us become better painters. This was one of the hardest paintings I've ever done, but after many hours of preservation, I was able to complete it and I was given a pretty good critique.

Master Landscape Painters

Scott Christensen 

Here's a little side note about this amazing artist. Brother Griffin is really good friends with Scott Christensen and in his studio he has over 5,000 landscape studies. This just gives me the determination to not give up and to continue painting!

Jim Wilcox

He is an amazing landscape painter who has a gallery in Jackson Hole that I've been to. His work is absolutely breathtaking and has the ability to transport you miles away to the scene he has depicted.

Ken Spencer

This artist had a gallery show in the Spori a couple semesters ago. It was truly inspiring to see his work. He is my favorite landscape painter. Every time I see his work, I am mesmerized. 

Well, there you have it! This is my art journey and it will continue on throughout my life. I hope to one day teach my children the beauty of art and it's influence in my world. 

Art: My Journey Part 3

Ever since I first stepped into the Spori building, I admired the artwork that adorned the walls of many different art students. I made it a goal that one day, somehow I would make it on the wall. In the last few semesters my dream came true. I am also proud to say that I married a very talented graphic design art major and has had his artwork on display as well!

Spori Building... Isn't it Beautiful?!

Watercolor

Watercolor

Oil on Masonite 

Jordan's Graphic Design Poster for his job

Jordan's Graphic Design Projects

Art: My Journey Part 2

More recent artwork

Scratchboard

Construction Drawing

White Charcoal

Graphite

Micron Pens

White Charcoal

Charcoal

Charcoal

Charcoal

Watercolor Schemes

Watercolor Final 

"My Little Boy Blue"

Here are two videos that have motivated me in times of distress to keep pressing forward and to continue in my education of art.

This video is so inspiring to know that the talents and skills I develop in this life will be used in the life to come :)

This song encourages me to make a difference in this life and to help influence others around me for good. I feel that art is one of the ways I can fulfill this duty.