'Regal Leo' Contemporary Equine Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Regal Leo'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: This is Regal Leo.  don't ask me why as I can't tell you. The colors are so rich with the deep sunset it just became Regal Leo. Leo like the lion with the thick mane...just like this Leo. There are over 25 layers of paint on this mane.  Only in Holbein Duo oils and only in my signature style.

The Thought:  Well, turkey day has gone but the left overs are in the fridge.  We were blessed with our day at Stacey's.  Crystal woke up feeling much better (Thank you Target Pharmacist for your recommendations.)  She didn't mingle with family so closely but did enjoy playing video games with Jon and watching the UPS movie.  I have not seen it yet... maybe this weekend.

Larry out did himself with cooking. Stacey was the pastry chef with 7 or 8 pies...yum, some of those are in my refrig right now. There were over 20 eating and we cleaned up that bird nicely.  There were two flavors of dressing with the meal, whipped potatoes, glazed carrots and yummy bread, cranberries and Stacey's famous Ambrosia.   Dessert came out as Pumpkin pies in a variety of types, pumpkin crunch cake, pecan pie, and apple pie. Oh, don't forget the whipped cream. 

Stacey was smart. She went to Walmart and bought plastic containers cheap so we could all bring home leftovers.  She had plans to be up and out shopping by four this morning with her best friend Shannon.  Had Crystal been feeling better we would have spent the night and joined them.

So much preparation went into this fabulous meal.  Our life should be no different. Preparation makes a difference.  Reading the bible and praying prepares you for what you face out in the world. If you are not prepared you cannot succeed or even survive.  Setting your mind to be in sync with God's word as you journey forward, you cannot fail.  It has been said failure is only an illusion when you stop and sit and wallow in your misery or thoughts. Get up and move; when you do you will evolve form the place you have stopped. You will be moving forward.  You will be growing.

Prepare your life for the good of God and what He has generously provided for you.  Take your hands out of your pockets and lift them to the Heavens to receive.  Prepare your heart to receive.

Laurie

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”Colossians 3:16 

'Between Two Points' Figurative CityScape Contemporary Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Between Two Points'

36 x 48  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2005

The Painting: This is from my old portfolio and is owned by private collector in the Ft Worth area. It sold from my NY gallery several years ago, but I wanted to post it to share my thoughts this day.

The Thought:  Neale Donald Walsch had a good send out message that I received this week.  I am going to incorporate it with my Thanksgiving thoughts for you. 

Thanksgiving is a day to be remembered in the history of the United States. It is holiday that started as our nation began, stemming from a total celebration of "we did it".  Truly it was more "God did it... we made it."  It is still that way today.  We are we with God and His almighty power and plans.  Always better to work together toward the goal than to pull in opposite directions.  Not sure what was in the mind of those first English Pilgrims, but as they came to the table to eat and share food with the Indians, the local inhabitants of the area, but I can guess it was relief to have made the year. A time to give thanks for everything from the smallest thought to the most obvious thought.

The painting is a line of immigrants standing outside of a government building.  The viewer does not know 'why the line' and what the people are doing,  but they can see 'when' by looking at the car in the street.  ( for the few men that read this column, no I don't know the name of the car, my husband chose it for me and gave me pictures.)  The car in the street was a one year production before the stock market crash.  The immigrants are in this line and as you note, no one speaks to anyone. No one touches anyone and no one exchanges glances with anyone. Some look sickly, others are young and eager, some look hesitant. Some are old but still pushing into the future of a better tomorrow.  Doesn't this describe some of us today? No one is connecting in the line. They are all from a different country and cannot share their feelings.  The folks in the line are well aware of the fancy car in the street. They see it as American Life promising them the best and the finest and dreaming that they will own their own car one day; maybe not that one, but a nice one nonetheless. Life goes on around the people in the line. Just as life goes on around you in whatever 'line' you are stuck in right now.   Between Two Points is the title of this painting. Are you between two points today?  Do you feel no one can understand what you are saying?

If you are not where you want to be this day you might be questions WHY and how did I end up here? The most important thought is the next one,  what can you choose to do now?  You have the choice of your next step in life. To ask why me or why this situation only submerges you into doubt and anxiety and disappointment.  To make a decision to go forward with a positive stop empowers you to walk with God and head in another direction. You do not have to remain between two points.

If you stop to try and figure things out, you stop moving and you will begin to fall back to where you were. Focus on what you want to create in your life.  Move forward to that.  Neale says, " There's nothing behind you that can possibly serve you better than your highest thoughts about tomorrow."

Where ever you are today, give thanks for what you have and celebrate life. God is good and He provides what we need when we need it if we only believe.

Laurie

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28  

'Spotted Appaloosa' Contemporary Equine Horse Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Spotted Appaloosa'

36 x 48  Oil on Canvas

SOLD COMMISSIONED PAINTING

Contact me For Commission Work. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This was a joy to paint.  The collector loved the painting Patina 2 and wanted the same feel but with her appaloosa in the painting.  BTW, Appy 2, which she owns, will be on the cover this next month of the Appy Magazine. Stay tuned for a look in a few weeks.  This piece is painted with Holbein Duo Oils on Canvas and it is large at 3 ft by 4 ft.  I would love to paint for you...so contact me for your own Pace Signature Original.

The Thought:  Our youngest daughter is still very ill.  I am pumping her full of fruit and juices, mucinex and tylenol etc but it is not a positive thing right now. Does not look like we will make my older daughter's house for Thanksgiving.  I am sad because there will be new family to be attending along with everyone that has NOT been together since the death of our grandson Grant, three years ago.  Terry is going to stop at Whole Foods for  a turkey this afternoon and I will be cooking.  It is not that I mind doing it, but I was sooo looking forward to NOT doing it this year. I was assigned OMA in charge of the TINK and due at Stacey's house around eight to tend the baby while they finished up the turkey day meal.  Last count was at twenty for guests I think.  It is obviously not in God's plans for us to attend, so I am assuming He wants me to cook here, or we won't eat.    Terry is not off for Thanksgiving. He never has been, so it is not a holiday around our house this year as I will be in the studio working, youngest daughter will be in bed with the flu and the turkey will be tucked in the oven until Terry makes it home at four.  Ya know, I bet someone at the base is bringing in bird... I need to ask, maybe I won't have to cook....or at least not as much.  

Mom is due over this morning for a quick run to Target for last minutes stuff.  I will miss the BLACK FRIDAY early jaunt with Stacey this year as well. We usually rise and start by 5 am at Target, but I saw someone was opening at Midnight tomorrow night.. I will be asleep.

So no matter what comes your way today or tomorrow, focus on giving thanks ...God has blessed our nation richly and each of us as well with our many gifts.  I pray that many people will awaken to those gifts and begin to use them to serve others and to prosper their lives...not prosper necessarily with money but with contentment and peace.   Many will go with out today and tomorrow. There are families torn apart by war, poverty, illness, petty grievances, and many other things, so we must pray for them as well.

Take care this day and give Thanks for what surrounds you, find the peace in what you hold right now.

Laurie

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17   

'Spotted Appaloosa' Beginning Sketch Horse Contemporary Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Spotted Appaloosa'

36 x 48 inches  Oil on Canvas

STEP ONE in the puzzle as I begin this commission painting for a couple in Michigan.

Contact me for commissions. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: This is the beginning piece you might say... the sketch is on and the paint will begin to fly.  Stay tuned daily for updates.

The Thought:  It all goes back to the puzzle again.   Life is a puzzle. Have you ever forced something to work in life?  Just like this darn puzzle.   We could not find all the outside edges and I contemplated snipping off one of the nubs to make it work. Of course I knew it would not work, but I wanted to try....but we didn't.  We found out yesterday after restudying the edges we were only minus one piece not five pieces.  We had some FORCED into where they should not be.  Terry patiently untangled and resolved the edges to perfection and we could begin the journey inside the edges.  He said his dad, Ben, is really good at this.  HUMMM...Ben what are you doing today?

Terry jumped in with his new found skills, or maybe I just discovered them... he actually planned out an attack by sorting ALL the pieces flat by color.  He used my canvas upside down.  (We have only dumped two of them so far.)  But stay tuned in our puzzle one as we figure it out piece by piece together.  PRAISE GOD it has replaced long spent hours numbingly staring at the computer... or the TV.  We did the puzzle last night until almost midnight.

I have decided to apply this new found knowledge to something else in life...so stay tuned for more.

Don't force anything today in your life...let God do it all...let go and let God.

Laurie

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”Colossians 2:6-7  

'Two of a Kind' Modern Equine Art Daily Oil Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Two of a Kind'

24 x 24 Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting:  This was created in Acrylic on canvas.  Some of the colors from the new palette I have been working with.

The Thought:  It is a short blog today. Our daughter was up all night with a massive headache.  She has not had much fever, but has had horrible headaches.  I am praying Terry and I stay well or we will not have Thanksgiving with our family this year.  I don't think we have ever been sick on Thanksgiving before....so prayfully we hope we won't be this year.

Stacey said Tink had a deep cough from her last cold and I am waiting to see how she is doing today as well.  Seems like the second round of the regular flu has hit the area.  We had the swine flu stuff in Sept and Oct and now it is regular flu season. Try to keep your healthy and remember to wash your hands. Again and again.

God's magnificent grace can transform anything in your life.  As you spend time with Him in contemplation and prayer, breath in His healing power and be filled with His wisdom and love.

He is supporting you and He is supporting me. He is supporting all of us.  For those you pray for, He will answer with His grace for them.  He will lead each of us through these times of uncertainty. We must have faith and believe that all will be well.

Remember, wash your hands.

Laurie

"And the Word became Flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a Father's only Son, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14

'Blue Horse' Modern Equine Art Contemporary Horse Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Blue Horse'

30 X 30 inches

Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2009

The Painting: This beauty was drawn out six weeks ago and I never painted him.  Finally this past week I began working on him choosing colors back in the blue family where I have wondered lately.  The stallion is strong with high ridges of paint created with my palette knife and my wonderful Holbein Duo Oils.

The Thought:  We seem to have the youngest daughter down with the flu or something. I have kept her in her room and out of the rest of the house hoping to contain the spread of whatever has taken hold. High fever much like I had in September and thankfully no chest issues or cold at this time.  We want every one well for Thanksgiving. Stacey is cooking... I just get to go and play with the grandbaby!  PERFECT for me....except I miss cooking.

I have to try and put things in perspective as for almost 35 years I have been responsible for the Thanksgiving meal.  Things change.  At first I wanted to bring something but then I remember how excited I was the first Thanksgiving I cooked for family. There is a joy in serving others a meal you have prepared and planned from scratch.   So I will go with a huge smile and open arms to play with that grandbaby they provided that they made from scratch too!  Well I stand corrected...created with lots of help from the Lord.

Whatever your plans are this week, my prayers this day are for your planning and traveling.

Next Sunday will be the first Sunday in Advent... begin this week to prepare your heart for this delightful time of the year. Give Thanks this week, every day.

Laurie

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15  

'Sunday Morning Color' Floral Abstract Daily Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Sunday Morning Color'

12 x 24  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2006

The Painting:  From 2006 one of my favorites.  I call it delicious color!  Very thick paint and very creatively done.

The Thought:   I spent half the night before up so yesterday seems like a bad dream... daughter is trying to pass the state MANDATED ION TEST for chemistry.  Really?  Yes really.  I get disgusted hearing mandated this and mandated that.  We are becoming like robots in our learning and our living. Between Social Security numbers and being tracked everywhere we go, we really do not have much privacy. The internet wipes out any that use to exist.  What is sad is the fact that so much of it on the internet may not be reliable information. 

Gaining wisdom takes more than memorizing that ionic chart mandated by the state.  Any one can memorize, but to be able to apply what knowledge you are gaining is so much more important.   Terry and I spent no less than four hours preparing flash cards, test sheets, match games etc.  I never took Chemistry and I sincerely know why.... yuck. Somehow the chemistry mandate reached down into our lives too.

We gain wisdom each day as we walk through our lives with out any mandates.  Knowledge exists all around us and we must sort through what seems important and retain only that which may serve us in our lives.  The media bombards us with too much information.  If we spent a little more time in prayer and a little less time watching TV we might find our lives a lot more calmer and livable where we actually enjoy being alive everyday and look forward to waking and starting our day.

I am tired of the mandated chores that tie me down here in the studio. There is an incredible amount of computer work that ties into painting and marketing.  Then you have all the bookwork, etc.  I would rather be on my piano or my harp part of the day.  I want more Goddated events....celebrating His grace and His love daily.

Will you join me?

Laurie

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2