Sir ELTON JOHN

Elton John - DANIEL

As has always been the tradition and intention of my blog - I bring you a mix of my art, along with music (cuz I can't live without it), and occasionally my little thoughts...

As I looked for an Elton song to carry your eyes through my Work-in-Progress photos here - I found this particular version of DANIEL.

I simply love the song... the two brother aspect of it always tugged at my heart (I have two sons). I never knew the context of the song until Elton explained it via the movie behind him as you can see in this Live version. The song is forever changed for me.

My Dad was a WWII soldier, and my grand-nephew is currently serving in the Navy.

God Bless the US Military & their families.

For lyrics to another song that perfectly illustrates my heart's cry - scroll to the end of this post... "What did he die for" ...

Reggie emerges...

On exhibition at Rick's STUDIO13 Grille & Bar in Mentor, Ohio

Please scroll waaaaay down this blog for MORE WiP - pics.

My affordable art is here:

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

~kD

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WHAT DID HE DIE FOR

" He was twenty-one in 1944

He was hope and he was courage on a lonely shore

Sent there by a mother with love beyond her tears

Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears

And as I watch him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back

I cannot help but wonder

What did he die for?

When he died for you and me

Made the sacrifice

So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question
What did he die for?

When he died for me

To the darkest day in A.D. 33

Came the mercy and compassion of eternity

Sent there by a Father with love beyond His tears

Blameless One, the only Son to bear the guilt of all these years

And as I watch Him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back I cannot help but wonder

What did He die for?

When He died for you and me

Made the sacrifice So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question
What did He die for?

He died for freedom

He died for love

And all the things we do not pay Him back

Could never be enough

What did He die for?

When He died for you and me

Made the sacrifice
So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question

What did he die for? When He died for me "

~Twila Paris

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iO1LSwfbAc

The Gargoyle Father

"Sahara" by NIGHTWISH

press the PLAY arrow on the video to listen while you look around this "work-in-progess" post

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The Gargoyle Dad

I have been noodling around with some ideas of a gargoyle-person-creature by request...

here are the very first inklings of where it is headed... although there is much more work to be done...

I have a specific person I am incorporating...

a certain "Dad" person

(and by the way, Dad's are the best... love yours all the days you are given to love him).

I am using acrylics on a gallery wrapped canvas

(measuring 8" x 8" by 1.25" deep).

I began with a light pencil sketch for placement and then began to add a gray-scale form...

I check for perspective and scale every now and then using the reference pic of "The Dad"

... it is really cool in my head though I know you all can't see it yet... but soon you will I hope!

I will be adding details of stone/brick... cement-ish qualities...

"The Dad" will have pointy ears and maybe horns or horn bumps...

To check out more of my arty things go to my shop on ETSY at www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com and my arty bio page at www.blueyeduckstudios.com

~katey-D / blueyeduckstudios

THe TiME iS NoW

It seems that my Apologizing to Vincent entry struck a lovely chord inside many hearts (neato frito). See the entry HERE . That is always the intention, but has nothing to do with me. Blogs are wonderful that way - they are there if you care to look - and if you don’t care to look - you simply don’t. Those who do look might learn something new about themselves. (again, neato frito). That is certainly an amazing thing. In any case - I have been touched by the large number of readers and responders... which, again, has nothing to do with me. (megalicious neato frito with dip).

I am impressed at the lengths non-account bloggers go to get messages to me and I am thankful! I am also extremely thankful (as if thankfulness has degrees) to the four blogs that featured my Vincent entry. It meant that the message of self-examination, forgiveness, and seeking the Truth (and nothing but the Truth) was seen by many more than I imagined ~ AND hurting hearts found a small measure of comfort, ~ AND hearts that saw themselves in the entry were moved to evaluate their own part in the drama of life, ~AND lost hearts were welcomed, again, to a safe place.

Because I felt my own heartstrings tugged on by Vincent’s life situation (obviously), I thought I’d feature a piece of my own altered art that showcases Van Gogh's face and his art (along with other art & artists) …


This piece is sold, but I have intentions of creating another somewhat like it one day soon. I cleaned my studio ~~ for a party - to ease the embarrassment of my family ~~ and now it's like I have all new "stuff" to play with!



We close our eyes and wonder how much longer the earth can hold the tears of all its children. We wonder what became of Eden while we live in the garden we have grown. But there will be hope when we finally understand we were never meant to make it on our own.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



We look ahead and try to face the future, but find we have no heart for this tomorrow. There is a vision that is brighter and if we will believe, it’s not too late. For every decision becomes a destination and today we face a choice that cannot wait.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



Now is the time and today is the day. Now is the time and we cannot delay. This is the moment and this is the place for the mercy, the power, the love, and the grace.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



The time is now. The time is now. Now is the time and today is the day. Now is the time and we cannot delay. Now is the time....



~Twila Paris 1995

D-Day

Criss Cross - Sailing

PRESS PLAY as you read this Blog Post



D-DAY


June 6, 1944 — the day on which the Battle of Normandy began — commencing the Western Allied effort to liberate mainland Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II.

My Dad, Sam, was a gunner in the Mighty Eighth - in a B-17 Heavy Bomber… usually high above the personal battles that ensued on the ground.
How different my world is from my Dad’s - 63 years later.

Dad painted “things” while I grew up - lots of “things” -- cars, walls, furniture… anything… and everything… but no one ever considered him an artist. But what an artist he always has been! As I look at my piles of art stuff, collections, and half-finished schemes ... and when I experience brain-explosions (ie: new ideas) I know where I got it from!



He would “doodle” if we asked … and it was always fascinating… his sketches were locked in a 1940’s style… very distinct…very good.


A couple years ago I set him up with artist materials: brushes, canvas, paint…
An artist was "officially" born - one that other people could recognize.
He found his niche - at 81 he began painting lighthouse ACEO’s (artist trading card size pieces) 2.5” x 3’5”. I have appreciated it more than he knows - as he painted these tiny things - I know how hard it is to see what you’re doing on something that small…and my eyes are half his age!


He was excited to have many of his tiny lighthouse paintings sell on eBay last year. I stopped listing them because he stopped painting regularly. I covet the ones I have remaining and cannot sell them. You understand.
I’m sad he isn’t painting- he was on such a roll. His studio was packed up and put into storage by the owner of the house they are in who plans to move my parents - someday. Apparently a ‘messy’ studio is detrimental to selling a house.

I, on the other hand, think real life inside a home is essential to selling a house.

Enjoy Dad's art - I sure do ~xo~

joy in the journey,
Katey-D

UPDATE (JANUARY 2008): Dad is back painting! He was reunited with his supplies and is creating again. In addition to painting small works of art, he has been painting water scenes (Lake Erie, boats, lighthouses, etc) on furniture.
Most recently he has stopped painting traditionally and has been working on a 3-D 1:12 scale model of the interior of a B-17 - complete with gunner 'guys' (they are not 'dolls' mind you, thay are 'action figures' !) I hope to get photos and post them.

INSPiRaTiON

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

~Charles Spurgeon

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Many of the artists who gather in special, small groups on eBay to support one another are a community like no other. They are chosen family. I have chosen them, and to my great delight, they have chosen me. Oh, we have our odd ‘uncles’ and wacky ‘aunts’, but we are caring and understanding and the support is quite comforting.

Several of the more ‘with it’ artists blog more regularly than I do. Many of them have my blog linked on their blogs (something I will reciprocate soon - I promise!).

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Each week they blog one entry with a theme.

This week it is ‘inspiration‘.

I skipped right over the theme of “organization” (ha ha ha).

INSPIRATION

All my inspiration is spiritually motivated...at least I think it is... Really, I do!

This morning... Easter morning… I was at church an hour early as another family member had technical commitments that took all of us there extra early. We drove in one vehicle since there happened to be an odd snow storm this lovely Resurrection morn!
I sat with my drawing paper and pencil and got lost in the music in my head. I draw when I worship and pray (if I am able - which rarely happens in church by the way [the drawing part that is!] - but as I said, I was early). The church band was practicing, but I had my own tunes playing in my head…

I was thinking about what an incredibly tough few months it has been with what has seemed like a barrage of continual insults and arrows aimed at my heart or the heart of my sons (which is the same as my heart to me)…
We have become something like a family walking around with our skin burned off so that even comforting one another hurts and can cause the other one pain. So, where is my inspiration in such a time?

Often it is in music, and the promises I already have hidden in my heart. AND, I am reminded: it is in FORGIVENESS.

Recently I revisited an old album by Steve Camp -- particularly the song : Forgive Me Forgive You.

I have been thinking of this CD lately while I draw and pray...and when I am driving....although I ALWAYS sing & pray while I make art... and well, also when I drive!

When I searched for the lyrics online (so as not to have to sing and type at the same time from memory) - I came across Steve Camp’s blog with a wonderful teaching on the Resurrection by John MacArthur…

An inspirational find! I needed these good, solid promises today. No sugar water & no tap dancing… just solid food and a full orchestra.

Inspiration can happen at any moment.

http://www.stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/

Domino Collage Pendants

I have been reminded again (and again, and again) this Easter of the indescribable gift given to me - that all I have ever done (or will do) is forgiven (and there is nothing I have done to deserve such a gift - yet, there it is - right there, for ME)… [[and YOU too]]

So, how willing do I need to be to forgive those who offend me?

No matter if they ever change?

That is not the question… the question is do I forgive anyway?
I have been forgiven more than I will ever need to forgive.

“I don’t know if I can forget… All the pain that you caused me. How do I deal with this bitterness that lies deep inside of me? To turn the other cheek is so hard, when the other cheek is already bruised. I want to be whole again (I’m so tired of feeling used). Forgive me, forgive you. Forgive the hurt that we put each other through. I know the Lord can heal the deepest wounds - but He begins with: forgive me, forgive you.
Love must be tender. Love must be strong to make it through the storm. We can’t trust in our feelings - we must stand in the Lord. For love is a choice that we make. A vow of our wills - forever to take… (I’m tired of hurting you - for hurting me) so I humbly come to you (yes, I come to you) Forgive me, forgive you…forgive the hurt that we put each other through…” *Lyrics by Steve Camp ...typed while singing from memory afterall !

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working on it...

trusting...

joy in the journey regardless of the circumstance...

~ katey

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I must post script this entire 'post' as I post script the entire day - with one of my LIFE SONGS:

Take My Heart ~ by Phil Joel

(from THE most EXCELLENT CD: Bring it on)

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Today’s another day. Let’s forget about yesterday. Tomorrow’s another wayto distract us from now. So here we are. The day is young. What will be? What will become? I’m gonna let You decide. I’ll be me and You be You. Why do I confuse the two? I gotta swallow my pride!

Take my heart! Take it all! I lay my life down at Your feet ‘cause I want what You want for me. Take my heart. Take it all.

Today’s another day. This tomorrow’s yesterday is now. We’re only one breath away from it all falling down. So, let’s scatter those dreams. The ashes of our own opinions! Here’s to good health, selfish ambition - creates our own custom religion. I’m so tired of myself.

Here we are the day is young. What will be? What will become? I’m gonna let You decide. I’ll be me and You be You. Why do I confuse the two? I gotta swallow my pride.

Bring it on! Bring it on! Oh, Lord, I want what You want for me. Whatever it takes. Whatever You want - Bring it on!

SiMPLy BLuE...

TuSCaNy SKiES...

I was struck by an unusual color in the sky in March. It was an intense blue not often seen in the Great Lakes region this time of year… it was Tuscan Blue. It was amazing to think it had been hiding behind the gray all along.

I was so motivated that while I was hanging out on a small wood step stool at Border’s Books, I started looking at travel guides on Tuscany to look for more of this magnificent blue. While my son searched high and low for more books worthy of reading, (he inhales them like air) I inhaled images of Tuscany.

When we got home I decided to create my own naïve view of Tuscany and the elements my eye found the most lovely… the blue sky, yes, but the terra cotta roof lines and the antiqued and aged mustards of all the stucco walls…

It is simple… it is my TuSCaNy SKieS…

joy in the journey,

katey

It is for sale on eBay incredibly cheap - as is all my art there!

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQsassZblueyeduckQQsbrsrtZd

Today's Music: Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra

Sun is shinin' in the sky, there ain't a cloud in sight. It's stopped rainin', everybody's in a play, and don't you know, it's a beautiful new day.

Runnin' down the avenue, (Pant, Pant, Pant) see how the sun shines brightly. In the city, on the streets, where once was pity, Mr. Blue Sky is living here today.

Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why, you had to hide away for so long - where did we go wrong.

Hey there Mr. Blue, we're so pleased to be with you. Look around see what you do, everybody smiles at you.

Hey you with the pretty face, welcome to the human race. A celebration! Mr. Blue Sky's up there waitin' and today is the day we've waited for !(Chorus)

Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why,You had to hide awayFor so long where did we go wrong.

Mr. Blue you did it right, but soon comes Mr. Night, creepin' over, now his hand is on your shoulder ... never mind I'll remember you this way.

Persecuted & Afflicted

"When the morning falls on the farthest hill I will sing His name, I will praise Him still. When dark trials come and my heart is filled with the weight of doubt, I will praise Him still. For the Lord, our God, He is strong to save from the arms of death, from the deepest grave. And He gave us life in His perfect will and by His good grace I will praise Him still"

(song lyrics by Fernando Ortega)

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:24

I have created this painting completely out of my comfort zone and typical genre to illustrate a point...to myself.
I remember a time when my son was a small boy. Being such a sweet, sensitive creative spirit lead to him wanting to wear something a bit odd one day.
I understood his sensitivity and love of people, and appreciated that his choice of clothing was based on his own aesthetic sense and not peer direction...nor my own preference. I permitted him to wear this odd little outfit he put together. In certain circumstances maybe it wouldn’t have been odd, but where we were headed I knew there would be kids who would probably tease him because they were proud of themselves or maybe even jealous...or simply because he looked different...and because it had happened so many times before...maybe it was a habit. It would have been easier for my little guy to specifically NOT choose the clothing he did, based on this previous harassment, but he had thought it through and his clothing was his own choice. We certainly didn’t look like we belonged together or were headed to the same place. I was in proper mommy-wear. I knew his heart, and I was a witness to the love and care he felt for his friends - his clothing did not matter to me.
Sure enough, we walked into the event and immediately someone condemned my son for what he was wearing. He was asked many times times why he wore what he did. Somehow, surface issues were being equated with heart issues. My son had been trying to rehearse positive answers prior to arriving there, rather than the sarcasm that would have been so much easier. After a couple repeats of “why? Why? WHY?” - I walked closer and leaned in to whisper “I wanted him to wear this because it matches the clothes I picked out for myself that are just like these...unfortunately they didn't have my size."

Silence.

A nice little story about Mommy & her little boy…except that my little boy is 15 and this happened recently.

It wasn’t an odd outfit, it was an all-black outfit…with a skull motif on the pants pocket (oh my).

This boy-in-black knows his God and serves Him with all his heart. He leads a pure life and knows he is called to be a Light in a dark world. He has learned to be in the world and not of the world. His Lord has taught him to ‘go therefore, making disciples of all nations…’ and as a young man he is seeking the lost and meeting them where they are at. He often wears black, and his face shines bright with the light of Christ. Those who dwell the culture of darkness are his ‘all nations’ where he seeks to make disciples...whatever they look like. It is all a matter of the heart.

"Romans Raven": I stepped out of my whimsical and bright paintbox and created a piece I love tremendously. It is dedicated to all who are judged and criticized unjustly. You are loved with an ever lasting love - no one can separate those who respond to the love of God from the love of God. ~ xo

pressing on, pressing in ... even when it hurts so much

~katey

Please see my current eBay auctions to see more photos of this painting: this auction ends March 27th

http://cgi.ebay.com/NFAC-Raven-CRoW-PoE-Goth-Dark-ART-original-PAiNTiNG-sfa_W0QQitemZ160098388167QQcategoryZ20158QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem