The delightfulness of having a friend you might grow up with, at least so far in their lives, is a treasure many of us don’t have. The children in this painting have known each other since babes, and they experience the loves and challenges of friendship often. Their mothers are good friends, often taking their breathing space at one of several parks where their children can run and play.
One of the parks is near a museum, the grounds are well kept and pleasant. A stream runs through it, and geese stay there year round, accustomed to big and little people. Whenever I am there, it is full of geese, and children.
Below are the two earlier paintings of the same children. The beagle doggy has died, the bulldog is getting old and grey, but still smiles when he goes for a walk. I love seeing how these two children grew, how they are as lovely little people. I hope that I am able to keep painting them for more years to come.
The process of painting went from covering a used canvas with a white wash, into the new painting at the park, as shown below.
Heb. 11:6 – “…for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Read all of Ps.127 – “…Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is a reward…”
It is a distressing thing to even begin to realize what is happening in our country, and world, in regards to child trafficking and abuse. My stomach clenches in pain even trying to comprehend what people like OUR and other groups who rescue children find and try to help. It is also evident by our abortion rates that it is a thriving business also.
I do understand that a nation will fail outside of the salvation of Jesus Christ. A nation will not stand without His blessing and mercy.
You must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder. Children are one of His rewards, they take work, but they are not a burden. Women are saved through childbearing – bearing them until they can live well in this world by the grace of God in their own lives.
When I first sketched this idea for a painting, it was in heaviness. I saw abuse, darkness, tragedy beyond “Les Miserables” or similar concepts. My understanding of what was happening in our Nation was in tears and sadness. My idea was not light.
My favored models are not nearby, so I just began to sketch on a used canvas and wanted to see where it would take me. It was not into darkness.
I was gladdened to see the truth in the Word of God. Children are a man’s arrows, they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. Children are the fruit and strength of a nation. Killing them and other things does not meet the enemies in strength and glory.
I had always only seen these verses within the context of the church – the body of Christ, His building the House. But He is at work even til today. Salvation and Redemption are available to all now. Lord, build Your Kingdom, pour out Your Spirit into America, and the world. Come Lord.
“How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” Ps. 128:1
This painting is about America loving her children… protecting and guiding them. It is the strength of a Nation for mothers to be raising children before the Lord. They are a gift from God.
Our Nation will be great only in Salvation and Redemption. God is Good, God is Light, there is no darkness in Him. The end result is in His total Victory.
In times when we cannot see each other, I am especially grateful for skyping and messengering. Praise God for a daughter so willing to visit, especially when she is so busy.
When she was a baby and young girl, I called her my “joy bucket”, because truly, joy emanated from her being. I found that same quality in her son.
During one of our skype visits, I took a photo of the screen, not the best photo quality, but enough to work from. Until I can see him, it’s the best personal resource I have to work from.
I only posted a portion of the image, protecting their privacy, but it gives you an idea of a clarified photograph that I was working from.
I was happy with the outcome, because I think I captured his joyful curiosity and interestedness.
“Joy Bucket” – 18″ x 14″ – Oil
May all babies have the degree of loving and coziness as this little fellow.
Sometimes it is fun to play. Sewing dolls and stuffed toys is always fun for me, and they turn out much better than when I attempt to sew clothes for myself.
Chubby Bunnies with Raggedy Andy and Marcia Wanda
This rabbit pattern is maybe 30 some years old, and it is the first time I made the bunnies. The Raggedy Andy pattern I have had for many years as well.
I made a rabbit for my grandson and one for his friend, but these pictured are for me, keeping my daughter’s Marcia Wanda Cabbage Patch doll company on the guest room bed.
They are all made out of fabrics I already had from projects over the years. Never throw away any scraps, always keep embroidery needles on hand.
Now I am back to working on the book of my study of 1 John, in the Garden of God, and an oil painting of little Mario.
The quilt is made of pieces from our wedding clothes, tapestry from furniture remnants, embroidered by my daughter and I.
Monkey is getting very old. All his life he is faithful to his family pack, and very tolerant of his “puppy”. He lets the little guy crawl, lay, and hug on him with utmost appreciation, and even in older age, forbearance. He loves the one who adopted him years ago without faltering or blinking. He is a loving “person”.
He is also very loved in return, wonderfully loved by his family pack.
I painted this in love for both the subjects, and the family pack. I pray it will be a symbol of the shared times, a memorial of a beloved dog-friend, a remembrance of a precious childhood.
BOHLENDER ART 