creativity

Daily Drawing #215, Just One Of Those Days

| Whitt’s End Art

Have you ever had one of those days. I know I have had many in lifetime. More than I like to think about. Today’s little message is a simple one. There are three things you can do to get through one of those days.

1. Don’t dwell on the difficulty. Dwelling on things will not do you any good it will only make things worse. This is not to say it will be easy to just put the bad day out of your mind but it will help if you can.

2.Seek out friends. When you have a bad day don’t hold it in seek out the advice of friends and family to help guide you along.

3. Pray! To me this is the most important thing to do of all three. The Bible is clear we must all bring our cares and worries before God. Isaiah 41:10 has these words from God for us. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

So when you’re having one of those days seek out God and He will being your comfort.

 

 

Daily Drawing #214, Try To Be A Windmill

| Whitt’s End Art

 

I know what you’re thinking. The title of today’s drawing sounds a little odd, “Try to be a Windmill.” The drawing was inspired by the prompt word, “wood,” combined with this definition of a windmill as found on Wikipedia, “A windmill is a mill that converts the energy of wind into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades. I think we as followers of Jesus are like windmills. Each days God, through the Holy Spirit breathes into our sails, His breathe which gives us the energy not only to get through the day but also so we can be a blessing to others.

In 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Paul has this to say about the power of the Gospel and the power God gives to us, “for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” So if you feel like your not being the windmill you should pray to God to breathe more on your sails to give you a burst of energy. He will come through, He is always faithful.

 

Daily Drawing #213, A Human And Their Pets

| Whitt’s End Art

Millions of Americans love their pets. They spend billions of dollars each year taking care of their pet’s needs. In my lifetime I have had many pets. Most of the pets I owned were cats or should I say I was the cats personal care giver instead? Every cat that has graced my home has had a unique personality but have all had one thing in common, their attachment me. Cats show love differently then do dogs.

The dogs I have owned are always there when I open the door, wagging their tails with what looks like a grin on their faces. Cats love by gracing you with their presence every once in a while or letting you know they need something like food or their litter box changed. I currently don’t have any pets but would love to get another cat someday. My drawing entitled, “A Wizard and His Dragon. is dedicated to all pet owners out there no matter what the type of pet you have. I hope you like the drawing.

Daily Drawing #212, So You Think You Want to Dance

| Whitt’s End Art

I don’t usually like to admit this but I am a fan of Dancin’ With the Stars. What I like about the show is when a star is a true amateur. They are the complete underdogs and must learn and learn and learn some more. Even with all their practice most of those contestants don’t not make it it into the finals. Still the amateur contestants are an inspiration. They show me with a little dedication and a lot of practice you may not win the contest but you will learn something new which can ultimately be a lot of fun and enriching.

In my life I have always loved but I never had any collegiate training. Still I keep practicing and practicing as I learn the craft of creating art. I may never earn a living creating my artwork but my joy comes in putting it out there for others to see. This I think is my calling from God, the reason He gave me the gift of being an artist. I hope you try something new this year. Something you have never done before like playing an instrument. The key is once you start don’t give up, but keep practicing.

Daily Drawing #211, What is a Chibi?

| Whitt’s End Art

The drawing today is my first try at a Chibi. What is a Chibi you might ask?  Well chibi, “is a Japanese slang word describing something short (a thing, an animal or a person).” In this case a Chibi is a manga drawing of usually a little child with a large head and a small body. At heart I am a cartoonist. I have always loved the work of such cartoonists as Schulz and Davis. It is there work which inspired me to take up drawing in the first place. Over the years I stopped cartooning because there was no outlet for me to display my work. Years ago their was not internet so you had to send out your work and get back those dreaded rejection slips.

Nowadays you can post your work on line for others to see. What I guess I am trying to say is this, don’t give up on your art. Keep practicing what you love and then put it our there for all to enjoy. I create art for myself and because God calls me to draw. It is my ministry.  I have been reminded by God and others over the years that if you try to create pieces to please everyone it is only going to get you discourage and frustrated and you will not longer enjoy your craft.

 

Daily Drawing #209, You Aren’t A Sly Fox

| Whitt’s End Art

There is an old saying that goes something like this, “Art imitates life,” or put another way, “The observation that a creative work was inspired by true events; based on a true story.” As artists many times we operate like sly fox by creating works based on something we see but with our own foxy ways which happens to be the title of my drawing today, “Our Foxy Ways.” In our Christian walks there are times we when we think we art foxing God. You know what I mean those times when we do stuff when no one else is watching but remember this God is always watching our daily walk.

He sees our ways, even those times when we think we are outfoxing others. God does not watch us because He wants to point out our flaws or point a finger. He watches us because He cares for us like a parent who watches their children to protect them from what would harm them. So the next time you think you’re out foxing someone remember God is watching. You may fool someone else but God knows exactly what you’re doing.

Daily Drawing #208, Whose Holding Your Umbrella?

| Whitt’s End Art

The title of today’s drawing is, “Umbrella Man.” There are some who view God as the umbrella man. You know the guy who is going to cover your head so the rain doesn’t get to you. Isaiah 4:6 does say that God will provide,”a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.”  I however have learned over the years there are times when God lets the rain wash over us because He wants us to learn something from the trials or troubles in which we are embroiled. I have grown stronger in my faith through the trials I have had in my life, diabetes, cancer, deaths in the family. Each one has given me more wisdom and prepared for what is yet to come in my life. I have also lived through the times when God returned the umbrella and stopped before it became to much for me to bear. Still I must say no matter the weather condition I am living under I will put my faith In God and live my days with joy in my heart.

 

 

 

Daily Drawing #207, Dipping Your Toes in the Water

| Whitt’s End Art

I delved once again into the fantasy realm for today’s drawing, “Feel Fair-ly Safe to Get Your Toes Wet.” I know a long title for such a simple drawing but there is a reason. In life and in faith we hold ourselves back many times because we are afraid to dip our toes into the water or put another way, “Start something we are unsure we are qualified or able to do.” Remember God however has different plans for our lives. He wants us to jump headfirst into water by putting our faith and trust in Him to help us succeed. Proverbs 3:6 says, “in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” If God is capable of straightening out our meandering walk then He is also most capable of helping us accomplish what we deem to be improbable. Pray for God to help you get your toes wet in something new today.