Illustration

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 #211, What is a Chibi?

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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

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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?

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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.

Daily Drawing #206, Put Your Hands Together

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The title of today’s drawing is, “A Little Prayer Goes A Long Way.” Philippians 4:6 ESV  has this to say about prayer, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” One of the most important aspects of Christian life is praying. We are called on in another Bible verse to, “Pray continuously.” This does not mean you walk around with your hands folded in prayer as you walk down the street. It does however mean you must be in a constant mindset where you honor and thank God for what He is doing in your life.

Daily Drawing #203, Enjoy A Quiet Picnic with Your Friends

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Today’s drawing entitled, “Goin’ On A Picnic,” is offered as a piece of advice. Life is hard, we work, work, work and then work some more without ever really taking some time for ourselves. The problem is God designed us as being who need to rest once in a while. the easiest and cheapest way I know to do this is to gather family and friends together and go to a local or state park and have a picnic. Picnics are fun. There is a lot of food, fellowship and of course relaxation. So if you’re reading this right now, take the advice and plan pot luck picnic with fun and games. Oh, if you don’t know what pot luck means, it is where everyone brings some food or drink to share.

Daily Drawing #202, Takin’ A Stroll in the City

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I used to live on the outskirts of Philadelphia. One of the things I loved about where I used to live was my being able to make daily or weekly excursions into the city especially the downtown historic district. I have a history buff so I enjoyed walking into our countries. I walked the streets many times reveling in the fact that our forefathers once walked these same streets. Another thing I liked was all strolling in and out of all the little shops especially record stores like 3rd Street Jazz. I snagged a lot of good deals there.

Now driving and walking around Philly I get a little saddened because it has changed so much since my youth. The charm I used to feel is a little weakened but still there. One of the things I like to do now when I venture into my home city or Philly is pray as I walk or drive around. Each city or home town is filled with people who all need the Lord. So my advice today is do the same, pray for your hometowns or cities. Pray for the people, the government or whatever God lays on your heart, but pray.

Daily Drawing #201, Folk Art is Very Cat-chy

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Today’s drawing was done with one thing in mind, “Folk Art.” I live in the Lancaster, PA area which as an artist makes me very interested in the genre known as folk art. I used to think folk art was restricted to those interesting landscapes done without any thought to perspective. Recently however I have found folk art has many forms and subject matter. The title of today’s drawing is “Folk Art Cats #1.” It was done in colored pencils instead of acrylic paints. By the title you can gather there will be more folk art cat pictures coming. Cats have become one of my favorite subject matters.