Dancer in Black

                                                                           16 x 20

                                                                       Mixed Media
                                                                           (SOLD)

I've been told that the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over, and each time expecting different results". As I lay in bed last night, I came to the conclusion that I am indeed insane!

Sparrow

                                                                            8 x 8

                                                                             Sold

It's been over a week since I last posted a painting. It isn't because I haven't been painting, because that's all I've done this week. It's because I have writers block again, and I don't know what I feel like talking about.

I've picked up a book a dear friend gave me 5 years ago when my life was in such turmoil. It's called "The Ragamuffin Gospel". This book is all about God's grace. We always seem to see God as one that always remembers our past sins and failures, but in reality, He gives us His grace, willingly, no matter what we've done. We come to him as "ragamuffins", dirty and beat-up, and when we come to Him, He smiles at us with unconditional love and forgiveness.

This thought then led me to my "Sparrow" painting that I am donating to a fundraiser for Jackson Prep, my old high school. It reminded me of the verse: “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7) So now, I have a wonderful message I want to pass on today, God's amazing love for us and more important, His grace.

Water's Edge

                                                                           36 x 48

                                                                      Mixed media

This is another piece I painted for the Portico Art show that is being held at The Mississippi Museum of Art tomorrow night from 5 until 8. I would love to invite any of you that are from here to attend. Nine other artist will also be showing their work.

I named this painting "Water's Edge" because it looks as if a frog has just jumped into a pond, making a splash. It's funny how after going through so many different styles of paintings, this type has more less become my signature style. My white paintings have sold the best at VIEW GALLERY where I show. As I have mentioned before, I guess it is because so much of my feelings go into these paintings. I am so thankful for my life today and the wonderful grace and freedom I feel. A friend told me this week how it seems that my life is so full of drama, in spite of the fact that is not my personality. Yes, as a very involved mother of 3 teens, it does seem that way. But to me, it's the life God has so graciously given me, and although it is far from perfect, I am indeed thankful for it.

New York In Summer

                                                                           36 x 36

                                                                           ( Sold )

Why is it that when you try to do the right thing, take a stand in defense of an individual or cause, you come out looking negative and judgmental? That was never in your heart, and your intent was simply to bring everyone together and make a wrong right, yet you come out "the bad guy". This is what happened this week, and it is very discouraging and upsetting.

Trust me, I wish I was a person that could sit back and let others fight the battles, but that is not the personality that God gave me, especially when it has to do with a child. Do I like having to do this? No. Do I like the way it makes me feel? No. But I know the injustices in life and the pain that each of us feel, so I would do it again, in spite of the way it has made others feel about me. All I can do today, is trust God in this circumstance, and know that He knows the intent of my heart.

My Aunt Gwynn

                                                                           "Peace"

                                                                           24 x 30
                                                                           (Sold)

                                                       The world is so beautiful today

                                                        I want to put it in my pocket

                                                       And carry it like a charm -

                                                       But my pocket is small

                                                       So I open my eyes and ears

                                                       And fill my heart to capacity

                                                                      By Gwynn Jacobs

Today my family celebrated the life of my aunt and namesake Gwynn Jacobs. Cissy is a nickname, while my real name is Katherine Gwynn. I was named for two women my mother loved, her cousin Katherine (Cissy) and her sister Gwynn. What an honor to be named after such a lovely, creative, talented and Godly woman. (My daughter is also named Gwynn.) She was an unassuming woman, who never called attention to herself, but was able to inspire in each of her loved ones the assurance that they were uniquely cherished.

As a child, I will never forget the playful make-believe world of fairies and trolls she conjured up to entertain us. I remember visiting her studio, and being in awe of the countless ways she expressed her talent. Her paintings and sculptures will help those that loved her, remember her unique view of the things she loved.