Other Interests

In the early 90s, and early in my spiritual journey, God provided a most enjoyable pastime that I now call my "spiritual restoration period" (Psalm 23:2-3), or even "God's playground". I enjoyed playing with pastels and charcoal in creating life on paper. I never considered them to be of "professional" quality; they were more of an outlet for expression of what was taking place within. God was so precious to grant me this period of time. It was rich, nourishing, restful, and serene, but always strengthening, as He prepared me not only for a looming trial on the horizon, but also a future ministry of which I had no idea. 

Initially using my family and friends as my subjects, I eventually picked up a few commissioned assignments, which in all honesty, I did not enjoy nearly as much as just drawing for enjoyment. However, the height of every piece, whether commissioned or personal enjoyment, was the moment I added "the sparkle" to the eye, which caused the picture to come alive. I delighted in placing that light in the eye, and saw it as something so much deeper than just a strategically placed white dot on a dark pupil. (Matt. 6:22)

Then, in 2006, I sensed the Spirit of God urging me to redirect that creativity into other venues, but to continue to be an instrument in placing "light" in the eyes of individuals.(2 Cor. 4:6) 

I also played for a season with caricatures, and while fun, did not receive the amount of fulfillment I received from "real" people.

(Click on pictures to enlarge for detail)  

A rendition of the dream that awakened my slumbering rebellious spirit, causing me to search for this One who would go to great lengths to redeem my life from the pit.

Our oldest son Cory his sophomore year of high school.
He appreciated my artist's license to eliminate his braces
from the portrait. 
Our middle son, Cole, during his eighth grade year.
Everyone wore their hair just like that. Not everyone could wear it,
but everyone tried!

Our youngest child and only daughter, Kaci at age 10.
She was thankful the gap between her teeth finally filled in. 

Kaci at age 15. See...the gap filled in creating a
beautiful smile.

 One of my first commissioned pieces. While I enjoyed it,
my propensity for perfectionism burdened me. Preferred
"playing" so much more.

 The Mrs. of the Mr. above.

Combination of charcoal and pencil of my paternal
grandmother not long before she passed. She had a precious
crooked grin and carried the proverbial wadded tissue in her hand.
I made several copies to frame and give to siblings and
parents at Christmas.Beneath the picture is one of her quotes,
"It's the sleep before midnight that counts."
A best friend of my daughter through virtually
every year in school, and continues today as each
begin their own families.

Young man and friend of the kids during high school.
Decided to add "blue" to his eyes using colored pencil.
This is one of the first caricatures I ever drew.
Had not anticipated going there, but was requested by someone
wishing to do something different for the newspaper
as they celebrated going from high school sweethearts
to their 50th wedding anniversary. Couple is the same couple as the
Mr. and Mrs. above in pastels.


A local church put a cookbook together the year of its
Centennial celebration and asked for a simple line
drawing cover to represent the transition.
I hoped to convey the progression from past to present.

1992- Day care owner wanted a new logo and sign
for their business. This was before computers, or at least
a computer in my home, and didn't have creative fonts to fall back on,
so had to create them by hand. I like computers!


A couple requested a puppy portrait of their dogs.
They had intended to get an actual picture taken,
but the brown one (in back) died before they could take it.
So, I drew her looking away. Each has her own name
on their tag--Delilah (back), Sandy (left), and Prissy (lower right).
The print was larger than the copier I used at that time,
and clipped the tip of Delilah's nose.

A quick (and I mean quick) caricature of my daughter
one evening while laying in yet another hospital bed.
My pencils and paper helped keep me company and passed the time.


When our military went to Iraq in 1991, my dad and I
made and sold several barn board flags, using the old and
weathered barn board of his own dilapidated barn and fence row .
He located the wood, placed, backed and cut the design, and I painted.
The really distressed boards made the best flags.


Originally designed this for a T-shirt, but was never actually used.
Just had fun one day.

2 comments:

  1. Shari, I know that you are a very talented writer, but had no idea that you are also a very talented artist! You really have been blessed with talent and you are using it for God. Thank you for sharing your talents!

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  2. Thank you Sherry! I just felt it was a season that God used at a time when I most needed it. Still feel like pulling out the pastels occasionally, but am really enjoying writing right now. I used to design clothing as well, but my back got too bad to bend over a sewing machine. So, what I do now works for a bad back! :)

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Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this post. I appreciate every comment. Blessings!