Genuine Expressions

Autumn Light

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 13:22:00 +0000

Autumn Light

by Candy Prather

16"x20"oil on canvas

Autumn Light was a 2012 Christmas gift to my wonderful parents. This year, 2013, commemorates their 60th Wedding Anniversary. What an accomplishment these days. I'm so blessed that they continually renew their love for one another and are the parents a lot of kids can only dream about having. They simply adore each other and have been a great example of a strong marriage, not always perfect, but one of support, grace, encouragement and love. I am honored to be one of their four children and will always appreciate the life lessons they've taught us. To you, Momma and Daddy, with all my love.

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Rest

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:09:00 +0000

Rest
by Candy Prather

11"x14" oil on canvas

Rest is a commission I did for a very special friend. Her Babygirl passed last November after being blessed with her for 17 years. In praying for answers about where pets go, she asked God to show her where she went. He showed her a vision of her in a field of Daisy's and butterflies flittering around. My friend said Babygirl laid there in total peace just watching them. She laughed and told me she doesn't even like Daisy's and the vision had to have come from God, because if it was her, she'd have her laying some other place other than a field of Daisy's.

After asking me to paint Babygirl for her, she asked God what she should name the painting, and He said "Rest; this is what rest looks like".

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Peyton in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:52:00 +0000

Peyton in Paris
by Candy Prather

20"x16" oil on canvas

Peyton in Paris is a storybook style commission. The intention was to portray the couple's daughter in a Paris setting as an animated layout. This was my first undertaking in storybook style painting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My client sent a few photos of Peyton and I combined two of them to create her stance. I found the background of Paris in a photo from Google Images, then as I was finishing up the composition I added the flower pot and tree limbs to help portray the springtime season effect. The kind gentleman who commissioned me to paint his daughter in Paris was a pleasure to work with. He presented Peyton in Paris to his wife as a 20th wedding anniversary gift. Let me know what you think!

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Safe Harbor

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:42:00 +0000

Safe Harbor by Candy Prather

30"x40" oil on canvas

I'm beginning to really enjoy painting water scenes...it's funny

because I'd really rather be in the mountains.

My husband, R A, and I decided it was time for me to paint

one for our bedroom (a long time coming, seeing

that we've been in our home for six years now).

We found this photo and just liked it. In the photo the land

went all the way across and I decided I wanted a lighthouse, so

off went some of the land and on went the lighthouse.

R A absolutely adores it...hope you enjoy it too.

Happy Fall!

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He Makes All Things New

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:13:00 +0000

He Makes All Things New by Candy Prather

16"x20" oil on canvas

He makes All Things New is a commission painted for a couple that goes to my church. She asked me to paint them as children with wildflowers in the background and in white to signify their marriage. This painting was inspired by a vision she experienced earlier during a significant time in their marriage. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to paint such meaningful piece for a couple that I admire and love very much. The painting was a wedding anniversary gift from her to him.

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Tessie

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:44:00 +0000

Tessie by Candy Prather

11"x14" oil on canvas

Meet Tessie...who belongs to a friend of a photographer friend

who had posted her photograph on an Artists social site.

Well, almost a year ago I spotted her and couldn't

resist the urge to paint her. Finally, I did and here she is!

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Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:41:00 +0000

Beautiful by Candy Prather

20"x16" oil on canvas

I did this one on a whim several months ago. Before finishing I felt led to contribute

it to the spring Ladies Conference we had at the church I attend.

Lady, whose light does shine
washed in Jesus’ blood
Abides in and is dependent upon the Vine
Growing, and people she loves
Her obedience produces fruit
And the Father, she desires to please
Full of His Spirit and truth
She is rightly beautiful and complete.

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Clown Warrior

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Clown Warrior by Candy Prather

11"x14" Oil on Canvas

What do you think about this little guy?

One of my favs...hope you like him, too!

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Outback Rosellas

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Outback Rosellas by Candy Prather
14"x11" oil on canvas

A few years ago I had the privilege of visiting Australia with an awesome group of gals from the local church I attend. We went to Sydney and had a variety of touring choices to do in just a couple of days and of course one person just wasn't able to do all of them. I chose to visit the Wildlife Refuge, see the Blue Mountains, took the Sydney Harbor Cruise, visited the Bundi Beach and climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge. We shopped and ate and shopped and ate. Then we traveled over to Manly for a Ladies Conference and heard from a wonderful selection of Ladies who imparted the Word of Life into us. It was great! This was, of course one of my most memorable of trips.

While I was there, I picked up a book, Australia's Wilderness. I picked it up again a few weeks ago and chose to paint these birds. I hope you like them. Let me know!

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Winter Lake

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Winter Lake by Candy Prather
16"x20" oil on canvas
Sold

The reference for this one came from a dear friend who is a wonderful wildlife photographer that I met at an online art community. We followed each other to Facebook and I am always sneaking over to her beautiful photos, admiring her work. She tells me that these are Tundra Swans (also called Whistling Swans) and they are at Lake Almanor in Northern California. It does get below zero in the winter there.

Thank you Susan for giving me the pleasure to paint one of your amazing works. This was such a refreshing painting to paint in the dead of the Summer heat in Texas at over 100 degree days. Loved it!

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Spring Radiance

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:11:00 +0000

Spring Radiance by Candy Prather

16"x20" oil on canvas

Just another fun one...hope you enjoy!

Stay tuned...about to begin painting a commissioned portrait.

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The Row Boat

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:44:00 +0000

The Row Boat by Candy Prather, oil on canvas 16"x20" is more of a study to see how I can do with water. No story behind it really; just found the photo online, liked it and decided it would be a good one to paint.

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Tableau of Landmarks

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Sat, 01 May 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Tableau of Landmarks is pen & ink and pencil, 24"x30" on illustration board by Candy Prather. This is the commission I've been working on for several months. We met my client at the framer's this morning and I can hardly wait to see how it's gonna look in the frame.
The landmarks you see are some of the locations of my client's travels: The Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House in Australia, the Eiffel Tower and the Arch de Triumph in Paris, France, and the Big Ben Clock in London, England. It was quite a challenge for me with it being so large, but I'm so glad I did it. The experience, because of all the measuring and care I put into it, has helped me to be more careful with measurements in my paintings. I feel like I "see" better. Now remember, the size and res has been reduced for faster loading, so this photo is missing some of the detail.

This is my first undertaking of doing pen & ink this size. Let me know what you think.

Be blessed!

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Anniversary Drive

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:01:00 +0000

My husband and I recently had our 26th Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated it along with Easter beginning with Good Friday. We had a weekend of restaurants, a movie, an overnight stay at the Hyatt (a superb Hotel, btw). To finish it off we took a drive to see the Dogwoods at Davey Dogwood Park in Palestine on Sunday. I did get a few photos to share and will share most of them on Facebook, too.

When we were leaving the park, I got out of the car to take another shoot of a tree with fuchsia colored blooms (sorry, I don't know all the trees), a lovely lady pulled over and began telling us about two dogwoods, one white and one pink that were grafted together and asked if we wanted to see it. Well, of course we did, so she took the time out of her day to drive across town to show us that one and then took us to another one. What a blessing and God send she was...thank you Tina!

Well, enjoy the few photos here...and if you get a chance, pop in and visit me on Facebook to see the rest of them.

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Peace Like a River

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:09:00 +0000

Hello all! Here is the landscape painting I did in the Fall, Peace Like a River, oil on canvas 16" x 12". It's from a photo I took when R A and I stayed in Pagosa Springs, CO a couple of years ago. We took the train ride from Durango to Silverton. Gorgeous weather and the countryside was so amazingly beautiful. It is one of our most memorable trips.

I'm still working on the pen/pencil commission. It's coming along nicely and I'm so close to finishing it. Because of my full-time job, all the duties of a housewife and "Life"...and because of the processes and details of the project, it's been quite slow. I'm on the last stage and the last subject and am looking forward to completing it real soon.

Spring is on it's way! I enjoy living in Texas because we have such variety in the weather. I'm so glad for each season change...it seems I'm always ready for it! Sending love and blessings your way!

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New Post

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:20:00 +0000

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything. I decided I should whether I have anything to show or not. I did finish a landscape a month ago or so, just don't have a photo of it yet. After painting it, it went straight to the Harbor for exhibiting and for sale. Since then, I've been working on a commission of pencil/pen. It will be a 24" x 30" of a montage of vacation spots. I've done the thumbnail and the tight pencil rendering. Now, I'm working on the original piece. It is a montage of the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House in Australia, the Arch De Triumph and the Big Bend clock. It's been very tedious but I'm really pleased about how it's coming along. When it's finished I'll post it.

I trust everyone is having a beautiful winter and holiday season. I am! Until my next post, in the case that I don't post again until next year...have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Very Berry

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:22:00 +0000

My kitchen painting is finished! Strawberries and blueberries are the theme. Very Berry is 12" x 16", painted in oil and a little looser. I love the loose look and am attempting to actually loosen up, little by little. It's taking me a while to get the tightness out of my head.

I have no room in my studio for props so I usually set something up in another room and take photo shoots. Then I paint from the photo reference of choice. Sometimes the prop will stay until the painting is well on it's way and I feel comfortable enough to take it down. In the reference the background of this one was gray and I changed it to the light greens. I hope you like it.

I'll be starting back to work in about a week, so paintings won't be finished as fast as they were during the summer. Painting this summer has been a joy. I'll miss all my free time to do so, but I plan on keepin' on, keepin' on.

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." Matthew 15:7-11

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Pretty Daisy

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:16:00 +0000

One of my favorite flowers is the daisy...so I couldn't resist this one. It's on a 16" x 20" canvas and in oil. I hope you enjoy it...I do, a lot.

In case some of you might stop in at the Hilton, the decision was made to take my portraits down because "they don't sell". The reason I'm painting still lifes and anything else, is to replace the portraits I brought home. I'm working on getting them finished and hung before the reception which will be the third or fourth week in August. This one is #2...one more to go!

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Country Rose

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:14:00 +0000

Here is a new still-life. It's 24" x 18" in oil and I've named it Country Rose. No story behind it...just something I put together. Hope you enjoy!

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Free to be Me

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:12:00 +0000

I am eager to present to you a painting of my lovely granddaughter, Lauren. I named it Free to be Me, as she is such a charming and beautiful young lady inside as well as on the outside. The title, Free to be Me, actually was the theme at the last Ladies of Honor camp, a powerful ministry for young people that our daughter and son-in-law are founders of (you can read more about that ministry on their website listed under the Other Links of Interest). When I was thinking about what to name the painting it just kinda' stuck because of Lauren's sweet and vivacious spirit.

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The painting is 14" x 11" and is in oil.

Today, Wednesday the 8th of July, is her 17th birthday.

"Happy, happy birthday, Lauren! We love you very much!"

G'ma Candy and G'pa R A

Little Boy Blue

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:28:00 +0000

At the beginning of this last painting class, we were required to bring a photo of our choice. There were certain conditions due to the lighting and such. It was becoming a challenge for me to find one and a dear friend, Johnny Gomez, left an envelope on my front porch just a couple of days before the class. I wouldn't have found it that evening, except for walking out to view something in the daylight light.

When I opened it I found the photo of this adorable little boy. Johnny said it was one he saved many years ago (dated 1952) thinking he might paint it some day...and just never have. Immediately, I knew it was the one I needed to paint for this class.

It was funny, in the beginning stages, when I started on it and he had dark all around him with dark eyes. My instructor told me the students in his other classes were complaining because he looked so scary. They were asking to turn him around to face the wall and named him Rosemary's Baby. I have to admit...he was pretty scary looking!

When our class was over, a little more modeling and a lot more detail needed, yet, to be done. With much going back and forth with R A and Johnny's wonderful guidance and advice, and some prayer, I've finished Little Boy Blue. The medium is oil and he is on a 20" x 16" canvas. He can be enlarged by clicking him. Enjoy!

Little Boy Blue,

Come blow your horn,

The sheep's in the meadow,

The cow's in the corn;

Where is that boy

Who looks after the sheep?

Under the haystack

Fast asleep.

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Rita

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Okay! I'm back. I bet you were wondering... I was too, there for a while. I was in a place where expanding and developing my painting efforts was highly desired and very much needed. I am still so very far from having arrived, but am making progress. I finished Rita (below, 14"x11" oil on canvas)! Two more are in process and I will post them as I finish...then off to doing more! It's amazing what a class or workshop can do for you. I feel refreshed and renewed in my painting skills! Let me know what you think.

Have a blessed and happy Summer!

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A Great Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0000

I had a three-day weekend and have really been blessed! I started another new painting, joined Facebook and got out in the sun for a walk (two days in a roll...which is great for me!). I pulled some weeds, and picked and ate some wonderfully sweet strawberries that are growing through the fence from one of my neighbors (love 'em!). R A and I got out and trimmed our trees, too.

I've never been much of a yard person, but my doctor just told me I am low on vitamin D...so I guess I'll start getting out more. I have to admit, I've been feeling much better since I've started.

Well, here is a copy of the still-life I did yesterday and today. It is a 5" x 7" and named The Yellow Squash. I've attempted to paint looser. It probably isn't quite as loose as it should be, yet...I'll keep trying. I will, also, have to learn how to do the beautiful texture that I see in so many fabulous paintings. Feel free to comment, below.

Facebook has been a lot of fun, so far. I can see why people say it can be addicting. I'm having to pull myself away so I can get other things done. It's been so much fun connecting with some of my favorite people. R A isn't for it because of the report on the news about how Facebook appears to be claiming the rights to any content posted. In their new Terms of Service they say that they can do anything they want with our content, forever. Well, I think I'll go ahead and use it. Just so you know, you won't see any of my artwork there. I've posted my blog address so you will still have access.

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

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New Landscape

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:13:00 +0000

I started a portrait that just wasn't going right and decided I would have to wait and think about it a little longer. My husband has been after me about painting these hay bails. Out of shear desperation of needing to paint something, I decided to do it on an 11" x 14" canvas and named it Hay Field. So, I started it last night and finished it early this morning. The two reference photos are posted for viewing, as well. The colors on this photo, of course, aren't true to the painting. I Enhanced the photo to match it as close as I could.

I attempted to use larger brushes with this one in order to keep it looser. I hope I did okay...please let me know what you think by clicking the comment link, below. I'm going to try another still life to practice with and, then, eventually get back to the portrait when I am feeling a little more comfortable with loosening up a bit.

Susan Carlin has me mesmerized with her beautiful portraits and amazing painting techniques. She is on Ustream Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. if anyone would like to tune in. It would be worth your time! I will be watching and learning as often as I possibly can.

I had an opportunity to visit the Creative Arts Center in Dallas last Saturday and am excited about beginning an oil painting class there in May with Dave Kramer. He is an award-winning portrait artist who has done numerous illustrations for books, as well. While my husband and I were there, today, waiting to pay for the class, Mr. Kramer invited us in to sit while he illustrated a painting for the current class he is teaching, now. He seems to be very easy going and with lots of grace. That is very comforting as he will probably need it with me!

Be blessed and enjoy the spring flowers!

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Favorite Artists to Share with You

noreply@blogger.com (CandynRA) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:24:00 +0000

I've been thinking about sharing a couple of my favorite artists with you. I am not finished with the project I'm working on and since I don't have anything to show of my own, this post would be a great opportunity to do so.

One, has not only gained my respect as an artist, but she has been an inspiration for a long time...in fact, all my life. She is my very special and much loved, Momma, Beulah (Bee), (left). These photos are from the early 70's. Look closely and you can see part of two of her other paintings in this photo, the tree foliage on the left, above the fireplace and the Santa (painted on black velvet) on the right.

Mom and Dad are living in a small community in Kansas. They both love the Lord and are where they are supposed to be. Although, to have them move to Texas in order that we could be together more would be a dream-come-true. I would love to be able to spend more time with them.

When I was growing up, my Daddy, Richard (above), would paint cartoons with markers. He loved painting the Wile E. Coyote. It was quite often we'd, also, see him with a piece of wood and a knife, carving all kinds of little figurines and animals. Dad is quite gifted and loves animals.

It's been a real honor and blessing to be their daughter. I really didn't appreciate their work until I began to paint, myself, just a few years ago...and, now, I am amazed every time I look at what Mom's done and at how good she is. Maybe, one day I can reach the level of her style and expertise. I would love to share more of her work and will probably do that in the future. I am including only a couple of my favorites and hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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