Ever wanted to own original artwork created by me specifically for you or a loved one? Well YOU CAN!
Artist’s Statement:
As a writer, artist, and perpetual dreamer, I find escape in creating worlds very different from my own life through both the written and the visual forms. Using these creative outlets, I strive to provide inspiring images and words, focusing on increasing self-esteem and promoting positive feelings in life, in oneself, and in the pursuit of dreams.
My journey into art began in 2005 with the deconstruction and reconstruction of old books into personal art journals. Art journaling involves using key words, phrases, or found poetry. I continue to explore this art form, which enables me to work through personal feelings, thoughts, and events on my art journal pages. Being unable to write for many years, the paint brush eventually brought me back to my writing pen. Most of the pages of my art journals are centered around overcoming personal issues and documenting important moments in my life. In 2007, I stumbled upon scrapbooking techniques, which I then incorporated into my art journals. Within the past two years, I started painting professionally, capturing images on canvas and paper to motivate myself and others in pursuit of dreams.
Generally, I work in my art journals and on different art pieces simultaneously. The most notable features within my artwork are texture elements. I utilize many tools to increase the textural feel of most of my artwork. In addition, my work centers around female images and includes positive inspirational wording. Building scenes through collage is a new practice that I am currently enjoying. A freelance, self-employed writer and artist, I work primarily in acrylics using collage, ephemera, scrapbooking, and mixed media techniques in fantasy and fairy art. Having received no formal art training, I am predominantly a self-taught artist on an enriching journey where my most invaluable lesson learned to date is how gesso can be an artist’s best friend.
I reside in my hometown of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. While having an on-again/off-again relationship with pursing my Bachelor's degree in English at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, I strive to live the creative life through writing, creating mixed media art, and mentoring others in creativity. I can be found working intensely, though it may look a little like daydreaming, on stories or splashing paint around in my studio with loud music playing in the background. I enjoy getting swept away in a good book, avoiding reality television, trying foods from around the world, and traveling whenever I can.
I create many differing styles of artwork.
My paintings will look great in coordination to children's decor, for wedding, or birthday presents!
Pricing is simple:
2.5x3.5 $10
4x6 $25
5x7 $35
7x9 $65
8x10 $80
11x14 $155
12x16 $200
The artwork can come on stretched canvas*, canvas boards, watercolor paper, etc. (*Artwork on stretched canvas can be painted black on the sides and hung as is without needing to be framed.) It can be sealed in varnish or beeswax at no extra charge. (See me for resin pricing.)
I do have referral discounts. Earn discounts on artwork based on completed (paid) referrals to friends and family. Half of artwork price is due up front to begin the commission. Remaining half is due at completion of artwork. Shipping charges apply if applicable. Item will be shipped/provided once payment is received in full.
I'm only accepting a limited number of commissions during this holiday season, due to work, classes, and life in general. So now is the time to get your order in.
Let's discuss your commission, and let's make your painting a reality!
Mindy Blanchard
MY SO CALLED LIFE. Every Day that I DREAM I live!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Ready to be Remade
Jeremiah 18:4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.
Jeremiah 18:6 "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand..
Inspirational Song to Fit the Mood:
Jason Gray - I Am New Lyrics
Artist: Jason Gray
Album: Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue
Now I won't deny
The worst you could say about me
But I'm not defined
By mistakes that I've made
Because God says of me
I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I'm dearly loved
I am new
Who I thought I was
And who I thought I had to be
I had to give them both up
Cause neither were willing
To ever believe
I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I'm dearly loved
I am new
Too long I have lived
In the shadows of shame
Believing that there
Was no way I could change
But the one who is making everything new
Doesn't see me the way that I do
He doesn't see me the way that I do
I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I'm dearly loved
I am new
I am not who I was
I am being remadeI am new
Dead to the old man,I'm coming alive
I am new
Forgiven beloved
Hidden in Christ
Made in the image of the Giver of Life
Righteous and holy
Reborn and remade
Accepted and worthy, this is our new name
This is who we are now...
Artwork:
Lessons:
After a week of fasting and prayer, I came undone. It seems like I've been crying since the moment I was saved. Bits and pieces of me are crumbling/flaking off a little more each day. What will remain of me, I wonder. While at the same time, I cannot wait to see what I become.
Like an onion being peeled back little by little, I remain, forever waiting, forever ready...to be remade.
Jeremiah 18:6 "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand..
Inspirational Song to Fit the Mood:
Jason Gray - I Am New Lyrics
Artist: Jason Gray
Album: Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue
Now I won't deny
The worst you could say about me
But I'm not defined
By mistakes that I've made
Because God says of me
I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I'm dearly loved
I am new
Who I thought I was
And who I thought I had to be
I had to give them both up
Cause neither were willing
To ever believe
I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I'm dearly loved
I am new
Too long I have lived
In the shadows of shame
Believing that there
Was no way I could change
But the one who is making everything new
Doesn't see me the way that I do
He doesn't see me the way that I do
I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I'm dearly loved
I am new
I am not who I was
I am being remadeI am new
Dead to the old man,I'm coming alive
I am new
Forgiven beloved
Hidden in Christ
Made in the image of the Giver of Life
Righteous and holy
Reborn and remade
Accepted and worthy, this is our new name
This is who we are now...
Artwork:
Lessons:
After a week of fasting and prayer, I came undone. It seems like I've been crying since the moment I was saved. Bits and pieces of me are crumbling/flaking off a little more each day. What will remain of me, I wonder. While at the same time, I cannot wait to see what I become.
Like an onion being peeled back little by little, I remain, forever waiting, forever ready...to be remade.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Wear Love
What is love? And how exactly do you wear it? I wonder.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)
All of the ladies in my group inspire me so much, each and every day. It's a blessing to receive the opportunity to become a part of such a strong support system of wonderful ladies who love Him. I'm so blessed to know these gals and to be able to grow with them.
The artwork for this week was inspired by a scripture read by my lovely friend, Clovia. Her sweet voice reading this passage painted an amazing picture in my head that I couldn't wait to capture on paper:
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." Colossians 3
The Message (MSG)
(This was also the day that I learned that the Bible has ??how many?? different translations? I'm currently reading my church's version and the King James Version. I tend to trip over the wording of King James but I like to see both views.)
The Lesson:
Its funny that the one thing I have been searching for my whole life eventually lead me right to Him.
I've been in love with the idea of love since I was 13. I began reading my mom's romance novels as soon as I was able to hold those big books up.
But relationships were never anything I was particularly good at. I always felt left out, damaged, unloved.
All of that changed for me one fine day in September of 2010, when I finally felt peace in my heart, when I realized that He loved me unconditionally, when I realized that what I had been searching for was there for me all along.
Now I'm falling in love with Him. Together, He and I are breaking apart the parts or qualities of me that are less than desirable, and rebuilding it all to the way He originally intended. (He's doing all the work; I'm just the one being too emotional). Its not easy looking your worst qualities in the face every day, but I refuse to give up. How can I when such an amazing God/man won't give up on me.
All this time that I felt unlovable, He was simply saving me for something so much better than I even know how to ask for....I can't wait to find it. Until then, I'm focusing on being the Mindy He wants me to be, and taking it one day at a time. And praying. And reading His word. And hoping that one day "someday" will be here.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (NIV)
All of the ladies in my group inspire me so much, each and every day. It's a blessing to receive the opportunity to become a part of such a strong support system of wonderful ladies who love Him. I'm so blessed to know these gals and to be able to grow with them.
The artwork for this week was inspired by a scripture read by my lovely friend, Clovia. Her sweet voice reading this passage painted an amazing picture in my head that I couldn't wait to capture on paper:
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." Colossians 3
The Message (MSG)
(This was also the day that I learned that the Bible has ??how many?? different translations? I'm currently reading my church's version and the King James Version. I tend to trip over the wording of King James but I like to see both views.)
The Lesson:
Its funny that the one thing I have been searching for my whole life eventually lead me right to Him.
I've been in love with the idea of love since I was 13. I began reading my mom's romance novels as soon as I was able to hold those big books up.
But relationships were never anything I was particularly good at. I always felt left out, damaged, unloved.
All of that changed for me one fine day in September of 2010, when I finally felt peace in my heart, when I realized that He loved me unconditionally, when I realized that what I had been searching for was there for me all along.
Now I'm falling in love with Him. Together, He and I are breaking apart the parts or qualities of me that are less than desirable, and rebuilding it all to the way He originally intended. (He's doing all the work; I'm just the one being too emotional). Its not easy looking your worst qualities in the face every day, but I refuse to give up. How can I when such an amazing God/man won't give up on me.
All this time that I felt unlovable, He was simply saving me for something so much better than I even know how to ask for....I can't wait to find it. Until then, I'm focusing on being the Mindy He wants me to be, and taking it one day at a time. And praying. And reading His word. And hoping that one day "someday" will be here.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Be a Doer of the Word
It is funny how everything in my life is becoming centered around the most important person...(I know you are thinking I'm about to say me, aren't you...Yes it's true I'm feeling very convicted over my self-centeredness. God is working on me. But apparently I'm slow to learn this lesson, so be patient with me please! I'll get there.)
Anyways, I'm spending time with Him each and everyday, and I'm loving it. He's teaching me so much about life and myself. I'm falling so much in love with Him. I can't wait to hear from Him, read about Him, see Him. It's amazing, this love story of ours.
And I'm not afraid to share Him. He loves us all...So do it. Get to know Him for yourself and see if you can resist Him...I dare you!
Verses of the week:
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Artwork:
Lesson Learned:
I'm thirsty for Him and His word. I read the Bible as often as I can. While I'm not able to memorize the verses or complete the assignments in my bible study like I wish I could, I'm still putting Him in my life and getting the seeds planted. He is working on me constantly, because He loves me, his chosen daughter, and because I believe.
I'm a hot mess, I must admit, financially, spiritually, emotionally, physically, domestically; jeez the list is a mile long, and I'll save us all from the rest of it. I'm partly surprised that He would even see fit to bother, but His heart is so amazing and His love so great. He accepts me for who I am. He loves me unconditionally. He forgives me for my past and forgets about it (boy was that a pill to swallow). He is love. He is beauty. What's not to love about Him?
He's taught me that it's not just about reading the bible. I have to apply it to my life. I have to take his words (ex: work as if unto the Lord) and apply it to my everyday. So I put that into practice this week, and I changed in ways I never thought possible. I became a better worker, a better teammate, a better person by doing everything as if unto Him.
But I'm not "there" yet, that's for sure. I have a long way to go. He's teaching me that He is working on me. He is providing me with the tools and the knowledge and the desire to be the person that He wants me to be. He is taking away all of the "things" that I do not need in my life and filling my heart with Him. As he works on me and my issues, he is helping me to grow stronger, smarter, whole, so that my house (me) will be wrapped so firmly within Him that nothing will shake it. No matter what happens, I will get through it (relationships, jobs, children, life) because I built my house upon HIM.
So what is your house built on?
Do you ever wonder if there is a different way?
Maybe it's time for you to change contractors...I definitely have one I could recommend with all my heart!
Jesus, is the light and the way.
Anyways, I'm spending time with Him each and everyday, and I'm loving it. He's teaching me so much about life and myself. I'm falling so much in love with Him. I can't wait to hear from Him, read about Him, see Him. It's amazing, this love story of ours.
And I'm not afraid to share Him. He loves us all...So do it. Get to know Him for yourself and see if you can resist Him...I dare you!
Verses of the week:
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Artwork:
Lesson Learned:
I'm thirsty for Him and His word. I read the Bible as often as I can. While I'm not able to memorize the verses or complete the assignments in my bible study like I wish I could, I'm still putting Him in my life and getting the seeds planted. He is working on me constantly, because He loves me, his chosen daughter, and because I believe.
I'm a hot mess, I must admit, financially, spiritually, emotionally, physically, domestically; jeez the list is a mile long, and I'll save us all from the rest of it. I'm partly surprised that He would even see fit to bother, but His heart is so amazing and His love so great. He accepts me for who I am. He loves me unconditionally. He forgives me for my past and forgets about it (boy was that a pill to swallow). He is love. He is beauty. What's not to love about Him?
He's taught me that it's not just about reading the bible. I have to apply it to my life. I have to take his words (ex: work as if unto the Lord) and apply it to my everyday. So I put that into practice this week, and I changed in ways I never thought possible. I became a better worker, a better teammate, a better person by doing everything as if unto Him.
But I'm not "there" yet, that's for sure. I have a long way to go. He's teaching me that He is working on me. He is providing me with the tools and the knowledge and the desire to be the person that He wants me to be. He is taking away all of the "things" that I do not need in my life and filling my heart with Him. As he works on me and my issues, he is helping me to grow stronger, smarter, whole, so that my house (me) will be wrapped so firmly within Him that nothing will shake it. No matter what happens, I will get through it (relationships, jobs, children, life) because I built my house upon HIM.
So what is your house built on?
Do you ever wonder if there is a different way?
Maybe it's time for you to change contractors...I definitely have one I could recommend with all my heart!
Jesus, is the light and the way.
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