Growth

Sometimes pressure, personal obligation, produces a problem, but in that we are able to choose and grow.  This picture was hard for me to do. It first started out as a sunset, but then paint spilled accidently while enjoying some children in our home.  I grew increasingly frustrated.  Then I realize I can either  enjoy the moment or stay stuck in my ways. I covered over the sunset with gray to make gray clouds.  Then I thought about growth.  How sometimes we can stay tall, but grow bitter roots or we can weather the storm and grow in life to become  flexible with strong healthy roots.

Count the Stars/

Unfortunately I am not able to share the story at this point in time.  I will be able to in the future one I have been given the permission to do so.  Thank you for your patience and your respect.

Beautiful Songbird

This picture came from a song that is written by singer & songwriter Lisa Mitts.  This song is dedicated to all of the young woman caught in human trafficking  On the night of  June 16 2012, as she sang this song during a  concert,  immanently I saw this picture.  Tears flowed  and I knew this project was like no other, because it was for an important purpose and beyond what I have done so far in my art abilities.  What I saw was this.  In the back yard there was a songbird in a cage, but the door was opened by a young girl whom herself had been rescued.  She being angry, wanted the bird to come out of the cage  The bird stood there not knowing what to do.  Both of them  in different situation, but yet going though similar story.   Little does the child know she is loved and has a voice and destiny in the kingdom of God, and the song bird also has wings to fly and sing outside the cage.

Prior to this project, I've not explored drawing things from my environment  I have done abstract and shapes.  I have tried several times to do a face, but it was lop sided and not really clear.   In learning to draw a face you draw: an oval one line in the middle and three horizontal lines indicating the position of the nose eyes & mouth.  However, once I started to draw the features they would become crooked because I have to get close to see what I am drawing.  I also did not understand what shapes were needed to draw the: lips, eyes, & nose.  After doing the sculpture I was able to do this picture.  I wanted to do a sculpture of a face because I wanted to understand the shape of the face. It  was exciting to me to see each feature take shape. Like a puzzle feeling and putting things together. The human face is full of shapes within shapes.  Everything is aligned.  God is detailed about his creation.

Even the bird took time. Up until Lisa sang this song, I had no idea what a songbird looked like until I looked on the web.  There were all different shapes and sizes, but one stood out to me that was red & black. The beak was different color.  I don't know what they sound like. Being an artist has broaden my horizon to the world around me.

Do schools Kill art?

I found this video in a 30 day challenge I am doing  with a community of artist.  I I really got excited to hear this gentleman speak about this.  I learn hands on by manipulating and feeling things. I like to move around and doodle while people are talking. Some think that I am not listening. School could have taught me a lot but even at the blind school I graduated with out the ability to balance a single check book.   I really believe art needs to be reinstated. I also believe teachers have the creativity to teach students who have the gift as an artist.  Speak to them  as an artist and they will flourish.  Pass this video on to your children's teachers.

Golden Butterfly Collage

I had fun making this one. I think at the time I was very stressed and I  needed to convert my energy into something that I enjoy doing.  In this piece I got to tear paper to pieces without a care in the world.  I love collages because you don't have to be so mathematical about how things go.  It is a messy process. But i love how it comes out in the end.

I made this piece out of white linen, shredded paper, and heaver paper that had a picture on it. One had a butterfly which i placed in the middle.  The rest was shredded up decorative paper.  After shredding all of the paper, we mixed glue and water together. I applied it onto the cloth then applied it again onto the pieces  then we applied some tissue on top of that.   The hard part was waiting.   I believe I added some paint too .  After allowing it to dry I sprayed some gold paint and then used  butterfly stencils to make the butterfly 

Cellabration

This is entitled "Celebration" This was one project where I already knew who would receive this painting.  However the occasion for giving this painting was unknown to me. I knew right away that I was suppose to give it to  my pastor's family.  We as a community wanted to show them with our appreciation.  What a better occasion to present it to them on the night of  10 year aniversery of One New Man Ministry.   They are instrumental in the community to to my life and the lives of those in the community.

A Hawaiian Memorial

This is dedicated to Jan White who was a great friend of mine.  She helped and encouraged me in so many ways. One of our project was to take a picture and make a quit square.  The square was out of paper.  Unfortunately I got too excited when saw her picture with the guy and I immediately saw a Hawaiian seen where she was placed in the sky in the middle of the sunset.   So I created this scene on canvas and for me this was a great way to have some closure to a good relationship.   She had passion to serve others and a zeal for life and the colors represent that. Hawaii is also the land of paradise. I thought you know now she is in true paradise where she can rest.  I am proud to have know this wonderful artist.

Although this one is not  available, I would be happy to do a memorial painting for your loved ones.

Arrows

Arrow is created with stretched canvas and acrylic paint.  However, I used masking tape to define the lines for each color. I found for me as a visually impaired artist this was the best way to create straight lines as long as the tape was pressed down and covered the entire width of the card board.  This was a technique that the volunteers from Vision Loss connection showed me and I plan on using it again. I love shapes and straight lines.

Be Still

I love the forest it is in that place I find myself just wanting to enjoy the smell and sound of God's creation. It is in this place I can be still and know he loves me and there is no doubt he is almighty God. This is my first project where I tried painting trees and birds, however not in detail. I wanted it to be more impressions.  This was also my first try at using paint.

"Vessel of Love"

"Vessel of Love" (C) March, 7, 2012, by Esmeralda Hernandez. Mixed media includes: water color pencils, pencil, & water color paint.

Personal background
This is the first time using water color paints for any art work that I have done publicly.  I  understand my world as shapes, light and dark colors, contrasting colors and with my senses.  The only time I see shades is in the sun.  I do not think of  light hitting an object and where a shadow should appear.  In fact, one day in my art class I was noticing some pictures up close on the studio wall.  One of the staff told me about shading  and how it is the way artist show the direction of the light,  The direction of the light determines where the shade hits the object.  He gave me a little help on how to show direction in my work.  I still don't understand it completely.

About the Drawing.  
This drawing came to me while worshiping  on Friday night at  One New Man Ministry during worship. I simply saw a clear vase in white background with hearts floating  from the bottom to the top of the place where I could not see anymore. The hearts are floating in every direction as indicated by the movement of the hearts.  That night I just was fascinated by the movements of the hearts from the vase  they just kept coming and coming.  I sense that they were ongoing similar to  the fragrance of a flower from in a vase.

Two days later, I also sense that we are living vessels.  The only thing that should be in us is the love of the father.  I know for personally I fill it with so many other things like food, and noise and music. These are good because God created them all, however, he desires to place his love in the deepest places of our life where there may be some wounds and shame.  He desires us to remain open to his love.  That is the only way in which we can then freely give love to others.  This journey is not easy because it requires opening up some  in order to receive healing.  His hands were nailed because he loved us.  his touch is love.  He created us as vessels to mold and to shape.  We become like him one day at a time. We are his vessel of love.

Rattle Snake Mountains of Yakima Valley Washington

I did not put any name to this photo because I wanted to share how these hills mean so much to me. I also wanted to share things that inspire  me for different future projects.  The hills outline on one side the Yakima Valley region.  Every time o travel home to see my family I am greeted by these hills and such a joy  fills my heart. A sense of  relief and a smile on my face  is present. I have always enjoyed seeing these hills in all seasons.  They are beautiful  all year long.  I hope that some day you will take a tour of the Yakima valley region. There is so much to do in such a rural area.  Just about every day I use to travel  and see the hills while riding with someone to do an errand or go shopping.  So come visit and enjoy the Rattle Snake Mountains .  (c) copy rite Esmeralda Hernandez 2010

"Harvest Time"

"Harvest Time" (C) 2010 Esmeralda Hernandez

Genesis 1:10-12 "¹⁰ God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good. ¹¹ Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”; and it was so. ¹² The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good." NASB

Just think for a moment in wonder of the touch of God bringing forth all that is created here on heart.  Each vegetation, peace of land with a purpose.  He made all that the plants needed for growth and all that the land needed for stability.  Take a moment to ponder that thought and think about our on lives. Take a moment to think about him and his thoughts toward you.  What are you hearing?  Has your perception changed? What are you feeling?

This picture was a surprise for me. I was just walking along taking pictures. I would not have imagined that I could take such a snap shot.  These are the shots people with 20/20 vision take.  I was so happy and in amazement to see this picture.  

"Unity"

"Unity"
(c) 2009 by Esmeralda Hernandez

Colossians 3:13-15 "¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. ¹⁴ Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." NASB 

In our daily lives we interact with a variety of different people with different  intentions, communication styles, gifting, and personalities.  Especially with our own family.  In some cases the home front is a battle field.  It is not easy to love  or to receive love in the wounded places of our hearts.  However, it can be done.  It is a process in which we continually accept forgiveness and give forgiveness to release us from the bonds of sin, anger, judgments made in the process of discord towards others, and shame. The road to healing  is a not just done individually but within a community gathered where the Love of Yeshuah is present.  It is a journey of love that when accepted  will bring restoration.  

This picture is a wonderful example of unity.  and peace. God's creatures can display a valuable lesson if i would just take the time to enjoy and watch them.  With the lens of my camera The Lord has allowed me to partake in such wonderful moments like these and reflect on them years later.  Take a moment to ponder and see what The holy spirit speaks to you about this matter of unity and love.  I am thankful for His creation and that includes you. 

"Living & Active"

(C) by Esmeralda Hernandez January 2012

"The Journey"

The Journey" copyright 2011 by Esmeralda Hernandez
Life is full of beautiful journey.  We all have our seasons of Fall, winter, Spring and Summer.  Each year  we  see  and learn and feel different things.  Although sometimes it is hard it is beautiful as we overcome our trials.

This picture came about because I was visiting a family where they were very conservative.  Their way of living was that of days long ago.  I started to think of my own personal journey.  The beauty and the hardships.  As I was leaving their home driving though their long driveway in front of me.  In the moment I captured the simplicity of life.

:A Dream"

(C) copyright Esmeralda Hernandez Being in South Padre Island in Texas  in the heart of winter on a Monday was a dream like day. I had the most fun in a long while that day.  I enjoyed walking barefoot in the sand, taking pictures with mom, and playing in the water.  A funny thing happened that day while popping a bag of chips several sea gulls were waiting overhead for some chips to drop on the sand.  Laughter mixed with being surprised at how close the birds were to me.  My mother laughs as I gave her the bag to go lead the birds somewhere else and eventually teaching the little ones to feed the birds.  They were having fun.   That day will be in my heart. As I am sure many of you experience that while going to the beach. Even  after three months I remember the entire trip.

I entitled this a dream because the sounds seem so far away the sound of the seagulls, me laughing, and the roar of the ocean.  It seems like some place far off.

"Fun"

"fun" copyright 2011 by Esmeralda Hernandez

"Restoration"

"Restoration"  I see pieces of our lives that are broken.  This is like a puzzle.  Though we see it as such he wants to restore us. There are many types of brokenness, lack, hopelessness, addictions, swlf worth and more. I see lips that speak of the hart break in this photo.  I see the words that cut though as a saw.  I see people who have kept silent indicated  by  the face with now features.  I see a face with a forced smile.   I also see a hand which i believe is  Abba Father  our heavenly father G-D picking up a piece.

"Royalty "

(C) 2011  copyright  by Esmwralda Hernandez. Made out of  a coconut and glazed with acrylic paint topped with tissue paper.

"Love"

(C) copyright 2011 by Esmwralda Hernandez.  Love comes in many different ways however one thing in common is the boundary that makes a safe environment. Made with canvas, acrylic paint, molded by metal hearts, puff paint, tissue paper,

"Joy"

"Joy" 

(c) copyright February, 2012 by Esmeralda Hernandez. 

 Please do not re-blog. 

Made of tag board, and puff paint.  Each of us have a path and no matter how we feel our lives  and its corresponding ups and downs create a wonderful picture of beauty and Joy.  

"Beyond the Storm"

(C) 2012 by esmwralda Hernandez  a picture of lake Washington