“Roses In The Window” BLOG BURST:
"So steeped in tradition, melded into some kind of factious emotional state, and a true leap from fantasy to reality all of Valentine’s Day comes upon us. You don’t have to go far to hear what it’s all about commercially. It’s not a long walk to see the buzz of people and the demands that overtake them during this euphoric time. It won’t take you long to question which has more build up and disappointment, Valentine’s Day or the Super Bowl. Are you ready to run the roller coaster of what is planned and how it actually turns out?
But, love is in the air! Care for someone else, care for family, care for friends or care for a new “other”; and oh, by the way chocolates and a roses are not enough. “Is that all you think I’m worth?” History dictates, or maybe it’s the world’s advertising that says, “What have you done for me lately and just forget what kind of economy we live in, your enough just isn’t enough”.
Maybe it’s here that one should stop wrestling with all the worldly none sense. Yes, I know this isn’t about you or you have someone new and you’re truly different. I know from experience some people won’t want to hear that because their sisters got more, their parents have a special day or that they never got enough even when money supposedly didn’t matter. Heaven forbid Valentine’s isn’t just for women or is it. What does that commercial that’s running say, “Men just give and you will get!”
The fact is that real love was shown in its greatest form when God gave His only Son to humanity to pay personally for an act of selfish disobedience that separated Him from His most cherished creations, man (men and women). That love cries out to you each and every day! No chocolates, no dinner, no night can ever touch or come close to the care and love He shows you or me. Your situation, circumstances, or warped view point cannot and does not take away from the truth and what it means, “Love is the opportunity for life”, God’s love for you.
Ponder that over chocolates, satin sheets, or a soufflé!" POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“A day to remember, look forward and mark as an event
Messages clear yet, forgotten as soon as they were sent
A day to know someone who truly cares and loves you too
Feelings gone; didn’t meet expectation set before you
A day where meaning and focus just may be misplaced
Someday we’ll all give an account when we see His face!”
“Paintings that affect us come from a deep reality within the artist’s vision and emotion, but true love is hard to know when your relationship with its author is unknown. Play in the world, in your own made up reality and find out that your truth may not be His truth. Happy Valentine’s Day and week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXII Auld, Ltd
“Tools” BLOG BURST:
"Do you believe it? Christmas is long gone. Martin Luther King Day is gone. January Sales are over. Please don’t say anything but the snow hasn’t been that bad, especially for you people in the south. It’s almost February.
For most artists January is a time of inventory, reflection and planning. Like the rest of America January also means buying supplies necessary to reload at the best possible prices, all the while continuing to pound the canvas in search of that insatiable quest you are on, perfecting your craft. Of course, that means having and buying the right equipment and the right tools. Knowing what works and what doesn’t, what feels right, and makes you comfortable is very important. But as I’ve said before understanding the laws and rules set in place by the medium can mean the difference between success and failure.
It’s no different to a Christian. I was in a discussion the other day and a woman tried to say that everyone is a child of God; everyone has access to Him and if you are good and not bad you’re just fine. Our discussion seemed to raise the level of heat when I pointed out that Christ came and died on the cross for sinners, all of us. He came to right man’s relationship between God. Because Christ paid man’s penalty completely, man has an opportunity to return to a relationship with God becoming His Child in a personal one on one relationship. It’s available to all, but there are requirements, even though it’s a gift. One must believe in his heart and confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:10) With this, whosoever believes that God gave His only Son would not pay his own penalty but have it paid for him and with that have life eternal with God. (John 3:16)
You can’t make up your own rules or fit them to “make you feel good” or “make you happy”! God has His ways, His rule, and His requirements. You choose at your peril to be disobedient and go your own way. Disobedience is sin and sin even for a Christian has consequences. It is just like the cracks and chipping, the wrong methodology will ruin a poor or great painting because you decided to paint it your way instead of pursuing what is required. The choices you make and your pathway will not lie but ultimately show you the cracks in your attitude and preferences.
For God so love the world, you, He gave His only Son to die to have a relationship with you for both your earthly and eternal life. Choose wisely!" POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“God’s plan may seem simple, but all His ways are right
Often we don’t see and it’s not the fault of our sight
Every day we are to wake to live, following His way
We’ll know by knowing what the Bible has to say
What heartache we suffer; what we put others through
Time to put “self” aside, striving for Holiness in all we do!”
“Painting paintings requires knowledge and understanding of the means and methods proven true over hundreds of thousands of applications. Think and seek Him before your choices affect your heart and your life and those around you. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXII Auld, Ltd
“Choices” BLOG BURST:
"Watching a video on painting a few weeks ago was quite revealing. As you know life is fast paced in a meism and self focused generation who can’t wait for the next tweet. The narrator was doing a self portrait and as he was demonstrating he was talking about young artists not in terms of age, but in terms of experience and expertise. He said it this way, “only after you have mastered the craft and have earned the right can you experiment”.
You’ll need to ponder that statement to really get all it has to say. With all the mistakes I made I’ve thought about it a lot.
We live in an upside down, inside out world that overwhelms us with untruths that we believe completely. Most of the children and adults of this generation are sold out to experimentation before any mastery of any kind, instant gratification. It doesn’t matter what choices we make and what actions we take as long as they make us feel good or we get what we want. We could have made all kinds of promises, statements and displayed exactly what our foundational beliefs were and then throw them away over someone who treats us nice. Our security, our life as well as our eternal beliefs are now wrapped up in money, position, looks and material goods. No thought of tomorrow and certainly no thought of anyone to whom we made commitments before God or man.
We’ve mastered nothing and as a society we have an insatiable appetite for experimenting with everything under the foolish thought that it will not only last, but meet our needs. Not only have we told ourselves that all rights are ours, but we deserve and own them.
If you’re on the wrong side of that, see, have or are experiencing all that that brings to your doorstep each day, to the best of who you are, forget about the past, trust Him for your next breath as well as your future. The Righteous Judge is still on the throne. Think about the truth, as someone reminded me lately, that we don’t know the consequences of all our actions or our choices. Be assured, He who judges each individual is not mocked and He will in His perfect infinite wisdom and timing demand and get whatever He has seen to be the appropriate judgment.”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Oh God, please forgive me for all I have done
Place it all under the blood of Your dear Son
Give me wisdom and understanding of Your will
Let me walk forth in step with You and let me be still
Show me the path, for its is You who know my way
Then take me home to be with You eternity to stay!”
“Paintings live out the hearts of artists who want to keep them with them all the time, but know they were created for those whose hearts needed what they give. Have a great day!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXII Auld, Ltd
“Pure Gold” BLOG BURST:
"Considered one of the world’s greatest painters; Auguste Renoir was in pursuit of approval. For much of his life he sought the approval of the governing body whose self appointed authority was to judge what was good and what was unacceptable in the painting and art world. He would enter his works continually over his lifetime to win the approval of men, show them in the accepted galleries, and be favored under the glowing criticism of those who made and destroyed artists.
He is known as well in the impressionist camp along with his lifelong friend Claude Monet for their pursuit of light, color, and freedom. Renoir seemingly worked both sides of the known art world. Whether this was for monetary or self recognition we don’t know. His real fame came when he was commission to paint a very well known Parisian business individual’s family member. Many who visit this individual saw Renoir hard at work and as it always goes one rich man tells and other and another and another. From there Renoir never looked back as his fame and fortune grew.
I take nothing away from his God given genius and talent as his work is truly evident of both. What I want you to consider is who gives you life? Who gives you breath? Who do you serve and for what reason?" POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“We toil each day under Adams curse on life
Thistle, thrones, everything causes so much strife
We think we know, we totally understand the way
We think our choices have no consequences to pay
But He gives life more abundant, more full each day
Even if sin and struggle, He’s there to guide in every way!”
“Painting requires talent and talent is a gift that comes with a purpose and a price. God gives each of us talents and gifts. Have you found and are you exercising yours? Have a good week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXII Auld, Ltd
“Dennis Breezes” BLOG BURST:
"Wow! Christmas is over. New Years is over. Even the Clearance Sales are pretty much gone. Politicians are in full voice and some are dropping like flies. Congress is back loading their muskets looking for someone across the aisle. The News is reporting every single bad thing that happened in the biggest and smallest neighborhood in America, let alone the world. School buses are running and people aren’t looking. Whatever the weather is and wherever it is, there is always someone unhappy about it. We’re right back where we were just before “Peace on Earth and good will to men upon whom His favor rests!”
As I had coffee this morning before painting, I was pondering the light coming through the trees. Earlier, I awoke to the light ushering in reds and yellows coming through one of my windows. This week I just so happened to see a documentary on the “Birds of Paradise”; you know those particular birds that people everywhere have suggested fly up your nose. They are the most beautiful birds in the world. They were shown in all their beauty and color, all doing their dances, and showing off. They all were looking to get hooked up. What an unbelievable thing.
We get all wrapped up in stuff and ourselves. All around us is example after example of God, who in His infinite wisdom, created all things for the pleasure of man under a perfect system, His. What have we done is sin and act for ourselves and our own temporal pleasure. No thought for what we are doing, what we have done, and what we teach or confirm to our kids about who we are and what we believe and truth. No thoughts about our actions, deeds or promises. Especially, we have no thoughts about whom we serve and whose we are.
What about you? What about your thoughts and your actions? I know this struck a cord about how far short I have fallen and how great a God we serve. I hope it gives you some thoughts to ponder as well."
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“We are so fortunate to have breath each day
All too often we don’t even take time to pray
We run through life concerned about daily stuff
Before we know it, all we had will turn to fluff
What truly matters, what do we really believe
When called to answer will we be ready to leave?”
“Paintings can move our very souls! They can lead us to a place where we see with our hearts eyes and prepare our hearing for the voice that really speaks truth. Take some time. Don’t let yourself get settled in. Remember it’s truly about Him. Have a good week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“New Years 2012” BLOG BURST:
"Happy New Year”!! Many say that with the hope of tomorrow. Many say that because they are done with 2011. Many don’t know why they say it at all and give no thought to where they are, what they have done, or what they will be involved with in the future. Where do you stand?
Artists paint with a concept or vision in their mind, a driving force within them to create that visual expression that will satisfy the need to express and create. Most learn from the past and transform their learning into a new or repeated discipline. There is a time and a space where their mind’s vision and their execution don’t exactly line up. All of that seems to be part of the process.
We’ve seen, experienced and gone through the brushstrokes of the past. Some are filled with great high points and some are filled with things we’d soon forget. We don’t know where the future will take us and for many that creates anxiety.
For a true follower of Christ, one who has a personal relationship, understands that it’s about Him and not about you, and living to do His will and not one’s own, there is no fear. God has everything in control. He allows everything in our lives to make us conform to His will and to be used and to grow to what He ultimately has for us both here and in eternity.
For the follower of Christ who has a personal relationship but has decided that they know best and it’s their own will over Christ’s, there may be a lot of apprehension. Some of these individuals have a relationship, but that’s where it stops on their part. Know this, that’s not where it stops on His part.
For those who have no relationship, are following the world and the prince of the power of the air, that dreaded dragon, knowingly or unknowing, life comes and goes. Their pathways will ultimately work to the place that was prepared for their master.
With the New Year, 2012, instead of a resolution, why not some soul searching?”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“We think we know; when we have no real clue at all
We speak, act and live never thinking we could fall
We worry so or we fret over this or over that
Sometimes we end up on our feet; sometimes we end up flat
We make choices for us and do everything to conform
Forgetting that through peace with Christ should be our norm
Seek Him first, honor and glorify the living Christ who gave you life
This year thank God and ask Him to make you more like Christ!”
“Paintings lift our spirits and help us take time to see. Looking at life and who we really are can make a difference in the brushstrokes that lie before us. Follow the Master for yourself in 2012 let Him paint your way.”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“The Christmas Gift For You” BLOG BURST:
"Story upon story, carol upon carol, gift upon gift, shopping upon shopping and so it goes. We love to look forward to so many things going on and the traditions that the season brings: Happy times, happy memories, all with a euphoric state of mind.
We don’t really look deeply into the depth of the day, the time, or the season. This past week I had a brief conversation with the wife of a friend, a brilliant man, who has seen and is still experiencing many days of pressure and anxiety that only Job seemed to have faced. When I asked her what she was getting him for Christmas, she said that a few years ago they talked about changing and instead of exchanging gifts and adding more stuff to their life’s collection they would adopt a Salvation Army Family for Christmas. This provided food and presents to make a truly needy family’s Christmas memorable. I was so taken back by what she was saying because I know just how little they actually have and how much of a struggle this wonderful couple has gone through. She’s stuck by her husband through thick and thin. She didn’t just throw him away for her own self interest. What a testimony, what treasures in Heaven!
I wanted to display pictorially the real Christmas so I worked the above painting together to visually demonstrate the true meaning and wonder of Christmas. God in His awesome wisdom and grace provides Himself for the sins of Adam and Eve and the rest of the human race. He is born lowest of the low to include and give opportunity to every human being. He lives. He ministers fulfilling all Scripture and He goes to the cruelest of deaths and pays completely for the sins of each and every human being. He is raised from the dead, defeating death and seen by hundreds. Just like when Moses lifted the snake when the Israelites were bitten and they would be saved if they would but look and believe. God offered and still offers new life, life eternal, and reconciliation with Him. He adopts into His family all those who come to the Savior, confess with their mouth and believe in their heart (Romans 10:10) that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He is the One who sets men free, breaking the chain of death, Satan and the world to usher men into a new relationship with God Eternal. What joy, what wonder, what amazement and most of all what truth as it witnesses in each believing heart.
Where do you stand? Do you see yourself at the cross? Do you know Christ as Lord and Savior? Do you need to reconcile? I truly hope you will celebrate Christmas in a whole new light.”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“How is it possible to know, to see, to walk with the Creator
He provides every means; He shows each and every indictor
He took it all, He paid the price, He made the ultimate sacrifice
He came as a babe to give himself that we may have new life
What a difference, what a change to follow and do your will
What joy, what a blessing, Praise God, Oh my heart be still!”
“Paintings can lead one to a life changing experience. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“SubtitlesOfSnow” BLOG BURST:
"For the “Northeast” that season of the year is upon us. It’s not all about snow, but it’s about the time. With any good painting time is an important element. Sometimes, time is short and it cracks. Some time it’s too long in finishing or finished before it’s truly started. Sometimes the painting shows a time and a place that take us to somewhere special. Sometimes it takes us to a place we’d rather forget. A painting can initiate an emotion or memory or a reaction that can cause us to think. Something we often don’t have time to do. At this season of the year we don’t often think a lot, we just try to get through it. Many people say this is their favorite time of the year. While others say they wish the season never happened.
There’s so much going on! With be here, be there, commitments, people visiting, people in need, people entertaining, children fantasizing, children wanting, relatives, friends, co-workers, programs, gifts, ordering, wrapping, mailing, on and on and on, we just don’t have time.
Often when people are busy they forget to look at any paintings. Often people forget about the past, their roots, their heritage and even their beliefs, especially when it’s this season.
The one thing to truly remember is the “reason for the season” and what’s “truly important”. Jesus is the reason for the season and your relationship with Him is most important!”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Things come and things go in life; some good some bad
Some leave us happy and other things truly leave us sad
We’re so wrapped up in it all being about ourselves each day
We often forget who we are and don’t even take time to pray
Spend some quality time reflecting and thinking about your life
You have or can have it eternal because of the love of Christ!”
“Paintings lead us to places deep in the memories of our minds. Find some time and take some time to ponder God’s will for you. May you have great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“Go and Inspire” BLOG BURST:
"I was very fortunate to have many gifted teachers who both taught and inspired me. I was also fortunate for a period of time to know someone who was very gifted in this field for many years. I saw them from the time they did student teaching to becoming a seasoned professional. Over many of those years I heard the anger over and over in their voice as they said they were in a job they hated.
I was extremely fortunate to be at a ceremony that was dedicated to award winning, outstanding teachers. The person I previously discussed was one of those being honored. I was so proud of that person. Standing close to me while observing was an individual who saw the tears in my eyes and said you must be very proud. I said to her, “You’ll never know how much!”
I work and spend time with a number of gifted school teachers and Biblical teachers and this year I painted this message (see above) that I have been carrying around for a number of years. For the past couple of years I have been inspired by this meaningful phrase, “The artist is nothing without the gift and the gift is nothing without the work!” It takes a lot of extremely hard work usually under extremely hard pressure for a long time to consistently produce something truly meaningful from the gift you were given.
If you are or ever have been, or have been affected by a great teacher then you will understand the meaning in this painting. Thank you teachers for all you do and have done. You may never know or see any results personally, but thank you! Thank you God for your indescribable gifts!”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Somehow we lose track of those who made a difference in our life
Many stern, many kind, and many understanding but all with advice
Countless times they opened our eyes and nurtured our seeing
They invested themselves within the walls of our heart and being
Each day has a piece of those who gave and made you who you are
Because of them the road isn’t so long and the journey not so far!”
“Paintings can pay tribute and bring positive recall. Let the artist provoke your understanding and broaden your scope of your thinking. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“Peasant Woman by Van Gogh” BLOG BURST:
" Having had a couple of bouts with the influence of artistic medium I’ve pushed through and made a number of changes to correct living to likely with toxicants. I was wonder how many artist have been affected by contact with many of the materials of the trade. Not too many people talk about it.
“Vincent Van Gogh was born 158 years ago. A lot of the world has changed since he developing his craft. From the home of minister to studying with the Impressionist, he encountered and became affixed to the warm light of southern France. As he grew as an artist his works became brighter and brighter. He suffered from mental illness and was hospitalized on many occasions. His loneliness and health contributed to his suicide in 1890. His works are famous worldwide.
Many people suffer from many things some curable and some not. Living life everyday to its fullest and knowing that the God of the Universe is in control of all things can go a long way to reassuring us to enjoy the moment we have.”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Some choose to be doctors, lawyers, teachers and alike
Some don’t have a choice others think it’s their right
Many are suffering because of the greed of political hacks
You know many are only interested filling their own sacks
Watch carefully and be aware each and everyday
Find the wisdom you need to understand what people say!”
“Paintings tell us what the artist wants to express. Listening with more than your ears is a lifelong process. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“External & Internal” BLOG BURST:
"Oil Painting begins with the knowledge of three rules: “Fat Over Lean”, “Thick Over Thin”, “Slow Drying Over Fast”. Risk the rules and your paintings will reveal cracks, eventually be of no value and your time spent worthlessly!
Why is it that we think we can mock God and take His essential “rules” for partnership and marriage and overrule it for our feel good emotions? The family you grew up in more important than your spouse, kids a priority over your partner, the advice from siblings overruling God’s eternal word, talking and communicating with the world more essential than communicating with each other and making your feelings the priority of your life will all lead you to disaster. All of them together you don’t really have a chance and you don’t even see it coming.
Adultery is adultery and breaking the covenant you made with God isn’t a position you want to hold.
Today’s Christian re-marriage is a joke. After you demonstrate to your children how you would rather destroy a relationship that was put together by God and how to face and handle difficult marital situations, you watch them line themselves up for all you were a part of. Congratulations! Don’t read and study God’s word, listen closely to worldly advisors and find someone who tickles your fancy treats and makes you “feel good” and you’ll soon be on your way down the aisle for a “good” Christian marriage. This is especially true after you’ve taken responsibility for your part in the failed marriage and moved on. We no longer see the scarlet letter as we once did.
Forgive me Oh God! Forgive us Oh God! Wake up my Christian brothers and sisters and take a good look at what’s happening to us and our world. We’ve forgotten that we serve Him and He doesn’t serve us. We’ve forgotten that we’re supposed to glorify Him and do His will. We’ve crossed out that we are just travelers passing through to another kingdom. We’ve made “our” choices, settled in with our siblings and the rest of the world, to be mastered by our sin and that old dragon, the deceiver. How does that apple taste now?
Cracks don’t always show immediately as oil paints take a long time to dry. They do and will show up! You’ve made your choices and you’re happy. To coin Jonathan Edwards it’s not a pleasant thing to fall into the hands of the angry God.”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“I never thought these days would be as they are
Parted, separate ways not even talking from afar
But you and yours wanted this for a long, long time
Not satisfied, outside the clan, changing of your mind
So good bye my love, I will not be with you again
We lost, we lost, so much we had for Him to win!”
“Oil paintings can say so much to each of us when time and care is applied properly from conception to framing. Have a great week. My thoughts are with you!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“It’s More Than About You!” BLOG BURST:
"“Sorry!” but “…..in every circumstance give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thes.5:18) That’s a lot to think about! Think about some of your circumstances, what you are going through and what you’ve been through.
John MacArthur speaks about it this way, “In everything, verse 18 says, give thanks, in everything. It's in the Greek en pante(?),it has the idea of in connection with everything that comes along in life. It's just very, very broad. It has no limits. It has no confines. No matter what it might be give thanks. Anything that isn't sin...obviously sin falls outside the purview of that command as it does in rejoicing. We certainly “always rejoice” wouldn't rejoice in sin and in everything giving thanks “wouldn't give thanks for sin”. But apart from that, everything else should precipitate an attitude and an expression of thanks to God. As we saw in Romans 1:21 thanklessness is a characteristic of people who are outside the Kingdom of God. In fact, in 2 Timothy chapter 3, you probably should add this expression of man's fallenness, they are, according to verse 2, lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, etc., etc., treacherous, reckless. In all of the litany of what defines unregenerate people, right in the middle is thanklessness.
There's a driving foolish philosophy today, you hear people say it all the time, you can be anything you want to be, you can do anything you really want to do. Which isn't, of course, true at all. But this sort of garrisons man's mind against fatalism which is the idea that the reality is you can't do anything you want to do, you can't have anything you want to have, you can't achieve anything you want to achieve. It's not the way life works. But rather than deal with that kind of fatalism, we believe a lie and launch off into a fantasy world believing what down in our hearts we know is not true. “
I believe a lot of those that claim they are “His” are no different, chasing their own will over the “will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Rather than it be a happy week of eating, watching TV, seeing friends and family, being on the net, or talking on the phone incessantly, maybe it’s time to reflect on your own position on giving thanks and the will of God for you and your obedience to Him!” (Happy Day Lyrics)
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Forget what’s in the past, take ownership then move away
So its “Happy Thanksgiving” let everyone have their say
But in your heart give thanks for everything for it is His will
In good and bad He’s in total control, be silent and be still
Have a thankful attitude before the people the worldly kind
Do His will and you will have peace and understand His mind!”
“Paintings express the thoughts and mind of the artist’s heart and they can transpose your views to help you see and check the truthfulness of your own heart. I’m thankful you visited. Have a great “Thankful Week”!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“Thank You For Your Sacrifice” POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“The Country called, duty cried out, the need came to pass
From all over this land men and women answered the task
Not knowing the outcome or answering with an outward fear
They gave and give not looking for single personal cheer
They went to other lands some near and some far away
Giving themselves to duty and honor with any price to pay
Do we fathom the sacrifice of those who suffered for us all
Do we understand how precious freedom, not letting it fall
Do we grasp how little we give, yet enjoy all that was done
Truly knowing what was given up by each and every one
How many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, families gave
How a life time of heartache on so many roads were paved
Have you ever seen rows of crosses lying endless in fields
Each a representation of a life or lives to duty they did yield
We’re all been caught up in meaningless things we say and do
All pales in contrast to those who paid the cost for me and you
Cry out and thank them and theirs for what’s been done
Ask God to heal and be with them with Him becoming one
Ask Him for forgiveness and to heal and help our land
Ask Him to bless those who gave and hold us in His hand!”
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“EyesDon’tSee” BLOG BURST:
"The affect of “Light” on the subject, the intensity, the color all play a great part in a painting. One of the most important elements in a painting is how light penetrates. Its use can dramatically alter the appearance, the meaning, and the mood of any created work. It allows the artist to convey his or her expression and the painting to be viewed properly.
Men are more careful to do things that are right, act more properly, and be more careful when light is present. Darkness and shadow leave room for things that are not lawful, not right and for a thought process that falls far short of what we are called to do and to be.
Often we don’t even see the darkness we participate in for many reasons. We’re caught up in ourselves, we’re not listening to whom we should, or our focus is in the wrong place.
The Bible tells us that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 Also in John 3:19 it states, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”
The world, men and all of us need more light because the world, what it says and what it preaches is still evil and what it does affects and influences all of us. Following it is wrong, no matter if you think it makes you happy. You can change the rules and tell people how wonderful things are, but light will always uncover darkness.
“Oh, Happy Day, when Jesus washed my sins away!” (Happy Day Lyrics)
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Tick tock, tick tock the world treads slow but is moving still
We pick and choose what we want not considering His will
We don’t want criticism or truth to stand before us to say
That we have danced with darkness and chosen its way
But apples and fruit are already bursting forth from the tree
For that which is born in our children doesn’t make them free!”
“Seeing the light and its power in a painting can help us grasp the truth and how important it is to live it out daily. Hope there is more light in your life and not just temporary feel good situations. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“ModigFromTheTouristwithNecklace” BLOG BURST:
"A few weeks ago I wrote a Burst on artist Amedeo Clemente Modigliani, who was considered after his death an artistic pioneer in depth, 3D, depiction of form and color, especially as a follower of Cezanne. While he is mostly known for his “nude” portrayals of his elongated mask like faces and rounded simplified shapes, he painted many of his clothed models with some classic clothing and a few timeless necklaces. Having watched “the Tourist” again, lately, I decided to put together one of my portrayals of the three beautiful women I characterized in the “ModigThree” which I painted and put on this blog earlier (plus painting listed by Google under “Modigliani woman” under images). This time I would paint her in character of one of the stars of the movie, a type of “Modigliani woman with a necklace”.
As I was doing this rendition, I thought about that scene in the movie where she entered the Ball and everyone there seemingly couldn’t take their eyes off her. Dressed to perfection she was stunning. I continued my thoughts with how most people want everyone to notice them. How that 15 seconds of fame is so big in our country and how kids turn into totally new characters when a video camera is pointed at them.
Having recently viewed a YouTube video on Adrian Gonzalez’s Testimony I was confronted with the truth of the world and the truth of the Bible. Adrian Gonzalez is the first baseman of the Boston Red Sox who signed a seven year $154 million dollar contract. In the video he talks about how important it is to have a personal relationship with Christ and what that relationship means in light of everything else. Money, position, relationships, security, and more can all be lost in a heartbeat, but Christ will never leave you or forsake you. A true relationship following Him brings true joy and can make the complete difference in your life.
As an artist I know that your mind travels and it travels to many areas, past, present, future, real, surreal, and imagined.
Spend real time immersing yourself in a painting that captures your heart. Ponder its meaning and engross yourself until your thoughts are truly occupied by where it takes you.”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“People we know or are related to don’t have all the answers
Many offer up advice from words that have the spin of dancers
Seeking what others have or greener grass won’t truly satisfy
Focusing on showing others who you are may make your words die
It’s so hard to step back and see, to take a whole new gaze or view
Some things are made to die and others are to be born anew!”
“Paintings release details and thoughts of the viewer whether realized or imagined. Seek His choice rather than your own. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“FallRoadsToTravel” POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“The Roads all come before us till Heaven or Hell
The choices that we make time will surely tell
If we truly know Him and seek to do His will
He will never leave us or forsake us, what a thrill
What we see and do along the way He knows
He asks us to stand strong against the worldly foes
Living daily for Him isn’t easy, but it’s the only way
Especially when you realize the price for you He paid!”
“Paintings can en”lighten” you to the twisting roads and colorful, yet temporary surroundings. Seek First! Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“The Viewing Seats” BLOG BURST:
"In a complex, complicated world many are driven every day by pride, greed, money, self gratification, meism, and relationships that are all about them. Marriage, dating, and human interaction has turned into a “till I decide to throw you away”. Once having meaning vows and commitment are only useful in “words” in an outward ceremony where appearance is the end all and be all. The truth is we live in a time where the heart is desperately wicked.
Sometimes simplicity and truth are the hardest to find. When we do find them they can be the hardest to follow. The ugly head of pride always shows up to combat any sense that our actions were wrong and that we actually played a role in some wrong outcome. When others don’t meet our standards, rather than forgive them, we add it to the volumes of accusations we’ve collected to prove our own “rightness’.
Times and thoughts like these are often best put aside to look long and hard at all the surrounding circumstances and situations and visit things in their simplest forms. Complexities and complications brushed away, one needs to spend time looking for simplicity.
Matisse, considered one of the most important artists, became passionate about art. So much so he and a group he was involved with were called “fauves” or “wild men”. Matisse quest was to simplify art into its purest form. He died at 90 years of age still working on his life’s mission.
You can find simplicity and the truth. You must however be willing to accept it without pride, prejudice, or control. You must act on it for it to be truly meaningful. Otherwise, you will remain “the god” on the throne of your own heart.”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Today’s life is more complicated with each and every day
Often both words and deeds obstruct choices along the way
Pride and self are always at the doorstep hindering the view
We settle in, self satisfied we’ve moved on afresh and new
But who can totally forget true love pushing it utterly aside
Because of what He did you know where peace abides!”
“Paintings can stir the soul and move us to go beyond what we think we are capable of. Hope you find your simplicity and truth. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“Apples” BLOG BURST:
"In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue!” This week’s designated Holiday for most is “Columbus Day”, brought about by an individual who wrongly or rightly is credited with the discovery of “America”.
We also were confronted this week with the passing of the genius who changed the entire world in his lifetime, Steve Jobs. Jobs was the founder and engine of Apple, Inc. His revolutionary genius and perseverance brought about the individual personal computer and the advent of a world of telecommunications people have only dreamed about.
About a hundred years ago was the passing of a man who many consider one of the world’s greatest artists. He was a man of means, who lived modestly, thanks to his father’s endeavors and a man of perseverance. He too was involved with apples, especially painting them. He once was quoted as saying, “I want to astonish Paris with an apple.” He met and joined with a group of revolutionaries who ultimately turned the world upside down. Through his expansion from technical and traditional structure he explored, observed and created works unlike any before him. The critics made fun of him because what he was doing was too revolutionary. Many artists who came after him credit him with mentoring their own genius. Paul Cezanne was truly one of the world’s great artists.
The lives of many individuals are often criticized by those who don’t understand. They are talked about, lied about and spurned because they just don’t fit the mold of those who would change them.
We’re not asked to be revolutionaries, geniuses, conformists or apple lovers. We’re told to be followers who do the will of Him who was sent to save the world!”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Why do we fuss and fight and think we discover our way
Why do others tell us what to do and what we are to say
Why do we choose that which leads us to the wrong place
Why can’t we see what’s coming so life won’t be such a waste
Why do you give up convictions for what the world proclaims
Why do you see only after you are confronted with the blame?”
“Paintings can last longer than a lifetime with messages of truth that can help us along our way. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“Not Always Together” BLOG BURST:
"No one before him had integrated materials in sculpture, specifically silk and metal. But after years of studying, drawing, and painting with his eyes failing, Edgar Degas turned from seeing with his eyes to seeing with his mind and creating with his fingers. His gift of capturing movement came to life in real dances of his metal ballerinas. He never married and at the end of his life he was alone and almost blind.
Life moves and changes and nothing stays the same. The earth and the world around us cry out with the knowledge that time is moving to an ultimate conclusion. Some of us fight the fight of being people who are not of this kingdom. Many of us fail. Many have thrown their principles and beliefs away to be satisfied with momentary, earthly pleasures and false security.
Works likes Degas’s “Young Dancer of Fourteen” can invigorate and awe us by what he had captured and what he shared. As our thoughts travel within us we must move to answering where are we going and what will become of us?
I pray you’ll find the answer that passes all understanding and you will act upon it!”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“Real fabric on metal changed the artist work complete
Staring at the beauty of His work brings us to our feet
The heavens and the earth all witness to His hand
What have you done with your life as a woman or a man
Have you stopped to see Him real and invite Him to stay
Life is ever passing; don’t let the opportunity get away!”
“Paintings evoke personal emotions and involvement which add volumes to our lives. Find one that reminds you how fleeting this world is. Have a great week.”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
“A Distorted View” BLOG BURST:
"Paintings are often reminders or often expressions of experiences, things and sites seen as well as concepts and vision that one’s brain conjures up. This is an impasto composition, active and vibrant that I did some time ago. And where I want not to offend anyone who conjures up that it looks like them, or so and so, I palette knifed it for distortion. Some have commented that it’s all about them. Sorry, it’s about all of us. The words, comments and commentary are about life, the mess and deterioration our land, and seeing that we have thrown God out of our country, our families and our lives. We mock God to His face by our actions, deeds, and words. The “Church” accepts the things that are wrong including directly perverting Scripture.
I pass no personal judgment as I have many judgments that are passed on my life. I offer these insights of study, Scripture, and personal experience to help some and call others to get their personal pride out of the way and come to grips with reality while there is still time.
I listened to a great message this past week on righteousness and evil. There is NO COMPROMISE between them. There is no place, NO PLACE, where they mingle, share or co-exist.
Jesus demands everything! He will allow tests and trials to wake you up to the understanding that it’s “not about you or your siblings”. It’s about what He wants and demands from each of His, to be faithful followers doing His will, making choices of obedience and not seekers of personal and worldly approval.
How far short of what He wants we fall. But as Paul says, “Forgetting what is in the past press on to the mark of the high calling.” If it’s in your power and you can get your pride out of the way, reconcile, forgive, come back and demonstrate to your kids and those around you His awesome power.”
POETIC PONTIFICATION:
“I come to wake up one day and wonder what has taken place
Our country and families no longer even see the evil that they face
Take what is secure and throw it all away more each and every day
Replace it with tolerance, co-existence or new marriage for today
No weeping, no crying for righteousness and foundational beliefs
God thrown out of our society, and homes, who will be our relief?”
“Paintings that move our hearts remind us of our lives each time we engage with them. The times and the events surrounding our lives remind us that we will soon be held accountable for our choices. Have a great week!”
"Find my paintings, or may my paint-tings find you!"
Douglas Auld
Copyright MMXI Auld, Ltd
