Happy Hands

The rains have been so frequent that I've put off planting  and working in my flower beds.  I finally decided that "sun or no sun" I need to get outside and plant some flowers. There's just something so therapeutic about digging in the dirt, feeling the moisture of the soil and nurturing flowers is a God-given instinct that kicks in automatically every Spring. The rains have kept my hands from being happy.

Gardening brings me joy and it makes me feel complete. My hands aren't happy unless they have something to nurture. I think art and gardening go hand in hand because if I only spend time at the drawing board I feel out of balance. 

Just like my hands aren't happy without gardening, my mind isn't happy without reading.  I get so busy running here and there.  I forget that a person can only run on empty for so long.  It's like planning a trip.  You make your list and plan what to pack.  You're excited about where you're going.  But without a full tank of gas, you're not going to get very far.   I must confess that I've been running on empty for a long time. I've been making my work my god.

The verse that comes to mind is found in Psalms 119: 2. Blessed, happy, fortunate are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek Him and crave Him with the whole heart. Could it be that I'm feeling unbalanced because I haven't sought God?  Could this emptiness I feel be a God shaped whole in my heart that longs to be filled?

 I wouldn't think of skipping a meal.  We instinctively eat when we're hungry. So why do I  have to be reminded over and over that I am lacking spiritual food.  God's word is sustainance for our soul.   Some of us have souls that are starving.  We seek to fill our God shaped hole with many things.  Material possessions, work, hobbies, even being over-involved in good activies can keep us from having an intimate relationship with one who created us and longs to spend time with us.   

I pray alot of what I call "Breath Prayers".  Just quick little requests like, "Lord where did I put my keys?  Lead my eyes to my keys."   It works every time.  I end up looking in a direction that I wouldn't have looked if I hadn't asked for God's help.  He's just waiting for us to ask for His help. 

In these uncertain days that we live in I find comfort in knowing that nothing is going to happen to me outside of the will of God.  Because I've accepted Him as my Saviour and Lord, everything I own is not mine at all.   My time, talent and possessions are on loan from God.  It's up to me to manage it all wisely.  Every day I mess up.  Every day I forget. Every day I wish I had done better.  God doesn't expect us to be perfect.  He just wants us to look to Him for help when we fail.

I recently took a trip with my daughter to the beach.  It was a wonderful time being together, just the two of us.  My daughter has taught me so much.  She has a strong and sweet spirit that radiates like sunshine on a cloudy day. 

So as the time of Christ's coming draws closer, look to the skies and expect His return.  Man may think he can predict when the end of the world will happen.  But the Bible says, No man knows the hour, not even the angels.  God alone knows when it will be and that's good enough for me.



Longing For Home

As I look back on the days after graduating from Art School, I remember feeling very restless.  Living on a third floor apartment in the city of York was a lonely ritual I endured for many years. I remember many summer nights I could walk out onto the roof and look out over the city. I felt trapped and my heart longed to move back home to the country. I remember looking up into the city sky and wishing that I could see stars. There were no stars, just an orange haze.

My first job out of Art School had nothing to do with art. I worked 3rd shift as a nurses aid caring for elderly people. This was God's way of saying, "Deanna, I have a few things I'd like to teach you before you become an artist".  Adversity builds character and although I'd never wish for it, I know that the difficult times in my life where like a chisel chipping away my undesirable traits. When the storms of life come pounding one after another I think of it as God preparing my canvas so that one day I can paint a masterpiece. Meaningful art, like God's creation doesn't just happen.

Some of the greatest paintings in history were created in some of the most difficult circumstances. Every artist throughout history had someone they idolized. Some of the most loved hymns were written by composers who were grieving beyond words.

Through the fire, through the rain...stretching, pushing, pulling; there's always a force behind a great work of art. Greatness doesn't come without a price.



 Many people come into my studio and say if I could only paint like that. Some people don't know that I'm in constant pain...that I've survived cancer and my hands are often numb. I suffer from long periods of depression, especially through the winter months. My smile is how I tell the world, yes it's tough but I'm gonna do it anyway.

There are days when I want to walk away from my easel and never come back.

 A friend of mine is a recording artist who has a beautiful voice and everyone idolizes her. But I've heard her say there are days when she really doesn't want to sing. She gets tired of self-promotion. Nobody knows how lonely it is to be placed on a pedestal. People won't look her in the eye because they feel inferior and they're intimidated by her. She radiates beauty and promise while she's performing but her fans don't know that she longs to be an ordinary person who fits in with the crowd.

I want to turn the spotlight on people who have worked hard at what they do. These are people who we've featured in our gallery.




Mandi Trawitz Photographer displays photos
of her own flowers in our Photography Show.



Jackie Deibert's Photography
won Best of Show in our Gallery.





Debbie Brennan  won first Place in our
Sun Sand and Surf Art Show





Sherri Percoski won first place at
"Fall Hunt" Art Show held in our Gallery.
Sherri went on to study art with Thomas Wise
and has won many awards.



Here are some photos of our students and their work.



Dale Kessler during an Art Lesson in my studio.





My girls at work in my home studio.



"Granny Smith" by Elizabeth Teitter



 

Mandy Whitsel working on her tropical pastel painting.



"Summer Harvest" by Danelle Carvell
she is an amazing writer and Inspirational Speaker
who just happens to be my sister.



 

 Everyone has a calling, a purpose for being born. Find what that is and do it well. Don't measure your greatness with a man-made ruler. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.
We must work harder on our inner beauty, building a personality that encourages
others and makes others shine. That's where true greatness is found!

Farm House Warmth


There's just something about a farmhouse that makes a person feel so warm and welcome. I just got back from a visit to my mothers house.  It was such a cold rainy day and as I pulled up the driveway she was standing in the doorway waiting for me just the way my Grandmother used to when she knew company was coming. As I darted through the rain she opened the door for me and it felt so good to be inside a warm welcoming house. She "put the kettle on" and we had a hot cup of tea with my sisters vanilla sugar. It tasted so good. It seems like anything tastes better when someone else makes it for you. The love and warmth that I felt today is certainly portrayed in this Limited Edition Print.











The Bohner Homestead

"The Bohner Homestead"
Copyright © 2011

Charlotte Bylerly

I am very happy to introduce a work of art which is very close to my heart.  This is the way my mother remembers our home. It's titled "The Bohner Homestead"  Published from an original pastel painting of the Bohner/Reed homestead; established in the early 1900’s and later referred to as the Golden Hill.

Charlotte (Reed) Byerly's portrayal of common life, has been recalled from passed down stories, old photographs, and the carefree days as a young girl playing in the grassy meadows.

It is signed and numbered with a Certificate of Authenticity.  Available for purchase from the artist, Charlotte Byerly at 570-758-4099
or Wiseman Graphics (570) 758-2770.

Dust is a Country Collectible

There's nothing like a trip to the attic to bring back old memories. At Christmas time I went up to the attic to get some decorations and noticed my daughter's toy box. It was covered with years of dust. When I opened the lid it was like a flood of memories pulled me back in time.  Little play dishes, tiny pots and pans all covered with tiny finger prints.  As I picked up a tea cup I could here my daughters sweet voice saying, "Mommy, lets have a tea party!" I remember her tiny hands offering me a cup of tea.    

 When I was a young mother I was a meticulous house-keeper.  I look back and wish I would have left the dust lay a few more days and used the time to enjoy being a mother.  I don't think any mother wishes she had spent more time doing laundry or dishes.  No, the laundry and dishes will always be there. But our children won't always be with us.  Here is a poem that my mother gave my sister and I when we were both married with kids of our own.

To My Grown Daughter

I was too busy when you wanted to help me cook. I had other things to do when you 'd bring your picture book. I failed to find the time for playing dolls and dishes or listening to your dreams and all your magic wishes. There was so much I had to do before it was too late. But alas, my growing daughter could not wait. Now the bed is neat and the toys in place, and there's no chocolate mess on a cherub face: no more interruptions while I'm on the phone, no questions to answer or locks to comb. No dandelion bouquets or special cards of glue. no crayon messages of "Mom, I luv you." If only I could turn back the fleeting hands of time I'd value each giggle and memorize each rhyme. I'd live each second to the fullest-your heart and life enfold. For little girls grow up so fast, cherish them like gold.

Generations of Love

I'm so blessed to live in a home with so much history. When we first moved in to Grandma's house my mother helped me to make some new curtains for the master bedroom.  My mother learned how to sew and crochet from my grandma, and grandma learned from great grandma. It's so important to create family traditions.
Women need other women.

  I knew that after my Grandmother was gone I would want to remember the special times that we had with her. I am so glad I took this photo of my grandmother, my mother and my daughter many years ago. 

"The Crochet Lesson"Copyright © Wiseman Graphics

I took the photo so I could use it as reference for a painting titled " The Crochet Lesson". I'm happy to say that I have finally found the time to start this painting.  I usually begin with a preliminary sketch in pencil.  This helps to create the composition and make any changes that I want to make.

Preliminary pencil sketch for "The Crochet Lesson"
Approximate size 5"x7"
Copyright © Wiseman Graphics
You may notice that I cropped out a few things when I did this drawing. I wanted the focal point to be on my mother, daughter and Grandmother. I moved the ball of crochet yarn out of the shadows so you could see it. It makes a nice cast shadow on the floor. I also removed the rug and left the old wooden floor boards show.  When I did this I discovered that my perspective was off. I will make that correction when I go to
the large pastel painting.
I would really like to add my daughter's kitten playing with the ball of yarn, but I don't have a photo that would work and I think it may look too made up.

Because my mother took the time to teach my daughter how to crochet, and make all kinds of crafts, my daughter just picked out some beads one day and decided to make some bracelets. Aren't these beautiful?

Her latest creation is called a rag rug.  She gave me one for Christmas. It just happens to match the quilt that my mother is making for our bed. I'll post photos of it and the quilt in my next blog.

A Season for Change






We're all longing for summer and warmer weather. Just four days ago I drove through a foot of snow in my driveway.  As I write this, most of the snow has melted and the rain and wind are pounding against the house relentlessly. Many people are facing an oncoming flood. We live in uncertain times.

 Living on a hill leaves us vulnerable to the wind.  But that same wind that we try to escape in the winter will be pleasant on a hot summer day.

If we don't experience the rain how can we fully enjoy the sunshine? If we don't walk through the valleys of life, then how can we fully know the excitement of a mountain top experience. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.







Our house in fall. 




I love living in Pennsylvania where the seasons are all so different. Fall is by far my favorite time of the year. On a clear day the sky seems so much bluer than any other season. My theory from an artist's perspective is this; every color has an opposite which compliments it. The opposite of blue is orange. When the trees turn orange the sky looks bluer. Now, that was just one observation that gives evidence of an awesome Creator. Evidence of God is everywhere if we take the time to look around us. Especially when the seasons change.

A photo by my cousin Sherri Geisinger who has spent
many summers with Grandma on The Golden Hill.

Found this little guy in the Spring right after I did some planting in my flower beds.

In just a few weeks we'll begin to see the miracle of new life, and once again we'll be forced to acknowledge God's handiwork. As we grow closer to Easter, lets grow closer to the reason we celebrate Easter. Jesus Christ gave his life on a cross for the sins of the world so that we can all have eternal life. Only one life will soon be past, but what we do on this earth that has eternal value is something no one can ever take from us. Our talents and our possessions are not ours. They've been lent to us by God to be used for His glory.

What has God blessed you with? Take a piece of paper and begin writing down all your blessings. Begin with your next breath, yes even that is a gift from God. Whenever I'm feeling down I open my Bible and pull out my list of blessings and force myself to add to my list. Each time I do, I come away with a changed heart, a heart full of gratitude.

"Come Unto Me"
Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Print
with Certificate of Authenticity and
  Diagram of the 7 Hidden Symbols
$49.95  6% Pa. sales tax  Shipping $9.00
Copyright © Wiseman Graphics

570-758-2770


Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say unto you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter into it." My portrayal of Christ with his eyes closed is to represent his human nature.  He was fully man and yet fully God. I wanted to show Christ enjoying this precious moment with the children. They always wanted to be near him. He knew that in a while he would give his life as a ransom for many.  If you haven't accepted God's gift with a child-like faith, why not make this Easter a time to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour.
It's the greatest gift you'll ever receive. 

For the Love of Art



When I grew up we never had to lock our house at night. In the summer we played outside all day, riding our bikes and catching lightning bugs in a jar. When it was really hot, a gang of us would head to the swimming hole and take a dip in the cool water. A few of us were brave enough to take the dare, climbing up the slippery bank, grabing ahold of the rope overhead, and swinging into the deepest part of the Mahantango Creek. Those were the days. Our parents weren't concerned about where we were because the neighborhood was safe and everyone looked out for each other.

"The Carefee Days of Summer"
This portrait was commissioned by
Dr. Carole Patton
Millersburg, Pa.
Copyright © Wiseman Graphics



"Crayfish Creek"
 commissioned by
Dr. Carole Patton
Millersburg, Pa
Copyright © Wiseman Graphics

 It was common practice for our parents to leave the keys in the ignition of the car until we became teenagers. Earning the right to drive came with rules. My Dad made me paralell park between two large garbage cans until I could do it without knocking both of them over; a skill I found very useful when I headed off to Art School in the city of York.

Leaving the country life as I knew it was one of the hardest things I ever did in my life.  The new sounds, the smells, the feeling of being closed in by a city busseling with traffic and people;  all for the love of art.  Never questioning my quest to fulfill a dream, I overcame each new fear with the determination to become an artist. Watching my father run a successful business taught me many things. One of them was hard work and determination are never easy, but it's always worth it.  The things you dream of don't usually get handed to you on a silver platter.  My pursuit didn't come without many obstacles.

Two weeks after I started classes at York Academy of Arts, my roomate and I were driving back to school after lunch when a small child ran into the side of my car.  Seeing her lifeless body lay in a pool of blood is an image only God could erase from my memory.  The five year old girl, who was known for darting in front of cars survived, but not without life long concequences. I eventually overcame the trauma by asking God to take away the nightmares that I suffered. I found strength in knowing that it simply wasn't my fault.

Art project deadlines soon had my attention and I was captivated by color theory, art history and anatomy.  Learning to draw an unclothed model was awkward at first. In time I didn't see a nude body, only form, light and shadow.

One day I noticed a very attractive man who never seemed to get over the fact that he was drawing a nude figure.  He managed to pull his easel into the corner of the room where he would hide behind his drawing and occasionally peek out to view the subject matter.  His conservative actions were not only amusing but attractive to me and it wasn't long till I discovered that he wasn't nearly as uncomfortable interacting with a clothed female.  He seemed more facinated by my artwork than I was. His art box was meticulously arranged and everything had it's place. Mine was a mess and even had a dent in the side of it from forcing it shut without making everything fit.

 It wasn't long till we discovered our shared passion for photography. We took advantage of every opportunity to leave the city and capture some good photos.  The only thing more fun than taking pictures was developing them in the dark room.  That is a story for another time. To read about how we moved back to the country read my blog titled, "Days with Tucker".

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Traces of Summer



Sunday Afternoon on the Back Porch


This old house has been a refuge for so many people over the years. I love it when my kids come home. Especially in the summer time. My daughter and son-in-law like to take time out of their busy lives to relax on the back porch with their dog. Porch sitting has been a family tradition in this family for many years. We live in a world of instant gratification.  Fast food, instant messaging and texting are changing our way of life. I for one will do everything I can to keep porch sitting a tradition that lives on in this family.


My mother enjoys a moment with nature



Slow down you move too fast, got to make the morning last.  I've been humming that song all day. In this fast paced world that we live in, it's easy to forget how life used to be before cell phones, instant messaging and television.  My grandparents wouldn't have known the first thing about using a computer or texting.  When ever we came to visit Grandma she would say, "You people are always in a hurry! Come and find a seat."

 


My family enjoying the late afternoon sunshine.

My Brother and Uncle Albert

My neices, the melon heads.

Jim Brown and my husband Jeff

 
Don't miss the life your dreaming of when it's right under your nose. We weren't designed to live at such a chaotic pace. Even Jesus took time to get away from the crowds of people that followed him. He knew where His strength came from. I have a little quote posted in my art studio.
"7 days without prayer makes one weak." I'll be the first to admit that I get into a routine that doesn't include prayer time. Even the good things in life can crowd out our good intentions. A book titled "The Tyranny of the Urgent" talks about how we shouldn't allow interruptions to dictate what we do all day. Just because the cell phone rings doesn't mean we have to drop what we're doing to answer it.

 I'm sure my Great Grandfather who lived in this same house many years ago spent many hours cutting down trees and chopping wood to keep his family warm. What would he say if I showed him a remote to light a fire place? And Grandma spent many days during the summer tending a garden and canning. I admire people who can nurture a garden. My first attempt at gardening was pitiful. I should have paid more attention to my Grandma.

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