"Akechita", Portrait of a Warrior, a Work in progress by Sandra Reeves Cutrer

Although it has been several weeks since I worked in my studio, as I recover from major (and have I mentioned super painful) surgery, my heart is out in my studio, while my body seems to be slow in recovering. As I turned the page on my daily prayer and scripture calender this morning, I recalled some of the times in my past when I thought I didn't need anyone in my life, as I seemed to only be able to depend on myself at times to get things done. I am totally an "A" personality, and very determined to do things "right" (which really boils down to doing it my way) or die! Well, God can put us on our backs very quickly to remind us, in his loving, patient way of course, that we are not self- sufficient. We must depend on him, and look for his guidance, everyday. When we don't, we are showing our haughty pride and  need to soar in self-sufficiency. God's word tells us that he hates a haughty look, among many other things. Ouch. Pride and self-sufficiency is not only unhealthy, but nothing near to why God created us to begin with. We need God. We need that connection that prayer brings us with him, and others- like family, our spouse, our friends, or neighbors.We should care and be cared for. There is no room in a Christian life for haughty pride and too much self dependence. As our example, Jesus,God in the flesh, showed us that we need him, and we must show love and be loved.

Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Blessings today,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com
Sandra-Cutrer.artistwebsites.com

"Green Light" $75.00- still life by Sandra Reeves Cutrer

Using a very limited palette- one green,yellow,red, and blue. I really enjoyed the challenge of this small still life. Painted in oils on a gallery wrapped canvas measuring 8x8x0.5 inches. Green is my favorite hue. I pretty much enjoy all shades of green (except maybe army green). This one was set up with more overhead lighting in an already sunny room- north light. Still lifes are a pleasure to paint, putting  me a peaceful and relaxing mood. Bell peppers have such a wonderful aroma. When I was a child I use to search for them in our small garden, or frig, so I could eat them raw. Last week in our local market they were stocking such bright orange and yellow ones. I have never seen such a vibrant array of  bell peppers before. I need to go back and purchase some for future still life work. What fun! $75.00

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh (Jesus) and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Blessings,
Sandra
sandrasart777@aol.com
Sandra-Cutrer.artistwebsites.com for prints of original work
Artist of Texas
cfai.com

God decides all things, not us!

According to the news, tomorrow is predicted to be "the end of the world" so says a few pitiful souls who haven't studied their Bible (with lots of prayer and fasting for wisdom). The word of God says that only God (the father of all) knows the time and hour of his coming. Don't fret, and don't believe those who predict it, for they are wrong in doing such a thing. But, instead, worry about whether you are right with God today, for you could die at any time and it will be the "end" for you,at least on this earth. You will face the only judge when HE decides, not men.
A few weeks ago, I thought Ms Bella, our sweet kitty, was too sick to live. I prayed and cried, but had little faith after watching her suffer for weeks. God doesn't always heal, as I know this first hand from losing a child to cancer (who, in my opinion, was way too young to die), so my faith was very shallow. I got my husband to take her to the vet, with the intent of having her put-down. Well, as you can see in the photo, it wasn't her time to "go", no matter what I thought, no matter how little faith I had. God made a way where I saw no way. It was such a simple thing for Him, but so hard for me. After all, I had to let go of fear and trust her maker. She is now healthier than she was before she got so sick. God knew exactly what she needed, but especially HE knew what I needed even more!

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Hebrews 11:6

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com
Sandra-Cutrer.artistwebsites.com

"No Other Love" by Sandra Reeves Cutrer

 This drawing, "No Other Love" reflects the love that a mother haves for her child. I don't think there is any other love comparable to that of a mother and her child.

This is an 11"x14" drawing of my niece and great niece done in graphite/pencils. I have always enjoyed drawing,especially people. Prints of original drawing are available at : Sandra-Cutrer.artistwebsites.com
 I always treasured time spent watching my babies sleep.Such sweetness and innocence. Love your babies while they are there with you,spend quality time with them, because you will blink and they will be gone all too soon. How fast they grow up and have lives and babies of their own.

Blessings to you and yours,

Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com
Sandra's Art Avenue
Artist of Texas
cfai.com
Sandra-Cutrer.artistwebsites. com for prints of original work.

"Wind and Waves" palette knife painting by Sandra Reeves Cutrer $75.00

"Wind and Waves" 12" x12" x1.5" gallery wrapped canvas $75.00. FREE shipping inside the USA. Price includes ins. and signature confirmation.


This painting was worked in thick acrylics with palette knives.Mostly monochromatic in color, with its darkness showing the seriousness of a  night storm coming ashore.How rough it must be for the sailors and their boats when sudden storms come upon them. So much like everyday life; those storms can come upon us so suddenly,shocking us to the core.But stay calm,our God is able to quiet the most severe storms.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.Psalm 107: 28-31

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com

"Riding the Rails" by Sandra Reeves Cutrer

"Riding the Rails" is one of my favorite paintings. I painted this for an advid train collector.
I used brushes and palette knives. It is on a 16"x20" stretched linen canvas. Although this one is owned by a private collector, I would be happy to do a comission for you!
"Riding the Rails" is one of my favorite paintings. I painted this for an advid train collector. I used brushes and palette knives.

Psalm 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

Did you know that as Christians we are supposed to pray for the Jews? The word of God tells us that we will be blessed!With no end in sight to the turmoil in the Middle East, all signs and prophesies seem to point to an escalation in the violence and conflict. Yet no matter where you stand politically or spiritually regarding the current unrest in Israel, as Christians we can unite on one front: prayer. Israel, as a nation and a people, are God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy 32:10 and Zechariah 2:8, the Lord God calls Israel "the apple of his eye." And to Abraham, God said in Genesis 12:2-3, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (NIV) Psalm 122:6 also encourages us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com
Sandra's Art Avenue

"Paradise Pond" by Sandra Reeves Cutrer $275.00

This oil painting was created on a 16"x20" stretched linen canvas. Price includes ins. and signature confirmation.

I have always thought ducks were so pretty. While growing up, we had our share of animals, including a few ducks.One evening my Dad had gone out to feed and water them.As soon as he turned on the water,he found the hose had been transformed into a sort of drip hose- with hundreds of cuts throughout the length of it. His first thought was that my two sons had practiced throwing their new pocket knives right onto the hose! Right after their spanking, here came the ducks waddling up to the hose, showing my Dad exactly how those holes had been made when they proceeded to bite on that "weird looking device",which they may have mistaken for a snake! But, later we had a sweet little pet duck we promptly named Cuckoo because he walked in circles, so all was forgiven, and we kept our ducks for a long time.

In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do unto me?- Psalm 56:11

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com

Third of my "Washed Ashore" series by Sandra Reeves Cutrer

Third of my "Washed Ashore" series, painted on a 12"x12" wrap around canvas (all sides painted), in mixed media . As you can see this one isn't a sea shell, but starfish and sea shells are neighbors! $75.00 for all 3 paintings- NO shipping if mailed in the USA!

Did you realize that water is mentioned 722 times in the scriptures? That is less than God, Jesus, heaven, or even the word love, but many more times than faith, hope, prayer or even worship. The first time water is mentioned in the scripture is found in Genesis 1:2. From the beginning of the Bible to the end water flows through the pages of scripture. It is full of passages that link water to Gods creating, blessing and saving work. This alone shows me the importance of water in our spiritual lives.Water symbolizes Gods Word in many places throughout the Bible. If, as believers, we continue to take the bible and water for granted and contaminate it, waste or spoil it, we will see that we will have difficulties in our physical bodies as well as in our spiritual lives.When a believer in Jesus accepts the bible and water, cherishes, respects and honors them both as the gifts of God that are freely given to us, we will find our reservoirs full. These are just a few of the both literal and figurative uses of water in the scripture. I believe that God has something to say to us.

Isaiah 12:2,3 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com
Sandra's Art Avenue

"Calling It a Day" by Sandra Reeves Cutrer

"Calling it a Day" is painted on an 11"x14" canvas board, in oils. $75.00 plus shipping.

 While walking on our beach jetty, i was blessed to catch this elderly gentleman on his way home. The jetty, made of concrete and beautiful slabs of granite, is usually full of fishing men and women from day break until late into the night. Many come with their portable A/C's in the summer, and heater's or Coleman stoves in the winter, to catch fish. There are always a host of nationalities represented here, and they all seem to get along great,sharing such a tight space. Many of us could use this example in our daily lives. How often people pull away from those "not like themselves" because of fear, or cultural differences, when we are all people made by one Father.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God's children if we love God and obey his commandments.
1 John 5:1-2

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com
Sandra's Art Avenue

"Hold Me Sissy" by Sandra Reeves Cutrer

"Hold Me Sissy" is part of a private collection.

Two sisters, on the beach, show meaning and importance of family.

Make allowances for other's faults." Col 3:13,NLT

Blessings,

Sandra Reeves Cutrer

sandrasart777@aol.com

"Paradise Pond" by Sandra Reeves Cutrer $275.00

This oil painting was created on a 16"x20" stretched linen canvas.
I have always thought ducks were pretty, but I know to keep my distance from most because of being chased by a few on several different occasions! While growing up, we had our share of animals, including a few ducks.One evening my Dad had gone out to feed and water them.As soon as he turned on the water,he found the hose had been transformed into a sort of drip hose- with hundreds of cuts throughout the length of it. His first thought was that his two sons had practiced throwing their new pocket knives right onto the hose! Right after their spanking, here came the ducks waddling up to the hose, showing my Dad exactly how those holes had been made when they proceeded to bite on that "weird looking device",which they may have mistaken for a snake! But, later we had a sweet little pet duck we promptly named Cuckoo because he walked in circles, so all was forgiven.

In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do unto me?- Psalm 56:11

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com

"Missed Stream" by Sandra Reeves Cutrer of Lake Jackson,TX

"Missed Stream" is a quick study done on paper with acrylics. It was a painting challenge, based on the famous artist,James McNeill Whistler; limiting my palette to a single blue, a single yellow, and a white.

Whistler "labored with pigments so thin as to be merely tinted turpentine". -- Writer John Updike (in "Whistler in the Dark", from Still Looking: Essays on American Art, p.95).


I actually made a very wet glaze of white to make it a little more "misty" since I kept making the values a little too dark in a few areas. I have been told to never paint a white glaze on anything, so I broke the "rule" and did what I thought was best! Everything we paint can't be a master piece, but it can be a part of who we are. Just like life, we try, we win, we lose, we fall,we run on the mountain tops, we sit in the valleys, we learn, we stumble. But these are all pieces in our life "puzzle". God is in control,all right, you just have to take the time to pray- talk to him, and listen. Ah,listening. That is a gift these days!

"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance"- Proverbs 1:5, NIV

Blessings,
Sandra Reeves Cutrer
sandrasart777@aol.com