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Since then, an image has been seared in my head. It’s an image that closely resembles the famous statue carved in stone by Michelangelo - The Pietà.

But in this image in my mind, it’s God the Father, head bent, weeping over his dead son. It’s God the Father, arms wrapped around the the lifeless body of Jesus, head hung in grief. It’s the Father who is crying out in total heartbreak, the weight of sorrow too much to bear.

I tried to capture these thoughts while they were fresh - and am only now, months later, attempting to create this image. I am sharing with you the process - the rough, creative phase in all it’s unfinished glory… the phase that is often hidden.

But I wanted to share it with you. This has felt really important. I’m not sure why. But it feels bigger than me. As far as I’ve looked (which isn’t far), this image does not exist.

Here is the little poem I wrote:

The Father Wept.

He experienced all the pain,
betrayal, beatings, humiliation, powerlessness
that the son did.

He was there too.
His heart broke too.
He wept.
He died.
His heart was wrenched open.
He didn’t just watch.
He didn’t look on, focusing on the “greater good”

He experienced soul-crushing grief.
He wept an ocean of tears.
His heart was strung on that cross.
His heart died on that cross.

Never was there such grief.

The scripture that I cling to during particularly difficult times is Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” I need this, because God isn’t just watching my suffering, he is down in the muck and mud with me. He is ALSO the one who is suffering. I usually picture Jesus with me in those moments. But the truth is, isn’t it also the Father? The Father is ALSO the one who is suffering. He is close to the brokenhearted. He IS brokenhearted.

I am trying to figure out how best to capture this image. I want it to communicate the heartache and grief of a father who lost his son. I also want it to communicate deep love and tenderness. Because I believe that is often missed when we think of God the Father.

My sketches are below. If one particularly resonates with you or feels like it communicates these truths better than the others, could you please comment or email me to let me know your thoughts?

Can I ask which sketch speaks most to your heart?

Thank you to all who continue to follow and support my art. Could you please pray for me and my family this Holy Week? I will be praying for all of you.

Last but not least, I am really excited to announce that I have a new print in my shop - ready for Preorders! This is the first of more to come. I will give you a sneak peek in my next newsletter!

Use Code PATRONLENT2025 for 20% off all my Lenten artwork, including this new print “The Lost Sheep.”

Shop HERE

May you have a blessed Holy Week!

Sincerely,
Kristina

This afternoon we got an unexpected letter from our dear friend, Brian, now known as Br. Barnabas, who is a novice in the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal out in New York City (CFR’s). His presence in our lives was the gift we didn’t know we needed, but was - and continues to be - a real coming of Christ to our family.

Almost three years ago my husband left his job at our small town parish. We made the decision with so much confidence and peace, but it was an incredibly painful experience. Even these years later, the waves of grief still come crashing over me - and I still try to make sense of it all in therapy. So many of my most cherished relationships -my relationship with God, my relationship with the church, my relationship with our small town community - were all ruptured in their own unique ways. But in it all, we were held by Love and provided for in miraculous ways.

It was just some odd months after that, the summer of 2022, that Brian discerned out of the seminary and moved home to Fowler.

That year that he was home, his friendship was a balm to our grieving hearts. He was the tangible presence of Christ to us over and over again. He was the kind of friend that would just be present. Whatever projects we were working on, he’d jump right in to help. He’d spend hours at our house, just hanging out with our family. He would randomly drop by with food (I can’t even name how many times!) or stop in for coffee and conversation after a weekday Mass. When he left, he would always ask us how he could pray for us.

He was beloved by our kids who immediately adopted him into the family: they would pick on him like one of our own, bringing him into their games, and telling him about their lives. He was a man of prayer. He was a listener. And he was always encouraging us in our roles as parents, individuals, and in our faith.

My favorite story is the time he randomly visited our house one day after our microwave unexpectedly died. We were making light of the situation - as our house was bursting with the strong odor of a burning plastic.

Read more

Currently, you will find me snuggled on the couch, wrapped in a pretty quilt and crashing hard after a very full weekend. This will be short and sweet. Mostly sweet. You can expect:

• Quick life update

• Special Announcement - winner of the Brighton drawing!

• FREE gift for everyone

Life Update

Now that my baby isn’t a baby, I am digging into the stash of art show supplies I bought the summer before he was born.

I am finding that I really love being a vendor at events and connecting with people in person. This past Friday, my dear friend Krysta gave up her entire day to accompany me to Saint Patrick’s in Brighton, Michigan for their Christmas Palooza event. I’ve decided that everyone needs a Krysta in their life. We sipped our mocha latte’s on the drive while sharing a much needed girl’s day out. The evening was full of music and wonderful people.

Special Announcement!

While there, I did a drawing for a $50 gift card to my Etsy shop.

ERICA M. - You are the winner! I will be emailing you with your prize.

A GIFT for you!

As I was designing some graphics for Catholic Link, I decided to create a special phone wallpaper for my Substack community. If it’s something you like, be sure to comment on this post or email me to let me know. Click below for yours!

Claim my Gift

Download my Wallpaper HERE

A few wrap up thoughts

Pre-orders for my special Advent print have all been mailed out. Thank you again for those who purchased this special print.

The limited edition gold embellished print will be available through the end of December, so there is still time to snag one!

Special Advent Print

And finally, check out my latest artwork!

My current wall full of pictures!

Have a restful night.

Sincerely,

Kristina

P.S. If you haven’t already, please join me on Facebook and Instagram

And last chance to get a special gift added to your order.

Thanks so much for those who already ordered! I hope this blesses you and maybe even makes a special Christmas gift for someone else too!

Pre-order here

I love how one image can evoke so many different emotions. Here are some of the comments people made on my Facebook page when I shared this painting for the first time this past February…

Get my special gift

Have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Kristina

A few weeks ago as I was going about my morning routine, a dear friend texted me saying that she was listening to an album by Rita Springer and thought of me. Here it is if you’d like to check it out.

In the days that followed, as I played it during my prayer time and while I washed the dishes, I was so captured by her lyrics. I was taken by the way her voice and the music made me feel. I experienced this strange juxtaposition of strong waves of anger and sorrow, and then I’d feel sparks of hope rise up within me.

Deep down I knew there was something so real here. I don’t know her story - at all, but I was immediately convinced that I was listening to a woman who knew firsthand what it feels like to hold grief and hope all at once. And I went on a journey with her. She could lay it all on the table, she didn’t have to have answers or platitudes for her suffering. She certainly didn’t wrap it all in a pretty bow. She was simultaneously completely disgusted with her situation but also… could claim (sometimes confidently and sometimes not) “God is good, yes I know he is.” And her cries to God gave words to mine. They became mine. They had also somehow been mine all along.

There was a moment somewhere in the mess of this that I felt this desire (?) well up within me. An invitation (?) to do the same with my art.

What does that look like, I’m not entirely sure.

But right now I think it has to do with some healthy acceptance of this season of life that I find myself in. When everything within me just wants to bypass the discomfort, I am invited to go through it, not around. And choosing to engage in the hard seasons, doesn’t mean that I can’t embrace the moments of hope as well.

And maybe…hopefully…I can communicate a glimpse of that in my art.

And maybe…hopefully…you will also feel seen.

(Sped up for your enjoyment!) ^ ^ ^

Pre-order Here

Sincerely,

Kristina

I am so excited to announce what my SPECIAL Advent print is this year! (Advent Starts December 1st this year)

Here it is!

Order HERE

Our Lady of Guadalupe walking with child - gold ink edition, is only available for a short time. To say thank-you for your continued support, You have first access - with a special discount included.

Pre-orders open today! All prints ordered this weekend will have a special gift included in their package. All pre-ordered prints will be mailed out the week of December 2nd. Enjoy!

I WANT this!

This print is stunning in itself, but guys… the GOLD INK just makes it shine. I hand-embellish each of these prints with gold ink.

Your Special Discount -

To those who have been here since the beginning, and to those who have recently joined in… Thank you!

For this weekend ONLY (now through November 17), prints will be BUY ONE GET ONE 50% off!

Also, you can take advantage of this deal as many times as you’d like. For example, buy two, get two 50% off.

In addition to a special gift being added to your order, I will do the added embellishments for no added cost, as a thank-you for being here and supporting this work I do.

Order HERE!

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Kristina

This morning I thought I’d send a quick little note. It’s been a minute, so here are the highlights I’d like to share.

• First - what’s NEW with my art

• A Special Announcement!

• A quick life update
  

What’s New?!

This past October, I attended the annual Michigan Catholic Women’s Conference as a vendor for the first time. I also had the honor of designing their beautiful prayer card that was passed out at this event.

I had forgotten what it feels like to see people engage with my art - in person. Smiles, tears, and surprise were just a few of the reactions. My heart really needed that. I remembered that people REALLY do connect with my art. This is something I can easily forget when selling online. I left the conference with fresh perspective and honestly, renewed joy and purpose in what I do.

I just recently began illustrations for the sequel to “Growing a Baby: Joey Becomes a Big Brother.” There’s a lot I learned during that first book, and I feel excited and ready to take on this new project. There are new characters, old characters, fresh settings, and it’s been fun putting all the pieces together. Stay tuned for more.

I bought myself a book on figure drawing hoping to learn and grow in this area as I really love capturing human connection and emotions. I have been filling my sketchbook. Here are some fun sketches I did of myself and Joseph.

Special Announcement - A Fan Favorite!

I haven’t shared this on social media yet, but I am offering a SPECIAL Advent print this year. As in previous years, this is a limited edition item, only available for a short time. To say thank-you for your continued support, You will have first access - with a special discount included.

Print will be announced THIS Thursday and Pre-orders will open then. All prints ordered this weekend will have a special gift included in their package. Prints will be mailed out the week of December 2nd.

Life update…

Fall has finally arrived in Michigan. We did an impromptu photo shoot, because LOOK AT THOSE LEAVES!

I am enjoying spending my days with Joseph while the kids are in school. I often find him with a laundry basket over his head, or sitting in a box drawing. He likes to “borrow” my pencils and add many “notes” to my planner. It fills my heart to see how much he loves to draw just like his momma. (And yes, he’s a lefty!”

Have a beautiful day.

Sincerely,

Kristina

P.S. If you haven’t already, please join me on Facebook and Instagram

A little introduction for those who have just joined us…

Welcome! I’m Kristina, a Michigan artist and mom of 5. I paint at my kitchen table in the middle of the chaos of motherhood, laundry, and noise. (If you know, you know 😂). I paint because it makes me a better person. And because I love to. I hope it shows!

My business, Painted Sanctuary, grew organically after I bought a set of watercolor paints back in 2020. I started posting my art on social media because I was excited to be creating art again. Before long I had people reaching out to commission paintings. That was just the beginning! Since then I’ve been honored to create many many commissioned paintings, I’ve created art inspired by prayer, and I even illustrated a book!

My favorite art to create includes: faith inspired pieces, landscapes, and animals.

Winner Announcement…

Yesterday at Kim’s event, I did a drawing for a free 6x8” pup portrait. As promised, I drew a name at random. And we have a winner!

Val Hughes!!! Congratulations! I can’t wait to paint a beautiful portrait of your pup.

Don’t worry!

If you didn’t win, but would like your own custom art piece, you can fill out the form below to get on my booking list! I’m hoping to fill up my queue between now and December. Pet portraits make some great gifts :)

For those who already filled out the form, I will contact you tomorrow with next steps. I can’t wait to work with you!

Book HERE!

Thank you!

As always, thanks for being here.

-Kristina

Inquiry Form

Examples of my work

Animals are one of my favorite painting subjects. Here are some examples of pieces that I have painted over the past few years.

How to Commission your own special project

If you have a special dog that you would love to work with me to create a unique fine art keepsake, please fill out the form below.

Commission your pet portrait Here

The Process

1. Once you fill out the inquiry form, I will email you within two business days.
   

2. We will discuss project details. (I will ask you for 2-5 pictures of your pet; we'll discuss timeline; and I will answer any questions that you have.)
   

3. If it’s a good fit, I will send you a simple contract and request a 50% deposit (I accept cash, paypal, & venmo.)
   
   

Custom Pet Portrait Inquiry Form

I’m excited to work with you!

I've been going through some really deep levels of growing lately, and I haven't known how to show up on here. 

I’m not sure what’s happening in my heart and soul. Something is growing… and it’s taking time and patience to tend to.

It’s messy. And it’s uncomfortable.

This season has been about connecting to myself, my dreams, my story - all with more curiosity and deeper compassion than I remember ever being able to do before. I am learning what it means to care for the person I am, not the person I think I should be.

I have less to give. But I know it’s because I’m pouring into myself - and maybe that’s not as selfish as I once believed.

Art Update:

In the past few months I have taken on some new commissions, played around with my own little doodle ideas, and have more ideas in the works!

Life update:

Some highlights from the past couple of months:

My husband, Paul, graduated with his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am so unbelievably proud of him.

My Goddaughter received her First Holy Communion. She is such a special soul. It was a perfect day.

The kids all finished school for the year, but not before Francis and another kid collided on the playground. Thankfully, no concussion!

My sister gave birth to twin boys! They are precious and I am so proud of her. Mom and babies are doing great.

Other notables:

- We’ve just about made it through another season of baseball.
- We planted a garden.
- I’ve been learning all about cycle syncing.
- My Dad celebrated his 60th birthday.

Thank you, as always, for your support of me and my art.

Sincerely,

Kristina

I illustrated a children’s book! And it is beautiful!

About the book:

Growing a Baby: Joey Becomes a Big Brother follows a mom’s journey through pregnancy through the eyes of her little boy.

Get Your Copy HERE

Who is it for?

• Ages 2-10 (and beyond!) - This illustrated picture book is written especially for young children & early readers. Older children and parents will also enjoy the sweet story, vibrant illustrations, and questions and emotions that Joey experiences while he prepares to welcome his new little sibling.

• Growing Families - Welcoming a new human into the family can bring up all sorts of feelings for an older sibling. Excitement, wonder, concern…and all sorts of questions! This book explores these themes in a simple, accessible way, perfect for kids. This is a wonderful resource to prompt connection and conversation between parents and children.

• Catholic Families - Catholic families will appreciate how family life and relationships are portrayed in this story. Faith is lived out in the way the characters attend Mass together as a family, and primarily through the way they care for and love each other. Also, life in the womb is both celebrated and valued.

A look inside!

Love what you see?!

BUY NOW

What are readers saying?

The Perfect Gift for growing families

Order My Copy Now!

About the Author:

This is Kim’s first book. She has enjoyed working with children her whole life. She is the mother of five grown children and lives in a close-knit community with her husband Ron and Missy the cat.

Meet the Illustrator

Kristina is a Catholic artist, wife of Paul, and mom to five spirited humans ranging from ages 11 down to 1. She paints at her kitchen table, in the middle of the chaos of motherhood, laundry, and noise. She is passionate about creating faith-inspired art that flows from her relationship with Jesus.

BUY NOW!

There’s MORE!

Growing a Baby is just the first of a collection of stories. The next book will deal with the difficult topic of miscarriage - in a gentle, child accessible way. Learn more below:

Missing Memories

Joey discovers what losing a baby really means.
In this story, his best friend Noah's family experiences a miscarriage. Joey comes to realize, with his grandmother's help, that loss happens even when we never had the chance to meet a new family member.

Can I tell you a story?

First the background. For the past five years I have incorporated a “word for the year” into my practice of prayer. Since then I’ve encountered a lot of people who do this as well. If that’s you, please hit reply to this email and let me know what your word is!

For those who are not as familiar with it, as a new year approaches, I ask the Lord for a word.

The word that I receive in prayer becomes something like an anchor point. I understand it to be an invitation and a promise, both at once. If my year were a song, it would be the refrain, the music that repeats and repeats and that brings clarity to the verses.

Last Year

Last year, the Lord gave me the word: trust. To be honest, it felt lame, run of the mill, uninteresting. But I knew that was it.

And then the Lord showed up. He revealed himself to me as my Good Shepherd. Over and over again he reminded me of His gentle care for me. He reminded me of His goodness, that I was seen - even though I didn’t feel seen.

He let me be the lost sheep, which was a gift because really I just wanted to be looked for, sought after, and cared for - I was worth leaving the 99 to be found. I was worth that.

In addition, there was an invitation to surrender - to give him my cares and fears and to say over and over again, “Jesus, I surrender *this thing* to you, please take care of everything.” He was good. He would take care of it. I could trust him. And I did trust him with many things, again and again.

This year

Now, back to the present. This year there was a very deep part of me that didn’t want a new word. Last year was like a balm to my very wounded heart. I didn’t want to let go of that. I decided to pray for one anyway.

As I sat down to ask the Lord for a word for 2024, the normal rush of anxiety that I wouldn’t receive one right away, that I would have to wait… that I wouldn’t be able to hear His voice… all those fears filled me right as the word “close” came to my mind and resonated in my heart.

Close.

Close

Close.

Listen. Picture this.

The Good Shepherd goes out on a journey. He looks far and wide for this sheep who wandered off. He goes to relentless lengths to find it.

And when he finally does, he bends down, picks up that wounded lamb, and…holds it close.

Jesus let me keep my word, and then as a gift, reminded me of the next part of the story. I’m excited to see what this means for the next part of my story.

To wrap up

Recently I painted this image, and it truly fits perfectly into this theme. Close. I am held. You are held. We are held so very close. Let us receive the gift of this childlike trust from the Lord. This is my prayer for you this coming Lent. Wherever you find yourself, may you be led closer to the incredibly good heart of Christ.

The first to know

These prints are now L I V E in my shop! I’ll let the rest of my followers know soon, but I wanted to give you the chance to snag one first.

Shop Here

Sincerely,

Kristina

P.S. Do you do the prayer practice of Word for the Year?

Share

At first glance this painting may appear to be the Holy family fleeing to Egypt in the dead of night. Look more closely.

I actually painted this image to commemorate the Feast of Candlemas (Also known as The Presentation of the Lord). Mark your calendars for this Friday, February 2, the day we will celebrate this feast, 40 days after the birth of Christ.

In Scripture

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. -Luke 2:22–24

Symbolism within the work

Some elements that I incorporated into this painting:

• Two turtledoves or pigeons - A sacrifice offered to the Lord specifically by the poor (those who couldn’t afford a lamb), according to Jewish custom.

• The light, emanating from Christ, piercing the darkness - referring to Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be a light to the gentiles.
  

That day the Spirit led him (Simeon) to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
-Luke 2:27-32

---

• Candles - Traditionally one of the ways this feast day is celebrated, specifically because of Simeon’s prophecy.

• Mary’s pierced heart - Referring to another prophecy that a sword would pierce her soul. (Luke 2:35)

• The curtain of the temple torn down the center - A foreshadowing of the completion of Christ’s sacrifice, his death on the cross.

• Yellow roses - symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom.

• Red roses - symbolizing Christ’s passion, and Mary’s sufferings.

Add this to your collection

This unique painting can be found here: https://paintedsanctuary.etsy.com/listing/1306095038

Buy Now

Wishing you a wonderful week,
-Kristina

P.S. Do you like knowing more about the symbolism in the art I create?

Planner was from 2022. Journal entries were from 2022. So I deduced that my reflections must have been written somewhere else. I dug through bags and bins and closets, finally finding a couple more journals. Paging through, I found… nothing! What?!

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Then it dawned on me.

Let’s just call 2023 the year of the baby.

Of course I didn’t write in a journal, I could barely get my kids out the door with brushed hair and teeth for school in the morning. And let’s be honest, that didn’t even always happen.

I was in survival mode as new mom’s generally are. Truthfully, most mornings I slept in while my husband took care of getting our older kids off to school -because I was up with baby Joseph during the night. A lot.

Point being, 2023 is a blur. But, I still somehow managed to illustrate a book!

It's been awhile since I've mentioned this book and illustrations. The illustrations have been done since this past November, but turns out the whole process is a bit more involved and time consuming than I thought it would be. We are getting close though! Expect more updates very soon. In the meantime, I would love to know...

Which book cover do you like best? Hit reply to this email and tell me! And bonus points if you can say why.

Have a great Thursday!

Blessings,
Kristina

Set of 3 Holy Family Hearts are now LIVE in my shop!

It’s been so hard to wait to share these! As I’ve put together these images to showcase the beauty of these three hearts, I’ve just been blown away by how gorgeous they look! And you are the FIRST to know!

Shop Hearts Here

From left to right: The Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Most Chaste Heart of Saint Joseph.

Shop Three Hearts

Quality

Giving you something truly beautiful is so important to me. I want you to see, to feel, and to entirely enjoy the difference that high quality materials make.

Size Options

Offering prints with standard sizes for easy framing! These prints are available as 8x10” prints without a border AND 11x14” prints with a white border.

Shop Available Sizes

My CYBER week sale runs through November 30th!! I hope you enjoy these special deals!

SHOP Cyber Week Sale!

Sincerely,

Kristina

I so appreciate all my newsletter patrons! That’s you! Thank you!

For my special edition Christmas print this year I’m embellishing the following Nativity print with gold ink. 😍

And, as a thank-you, I am offering to hand-paint any of these prints that you purchase at no additional cost.

See below. It is gorgeous!

Just add “Gift of Gold” to the personalization prompt on your order (or shoot me a message).

Claim your gift

Today is the last day to receive that gift.

Tomorrow I’m sharing it with everyone on my social media.

ALSO, it’s a great time because all orders over $50 receive 25% off during my Early Black Friday sale (live now!!). So get one for you and your mom.

Special Edition Print

Thank you again!

Shop ALL Early Black Friday Deals

Blessings,
Kristina

I’m excited to share this next painting with you! I will give a brief summary of the story behind it, share my own meaningful connection with the art, and end with a reminder that you don’t want to miss.

The Miracle of the Roses

According to tradition, in 1531 Mary appeared to a native Mexican man named Juan Diego. During that time in history, the people of Mexico were experiencing much suffering & oppression as their culture and identity were being attacked by the Spanish colonists.

Mary appeared to Juan as a young indigenous pregnant woman, wearing native Mexican clothing and speaking the native language. She requested that a church be built on that site, and so Juan went to the archbishop in Mexico City to make this request. The Archbishop didn't believe that Mary had appeared to him and asked for a sign, to confirm that this was truly a miraculous encounter.

A couple days later, she appeared to Juan again and instructed him to pick flowers from the top of a nearby Hill. This was an unusual request as the area was usually barren - especially in December. He went anyway, and discovered beautiful roses blooming there.

He brought the flowers to the archbishop and when he opened his cloak, the roses fell to the floor revealing another miracle: the image of Our Lady was miraculously imprinted on his tilma. This image remains there, even until today. And the site of this apparition is one of the most visited places in the world.

How she mothered me

In order to paint this image, I read various commentaries about the story. It was the theme of hope that most captured me.

In choosing to appear as an indigenous woman, speaking the language and wearing their clothes, Mary identified herself with the oppressed and vulnerable native Mexican people. In doing this, she revealed their dignity. She came to them as a mother. She drew close to them, pregnant with God himself - hope literally alive in her womb. Her presence assured them that they were loved and seen by God. She would be with them in that dark place.

In the image that I painted, I used a dark blue night sky to represent the sorrow and oppression that the indigenous people lived in. I contrasted that with Mary who is lit up in the center of the piece (with unborn Christ lit even brighter), a symbol of light and hope. The darkness in the painting is overwhelmed not just by Our Lady, but also by bright blue skies, pink roses, and vibrant colors pointing to the reality that hope will forever be more powerful than our pain - but pain and hope can, and often do, coexist.

During the months that I began painting Our Lady of Guadalupe, I was experiencing a lot of sorrow. My sense of identity and belonging in my community felt uprooted, and I was surprised by the way her presence brought tangible comfort to my heart. Her words, once spoken to Juan Diego, were gentle and compassionately directed to me, “Am I not here who is your mother?”

Let her speak these words to your heart too.

Subscribe now

Gift of Gold

In my last email I shared the special limited edition print I am offering this year for the Christmas season (pictured below).

I will have this available through November (so you can use it to decorate during the Advent or/and Christmas seasons.) Today is the last day to claim my special gift to my newsletter patrons. I will add the gold ink to your print(s) for no extra charge. Just include “Gift of Gold” to the “personalization” section of the order (or shoot me a message). I will send one more reminder about this tonight.

I’ve already been fulfilling your orders for these, and let me tell you, these prints are stunning!

Claim your Gift

Our Lady of Guadalupe is also available in this set of Christmas cards! These cards are made of thick card-stock and look amazing framed.

Have a lovely Tuesday!

With love,
Kristina

Surprise!

I am someone who both loves sleep -and desperately needs it. My family will attest to that. lol. But, the other night I had a burst of inspiration and stayed up until the early hours of the morning finishing this collection of hearts. Yes, baby was still awake ridiculously early. But it was worth it!

The final compilation includes the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and now Saint Joseph’s Most Chaste heart.

These will be available as fine art prints very very soon - and you will be the first to know! ALSO, if you would like to purchase the original set, shoot me a message for more details: paintedsanctuary@gmail.com.

Subscribe now

In the meantime, I would like to pick your brain … if you like this set of the hearts of the Holy family, would you prefer to see it as three separate pieces or as one large print? Please cast your vote below.

More big news

The other super secret big news is that my 2023 Special Edition golden Nativity prints are LIVE -for you only! And to express my gratitude for your support, the hand-painted gold ink is my gift to you - no extra cost. Use this link: https://paintedsanctuary.etsy.com/listing/943092813 and include the message “Gift of Gold” and I’ll add the gold for free (offer good through November 14, 2023 which is when I will release it to everyone else). Also, I’ve got a nice deal going on right now where orders over $50 receive 25% off. So get your house ready for Advent, and surprise your mom with some beautiful art too!

These will ONLY be available through November of this year. I hand paint gold ink on each print, sign them, and send them with love to you!

Golden Nativity print

I know I always say it, but thank you for following along! Your support means the world to me!

Sincerely,

Kristina Fahey

Where I share a poem I wrote & the inspiration at the heart of this painting.

Oh child
Little Prince
Swaddled in old rags
You could have had…
The planets as your mobile
Golden sunbeams for a crown
The galaxies, your play-yard
The heavens as your home
But you chose instead a mother
To be held close, and rocked, and nursed
Your blanket, her sweet kisses
Your throne, her gentle arms
Your lullaby, her singing, instead of angel choirs
God with us
God with us
God is near
God in us

As I thought about what I wanted to communicate in this piece, the following words played over and over in my mind:

"God with us... God with us… God with us…”

Sit in the truth of that phrase a moment. Breathe the words in slowly, and then out slowly.

"God....

with....

us..."

Do you see the sweetness in the way this little family snuggles together, holding each other close? Do you hear the Lord’s invitation to you? “Let me come near. I want to be with you. I love you.” As I whisper those words, my body involuntarily returns to a state of calm. My shoulders relax, the adrenaline slows.

Moving outward from the heart-center of the painting, a vast galaxy encircles the Holy Family. The intimacy of family is contrasted with expansive galaxies, a multitude of stars, the richness of color - all speaking to the greatness of God. A God most powerful and most beautiful, a God great in wonder - It is that God who came near to us.

It is that God who continues to come near to us. He marks the mundane with the glory of His splendor, and He raises the poor to a place higher than Kings.

Next things

In the next few weeks I will continue to share this series with you! Also, I plan to finish book illustrations this week, and soon Christmas cards and limited edition Nativity prints will be available. Thanks for following along!

Sincerely,
Kristina

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