New Beginnings
It’s April 1st!
We’re four months into the new year, just about to start Holy Week, and Easter is right around the corner. Thanks for continuing on this journey with me.
What’s new around here?
I’ve decided to start a Substack! Essentially, this is a way to continue what I have been doing - sharing my art, new projects, what’s going on in the shop, and also more personally about myself, my faith, and how it all plays out in family life -being an artist-mom, raising 5 kids. And beyond that, I am excited for the way that Substack in particular can further foster the community that has been building over the past few years. It allows for more variety in communication (you can reply to me directly, respond to my posts, and communicate with each other.) I have been able to connect with so many of you, learn from you, and be inspired by your ideas. I’m excited for more of that!
The Painted Sanctuary Community
Subscriptions to this newsletter are free. But one of the reasons I created a Substack is so that people who love & appreciate my art can more easily support me. If that’s you, please consider becoming a Patron of my art! Your support is invaluable to my family. Because of you, I am able to continue to grow as an artist, create meaningful art for you and your families, & raise five kids.
What does it mean to be a Patron?
I value you, your ideas, and the feedback you generously take the time to offer. Your dollars go directly to things like - paying the mortgage, buying groceries, and putting our kids through Catholic school. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
New art to share with you!
This is a recent commission that I painted. As I was creating it, the words from Luke 1:26 kept playing through my mind.
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
This line from scripture used to bother me. Maybe frighten would be a better word. It made me wonder what God was asking of me - what He wanted me to surrender to Him. I think the posture of peace that Mary has in this image is important. She deeply knew the goodness of God, and knew that what He was asking of her would only be for her good. It reminds me of this verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I feel like that’s the work that God has been doing in me -giving me a deeper trust in His goodness. I hope this piece blesses you!
What’s next?!
I will continue to send out emails every 2-4 weeks. Stay tuned! Also, I love getting your input, so here’s the question for this week:
If there is anything else that you’d love to see (not listed above), comment below, or email me to let me know!
Thanks again for being here.
Have a lovely April.
-Kristina