tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37551154572037824942024-03-12T23:47:40.536-05:00Paintings from a Small TownOriginal oil paintings by John Vander SteltJohn Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-82105764055734973822017-01-02T15:12:00.001-06:002017-01-02T15:12:25.282-06:00Iowa State Bank of Ireton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a new year and I recently finished the year with a small commission for Iowa State Bank. They did a complete update to the exterior of their bank in Ireton this past summer and the building looks completely different than when I painted it for them a number of years ago (see below).<br />
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The light pole and the red trash can are about the only things that remain the same from painting to painting.<br />
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-85919735501744367912016-11-17T19:31:00.001-06:002016-11-17T19:31:17.789-06:00Autumn's Joy - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Here is the completed painting. I titled it "Autumn's Joy" because while I never knew Autumn, I could see her joy in each of the photographs I have seen of her–particularly in the photo that inspired this painting. It was my goal to capture that same joy in this painting. </span></div>
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Standing next to the finished painting are Autumn's dad and mom, Phil and Jen Elgersma. They came to the studio open house we hosted to view the painting for the first time. As you can tell by this photo, it is a large painting!<br />
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On the back of the canvas I wrote the scripture that I used as my inspiration verse while I worked on the painting. It's a verse that speaks volumes in only 10 words.<br />
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<i>"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." </i></div>
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<i>- Romans 12:12</i></div>
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Here are some of the people who came out to see the painting at the open house in my studio. I enjoyed seeing so many friends, family and supporters of Autumn's Center. Click on the photo for a closer look.</div>
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Here is the painting installed in its new home in Autumn's Center in Spencer. The text beneath the painting reads:</div>
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"Three year old Autumn Elgersma of Orange City, Iowa, passed away on October 31, 2013 as a result of injuries she received from her daycare provider. Since her passing, Autumn's light has continued to shine and it is our hope that Autumn's Center will be a place of light for you."</div>
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-Jen Elgersma, Autumn's Mom</div>
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Being asked to create this painting was an honor and opportunity I will not forget.</div>
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-55621792274660435382016-11-15T21:06:00.001-06:002016-11-15T21:06:52.043-06:00Autumn's Joy - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the decision was made to rethink the orientation of the photo of Autumn and make the final painting vertical, I took the image into Photoshop and began refining the composition. </div>
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I wanted to make the focal point of the portrait her face. I decided to bring her her up close and crop out the distractions–things like the chair and most of the table. Doing so brought attention to her face, but her hands still wanted to dominate. Cropping the hands, and moving them slightly improved the composition, and accomplished even more in that it was a way to frame Autumn's face.</div>
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I did a complete underpainting in shades of gold and a deep purple color. This helped build values and gave a warm glow to the final painting.<br />
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As you can see here, I changed the table and added the paper with handprints. In the snapshot they are not present, but I felt including them better communicates why her hands have paint on them and completes that thought. It also adds another set of angular lines for interest.</div>
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I should also mention that I also gave a tilt to everything. The tilt gives more youthful energy to the painting too.</div>
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I then started building the final color passes on top of the underpainting. Painting the wet paint was fun and challenging.</div>
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I changed the color on the collar of her shirt from pink to purple–Autumn's favorite color.<br />
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My next post will show you the completed painting. Until then...</div>
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-23476542312062806782016-11-13T17:46:00.000-06:002016-11-13T17:46:31.096-06:00Autumn's Joy - Part 1It was 18 months ago that I was contacted by Kim Scorza, the Executive Director of Seasons Center and we met at a local coffee shop.<br />
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Seasons Center is a comprehensive Behavioral Health Center that offers a broad range of psychiatric and behavioral health services to the people of NW Iowa. There are a number of offices in area towns, but they have renamed the facility in Spencer, Autumn's Center.</div>
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Autumn's Center was named in honor of Autumn Elgersma, of Orange City, Iowa who died on October 31, 2013 after being hospitalized for two days due to the abuse she endured while in the care of her babysitter. </div>
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During our meeting, Kim asked if I would be interested in doing a large portrait of Autumn for the new center in Spencer. In all honesty, I really needed to give some serious thought to whether or not I wanted to take on this project. It was a painting that would need to honor Autumn's memory, celebrate her life but also be a reminder of the tragic loss of her life at age three. I took a couple weeks to think about it and finally made the decision to paint it.</div>
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The portrait was to be based on this snapshot of Autumn sitting at a table finger painting.</div>
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The painting was to go on a large tall narrow wall just inside the front doors. I decided the painting need to be vertical to best accommodate the space. A rather large piece at 54"x66". </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">This decision was based on the drawings from the architect. A smaller horizontal painting wouldn't have the impact of a larger scale piece. After this small sketch was done, the project remained in the that state until the summer of 2016 when I knew I needed to get rolling. Progress on the facility was coming along and the doors would be opening in the Fall. It was time to get serious about painting again.</span></div>
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John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-69226098844872540332016-09-24T15:32:00.000-05:002016-09-24T15:32:33.746-05:00A Time to Lie Fallow<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fallow: –</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">adj</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">. 1. (of land) left unseeded after being ploughed and harrowed to regain fertility for a crop. 2. (of an idea, state of mind, etc) undeveloped or inactive, but potentially useful.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It has been a year since I've posted to this blog. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">As an artist, there are times where a great deal of output happens, the work just flows and the energy is high. This past year has not been one of those times. It has been a year to lie fallow.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I attribute much of this to the passing of my Dad. He battled from June of last year, his 80th birthday, until he passed away in November. It was a hard time for him, my Mom and our family. Spending time with him and time spent in and out of the hospital weighed on everyone. He was certainly a great Dad and his influence on my life is beyond anything I could begin to write here. It was not a time to put a paintbrush to canvas. And in the months following his death the urge to paint still did not happen. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white;">I was not without creative efforts. My daily graphic design work continued to stimulate creative energies and my iPhone Instagram photo passion has blossomed during this year. For some reason painting stopped until this summer. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white;">One of my favorite artists, Chuck Close, has a quote I always liked. He said, "Inspiration is for amateurs–the rest of us just show up and get to work."</span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white;">I like that and believe it for the most part, and a looming deadline on a commission I committed to 18 months ago pushed me to "show up". </span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white;">I do believe that the year to lie fallow has been a time to regain fertility to paint again. The commission is complete and ready to install and I'll be writing about it in a few upcoming posts. It feels good to be in the studio painting again, smelling the paint and mixing the colors. There is value in a time to reflect, observe and think. Life moves quickly and there is value in quiet moments.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: white;">A time to lie fallow. </span><br />
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</span> John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-73902355608967951452015-09-23T21:23:00.003-05:002015-09-23T21:23:56.546-05:00#Snapshots: My Instagram Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My love of Instagram has come to a tangible art show. <i>#Snapshots: My Instagram Life</i> is a show completely made up of select Instagram photos I have posted over the last couple of years. The show is in the TePaske Gallery at <a href="http://www.nwciowa.edu/" target="_blank">Northwestern College</a> in Orange City. There are 44 images in the show and I had a tough time narrowing it down to that since I have posted nearly <a href="https://instagram.com/jvstelt/" target="_blank">500 images</a>. The gallery is open daily through October 16th.<br />
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The show opened on Monday and there was an opening reception Monday evening. I was truly humbled by the amazing crowd that showed up. Above is a selfie with just a portion of those who attended. Click on the panoramic image below to get a view of the gallery.<br />
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<b>If you're not currently following me on Instagram, I invite you to do so! New followers will be entered in a drawing to be held after the show closes on October 16. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'll be drawing 5 names and each will receive one of the small photos from the show.</span></span></b><br />
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Search for John Vander Stelt or <a href="https://instagram.com/jvstelt/" target="_blank">jvstelt</a> on Instagram.<br />
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-25948440779034138672015-04-18T16:46:00.001-05:002015-04-18T16:46:18.670-05:00Tulip Festival painting -Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The unveiling of the Tulip Festival painting was a part of the Extravaganza luncheon. The event took place at the Prairie Winds Event Center, and there was a wonderful crowd on hand for the festivities. The Tulip queen, Cara Venema, and her court were present. They are such a wonderful group of young women who represent the community.<br />
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Below is the finished painting. Many of you have seen this by now, but for those who have not I'm excited to show it to you and tell you a bit more about it. I decided to title it, <i><b>A Faithful Walk</b></i>.<br />
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The theme of the 75th Orange City Tulip Festival is “Remembering Our Roots.” To commemorate the 2015 festival, I wanted to paint a scene that would take a glimpse into the heritage of the community and of the festival. <br /><br />The tradition of scrubbing streets began at the first festivals and 75 years later remains one of the most popular events. It led me to thoughts of painting something associated with that activity. I felt a genre painting of a father and son carrying water would be a natural subject to paint–a subject that at first glance seems simple and commonplace, but in reality says much about our shared <br />experience as descendants of those who worked so hard to make this place special.<br /><br />In the oil painting, the sun has recently set and a warm summer glow washes over the landscape. An iconic Dutch windmill is seen in the distance and a long path extends from the mill toward a father and son in the foreground. Both are dressed in the simple clothing of the province of Volendam and the father carries buckets of water with the traditional yoke to help lighten load. The curious son, always wanting to be at his father’s side, is seen taking a curious peek inside the bucket.<br /><br />I wanted to communicate a number of things through this simple scene of life as it was in the Netherlands of old. The painting stands alone as a straightforward glimpse into everyday life, but there are symbolic portions of the painting, which represent some of the things that make Orange City unique.<br /> •I chose the simple attire of the province of Volendam to signify the strong Dutch work ethic that embodied settlers of NW Iowa and the same work ethic that thrives today.<br /> •The winding path connects and leads from the present where the father and son stand, to the past with roots in the Netherlands.<br /> •Those who settled in Orange City were people of faith. The father <br /> showing the water to his son is symbolic of the faith he passes to his son. The Living Water continues being shared from generation to generation. <br /> • God’s faithfulness and care are represented by the sparrow, by the sheep in the distant field and by the wild flowers growing along the path.<br />
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<i>Joyfully you’ll pull up buckets of water from the wells of
salvation. And as you do it, you’ll say, “Give thanks to God. Call out
his name. Ask him anything! Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s
done, spread the news of his great reputation!” –Isaiah 12:3-4</i><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Two options of prints of the work are available for purchase</span> at the
<a href="http://octulipfestival.com/" target="_blank">Tulip Festival</a> office. The first option is a traditional print on
sterling paper, 75 of which are hand signed and numbered. The
paper is sized at 22”x22” and the print at 18”x 18.” The signed prints
are $50 each and the unsigned prints are $30 each. Print number 1/75
will be framed and auctioned off at the grand opening of Stadscentrum
later this spring.<br />
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A canvas print of the work, sized at either 24”x 24” for $275 or 30”x 30″ for $325, can also be ordered through April 30.<br />
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Prints of the work can be ordered by calling the Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510.<br />
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John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-56508149736645787092015-04-03T20:01:00.001-05:002015-04-03T20:01:40.046-05:00Tulip Festival Painting - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sZszkxdwxQ/VRNo1peezGI/AAAAAAAABMY/I8qAQlsepho/s1600/grisaille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sZszkxdwxQ/VRNo1peezGI/AAAAAAAABMY/I8qAQlsepho/s1600/grisaille.jpg" height="347" width="400" /></a></div>
It was a goal to make this painting have an old masters quality to it. I wanted it to have a significant warmth that would almost radiate from the work. In order to do that I used a technique of underpainting called grisaille, which is an underpainting done in nearly monochrome. Often it is done in shades of gray but I wanted the warmth to come through in the final painting, so I opted for yellows, golds and browns.<br />
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As you can see, the whole painting was completed in these tones prior to adding any other color. I had family members who saw the painting at this stage and thought it was finished. Nice of them to think that, but it was far from done! <br />
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This was at a point later as I began layering color. I tried to remain mindful that the colors not get too vibrant or vivid. Even the red of the little boy's jacket was muted to help in creating the old masters feel. <br />
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Next blog post will show the completed painting and unveiling event.<br />
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-30365719549721081172015-03-25T20:31:00.001-05:002015-03-25T20:31:27.862-05:00Tulip Festival Painting - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After working out the general composition and sketch for the painting, I
began thinking about who would make good models for the painting.
Almost immediately the family of one of my co-workers came to mind. I
work with Courtney Boone, whose husband and two young sons seemed like
the perfect candidates. Costuming and props were all coordinated and organized for me by
<a href="http://octulipfestival.com/" target="_blank">Tulip Festival</a> Director, Juliana Pennings. We all met on a sunny winter
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As you might guess, and as you can tell from the photo above, it required a bit of patience and a lot of coaxing to get the boys to pose for any length of time. They did great though, and in the end I was able to utilize the best portions from a handful of the 278 photos we shot! Shown in the photo above (left to right) are my wife, Denise, Ryan, Adam, Cohen and Courtney Boone. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQkMcmHj2uY/VRIW0UkXawI/AAAAAAAABLQ/Afqs3RAlk_U/s1600/adamryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQkMcmHj2uY/VRIW0UkXawI/AAAAAAAABLQ/Afqs3RAlk_U/s1600/adamryan.jpg" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
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This is one of the early shots. Ryan (5) who is quite a bit taller then his little brother Cohen (2) had no trouble peeking in the bucket. When we started shooting photos with Cohen, I could tell that a smaller child would cause Adam to lean over a little more, which I liked. I also liked the increased angle of the yoke, the buckets being at much different levels and one hand being placed on the yoke while the other was holding a bucket.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aPDVXyClJc/VRNWfDcwGWI/AAAAAAAABMM/asnTT2tOzFM/s1600/cohen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aPDVXyClJc/VRNWfDcwGWI/AAAAAAAABMM/asnTT2tOzFM/s1600/cohen2.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></div>
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I had told Juliana I wanted to use wooden buckets if she could find any. She was pretty relentless in searching for them. The buckets in the photos above are actually plastic buckets that have a wooden appearance. I thought they were pretty good and I could just make them a little bigger in the painting.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r50v9e00Yk4/VRIW0VE5HcI/AAAAAAAABLM/7mCVMgPvetQ/s1600/bucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r50v9e00Yk4/VRIW0VE5HcI/AAAAAAAABLM/7mCVMgPvetQ/s1600/bucket.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></div>
The next day I called her back and said I had reconsidered the buckets and wanted to take some photos of another bucket she had found as well. This vintage wooden bucket had a great aged look, and I believe was actually a bucket used for making ice cream. I was so glad that I reconsidered using this bucket! It was perfect, except for the color. In the final painting it does not have this green color. <br />
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The photos from this model shoot were essential for reference in creating the painting.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ij13d2cna_I/VRNRrR8rWEI/AAAAAAAABL4/kLPFsQS8PP4/s1600/sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ij13d2cna_I/VRNRrR8rWEI/AAAAAAAABL4/kLPFsQS8PP4/s1600/sketch.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's a glimpse into my Field Notes sketchbook, where some time ago I scratched out my thoughts and ideas for the <a href="http://octulipfestival.com/" target="_blank">Tulip Festival</a> painting. I usually write down or sketch as many ideas as possible. Some are quite random and rarely get used, but sometimes even the smallest idea or thought can make an impact on the finished piece. Ideas can feed off one another and it sometimes take the concept in a new direction.<br />
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-65718431970108422015-01-28T19:59:00.000-06:002015-01-28T19:59:24.265-06:0075th Tulip Festival CommissionYesterday, the announcement was made that I have been commissioned to create the commemorative artwork for the 2015 Tulip Festival celebration in Orange City. It's the 75th anniversary of the festival so it makes me feel even more honored to be selected.<br />
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The theme for the 75th festival is <i>Remembering our Roots</i>. I've been busy painting and am excited to reveal the finished painting in March. Here is a <a href="http://octulipfestival.com/artwork-commissioned-for-75th-annual-tulip-festival/" target="_blank">link to the official press release</a>.<br />
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-41630201711127066272014-10-06T20:49:00.000-05:002014-10-06T20:49:19.440-05:00Good Soil - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is the completed painting. I titled it <i>Good Soil</i> for a few reasons. We are blessed here with some of the best soil in the world. Good is an understatement. The richness of the land is portrayed in the vibrant and vivid colors in the painting. The size of the barn is large, a sign of prosperity as well. The young farmer is deep in thought, or prayer. He as well is soil, as the soil in the parable of the sower found in the Bible where the seed falls on different types of soil. <br />
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The farmer has much on his mind. His crop, the livestock, his family and many more things. All are in need of good soil.<br />
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<i>"But the seed on the good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a good crop." - Luke 8:15</i><br />
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As the painting progressed, I took short video clips of the progress with my phone on an app called Cameo. It is a 2 minute video, and you can watch it here.<br />
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Below are a couple of photos taken after installation in the lobby of the bank. The painting has a great location in the new lobby area via the west entrance to the bank. Stop and take a look in person if you can.<br />
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John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-47900860846558216582014-09-30T20:47:00.000-05:002014-09-30T20:47:43.886-05:00Good Soil - Part 2Here are some photos from the the progression of the painting. The large 5'x8' blank canvas was built by my Dad. I then added the base coats of gesso, which is an acrylic base coat. As you can see in the first photo, that was done in my garage.<br />
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Looking at a blank canvas, especially one this size, is always exciting to me–to imagine all the possibilities and color that will be layered on it to make it come to life.<br />
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The next photos show the painting at various stages that took approximately two months to complete.<br />
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The dog was added at the request of the bank president. He had a similar dog when he was a boy.<br />
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My knowledge of cattle is pretty limited, but it was fun painting the rich reddish browns of these herefords.<br />
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My oldest son, Joe, served as the model for the farmer.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZQ9imtt3yg/VCtSdN1pb8I/AAAAAAAABH8/6YIkPXeYU6A/s1600/image-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZQ9imtt3yg/VCtSdN1pb8I/AAAAAAAABH8/6YIkPXeYU6A/s1600/image-5.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtKLEpOsG6I/VCtT1W2kTgI/AAAAAAAABII/W4PdB3dE6CI/s1600/image-15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtKLEpOsG6I/VCtT1W2kTgI/AAAAAAAABII/W4PdB3dE6CI/s1600/image-15.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The farmers cap was later turned to green and gold. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of farmers who would prefer it to be red. More posts to follow.<br />
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-47585002545137944972014-09-29T20:24:00.000-05:002014-09-29T20:24:28.601-05:00Good Soil - Part 1I spent the last few months working on another large commission. I thought I'd try to post a couple things from that, and how it progressed.<br />
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The painting was for the lobby of a new addition to <a href="https://www.ambankiowa.com/#/35-59" target="_blank">American State Bank</a> in Sioux Center. American State Bank is one of Iowa's largest lenders in agriculture. Thus the farmer and agriculture were to be a primary focus of the painting.<br />
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The owner of the bank, and the interior designer had both seen the painting I did for the <a href="http://johnvanderstelt.blogspot.com/2013/09/learning-commons-part-3.html" target="_blank">Northwestern College Learning Commons</a>, and liked it. They wanted this piece done in a similar style. Below are the original two concept sketches I submitted. I took the sketches into Photoshop and superimposed them on the stone wall where the painting would hang, to give a good idea of the scale and effect they would have in the lobby environment.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDjCTVr2b-0/VCS_rFXHCCI/AAAAAAAABGk/RORz8eEiyNA/s1600/ASB-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDjCTVr2b-0/VCS_rFXHCCI/AAAAAAAABGk/RORz8eEiyNA/s1600/ASB-2.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx_R8s0sxys/VCS_rx6R45I/AAAAAAAABGs/9JojS5tiQBg/s1600/ASB-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fx_R8s0sxys/VCS_rx6R45I/AAAAAAAABGs/9JojS5tiQBg/s1600/ASB-1.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div>
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After reviewing the sketches, they preferred the version with the younger farmer, but wondered if I could incorporate some livestock as this is also a significant portion of their business. I went back and came up with what became the working composition below.</div>
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I'll soon be posting some photos of how the painting developed over the course of the summer. I started painting the beginning of July and finished it the end of August.<br />
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-76933449770241936202014-01-13T20:21:00.001-06:002014-01-13T20:21:43.483-06:00Bit-O-Honey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMJm_1p-5Fk/UtCvt2Vf0_I/AAAAAAAABEg/-ZbplSV5smI/s1600/Bit-O-Honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMJm_1p-5Fk/UtCvt2Vf0_I/AAAAAAAABEg/-ZbplSV5smI/s1600/Bit-O-Honey.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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The paintbrushes have been taking a rest–or I suppose in all honesty, I have.<br />
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This is another small painting of candy that I just finished. The Bit-O-Honey candy has always been somewhat underrated in my opinion. Maybe it is because it is wrapped to look like a candy bar, but when you open it, it is more of a taffy. Is that what you'd call it? Whatever it is, I have always liked it.<br />
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Invented in 1924 and currently made by the Pearson's Candy Company of St. Paul, MN. Here is a look at what the wrapper looked like back in 1969.<br />
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-16385074723023202552013-10-30T23:01:00.001-05:002013-10-30T23:01:29.710-05:00Starburst Fruit Chews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just in time for Halloween, a candy painting. I think it is a combination of my love of painting, graphic design, pop art and of course candy.<br />
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Over the years of posting to this blog, there have been paintings of a <a href="http://johnvanderstelt.blogspot.com/2008/10/reeses.html" target="_blank">Reeses Peanut Butter cup</a> (my personal favorite candy), a <a href="http://johnvanderstelt.blogspot.com/2009/10/twin-bing.html" target="_blank">Twin Bing</a>, a <a href="http://johnvanderstelt.blogspot.com/2010/02/single-kiss.html" target="_blank">Hershey's Kiss</a>, and a piece of <a href="http://johnvanderstelt.blogspot.com/2010/02/double-bubble.html" target="_blank">Double Bubble</a>. Add to the list a pack of Starbursts. <br />
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-26844295698217582452013-10-24T19:28:00.001-05:002013-10-24T19:31:27.909-05:00Rembrandt RevisitedOf the many paintings I have created over the years, this one has always been one of my favorites. It's a painting of an old building that sits on main street in Rembrandt, Iowa which is about an hour east of where we live. I painted it in 1995 based on photos I shot on a backroads Iowa road trip taken nearly 20 years ago.<br />
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Even in 1995 the building had already seen its better days. The main street businesses that once may have thrived behind these doors and windows were gone. All that was left was the wear and tear from passing years of neglect, but it still stood straight and tall trying to maintain some sense of dignity. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olFU6NCte3I/Umclou_l5eI/AAAAAAAABDo/J3vxVpBOLd0/s1600/Rembrandt-Iowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olFU6NCte3I/Umclou_l5eI/AAAAAAAABDo/J3vxVpBOLd0/s400/Rembrandt-Iowa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rembrandt, Iowa - painted in 1995</td></tr>
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Well, this past summer, Denise and I spent a day cruising the backroads of NW Iowa and we happened to pass through Rembrandt once again. The building is there but it looks a bit different these days. Below is a photo as it looks today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oKc1f2-Sa0/Umcm11ssLtI/AAAAAAAABDw/2aHSci5xmlo/s1600/Rembrandt2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oKc1f2-Sa0/Umcm11ssLtI/AAAAAAAABDw/2aHSci5xmlo/s400/Rembrandt2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo of the same building in 2013</td></tr>
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While it basically looks the same in many ways, there are many details that show additional signs of aging and of use. I'm guessing it has primarily been used as a building for storing miscellaneous "stuff", but each rotting window, patched board, and stored artifact has a story to tell. That's what I love about the original painting, and now many years later, it has new stories to tell.<br />
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painted it way back in 1995 and it still hangs in our living room and I never
really never tire of looking at it. <br />
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-88297139154914669702013-10-21T20:53:00.002-05:002013-10-21T20:53:51.729-05:00Fire Truck Graphics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Something a little different this week. It was Fire Prevention week recently, and the Maurice Fire Department just had their open house this past Saturday. The fire trucks were outside so I snapped a few photos with my phone.<br />
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I designed the graphics for the trucks when they purchased a new truck a couple of years ago. At least I think it was that long ago. Time does fly. I created the graphics on the computer, and then my brother Bruce cut and applied all the vinyl lettering.<br />
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<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-13649878122739006182013-09-18T21:03:00.001-05:002013-09-18T21:09:25.871-05:00Learning Commons - Part 3It's worth mentioning that I painted this in my garage, rather than in the studio. It would have fit in the studio, but I have to say the garage was a really great place to paint. I cranked up the tunes and spent numerous hours sitting in a lawn chair contemplating the next phase as the piece progressed. Here is a panoramic photo with my son, Jack, taking the spotlight.<br />
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The installation in the new Learning Commons went great, due once again to the efforts of my Dad who was up to the challenge of building and stretching this large custom built canvas. Also to my brother Bruce who is a wiz when it comes to <a href="http://johnvanderstelt.blogspot.com/2012/08/finally-it-was-time-to-install-finished.html" target="_blank">installing large works like this</a>. <br />
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This is a photo of the finished painting taken just after installation. <br />
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So here is a little more in depth description of the painting, and the symbolism contained in the work.<br />
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It is titled <i>"The Storehouse"</i>. Obviously, a corn crib is a storehouse for grain or corn, but it represents the new Learning Commons which is a storehouse for books and knowledge. It also represents the students and Christians as storehouses for knowledge and truth. As Christians, we believe all truth is from God, and you'll notice that there is only one way to get into this building from this viewpoint. It is the window above, so we are to look up, or look to God alone for guidance as we fill our storehouse.</h4>
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The grasses are all blowing to the right and the clouds are moving to the right. This represents the things of this world pushing us in a worldly direction. Even the corn crib itself is not centered on the canvas, but has been pushed to the right. The shadow of the cupola (cast by God as the light) points us back toward a life centered on Christ.</h4>
Click on the photos for a larger view. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBj0D4vvKO8/UjpSlbGgaVI/AAAAAAAABCk/c2mPNSYk4xg/s1600/Researchhelpdesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBj0D4vvKO8/UjpSlbGgaVI/AAAAAAAABCk/c2mPNSYk4xg/s400/Researchhelpdesk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a photo that shows a little broader view of the space.<br />
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This view is as you walk in the front doors. I think this give you a sense of some of the geometric lines that are evident throughout the structure. If you get to Orange City, stop and take a look. It is easy to find and is one of the first things you will see as you enter the building.<br />
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The dedication for the new Jack and Mary DeWitt Learning Commons takes place next week Friday, September 27. I consider it a privilege to have my work as part of this wonderful addition to the campus.<br />
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-7363033751564868062013-09-09T21:09:00.001-05:002013-09-09T21:09:09.809-05:00Learning Commons Painting - Part 2So you saw the proposal sketch that I submitted in May, and I was informed in June that they wanted me to paint it. "Great!", I thought to myself.<br />
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The college wanted me to talk with Robyn, the person in charge of the interior space in the Learning Commons. I spoke with her on the phone, and we discussed the painting, the wall she had in mind for the piece and a little about her thoughts and direction for the interior design. She then suggested I tour the building with, Brent, one of the architects.<br />
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I met Brent and he showed me the wall near the entrance to the building. It was a big blue horizontal wall. This was a wall that needed a BIG painting. There is nothing like seeing a puny painting on a big wall.<br />
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I shot a couple photos of the wall and then suggested a couple sizes for the painting to Robyn. We agreed that 5'x8' was going to be about right. I had been thinking all along that is was going to be a vertical painting less than half that size.<br />
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Now it was time to rethink the scale of the painting, and also to rethink it as a horizontal instead of a horizontal. Reworking the general composition wasn't too difficult.<br />
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Robyn also sent me swatches of paint colors being used and I kept those within view throughout the project. The painting was going on the blue, so I wanted to make sure of my choices in blues and grays in particular.<br />
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I did some small color studies, utilizing a variety of paint color combinations.<br />
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Here is the painting in an early stage. At this point I was not happy with the overall development of the painting. I was very mindful that I wanted this work to remain more graphic in style, mostly to complement the learning Commons itself–to become a natural part of the facility. That was hard for me to do, mostly because of the way I am use to working. I would normally work a great amount of detail into each and every element. I had to fight that urge. It stretched me artistically to do this, but in the end it was a sense of accomplishment. The next post will show the painting installed.<br />
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-33311057725593103142013-08-31T13:54:00.002-05:002013-08-31T13:54:30.929-05:00Learning Commons Painting - Part 1It has been quite some time since I last posted. It has not been that I haven't been working on art, but rather just been busy with life and art I suppose. Or are life and art the same thing? I thought I'd share with you a project that began in April and was just installed last week.<br />
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Back in April, a <a href="http://www.nwciowa.edu/news/press/3415/northwestern-sends-out-call-for-art" target="_blank"><i>Call for Art</i></a> was sent out by my alma mater, <a href="http://www.nwciowa.edu/" target="_blank">Northwestern College</a> in Orange City, Iowa. They were in the final stages in constructing the new <a href="http://www.nwciowa.edu/news/press/3478/learning-commons-dedication-sept-27" target="_blank">Learning Commons</a> which is to house the college's library and information resources.<br />
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Included in the Call for Art were details of the facility, including color schemes, fabrics, surfaces and more.<br />
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Judging by these elements and after giving it some thought, I decided to submit a proposed piece of art that would be created specifically for the structure. A piece inspired by the design elements of the facility, by the purpose of the building, and by the mission of the college itself.<br />
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I really wanted to have a piece of my art selected for this library, because for the past 30 years, a large artwork of mine graced the old Ramaker Library at Northwestern. When I was a student at NWC, I painted a 4'x105' mural that has since remained on the upper level of that building. I thought it would be nice to have a piece of my work in the new library as well. I'm not certain what they plan to do with that piece, as they will be converting Ramaker into an office building for the college. I think I'll try to get in there and take some photos in the next week. I'll post those for you to see.<br />
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So, the image I submitted to the selection committee was one I created in Photoshop. It is a graphic representation of a corn crib. A simple structure, but one that has intrigued me the last few years. You see, this particular corn crib sits just to the south of the Pizza Ranch Support Center, where I work each day. I have sat in the main conference room there and gazed out the window at this structure. The light changes on it throughout the day and the simple geometric shadows have always made me want to paint it. Here is a photo of it.<br />
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Those simple shapes, angles and patterns seemed to fit with the details I saw in the Learning Commons interior design. Below is the sketch/rendering I initially submitted for consideration.<br />
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This is obviously very different in style from the way you are familiar with seeing me paint. More on that another day. To be continued...<br />
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the college’s library and information resources - See more at:
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Commons houses the college’s library and information resources - See
more at:
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Learning
Commons houses the college’s library and information resources - See
more at:
http://www.nwciowa.edu/news/press/3465/students-to-benefit-from-campus-improvements#sthash.gtNNMyGF.dpuf</div>
John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-60226077597181297462013-05-01T21:46:00.001-05:002013-05-01T21:50:45.453-05:00Proverbs 13:12<i>Some time ago my long-time friend and writer Todd Thompson and I had the creative idea to select a verse from the Bible. He would write a column and I would paint a picture around the verse. The catch is we promised not to talk about our respective ideas or process. What you see and read here are the two coming together. A blind date of paint and prose, if you will.<br /><br />If you're not already a regular to Todd's site "<a href="http://www.asliceoflifetogo.com/" target="_blank">A Slice Of Life To Go</a>", I encourage you to go there and sign up. You'll be blessed by his writing.<br /><br />We hope you'll take a minute to give us some feedback on our project. Drop us a note with your thoughts!</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Prov-13-12" id="en-NIV-16760">Hope deferred makes the heart sick,</span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-13-12"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Prov-13-12" id="en-NIV-16760"></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-13-12">- </span></span>Proverbs 13:12</span></b><br />
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This verse from Proverbs is the one we chose to inspire us. A good verse to dwell on and one not necessarily easy to visualize. I thought for quite some time on good ways to capture the scripture and the resulting painting is probably not something you'd typically see me create.<br />
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The symbolism in the painting starts with the fragile egg as a symbol of hope, wrapped in God's ribbon of love. The ribbon and knot also represent the concept of deferment or waiting on God. Finally the mature golden leaf from the tree of life.<br />
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Below is the painting, followed by Todd's column. We hope you enjoy it. <br />
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I'm having breakfast with a friend tomorrow. When he slides into the booth across from me I know what I'm going to see.<br />
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A face numb with sadness and disbelief. Even though he's been to this cafe a hundred times or more he will look lost. He will stare at the menu like it's written in French and making the simple decision between pancakes or bacon and eggs will be paralyzing. He will sound overly cheerful in saying "yes" to the waitress when she asks if he wants coffee. Then he will fidget with the salt and pepper shakers and straighten the napkin, aligning it in perfect parallel to the silverware, wishing desperately that he could straighten out his life with the same ease.<br />
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Then he will glance around the room before making eye contact and say, "I really appreciate you taking time to talk with me." In the saying he will attempt to convey some degree of strength that both of us know he doesn't have. His world has gone from familiar ground to unknown territory. He wants to have a handle on this. He wants it to be just a matter of time before it's fixed. He wants to be on top of it.<br />
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But he's not on top of it. He's buried. He's suffocating. He knows it. As for it being just a matter of time, it's true. At this point, it's all about time. It's the question of time that's haunting him. The years that have past. And the years to come. It's the toss and turn, can't sleep at night, can't focus in the day fear that he can't shake.<br />
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And though he won't ask me the question because he knows it's pointless, he will want to. He will badly want to ask.<br />
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How long until life will be good again?<br />
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They say you can't fool kids and dogs. And you can't fool someone who's been there. That's how I know how it's going down tomorrow.<br />
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Because I've been there.<br />
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While your circumstances may be different, the core issue is the same. It's about time. Time as in, "How long, God?" How long? How long until life will be good again? How long until God answers my prayer? How long until my dream comes true? How long until the longing of my heart is realized? How long until I have resolution to my uncertainty?<br />
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How long until...?<br />
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Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."<br />
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Hope deferred. On hold. Postponed. Pushed back. Delayed. The waiting game. However you say it, it's about time.<br />
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If you're praying for a wayward child, you understand hope deferred. It seems the harder you pray, the further they run. While you bravely say, "God will take care of them" you can't help but worry. And wonder, "How long, God?"<br />
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If you're on your fourth round of chemotherapy, you understand hope deferred. You think this time you'll hear the doctor say, "It's in remission" but she doesn't and you're back to staring at the same off-white hospital walls while the IV drips and your tears run.<br />
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If you've been abandoned by your spouse, only to realize that while it was a shock to you they were planning it for a long time, you understand hope deferred. As you pick through the rubble of your relationship, you wonder how a lifetime commitment was dumped like a temporary job. And you wonder how life will ever be normal again.<br />
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If you've been on the promotion list for three years you understand hope deferred. Knowing you're more qualified than anyone else yet continue to be passed over for candidates who cut corners, play the game or happen to have the right last name. You wonder how long until you're recognized for your contributions.<br />
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If you've struggled with depression and anxiety, you understand hope deferred. Confidence, optimism, and a peaceful mind are islands you swim for everyday yet you feel like you're drowning in a sea of angst.<br />
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If you've experienced the roller coaster ride of infertility, you understand hope deferred. To endure years of expensive medical tests and invasive procedures in a long shot attempt to accomplish what two teenagers achieve in 20 minutes in the back seat of a Chevy leaves you frustrated and angry.<br />
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Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. So when, dear God, will we finally see some trees?<br />
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Hope deferred makes the heart sick, in part, because we feel like no progress is being made. That we're spinning our wheels when everyone around us it seems are hitting not so much as a speed bump on the way to their goals and dreams. With every day, week, month and year that passes with no apparent progress it seems we fall further and further behind.<br />
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It's about time. And time is passing us by.<br />
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Were we solely in charge of all that concerns what we hope for, that would be true. But we're not in charge. And that's the good news. God is sovereign and intimately concerned with the details of our lives. If you'll allow me a rapid fire burst of Bible references, Psalm 139 says "God had all of our days written down in His book before there was yet one of them". Ephesians 2 tells us that "we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for us to do". Philippians 1 reminds us that "God who began a good work in us will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus".And Psalm 138:8 gives us the wonderful sigh of relief promise that "God will accomplish everything that concerns us. His loyal love endures."<br />
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Which is to say that the God of the universe put purposeful thought and planning into our lives, including good works He designed for us to do. In the progression of our life, He will never quit on us or on His plans for us. And best of all, at the end of our lives everything He intended for us will be accomplished. Perhaps not everything we intended for our lives will be accomplished, but everything God purposes for us will come to fruition. Guaranteed.<br />
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Whatever is making your heart sick right now, know that progress is being made even if you can't see it. Because God is always at work, even when we're waiting. And knowing that He promises to accomplish all that concerns us brings peace as we wait.<br />
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And when our hope is no longer deferred and God's promise is finally fulfilled we'll be able to say...<br />
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"It's about time!"<br />
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"The Lord will accomplish all that concerns me." - Psalm 138:8<br />
<br />John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-67797271378204327762013-04-02T20:12:00.000-05:002013-04-02T20:12:35.092-05:00Iowa State Banks<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNM4Fb6WHAY/UTt3oyeZKdI/AAAAAAAAA9o/5nILqkKYONI/s1600/Remsen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNM4Fb6WHAY/UTt3oyeZKdI/AAAAAAAAA9o/5nILqkKYONI/s400/Remsen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iowa State Bank in Remsen, IA</td></tr>
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It's hard to believe it is April already. Life has been busy around our house and unfortunately time to paint has been minimal. Over the years people have often asked, "How do you find time to paint?"<br />
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I almost always respond with, "I have to make time." If I don't make it a priority, it just doesn't happen. So the year has started out with other good things that have taken up the hours of my day. </div>
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This is a small painting I did as a commission at the end of 2012. Iowa State Bank has a number of locations here in NW Iowa, and I have painted many of these banks over the years. The paintings were given as Christmas gifts to the owner of these banks.<br />
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The paintings below are from previous years. I have to admit, these are never a lot of fun to paint–particularly the countless bricks and all the straight lines. But seeing them all together is kinda fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPi1kGXGZ6I/UVcKRGGzCzI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2Qfgz7ZGg_g/s1600/OC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPi1kGXGZ6I/UVcKRGGzCzI/AAAAAAAAA-U/2Qfgz7ZGg_g/s400/OC1.jpg" title="Sioux County State Bank" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first bank I painted back in 1993. Orange City.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOROgnCy-NE/UVcKQ9yvWhI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UcyddVIzxhw/s1600/OC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOROgnCy-NE/UVcKQ9yvWhI/AAAAAAAAA-M/UcyddVIzxhw/s400/OC2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Orange City bank building that later replaced the white one you saw above. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA2baO7NXD8/UVcKOODfJvI/AAAAAAAAA94/O9AifCSAzZg/s1600/Craig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA2baO7NXD8/UVcKOODfJvI/AAAAAAAAA94/O9AifCSAzZg/s400/Craig.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a small bank in Craig. I liked this one. Mostly the leaning telephone pole.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gox4aFmwhV4/UVcKQYuvnZI/AAAAAAAAA-I/E-lmxymNNmU/s1600/Hull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gox4aFmwhV4/UVcKQYuvnZI/AAAAAAAAA-I/E-lmxymNNmU/s400/Hull.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hull. I like the sky of this one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ireton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv_x572zvPc/UVcKiCt7JoI/AAAAAAAAA-o/RnqTcIPks5k/s1600/Alton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv_x572zvPc/UVcKiCt7JoI/AAAAAAAAA-o/RnqTcIPks5k/s400/Alton.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alton. This one is no longer a bank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheldon. I like the prairie school style of this building.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuTl6PbAItQ/UVcKnhZpIaI/AAAAAAAAA-8/F2x1h22S6Pc/s1600/Sanborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuTl6PbAItQ/UVcKnhZpIaI/AAAAAAAAA-8/F2x1h22S6Pc/s400/Sanborn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanborn</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzH5ZWPQ6qw/UVcKVFlGhcI/AAAAAAAAA-k/O0fMMs5QFDE/s1600/Paullina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hzH5ZWPQ6qw/UVcKVFlGhcI/AAAAAAAAA-k/O0fMMs5QFDE/s400/Paullina.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paullina. This is an unusual one. </td></tr>
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John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-5333230393761949662013-01-03T20:20:00.001-06:002013-01-03T20:20:36.848-06:00Diet Coke<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv4suNxnHEk/UOY0ruYbNDI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/527aEuaij4o/s1600/Diet-Coke.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv4suNxnHEk/UOY0ruYbNDI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/527aEuaij4o/s400/Diet-Coke.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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The new year is off to a fast start. I thought I'd share a painting I
did as a Christmas gift. Our family draws names, and this year I drew my
sister Bonnie's name. Well, if your family is like ours, you ask for
gift suggestions. I asked Bonnie, and she said she'd
like either a painting or a drawing. I asked her on two separate
occasions, hoping for additional options, but got the same reply. I suppose I could have bought her
something off the shelf at the WalMart, but then the Christmas spirit kicked in.</div>
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What do I choose to paint? She loves to cook and spend time in the kitchen, so I first considered doing something with food. She also collects Coke items, and LOVES Diet Coke, so that seemed like a good choice.</div>
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Coke changes the graphics on their cans frequently, and I am a fan of their branding. I like the fact that the lettering is so large on the can that you only see a couple large letters–yet immediately know it is a can of Diet Coke.</div>
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Below is a picture of Bonnie with her gift. She loved it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWmJt0WdZHs/UOY0rdRNkhI/AAAAAAAAA9M/M8_yu2D3Tng/s1600/Diet-Coke-Bon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWmJt0WdZHs/UOY0rdRNkhI/AAAAAAAAA9M/M8_yu2D3Tng/s400/Diet-Coke-Bon.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3755115457203782494.post-22605752593660542352012-12-12T20:05:00.000-06:002012-12-12T20:05:08.138-06:00Christmas gift for Vikings Fans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YR50qUG-16g/UMkvcpkLs5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/7tnBkUz3GPQ/s1600/AP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YR50qUG-16g/UMkvcpkLs5I/AAAAAAAAA8s/7tnBkUz3GPQ/s400/AP.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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Vikings fans have little to cheer about this season. But there is one bright spot this year, and that is running back Adrian Peterson. </div>
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I did the larger original painting of this for my son a couple of years ago, but just decided to do some small art prints of it because I thought there may be some local fans interested in purchasing one. </div>
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They come signed and framed in a simple glass frame with clips. The image is 5x7 and it is printed on 8x10 art paper. You can have one for $35. Only available for a limited time and for pick up here in Maurice. E-mail me if you'd like one and we can work out a time to get together. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UDx6_Fsjeg/UMkvjcTWYwI/AAAAAAAAA80/ksP9XylewAE/s1600/APeterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UDx6_Fsjeg/UMkvjcTWYwI/AAAAAAAAA80/ksP9XylewAE/s640/APeterson.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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John Vander Stelthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01263826855200845659noreply@blogger.com0