On the 7th December 2019, I participated in the Christmas Craft Fayre at the Windmill Christian Centre. I had a wonderful time and met many lovely people. Three original paintings were sold including 'For God so Loved', 'Hope Anchors the Soul' and 'Your Words'. 

My desire is that through my work people would find hope and be inspired. I want to communicate faith through my paintings. At the fayre this year, I desired for people to know the true meaning of Christmas about celebrating Jesus' birth. To know the reason He came was to save us from our sins and by receiving God's greatest gift - a relationship with His Son Jesus - we are promised eternal life with Him in Heaven. This gift is for you personally, for He died for you personally and rose again for you!

Many giclee prints and greeting cards were sold. The 'Wise Men Still Seek Him' cards were very popular and sold out! This saying rings true today for those who have wisdom will still seek the only One who can save them and the One who loves them the most, who is our Saviour Jesus Christ. Those who seek Him with all their hearts will find Him, as described in His word (Jeremiah 29:13). God's greatest gift to you and I this Christmas is eternal life through Jesus. All we have to do is receive Him through repentance and faith. 

Christmas Fayre Table 2019

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year! ~ Aimee

In September, I was given the challenge of painting Arbroath Harbour which would be given as a gift for a special friend at church, as a leaving present. Arbroath harbour was the the place we would often tell people about Jesus together in our small evangelism team. The harbour is a popular place for people to have fish and chips or ice cream, as they look out to sea. Many people will enjoy a nice walk and look at the boats. There are lovely restuarants and shops nearby too and the view out to sea is beautiful. 

The full process from sketching to painting took a lot of patience, effort and persistence. For this specific painting, I required to draw a grid with the photo due to the amount of detail and draw the same-sized grid onto high quality paper. This was required to ensure I would get all of the details in proportion and as close to the original photo as possible. Once I sketched out the full drawing, the gird lines could then be erased. 

I then start painting the sky with blue watercolours, white and grey for the clouds and mix some acrylic paint in too. I also start to paint some of the boats and the houses. 

I add in the water and the reflections. The coloured houses begin to come to life, the wall and the cars. 

I add the very fine details with watercolours pencils, building up the effect of texture in the painting. Finally, I sign the painting with white paint ensuring that it is visible, yet does not draw attention away from the painting. The full painting took over 17 hours to complete. It was well worth the time and effort and the fun part is to frame the final painting!

Arbroath Harbour 2019, mixed media 9 x 7" by Aimee Brownlie