Auburn Chick

Auburn Chick, originally uploaded by aprylian.

Here's a close up. My photostream can be seen on flickr.

Dream - Almost done

Dream, originally uploaded by aprylian.

Almost finished with her. This is the first painting I've done with Golden paints for the skintones. They really turned out nice--I'm sold.

Dream Sketch on paper

DSCN4473, originally uploaded by aprylian.

This is how she started. Sketching is a great thing to do whenever I get the chance.

Dream Sketch

DSCN4457, originally uploaded by aprylian.

I finally got around to prettying up this canvas, posted earlier. (I think). Here I've transferred one of my sketches to the canvas with graphite paper. Slick!

Full-size Blue Eyes

DSCN4441, originally uploaded by aprylian.

This piece is only about 8 inches tall. I love her eyes. I'll add paint to the background--so far this is just scrapbook papers. Mixed media on Masonite.

Blue eyes

DSCN4461, originally uploaded by aprylian.

I had fun with this one.

My latest painting...

full red, originally uploaded by aprylian.

I like the colors

Close up

red, originally uploaded by aprylian.

My latest painting...

Inspired by Stephanie

This face was inspired by one that Stephanie, my 14 year old daughter, drew. She is quite the artist. I did all the painting, but the face is mostly hers. She didn't like my colors, so is painting her own version. I like the black hair & those brilliant blue eyes!

Painted Fairy

Well, she's not quite done, but I was tired of the white blob of gesso sitting on this canvas. I love her lip color.

Pangea & Now

Long ago, scientists say, the continents were one—the great Pangea. And over time, the land divided into the separate continents. And from there we continued to divide into countries—with different languages, different customs, different beliefs. So much of the world we know has been based on our differences, our separateness.

Yet, I have found great peace in viewing the world another way—for things are changing. Despite the great seas and landmasses that “divide” us, I’ve found I can have an intimate conversation with a woman in Australia, or England, or wherever my friends arise. And in doing so, I find that we are not so different. In fact, we are very much alike, both being guided by an intelligence greater than us all, or rather, much more whole.

Can you see that most of the strife and turmoil humankind has endured, has resulted from our supposed differences? Whether it be religion or beliefs, or over land and resources—it is our perceived separateness at the root of this turmoil. If we thought we were one, and could be trusted, that the needs and desires of “others,” were as important as our own, would we not find peace?

Times are changing. One by one, relationships are blooming, connections are being made. Yet, while our leaders seek peace globally, I believe the real progress—the kind that will change our world—is happening one person, one friendship at a time. As we connect and learn and grow from each other, we find, we are not so different. In fact, we are very much the same in many ways—and in our differences, we find new perceptions, new ways to view the world—and much to appreciate.

The World Wide Web, has become just that—a web of connection, a web of personal relationships, a healing web of connections that draw us together toward our original oneness.
So as you send off your emails today, or peruse your favorite blogs and websites—take a moment to consider the miracle that is occurring—and the part you are playing. We are not so different after all.

~Apryl

Great new song--I love watching the guitar as well!

Lyrics:

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it`s burning bright for You
It`s everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There`s nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father`s hands

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me

I wanna set the world on fire
I wanna set the world on fire, yeah

I`m gonna set the world on fire
Set the world on fire

Try Defying Gravity...

I just love these lyrics:

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down...

Glinda:
Can't I make you understand, you're having delusions of grandeur...?

Elphaba:
I'm through accepting limits
'Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But 'till I try, I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love - I guess I have lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost

I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down...

.....

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately -
Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me -

Tell them how I
Am defying gravity!
I'm flying high
Defying gravity!
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!

A Good Way to Start the Day....