Kathryn & Jason
20×20 Acrylic on Canvas
Barely Spring at Laurel Creek
A little painting from a cove on our spring camping trip to Flintlock.
6×6 Acrylic on Canvas
Shameless
16×20 Acrylic on Canvas
My Nieces
I am not a fan of wedding shopping, or much of any kind of shopping anymore, and somewhere along the way I started using my family as guinea pigs giving certificates for a painting of the bouquet, or more recently the couple. Thankfully they seem to like the idea of something besides the 15th casserole dish that somehow didn’t come off the registry. All jokes (half joking) aside I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience!!
Meredith & Marty
36×36 Acrylic on Canvas
Kristen & Jacob
20×20 Acrylic on Canvas
At Liberty
A T L I B E R T Y 36×36 on canvas. Prints and throw pillows available. Original not for sale. https://fineartamerica.com/featured/at-liberty-julie-clanton.html?newartwork=true
I started this painting five years ago in tribute to my Dad. He loved orchids. I have tried and tried to grow them and have never had much luck except to barely keep them alive for a while. I finally finished it this past April.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
I have the free will choice to choose.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Every time my anxiety flares, my doubts and fears creep in and I find myself struggling in some way. I find that I am giving myself over to bondage and the worries of this life. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10
It takes time and grace to work though it. When I can bring it back into perspective and remember Jesus is on the throne (such a good service Sunday) all of it fades away.
To remember to live like I have been set free. To choose life.
The whole business of serving God becomes simply a matter of adjusting yourself to the pressures of existing conditions – Hubert Van Zeller
Sisters
A recent commission. There are still times I struggle with freely following my intuition and freedom with a piece I am asked to do, especially with things I haven’t painted before. I get hung up in details and what a photo looks like. My lack of training and experience tries to trip me up with insecurities. Fear and insecurities are something I have battled in many ways for many years. I have conquered it in many areas but still struggle in a few. I am reminded, Proverbs 29:25 It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. Knowing who I am in Christ and that who I am to Him, is all that really matters,
and this truth helps what remains fade away, and I am confident that He who began a work in me will carry it through to completion. I really liked this article. https://biblereasons.com/caring-what-others-think/
Unity
What do you think about when you see a church or think of church? I think about all the different parts of the body working together for the same purpose. I think of caring, humility, walking together, being held accountable, surrender, love and edification.
Ephesians 4:11-15
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, w are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
“Unity” (Acrylic on Canvas)
Take Up Your Cross Daily
Thank you for asking me to do this painting Kenny. I really enjoyed it!
30×40 Acrylic On Canvas
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself (turn from our selfish ways), take up your cross and follow Me.
Matthew 10:38 And he who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
Jesus demands total commitment, even unto physical death. Right where we are…full surrender to the message we are commanded to proclaim to others. Not just in speech but how we live even, and perhaps especially, when no one is looking. It’s doesn’t always look like it should, but striving for truth and conforming your life to it matters. The process might be slower than you like, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Luke 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
Jesus set the cost of discipleship as high as possible. Encouraging us to do a careful inventory before declaring our willingness to follow.
I have to admit, I was completely unaware of this. My first taste of Jesus was hell, and I all I knew was that I didn’t want to go there. For a very long time I knew a lot more about hell than I did Christ. Even once it all began falling in place, I still didn’t grasp the love of the Father (I still don’t fully and won’t this side of heaven) His plan of redemption, flowing from a holy, perfect, incomprehensible love. The cost is high, every day, every moment is writing a story in eternity. Only what glorifies Him will remain…the rest burned away as useless (these are the things we do for the flesh, earthly things) we all fall far short of doing it well. Nothing good is in us, of ourselves, it is God working in us.
Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.
Matthew 24:13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
God secures our perseverance as part of His saving work, it’s not of ourselves, and we cannot persevere if we don’t acknowledge the cost. May we stand firm upon the Rock. Shod with the full armor of God, fighting the good fight, fighting for your love to stay alive. That it will not grow cold.
Matthew 24:12 (one of the scariest things imaginable) And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
What does your “love” look like: Is it to please people? To avoid offending anyone with truth? Is it compromised? Do you hide it in fear? Do you withhold it in pain? Or because they don’t deserve? Or you don’t deserve? Or you deserve better?
I know mine has looked like all of these at one point or another. Still does in fact, for I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Romans 7:19
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Real love is sacrificial and flows from the well of living water. We do not have anything in our flesh that can uphold this type of love. It is Christ in us.
Smoky Mountains & Wedding Bouquets
A few stragglers that didn’t get posted…I painted this for Sean for Father’s Day of the Smoky Mountains in Asheville. Photo creds to William “Marty” Clanton (my husbands cousin) whom I quite frankly did not realize had taken what I thought was just a hobby in photography and developed it into a business. He has talent! Check him out!
16×20 Acrylic on Canvas NOT AVAILABLE for purchase
Flowers For Jenna 18×18 Acrylic on Canvas NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Flowers For Liza (a first attempt at thick paint for my niece) 18×18 Acrylic on Canvas
NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Woodland Creatures Nursery Art
In His hand is the life of every creature…
Job 12:10
Something about Mr. Raccoon’s personality grabs me ❤ Thank you so much Laura!!
11×14 Acrylic on Canvas SOLD
Christ – Resurrected King
I am by nature, an introvert, it doesn’t take much to make me feel awkward (bring out my inner dork I jokingly say) another stab at trying to brush off that paralyzing feeling. I read the quote “quiet people often have the loudest minds” some time ago and I find that to be absolutely true of myself. When the pastor of my church approached me regarding these paintings (live audience) my flesh cringed while my soul whispered “it is for my glory” so with terror and sweating palms I said yes “but only because it’s about the message not the painting itself”.
It has been my prayer for some time now to live my faith out loud rather than continuing to internalize, something I tend to do with everything. To LET my light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). For a city set on a hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:14). Specifically for my husband and children that it may flow out of my heart to share His grace and love with anyone who may cross my path. This is often where I fail first, as it is easier to get annoyed and frustrated and/or hurt by those who are closest to us. It requires a lot more sacrifice that I have to admit I am not often willing to immediately put my pride aside to do. It’s only after prayer and reflection upon conviction that I even see it at times. We can measure the progress of our Christian life by how well we relate to our parents, our spouse, or our employer. If we were to base our spiritual progress on how well you lived it out at home, how do you think you are doing?” – JD Greer. Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the Lord (Lamentations 3:40). For it is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Our closest relationships reveal our deepest heart issues, sin and need for a Savior.
God requires perfection and there is but One who meets this standard. It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ who while we were yet still sinners loved us (Romans 5:8), to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8), the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), who loves us with an everlasting love (Jeramiah 31:3), not because we loved Him, but because He loved us (1 John 4:10).
One who’s only accusation was “Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews”
As Jill Briscoe says “obedience first, then the courage” so without the courage, without the experience, I went where I was sent and gave what I had, the only thought I would allow, a prayer “Lord work through me, be my strength, still my quivering hands and quiet my terror, move me out of the way”. Taking a leap outside my comfort zone, it is only by His gift of the talent he wove into my innermost being and His Grace and Love for me that such a thing could have ever taken place. To God be the glory forever and ever Amen!
Resurrected King 30×40 Acrylic on Canvas – First Service (Top) Second Service (Bottom)
To be completely honest, I have battled all week if I should share this or not. My fears and insecurities raged all week long. Fears of people who will think this was a very odd thing to do, judgement, seeking praise, you name it, it has gone through my mind. I have struggled in many, many areas and have felt firmly buckled in my seat of the struggle bus. It has felt like Satan has attacked me with every noise and obstacle there could nearly be. Sometime in the middle of this past Sunday night I came to peace with it all and I said “Satan you will not win, you have already lost” so I continue in this race of life for the only purpose we are created for…to bring Glory to the One who made me in all my messiness and sin. Who loves me despite it all!!
Transformed people use their same gifts for Gods purpose! – Kenny Hibbard
The message – The Faces of the Cross http://teamchurch.com/message.aspx?parentnavigationid=43217&messageGuid=fdc01c21-da74-4a4b-86ab-71b6cdd5babd
Llama Love, Bold As a Llama- Full Photo
Possibly the most fun painting I have done, not to mention special! So excited to reveal my sisters painting for her baby boy at her shower today.
Each painting has significant meaning deep in my soul. I found this article on “Bold as a llama” Deeper Christian
Careful. They spit.
Llamas: A rather odd looking pack animal (related to the camel) found in the Andes. These sociable creatures not only have great woolly fleece, they also make excellent watch dogs … err … llamas. I once asked a farmer who had a flock of sheep why he also had a llama in the field. I thought perhaps it was so he had access to unlimited fleece jackets or because he had a childish fetish with The Emperors New Groove. But what he told me surprised me.
“It acts as my watchdog.”
Apparently llamas are highly protective and if an intruder (think foxes and coyotes and bears, oh my!) come within the field, they will put up a fight, try to stomp on the intruder’s head, and run it off. Though usually calm, humble, and benign, they can quickly become bold, daring, and audacious.
I came across a quote the other day that reminded me of these long-necked woolly creatures. AW Tozer said:
Christians should be the boldest people in the world – not cocky and sure of ourselves, but sure of Him.
Okay I agree that the llama illustration is not perfect, but our lives as Christians should be known for humility, gentleness, and peace – no matter the situation we find ourself in. We are not called to be doormats, but we are called to serve, spill, and spend our lives for King and Kingdom. Yet, what if we were also as a bold as a llama? There IS a gentle, meek, and mild side of Christianity … but we are also called to stand for Truth, be willing to lay down our lives, live without any fear or worry, suffer with a smile on our face, and yes, even chase off the wolves that sneak in wearing sheepish outfits.
So may we pray the prayer that Oswald Chambers prayed as a teenager: “Oh God bathe us in humility.” But let us also pray that God would strengthen and embolden us to be the Joshuas, Elijahs, and Pauls who were strong in battle, stood for Truth, and found their position not in themselves but in God, whom they believed would show Himself valiant through their lives.
I pray for all that God has in His will for this special little one, for he is a gift from God. Love you so much Lauren, Chad and Alaina!!
20″x36″ Acrylic on Canvas NOT FOR SALE
Hoping to get a clearer photo with the good lighting in her room once it is hung.
A Little Fellow Follows Me
I had never heard of this poem before Sarah asked me to paint it. My heart resonated with it deeply, it so perfectly describes the feeling I have as a Mother. It reminded me of Deuteronomy 11:19
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and in your soul; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,
#14
She is just #14 and she is very special to her family. Thank you so much Paige!!
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18
24×24 Acrylic on Canvas
Ginger
Ginger 8×10 Acrylic on Canvas (Commissioned)
I really love painting dogs!
Commissioned Nursery Art
Thank you Tressa! The photo quality is really bad…should have checked it before I let them go!
Winter Trees
Job 37:6-10 For to the snow He says, “Fall on the earth,’ And to the downpour and the rain, ‘Be strong.’ “He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know his work.”
SOLD $25 Acrylic on Canvas 6x6x2 (thick canvas) can stand alone…perfect for bookshelf or mantle rather than hanging.
Manger Scene
Greeting cards available for purchase here.
11×16 Unto Us A Child Is Born. Original Acrylic on Canvas $80
Rustic Angel
Isaiah 6:3 And one called out to another and said “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.
SOLD: Angel in Acrylic on Barn Wood
Rustic Manger Scene
After some what of a break for the past year or so God has suddenly returned my inspiration and desire to paint. Without even revealing my decision to my friends or on my site in less than a week He sent several customers my way. Before I started on those a few things were laid on my heart to do first. Simple and full of beauty displaying His story one small piece at a time. I am humbled by the response of those who loved the pieces and I look forward to making them. I will be taking limited and scheduled future orders so as to continue home schooling and caring for my family.
SOLD: 12×7
Pumpkins
I mean since we have pumpkin everything…why not? Although it’s been taken a bit far with the pumpkin spice deli meats and sausages. My stomach lurched a bit at that one. Who even eats that?!
6×6 Original Acrylic on Thick Canvas $25 each (two available)
For Tenley
I don’t get very much art done these days. My six year old on the other hand is constantly creating…keeping him out of my stuff is a full time job. Yesterday I decided I would create his own box of stuff he can safely use. We will see if that works!
My childhood friend Bobbie over at Bobbie Brown Photography is the friend who encouraged me to get started and has consistently has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Over the years of her requests giving me anxiety, biting my fingernails, thinking “I can’t do that, no way, I have no idea where to start!” (I never admitted that to her) getting started could take me a while…determined to push through my fears, I would finally put brush to paper. The hardest part! These days, getting started can take me a while for other reasons. I have overcome that fear and anxiety and have discovered the magic of trying. With anything in life, even when it feels paralyzing, when the voices in your head argue with you, Just. Try.
Maybe I will get around to posting before and after of our school room.
11×14 Watercolor Pencil
Well, it’s been a really long time!
Life has been busy! Full of home school and all the many things it takes to care for three little ones under five.
I am excited to share that I can finally offer my Pear painting in prints!! On material of your choice as well as size of your choice. I know I had a lot of interest and three years have gone by…better late than never right?
Please visit Fine Art America to purchase!! www.fineartamerica.com/featured/pears-julie-clanton.html
Homeplace
Moses
8×10 Acrylic on Canvas
Hallman commission
This one is my largest painting to date, it is huge, it is full of love, dreams and forever. My sad photography skills fail me miserably here, it helps a lot to click on each photo. I could not capture the true color, the dreamy landscape or detail. A single piece of glitter lights up the big dipper to surprise you from certain angles. The moonlit early morning is full of promise, hope, peace and love. Dan I enjoyed piecing together all your favorite things for your lovely wife. I hope you both enjoy! Thank you!
Mixed Media on Canvas SOLD:
Mattie
This little lady has lost her eyes. This is before.
Beau
A cellphone snapshot of Beau.
More than a little in love…elephants!
For my favorite Charleston customer. I am more than a little in love with this piece. In fact I wouldn’t mind having it for myself 🙂 Thank you so very much Katie!!!
Mama’s Love 12×12 Acrylic on Canvas SOLD:
Liam’s Psalm
Liam has asked after I have finished each of these paintings lately “dat one mine Mom?” it really tugged at my heart strings so before I could start anymore I had to do him one. He specifically wanted “ornge” so here is Liam’s Sunset to hang by his bed.
16×20 Acrylic on canvas NOT FOR SALE:
Psalm 27
12×12 Acrylic on Canvas SOLD:
Modern Silhouettes
I decided to turn the kids scribbles into a keepsake. My photos are terrible but I was very pleased with how they tuned out!
Psalm 27
12×12 Acrylic on canvas SOLD:
18×20 acrylic on canvas for Emerson, written in sharpie because I didn’t have the patience to plan and paint the letters but it works for us.
How To Make Apple Pie and See The World
Today we took what we learned yesterday and put it to good use…baking apple pie!! It was not nearly so glamorous as these pictures make it appear. It was messy, Liam (2) wants to do everything and nothing at the same time, Emerson (4) follows directions very well but gets ahead of himself and Miss Norah (7 months) is on the sidelines throwing in the spice. We learned how to chop, measure, mix and work with dough (with handwriting and math while the dough chilled) we also got to learn what a plunger is and how that works as Emerson tried to take care of business himself while I nursed the baby. It was interesting for sure…some days are better than others in this home school adventure! Here is the recipe I used Dream Book Design I found that the dough really needed to chill more like 30 minutes (maybe because I had hot little toddler hands helping?) it held up and baked much better after longer chilling. They were quite tasty! Our hats consist of paper towels, paper and tape.
Chef in training! Keepin’ it real with the #homedepot aprons
Good chopping for a four year old
Liam said “Mama I not your fran (friend) he did not want his picture taken, no wait “I DOOOO!”
Psalm 4:8
Psalm 4:8 18×24 Acrylic on Canvas.
For my dear friend who so kindly blessed my boys with their swing set their own boys had out grown! Thank you!
Ellis
psalm 4:8
8×10 Sold: acrylic on canvas
Homemade Pesto!
My friend Sarah and I made pesto this morning! We used Pioneer Woman’s recipe you can find it here talk about YUM! I can’t wait to try homemade pizza and all things pesto!
Silly boys! Liam said “I say cheeeze!”
Emerson’s 4th birthday
These day’s my life revolves more around feeding children and paperwork than painting. I enjoyed doing the cake even though I did have a time with it, baking and decorating cakes rattles my nerves a bit. It’s not too shabby considering it broke in half when I was putting it together, but it tasted good and that’s all that really matters 🙂
“Fancy New Road”
You Are My Sunshine
Off to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 12×12 acrylic on canvas SOLD
Elvis
Elvis…will officially leave the house building tomorrow. Thank you Beth for patiently waiting the last 10 weeks! I have been rather busy. Baby Norah made her appearance into our lives March 14, 2014 at 8:53am.
Elvis: SOLD 12×12 Acrylic on canvas
Norah Renee Clanton
Psalms 4:8
For my sister in law. Her favorite verse…it’s one of my favorites too!
12×12 Acrylic on Canvas SOLD:
Bella
For Rhonda & her family. Sweet Bella went to Heaven suddenly and her family has been left with aching hearts and an empty spot in their home.
8×10 Acrylic on Canvas: BELLA the view from a backpack
In Memory Of Diesel
Painting this beautiful dog was bittersweet, from my understanding he sadly chased his last delivery truck out of the drive. His free spirit could not apparently be kept in any sort of enclosure and he always escaped. I thought it was a very kind gesture of the girl to have this done for the owners! I hope they treasure it.
Diesel 12×12 acrylic on canvas SOLD:
Painted Fabric Chairs
I picked up this pair of chairs from Consignment 1st for a great deal close to five years and always wanted to recover them (forgot to take a before pic) but they were peach and a cheesy gold. In a moment of desiring to recover them I ripped the fabric off one around three years ago and the loose fabric has laid over it since. I picked up a flowered print at Hobby Lobby several months ago on sale for $5 came home and recovered it the next day, even cut out the pattern for the second chair. But after all that hard work I realized I did it so fast because I would have chickened out because it still was not “it” for me. I always liked the pattern on the peach fabric and recently had the thought “why don’t I just paint it?” I paint everything else! So that is what I have done and it turned out very well!! The original patterned fabric turned out a little better than the new smooth fabric (wish I had never ripped off the original) but I am super happy with both. I didn’t get the pattern 100% correct on the smooth fabric but I see now that I have a picture side by side they are not exactly the same size so I will just use that excuse 🙂 I used paint I had on hand. White mixed with a little water and painted all of both, then went back with Annie Sloan Provence that I had on hand. I used a foam sanding sponge between coats and it’s actually very soft. I put new trim on the existing fabric chair to match the new fabric chair.
Flowers For Baby
Because I am over the white stuff, being stuck inside and winter over all, I’m in desperate need of color in my life!! The beautiful skies yesterday inspired me to paint something for my baby girls room (due April 6th) I knew I wanted flowers, somewhat abstract & loose. When I started I really didn’t have any idea what I was going to do, only the colors I wanted. This is the fastest painting I have ever produced and there is more I could do but I really loved it and since it is for me proclaimed it finished!
16×20 Acrylic on Canvas
I found these little booties hiding in an old sewing box that I made when I was twelve or so.
Custom Family Art
Totally out of my comfort zone and I love it! Thank you Bobbie!!
Pillow for baby girl
Baby Ellis
I had terrible light this day and just couldn’t get a pic to do this one justice. So, I am just going to post all three. I used a little pencil to capture his baby fine hair and I loved how it turned out!
10x12ish Pastel
Ornaments
What happens when I leave the room for 20 seconds? See below, crazy boys!
My name is Julie, I love cowboy boots, food, art, and all things vintage. Married to Sean, a talented, hard working man (who can build anything I draw out for him) we have three children, two boys and a girl. I thank God every day, the ways He is revealed to me through them is astounding. My passion, the reason for this blog...developing the gifts God has given me, sharing what he lays on my heart through painting, and turning useless junk and forlorn furniture into something fabulous. 