A hollow, plastic squirrel sits at the base of a tree in our yard. It's perky, more realistic than cartoonish, and is located where actual squirrels frequent. Of course, like all manmade replicas of nature, there's a sad, lifeless quality to it. But it also represents a cheerful scene, so consequently it stays (for now).
Like that imitation squirrel, I sometimes feel like an introverted replica of what an extraverted person is supposed to be. Not 'real' enough as myself to measure up, as though the world were an expensive, exclusive store where the salesclerk looked me over, and was not impressed. That fragile outer shell can seem so important. But now, as I grow more aware of what's inside me - the eternal conscious part - I feel less breakable and misfit. What others see is not all there is to consider. I am spiritually alive, and can sense it.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
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| After watercolor added. |
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| B/W sketch before. |
Black and white things are enjoyable to sketch because of their high contrast. Then colour can be added for more impact. A friend taught me to look in the darks and shadows of objects for colour, and then use it to build up the dark areas instead of black. Magpies lend themselves to this because close examination of their lovely black wings reveals many reflected colours.
Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
