Quiet Joy
By María Rangel Cardenas
Sunrise on the last day of our recent family vacation in Newport Beach, CA
Hello!
It’s been a minute since I have written here.
Summer activities, family time, church music ministry, and school things have been filling my days. God is so good!
During this month of September, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, I have been contemplating Mary’s hiddenness, beauty, and joy. Our Blessed Mother was, and is, a priceless pearl, revealed in quietness and calm during her blessed life.
Her example is a beautiful reminder to me to accept the opportunities as well as the obstacles that God puts in my life as a gift from our Heavenly Father. From my artwork, to planning for our homeschool year, and family life, it is a daily decision to trust that God will provide for all that I need and long for. And, indeed, that he looks upon me (and all of us!) with great love.
“God takes pleasure to see you take your little steps; and like a good father who holds his child by the hand, He will accommodate His steps to yours and will be content to go no faster than you. Why do you worry?”
- Saint Francis de Sales
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Also, this month of September, I am celebrating the 1st year anniversary of the launching of my website!
Thank you to all who have already bought some of my art prints! I hope they have brought you joy and beauty! 🤍
Do you have a minute? If you have made a purchase, I would appreciate it if you left a product review! Just click here.
(It only takes a moment!)
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Art Update
I have big plans for a future landscape painting, but for now, here is a little sketch that I did recently. I am happy to be playing with my paints again.
By the way, I love the color blue—especially in paint. Some blues are more green, some more red or purple. So delightful!
These are the 5 blues that I currently have in my arsenal. I look forward to adding more!
Does anyone else write notes to themselves when experimenting with paints? Ha ha
I am exploring how to paint with washes/glazes from acrylic paint—so fun!
(I am using airbrush medium to thin-down fluid acrylic paint. And I am using a layer of Isolation Coat between layers.)
Coming from a background of painting with oil paints and making the switch to acrylic paint, I have been missing being able to mix paint with turpentine or oil to make lovely washes.
Anyone have any tips?
And also, I just love these little dishes I have to mix paint in.
It’s the little things that bring me joy.
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Here is a peek into my last few months.
Photos in video:
1 • The blessed candle we light while praying our family rosary, and a beautiful icon painted by my husband.
2 • Sunset concert in Apple Valley, CA. (Phat Cat Swinger)
5 • The Getty
6 • The Miracle of the Holy House of Loreto by Giambattista Tiepolo (at the Getty)
7 • Christian Music, K-Love Concert at the Greek Theatre
8 • Sacred Music Festival at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino, CA
9 • Newport Beach, CA family vacation
10 • Newport Beach, CA family vacation
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Thanks for reading! God bless you!
~Maria
