Day 9 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days: “Raining Flowers” watercolor & ink on Canson, 140 lb, 6×6

Thanks again to Marije Kalshoven for her inspiration for today’s watercolor.

The lines were done with the 0.3 Micron pen, and to fill in I used the following colors:

• 708 Orange
• 710 Pink
• 716 Heliotrope
• 706 Purple
• 711 Yellow
• 707 Green
• 712 Light Blue

Yesterday I applied the paint to the brush first, then put it on the paper, essentially treating the watercolor pencils like traditional paint. Tonight I colored directly onto the paper and then blended with my #6 round brush, cleaning the tip frequently. I wanted the colors blended, but not muddied. The yellow went on top of the green to make it appear a little closer to olive, and the light blue was used to create the triplet dots.

6×6 card and matching 3×6 bookmark

When I was a young teenager, I sang a song in church called “Happiness Is the Lord,” written by Ira F. Stanphill. I still remember the words…

Happiness is to know the Savior,
Living a life within His favor,
Having a change in my behavior.
Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is a new creation,
Jesus and me in close relation,
Having a part in His salvation.
Happiness is the Lord.

Real joy is mine, no matter if the teardrops start.
I’ve found the secret: It’s Jesus in my heart.

Happiness is to be forgiven,
Living a life that’s worth the livin’,
Taking a trip that leads to heaven.
Happiness is the Lord.

☺          ☺          ☺

This painting is a happy scene to me, with all the flowers scattered hither and yon. Not only that, but as I painted, I was listening to a most excellent message on the Sermon on the Mount. For that reason, I’d like to share with you the portion of Jesus’ sermon known as “The Beatitudes,” and I’ve also chosen this passage as the basis of tonight’s poem.

Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Happiness Is

To be truly humble, yet unaware of the absence of pride
To be grieved by sin so that grief may sin expunge
To bear injury with a quiet courage beyond comprehension
To crave holiness and purity of heart above all other pleasures
To extend mercy to all, whether friend or foe
To desire holiness in heart, not in action alone
To be an instrument of peace for those who seek peace
To bear one’s cross for the sake of the One Who bore yours

Therein lies the key to happiness
For happiness is not found in a pill
Or a bottle
Or a relationship
It is not produced by favorable circumstances
Nor can it be destroyed by tragic ones
Real happiness is the highest form of blessing
Real happiness is found in Christ alone.

Copyright © 2018 Angela Umphers Rueger – All Rights Reserved

If you are interested in joining the challenge, you can sign up at Leslie Saeta’s 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge and then post and/or view the other entries at the linkup.

The song “Happiness Is the Lord” copyright © 1968 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)