JANNA VANDERVEEN
Fiction Author & Artist
Archives
Recently, I lay awake in bed, convicted of a thought which would not release me to sleep. In the darkness of my bedroom, I slipped on a pair of headphones and began to listen to the song, Join with the Angels, by Planet Shakers. As the music played, I embraced the thought, and it embraced me. These words etched into my heart and inspired the painting, which I’ve titled, Refiner’s Fire. Maybe… Read More
Be though my vision When I cannot see. Whether waking or sleeping Reveal yourself to me. ~ Janna Vanderveen
I took some time to paint this weekend, amidst the stress that broken bones and too much time spent in an emergency room creates. After things settled, I contemplated the beauty of the setting sun, the majesty of towering mountains, and my thankfulness for the life we have. This painting is a reflection of that moment.
Scribbles and scratches. I’ve reopened my children’s books and am editing like crazy…always editing it seems. For me, taking a short break from writing often means doing something else creative, like watercolor painting. The activity seems to feed the ideas that swirl though my mind. This girl is scribbled and scratched, almost as an afterthought, but within her there is light, love, and a little magic. Stories, stories, stories….
My son Gabriel came home from middle school last week with an art assignment; to paint a Loretta Grayson style color theory tree. The project seemed a little daunting, so I offered to do one alongside him. Together we looked up Loretta Grayson’s web page and discovered that she had an on-line tutorial explaining how to complete this project. We’d been told to use water medium paints for our own project, versus the Caran D’ache oil pastels used… Read More
Truth is the sorrow which lingers in my tears. Love is the compassion Which erases all your fears. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. ~ Janna Vanderveen
It’s spring break, the kids are home from school, and writing is NOT happening. I should be throwing myself into book 2, but have decided to instead show myself grace by giving myself permission to do a few other creative things, like catching up on thank you notes. I followed a Danielle Donaldson tutorial to create this card, which combined my creative hobby loves – watercolor painting, sewing, and mixed media layering. It was fun! And through it all, I… Read More
“She holds galaxies in her gaze and dreams life into existence.” ~ Janna Vanderveen My muse…Qinni. If you click on the word Qinni and follow the link, you will be taken to the artist’s YouTube page where you can watch a speed drawing of how the original artist drew this painting. This painting on my page, is my study of her painting, based on her speed drawing as a tutorial.
Let truth reside in your heart, Wisdom on your lips, Compassion in your arms. And may you love with abandon. ~ Janna Vanderveen
She fell in love and marveled At the beauty of it all. ~ Janna Vanderveen A study of Jane Davenport art, an exercise in Wonderland.
Welcome to my wonderland, where even the barns whisper of stories untold. This painting is a study of Peter Woolley’s art.
Imaginative friends are a wonderful treat! Today I indulged my creative side by spending time with my great friend, Debi. We discussed book writing, story development, and practiced drawing people. What a blast! This particular sketch took me less than 3 minutes to craft. I love its loose lines and whimsy. Supplies Used: Sketch Paper, Elegant Writer, Derwent Inktense Pencils, Overlays
By the beach I linger For you, my spark, my tinder You are my delight For your words alight My tired heart of cinder. ~ Janna Vanderveen
“Wild love dares to lose, Seeks to refind, Rethinks what was lost, And embraces transformation.” ~ Janna Vanderveen
For Christmas this year, I received a lovely tutorial by Jane Davenport from my wonderful in-laws, on figure drawing. After watching several of her classes, I’ve determined that it will probably take some time to master the human shape. However, it looks like a fun process. Here is my first watercolor and mixed media painting (thank you card) from Jane Davenport’s I Heart Drawing class.
My tulips are red In this vase of blue With petals so sweet They blossom for you. ~ Janna Vanderveen (Click on thumbnail for full-resolution image)
She breathed hope like fairy dust And danced On the wind. ~ Janna Vanderveen
As our prayers rise like incense Let peace fall like rain Saturating the hearts Of all who ache and despair.~ Janna Vanderveen
I am having a fun time developing a new set of characters for another children’s book. Sheep has a bad day and learns to use healthy language to express his feelings.
MY COMMUNITY
Sweetheart by Janna Etsy Shop
JANNA VANDERVEEN 