What is a dream? What is a vision, a revelation? What is a prophecy? What is being alive?

The world we live in is called physical. How many human beings realize and know we are spirit and we are flesh (body, mind, soul, spirit, heart)? The spiritual realm is going on as we live here on earth, day and night.

Each person has his/her own journey. The relationship with our creator, God, is individual and corporate. We are always in relationship, close or far away.

I know God is real. God is spirit. My journey with God, Yahweh, has been growing in understanding and deeper beliefs. Accepting Jesus, the Messiah, God’s son and gift of life and receiving the Holy Spirit is an ongoing relationship as He reveals and guides me daily.

Many dream symbols appear in reality as seen in physical forms. Many people experience this. The paintings are a variety of observations and experiences throughout my life.

I love horses and have ridden most of my life. I love birds, wildlife, flowers and gardening. I love people. Seeing the soft lights, colors, shadows and details enrich each day. How can one be bored with so much to observe?

Listening to people’s stories is a blessing to me. I paint portraits, getting to know them and watch their mannerisms. Many times people desire portraits of deceased family members. I like for them to stand beside me and tell me what they want different. They paint through me. They will be with the painting. My desire is for them to enjoy the results.

One of my 43 year old students said she had never seen a sunset until taking art lessons.

The Lord God Almighty knew us before He created the earth and called us by name. He knew our strengths, weaknesses, talents and gifts. The people He puts in our path can be mentors to help our talents blossom.

My grandparents, parents, teachers, family and friends have all enriched my life. Mother gave my two sisters and me pencils, paper, scissors and colors and we all became artists. Painting and drawing is like breathing to me. I see patterns, lights, shadows, color, size, depth, perspective - potential for paintings as I live my days. I love this gift God has given me.

I hope and pray you will “see” and enjoy these paintings I share with you.

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A native of Laurel, Mississippi, where she went to George S. Gardner High School, Perry Thickens Ritchie studied Fine Arts, Painting and Drawing at Mississippi University for Women and The University of Mississippi.

She currently lives in Canton, Mississippi with Jim, her husband of 60 years.