lemon-lime

Very rare that I am able to create a painting for myself. This is going to be a new favorite.

"Lemon-Lime"

Daniel 7:4 (beast like a lion...)

"The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it." Dan 7:4

Here is another illustration that was requested as part of a four beast series. These beasts are depicted in so many different printings out there. This is my rendition following what the Bible says. I tried to give it a rich look and feel while keeping it dream-like in feel. Turned out nice.

The Daniel Challenge

Sometimes a project comes along that will challenge every aspect of your abilities. This was it. This is the 3rd statue created, fully from scratch, probably a good 40 hours worth of work. Revisions, tweaks, and a ton of prayer. Christian art and depictions are not something I like to do. I don't feel confident that I have the talent to do it justice. I admire so many other artists out there who have far greater God-given talent, Nathan Greene, Lars and Kim Justinen, Harry Anderson, etc. I don't know where I fit in to it all, but I am honored and humbled to have had this opportunity to use again, my talents from the Lord, for the Lord.
Someday when we get to heaven, I hope the Lord shows us what He really had in mind for several images, and stories in the Bible. Just to see how close we were to the real thing.

Miss Brenda's Bedtime Stories

Miss Brenda's Bedtime Stories, developed by Brenda Walsh is a 5 Volume Hardcover set. My first hardcover layout and design. Each book will contain over 25 stories.-Based on true character building stories. Just like the Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories Set. It's been a huge privilege to work on an endeavor like this. Each story is in color and illustrated using stock photography and other photos. These stories/books will be a great soul winning tool in the hand parents/kids alike. Working on a project like this really is a humbling experience, to know that you are a small part of the bigger picture at pointing kids to the creator and helping them through the design and layout to develop their characters for the kingdom.

overhaul...

Several years ago...the story begins when I first had the opportunity to donate my time and talents to helping Brenda Walsh and her ministry. God is amazing on how He works...

Recently after going through some old papers in a box I found a cover letter that was written to one of the main Adventist publishing houses. The date was around 1995-96. This would have been 2 years out of college and working for a company in MN. In the letter I asking this company if there was a place for me, for my talents to help in the mission of saving souls. (What better way then in a publishing company, right??) I don't think I ever got a response back. Seeing that letter though reminded me on how IF I got what I wanted then that I would have not gotten the experience I had now and would not have been able to do what I do now... hmmm It makes you think. Remember GODS TIMING IS PERFECT. All these years later, God cultivated my talents, honed my skills to make me ready to serve Him in this way-now.

It was an amazing find, I am thankful for the insight for the reminders of who's in charge.

Even when we think we have done something "perfect"--- a few years later we decide it isn't so. Same can be said for websites. Recently I have decided to overhaul some of the first sites I did. One of the biggest undertakings was the www.brendawalsh.com website. This included a store. I don't know why I like to torture my soul, but one day it just hit me...I thought, "I really need to redo this site, clean it up, make it better." So I did. A total volunteer effort, spending about 3-4 solid days on it. It's finished and up and running. Much better than the first. I am sure in a few years I will think of something new.. and want to clean it up, but for now-I am pleased. It's kinda how God is with us, always working on us, perfecting us. Sometimes though, we just need a good overhaul.

Micah Puppy

Oil painting done in about 2 hours. When I bought this canvas this last week I had no idea what I was going to paint on it. When I buy them, 90% of the time I just buy a blank canvases with nothing mind. Something always strikes me-as THE subject matter for that particular canvas.

boat painting

Original Image

Painting, (oil, unfinished-needs details added, image here casts a
slight yellow haze, not on original)

Every now and then around the holidays I receive a few requests to do some artwork for someone as a gift. This would be one of those projects. The picture provided needed some help, it was low res and so the painting is a little loose but looks great. Just need to let it dry and add some more details. 3.5 hours (14 x 16-canvas)

Colors

Just created this random piece of art, I liked the colors and textures. Nothing fancy, just thinking outside the norm.

my beautiful mess...

Sometimes you just feel like doing something different in art. Something, not to please other clients, or anyone else...just you. It isn't a selfish thing-I rarely find a moment once 'bout every 2 years, it doesn't take much time. In fact, this was a very quick painting, but one that was in my brain for years... When it comes to oils, I treat them differently then I do most mediums. If I am working on something for myself - it's all about adding texture.





A description of the painting would most likely be: a self portrait, "my beautiful mess." I've always liked greys and nuetral colors, but for some reason I am drawn to red when I have done paintings for myself-(maybe in this case it's a covering blood of Jesus aspect). We have a representation of my crazy hair on top, with ideas flying out above. I am always thinking about something, the next project, a lesson from God, a deep thinker in many ways. A straight line near the mouth on the left, indicative of the lines around my mouth. A picture of movement with the arm, indicative of the constant movement and "always doing something" attitude I have as well as the running that I am currently into. The right squiggly image would be the other representation of my hand, my hands are my job, my talent.
Thanks for viewing "my beautiful mess"
I may not be beautiful, but I know the Lord sees us each individually as the most beautiful thing in this sinful world that He would have come to earth to die, for me alone, for you alone. Amazing...

CD Projects

Been busy here at cqgraphicdesign. There has been a lot of different kinds of projects happening all at once. Everything from the below CD PACKAGES to; websites, books, brochures, cards and more! Good business is return customers and customers who keep coming back year after year. Just recently I reconnected with some clients who I started working with back in 2000!

One's character and integrity often preceed them in making contacts. Often a good "name" is what will help make the sale on a project or even in everyday business. It's good Biblical principal to 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Matt 22:39. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Have patience in your working out of the design, knowing that every step and restep through the working out of a project often leads to a better final piece.

Danny Shelton, (3ABN) CD Package
Tray Card

Melody Shelton Firestone, CD Package

Pillars of the Christian Faith - COVER

This project just happened in a most amazing way this past week. I received a call one afternoon asking if I could come up with a concept for this book. A few versions were already developed but nothing that was final. This was a thursday. When I was finally able to sit down behind the desk later that evening, around 6ish I realzied that I already had the concept in my mind of what I wanted it to look like. I had this image of pillars that I was going to use previously for another aspect of the pillars project, but it didn't work out. So within a short period of time I was able to work out this design. {Now let me take a moment right here to say, i believe that nothing I design is of my own working. I fully believe that God directs my hands.. for He is the one who gives the talents in the first place.} Once the design was tweaked and finalized the cover was shown to Danny Shelton and Jim Gilley that evening and they loved it. So much so that they wanted to show it LIVE on that evenings program, (3ABN TODAY, live) So from the desktop to the show within a matter of hours it was live around the world. At the time it was shown the backside wasn't even completed! After completing the full cover the files were sent to Remnant publications where it was printed. A few days later the entire book was printed and on the stage live. It's just pretty amazing how God works.

Interesting note: The other day I was cleaning out some old papers. I ran across a letter that I had written to another Adventist publication about 10-12 years ago. I had sent them some samples of my work and a letters stating how I was looking to use my talents for God and if they had any opportunities for me. This is how God works... It wasn't my time, God knew I needed more cultivation, experience, and direction. It wasn't in His plans to have me work in this way just then.

Isn't He amazing. 10-12 years later, I am doing just what I was hoping for. Using my talents to serve Him and the ministry. To help reach souls for Christ.

Not one of you can say to yourselves that you are not a visual person. That a good looking cover will draw you in and draw your attention than one that is not as well designed.
Making covers, products, images that are pleasing and inviting are what sells the item, thus getting the reader (in this case) into the book, into knowing more about Him.

10-12 years ago this wouldn't have been possible for me, for my talents weren't ready, the programs were lacking the abilities the have now.

God is AMAZING, HIS TIMING is PERFECT.
Never forget that! Praise the Lord.

Pressing IN TO HIS Presence...cover design

Just received my copy of the latest book cover. I am enjoying helping other peoples ministries of winning souls for the kingdom by lending the time and talents to creating a pleasing design. Some things that help a good layout is fonts and white space. Nothing is more annoying for the eye to have tons of text crammed onto a layout that then makes it nearly impossible to read. I like the font here, Century Gothic because it is a clean looking font, light feeling (title). finding the right image to represent this title was a challenge, it could have gone a zillion ways but the hues in this picture with the sun offset lends itself well. Another challenge was making sure the Title was read correctly by the reader. ie: Pressing IN TO his presence and not...Pressing INTO his presence. There is a difference and the emphasis changes. This treatment, making HIS the focus-helped that. You can pick up your copy today at your local ABC or online at 3ABN.ORG.

second chance...

Here's another cover that was designed. This book, when it came to me to do...I spent an entire Sabbath afternoon reading it. Something I never do. It's a great life-story of Jim Ayer. You can purchase all these great books at 3ABN.ORG Check them out for encouraging, uplifting stories that might help you on your christian walk.

This cover was fun to do, in creating two different looks and feels... one a "life of crime" utilizing a grungy, broken glass picture which was inversed, cleaned up and then paired up with a old photo that was reworked as well, the finished look came out nice...really gives the effect that I was looking for.

two books, two times...

Here are a couple of book covers I designed that were just printed and released by the publisher. Both covers were fun to do, each cover when you work on it takes on it's own feel...
While looking at the samples that were sent to me my best friend noticed that my name was spelled wrong on the credits...on both books two different ways! Lol, all you can do is laugh, it's not worth getting upset over. It will get changed on the reprint.

10 years!

Well we are nearing the actual day that CQGRAPHICDESIGN was launched, nearly 10 years ago. Of course most everyone knows that for the first 8 years I worked two jobs, my day job at QRP and then my own work on the side. I worked a crazy number of hours a week to maintain all my clients and their needs. Probably a good 60+ hours a week. I sometimes wonder how I did it. I am so thankful though for those years of "more experience." During those years i developed a greater knowledge of the print industry, specs, do's and dont's, many, many different types of print work, large and small, and so much more. From there, after five years–was hired into a wonderfully creative "space" at Space Studios. Again gained even more knowledge and experience. I am so blessed to be where I am at now. God really had a hand in helping me step out on my own to be 100% "cqgraphicdesign." It's a humbling honor to be able to use my talents for Him and am blessed to be able to do that at least half of my work time or more. I have learned that lesson we are so often told growing up..."you can't 'outgive' God" – And that's so true. He is more than ready to pour out His blessings on you when you dedicate your time to serving Him. I am thankful for all of my clients, little and big - they help make everything possible. Humbly in His service to you all....for many years to come. cqgraphicdesign.com

Prayer Requests from Kids

On the http://www.kidstime4jesus.org website we have a special place for kids to send in their prayer requests and then I post them for anyone and everyone to read and hopefully pray for. Most often then not it's kids' requests from around the world. Kids' say the most honest and heartfelt things. If you get a chance stop by and read some of the requests, say a prayer for them... it might make all the difference in this person's life. You can be an active witness for Christ by just praying for someone.

Here are a few samples that are currently on the site. (I usually leave the request as it is written, sometimes there are too many spelling errors to leave in...)

Kara K.
Date: 3/7/10
Country: U.S.A.
Age: 10
Prayer Request: Please pray for my kitten,Patches. Something happend to both his back paws.He is limping,and can hardly stand.To make it even worse,my dog, Shadow,escaped from his chain.He probably "attacked" my helpless kitten.Shadow has been known to carry cats by thier neck.I can't find my kitten.Please pray for me and my kitten.Thank you so much. God bless you!

_____

Shantae C.
Date: 3/4/10
Country: Barbados
Age: 15
Prayer Request: I am a senior in high school,and my school work can be very difficult at times but i know that god is my help and i request that you will pray for me that i will be successful academically.


Don't forget to check out our ARCHIVED prayers....
It dates back to JULY of 2009, sometimes the prayers are funny, and sometimes they can make you cry...none the less, it's worth checking out.

My Bible First Lessons!

Well after much time and effort we finally have a new set of Bible Lessons on the Kids' Time website. This set, provided by MY BIBLE FIRST was created for online by Mellisa Hoffman with the assistance of our good friend Shirley Marsh. Creating each of the online lessons is a process. First each lesson needed to be answered on paper in it's correct form. Shirley was able to do all 26 lessons for us. Next, Mellisa needed to input each question and answer that was going to be used on the quizzes into our quiz program. (wondershare). After that I had to create each lesson in htm, format for online, then create all the links and quiz links. It's a long process but when its done, its done and up permanently and it allows us to track each student who takes the lessons. It's a great resource and helps people from around the world know more about Jesus. We are blessed and humbled to be a part of such a great ministry. All praise and glory to Jesus for making all things possible. Check them out HERE.

This Beautiful Mess

No, it's not a painting, it's my pallet I use to paint.
This Beautiful Mess!

MISS BRENDA'S BEDTIME STORIES - Coming Soon!

Seems like the Lord is really blessing lately in many different directions. The most active at the moment is book covers and designs.

In the next few months we will be printing, MISS BRENDA'S BEDTIME STORIES, a collection of TRUE character building stories that are made into a 5 volume set, each set containing about 30 short stories. It's really going to be a fantastic collection. The book from Miss Brenda (Brenda Walsh and co-written by Kay D. Rizzo) will be a wonderful soul winning tool for kids of all ages and something that I think will be passed down through generations. Each story is illustrated through photos.

We had a God-designed photo shoot for the covers a few weeks ago. It was a short notice event and turned out beautifully, of course it was all because the Master Designer is in control.

The picture above is not the actual book cover, but a sampling from the photoshoot.
YOU can get involved with the 5 Volume set by sending Miss Brenda a true story!
Check out her guidlines here and submit your story to be published!

Check it out and I will let everyone know when it is actually printed and for sale! This will be a wonderful, HARD COVER book that would make a great gift!

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" Eph: 2:10

KIDS' TIME CONTEST - #3

Well it's been a while since the last posting.
I need to start throwing up some new posts to keep the blog alive!

Recently we just kicked off our third KIDS' TIME contest on the kidstime4jesus.org website.
We have gotten a great response from the last 2 contests, a drawing contest, and photo contest. This next one is about kids telling us how they share Jesus with people. The winner will get some cash towards coming to 3ABN to tape a Sharing Time Segement with Miss Brenda.

You can read our latest entries and check back, we continually get new entries every week.
It's wonderful to know that this site is reaching kids for Jesus, that they like it, it's friendly, safe and most of all pointing them in the right direction.

And just an update, we have over 800 people signed up and taking Bible lessons online!
AWESOME!

Praise Him!

New Website: DannyShelton.com

2009 has been a great year. I owe it all to the Lord and how He has directed this past year for me. I have met so many wonderful people as well as had some awesome job opportunities. I am blessed to say the least and so thankful to finally be able to use my talents for the Lord.
The latest opportunity was to be able to create a website for Danny Shelton, founder of 3ABN. Since this site is fairly new, launched in December, there is still a lot more content to come. When it's in full swing it will be a GREAT resource center for Danny's faith stories, devotionals and more. I am excited to be a part of this growing ministry of spreading the Three Angels Message of Jesus to the world by creating this website and resource center.
Please check it out: http://www.dannyshelton.com. I hope you will be blessed by it.
I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for 2010. I know it will be great. For even in trials, the Lord is good to us. We should always look forward to the rain as much as the sun, for we need them both in order to flourish.
May the Lord bless you this new year and don't be afraid to step out in faith and do something FOR HIM. The Lord doesn't call those who are qualified, He qualifies those He calls!

Tiny Tots Website is now LIVE

The Tiny Tots website is now LIVE. Check it out! It will always be a work in progress but it's up for the general public now. We had over 400 hits on the first day of the launch. I will have to keep checking to see what the stats are. How exciting! I praise the Lord for the opportunity to reach little ones. I can't wait until we can get the AUDIO Bible lessons on there.
Always looking for feedback so let me know what you all think!

Coming Soon.... TINY TOTS WEBSITE!

Coming soon, hopefully this next week or so will be the new Tiny Tots website. I am praying the Lord will bless the endeavor and reach little souls for the kingdom, all to His glory. I am anxious to release it. Like the KIDS' TIME website it will ALWAYS be a work in progress, I will always be updating and always adding new stuff. One of the neat features to come will be AUDIO BIBLE STUDIES geared for kids 5 and under. Auntie Linda will be doing the voice over for them. FUN! I will post the link when It is ready for release.

Anyone familiar with TINY TOTS on 3ABN will notice (when the site is up) all the segements on the show are on the website, and more! How fun!

The initial index screen (homepage) below will have a flash animation with the tiny tots farm and house.

Story Time 2009

Well It's October and we just got back from helping on the set of Story Time for Kids' Time down at 3ABN in Illinois. It was a ton of fun. Here are a few photos from the adventure. These photos here are a few "odd" ones that I liked really well. I posted a ton more (250+) on the KIDS' TIME website, check it out HERE.

I really liked this photo below, it really looks like it would make a good paintin, lots of grat colors, lighting and action. hmmmmmmm If only I had more time. Reminds me of a Nathan Green.

Pictures from the set.

The above printed street scene in the archway looks really neat from this angle, almost real!

Caught on camera, priceless!

furry boots on a trampoline

I was going through some photos tonight and ran across this one I took this summer-from underneath a friend's trampoline. Their dog Micah is the coolest pup. Check out his "furry boots", as we like to call them.

For the national-talk like a pirate day this past week... He was our "first-mate-furry-boots".

Frog Sold!

Well it's been a while since we have talked about the frog sculpture... I just wanted to post to let everyone know that the TONGUE TIED frog sold at Auction this week at the "H" hotel. It went to a private buyer for $1300! Boy I would have loved to see some of that cash, but not so.
Didn't win the judges contest or the peoples choice. Better luck next year!

Good news though, my friend Molly won for the People's Choice! Awesome! Happy for her! Her Lillian the Amphibian was cool!

More good news, the auction for all the frogs grossed over !22,000 for next years sculpture event! Woohoo, can't wait!

The 3ABN Booth Team!

Working the 3ABN booth was quite the experience. Mellisa and I managed a lot of different tasks. A lo of the goal was to let people know about the KT4J website. We had over 400+ Sign ups for Bible lessons, 500 or more sign ups to win the free t-shirts we screen printed (see older posts) From about 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or late every day we spent on our feet. The massive amounts of people that cycled through there was staggering. I don't think we were prepared for that. Or the conditions; walking 5+ miles a day in the 90 degree heat carrying all out stuff. We traversed a lot of the camp ground too looking for winners. We found a lot but a lot we didn't, so this next week will be spent sending out shirts to the winners.

People might think, oh big deal, a shirt. But think about it for a moment. The shirt is advertising, it's a way to "share jesus" with others. You never know who might read it from anywhere in the country-pass it on or down to someone else. It's neat to think of all the "seeds" we will be sending out. And who doesn't "love" being a WINNER of something.
This is so much fun. That reminds me of the soon ending DRAW MAXWELL CONTEST that we have on the KT4J website too, check here and check the entries, its cool! We have some awesome entries. One of my favorites is from Saudi Arabia! Way fun to have kids from ALL OVER THE WORLD getting involved and using the site. Makes one "on fire" for the Lord and sharing.

We made some great life-long and eternal-long friends at Camporee 2009! Can't wait to meet in heaven! or the next Camporee, whichever comes first. :)

Sabbath Morning Pathfinders

TROOP M.A.S.H.

Looking sharp!

Sometimes its just nice to get a little quiet reading time in. :)


Ready for marching!