Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Saint Malo's Church / The Chapel on the Rock

Each year in my travels, I keep an eye out for that special church that will be our Christmas Card for that year.  This was what we picked for our 2015 card.  

In September we vacationed in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.  On the way to Estes Park, we drove past this magnificent chapel and did a quick u-turn to go back and take a look.  Here is her story:


During a quest to find the impact site from a falling star in 1916, Monsignor Joseph Bosetti came across a large rock formation just east of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Stirred by the biblical phrase "upon this rock I will build my church " Bosetti soon begin to envision a church perched on the rock he had just discovered.  As with many dreams, Bosetti's lack of funds delayed construction for nearly 20 years.

Eventually, land for the church and retreat center was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Malo, and Denver architect Jacques Benedict transposed Bosetti's dream to paper.  With Mount Meeker as a backdrop, the Chapel on the Rock took shape.  Here in this dramatic Rocky Mountain setting, Bosetti's dream was completed in 1936


Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!  

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Merry Christmas!!




MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Over the years I've sketched many homes, ranging from 700 to 7000 sq ft , but I must admit, the ones I've done for Habitat for Humanity have a special place in my heart!   As a former board member and co-chair of Women Build in my local community, I've been able to experience first hand how much it means to these families to have a home of their own.   I love to donate to Silent Auctions for fundraising, and for several years, I was also thrilled to lend my art to their Christmas Card sales.  

As we gather this weekend with our family and friends, please remember the classic phrase:
"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."   
It's not the lights or the wreath on the door... or even the stash of presents under your tree...it's the love thats found on the inside that makes a house a home.   

This Christmas, with this in mind... I am reminded of and especially thankful for The Manger... a humble beginning for a tiny baby that would grow up to become our Savior and King.   

Joy to the World!!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Krista and Frank in White Plains

Christmas came early for Krista and Frank!

Again, Santa showed up early for my step-daughter and her husband in New York.  Since they bought this home two and a half years ago, I've been trying to get a photo to do a sketch...but we always seem to be there for a celebration where cars overflow... or snow is window high!!  Finally I got the photo and was thrilled to give this to them a few weeks ago while we were in  New York for another family celebration.  Whew, the McGregor side likes to party!!   

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Scott and Kate in Fort Worth

Christmas came early for Scott and Kate!  

I have been working on several Accents in Art Christmas surprises, including this one for my step-son and his wife in Fort Worth!   

They built this new home just this year... and moved in early summer.  In November they brought their first baby home, and we were thrilled to join them for their first family Thanksgiving!  Of course since we were all together, Santa showed up bringing gifts!  

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Love Fosters Hope silent auction

After a weekend of indulging in leftovers and shopping for Christmas, I love that we have Giving Tuesday!  There are so many great organizations to support and I am always honored to lend my talents to worthy causes.   The recipients of this sketch  were the lucky winners of the silent auction item benefitting Love Fosters Hope.   

LFH is a Texas based non-profit  organization with many facts, but one purpose: to impact the lives of children and teens in foster care who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.  

For more information please visit their website: www.lovefostershope.org.

 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Alabama Colonial

Since I've been working on "Christmas surprises" lately, I don't have anything new to post this week, so I will bring back one of my favorites.   I did this for Sally a few years ago.  This was her family homestead going back several generations in Alabama.  Looking at it again, kind of makes me want to make a Mint Julep and sit on the porch!! 

You can see the original photo that I worked from on my "Get in Touch" page on my website.  It's an old sepia photograph and if you look closely you can even see the old car, I think a Model T off to the left side. 

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Honoring our Veterans


In 2012, I was honored to be able to do this sketch for the son of Karen Wright, a disabled vet.  This house, located in Creekside Village of The Woodlands, was built for him by the Texas Sentinels Foundation.  

Today, on Veteran's Day, we honor and say Thank You to all of our veterans for giving of their lives and for their service to our country.  

God Bless the USA!!



Karen was kind enough to write these words as shared on the "community" page of my website...

"My son is a disabled veteran was blessed with being given a home in The Woodlands.  To add to this blessing, Barbara offered her spectacular talent at a silent auction to assist in gathering the funds to build this new home.  When the home was completed, Barbara came by, took pictures and drew a beautiful rendering of my son's home.  It is a true art piece and has been placed in my son's office.  My son and his wife appreciate this piece of art and it was a fantastic "welcome to your new home" gift."       

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Nussmeier family home




Happy Birthday to Bob!  

This is Bob's family home in Hope, Indiana.   His wife, Katie asked me to do this sketch as a surprise for his 60th birthday!  

This classic colonial home was built in 1833 and purchased by Bob's grandfather in 1936, and after passing through several generations it remains in the family still today.  It was made from bricks that were baked in the kiln on the property to form exterior walls, 15 inches thick, and it was one of the first homes in Bartholomew County to have electricity and modern plumbing.  Bob and his sister, Nancy (the current owner) fondly remember climbing the maple tree in the circular drive when they were kids!  


For another historic home, 
see my post from 4/28 of my first home in Geneva NY

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Steeple Churches of New England


In The Fall of 2010 my husband and I spent a long weekend in The Berkshires in western Massachusetts.  We loved visiting the tall steeple churches in every community.  These small towns were scattered about, sometimes just a few miles apart but each with it's picturesque church on Main Street in the center of town.  The First Congregational Church, in Lee was founded in 1778 and this structure was built for their worship in 1857.  It claims fame to the tallest timber steeple in all of New England at a height of 185 feet.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

HighCamp in Colorado


Welcome to HighCamp!  

When I say the name "HighCamp" I want to let out a sigh and I can feel my whole body relax.   I imagine a cool breeze and can smell the freshness of the forest?   Tucked deep in the woods of the Colorado Rockies, this retreat is the perfect "home away from home!"  I did this sketch as a thank you gift for their host after my client and her husband spent  some precious vacation time there this summer. 

I've always named my cars, Bing, Bamboo and my current one being Flo, named for her first road trip to Florida last summer....but I've never named my home (although my mom and dad did fondly refer to my apartment in college as Chateau Ghetto!)  

So, what's in a name... and how does it make you feel?
What name would you give your house?

Thursday, October 15, 2015

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month


October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so it seemed fitting to post this sketch that was done for Rita whose home is in Creekside.  She attended last years fundraising gala for Breast Cancer Charities of America located right here in The Woodlands, and was the highest bidder for my silent auction donation of a custom sketch.  

I always enjoy the Creekside homes with their combinations of brick and stone, and especially nice to make a new friend in the process!  

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Christmas shopping in October!!






Do you have someone on your Christmas list that is impossible to buy for?  I do.... no names mentioned, but you know who you are!!   

Consider this... an illustration of one of his or her's "special places!"  If you place your Christmas order in October, I am offering 20% off!!  You can save a little money, and check it off your shopping list!  

The sketches above are three of my favorite  "gift" sketches I've done over the years!!  The Honors Golf Course in Chattanooga, Tennessee,  The Woodlands United Methodist Church and a home in Creekside that was done for the Wounded Warrior recipient of a home built by the Texas Sentinals in 2012.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Central Christian Church in Austin, Texas



Congratulations to Kate and Hector!

One year ago, this week, we gathered and celebrated the wedding of my daughter Katie, to Hector Perez!  I love this historic church in downtown Austin.  Completed in 1929, it ran short of funds due to the economic depression, so the bell tower planned was left off. 



Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Lexus of Lakeway Grand Opening





I was honored to be able complete this sketch for the Grand Opening Invitation to Lexus of Lakeway in Austin.  Working from CAD drawings and a few "under-construction" photo’s was challenging, but fun!  I love this warm and inviting entrance to the dealership.   Congratulations to them and best of luck for a successful future.


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Schneider Homes - The Lake House - post 3/3


Perhaps my favorite of the Schneider's six homes is this one – their lake house at Lake Livingston.   I can just imagine the good times, the cook-outs,  and their great family memories!

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Schneider Homes in The Woodlands - post 2/3

The Woodlands 1993-1998



The Woodlands 1998 - 2014


The Woodland 2014 - present


Continuing the progression of homes for Kathy and Allan Schneider, a move back to Texas brought them to The Woodlands in 1993.  Between then and now, they’ve lived in these three homes.  I loved that they all had front porches!!