![Weekly Wednesday Wisdom -
Today we're sharing an artwork from July that was only recently completed, "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small" a 30x40" Acrylic on Canvas. This artwork was painted during the Central PA Pride Festival at The Journey Church's booth [the finishing portions of this were the top and bottom edges of the stretcher bars] . This piece is now at the Art Association of Harrisburg for their show, "Villians, Misfits, & Anti-Heroes;" which opens this Friday, awards to be presented this Sunday as part of Gallery Walk, and will remain on display through mid-October.
The title for this piece comes from the lyrics toward the end of the first verse of Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors:'
"And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small"
Artist's Statement / Backstory: It was only while listening to this song in the car last month, that I realized how 'dark' the first part of the song is before everyone belts the chorus, "But I see your true colors shining through!" My mind immediately went to this artwork and my favorite part of painting it live... I had the background prepped gray and had a different idea in mind of what I was going to paint; but, then I didn't think that idea would work with being outdoors, distractions, and stopping and starting. I took the idea of that piece and decided to show it in a different way; I wanted to capture the darker undertones of the ways in which the LGBTQIA+ Community has been targeted recently. While working on it, the first portion to be completed was the darker tones in the background and I was lovingly nudged that what I was creating was a little dark in the midst of pride, love, rainbows, etc. I shared my vision for what I was creating, kept working, and could not be more proud of this piece!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreiezmqcq7gjqeoq2hwk5eqbbgggkzzrgm2tpj64e224s4nueidyvby)
Weekly Wednesday Wisdom -
Today we're sharing an artwork from July that was only recently completed, "Darkness Can Make You Feel So Small" a 30x40" Acrylic on Canvas. This artwork was painted during the Central PA Pride Festival at The Journey Church's booth [the finishing portions of this were the top and bottom edges of the stretcher bars] . This piece is now at the Art Association of Harrisburg for their show, "Villians, Misfits, & Anti-Heroes;" which opens this Friday, awards to be presented this Sunday as part of Gallery Walk, and will remain on display through mid-October.
The title for this piece comes from the lyrics toward the end of the first verse of Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors:'
"And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small"
Artist's Statement / Backstory: It was only while listening to this song in the car last month, that I realized how 'dark' the first part of the song is before everyone belts the chorus, "But I see your true colors shining through!" My mind immediately went to this artwork and my favorite part of painting it live... I had the background prepped gray and had a different idea in mind of what I was going to paint; but, then I didn't think that idea would work with being outdoors, distractions, and stopping and starting. I took the idea of that piece and decided to show it in a different way; I wanted to capture the darker undertones of the ways in which the LGBTQIA+ Community has been targeted recently. While working on it, the first portion to be completed was the darker tones in the background and I was lovingly nudged that what I was creating was a little dark in the midst of pride, love, rainbows, etc. I shared my vision for what I was creating, kept working, and could not be more proud of this piece!
#artwork #newartwork #acrylic #acrylicpainting #cyndilauper #truecolors #truecolor #quotes #quotesoftheday #wisdomquotes #wisdomoftheday #wednesdaywisdom #Pride #pridefestival #pridefest #aah #artassociationofharrisburg #harrisburg #harrisburgpa #harrisburgartist #controlledchaos #craigscanvases
![Wednesday Worship & Wisdom ~
Today's featured artwork is, "Feeling the Darkness Tremble" a 20x24" Acrylic on Canvas from November 2025. Yesterday we delivered this piece to Carlisle Arts Learning Center to be part of their Sales Gallery [which will have a new place inside their location]. This piece was shared as a WIP late last year; however, the 'official photographed image' of the artwork had yet to be shared in its finished state! Here is it and below you can find the song that inspired the title for this artwork; it's 'Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?' with lyrics by Delirious? and Hillsong Worship:
"Open up the doors
And let the music pay
Let the streets resound with singing
Songs that bring Your hope
Songs that bring Your joy
Dancers who dance upon injustice
Do you feel the darkness tremble
When all the saints join in one song
And all the streams flow as one river
To wash away our brokenness"
Artist's Statement / Backstory: The original background color was to be a little more lavender/periwinkle than what you see here; however, when mixing the color it continued to be more mauve. I've learned to stop and let it be what it is in those moments. Through meditation and conversation, I've come to realize that sometimes it's exactly what it's supposed to be and I need to stop making it what I want it to be... I couldn't get a clear image from the Spirit that morning of what I was to paint; it just seemed like everything was distant and foggy. I could tell there were things there in that hazy fog; but, I could not make them out. Once again, I leaned into that notion of perhaps that is what I'm supposed to see and painted the fog that I saw instead of forcing something out that I wanted to see. I am quite pleased with how this piece turned out and hope you do as well!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreicbz3htf7fqhqonewqttdfkmtc4jbhmfyowssbkvjfvw4ex77vxdi)
![Weekly Wednesday Wisdom -
"If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with." - Dorothy Gale [Judy Garland] in The Wizard of Oz
A portion of the quote above was utilized for the title of today's featured artwork, "Further Than My Own Backyard" is a 12x16" Mixed Media on Paper completed in February 2026. The original artwork is available for sale at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/further-than-my-own-backyard
Please Note: This image may look familiar as we shared in about a month and a half ago with a post relating to it being in its work-in-progress state. At that time it was just pen-and-ink with watercolor washes defining the areas; but, has since been completed.
Artist's Statement / Backstory: In the January posting I noted, 'You'll be able to see this finished artwork with more watercolor, oil pastel, colored pencil, and/or marker!' Thankfully it is completed and on a day sooner, rather than later! The overall composition is the same; although, areas have been more well defined, values added, and the artwork completed with more watercolor, colored pencil, and marker. As I sat working on this piece, I was originally drawn to do something more yoga-based with 'heart center.' As I spent more time with it, I continued to feel pulled toward the Wizard of Oz which ultimately won out for the title instead! Quick Preview: We're not neglecting paying homage to yogas as yoga's going to be featured in a big way very soon; so, stay tuned!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreib4h5s7eweys5gbjixkkuo6la2bn2y5be2aveclhy7jcxui2q2kjy)
![“Life is a garden, not a road. We enter and exit through the same gate. Wandering, where we go matters less than what we notice.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle
The title for today's featured artwork is pulled directly from the first sentence of the quote above, "Life Is A Garden, Not A Road!" is a 12x12" Colored Pencil on Paper from February 2026. [The original artwork is available @ https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/life-is-a-garden-not-a-road] This artwork has been in a sketchbook, with about half a dozen partially completed works, that we've recently began working to get completed! Most of them were started in the latter portion of 2025 and were left to sit as other things for the holiday season took precedence. In cleaning things up to get ready for some changes in the studio, we rediscovered the book and have recently set about getting all the artworks completed.
Artist's Statement / Backstory: This artwork was started next to a sketch for an artwork that has already been turned into a painting. We started with the bright lime green to define some areas and then began adding in a few other colors. As we worked we realized there was an area that took the form of a bird, another had a sort of mountain outline, and one other space that looked like some wings. It's always amazing the way the free-form lines of our subconscious create familiar objects and shapes. This was a fun piece to start and stop as the colors we used last fall seemed even brighter and more vibrant during the dull winter days. The next problem to address would be a title; but, when we stopped for lunch one day last week a dear friend posted the quote you see above and that's how it all came to be!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreief7m5y6kxpbikwhscffj2rivzla3wf75qidn4pfzgzb77b2iwp3u)
![“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions, give off the greatest glow of happiness.” -Bob Hope
Our featured artwork today recalls the tradition of stringing together cranberries and popcorn to adorn an evergreen tree. Entitled: "Christmas Classic: Corn & Cranberries" this 9x12" Acrylic on Canvas Pad from November 2024 is currently exhibited at the Carlisle Art Learning Center. Stop in now through Christmas Eve [Wednesday, December 24, 2025] to check out "Art for the Holidays" an artisan marketplace full of amazing items for all your gift-giving needs!
Artist's Statement / Backstory: I've worked hard to collect, display, and enjoy the memories of Christmases past to decorate our home. I love scouring thrift store and antique markets to find the unusual and unique items displayed throughout the year; but, Christmas is always the most special. When thinking about my artwork, I realized that it wasn't reflecting my love for things of the past at the holiday time and I began painting to solve that problem! This is one of several artworks I've created showcasing a Christmas past that hopefully brings a smile to your face and a fond memory to the forefront of your mind. Blessings, Peace, and Abundant Love this Holiday Season to you and yours ~](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreidxtijsxixb5uwl6dx3cysapuvwqdhlyz7g5rycflbpzlnwsnzhhq)
![Weekly Wednesday Wisdom -
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle."
― St. Francis Of Assisi, The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi
Today's quote was used in the naming of our featured artwork, "Darkness Cannot Extinguish The Light" a 5x3" Mixed Media on Wood Panel from November 2025. This artwork was created to be part of "The Vigil" Exhibition being held by the Lancaster ART Network at Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse. Over forty artists received the same 3x5" Panel to create an artwork of a candle in their own style and media. Our piece features hand-painted tissue papers and paper towels some of which were embellished with glitter and is available for sale at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/darkness-cannot-extinguish-the-light
Artist's Statement / Backstory: I knew I wanted to create a mixed media / collage type of artwork on my panel so that my candle wax appeared to be dripping / running. When I picked up my panel at Zoetropolis I realized the area the exhibition would be held in would be lower lighting than a traditional gallery setting; so, I immediately began to ponder ways to make my piece flicker like a candle in that setting. Driving home it occurred to me that if I used glitter on some of the papers it may give my piece that spark [or sparkle if you will] of a burning candle. Moving the piece from brighter light to a lower light situation definitely changes this piece and we can't wait to see it installed!
To see our artwork and what everyone's created for the exhibition: Check out "The Vigil" during December 2025 [official opening as part of First Friday] at 112 N Water St, Lancaster, PA 17603!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreibdrvkdzn6s7eg5434f2keybvwlbtahymz2berfnarxk2viqfdce4)
![Today we're sharing our most recently completed commission: "Gracious Gal: Annie," a 4x6" Mixed Media on Paper completed in October 2025. We were contacted by a customer who requested we create an artwork for a friend who'd lost their four-legged companion. [If you're interested in a custom artwork, you can get more information and then get started at www.craigscanvases.com/commissions] They provided us with a photograph and an approximate size and we worked to create a realistic representation of Annie.
Artist's Statement / Backstory: I know both the customer and recipient[s] of the artwork well; so, I felt extra pressure [although I always put pressure on myself] to accurately capture Annie. I will say the best thing happened after the artwork was gifted, I got a note that reads, "Thank you for the painting of Annie. You definitely captured her." It meant the world to me to receive such praise and made me proud of the artwork I had created! Final Thought: When I was trying to create a title for the piece I decided to search what Annie meant and learned of its origins in Hebrew, a diminutive of Ann or Anne [from Hannah], and it means 'grace' or 'favor.' That quick read determined the title of the piece and we're pleased to have happy customers, pleases recipients, and then to be able to share it with all of you -](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreigbxtxiwdpfwwcgaq5mnfefaobtg4hufud7jon563eegda6vs7c4u)
![his past Sunday at The Journey Church the worship team opened with, 'Rest On Us' by Maverick City Music and UPPERROOM. The opening to that song is:
"As the Spirit was moving over the waters
Spirit, come move over us
Come rest on us
Come rest on us..."
Those opening lyrics quickly confirmed we were on the right track for the artwork we were being nudged to create [please see more about that below]. Today we're sharing the piece that was created during the 9:00 AM Worship Service, "Spirit Was Moving Over The Waters," an 18x24" Mixed Media on Paper from October 2025. To purchase the original artwork; please go to: https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/spirit-was-moving-over-the-waters
Artist's Statement / Backstory: I felt those Spirit nudges that I needed to create an artwork with water; but, I also kept feeling chaos. I decided to 'Sit In The Spirit;' attempting to focus and determine if it was chaos that was inside of me, was something external, like I was picking up the chaotic energy inside the room, or if I just wasn't focused on the right thing. Sitting in stillness, I quickly realized I could shut the chaos of my own life and what was seeping in around me, while in God's presence, and I knew that's what I needed to capture in an artwork. I was compelled to show the way in which God's Spirit takes chaos and calms everything down to calmness. As I've found to be the norm in creating art as part of worship, I was faced with a combination and juxtaposition simultaneously. I put all those thoughts out of my head and allowed myself to create in the Spirit; in doing so, I feel this piece embodies everything I set out to capture and portray in a simple yet powerful and straightforward way.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreigs6zkebnrvnnfzrdi55hf6kdysk7fgpyvh4debij3i7ro6uf6phe)
![Two weeks ago we shared with you the mini-masterpieces based on our original artwork: "A Sea Of Glass Glowing With Fire," a 24x18" Acrylic on Canvas from September 2025. We'd not officially shared our actual artwork with all of you and are happy to be doing that today! [The original artwork is available for purchase at https://www.craigscanvases.com/shop/p/a-sea-of-glass-glowing-with-fire].
The title comes from snippet from the 'Seven Angels with Seven Plagues' Story in Revelation 15:2, "And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name." [as translated in the NIV of The Bible]
Artist's Statement / Backstory: Although the worship songs, message, and worship service in its entirety was moving that week; it didn't capture what I was receiving from the Spirit. I continued to be nudged toward the notion of a glassy [which I interpreted as icy] sea being smooth and then beginning to morph as it burst forth into flames. Although the entire canvas is heavily textured, the lower areas and right side of the canvas were layered with pigments to make them appear as smoothly frozen ice with depth and almost a chill to contrast what's breaking forth above it. Fun Fact: Adding the gloss varnish to this piece really concretes the notion of a glassy sea; so, be on the lookout for a video of this at some point in the future!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreih57atcwhkdhuxnhcd3de4vfjao3ea6hiepb2ryww45wusbpzge2q)
![“I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want.” — Andy Warhol
We're not featuring a solo artwork today; but, instead a new part of our studio space! Back in mid-August we shared here on social media that we were in the process of moving things and yesterday was the first opportunity we had to take advantage of our "new" outdoor painting space! We're able to walk from the studio right out onto a deck and create artwork in the great out-of-doors with the most beautiful natural backdrop. Yesterday we worked there to finish the edges of two artworks from July [yes, we're a little behind; but, we'll be all caught up and start moving forward soon]!
Artist Statement / Backstory: First and foremost, I have to say thank you all for your patience as our home has been flipped upside down, shook out, and then the pieces moved all around. [At least that's what it feels like most days!] I am so grateful to have the opportunity to make these changes which will impact the trajectory of Craig's Canvases in ways I've not even dreamt about yet! The inside of the studio is still in need of a lot more work and refinement; but, that will come in time and in the present I can walk an easel and my supplies outside to paint and enjoy all the sights and smells of nature on these beautiful early September days!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:v5m64ly2e37c6uhrukospoqd/bafkreiahyipu3onjoadmyni2ik4mxpfoy5wknqtpg7up6hy7s7jyl6omm4)
