Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Our little Artist!

Many of you already know that we have a talented artist in the family...
Much to our surprise, Cameron came to us with a special talent.
A talent that in my estimation required a real cultivation.  Surely, people aren't just "born with" an artistic talent, or are they?
Well, Cameron did say that they spent some time at his orphanage learning about art and I saw on my tour that they had some easels out in the common area for the kids to draw on.
I remember shortly after Cameron came home, I saw him sketching this picture free hand...

Shortly after this one, a few more came along...







Needless to say, I was impressed.  I have Z.E.R.O. talent in this arena. 

Wanna learn to play a wind instrument? 
I'm your gal.
Need a theory lesson? 
Got ya covered!

But Art? Sorry Charlie! Not my gift.
So, we began to realize that outside help was going to be necessary.

Thankfully, he has been blessed with some really talented teachers and most recently attended a two day art camp at school over the Thanksgiving break.

While I haven't seen all of his work from those two days (some things were secret projects for Christmas gifts), I can tell you that his work continues to show promise.

His first painting with textured paint- Tiger, Summer 2012.


Gift for Mom presented on Thanksgiving, 2012


Gorgeous Winter Scene
I posted these on facebook and a good friend suggested that we should make this winter scene into a card.

I liked the idea so much that this is exactly what we've done.

Cameron has asked before if he could paint something to sell so that he could help us raise the needed funds to get his two new brothers home. 
(How sweet is that??)

But, I told him that I was not ready to sell one of his paintings because they were too special to me.

So, when this suggestion was presented, it seemed like the perfect way for me to keep his art and share it! (Thanks, Paula!)

Here is a proof of the card.  

We are going to give them in sets of:
 10 for $12 and sets of 
24 for $25 donations.

*Please include $3 for shipping (set of 10) or $5.50 for a set of 24
 if you are not local.

Once folded, each card will measure 4.25"x5.5" and include an A2 envelope.

These will make wonderful Holiday cards but will also be useful anytime and any year since the inside is blank.

Everytime I look at one of his paintings it is a reminder to me that God redeems all things.  He took this little boy from a tough place and a rougher than desired start in life and gifted him with an amazing talent.  Then, he orchestrated circumstances in his life where he could express this gift and share it.

He is so excited to be an active part of this most recent adoption.  Somehow, I think it is helping him to heal a little and to turn something sad into something joyful for another. 

We would love it if you would help share about Cameron's Winter Card Sale and order some of these as gifts or to use for your own family.

Donations can be made to the side of our blog or via Journey Together Ministries if you desire a tax deduction for your gift.


The Rylands family hopes that each one of you have a Christmas season filled with blessings from the Father and that you take some time to slow down and recognize the redemption taking place in your own lives.  God is always at work!  We just have to slow down and take a close look.

Merry Christmas, May Jesus Christ be Praised!

Tom & Angie





12 comments:

Katie said...

I love these! Is there any way to mail you a check? I'd love to order some to use as thank you's in our adoption!

Rylands family said...

Katie,

Thank you for your comment! Yes, it is absolutely ok to mail a check. My email address is angie.rylands@lifelinechild.org

If you email me I can send you the address.
Angie

Monica said...

I want a pack too! As soon as I saw this painting when you posted it the other day I thought that it would be awesome to sell, especially as cards!! How do I get a pack?

Rylands family said...

Hey Monica! Just process a donation on our donate button to the left of the blog and let me know in the memo what size pack(s) you want and how many. I will say let's start with $5.50 for shipping and if someone orders a ton, then I may need to use a larger box. How does that sound? Angie

joanieb said...

Sally Wallace sent me your blog, I have three adopted sibs from Russia myself. I think she sent it to me though as I own a small/new art school on Folly Road near Maybank--The Artists' Loft. I've been working with Graydon McKoy who is a young artist/entrepreneur--Graydon's Critters on FB and he takes his paintings and makes cards to sell to go on mission trips--and would love to work with your son if the need is there. The FB site is The Artists' Loft School, let me know!!!

Anonymous said...

I just sent an order for these gorgeous cards thru the donation button. Bravo to the artist!!
~Michele Ray Huff

Annie said...

Oh my gosh Angie!!!!!! I just want to cry!!!! How sweet is that and what a BEAUTIFUL card! WOW! I am going to share on FB right now!

Leilani's Longing and Designed By M said...

Cameron, you are a very talented young man! Keep working the talent God gave you! Our daughter, Marissa is also a talented artist. She just turned eight and has been painting since she was two. She started her own business when she was five. Please look at her work at www.paintingsbymarissa.com. She has a "Winter" painting that previously sold and was also made into cards and a print. I think you two would enjoy looking at one another's work and inspiring each other, too. Keep up the beautiful work!

Rylands family said...

Terri, thank you for sharing about your daughter's work! I can't wait to share it with Cameron later today. I know he will enjoy that! God Bless! Angie

Rylands family said...

Joan,

I would love to talk with you! You can email me directly at tommysfolks@gmail.com . I would love to ask some questions about the art school. Angie

Ruth said...

I got my cards today! They are even more beautiful in person! Thanks so much for sharing your artist with us!

Ruth, in Texas

Rylands family said...

Ruth, So very glad that the arrived safely and that you were pleased! If any of your friends and family would like some, you know where to send them! :-) Merry Christmas! Angie