NEW DRAWING DATE!
	BECAUSE OF AN OPPORTUNITY to expose this painting more in a large city, I am extending the Drawing to FEBRUARY 4, 2011!

WIN AN ORIGINAL PAINTING AND MORE You can win an ORIGINAL painting of Melissa's as well as some Giclee prints and Christmas Ornaments with her art work on them. YOU NEED TO PURCHASE A $5 TICKET FOR THE DRAWING DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 20, 2010 , NOON CENTRAL TIME. Melissa is currently working on a SURPRISE watercolor painting that will be exhibited in a show in December and January. The Grand Prize Winner will receive this painting. It will come with a Certificate of Authenticity. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive one of the 11x15 GICLEE PRINTS shown below which will also come with Certificates of Authenticity. The 4th and 5th place winners will receive a Christmas Ornament with Melissa's art work on them.

A SNEAK PEEK !
Melissa's surprise painting is revealed in TWO DAYS!!!! Here is a sneak peak of it!

HERE'S THE FINISHED PAINTING!

"DEFENDER AMONG THEM" I think three things inspired the conception of this painting. First, of course I was wanting to portray a message about the fatherless and the motherless. Second, were the techniques of some of the works of Gustav Klimt, the famous Austrian Symbolist painter of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Third, was the Jesus figurine in my collection of nativities from around the world. I began thinking about the timelessness of God. He has always been here. “ …He was and is and is to come.” “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Revelations 4:8, Hebrew 13:8. When these babies, these children, are abandoned, are rejected, and are hurt, He is there throughout their lives. Jesus is their Defender Among Them. He may not be noticed among them, but He is there. When they cry and hurt and are lonely, He is there. He cries along with them, He hovers and protects them. He knows their name. Each baby in the painting, has a word or phrase written in a native tongue of their country to portray the promises of the Defender. Starting at the top of the painting, they are: Chinese - I am chosen American – I am loved Hispanic – I am protected Thai - I am safe Swahili – I am known Russian – I am wanted Arabic – I am free Hindi – I have hope Jesus- Hebrew – I AM LIFE “When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppression, /he will send them a Savior and Defender and He will rescue them. “ Isaiah 19:20

DANCE OF THE PALMS

FAMILY TREASURES

My friend Keltie had been trying to bring her kids home from Uganda for a VERY long time. She had a similar situation to ours but hers was with the Canadian Govt. She has never given up and now she recently came home with her kids. The expenses have run up tremendously with the numerous trips back and forth to Uganda. I would like to raise $1000 dollars for the family. The drawing will be DECEMBER 20, 2010---EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 4, 2011 You can purchase tickets by mail or by sending an email to Kdcarter@mac.com. By Mail: Send to Melissa Carter ATTN: DRAWING 313 Harris Dr. Florence, AL 35634 Please include an email address or phone number and how many tickets you want. Please purchase a ticket for $5. ONE TICKET -$5 TWO TICKETS - $10 FIVE TICKETS - $20 Even if you do not win, I CAN SELL YOU A PRINT and 50% of the profit will go to help Keltie and her family. I am also have A LIMITED NUMBER OF SIGNED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS with this painting on them and 50% of the profit will benefit Keltie and her family as well. Sizes 16x20 $200.00 11x15 $175.00 8x10 $100.00 Signed Ornament $15.00 Blessings, Melissa Carter free web counter