An Exciting Prospect!!! I put my art in the Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

Well I did it! I put my art in the:

Veterans Creative Arts Festival 

Raymond G. Murphy
Veteran's Affair Medical Center
 I did it in three different categories. I will keep you posted how I do. The first step is the state... Next will be Nationals if I do well here! Keep me in your prayers! THANKS
In the Following Three Categories…
 
Special Health Mental Health Challenges: 
Three Zebras by: Penny Winn Painted 2019
I started painting as a way to control my pain and deal with my PTSD. It helps me to let go of the war and find joy in life again. By focusing on wildlife and things not in my past and the things that I have seen I can see the beauty that is all around me and not the nightmares that plague me. I have found a way to see past what used to haunt me always. I find if I paint 5 or more hours a day, I am so much happier. I can escape and be blessed in life again. By finding expression in wildlife I am moving past many things that used to hold me back. The zebra painting is tranquil and calms the heart, I do love many creatures in Africa, but I am not limited to painting them. I paint any animal that strikes me.  

Military Combat Experience: 
Soldier and Dog by: Penny Winn Painted 2019
 
When I was in the Gulf War I was stationed in medivac. Every day we would get calls to go to soldiers who were out doing their mission. We would never go to places that the soldiers were safe, and they were unharmed. These soldiers were in the mix, the battle heavy, or finished. I was always intrigued by the dogs that remained loyal in the fight, that could stand the noise and never leave their sides. I would see such comfort there. So much chaos, and yet, they remained steadfast. I painted this soldier and his dog as a reminder of those who I saw there. I never had one of my own, but I did see them in my time in the military and would like to honor them with this painting.

Watercolor: 
Rhino by: Penny Winn Painted 2019
 
This whimsical watercolor of the rhino is filled with fun colors and the dandelion seeds escaping up into the air around him. It is just an expressive way to play with the paint and show the lightheartedness of the rhino in a bright and inviting environment.