Above A Whisper - Hear My Art -
Art does not have to run over you to be impactful. It can be a cacophony of comingled colors that create a mood. Or, it could be that hint of light on a leaf that catches your eye as it reflects through a dewdrop, whispering, "Stop. Look. Listen". My heart's desire is to be used by God through my art to cause you to pause and listen, truly hear the whisper…and be changed.
Please, come in.
For most of my life, I have been a singer, speaker, entertainer, praise and worship leader, and songwriter. I have been blessed to sing on stages throughout the southern US, and in England. In 2007, while working on my second Christian album, I had to have surgery to remove my thyroid because doctors believed I had thyroid cancer. I had three medical opinions and all three agreed that it was in my best interest not to wait to have the surgery. On October 31, 2007, I went into surgery being able to sing for four hours at a time. I came out of surgery unable to speak above the faintest whisper. This was "to be expected", I was told post-surgery. Twelve weeks later, I still had no audible speaking or singing voice.
I was devastated. The doctor said that my vocal nerves had been severed in surgery. Now that it had been three months post surgery, my voice would not return.
From 2008-2009, I had five surgeries to give me a speaking voice. Singing at my former level, was impossible then and still is today. I went to grief counseling, but, honestly, counseling was of no use to me. I had lost the thing I thought I loved the most...the thing that got me through...the ability to sing to make others happy and the thing that made me the happiest. The thing that got me through times when all I could do was sing out the pain or praise the Lord.
I would love to say that I was one of those Christians that just, "sucked it up", and, "chose joy" and, "I'm good," but I wasn't. I wasn't "good". I was sick about losing the ability to sing. I was furious at myself for choosing to have the surgery until after I'd finished the album, and, I was hurt and angry...REALLY angry at God, because I sought the Lord! I asked Him what I should do before the surgery. I ASKED. I PRAYED. I SOUGHT Him for the best plan, and I believed I heard Him say, "Have the Surgery." So, I did, and He failed me.Or, so I thought.Fast forward to 2014.
My husband and I were living in an apartment. Our bedroom had one, huge, blank wall. It's 'blank-ness' drove me nuts. I told my husband I wanted to paint a mural to hang there. I'd never really shown him any of my past art because I didn't really have any. So, when I announced my plan, he looked at me kind of sideways. I went to the art store, bought a 3' x 4' canvas and some paints and brushes and painted the painting that is in the background here called, "Poppies." I posted it on Facebook just because I was kind of surprised at myself and proud of the way it turned out. I must have done something right, because I sold that painting in 30 minutes!Insert lightbulb moment here.See, from the time I was a little girl, I've been drawing. All I wanted to do was draw. I entered art contests in grade school and won or placed in most. I was that person who designed the posters and banners for ball games in high school. I was that person who painted murals in the kids' rooms at church, and the one that my sorority called on for signs for special events. My major in college was graphic art, but I had also achieved notoriety for my singing. Singing gigs got me more singing gigs and I got paid for it! I had been writing music and a couple producers in Nashville said I had what it took to make big things happen there. I hadn’t really been paid for my art, so, I forgot my first love. I forgot the fascination of creating and the complete joy of art. Could I actually do art? Was I any "good" at it? Maybe.
In 2017, my husband gave me a gift. He bought me a portable building “studio". He demonstrated his love for me by providing a creative space all my own and investing in me. I am the most blessed woman on earth, trust me.
Since painting my first painting, “John’s Bear” in that studio, I have created things I would not have dared create anyplace else. More than that, I gained confidence just by the practice of doing what I know…what is intrinsically in me. I had this plan to write music, sing music, make money…all the things. God still had a plan for me. And He’s still working that plan, thankfully. (That is, when I get myself out of the way and let Him create through me!) Not everything you see here will be attractive to you. You may not be a fan, and that’s okay. My hope is that you take the time to “Stop. Look. Listen”, and be changed in some way afterwards. With the exception of "John's Bear", everything you see here is available in a print, or a pillow or a coffee cup…or a shirt! Please “Like” and Share this page. Also, please check out my upcoming Etsy shop by the same name, “Above a Whisper – Hear My Art.” More designs and art coming!You are a created, creative being, made by The Creator. Let art happen!
-Janet Vines
John's Bear (Not Available)
"Poppies" Available in Print (only)
"The Fountain" Available in Print (only)
"Snow Gate" Available in Print (only)
"The Quiet Path" Available in Print (only)
"Call of the Wolf" Available in Print (only)
"Bluebonnet Bandit" Original $150.00 (Prints available!)
Ripple in the Reeds Available in Print (Only)
Blue Vue Original $725 (Prints Available)
"The Alaska Cabin" Available in Print (only)
Custom Hand Painted Chair (Example Only) Contact for Pricing
"Breakthrough" Original 36x36 Prints only.
"Let Him Sleep!" Available in Print (only)
"Rhythm" 48x60 Original Acrylic Abstract on Stretched Canvas $1750.00.
"The Guardian" Available in Print (only)
Hope $500 (Original) Prints Available
Cowboy Up! 16x24 Email for Information
Taking Stock 16x24 Email for Information
Everything pictured here can be printed as pillows, t-shirts, wrapped canvas, or printed on paper for you to frame! Just ask!
| Poppies | Available in Print Only (Recommended Reprint Size 16x20, 20x24, 24x36) | Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
|---|---|---|
| The Fountain | Print Only (Recommended Reprint Size 12x24) | Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
| Snow Gate | Print Only (Recommended Reprint Size 30x30 or 36x36) | Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
| The Quiet Path | Print Only (Recommended Reprint Size is 16x20, 20x24, 30x30 or 36x36) | Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
| Call of the Wolf | Print Only (Recommended Reprint Size is 16x20 or 20x24) | Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
| Bluebonnet Bandit | Original (16x20) is Available! $150.00 | (Recommended Reprint is 16x20 or 20x24). Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
| Ripple in the Reeds | Print Only (Shown is 12 x 36) | |
| Blue Vue | Acrylic on Stretched Canvas Original Available! | 36x36 Heavy Gallery Wrap Canvas. $725.00 |
| The Alaska Cabin | Print Only (Recommended Reprint Size is 16x20 or 20x24) | Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
| Hand Painted Chair Example with my version of "Starry Night" by VanGogh. Email me if you want a personalized, hand painted piece of furniture. | ||
| Breakthrough | Original is sized 36x36. Prints only available. Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! | |
| Let Him Sleep! | Print Only (Recommended 24x36) Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! | |
| Rhythm | Original is Available! 48x60. Original Acrylic Abstract on Stretched Canvas $1750.00 Reprint Size recommendation is 30x30, 36x36, 48x48. | |
| The Guardian | Available in print only. Recommended print size is 30x30 or 36x36 | Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
| Hope | $550.00 Prints available in 16x20, 24x36. Print costs will depend on the type of print you desire. Shipping is free! |
"Hope" Available in Print (only) and additional items (pillow shown here)
Thank you for checking out my art! You CAN afford a canvas print even if an original is outside your budget. Or, an accent pillow, or coffee cup! Ask and I will try to make it happen! Print sizes are produced to order and shipped to your door. Because our world is a little upside down right now, shipping costs will vary. Email me at [email protected]
Wags and Whiskers Custom Pet Portraits
Welcome to the jumping up and downiest, most excitingest, waggy-est, cuddly-est site on the planet.
Wags and Whiskers Custom Pet Portraits!
A custom pet portrait is a wonderful way to celebrate the life and love of your treasured pet family member.
I lovingly paint all portraits in acrylics from reference photos you provide. Finished paintings are coated in a polymer sealer to preserve their color quality for years to come. You may choose stretched canvas or panel canvas. Recommended portrait sizes are 8x10, 10x10, 12x12, or 11x14. Prices start at $150.00. As most pieces take over 25 hours, please keep in mind that advance booking is recommended.
Email me at [email protected]
Message me on Fb @
Wags and Whiskers Custom Pet Portraits or Janet Vines Fine Art
COMING SOON: PET SYMPATHY CARDS!
