Your cart
Close Alternative Icon
FREE Standard Shipping to USA and Canada on ALL orders over $99 FREE Standard Shipping to USA and Canada on ALL orders over $99

Mindi Oaten Art - Blog

2018 New Year | New Assignment

2018 New Year | New Assignment

Happy 2018 everyone! I am so excited to have crossed over into this New Year. This is a year of fresh starts, new doors and digger deeper... for me, beginning with a blank canvas.  I wanted to start off the year by announcing a new creative adventure that I am honoured to be part of.

Continue reading

Spring Update | Upcoming Events and #100daysofpainting

Spring Update | Upcoming Events and #100daysofpainting

A lot has happened in my creative world since I last wrote and back from reviveFLORIDA, so I thought it was time to give you a little update.  

SPRING ART SHOW | New Original Art

On April 12, 2016 I held my own "Spring Art Show" here in my hometown of Cochrane, AB.  It was a wonderful night to showcase my new original art collection.  The central theme was "Springtime," my favourite season.  I started working on the collection back in the winter, feeling a nudge to paint the coming signs of spring.  We held the show at a local Italian restaurant, Portofino's, the room was transformed into a garden full of fresh flowers, chirping birds and rainy skies.  It was a fabulous evening!  Thank you to all who came out to support me, I really appreciate it.  To view the collection click here.

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:11-12)

 

 

Prophetic Painting Live | Worship Nights

I've been fortunate to paint live during worship here at home with Burn24-7 Calgary. I have had the opportunity to paint two nights so far, one in Cochrane, AB at King's Gate Church, back in March and one a couple weeks ago in Calgary.

Below are the two paintings I did at these events:

"In Harmony" 30x40 inches - Sold

"How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" (Psalm 133:1)

"Send the Rain" 30x40 inches - available for purchase

 "The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you." (Deuteronomy 28:8)

 

YOUR INVITED | Burn 24-7 Calgary | Friday, April 29, 2016 | 7pm-11pm

I'm so excited to join them again this Friday, April 29th at C3 Church Calgary West location. If you are in the Calgary area, and want to come worship and see me paint, please come out!  7pm-11pm

 

 I also painted live last Friday night at a worship night with our House Church called, "Rain Fall."  It was such a fun night of worship, dance, singing and praising.  I felt the Lord speak to me about painting a visual of JOY in the storm.  "Consider it Pure Joy" is an expression of finding joy in all circumstances.  No matter what storm you are facing, there is always the choice to pull on God's joy!  In Him we find strength.  

"Consider it Pure Joy" 30x40 inches - available for purchase

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

 

#100daysofpainting | The 100 Day Project

So what am I up to now?  After my Spring Art Show I thought I would take a little break before I figure out the next direction of my work.  I worked on updating my website with all the new original paintings, click here to check them out.  Stay tuned for new fine art prints as well!  Then I thought I would take a week off... and I saw this:

 

My initial thoughts were, oh man, that would be so intense!  Painting for 100 days straight, I just completed a couple months of hard work and need a break.  But, I am someone who loves a good challenge and couldn't pass it up.  So...I joined in this crazy adventure of painting for 100 days!  You can follow me in this journey on Instagram @minoaten  

The whole point is the commitment to the process.  There are no set rules, just to practice in the process of creating everyday.  It can be completing a painting a day, or working on a piece in progress... simply doing something productive each day in your craft.

Here is my progress so far:  

Day 1/100 "In the Beginning" 6x6 inches

 Day 2/100 "In the Spirit" 20x20 inches

Day 3/100 "Cranberry Splash" 6x6 inches 

Day 4/100 "Consider it Pure Joy" 30x40 inches

Day 5/100 "Lemon Twist" 6x6 inches

Day 6/100 "Lime Stripe" 6x6 inches

Day 7/100 | Work in Progress | Commission

Day 8/100 "Iced Coffee Cream" 6x6 inches

Day 9/100 "Blueberry Smoothie" 6x6 inches

Stay tuned for more artwork on my #100daysofpainting challenge...

 

Upcoming Events

1. Burn 24-7 Calgary | Friday, April 29th @ 7pm-11pm | C3 Church Calgary West 

I will be live painting during this worship night.

2.  Art in Action: A Showcase to Raise Awareness about Human Trafficking | June 15, 2016

I am live painting at this event and donating my painting to raise money.  Please read below for details and get your tickets:

An inaugural fundraising event in Calgary, this evening will feature a silent art auction, artistic performances including live music, dance, and a live painting, which will be available for purchase. This lively event will also feature a presentation from ACT Alberta and a chance to learn more about human trafficking and how to help. All proceeds raised will go toward ACT Alberta's programming. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Cardel Theatre
180 Quarry Park Blvd SE, Calgary, AB
Doors at 6:30 PM. Showcase at 7:00 PM

Tickets are $25 and are available online only. Get your tickets here.

3. Spring Artisan Market in Cochrane, AB | June 25, 2016

I will have a table at this artisan market showcasing my art!  Would love to see you all... come say hi and take a peek.  

Frank Wills Memorial Hall | 405 - 1st Street East, Cochrane | 10:30am - 4:30pm

 

Thank you all for reading my update.  It's been an exciting spring season so far.  Lots on the go, lots to look forward to.  I am also in the process of updating my "fine art print" collections on my website.  Some neat features coming soon.  You can still take advantage of my 25% OFF all FINE ART PRINTS until the end of April.  Click here to view.  Use the coupon code "spring25" at the checkout.  

 

I pray you all are blessed!  

Mindi

 

 

 

 

Continue reading

2015 - A Year to Celebrate: The Beginning of my Adventure in Art

2015 - A Year to Celebrate: The Beginning of my Adventure in Art

 

As 2015 comes to close, I can’t help but be extremely thankful for all that I was able to accomplish this year. None of it would have been possible if it wasn’t for God. I know that sounds like a line from an acceptance speech, but in all seriousness, it was all done by the guidance, leading and strength from the Lord.

You know that line, “it’s all who you know” when it comes to advancing… you need to know the right people and at the right time, kind-of-thing? I have to chuckle a little because when you know Jesus, put your life into His hands, He will do remarkable things you can’t even try to accomplish on your own. You don’t have to strive to position yourself, get in front of the “right” people to get a “break,” He is all you need. He makes the paths straight and the doors open. Trust, patience, communication and obedience are all it takes.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

My 2015 is a testimony of this.

It all began with an open door in January. My cousin Kyle texted me a simple message, “Hey it’s your cousin, we are seeing a move of God breaking out in Indiana. The Lord laid you on my heart this morning to come down and prophetic paint on stage. Have you ever done this before? Would you be willing to come?”

Open doors require action. This was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. No matter how scary that sounded, I knew it was God holding the door wide open to what He’d already prepared for me by speaking to me through a dream, through prophetic words from others, through a shift in my heart and a spoken word to me about returning to my art, that He would take me places if I do it for Him.

The year before I had a hunger for more of God and He sure showed up. I dug into the Word, studied and learned to hear His voice, so what He was preparing me for – something I didn’t dream would actually happen – fell in my lap. When that happens, it’s go time.

reviveINDIANA:

One trip and 4 paintings later turned into 11 more trips to 7 different cities in Indiana, 48 paintings and a celebration I’ll never forget. If you told me I would paint in a stadium with over 6,000 people, I would of laughed. There is no way to prepare you for some of the experiences we had in reviveINDIANA.

I remember the first painting, on January 28, 2015, with trembling hands; I got up on stage and took a deep breath. I had only done this twice before, on a much smaller scale and smaller canvas. I really had no idea what I was doing…all I knew was when God is on it, He will be your strength. So, I asked Him to take over my hand, calm my fear and “First Love” came out of it.

Looking back, I find it so fitting that “First Love” was the beginning of my adventure in prophetic art. It will always be a reminder of staying true to my first love, in Jesus Christ. It all starts here.

After reviveINDIANA, we ventured to Mississippi for reviveTUPELO. God opened more doors and I got to see the birthplace of Elvis Presley. It was a site of humbling beginnings and the birthplace of rock n’ roll. Let’s just say, worship was awesome in Tupelo!

In November my husband was able to join me on a cruise we will never forget. Time to Revive was invited to board the Celebrity Summit Cruise line in San Juan, Puerto Rico to reviveSOUTHERNCARIBBEAN islands. This was a perfect time of relaxation, fun in the sun and sharing the Gospel to the people on the islands of Tortola, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas. Painting on a cruiseship was something I would have never dreamed of doing. It was truly unforgettable.

 

The last trip of 2015 was to Dallas, TX to paint for the Time to Revive annual banquet. “Here We Go” was a prophetic vision to wrap up all we did in 2015 and also launch us into 2016. Pack your bags to go out into the harvest. It’s time.

 

I completed 56 prophetic paintings in 2015 with Time to Revive. I also did a 30-day mini painting series of rest in my studio. (And completed several commissions during my time home).   I learned to never limit your abilities to accomplish goals. I had no idea I could paint this much art in one year. No clue.

2015 taught me to break off the chain of fear, nothing is impossible for God and with God. I learned perseverance and endurance, how to rest well to keep going, function on little sleep and no preparation. Walk by the Holy Spirit, trusting and learning to hear His voice. I saw the fruit and miracles by walking in obedience to the voice of the Lord. I saw the Body of Christ come together in unity, mobilize, equip and GO OUT to share the love of Jesus. I gained friendships that will last a lifetime, gathered a list of precious people I continue to pray for, and have a greater hunger to see God move and know Him more.

2016 I look forward to new levels. I have great anticipation for what’s coming. As the Body of Christ press into the calling and assignment the Lord has for each and every one of us, we will see the unexpected. We all have a mission field and a calling. The area the Lord has given you talents, dreams and a sphere of influence right where you are…is your mission. If He’s given you dreams and desires for more, ask Him to line up the path for your destiny. Be patient in His timing, it is perfect.

THANK YOU to all who supported me this year! Thank you for collecting little treasures of my art, for the prayer support from so many of you and the encouragement.

2016… Here We Go! I’m so pumped.

Blessing for a fabulous, adventurous NEW YEAR!

All Glory to Him,

Mindi

Continue reading

Restoration Collection - Revisiting Unfinished Work

Restoration Collection - Revisiting Unfinished Work

Sitting in my studio this past week, contemplating what to work on, I stared at 3 unfinished pieces that have sat there half done for almost a year. Yes, that’s right… a whole year. Have you ever put a project or something on the back-burner so long that you forget about it? Or let time slip by so long you have no motivation to finish what you started? New, fresh ideas take over that seem better or more important, so the old just sits unfinished.

As I stared at those paintings, something came over me to get them done. I had a sudden burst of energy to revisit the unfinished work and complete it.  

I believe everything we do, every moment really, can be a chance to learn and grow when we take a look at it from heaven’s perspective. What is the Lord saying to me about this circumstance? I’ve learned that God is constantly speaking to us in every moment if we learn to hear Him. So, I asked, “What happened to these paintings I was once so excited to paint? Where did the lack of motivation and focus go that I neglected them for a year?” I stared at “Restored Beauty” the grey background with a sketch of antlers in white paint. The larger canvas with a blue background and a simple sketch of another antler, sat beside it. That was as far as I got. Starring at canvases with sketches of bones.

I remembered back to my initial plan to complete the paintings… I planned to do a series of antler paintings adorned with blossoming, beautiful flowers. When I started the paintings a year ago, antlers were quite popular in decorating and design, you would see them everywhere. Then the Lord reminded me of why I neglected them; I had a different mindset of looking at them from a worldly perspective. I had a fear that I wouldn’t be original enough because they were so popular, even though I loved the look. I over thought them to the point of not finishing them, because I was afraid to paint a subject matter that was trendy. Isn't that so silly?  

Boy have I come along way from that thinking… now I just do. I look at things from a different perspective. It doesn’t matter what things look like on the outside, if they are "trendy" or not, it’s the meaning that makes the difference.  The timing to revisiting these paintings were perfect.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

Recently the Lord has been speaking to me about restoration. It is the subject that keeps coming back to me over and over. How He is restoring all things, making old things new.  I have dreams and ideas of this very subject written in my journal over the past several months. As I looked at the subject matter of the paintings I started, antlers with intensions of adding beautiful flowers to them… the Lord lead me to Ezekiel 37, along with many other verses in the Bible about restoration. He spoke to me about the strength and dominion of the Kingdom of Heaven being restored, new life sprouting out of dry bones.  My sudden burst of energy to finish what I had intended with these paintings a year ago was the Holy Spirit giving me new eyes to see what He is saying.  He ministered to my heart with the hope we have in Him as I layered pinks and greens of new life onto the canvas.

The initial motivation for painting these were just because I wanted a set of antlers on my wall, but I didn’t feel connected, obviously not enough to follow through with them to finish. But now I see the paintings in a whole new way…

As a representation of restoring old bones, adorning them into something new. From death to life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God restores.  He beautifully weaves restoration into the lives of those who allow Him to work. 

This is my collection of restoration.  

 

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,” (Isaiah 61:3)

 

 

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10) 

 

"Restored Hope" - 11"x 14" 

 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

 

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:12)

"The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life." (Ezekiel 37:1-10)

 

Reflecting on this subject of restoration, I found myself in a posture of thankfulness of all God has restored to me over the past two years.  He has restored every area of my life in some form.  I am honestly amazed at some of the miracles in my life in such a short time.  It's exciting that restoration is a process and more is yet to come!

Today I pray that each one of you are encouraged by God's restoring power through the Holy Spirit.  He is restoring all things.  We are in an exciting time of restoration.  

I also encourage you that there is nothing that can't be restored, revisited, revived.  Projects, ideas and passions from the past that have been neglected can be re-visited and completed.  Time doesn't matter.  You may just discover treasures you didn't see before.  The gold underneath that launches you to a new level of inspiration and breakthrough.  It's there.  We all have hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. All it takes is a little action and faith to find them. 

Richest Blessings,

Mindi

 

 

Continue reading

Advent Calendar Treat Bags - Creating Memories

Advent Calendar Treat Bags - Creating Memories

I posted a couple photo's this morning on FB of this little advent project I've been working on for my kids... a friend posted that I should 'Blog it', so I thought good idea. 

This is a super fun way to do an advent calendar with your kids, or family of any age, using Scripture cards that tell the Christmas story of our Saviour's birth.  This year I wanted to focus on the true meaning of Christmas as family time with my kids.  We plan on opening one advent bag each night before dinner, read the scripture in the Bible, discuss and share a little treat.  Christmas can get so busy with the hustle and bustle, this will be a great way to have a devotion time with the family each night leading up to Christmas Day.

I can't take credit for any of the ideas, I got them all off Pinterest - and growing up my mom did this with us.  It was one of my favourite memories that I'm excited to pass on to my kids.

Supplies:

I got all the items from 3 stores: The Dollar Store, Michaels & Bulk Barn. (in Canada)

-The Scripture Cards were downloaded off a free printable site: click here to download

-White acrylic paint (you can use craft paint from a dollar store)

-Sponge brush

-Number stencil (found at Michaels)

-25 burlap bags with draw string (I found at the Dollar Store)

-25 treats, candies, ornaments, crafts, stickers, etc. to fill each bag (I have 3 boys, so I found 3 of each thing to be equal...) Some items I had only one thing (ex: baby Jesus figurine) and added 3 little candies for each of the kids.  

-burlap string to tie on my ladder (I already had the ladder...I've seen branches used, hung from a curtain rods, put in a basket, so many fun ways to display!)

That's it!!  Have fun creating memories with your kids and sharing with them the true meaning of Christmas.  

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

I plan on using those little close-pins (bought at Michaels) to clip the scripture card on the front of each bag as we open them.  Then we can count down the days to Christmas...

Happy Christmas Preparation!  May the focus be on the One who bridged the gap, bringing Heaven to Earth...Jesus Christ.  Thank you Father for sending your son to die for us so we can have life abundantly, here and now. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Many Blessings,

Mindi

Continue reading

The Transition - New Season | The Stirring Conference

The last couple of months have been a season of transition in my life. Transition = change. And through change comes process. We don’t always welcome change when it means letting go of things from the past and walking into new territory we may have no clue about. Change can be hard, but also very exciting when you know that God’s timing is always perfect and trusting Him through the process. Over a year ago, I heard God speak to me about my own life and how He is transitioning things, literally like the seasonal changes in a calendar year.  

The latter part of the summer, after I came home from reviveINDIANA, I had the urge to focus on our house, re-painting, de-cluttering, cleaning and fixing up things that were neglected while I was traveling. I devoted about a month and a half to that. The Lord spoke to my heart about clearing out the junk. Making my living space more manageable for the next season. Time to clean up and clear out for a NEW SEASON. It was a ton of work, but very refreshing! I knew it was necessary as a preparation for new things to come. All part of the process.

 

In early September, I painted at a conference called “The Stirring” with Global Awakening. It was a pivotal weekend where I knew I would re-focus on my artwork again. Time to get back to work! It was the kick-off of another shift of transition.

When praying into what the Lord wanted me to prophetic paint, I heard Him speak clearly on the transition in the spirit. “The Transition” was painted during the first night of the conference. I saw a picture of the leaves falling as the summer turned to fall. The Lord focused my attention on capturing the moment where a leaf falls off the branch and floats gently to the ground. That time is very short. He spoke to my heart to embrace that time of transition when I feel like I’m “free floating” frustrated and impatient without knowing where I’ll land, to simply enjoy the process rather than be anxious. Time is short. It moves quicker than we think. In the midst of change, take the time to enjoy it. We do not know what will happen tomorrow. Today I am thankful for what God is showing me, where He has placed me in this moment; thankful for the mighty plans He has in the future. I choose to trust Him in the process of transition. He always has our best interest in mind as we grow and mature. We never stop that process in life, no matter what accomplishments we achieve, there is always more. 

I have spent September working on commissions and compiling a lot of new ideas. This painting has inspired a whole series of new paintings I am currently working on. My goal is to have them ready before Christmas, so stay tuned. Next week I begin to travel again with Time to Revive… heading down to Tupelo, Mississippi. I am excited to see what God has in store down there.

Bless you all today. Whatever season of transition you are currently going through, trust in the Lord to bring you through with hope and joy in the anticipation of what’s to come. It’s all a process of growth and maturity for the better.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

To collect a fine art print of 'The Transition' click here.

 

Continue reading
  • Page 1 of 2