Sunday, August 10, 2008

Sometimes we can learn more from "stormy seas" than from "calm waters" ...


My first mission companion, Rick Koplin, wrote a wonderful poem about sailing off into life's journey and being guided by the spirit ... he asked me to paint my interpretation of it! This was a fun and touching experience for me ... Thanks, Rick, for the opportunity! (Acrylic on canvass 36"x 24")

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Small stream USA ...


I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with one of my favorite painters, Jerry Yarnell. This was my first official art lesson! I loved every minute of it! This scene was the subject of our lesson ... of course, I personalized it by adding a fly fisherman! (Acrylic on canvass 24"x 18")

Monday, August 4, 2008

High Uintah Therapy


Dad and I spent a lot of time together in the Uintah Mountains of Utah when I was young. On one occasion, we were hiking into Pinto Lake to join the scout troop during there summer camp. We received poor directions and soon found ourselves lost in the wilderness. Needless-to-say, as an 8 year old I was getting concerned, but Dad assured me that all would be well. He pointed out a landmark, Bald Mountain in the distance, and told me that our truck was at the base of that mountain. All we had to do was to keep the mountain in sight and it would lead us back to safety. Sure enough, it did. The next morning, we got better directions and made our way easily to Pinto Lake.


I have never forgotten that experience. The principle applies to our spiritual lives as well. If we know to Whom to look for guidance, we are never really lost, even though we may be a bit off course. This painting is my memory of that "Bald Mountain" experience.