Restoration Morning

My friend, Jay Ritchie, told me about his experience visiting the Sacred Grove with his wife, Paula a couple of years ago. Since then, I have longed to be able to visit there as well ... someday perhaps!

As I have studied the Book of Mormon this year, I have had the desire to paint this sacred event, even starting the painting a couple of different times. Each time, though, I was not satisfied with my interpretation. I finally had this scene come into my mind a few weeks ago. I have a strong testimony of its reality and invite all to gain the same feelings of hope and peace. Acrylic on canvas (30"x 22") Nov 2008

He is Risen

I originally painted this piece several years ago early one Easter morning. I discovered that the power of darkness is simply just the absence of light. My feelings toward the Savior were sweetened and enhanced during this experience.

Several years later, our friends Alan and Sherrie Russell lost their 17 year old son in a tragic car accident. I was impressed to give them the painting, hoping that it might help them in their healing process. Both of us were again touched by the sweetness of the gospel and the hope that the Savior's atonement brings to all of us.

I have painted this scene several other times through the years for other family members. This one hangs in our home now. Acrylic on canvas (30"x 22") (Original completed in April 2000 ... I did this version in Nov. 2008)

Santorini

Paul and Nadine Craig invited us to go on a Greek Isle Cruise with them in November sponsored by Midwest Floor Coverings. I took my painting stuff along and painted several thumbnails ... 2 of the Savior, one of Veneice (which I gave to Paul and Nadine), and this one of Santorini. Adam had seen pictures of Santorini and thought it looked alot like his mission area on the southern Spanish coast.

Adam and Aubrey were "house sitters" for us while we were away, so I gave this one to them as thanks for helping out. Acrylic on canvas board (12"x 16")

Stormy Seas

In the current "economic storm" we find ourselves, doom and gloom abound. This scene depicts how I felt one particular day ... being tossed to and fro by the economic winds of the storm, yet confident enough to feel steady at the helm! In many life situations, there are many things we can learn from storms that we simply cannot learn from calm seas.

I used an impressionistic approach, limiting my pallet, brushes and time (I even set the timer to make sure I didn't get caught up in too many details!) It was a very insightful experience for me and helped me "loosen up" a bit. Acrylic on canvas (20"x 10")

"Rooster"

Cindy Cima, who frames most of my paintings, commissioned me to paint their family dog "Rooster" for her husband's Christmas present. This was a really fun project for me! Acrylic on canvas (30"x 22")

The Ultimate Getaway

We had the opportunity to build a recreational "get-away" for the Jake Harouny family up in Heber, Utah. I really enjoyed helping them with this project. I painted this scene as a house warming gift for them ... I wanted to protray a peaceful and enduring feeling. (Acrylic on canvass 36"x 24")