Siena Perspective

This is a typical scene of a Mediterranean farming area. The perspective of the road and rows are the subject of this piece and are what drew me to paint it. I used a very impressionistic approach ... really fun! Acrylic on canvas 36"x24".

Tuscany Poppies

While Maureen and I were in the Tuscany region of Italy a couple of years ago, we saw many quaint landscapes like this one (a study painting with my painting mentor Jerry Yarnell). The red poppies really compliment the gray-greens of the surrounding flora and fauna of that area. It is so interesting to me that every area of the world has its own color scheme!

We were invited to spend a few days there with our good friends Denise and Gary Wright and loved every minute of it! Thank you, Wrights! The countryside so impressed me that I have completed several paintings of this region now. I have them displayed on my website in the gallery called "Europe" along with some of Prague and Poland. Enjoy ...

Acrylic on canvas 30"x15"

Spring break ... country style!

I did this little piece as a study with my painting mentor, Jerry Yarnell. I have completed several paintings lately and I noticed that they all have dirt roads or pathways in them ... Hmmm?!! There is just something artistic about dirt or gravel roads I guess! I love the outdoors enough that I have walked down my share of them and they speak to me for some reason. Anyway, hope you enjoy this piece of springtime in the country! Acrylic on canvas 24"x18".

Simeon with the Savior of the World

My close friend, Alan Russell, invited me to study the story of Simeon and then paint a scene depicting him with the baby Jesus. I have to admit, I had never paid much attention to this story in the Bible before. It was a humbling and fascinating experience for me! What I took away from it was that, like Simeon, we can all make valuable contributions in life even though we may not have high profile responsibilities. Simeon was just a good man, trying to magnify his calling as a temple worker ... every day going about his duties faithfully. I invite any of you to read this account in Luke chapter 2 ... I would love to hear from you about your experience.

I tried to imagine what it must have been like for him to finally hold the baby Jesus whom he recognized immediately as the Savior of the world when he first saw Him with His parents in the temple.

Then my little grandson, Matthew, was born in Washington state. I didn't get to meet him for several weeks after his birth. When I finally did get to hold him, I was overcome with emotion ... I just stared at him with awe and amazement ... the long awaited event was finally happening.

After returning home, Matthew's parents sent me a photo which captured that very moment. I was unaware that the photo had even been taken. I knew right off that I would use this image as my guide to paint this piece. (It's a little scary to see what even more grey hair and a beard does to make one look older!) I could only imagine that Simeon, too, took a moment to gaze into the babe's countenance with wonder and amazement after such a long time of longing. I hope this piece will inspire us all to be a little better each day and to try to do as much good as we can. Acrylic on canvas 18" x 24".

Ahhh ... New Zealand!

Maureen and I spent two wonderful weeks in New Zealand this spring (their autumn). The people were warm and friendly, the pace laid back, the scenery stunning and the weather pleasant! It was truly hard to come home! I wasn't sure at times if we were in Hawaii or Alaska ... the landscape was that divers and beautiful.

This little scene is a typical scene on the south island (my favorite!). Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas 24" x 18".