"... because there was no room for them in the inn ...

As Maureen and I were thinking about what painting we could use for our Christmas card this year, we realized that we had already used my previous Christmas-themed pieces, so I started to ponder what would be an appropriate subject.

Whenever I consider doing a "Christmas" or other religious-themed painting, I try to approach them with an attitude of reverence, and try to make myself worthy of the inspiration I seek. Each such experience has helped me to grow in my understanding and has provided me a new perspective and humility.

This experience was no different. It didn't take long for this composition to distill in my mind and before I knew it, it was out of my head and onto the canvas! Once again, the sacredness and veracity of this event were confirmed in my heart. May the tenderness of the Christmas season bring hope to all who ponder its significance ... may we always be able to find room for Him in our lives! Acrylic on canvas 15" x 30".

Reflections on the Rio Grande (near Alamosa, Colorado)

My boss, Jim Seaberg, commissioned me to paint this scene of his father fishing on the Rio Grande near Alamosa, Colorado. His father loves to flyfish but has not been able to do it much lately because of his failing health. Jim provided me with a home video of a couple of different fishing trips that he had taken with his dad so that I could get the feel of the area, his dad's mannerisms, etc. It was a real challenge, but I had a lot of fun developing this piece.

Some of the thoughts and feelings that I tried to portray:

He is perhaps seeing the river for the last time and has just entered the water …
He is pondering how best to fish the runs ahead and how to best fish this run ...
I love the contrast of the glow of light vs. the deep shadows.
The reflections are a big part of this composition as well ... memories.

Enjoy ...

Acrylic on canvas 36" x 24"

Craig's Venice

One of my young friends and art students, Craig, spent some time in Europe this summer with his family. He took a photo of this scene while on a gondola in Venice. Pretty good photographer, eh?!! He wanted to paint this as a lesson subject ... oh, please, don't twist my arm! I love these types of scenes! We had a lot of fun learning perspective, composition, textures, reflections, etc. This is my version of the scene ... hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas 24" x 18".