But Mary kept all of these things and pondered them in her heart ...

Over the past few years, I have tried to do a painting each year that Maureen and I can use for our family Christmas card. This year I decided to try a Nativity featuring a close up of Mary and Jesus, perhaps a little on the non-traditional side. I wanted to show, not only the intimacy, but also the perplexity of the whole experience from her point of view ... a young mother in such humble circumstances, knowing what she knew, but perhaps not well understood by most of her family and friends!

I wanted to express the humanity of the birth experience in a stable among animals but also the glory 'round about the life-changing event. A special thanks to our friend Shalon (model for Mary) and our new grandson Jaxin (model for Jesus)! Merry Christmas to you all!

Alpine Loop

Last month, Maureen and I had the opportunity to take the scenic route home from Heber City through Provo Canyon and over the Alpine Loop dropping us down into American Fork Canyon. Wow, the colors were strikingly brilliant, especially the aspens and maples! I just had to come home and paint it!

Maureen's niece and her daughters came up from So. Cal. to visit us that next week and they (the two girls) helped me block in the rich shadows of the under painting. I later finished up the details ... sure hope I was able to capture a hint of the grandeur and explosion of color that we experienced!

The greatest snow on earth!

Last year, one of my work associates approached me to help her paint a scene from her recent snow boarding experience at the Brighton Ski Resort in Utah. She had taken a photo of her favorite run and wanted to capture it on canvas. I showed her how I would start it and block it in, and then gave her that thumbnail for reference. The other day, she brought my thumbnail canvas back to me, having finally finished her painting! I liked the composition and since I already had an under painted canvas I decided to finish mine, too! I do love painting snow scenes!

Fishing the Falls

Another painting centered on fly fishing in the wilderness! I just can't get enough of it! Hope you can enjoy this peaceful experience as much as I do albeit vicariously!

Arolik Sentinel

This past August, I had the opportunity to go to the Alaska back for a river run/fly fishing adventure. I posted the story earlier on this blog, but I also wanted to share this painting. One of our group took several photos of this eagle as we passed by on the river. He didn't seem to bothered by our presence. So majestic, so wild, so Alaska! Enjoy ...

Bryce Beauty

Bryce Canyon is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the West. I have always wanted to paint it, but have never had the courage to do so. This Fall, we attended Maureen's family reunion at Lake Powell and we drove right past Bryce coming and going without going in ... can you believe it?!! It did, however, inspire me to give it a try as a painting! Hope you enjoy ...