Decisions Determine Destiny 2017

Several years ago, I painted a similar scene recalling an experience I had while hiking with my dad as a young boy in the Uintah Mountains of Utah. We took a wrong fork in the trail and did not make it to our intended destination. We had to retrace our path and choose the correct fork which took us right to the lake we were expecting. So it is in life ... the decisions we make will ultimately determine our destiny and our happiness.

Primary puddles

Years ago, while visiting my wife's cousin in Vancouver, Canada, we hiked to a small waterfall just after a rainstorm. The forest light was misty and puddles littered the path. I had not brought along any painting materials so we went into town to purchase some. I was able to buy red, yellow and blue paint along with tube of white. We also purchased a couple of brushes and a canvas. I painted the pathway scene the best I could and left it with them as a thank you for their hospitality.

A couple of months ago, I wanted to teach my students to use only primary colors on their next painting. I remembered our Vancouver experience so I suggested that we use that scene as reference material. This is my version of that painting lesson.

Light in the Forest

Several years ago Maureen and I had the opportunity to visit an old growth forest in the Pacific Northwest. When the group we were with began our hike into this unique area, the mood was upbeat and jovial. As we entered deeper into the woods, our talk turned into whispers and eventually silenced reigned! The forest canopy was over 500 feet tall ... we felt quite insignificant in comparison to our surroundings.

Very little light even filtered onto the forest floor because of the dense canopy. When it did, however, it was dramatic and inspiring! The reverence there was overpowering. It was an incredible experience that we will not soon forget.

Since then, my daughter and her little family have moved near the Seattle area. When we visit them and see the surrounding beauty, I get the same feelings of awe that I felt so many years before in that old growth forest.

I have wanted to capture that feeling on canvas ... I finally had the courage to try. Here is my rendition of  "Light in the Forest".

Generations in Bavaria

My friend asked me if I would paint a scene for his grandfather that had reference to a recent trip they had taken to Germany as a family. Mac describes his grandfather as one of the most influential people in his life. He wanted to give him a meaningful gift that would evoke happy memories of their time together in Europe. While a young soldier in WWII, he served in this part of Germany. Through the years his grandpa never spoke much about his war experiences. However, he was anxious to return to Germany with his family on this recent vacation.

Mac gave me a DVD that had been compiled of their trip as reference material. He suggested a few thoughts about what the subject of the painting might be, but gave me total freedom to paint what I felt would bring joy to his grandpa.

As I viewed the DVD, I could tell that Grandpa and his little great grandson had not been very close previously, but that on this trip they really bonded. In one video scene, the little g-son hurrying to catch up to the group, used grandpa's cane in an affectionate, yet amusing manner. In my mind's eye I could see grandpa and g-son walking together into the black forest of Bavaria ... thence this scene was born.

Several years ago I had painted a scene of my son and g-son walking together down a mountain path in tribute to fathers who were really trying to make a difference in the lives of their children. This would be a similar type of painting. I had also recently done a study with Jerry Yarnell that used a similar setting and technique.

I appreciate so much the opportunity to create art for my friends and family! I hope this brings joy and fond memories into the lives of Mac's family through the years. Thanks, Mac, for the privilege to help with this project and for your thoughtful gift for your grandfather.