Tuscan Steps

This is the latest addition to my "Colors of Tuscany" body of work. I saw a photograph of a some quaint little villas sometime ago. This composition is of the stair portion of one of the villas. I actually created some texture on the canvas with some heavy gesso and a bristle brush prior to applying any paint. I was hoping to be able to better depict the texture of the hand-applied stucco through this method ... a total experiment to be sure! I was pleasantly surprised, being able to make the stucco actually look like the real thing! I guess an old dog can be taught a new trick from time to time! Enjoy ...

Paulilne Creek Falls

This is another beautiful place in Oregon known as Pauline Creek Falls. As I have added to my body of work on waterfalls during the past few months, I have really enjoyed learning how to paint these incredible icons of nature! Through this experience, I have learned a little more each time how to create the depth and mist associated with moving and falling water ... very fulfilling! Acrylic on canvas 18" x 18"

Paris Rain

I recently had a request to do a black and white painting of Paris or France for one of my collectors. I had never painted in black and white before, so I decided to do a "test run" before attempting her commission.

In fact, I don't even use the color "black" from a tube on my palette at all ... I mix my darker colors in harmony with each painting to achieve a black-like effect. This way, I don't get just a "dead color" from a tube, but "living" color that compliments each painting's color scheme.

So, I mixed up a pile of my "black" and just added white gesso to the edges of this pile as I went along to create the different values needed for the piece. I discovered that extreme monochromatic paintings are more difficult than I first imagined! It was a very fun project, however, and I learned a lot!



Hope you enjoy it as well! Acrylic on canvas 12" x 24"

Lago di Como

Lake Como is widely regarded as being one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, renown for its breath-taking scenery. It has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people for centuries, and is today, a very popular tourist attraction. It is not far from Milano, and someday Maureen and I hope to be able to visit in person, but for now I just know it from photos. This is an impressionistic view of the town of Como from the lake. Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas 24" x 18" gallery wrapped.

Hog Wallow above the Bridge rapid on the Green River

If you haven't had the opportunity to experience the grandeur and beauty of the Green River gorge just below the Flaming Gorge Dam in northeastern Utah, you need to add it to your bucket list of things to do! It is simply drop-dead gorgeous! When we fish the river from a drift boat, I usually get so concentrated on watching my fly on the water, that I have to continually remind myself to look up and take in all the beauties of creation that abound there. This scene is one of my favorite places to fish and to stop for lunch along the way. The unique turquoise-greenish color of the river water and the contrasting red cliffs above are breath-taking to say the least! Acrylic on canvas (gallery wrapped) (30" x 30")

Tuscan Landscape

I continue to add to my body of work entitled "Colors of Tuscany". This is my latest. It is a simple impressionistic view of a typical landscape one might see there. Acrylic on canvas (30" x 15")

Mustang Ridge

When we go to fly fish the Green River near Dutch John, Utah, we often go by way of Mustang Ridge along the East Flaming Gorge highway. Nearly every trip along this stretch we see the wild mustangs from which this area gets its name. For me, the horse is one of the most difficult animals to paint. However, I still try! I love the freedom and wild spirit that these mustangs symbolize. Acrylic on canvas (24" x 18") 

Jake

Jake is a handsome golden retreiver and our neighbor. His owner, our dear friend, asked if I would paint this scene of Jake on their dock at their family cabin in Island Park as a gift for her husband on Fathers' Day. This was a really fun project for me ... thanks, Stacie, for the opportunity! Jake is such a good looking dog, I hope I captured his likeness and personality! Acylic on gallery wrapped canvas 14"x11".

Tuscan Light

The soft evening light of Tuscany creates beautiful opportunities for fabulous lighting conditions. The softness of the color palette along with the angle of the sun define this little piece. A fairly simple painting, yet it offers depth and detail in an impressionistic approach. Acrylic on canvas 18"x24"

Riding Fence

As a cowboy, my dad learned the value of hard work. One of the grueling chores he had to endure was "riding fence" ... seemingly endless miles of checking and maintaining the perimeter fence line so that live stock would not wander away. This is my tribute to dad's work ethic! Happy Father's Day, Dad! Another view of the Teton Range to add to my collection! Acrylic on canvas 24"x18"

Mountain Meadow Tranquility

The Tetons are perhaps the most recognizable mountains in the lower 48 and have been the subject of much art. I, too, have painted them several times ... each one so different from the others.

Justin's grandpa passed away a couple of weeks ago and his funeral service program had a scene similar to this on the front cover. I wanted to paint something as a tribute for Justin and thought this would be an appropriate composition. I really tried to portray the peace and majesty of this special place. Acrylic on canvas 18" x 24".

Rain on the High Plains

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to paint a scene depicting the Martin's Cove area of Wyoming as a tribute to one of my collegues' mother who was serving a church mission there. I have wanted to do a follow up to that piece and have been studying and practicing how to paint rainy, dreary scenes. In this little piece, I am trying to convey the sacrifice and shear courage and determination it took for these hearty pioneers to risk their lives and exercise their faith to relocate in the west. Acrylic on canvas 18" x18"

Evening on the Links

I'm not much of a golfer, but I do enjoy the occasional outing. I have painted several commissioned golf scenes in the past and really enjoyed the color palette that I was able to use. The deep greens and vivid light make this scene jump right off of the canvas. I tried to keep it in a complementary scheme to accentuate the contrasting light conditions and the peaceful nature of an evening round of golf. Acrylic on canvas (24" x 18") 

Delicate Light

The slick rock sandstone formations of Southern Utah are strangely spectacular, even hard to believe unless you have actually seen them with your own eyes! Delicate Arch has been photographed and painted perhaps more than any other Utah icon. I have always wanted to paint this truly magnificent formation and finally had the courage to try! When I saw it in person, the sun was low on the horizon, the cast shadows were long and the reflected light was intense ... I tried to capture such a feeling in this piece. Acrylic on canvas (36" x 24")

Winter Light

I love the "low" light of winter. Though it brings snow and dreariness to the landscape, the long, cold shadows are very intriguing to me. Winter fly fishing, for me, is peaceful and quiet. I can usually find a place to fish without too much trouble (not too many other anglers out there!), and the fish are usually very willing to play! The deep blue-violet shadows are underwritten by the intensely contrasting evening light in this painting. Acrylic on canvas (30" x 22")

Milford Sound

I think Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places on our planet! Maureen and I had the opportunity to visit here during our trip to New Zealand last year. The scenery is just spectacular! At first I was a little hesitant to try to paint such a place because I wasn't sure if I could do it justice. I actually tried to paint it soon after we returned home but I did not like how it turned out, so that iteration is now just a layer of paint under one of my other paintings! I learned a bunch from that first try, however, and was finally satisfied with the way this one turned out.

We were able to fly out of this gorge in a helicopter all the way back to Queenstown. It took us 4 hours to get there by bus but only 30 minutes back via helicopter. The wind was blowing, it was raining (even snowing at altitude) which only added to the excitement of the ride. I have to say that was the highlight of our trip for me ... indescribable beauty! Hope you all get to go there someday! Acrylic on canvas (24" x 20")

Upper Provo River Falls

My dad and I spent a lot of time hiking and fishing the lakes and streams of the High Uintah Mountains here in Utah. This waterfall is near the head waters of the Provo River, one of our Blue Ribbon Trout fisheries in the state. This was one of the important way points along our route ... whenever we passed the turn off to this waterfall, I knew we were getting close to our alpine adventure! This piece is part of my Waterfalls Collection. Acrylic on canvas (18" x 24")

Tuscan Gates

This little piece is another installment to my "Colors of Tuscany" body of work. It is a "mini" (only 12" x 12") but was almost as challenging as my larger paintings. I truly love the color palette of that region of the world ... so soft, so inviting. Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas (12" x 12")

Cornu's Haven

I recently met some new friends and discovered that we were actually in Queenstown, New Zealand last year at the same time, in the same hotel, just a couple of rooms away from each other! Michael and Sarah own a wonderful property along the Upper Weber River here in the Wasatch Back Mountains of Utah and have recently invited me to fish that stretch of river a couple of times. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, Michael and I ran across some fresh mountain lion tracks in the snow right in this very spot ... made me be a little extra alert that day!

In honor of their kindness and generosity, I painted this little piece for their home. Since I love the fall of the year, I painted it all lit up in autumn colors. I really wanted to convey the softness and peaceful nature of the experience there. Thank you, Michael and Sarah! Acrylic on canvas (gallery wrapped) 24" x 18"

Magpies

When my wife first moved to Utah she Magpies saw for the first time and thought they were such beautiful birds ... that is until she got you know them better! They really are beautiful in their appearance, but their attitudes and behavior really confirm the phrase ... their beauty is only skin (feather) deep!

While fly fishing the Weber River last spring, these two characters were my companions for nearly an hour. They had found an old deer carcass and one of them had scrounged up a tiny morsel for himself. Instead of doing the same, the other guy spent the next hour trying to steal it from the first! It was hilarious to watch them fight over such a tiny morsel of food! I am certain that there was more where that had come from!

The thief (the have not) would land several feet away on the fence wire, then hop toward the feeding bird (the have). When it got too close for comfort, the "have" would squawk and flap its wings, then fly a little ways off to continue feeding. The whole scene would then replay itself over and over until the morsel was finally stolen. The roles would then be reversed, but the script was the same.

I vowed to paint them someday ... someday finally came! They are really beautiful birds to paint ... hope I captured their personality as well! Enjoy ...

Acrylic on canvas (24" x 18")

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls, located in Provo Canyon, is perhaps the most famous of the waterfalls in Utah. It is a very tall waterfall, although from this view it does not appear so. This vantage point is taken from the Provo River ... thought there might be a big Brown Trout lurking in the pool below the falls!

This is the latest in my body of work about waterfalls. It has been a blast learning how to paint these spectacular icons in nature. Hope you enjoy them, too! Acrylic on canvas (20" x 28")

Multnomah Falls

My eldest son and his family love to visit this area in Oregon. This is one of the most recognizable water falls in the west, Multnomah Falls, near Portland and the Columbia River. They sent me several photos of the falls when they returned from their trip. They thought I my like to paint it ... imagine that!

I have been working on a body of work about waterfalls that have special meaning to members of our family. After studying this beautiful falls, I finally settled on this composition. I hope to be able to see it in person someday, but for now, this will have to do! Acrylic on canvas (18" x 24")

Sentinels

My company is building a beautiful custom home in the Red Ledges community in the east Heber Valley. The other day, our marketing director, Jon LeFrandt, took a photo of this majestic bald eagle near our lot. He shared it with our team as the latest visitor to Red Ledges! When I uploaded it to my laptop, I noticed a second eagle across the way atop the tree on the opposite cliffs ... probably the mate of the subject eagle. I just couldn't resist painting this scene! It is a rare site, indeed, to see a pair of bald eagles so up close and personal around here. They truly are majestic birds! Acrylic on canvas (30" x 24")

The Uintah Experience

Growing up in Utah provided me many different types of "nature" opportunities. Within a couple of hours in any direction, we have the gamete of venues ... from high mountain alpine to arid desert; from warm water bass to high mountain trout.

One of my favorite memories from my youth was the many high Uintah experiences my dad and I shared. I have painted several scenes of the Lakes of the High Uintahs over the years ... here is the latest. When I paint scenes like this, I can still smell the trees, and feel the crisp mountain air. I almost can't wait for my fly to "alight" upon the water! Acrylic on canvas (18" x 24")

"... 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".

The Colors of Autumn

This was a study that I did with Jerry Yarnell on line. It reminds me very much of the colors of fall and the changing of the seasons in a local park, just east of Bountiful, Utah ... a little paradise right in our own back yard. It represents the glorious changes in nature that autumn brings ... it's one of the reasons we love to live in Utah! (Acrylic on canvas 36"x 24")

Are we there yet?

I did a scene like this in a class setting with the Yarnell School of Fine Art. I adapted it in this effort to represent the Island Park area of N/E Idaho near West Yellowstone. For me, it has always been an inviting place to spend some time with nature. The dynamics of the scenery, the weather and the opportunities for recreation make this a place I want to be!

Though this is a fairly dark painting, the softness of the light and the multitude of subtle colors underwrite this piece. Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas (24"x 18")

Ross Falls

Maureen has really been working hard on her forthcoming family history book of the Ross family. In fact, she just received a draft copy from her co-author to proof before it goes to press ... pretty exciting!

In her honor, I painted this scene of Ross Falls, located in the Ottawa Valley (Cananda), named after her ancestor Arthur Ross, the original settler. Acrylic on hardboard (12"x16")

Pumpkins and Crates

October is one of our favorite month's of the year! The colors of the harvest and the change of seasons are especially exciting for me as an artist. This little scene is from a photograph given to me by Beverly Bott, one of my wonderful art students, as a subject that she would like to learn how to paint. I had a great time developing this painting ... in fact, it is the subject of our October group painting class at Robert's Arts and Crafts. Hope you enjoy it, too! Acrylic on canvas (24"x18").

Tuscan Peace

One of my good friends asked if I would do a painting that was inspiring and peaceful without being of a religious nature. After a couple of weeks, this composition settled into my mind. The peace of the courtyard and soft colors of the region are inspiring to me. I used a more impressionistic approach to this piece to lend to the softness of the composition. Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas (24"x24" gallery wrap).

Colors of Tuscany

Over the past couple of years, I have developed a body of work centered around a "Tuscany" theme that I call "Colors of Tuscany". This little piece is the title painting. I love the unique color palette from that area of the world ... soft and inviting. It is almost a still life ... very soft pastels with the aged flavor of old world stucco and wood.

Recently, one of our friends, who works with art galleries, suggested that I do even more of that sort of work since it is in such demand. I really enjoyed this painting experience! Acrylic on canvas (20"x24")

Florentine Vista

The views overlooking Firenze (Florentine) are vast and majestic. We had the opportunity to spend some time there a couple of years ago with our dear friends, Gary and Denise Wright. These types of views abound in the Tuscany area. My daughter is the lady on the balcony, so this piece has special meaning for me.

It is part of my body of work entitled "Colors of Tuscany".

Tuscan Dusk

I wanted to approach this piece a little differently than I normally do by tinting the canvas with a sienna color prior to the underpainting. This allowed me to achieve a unique peaceful evening mood at dusk. I have really enjoyed developing this piece which is part of my body of work entitled "Colors of Tuscany".

Tuscano Gold

This is a part of my body of work entitled "Colors of Tuscany". The gold fields, crimson poppies and grey-greens along with the traditional stucco buildings and tall Cyprus trees instantly identify this scene as being from Tuscany.

The San Diego Temple

My parents served a mission together in the San Diego area and were involved in the Temple Open House there in the early 90's. Our son and daughter-in-law were married in this beautiful temple as well. For their 15th anniversary, he commissioned me to paint this as a gift for her. Happy Anniversary! Acrylic on canvas 36" x24" (gallery wrap)

The Ship Brooklyn

I have had the recent privilege of participating in the design and construction of a replica of the cutter ship "Brooklyn" at this is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. It will be a "hands on" experience for children to learn about this "almost forgotten" part of the Mormon Pioneer story.

238 east coast pioneers left New York aboard the "Brooklyn" about the same time as Brigham Young left Nauvoo. They sailed around the horn of South America and landed six months later in Yerba Buena, California (today's San Francisco). Many of them continued on east to Salt Lake, but some stayed in California. Some were even involved in stimulating the California Gold Rush @ Sutter's Mill in 1849.

I was also asked to do a painting of the Brooklyn for the display. I did a lot of research to understand more about this type of ship before attempting to paint it. It has been a fascinating experience for me. I have been humbled as I have come to know of the sacrifices made and hardships endured by these early pioneers. Their faith and devotion is inspiring.

My hope is that this painting will be a catalyst to help us remember our heritage and to reverence those who have gone before. We are certainly the beneficiaries of their commitment and sacrifice. Acrylic on canvas 36"x24".

Shine On II

I have the opportunity to teach a group art class each week. During one of our sessions last month, several students wanted to know how to paint a moon scape in low light conditions. As I began showing them some techniques, we began to compose this scene. Everyone liked the concept so much, I went home and painted it. We are now using it as the subject for our June classes.

Painting something that is not really there or something in low light conditions can be very challenging. Very subtle light changes are the key to this type of painting.

I have now painted several lighthouses through the years. They are a beloved symbol of hope and guidance for us as we navigate through this mortal experience. Even in our darkest hours, we can find glimpses of light to help us find our way. The power of darkness is simply the absense of light. Light always wins. Enjoy ...

Acrylic on canvas 24"x18"

Winter Spring Creek

I love to fly fish in the winter ... the quiet and solitude are therapeutic. Small streams like this one abound in our mountain valleys and offer a unique outdoor experience. After spending an afternoon in this environment, I just had to come home and paint it! Acrylic on canvas 24"x18".

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".

The Green River Gorge

One can see forever it seems in this BIG country near the Flaming Gorge reservior and the Green River below. The scenery is stunning! Though this is one of my very favorite areas to fish, it is worth the drive just to experience the vistas and breath-taking landscapes ... and a river runs through it! Acrylic on canvas 30" x 15".

Are you in there?

This is a fun little painting that I did as a lesson subject. I had done a similar one previously but I wanted to give the little wren a bit more attitude this time! The softness of the background and the deepness of the shadows make this a dramatic yet simple painting! Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas 12" x 24".

Logan LDS Temple

My son and his fiance will be married in the Logan temple this coming May. I have always wanted to paint this temple ... it is so beautiful, in setting and in architecture! This one will hang in their home soon! Acrylic on canvas 30"x22"

Town Square in Eastern Europe

I offered to do a painting for my nephew as a wedding present a while back. He and his wife both served missions in Europe and they decided to have me paint this scene of a town square in Poland just after an evening rain (that seems to be the theme of several of my latest pieces?!!) Acrylic on canvas 24"x18"

Small town gathering

I painted a similar scene for my home several years ago ... I actually painted it on hardboard and then cut it in half so that I could place the two halves in tall narrow frames that would fit on my radius stairway wall. Cutting the painting in two took some courage, I admit, but it worked out well and the scene still hangs in our home today.

I wanted to have a painting of the complete scene as well so I painted this one just for myself. It is a fun study in creating the peaceful feeling that always follows an evening rain. Hope you enjoy it! Acrylic on canvas 18"x20".