Aspen

Aspen

12" x 16"

Oil on hardwood Panel

Growing up near Quaking Aspen in the mountain country, I have always loved them. They are a unique and interesting tree.

We now know that they are often inter-connected with large numbers of their neighboring trees in very old organisms.

In spring and summer the distinctive leaves are beautiful

In winter the contrasts between their structure, the bark and branching sites are also interesting

This painting is all about design

Lemons

Lemons

12" x 16"

Oil on hardwood Panel

It's been a long break since I did a still life. I enjoy them but usually find another portrait or landscape that I would rather be working on

This painting was suggested by a GCA entry about light, molding and shadow.

Sometimes achieving the simplest effect can be the most difficult. The panel is flat and creating the illusion of three dimension objects in a believable fashion is the goal

As is usually the case no pure black was used

John Holbrook

John Holbrook

24" x 18"

Oil on hardwood Panel

[click on the image to enlarge]

I tried this subject twice previously before getting a pose through the under-painting stage that I thought worked well

For this portrait I wanted a more typical corporate boardroom approach [although it must be admitted that I'm not always a great fan of such a pose]

John has strong features and I felt it was coming together well

The limited palette and the warm/cool balance seemed to express my feeling.

I hope that you can feel the vision and the warmth of Johnny

I like the 'presence'

The ultraviolet blue to his right is a bit more subdued in the actual painting. It got an artificial boost out of the processing.

Sleeping Princess

Sleeping Princess

16" x 12"

Oil on hardwood Panel

This was just a delightful painting experience.

Of course I love the little one.

I was also drawn to the bedding and the opportunity to experiment with that in a small way

This could be titled "Sleeping Angel" however I realized that she is a princess and daughter of a Heavenly King while working on the painting.

The skin tones were soft and yummy

I hope that you can share the feeling

Center of the Village

Center of the Village

12" x 16"

Oil on hardwood Panel

I was attracted to the basic setting of the American church in a setting with darker hills behind it.

This lead to modifying the design to get the emphasis that I wanted.

This could be New England or a small town in Utah, such as Wallsburg or Midway.

I find myself drawn to this painting - it speaks to me or moves me about what I value.

This is perhaps the last snow scene for  a time as I have other projects underway. 

Peaceful Home Valley

Peaceful Home Valley

12" x 24"

Oil on hardwood Panel

Another painting with a New England setting.

A peaceful design suggesting a more tranquil time.

A worshipful relationship with our Heavenly Father is essential to such peace.

Breakfast with Morgan

Sharing Breakfast

18" x 24"

Oil on hardwood Panel

I've enjoyed working on portraits during the last year.

This painting allowed me to create a small group scene in a very everyday situation.

Two small children being fed or encouraged to eat breakfast.

I was especially pleased with the little girl's pajamas and all the clothes were interesting. 

And I'm loving working with hair

Still I have a good deal to learn about painting portraits but I'm enjoying the experiences