GOD'S WORD, A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS   12x16

Commissioned to paint a representation of the Bible with a lighted candle was a challenge, not for the Bible, but for the candle light! There's a combination of stylized work and realism. A variety of textures was a challenge, and I intend to practice on a few metallic items in the future.

MEMORIES OF LAKE HURON   20x24

This painting was commissioned by a friend who had a couple of old photos of her childhood days at their "cottage." The shoreline and a few trees and a flowerbox and the angled pier were pieced together, with other memorabilia added via memory of earlier days. Try painting a picture as it is described to you via words, and determine how close you might arrive at what their image sees in their mind.

MISSION ARCH WITH FLOWERS   5x7

I really enjoyed painting this from my photo. It is a companion piece to the double arches on an earlier post. Painting the bricks and textures and lighting was a challenge to my neophyte brushwork, but I am pleased with the results. Maybe the flowers need a bit more drama?

MISSION ARCHES   5x7

This painting is from a photo of a California mission. I love arches and the painting allowed exploration in detailing the bricks and mortar and the contrast of tiles with shadow. Next time I will change the color of the flowers in the foreground. Ha!

FENCELINE  8X10

Breaking away from shadowy backgrounds, it's refreshing to paint an open field with clear sky in background. Open meadows and verdant pasturelands remind me of places in California and Washington. The tree gave me trouble and I tried to make it non-uniform and then overdid it with a wayward branch that refused to be covered up. Oh well, live and learn as we explore our world of color with brush strokes.

BEAR COUNTRY   8x10

I've ridden trails in country like this and was always fearful of running into bears. It happened a couple of times, and fortunately the black bear took off away from the horse. This painting is reminiscent of Montana and I can almost hear the call of birds in the distance.

JESUS' FACE   9x12

Painting His face was a special experience. The Christian bookstore provided a business card size portrayal of Jesus' face, and it is a favorite to many of us. With inspirational music playing in the background, the painting of skin tones and expression brought me closer to Him. Perhaps His skin tones were really darker and His coloring more dusky. Whatever, the painting was a joy to do.

STILL LIFE  NASTURTIUMS   14x18

Flowers are not an easy thing for a beginning painter. I love the nasturtiums growing in my yard, but to portray them on canvas was a whole different matter! These are a bit bigger-than-life, but the color harmonies are pleasing and remind us of God's creative power.

BIRCH TREES   16x20

The character of Birch trees is interesting and challenging. The final painting resulted in much greenery, but the photo does not portray that. My friends have it in their collection and they are satisfied with the sunlight streaming in. Maybe there should be more contrast in the foliage?

ROCKS and WATER  5x7

Rocks and layers of strata have subtle blends of color. Contrasted against lake and forest, there is an interplay of light and shadow. I shot many photos at Killbear Park, and enjoy selecting elements that impress me.