The Best of 2014

As the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect back and select my personal favorite paintings. Thanks to all of my patrons, fans and colleagues who have made 2014 my best year yet!

And the winners  are:

BEST ABSTRACT: O Master Let Me Walk with Thee

BEST FLORAL: Zinnias

BEST ANIMAL: Holy Cow

BEST LANDSCAPE: Fire & Ice

BEST LITURGICAL ILLUMINATION: The Word Made Flesh

BEST PLEIN AIR ADVENTURE (TIE): 

A Storm Rolled In

Moon Over Radnor Lake

BEST PORTRAIT: Mother & Child

BEST SLICE OF LIFE: Will

LARGEST PORTRAIT: Sisters 24x30

MOST TRAVELED (TIE): 

Breathe on Me Breath of God 6x6 - Paris France

My Eyes Have Seen Salvation - Singapore

MOST COMMERCIALIZED: Be Thou My Vision

NAILED IT AWARD: Pacifica

BEST OF THE BEST: California Dreamin

Be on the lookout for another 30 paintings in 30 days beginning January 1.

Happy New Year everybody!

The Word Made Flesh / God Poured Out

9"x12" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it…

…And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:1-5, 14

“who, though he was in the form of God,
 did not regard equality with God
 as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,
 taking the form of a slave,
 being born in human likeness. 
And being found in human form, he humbled himself
 and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him
 and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus
 every knee should bend,
 in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess
 that Jesus Christ is Lord,
 to the glory of God the Father.”  —Philippians 2:6-11

This year’s art conceptualizes the beautiful mystery of God blending with creation. It is an abstract mixing of power and humility, order and chaos, light and dark. For me, “The Word Made Flesh” could also be described as “God Poured Out.” In Jesus, the grace of God poured into creation like a waterfall of sacrificial love. This Advent season let the mystery pour over you. Allow grace to mix with your life. May the unpredictable Word overflow in you heart.

Moon Over Radnor Lake

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

I had a great experience painting with the Chestnut Group the other evening. We gathered at Radnor Lake and painted the full moon rising over the lake. This was my first attempt to paint at night. It was so much fun! As I was painting, I discovered another artist sharing my easel to create his own work of art. Sadly, I had to interrupt his work and gently escort him to another spot when it came time fro me to pack up. You never know what's going to happen when you paint en plein air.

Rainbow Sunset

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 30

It's finally here. Day 30. and this one was a squeaker. Since epic dories end with sunsets, I thought I'd paint one for today. This sunset on the lake came right after a double rainbow—hence the title. 

I hope you have enjoyed the September 2014 daily paintings. Thanks for following and stay tuned. There is more great stuff coming soon!

Spirit

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 29

Spirit, spirit of gentleness. 
Blow through the wilderness, calling and free. 
Spirit, spirit of restlessness. Stir me from placidness. 
Wind, wind on the sea. 

You moved on the waters, You called to the deep, 
Then You coaxed up the mountains. From the valley of sleep, 
And over the eons You called to each thing, 
"A wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings."

You swept through the dessert, You stung with the sand, 
And You gifted your people With a law and a land, 
And when they were blinded With their idols and lies, 
Then You spoke through Your prophets To open their eyes.

You sang in a stable, You cried from a hill, 
Then You whispered in silence When the whole world was still, 
And down in the city You called once again 
When You blew through Your people On the rush of the wind.

You call from tomorrow, You break ancient schemes, 
From the bondage of sorrow The captives dream dreams; 
Our women see visions, Our men clear their eyes. 
With bold new decisions Your people arise. 

Sleepy Sheep

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 28

This sleepy sheep, laying around in his barn, is my last installment of paintings to bring awareness for Heifer International. But fear not. There is still one painting left in the 30 days challenge.

Sheep give families around the world wool and meat. The wool is used to make clothing and other things to sell. Sheep usually give birth to twin lambs. They can eat grass on rocky and steep land or live in a small barn where food is brought to them. Their manure can be gathered and used in the garden.

Please take a moment to visit the Heifer Internaitonal website and learn more about ending world hunger "The Heifer Way."

Pumpkin Patch

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 27

One of my favorite things to do is to roam through a pumpkin patch.

Wisteria

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Available

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 26

Another one from my "This Would Make A Great Painting Someday" file—beautiful wisteria raining down through some spring trees.

Pacifica

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 25

While on vacation in California last summer, I was fascinated by an exhibit of undersea kelp. The exhibit simulated ocean current, making the kelp wave with the flow of the water.  I thought it would make a great abstract painting. This is a fist study of what I hope someday will be a larger piece.

Hay!

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 24

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of these guys around.

Summer's End

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 23

Farewell to summer.  This is a plein air quick study capturing the last light of a late summer day.

Field of Beans

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 22

Colors of fall are starting to crop up all around Middle Tennessee—as illustrated by this beautiful field of soy beans off the highway.

Trifetti Peppers

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 21

One of my favorite colors is purple. So, when I came across this purple-leaf pepper bush, I couldn't resist.

Flight of Inspiration

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

NFS

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 20

Remember my post about my daughter's involvement in competitive jump rope? Well, this weekend, is a real treat for her. Some of the sport’s greatest athletes are in town to lead a rope-skipping workshop. These All-Stars give of their time to travel all over the world to further the sport of Jump Rope. Some of them you may have seen recently on television, competing on the show "America's Got Talent." 

One of these great athletes is Tori Boggs. She is a 9-time World Champion and a 14-time Grand World Champion. She holds 2 world records and is the current Captain of Team USA. And best of all, this weekend, Tori is our guest at home. If you can imagine Lance Armstrong, Peyton Manning, Shawn Johnson or Kristi Yamaguchi coming to visit you and give you a training workshop, you might get a glimpse of what Tori's visit means to my daughter. 

So, today's painting is of Tori Boggs performing a skill called a TJ. The image was referenced from an Ohio State promotional video spotlighting Tori's talent. The painting is in honor of her devotion and service to the sport.

All of these champions are nothing less than stellar, both personally and professionally.  They represent the best and most noble spirit of the sport. And, I can think of no better role models for my daughter than these shining stars. 

Red Hot Salvia

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 19

Still in a floral mood—this time for something boldly red.

Zinnias

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 18

Still in a floral mood. I just love the colors in the sweet perennials.

Sunchokes

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

for the Friends of Warner Parks
SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 17

Today,  I went to the park to do some plein air painting for an upcoming event with the Chestnut Group. I came across these beautiful yellow flowers and I just had to paint them. Afterwards, I asked the park ranger what they were. She said they were Jerusalem Artichokes, also called Sunchokes. You can read all about them here.

Old Country Store

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 16

As you drive down the highways of Tennessee, you will find little gems like this old country store. These relics from the past are so full of character. They are so much fun to paint.

Hump Day!

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 15

OK, It's only Monday, but it's Hump Day the 30 Days challenge! Why not paint a camel? 

In parts of the world too dry for other livestock, Heifer is providing families with camels and training in their care. Camel gift donations change lives by:

• • Providing milk that can be used for nutrition or sold for income
• • Boosting income by “hiring out” the camel for hauling goods
• • Encouraging self-reliance by serving as a means of transportation

Camels are tremendous assets for families in harsh, unpredictable regions such as the African Sahara and parts of Asia. People who receive the gift of a camel find themselves better able to sustain their families while earning a better future for their children.

I hope you take a moment to visit the Heifer Internaitonal website and learn more about ending world hunger "The Heifer Way."

Lake View

11"x14" Oil on Canvas

with Palette Knife

NFS

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 14 

Another view from Tims Ford Lake. I have made several other paintings of this view, but to date,  this is my largest plein-air attempt at this location. 

Willie the Pig

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 13

Meet Willie the pig. He is a resident at the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas. He loves eating and laying around in the barn. This angle was particularly difficult to paint, but getting his expression was worth the effort.

Pig gift donations are an excellent fit for some of the poorest families Heifer serves. Your donation not only supplies a pig for a family, it will also educate them in its care and feeding. Each donation of a pig:

• Produces as many as 16 piglets that can be sold for income 

• Creates a steady supply of organic fertilizer, increasing crop yields

By providing much needed protein and nourishment, a pig donation can help pull a family from under the crushing burden of hunger. And thanks to the income earned from selling the offspring, your gift of a pig has the power to uplift entire communities.

I hope you take a moment to visit the Heifer Internaitonal website and learn more about ending world hunger "The Heifer Way."

Reflections of Summer

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: September 2014—Day 12

Another abstract. This one based on summer afternoon colors reflecting on water.

There Is a Balm in Gilead

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

$75.00 (Unframed) + Shipping

$100.00 (Framed) + Shipping

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: September 2014—Day 11

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.