Resilient

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

“Reflections: 150 Years Later,” 

Art Show Benefiting The Battle of Franklin Trust

This is another plein air painting I did with The Chestnut Group. A portion of the group’s sales are donated to the preservation of fragile local environments and historical properties. It is for an upcoming show benefiting The Battle of Franklin Trust.

This red building survived the Battle of Franklin that occurred on November 30, 1864. The building served as the farm office for the Carter family when their property became ground zero for what became one of the bloodiest nights of the Civil War. Riddled with bullet holes, this little wooden structure is currently the most battle-damaged, free-standing building in the country. Today, you can walk up and put your fingers into the building's many holes. It is a great testament to the violence of that fateful day, 150 years ago. It is also speaks to the resilience of a family and a community to survive the toughest conditions, but not without bearing some scars.

If you are in the area, come and see the show and meet the wonderful and very talented Chestunts.

Witness Tree

11"x14" Oil on Canvas

with Palette Knife

“Reflections: 150 Years Later,” 

Art Show Benefiting The Battle of Franklin Trust

This year, I have joined a plein air painters alliance called The Chestnut Group. A portion of the group’s sales are donated to the preservation of fragile local environments and historical properties. This painting is for an upcoming show benefiting The Battle of Franklin Trust.

On November 30, 1864, the Civil War came to Franklin with great cost. One of the key locations in this tragedy is the Carnton plantation which served as the area’s largest army field hospital. 

This tree, on the adjacent property of Windermere, witnessed the horrific events of that terrible day.  Its curved trunk, twisted branches, knots, holes and fallen top bear witness to a long life of moments—both joyous and tragic. Trees like this have many stories to tell, and are living monuments to events we should never forget.

If you are in the area, come and see the show and meet the wonderful and very talented Chestunts.