A Walk in the Light

10"x20"x1.5"
Oil on Deep Edged Canvas

with Palette Knife

Click Here To Purchase

My last new painting of 2016. This is an abstract which I think exhibits many of the lessons learned from this year's painting experience. This is also a taste of other new works soon to come. This painting is an abstract expressing the feelings of walking from darkness to light. Whatever paths we take in the new year, may we make every effort to walk in the light.

Happy New Year!

Radnor Winter

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

My last plein-air painting of the year. And what a way to finish! It's amazing how cold and wind will add loose, expressive strokes to a painting as one hurries to get it done. This was painted at Radnor Lake—a favorite hiking spot for our family. I have learned so much from my plein-air adventures this year. I can't wait to see what new adventures, and lessons,  await in the new year. 

O Emmanuel

2.5"x3.5" Acrylic on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

"O" Antiphons series.

The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

There are many different texts for the O Antiphons. For this series, I'm using the verses to they hymn "O Come Emmanuel" which lyrically contains all of the O Antiphons.

O King of Nations

2.5"x3.5" Acrylic on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

O come, thou King of nations bind
all peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid envy strife and discord cease
and fill the world with heaven's peace.

"O" Antiphons series.

The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

There are many different texts for the O Antiphons. For this series, I'm using the verses to they hymn "O Come Emmanuel" which lyrically contains all of the O Antiphons.

O Dawn

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer

our spirits by thine advent here.

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death's dark shadows put to flight. 

"O" Antiphons series.

The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

There are many different texts for the O Antiphons. For this series, I'm using the verses to they hymn "O Come Emmanuel" which lyrically contains all of the O Antiphons.

O Key of David

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

O come, O Key of David, come

and open wide our heavenly home.

Make safe the way that leads on high
and close the path of misery. 

"O" Antiphons series.

The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

There are many different texts for the O Antiphons. For this series, I'm using the verses to they hymn "O Come Emmanuel" which lyrically contains all of the O Antiphons.

O Root of Jesse

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,

unto your own and rescue them!

From depths of hell your people save,

and give them victory o'er the grave.

"O" Antiphons series.

The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

There are many different texts for the O Antiphons. For this series, I'm using the verses to they hymn "O Come Emmanuel" which lyrically contains all of the O Antiphons.

O Lord and Ruler

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

O come, O come, great Lord of might,

who to your tribes on Sinai's height

in ancient times did give the law

in cloud and majesty and awe. 

"O" Antiphons series.

The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

There are many different texts for the O Antiphons. For this series, I'm using the verses to they hymn "O Come Emmanuel" which lyrically contains all of the O Antiphons.

O Wisdom

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

O come, O Wisdom from on high,

who ordered all things mightily;

to us the path of knowledge show

and teach us in its ways to go.

This is the first of a new series of "O" Antiphons. 

The Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

There are many different texts for the O Antiphons. For this series, I'm using the verses to they hymn "O Come Emmanuel" which lyrically contains all of the O Antiphons.

Hope #4

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

The Final post on my Hope Abstract ACEOs, "Artist Card Editions & Originals." They are 2.5" x 3.5" in size and are hand painted trading cards. For inspiration for my cards this year, I'm running with my abstracts based on Advent themes. This the last of a four-part series on Advent Hope. As you can see below, the colors get brighter as the series goes on. It is an abstract interpretation of the candles of an Advent wreath. The closer to Christmas, the more candles are lit and the brighter hope becomes. Fear not. I have some more small Advent works to share soon. So keep waiting.

Hope #3

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

The third post on my Hope Abstract ACEOs, "Artist Card Originals and Editions." They are 2.5" x 3.5" in size and are hand painted trading cards. For inspiration for my cards this year, I'm running with my abstracts based on Advent themes. This is the third of four in a series of Advent Hope. Below are the first 3 all together.

Hope #2

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

The second of my Hope Abstract ACEOs, "Artist Card Originals and Editions." They are 2.5" x 3.5" in size and are hand painted trading cards. For inspiration for my cards this year, I'm running with my abstracts based on Advent themes. This is the second of four in a series of Advent Hope. Below are the first 2 together.

Hope #1

2.5"x3.5" Oil on Board

with Palette Knife

ACEO

As a new member of The Arts Council of Williamson County, I'll be attending my first holiday event soon. At the event, members will be exchanging  ACEOs, "Artist Card Originals and Editions." They are 2.5" x 3.5" in size and are hand painted trading cards. For inspiration for my cards this year, I'm running with my abstracts based on Advent themes. Here is my first one of four paintings based on HOPE and the Advent color of blue.

New Earth

12"x12" Oil on Deep Edged Canvas

with Palette Knife

As an artist, I’m very aware of the concept of “work in progress.” It’s that messy stage of a painting that lives between inspiration and completion. Often times, many artists are reluctant to share their “WIPs” with others for fear of judgment or rejection of their unfinished work. The audience cannot see the end result. It exists only in the mind’s eye of the artist. 

This year’s Advent scriptures show us images of a world changing into a new creation of joy, justice and peace. From beating swords into plowshares to lions and fatlings lying together, the images of God’s kingdom abound in these ancient texts of hope. 

Two thousand years after Christ, however, we struggle to find where these dreams have come fully true. But if we look at God’s work of grace though Jesus Christ as a WIP, the discrepancies make more sense. 

During Advent we live out this mystery. We celebrate by remembering the Prophets of old, longing for the Advent of Emmanuel. By doing so, we also wait for Christ’s return. Christ has come. Christ will come again. And somewhere in between, we continue in the WIP of the kingdom.

The painting for this year’s “Joy to the World” Advent theme is called “New Earth.” The inspiration comes from Revelation 21, where we are shown images of a new heaven and a new earth. The painting depicts a future earth, full of joy and peace, in orbit with the Christ star. It is to give us perspective and hope when we are discouraged in our season of working and waiting. We are all a work in progress. We need these images from scripture to glimpse the big picture from God, the master painter, and keep ourselves motivated to work towards the completion of God’s masterpiece of grace.

NEW ONLINE STORE & SALE

Just in time for the Holidays! 

You can now shop and purchase my paintings 

in my new online store!

Go to mikemoyersfineart.com
Or just click the website button at the top of my blog.

Once you're there, 
Click the "shop" link in the top menu. 

From there, you can view the entire inventory 

or shop by categories like abstracts, plein air, religious etc.

There is also direct access with each blog post.

Select the "Click Here to Purchase" link under each blog entry 

and you will be sent directly to that painting's checkout page!

SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER!

All paintings are  20% OFF in my online store 

now through Dec.1, 2016. 

Use coupon code 

holidays2016 

during checkout.

Poinsettias

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: January, 2015—Day 1

OK. I know Christmas is over for a most people, but there are still a couple of days left—before Epiphany (hence the 12 days of Christmas). Still keeping the Christmas spirit alive, I've chosen my first painting of 2015 to be that boldly red holiday plant—the poinsettia. 

Looking forward to another 30 days of paintings and a new year of adventure.

Happy new year to you all!

Trumpet

7"x5" Oil on Canvas

with Palette Knife

Click Here To Purchase

As I mentioned in my last post, all of my kids chose to play brass instruments in school band. Both my oldest and youngest chose to play trumpet. Trumpets are undeniably bold instruments and are as essential as drums for marching band. 

So here is my ode to the trumpet.

Clarinet

4"x12" Oil on Canvas

with Palette Knife

SOLD

This is my ode to the clarinet. I grew up playing clarinet in school band. I fell in love with its smooth, mellow, froggy tone. I loved the sleek, classy, black and silver look. The clarinet is such a versatile instrument. It can play whimsically and delicately. Its range is incredible and can even slide from not to note. What's not to love?

All of my kids are brass players. But my heart will always belong to this beautiful woodwind.

The Franklin Band: Trumpet

5"x7" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

My son is a marching trumpet in The Franklin Band. They have recently won the Governor's Cup and state championship for the sixth time and are moving on to Super Regional and Grand National competitions where they have been semi finalists four times. Here is a little portrait to honor the hard working kids of The Franklin Band. 

A Walk in the Park

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

One of the paintings for "A Walk in the Park" event at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, 

Brentwood, on Oct 30 from 1-5 PM.

If you're looking for a nice, short hike, Smith Park in Brentwood, TN has a lot to offer. There is a lot of varying terrain, from open fields to rocky climbs. The portion of the trail painted here was especially nice. It was a loose-gravel limestone path which meandered from a warm sunny overlook down into a minty-cool patch of evergreens. You could feel the temperature drop as you walked though it. All the while, the sun dazzled and danced through the trees.

Smith Park is one of Middle Tennessee's best kept secrets. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend you give these amazing trails a try.

Wisdom in the Woods

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click Here To Purchase

One of the paintings for "A Walk in the Park" event at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, 

Brentwood, on Oct 30 from 1-5 PM.

There is much wisdom to be found in the woods. With trees as old as centuries and rocks existing for millennia, just think of the wisdom they can tell us if they could talk. Some of the large old trees in Smith Park, like this one, tell a story with every crook, knot and groove.

It is an honor to paint portraits of trees. Some of the things I love about painting outdoors is listening to the wisdom of trees and spending time with these great citizens of the world.

Redbird

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

One of the paintings for "A Walk in the Park" event at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, 

Brentwood, on Oct 30 from 1-5 PM.

One morning while walking on the trails of Smith Park, I came across this little Cardinal perfectly perched in a tree. I could not have asked for a better composition.

Tennessee Relic

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click Here To Purchase

One of the paintings for "A Walk in the Park" event at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, 

Brentwood, on Oct 30 from 1-5 PM.

On one of the trails, deep into the park, lies the remains of a slave wall. Slave walls are gems of history which can be found all over middle Tennessee. They were property fences land owners had built with slave labor. Many have been restored, for they are important relics of southern history. This one, however, looks untouched—letting nature and time take its toll. 

I actually think this wall tells a more accurate story than any restored walls.  I think it reflects the state of our culture's attitude to African Americans today. Racism and prejudice still exist today, but I believe it continues to crumble slowly over time. Like a scar, this wall is a beautiful sign of healing from a wound we will never forget and remains as an undeniable part of our personal story.

The people who built this wall in the days of slavery are long gone. 

I pray that someday ALL of the walls we build to divide ourselves and oppress others 

will be gone as well. 

Ravenswood Mansion & A Walk in the Park

9"x12" Oil on Canvas

with Palette Knife

FOR AUCTION

Lately, I've been working on some paintings to benefit Brentwood Green Space, an organization that exists to help citizens manage community growth while maintaining and preserve parks and green areas. This house, "Ravenswood", is a restored home in Smith Park. The home is now a venue for special events. Behind the home are miles of beautiful park trails. 

This painting will be on display at the Brentwood Library through October 30th. There is an auction to purchase the painting at BrentwoodGreenSpace.com. The painting will then be awarded to the highest bidder  at the special event, A Walk in the Park, at Smith Park on October 30, from 1 to 5 PM. 

As a bonus to all of the hayrides, pumpkin decorating, live music , BBQ and sweets, I will be selling paintings in the Ravenswood mansion. Some of the paintings are scenes from Smith Park trails. Be on the lookout for new paintings to come.