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.

I Will Awake the Dawn

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click Here To Purchase

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
    for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
    until the destroying storms pass by.

I cry to God Most High,
    to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
 He will send from heaven and save me,
    he will put to shame those who trample on me.
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

 I lie down among lions
    that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
    their tongues sharp swords.

 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
    Let your glory be over all the earth.

They set a net for my steps;
    my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
    but they have fallen into it themselves.
 My heart is steadfast, O God,
    my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
     Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn.
 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.
 For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
    your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
    Let your glory be over all the earth.