Spring Creek

6"x8" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

I was blessed to have had a return visit to NaCoMe conference center this past weekend. It is a sacred place for our family. At the heart of the campground is a spring-fed creek. I spent some time standing on the creekside rocks painting this scene. I especially enjoyed the little speckles of wildflowers. 

It rained a bit on me this time. I learned a lot about what to do and what NOT to do when it rains on your oil paint palette. My wife impressed me with her creative bushcraft skills by securing an umbrella to my easel with long blades of grass.

Many artists have core subjects they often return to. One of mine is rivers and streams. The experience of standing on the banks, listening to the soft rush of water, is so renewing for my soul. And they have new lessons to teach a painter—every time.

Carpe Diem

Why am I posting a fall painting to start the new year? I has to do with my new year’s resolution.

Typically, in late October, I bring my new paintings outdoors to photograph. One day, as I was setting up for the shoot, I was impressed by the beauty of the little tree in my yard. It was the perfect scene to sum up everything I love about autumn. The leaves were peak color. The sky was brilliant. Fall is my favorite time of year. I just love the mild temperatures, the crisp air, the changing colors and the long cast shadows in the afternoons. I believe I could live perpetually in autumn. But sadly, autumn is but a season. The colors here are only at peak color for just a week or two, if you’re lucky. Realizing the brevity of the moment that I was witnessing, I decided to stop what I was doing and paint the moment. I replaced the finished art on my easel for blank canvas and began to paint my little tree. And I am so glad I did. That evening, a weather front blew in. The next day, the tree was bare.

Each and every day is a gift from God. My resolution is to make the most of every day’s blessings. Rain of shine, I hope to live each day in gratitude. Life is too fragile and brief not to.

Happy New Year.