Shady Spot and A Place of Renewal and Reflection

8"x10" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Click Here to Purchase

Today's post is a shady sycamore painted en plein air for the Chestnut Group art event benefiting the Harpeth River Watershed. 

Painting outdoors is always a renewing experience. But this spot was particularly special for me. This tree lives by a pond on a farm which used to belong to the Christian/Pop singer Amy Grant. Back in the 90s, she hosted regular music/worship events in the barn on her farm. As a college student, I went to a couple of those events. They were very renewing for my faith life at that time. Returning over 20 years later to that same space as a painter gave me a lot to think about. I thought about where I've been and where I am now as both a person of faith and as an artist. I have much to be thankful for. I'm thankful for the gifts of renewing moments. I'm thankful for the gift of art and what it has done for my life. I'm thankful for the simple gifts of shady spots in nature—resting beside still waters. And most importantly, I'm thankful for a loving and patient God who gives all of those gifts and so much more.




You can learn more about the Chestnut Group event "Scenes of the Harpeth" here:

Scenes of the Harpeth

Bluebird

8"x10" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: January—Day 24.

Every now and then, I come across a moment that just screams "Paint me!" 
One such moment was when  I saw this classic Thunderbird parked in the shade.

Riverdance

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: January—Day 20.

For today's painting, I went back to the river—this time to paint en plein air.  The light of the late afternoon was dancing all around. It was a challenge to capture the ever changing light. The result ended up quite lose and impressionistic.

In the Shade

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge—Day 7.

This is my favorite little spot on Tims Ford Lake in Tennessee. It's a great place to unwind and spend time with family. For me today, it's a place of reflection. It has been one week since I took on Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. I have already learned a lot about my art and about myself. We all need a quiet place to unwind from our hectic life and reflect on our journeys—even if that place is in a painting.