Late Summer Colors

Parkway Series # 247    12 x 16   oil    SOLD

I have painted this scene from Lick Log Ridge several times but as the seasons change it becomes new with each painting.  The late summer colors are exciting to see;  as fall approaches the reds begin to appear in various shades.  Ralph Waldo Emerson said "nature wears the colors of the spirit".  If so, the colors of the spirit of Fall are my favorite.

Abbott Lake Reflections II

Parkway Series #246  12 x 16    oil    SOLD

Painting is like golf.  There are days when everything you do seems like magic and then there are days that nothing you do is right!  In golf you have to think about how you are holding your head, where your feet are, how much to bend your knees, and how straight to keep your arms while swinging a club and praying that you hit the ball!  I love golf; I certainly do not practice every day like I paint but I admire those who do play every day.  Even professional golfers, however, get in a slump everynow and then.  That mystery, as to why the leaning curve seems to deflate every now and then, is probably tied into "burn out".  It is interesting that I have made it this far with enthusiasm and want to continue but I really need a break!  Since the end is in sight, I think psychological factors are kicking in, knowing that the series will be over with #260.  However, like in golf, golfers do not give up after a slump; they take a break and come back even sharper and more ready to play than ever!  I am looking forward to hitting the floor running when I return!

Abbott Lake Reflections

Parkway Series #245      12 x 16   oil    Sold

This post is actually for Friday August 27th.  I am leaving today for Raleigh to visit family so I am posting two paintings today.  I can really identify with Monet, in that, reflections keep drawing me back again and again.  I love the ripples and the abstract patterns of color in the water.  And I am excited about reds beginning to show up in the trees.  Fall colors are approaching!

The Kiss

Parkway Series # 244          12 x 16   oil   $95.

Rodin and Brancusi sculpted it,  Fragonard painted it and Cary Grant perfected it.  The kiss is as timeless as art itself.  This couple was caught in a "breathtaking"moment!  How romantic!

Mountainside Drama

Parkway Series # 243   12 x 16  oil   Sold

Mountainside scenes with steep slopes and diagonal lines appeal to my sense of drama in compostion.  Anytime you can compose a scene with an "X" compostition, there is action/interest. I could have given the background mountain more of a slope to the middle to create a more dramatic compostition, however, the more gentle sloping horizon  balances the steep mountainside to create a bit more restful compostion, and focuses the drama to the foreground.

Abstract Patterns of Light

Parkway Series # 242  12 x 16  oil   SOLD

The abstract patterns of light coming through and behind the trees caught my eye for this painting.  In the original there is a bit more color in the tree on the right but because of it's light value, the color does not show up as well in the photo.

Downtown Roanoke from Stewarts Knob Overlook

Parkway Series #241  12 x 16  oil    Sold

I painted this view of Roanoke in the Spring; this is the Summer version.  I intend to paint it again in the Fall and Winter just to compare.

Deja Vu

Parkway Series # 240   12 x 16  oil    Sold

I remember last year about this time - #4 and #7 of this series captured these yellow daisies that are everywhere on the Parkway.  I cannot believe it has been almost a whole year of painting the Parkway; however,the series is not over until I hit at least #260.  Because of time-off during the year,  I still have 20 more to go.  Actually, I plan to paint on into the Fall, but the interesting thing is to compare the paintings, weekly trying to learn more about changes in composition, in my style and my techniques.

Spiritual Energy

Parkway Series # 239  12 x 16   oil    Sold 

I guess the energy of the sun energizes me; or maybe it's just the Vitamin D?  Whatever it is, I love to follow the sun.  Interesting parallel:  following the Son energizes me too!  He gives me the passions of my heart and skills and abilities to carry out those passions.  I need this spiritual energy as much as the physical energy to
create art and to enjoy life.

Search for the Sun

Parkway Series #238  12 x 16   oil   Sold

While on a photo shoot to find the perfect sunset over the mountains, I was able to get some great images of the sun setting through the trees.  My search for the sun, whether it is setting or rising or drawing mist from the valley has been a constant throughout this series.

Dog Days of Summer, Explore Park

Parkway Series #237   12 x 16   oil   Sold

I am excited about the "dog days" of Summer and beginning of Fall;  more color saturates the ground and foliage.  Even though my project of a year of daily paintings will be finished soon, there is no way I will stop painting with Fall approaching.  I intend to continue my daily paintings until late fall and then start working on larger paintings, using the daily paintings as studies for the larger paintings.

Lick Log Ridge

Parkway Series # 236   12 x 16   oil   sold

This is another rendition of an earlier painting (#213).  This view of the Smokies captures the height of the mountains and the incredible view and the "old road" itself.  This painting typifies the Parkway series more than most others.

Monet Revisited II

Parkway Series # 235  12 x 16  oil,    Sold

Sometimes I enjoy repainting an image previously painted.  I have had several people ask for this one again so I thought I would give it a try.  I love painting water, so much so, that 13 of the 29 paintings in  my new show in Galax are of Abbott Lake at the Peaks of Otter! 
I am leaving today for a family reunion on the Rappahannock "Rivah"  so I am posting two paintings one for today and one for Friday.

Over the Fence, Abbott Lake

Parkway Series #234   12 x 16   oil   SOLD

Mystical Light

Parkway Series #233  12 x 15  oil,    Sold

"Pray as though everything depended on God.  Work as though everything depended on you."  Augustine.  Many times each day, God reminds me of His Presence in my life and my work.  This moment especially captures a mystical moment of divine light.  I love capturing the light that goes before me.  But even though God has opened doors for me and blessed me incredibly in this work, it does not diminish my responsiblity to work as hard as possible to accomplish all that He has called me to do.

Hay Bales VI

Parkway Series #232  12 x 16   oil,    Sold

This is my favorite hay bale painting.  Value is definitly the key element and contrast comes in at a close second.   Working at this profession, just like all others, brings rewards. But work has to be connected to passion in order to produce joy and meaning.  Few ever find passion in their work.  I am so thankful my passion is to paint; I find meaning and great joy in this work.

Hay Bales V

Parkway Series #231   12 x 16   oil,    Sold

My last hay bale series left me unsatisfied with the results; I had to try again.  After deciding that there was too little contrast in the earlier ones,  I set these orange bales in front of the deep thalo blue of summer mountains.  This painting and the next one for tomorrow are much better paintings.  I am excited that I am able to critique my own work and improve each time I paint!  The discipline is definitely paying off!

Interpretation of Color

Parkway Series #230   12 x 16 oil    Sold

Looking across a field, off of the Explore Park Spur, I got the idea for this painting.  The summer colors were not as vivid as they were painted, but I remembered seeing a purple haze and my imagination soared as the canvas came to life with purple and thalo blue and green.  My colorist tendencies definitely affected this interpretation of the scene. 

Timeless Beauty

Parkway Series #229   12 x 16  oil       Sold

Beautiful and skillful craftsmanship in construction of any kind is somewhat lacking in today's world of quick, inexpensive, plastic solutions.  It takes time to construct the cathedrals of yesterday.  But what can replace the timeless beauty of  labor well done? 

Brinegar Cabin

Parkway Series #228   12 x 16   oil   sold

Located near the Va. NC. border between Doughton Park and Stone Mountain State Park, this cabin dates back to 1876.  For 60 years Martin and Caroline Brinegar lived on this 125 acre farm leading lives based on hard work, self sufficiency and a deep religious faith.  Brinegar descendents still visit the old homeplace even though it is now property of the national park service.

Polly Woods Cabin II

Parkway Series #227  12 x 16    oil   Sold

This close up of Polly's inn was commissioned by a a friend who sent me to find it!  I actually never realized this cabin was at the Peaks.  It is tucked away in the woods back near the dam and picnic area to the left of the lodge if you are facing the lake.  The doors are locked so visitors are out of luck with lodging and a meal!  But, oh my, what conversations and aromas can you image coming from this little cabin in the woods a couple hundred years ago?

Polly Woods Cabin

Parkway Series #226   12 x 16  oil   $sold

Polly Wood's Ordinary, located at the Peaks of Otter, was built in the early 1800's and operated as an inn until about 1850.  The widow, Polly, catered to the "ordinary" needs of the weary mountain traveler, shelter, food and stable for the horses.  The cabin is so small it would hardly be considered as an apartment for one these days.  However, this bed and breakfast holds as many "stories" today as it held people 200 years ago.