The Big Picture of Life

Parkway Series #174  12 x 16   oil    Sold

Being up high and looking out over the earth prompts many reactions.  As each viewer observes this painting or the vistas in real life it would be interesting to know first thoughts.  My first thought is of thankfulness to be there (in the big picture), to sense the peace and order of creation; the second is wonderment at all the confusion and busyness of those below (in the details of life) and their lack of opportunity to enjoy the peacefulness and awe of creation.

Price Lake II

Parkway Series #173  12 x 16  oil   Sold

The horizontal value patterns attracted my eye in this image of lake and mountains.  Many times I squint my eyes to reduce details and see the big picture before I paint an image.  I like the simplicity of value patterns and symmetry;  the land masses are also large simplified shapes of green with definition at the edges and in the gradations of color within them.

Linville Falls IV

Parkway Series # 172   12 x 16  oil     Sold

This is one of my favorite paintings of the series.  The sounds and smells of water and wood, and the warmth of sunlight bring life to the painting.  The blue greens of the water and foliage mirror each other with softness and color; and the whole compostition seems to flow with the hard linear lines and shapes of the rocks.

Regeneration

Parkway Series # 171   12 x 16   oil   Sold 

I was amazed at damage from the winter's ice storms as we drove along the Parkway this Spring.  Some areas looked like a tornado had ripped the trees apart.  This tree was young and minimally damaged;  many of the older, larger trees had been snapped in half like a match stick.  Nature can be devastated but regeneration comes with the Spring.

Price Lake

Parkway Series #170  12 x 16   oil   Sold

Just north of Linville Falls is the Julian Price Memorial Park.  The 4,000+ acres includes a beautiful lake right on the Parkway.  I was excited to get several great shots of water and mountains on a perfect day for lighting and reflections.  Painting this lake was so theraputic;  it was like sitting there for a few hours just taking in the beauty.

Linville Falls III

Parkway Series #169   12 x 16   oil   Sold

Capturing people on the Parkway, whether sitting in the sun, or riding bikes, or fishing is always the perfect image to convey the joy of our world.  Appreciation for our incredible natural environment is one of my goals in this series of paintings.

Linville Falls II

Parkway Series #168  12 x 16  oil   Sold    prints now available

It is quite obvious to me that when I have great photos and great inspiration it is much easier to paint.  I think being excited about the image is more than half the battle.  The paintings I am posting this week were done with the greatest of ease and I believe they are some of the best of the series.  Spring and summer on the Parkway will be the glass of lemonade that I needed to pump up the adrenaline so I am able finish the race well!