Blue Ridge, Daily Painter: Janet Wimmer

Friday, February 21, 2014

Fall Memories

Parkway Series #415 12 x 16 oil $195.

I am working from some of my favorite old photographs. The fall of 2009 was one of the most colorful I can ever remember. And it is very interesting to compare old paintings to my newer ones. The style has changed but the memories remain the same!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

The Road Less Traveled

Parkway Series #414 12 x 16 oil Sold

We have many choices in life and many roads to travel. The "Road Less Traveled" is the one I have chosen to illustrate. There are no yellow lines, no speed bumps, no smells of gasoline and it is not even paved but the beauty, the sounds of nature, the slow pace and the enduring walk continues to draw me into a divine Presence that rejuvenates my soul.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Peace Like a River

Parkway Series #413 12 x 16 oil SOLD

I have tried painting this scene several times, over the last few years, with no success. This one seems to be my favorite so far....... interesting how each attempt is different. Maybe the "peace" I feel as a developing Christian artist is translating into the paint, giving me more confidence, therefore allowing me to achieve the desired effect with more success. In any case, I am entirely dependent on my Creator for any skill or improvement or success He chooses to bring my way and I am very thankful for it!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Parkway Series Continues

Blue Ridge Parkway Series #410 12 x 16 oil SOLD

Blue Ridge Parkway Series #411 12 x 16 oil Sold

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Roanoke Country Club

Roanoke Country Club 16x16 oil $300

Roanoke County Club #2 12 x 16 oil $250.

Roanoke Country Club #3 12 x 16 $250.

I really enjoy painting people in the environment. Whether on the Parkway or on the golf course, I love being outside. On this cold January day, I have had fun remembering the warm days of summer. Looking forward to Spring!!!

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Smith Mountain Lake State Park 12 x 16 oil Sold

The Ridge and Valley Plein Air Painters met at the Lake last summer; I can't believe it took me 6 months to finish this painting! Many times I begin a painting on location and finish it later. What better way to spend a snow day than to remember the hot summer sun from last August!

Thunder Ridge

Parkway Series #409 12 x 16 oil $150.

My plein air group met at Thunder Ridge back in the summer to paint. (milepost 74.7) The early morning clouds were just lifting from the valley. This is one of the overlooks where the Appalachian Trail intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway so it is always fun to talk with hikers about their trail adventures!

Treatise on why I create

An artist, musician, craftsman, theatrical director, performer, all know that the human heart longs for truth, goodness, and beauty. If we can create that sense of longing, we capture our audience in the creative experience. In Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz, Frank creates a magical story about longing for home. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is a plea by a young girl to find that place of rest, a home in which to feel safe. St. Augustine said "our hearts are restless until we find our rest in God". Ennio Morricone, the Italian composer, expressed his faith through his music. He sat before a painting of Jesus every day and prayed for an hour before beginning his day. His composition "The Mission" transports the listener to another place, another time, another dimension of reality - an eternal home- a celebration of beauty. My goal in painting is to draw the viewer into a higher sense of reality and to feel that sense of longing and to hopefully realize that longing is ultimately for the eternal home, Heaven.