The Red Planet

"The Red Planet"

Gold and Red

Every now and then, I feel like I have just a bit too much fun. I don't feel guilty about that mind  you! The latest bit of fun involves this commissioned art piece (yet to be formally named). This abstract oil painting is destined for a home that will be part of Asheville, North Carolina's 2016 Parade of Homes this autumn (and Joy and I have been invited to be there shamelessly handing out business cards). Anyway, the video (below) was actually taken from a helicopter 10,000 feet above the surface of an alien planet. Just kidding. It's just me playing with my camera. Cheers!

"Zuma"

Just Because it's Fun to Paint

I live in Asheville, North Carolina and because of that, I'm usually painting the woods, mountains and trails I love up here in the Blue Ridge mountains. But a couple weeks ago, after my exploration into the underwater world of giant kelp and tropical fish, I decided to experiment again with more water; this time a crashing wave. I rarely have more fun than I did with this one! This piece measures 40" x 50" but I am thinking it would be awesome a lot larger than this as a statement piece or awesome entrance art. 

"Zuma" (40" x 50")

Fishy Art

Underwater Art

This project, featuring a school of tropical fish swimming amongst giant kelp was the most intricate, detailed painting I've done using this technique. Finished this time with satin varnish rather than gloss resin, it's new home will be in Georgetown, SC. 

A Blast From the Past

Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, Third Movement

Painting Music

While visiting my son Gerin, I found a painting I had worked on about twelve years ago and it still gives me pleasure as I remember the process of its creation. The assignment I gave myself was to create a series of four paintings that visually portrayed the essence of one of the most famous pieces of music ever composed: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. 

The only way I knew how to do this was to close the door, turn the lights out and listen to this incredible piece of music over and over and over again and (in a sense) let it take me where it wanted.  I noticed minute details I'd never really paid attention to before. The third movement (portrayed here) is a very ethereal, dark, moody section. And underneath the haunting music is a sort of rhythmic framework repeated throughout the piece: 1234...1234...1234...1234...As the third movement draws to a close, it gets quieter and quieter until it is almost silent...and then it explodes into the majestic first few notes of the fourth movement. 

Remembering the fun of the creation of this set honestly makes me want to try it again. Any requests???

Appalachian Panorama

Those "Special" Places

There are few more beautiful places than at the top of the Appalachians. Several years ago, we visited a place called Max Patch (about an hours drive west of Asheville) and it feels like the top of the world. It's definitely one of those North Carolina landscapes you never forget. On a clear day, I think you could see nearly a hundred miles in every direction. This oil painting (sold even before completed!) was painted to be installed above a door as "entrance art" and was based on memories of the many times we've hiked to the top of that bald and enjoyed a picnic dinner, glass of wine and Pim's (you have to have Pim's for dessert when you eat a picnic dinner at the top of Max Patch).