New Paintings and Prints...

are currently in the works. I am still going to continue to paint on cardboard with tempera, but I am also planning on doing some printing as well. I have always enjoyed screen printing and am excited about getting back to it.

Planning on using some of my existing work and reworking it for a print version. For those of you out there who love the look of cardboard and tempera, well, don't fear. I will still be working primarily in that medium. I can't quite describe the feeling of painting with a child-like medium like tempera. And then add in the cardboard and well, I just love it. I know, I know it sounds corny but, well...it is corny. I admit it. Deal with it.

I have been thinking through some new concepts and ideas. Praying that God will continue to guide me....scratch that, I know that God is guiding. I need to pray that I will listen and respond to that guidance. That's better.

Birds, bottles, snow globes and water are just a few of the images drifting through my head currently. Trust me, I will make them all come full circle someday.

I have been reading quite a few blogs and articles on the web along with watching quite a few youtube videos. As always, people keep me on my toes with new thoughts, rehashed old thoughts and of course plenty of questions...it keeps me thinking.

A bit of an explanation.

The painting from a few posts ago. You know the one with the two human profiles and the rooster, sheep and a couple of hearts. Well, I will try to give an explanation here.

The two profiles are of me. The rooster symbolizes not necessarily the outward denial of Christ, but more along the lines of a lack of reliance on Him. The sheep/lamb is symbolic of many things, most importantly, the fact that I am not in charge and He is.

On the left I'm on top and in charge, and on the left, Christ is first and above me. The hearts are reflect both of those times as well. The dark, gray heart belongs to the rooster and the red one belongs to the sheep/lamb.

Sounds simple enough, but there is much truth here. I don't know about you but there are those times when I put me first, I put my desires and wants above others. More importantly, I realize that I often leave Jesus out of the picture completely.

It is during these times that something takes place, some type of trigger or something inside or maybe its a kick in the teeth that jolts me back to where I need to be. And where do I think that place I need to be is? Seeking guidance and direction from the lamb instead of the rooster.

There you go...take it or leave it. Any thoughts from the thousands, if not millions of people who read this blog...well...maybe not millions.

The Three Amigos

Here we are. Jeff, Jason and Joe. This shot was taken by my sister-in-law Amy at the show last week. This is one of those rare shots that does not come along too often since we don't get the chance to get together all that often.

New Paintings

These three paintings were completed over the last few weeks. They were on display at the show last week. If you were not there, well here is your chance to see them. By the way, did I tell you how fantastic the show was? Anyway....

The first one, Gossip, is tempera on cardboard and measures 24"x50" It pretty much approaches the idea of gossip from the standpoint of birds. Pretty straight forward, the only thing that might not be so obvious is the fact that all the birds have their backs to the viewer. Much like gossip, these five birds are discussing something with the intent of shielding their conversation from others, specifically those being gossiped about.

The second, What is Peace?, is tempera on cardboard and measures 50"x30". At first glance one might think this is some sort of political statement or a form of propaganda. That is really just the bait. Often times when discussing war, specifically the war in Iraq, I have noticed that many people feel that if we can achieve peace - the idea of no more violence - things will take care of themselves and we Americans can go back to our normal lives. Then I started to think about the question, "What is Peace?" and "What is a normal life?" Seriously what does that mean, specifically to the Christian?

Peace is not found with the absence of violence or war. Peace is not the result of winning or overthrowing a government. As a Christian, peace is found in Christ. The world is constantly turned upside down. Conflict, war, death and destruction are part of our lives. Not that I enjoy that but, those things are here and don't seem to be subsiding very soon.

So where do we find peace? There is peace knowing that Jesus Christ is in charge and I am not. There is peace knowing the picture is far more broad than my own little slice of the universe. Despite what is going on in the world, there is peace knowing that our lives will not always be like this.

And finally, this last one is tempera on cardboard and measures 30"x50. This is a self-portrait. The explanation is not that complicated but, I want to think about the best way to describe it to you. I will come back, maybe tomorrow, and try and do that. Enjoy.

Let me know what you think, I am always curious to know what others are taking away and adding to my works.

What A Great Night!

Well the show has come and gone. It seemed like it was never going to get here and as I settled down afterwards on Saturday night I could hardly believe it was over.

Anyway, the show was fantastic! We had over 75 people sign our guest book and there were plenty more that didn't. The atmosphere was perfect. A little bit of music, some good food and plenty of conversation. Of course there are always things you wish you would have planned a bit better, but so it goes. My oldest daughter Ella was pretty excited to see some of her paintings displayed as well. Just like her ol' dad, she paints with tempera on cardboard...what can I say.

There were plenty of opportunities to talk with people one on one. That is what we had hoped for. I had the chance to explain the process for many of my paintings. The reason or purpose behind them became even more evident as the conversations developed. And of course the viewer always brings something unexpected to the work. Views, thoughts or ideas that I had maybe not even considered.

It was very encouraging to say the least. It just reinforced the fact that we are doing the right thing. That God is opening doors just as quickly as he closes others. That is beyond words.

There are quite a few people who helped out and made the show possible. I am not going to give an Oscar speech here but I do want to recognize them. Here they are:
Christy, Amy, Claire, Erik, Gail and Hallie and of course my brothers, Jeff and Joe. I am sure there are others, please forgive me for not mentioning them. Thanks does not do really express how greatful I am. Without these folks, well...it just would not have worked as well as it did. I am very greatful for their help.

Plans are already underway for another show this summer. Crazy huh?

Flickr Page Added

On the right hand side of the page is my flickr badge. You can click on the badge and view my current works from my flickr page. I added this to allow people to see all of my work in one location as opposed to just searching through older posts.

I will continue to show and discuss work on this page as always. Hopefully this added feature will help those looking for specific art works.

Just a few days away.

The work for the show is coming along quite well right now. I have a few more paintings I have been trying to get finished up. Hopefully they will be ready by Saturday. I am quite positive that there will be a few more that won't be completed though. That's fine, I will just have to wait until another time. If all goes well, we will have another show in the summer. Remember, if you have any questions about the location of the show or anything else just leave me a comment and I will get back to you.

Onward and Upward.