Three Amigos

This painting began as grey-scale in acrylic. Once completely dried I used water-soluble oil paint. 

 

Furry Friends

Painting people’s pets are challenging. Like people, animals also display a certain facial expression that only their owners love or know more than any others. 

When you hear the eyes are the gateway to the soul. I believe it shows individual expression and we all have our uniqueness including pet.

These two cuties below are my grand-pets and were done for a Christmas gift. 

 

 

Unconventional Creativity

How could a painting undergo such a dramatic transformation? That question haunts me every time I gaze upon it in its current state. Initially, I had captured a serene scene of a mother goose and her goslings gliding peacefully along the Mississippi shoreline in a photograph, envisioning it as the perfect subject for a painting.

Over the course of four years, I made numerous attempts to bring this vision to life on canvas, only to have the original concept ultimately lost forever. As I've noted in my blog previously, when faced with uncertainty in my painting process, my creations often veer into the realm of the bizarre, resulting in an unintended and often disappointing transformation. Below, I present the various iterations of this once-promising 48” x 24” canvas painting.

You might be curious why I don't simply begin anew on a fresh canvas. Primarily, it's because I aim to repurpose and salvage what I've already started. Additionally, I find it beneficial for practicing techniques or illustrating subjects without squandering another canvas.

The intended subject 

Original 

Complete

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 4

Fig 5

Fig 6

Fig 7 

Fig 8

Profound Seasons

Living in the Midwest offers a firsthand encounter with the full spectrum of seasons, from mild to wild. Our weather can swing dramatically, from droughts to deluges, tornados to blizzards, all sometimes in a single day. It's a whirlwind of nature's extremes.

Yet amidst this tumult, each season paints its own breathtaking landscape. As a nature enthusiast, I find endless inspiration in the diverse textures, colors, and subjects that each season unveils.

Reflecting on my journey as an artist, I've seen my style evolve alongside the changing seasons. It's funny to think back on how I use to eagerly anticipate rapid improvement from one painting to the next, only to realize true progress takes time—sometimes a decade or more.

Whether it's the weather or personal growth, change can feel like a slow process. But when viewed in the context of a lifetime, it's just a fleeting moment in time.

 

Home Sweet Home

This painting was the residence of my Aunt and Uncle I created for them before they moved from their beloved home.

 

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Legends Of Barns

 

Hiking around Swiss Valley Nature Preserve in Iowa; I spied this ramshackle barn tucked amongst the timber.

While out driving around  the QC area in Illinois, you may spot a barn around every corner. During the early mornings this one often catches my eye with how the light plays off the dark shadows.

Some barns have working animals others transform into versatile spaces, hosting weddings, art exhibitions, or homes all while retaining their rustic charm and preserving echoes of their agricultural past.

Nestled amid golden fields, barns stand proud, guardians of tradition and keepers of the countryside's secrets.

Nestled in rural landscapes, horse farms are as plentiful as cattle or swine.

Big Red's retain their iconic status, exuding timeless charm even in the absence of a fresh coat of paint.

Some barns just go with the landscape.

Some barns have more character just waiting to show case their story. 

Modern barns will eventually take place of the old craftsman style barns as those bygone days fade away.

Big Red on Illinois Highway 67

Weekend escapade to the serene shores of Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden hues over Hwy 67 and the undulating hills, a majestic Big Red barn stood out in its striking crimson hue, practically begging for a snapshot to capture its bold statement against the fading light.

This particular painting marked one of my first ventures into the realm of palette knife techniques. Undoubtedly, there lies a journey of many more practice sessions ahead before I can truly feel at ease and confident with these artistic methods.

Gatlinburg Barn Paintings

One of our springtime vacations provided an abundance of breathtaking scenery and inspiration. Embarking from the Land of Lincoln, our journey towards the picturesque Smokey Mountains in Tennessee was a tapestry of captivating sights. Along the way, we were greeted by enchanting hills veiled in rolling fog, rustic barns standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time, some weathered and tattered, others vibrant in their coats of deep red. Each turn of the road revealed a new panorama of natural beauty, offering endless opportunities for reflection and creative inspiration.

Barns Across The Heartland

Strong and sturdy to weakening and withered

In the heart of rural America, nestled amidst rolling hills and sprawling fields, stood an old barn weathered by time and history. Its wooden beams once stood proud and tall, a testament to the sweat and toil of generations past. But now, they sagged under the weight of neglect, and the roof, once a sturdy shield against the elements, was now a tattered canvas, offering little protection.

The barn had seen better days. Long ago, it echoed with the sounds of animals and the laughter of children playing in its hayloft. But as the years wore on, those sounds faded, replaced by silence broken only by the whispers of the wind through its weathered boards.

The demise of the old barn was a slow and steady decline. Time had taken its toll, and no one had the means or the will to restore it to its former glory. Neglected and forgotten, it stood as a relic of a bygone era, a ghost of the past haunting the landscape.

Nature began to reclaim what was once its own. Vines snaked their way up the crumbling walls, reclaiming the barn for the earth. Moss and lichen spread like a green blanket across its weathered facade, and small animals made their homes amidst the decaying wood.

But even as the old barn crumbled, there was a beauty to its demise. In its weathered walls and sagging beams, there was a story of perseverance and resilience. It stood as a silent witness to the passage of time, a reminder that nothing lasts forever, but that even in ruin, there is beauty to be found.

And so, as the old barn slowly succumbed to the ravages of time, it left behind a legacy that would endure long after its weathered boards had turned to dust. It was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of nature, a symbol of the cycle of life and death that touches us all.

 

Country Living

Growing up, I didn't live on a farm like my closest relatives did, but most summers, we'd visit my aunts, uncles, and cousins. There's something special about the rhythm of farm life and each season. The smell of freshly turned earth and manure after a plow – Dad used to say, "Smell that fresh country air." My gag reflex got the best of me back when I was a kid, but now, I don't mind the scent as it brings back nostalgic memories of simpler times. From the crack of dawn to the golden hues of sunset, farm life is filled with honest toil and simple pleasures. Whether it's tending to crops, caring for animals, or fixing up the old barn, every day presents its own set of challenges and rewards. And let's not forget those cozy evenings by the fire, swapping stories with family and friends. Farm life may be tough at times, but it's also deeply fulfilling and downright beautiful.

Birdhouse Mania

After crafting the cardinal bird feeder, I found immense joy in curating themes for birdhouses. One destination that has long intrigued me is "The Temple Bar" in Ireland. Although visiting remains on my bucket list, I channeled my enthusiasm by painting a birdhouse reminiscent of this iconic pub.

With a proud Irish heritage and a fondness for spirits, I felt compelled to create yet another birdhouse, affectionately named "The Shamrock Pub."

These birdhouses were a huge hit during last year's Christmas festivities, particularly during our family's white elephant gift exchange. Witnessing the excitement and banter over who would claim them was truly a delight. Ultimately, my eldest ended up with them all, now proudly showcased in her kitchen.

Following a special request, I embarked on another painting endeavor, this time capturing the essence of San Francisco, a city close to someone's heart. Each side of the birdhouse was adorned with beloved landmarks and cherished memories from the vibrant streets of SF.

Springtime Bird Feeder

Pre-sketch cardinals on surface

Apply acrylic paint

Turn a plain wooden bird feeder 

In to a hanging piece of art