My ancestors were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as "Mormons." Mobs drove them from their homes in Ohio and Missouri, so they settled in a swamp on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. They drained the swamp and built a beautiful city they named "Nauvoo." They built the Nauvoo Temple which overlooked the river. Eventually, mobs murdered their leader and drove the people from their homes. They fled to a new home in the west.
After they had gone, arsonists burned the insides of the temple, then a tornado blew it down.
About a hundred and fifty years later, the temple was rebuilt. Some of my children chose to be married there, and one of them requested I paint a picture of it for her home. Not only can she remember her wedding day, but her heritage as well.
Filed under My Inspiration by 
I've been stuck here in the house. We had a ton of snow yesterday and we can't get out. I've been bored. I decided I needed to do something soon or I'd go crazy!
I set up my portable easel in front of the mirror over our dresser, then got a canvas, my pallette and brushes. I opened the blinds so the side of my face would be illuminated. Here is the result of my efforts after a few hours. Note the light and dark sides of my face. Also look for highlights in my eyes.
If you're ever bored, try it.
Filed under Oil Painting Technique by
This is another painting featured in my one-man show in Madison, Indiana. It is a scene on the main street in town. I was trying to portray what a sunny summer day looks like. To add interest I have a tree in the foreground with sunlight shining through it's leaves.
The cars and trucks drive by. Notice how simply I have painted them. I leave a lot to the viewer's imagination, but your mind fills in the blanks. I've got reflections of the sky in the building windows. Little spots of colors are placed carefully to portray the driver of the truck, the person walking down the street, and an individual leaning against a doorway. Also notice the highlights on the tops of the cars which is done with white paint.
Filed under My Gallery Shows by
This painting is part of my one-man show to be held in Madison, Indiana. I will be at a reception there from 2-4 pm on Saturday, February 13th at Joeyg's, 218 E. Main Street, Madison, IN.
The painting is of the bridge that goes over the Ohio River from Milton, Kentucky to Madison, Indiana. It is an important painting because the historic bridge will be torn down in the near future and I want people to remember it.
The painting shows the bridge across the top with the city of Madison below. The hills in back of the city are in shadow which is portrayed in blue. Madison itself is the focus, especially with the white steeples reaching upwards. Note the reflections of them painted into the water below. Also note that the river reflects the blue sky and the bridge. I'm somewhat distraught that the bridge will be gone — to me, the city and the bridge are very much a part of each other.
Filed under My Gallery Shows by
As evening comes along the banks of the Ohio River, you will see scenes of boats docked. The river is quiet and smooth. Reflections of trees are in the water, along with the boats put to bed for the night.
You will see atmospheric perspective in this painting. The closest boat is painted larger than the one further away. The colors of the trees go from warm greens to pale blue.
When I paint, I find myself squinting. I am trying to minimalize what I see and I'm going into almost a trance to feel the emotion or magic of each scene.
Filed under Oil Painting Technique by
If you go to Joeyg's in Madison, Indiana on weekend nights you may be serenaded by Roy Gentry and his band. He sings the blues. He stands up on a stage that is dimly lit and the atmosphere is great.
I've tried to portray what you would see if you were there. Roy is the one on the left. You should notice that most of the scene is painted very dark, almost black. All you see of the person in the middle is his head and arm. The man on the right has a face but no hair. You didn't realize that because your mind put the missing parts in. It is actually all you would see.
When painting, try to portray things you really see, not what your mind says is there and your image will be more believable and pleasing.
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