This is a painting of a family hiking in the mountains.  I’ve used a technique called “atmospheric perspective.”  This gives the feeling of looking up at them as they hike.  The one on the far right is painted largest, the one in the middle is smaller than the first, and the last one is the smallest.  This makes the one to the right look closest while the one on the left feels further away.  I’ve also put the one on the right further down on the painting while I’ve painted the others higher up on the canvas.

A few years ago  my wife commented to me that Frida Kahlo and Rembrandt did an annual self-portrait.  She thought I should do the same, so here’s the eighth annual self-portrait.

Michael Robinson holds his daughter in the newborn intensive care unit.  He was never able to hear her cry.  He only held her four times.  Unfortunately, she passed away.  I’ve tried to portray his tender feelings to the newborn daughter who wasn’t going to make it.

After frolicking in the water all day, the sun starts going down leaving a golden glow.  As the swimmers stay in the ocean they become silhouetted against the water and sky.

Len Cheatham followed his dream from age five through college and beyond–to be a cellist. After majoring in cello performance he played in a symphony in North Carolina and is a member of the Hendricks Symphony Orchestra.  He gives cello recitals and plays in “gigs”, like weddings, etc.  I’ve tried to portray him in his element–as someone who is obsessed by the opportunity to play his cello.

Recently my wife and I visited New Orleans.  We enjoyed walking around in the French Quarter.  While we were going down Royal Street a gallery caught my eye–Gallery B. Foss.  We went inside.  The artwork was really exciting–mostly knife painting in abstractions of scenes in the area.  I was pleasantly surprised to talk to the gallery director –Connor Chestnut.  I’ve rarely been treated so warmly by anyone.  She was so happy and kind.  The art was great, but I’ve not gotten over what a fantastic person she is.  I hope this portrays the happy person she is.

If you’re ever in New Orleans, stop by at the gallery, 922 Royal Street.