Inspiration

Here's the question. How do you paint majesty? Over the past week, I have witnessed amazing landscapes, terrain, and vistas. Desert, mountains, ocean coast, giant redwoods, rolling hills, and now vineyards rising on every hilltop. We have taken over 200 photos (thank goodness for digital cameras). I don't paint from a photograph usually so why the photos? To remember is the obvious answer and that is truth. But also to study. How do light and shadow work together to communicate to the eye the shape of a hill? Where do lines converge to give scale to these giants of creation? How do colors fade or brighten as the horizon fades or waves lap the sand?
Can't wait to get back to the studio and explore the possibilities.

From California

Greetings! I have been in California now for several days. As I woke this morning I realized that I wanted to share an experience of a couple of days ago. We were in Redding earlier in the week, surrounded by mountains and it was time to head west to the coast and the redwoods. No quick way to get there. One must traverse the mountains in order to get to the ocean. So we did. It was beautiful. So here's the thing. I have never been to that part of California but as we traveled from Redding to Trinidad I kept repeating "This is amazing! I've never been here, but I've painted it!" I've had others tell me that I have painted a place I've never been, but I've never experienced that for myself. The Creator whispered something in my ear, inspired me to paint, and brought to canvas something I've never seen with my eyes. As an abstract artist that's more understandable. That He would bring to my vision a specific place? All I can say is "Wow!"