"Captivated"

 

That feeling you have when you can not look away.  The moments when all the world slips away.  

The rustle of nearby grasses, a soft and gentle breeze and the song of the sea birds lingering in time.  

Filled with wonder, delight and a sense of peace, there is a time in space that you never want to leave.

The longer you linger, the more you see.

 

 

Whenever I fly east to visit family, I always love to visit my old stomping grounds of Newport, Rhode Island.  

Even in the winter, there is much charm and in locations like this, I can feel the hands of the clock simply stand still

as long as I'm willing to stay.

"Awakening"

 

While standing in a field, looking off into the distance, a flock of Snow Geese are settled on the ground of this Palmer, Alaska hayfield.  They are stopping for a quick layover on their way further north for the summer season.   It is an amazing experience to be there, focused only on their prescence, and then suddenly... one is startled... the whole flock lifts one at a time.   It's as though they are connected by an invisible string.  There is a roar of gaggles as they follow suit lifting their bodies to take to the air.   They circle around and overhead with sounds not to go unoticed, twice around until one at a time they lower themselves like a beautiful ballet, back to the ground.  They have been Awakened. 

 

Picasso

 

Why the name?  Well beautiful color, wildly arranged to create a beautiful work of art!  

That's how I feel about these gorgeous birds that rarely get the kudos they deserve :)

 

Nepali Mule Train 

 

For the second year in a row, Blaines Art Supply in Anchorage, Alaska is supporting the needs of those less fortunate in Nepal.  Each day in the month of March, 1 or 2 artists paint on site.  Each artist donates their daily painting for auction.  All proceeds go to the needs through the actions of some very caring people.  Helping Hands for Nepal.

 

This artwork depicts a lifestyle unlike one that I am used to.  It is a painting where mules are used for hauling goods.  The leader carries no burden other than the burden of leading itself.  A man follows and behind him a long following of mules carrying loads to make it through this forested destination.   Wearing a tall and majestic head dress comes the second mule, but he too carries his load.  As a work to stay warm in Alaska, moving from my studio to my heated vehicle, daring icy roads or white out conditions, I wonder what the daily concerns of this man might be.  

 

 

A rock wall is a palette for the Master's hand 

and Providence for the night. 

 

As the day was ending and the sun cast it's luminous glow,

these sailors found the perfect spot to rest for the night.

Another wonderful moment on the Channel Island art trip.

"Beholding Glory"

 

Sitting on a dive boat in the Channel Islands National Park, 

watching the sun set and the sky and water glow,  

As I gazed into the distance this sailboat came into view.

It too, was "Beholding Glory"

 

It's my hope that you are taken away in time, looking to the future with new hope, when you are beholding glory.

Laying low in the grass, looking up through the petals and sunlight,

I can only imagine thesebeautiful poppies gathering together to enjoy a favorite

"Spring Dance".

"Deep Thoughts, Shallow Waters" was created as a studio piece following a weekend at Byer's Lake.  It was part of Alaska State Park's inaugural art in the parks initiative.  It was an exciting event where more than 40 Alaskan artists gathered together in tents, campers or nearby hotel rooms for a weekend of sun, rain, campfires and of course great artistic comraderie.  Mt McKinley even showed up for the event!  This piece, however, came from a quiet morning before most campers were up, I was out sipping coffee on the dock.  

I hope it brings to you a peaceful feeling of reflecting on the good things in life as it did me.   

Just up the road from home lies Hatcher Pass.  

In Alaska, it's a wonderful place all seasons.  

One of the many trails readily available to a vigorous or leisurely hike is the Gold Mint Trail.  

It was a place that I visited with dear friends last summer.  Photos, laughter, warm summer temps and

abundant beauty summed up the day.  

 

 

 

Gold Mint Trail

16 x 20" Original Oil Painting

 

SAT. & SUN. FEBRUARY 11 & 12, 2012

PreBuy Open House at APTI 1:00 – 5:00 pm

THURS., FRI. & SAT. FEBRUARY 16, 17 & 18

Live on KAKM Channel 7 TV

Call 907.550.8432 for tickets and more info!