On Guard

On Guard

Tenacious but tender.

Wild beauty in balance;

Uncontrollable but in need of care.

Power in potential that

Must be guarded to be free.

My Boy

The teacher said, "paint a pop-art picture of a face."  I picked one I love - I hope he'll forgive me. 

 

 

 

Jellyfish

This weeks project was a jellyfish.  I found the process of creating the illusion of transparency particularly challenging.

Autumn Treasure

When we go back to Loll in September to "pump" and lock down, we find the beauty of the Fall filling the forest.  The ash trees are orange, the snowberrys gold, and the Huckleberrys are fire red. There are some treasures of summer still hanging on: memories and big blue berries.  The Huckleberry is the only fruit in heaven - where all things must be perfect. 

Water Color Memories

 

 

 

 

I’m taking a Water Color Class and our first assignment was to paint a silhouette.  I tried this one; based on a phot taken by Shad Burnham.  Can you tell what it is?  I hope you like it.

 

 

Lady in Gold and America's Heroes

The Woman in Gold and America’s Heroes

The movie The Woman in Gold is excellent.  We were very glad we went, and as my wife and I drove home, we talked about the wonder of the art, evil that hate can bring and the wonder of America where justice for one is justice for all.  My favorite moment was when, speaking before the Supreme Court, the young lawyer, Randol Schoenberg, says of Mrs. Altman: “She came to America to find peace – let’s give her justice too.”

It was gratifying to know that the picture sold for 135 million dollars, but we should contemplate how much freedom and justice are worth.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, an American Soldier who has spent years of his life defending truth and justice, said he would like to commission me to paint a picture of his former commanding officer.   I accepted, perhaps tempted beyond my abilities by the chance of pay.  It took me several weeks to produce something I was satisfied with.

We got home from the movie and I called my friend.  He came over and graciously accepted the watercolor painting.  I suggested we discuss payment.  I told him I had spoken with my daughter-in-law about what she charged for her paintings and that she often works out swaps – a dentist gets his daughter painted in exchange for fixing my grandchildren’s teeth.   So I told my friend that I would work out such a deal with him.  I told him I would trade my efforts for the freedom and safety of my family and friends.  I also told him that if anyone ever asked what he paid for the painting he could truthfully say it was priceless. 

Here’s the picture.

Little Bear

We had a bear in camp this past summer.  I had several encounters with him.  Fortunately he was a little bear.  I believe he has had enough of me.  One rainy afternoon, I trudged out to meet him for the third time - bear spray in hand.  I fought my way through the undergrowth and scrambling through the gullies about fifty yards above the trail to Polar Bear.  We came face to face.  He took a good look at me and bounded off over the south ridge. Just the response I was hoping for.

He has been much on my mind.  I just finished painting this picture of him. 

 

 

 

I also wrote a poem concerning him and the dangers he represents - or - if you prefer, the dangers he faces, if either the camp or the bear fail to learn and obey the rules.

 

From dark dangers Rules keep us free,

While Virtue gives Reason to our Faith.

 Little Bear  was accepted at the Petite Impressions art show at the Eccles Community Art Center.  He will be on exhibit along with a lot of other works by other folks starting this weekend. 

 

                                         



Measured Drawing of Castor & Pollux #2

Measured Drawing for Castor & Pollux #1