A day like no other

We all get to experience the beauty of nature. How magnificent it is to witness Gods creation. To those who have stood in the midst of a redwood forest, or at the foot of a majestic mountain or waterfall, you know what I am talking about. 

Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to go to the largest art museum in America.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art….Wow, Wow, Wow!

Of course, we expected grandeur from creation but not always from mankind. Too many times people are known for their hatred, wars, and evil ways. A place like the Met is where you flip the coin to experience the other side of mankind. People, artists, architects, painters, sculptors, and craftsmen who had a creative nature to express beauty that stagers the mind. It’s deep within them and yet they have found a way to pour it out in their artistic ways and impact the world in their own lifetime and for generations after they have passed on.

More updates to come of my findings at “The Met”

A side note: I ’m not saying creatives are perfect…far from it. Van Gogh delt will depression and many expect he committed suicide.

The Italian painter, Caravaggio became notorious for his drinking, gambling, sword-carrying and brawling. He was arrested for carrying a sword without a permit, sued for beating a man with a stick. : o

After Benvenuto Cellini killed his rival, the goldsmith Pompeo de Capitaneis, in 1534, Pope Paul III—a Cellini fan—reportedly pardoned the Florentine artist, declaring that men like him “ought not to be bound by law.” In 1660 the Dutch painter Jacob van Loo stabbed a wine merchant to death during a brawl in Amsterdam, and then fled to Paris.  *ARTnews

life changing moments

It’s easy to overlook the everyday miracles of the natural world, but art has the power to rekindle that sense of awe. This drawing invites you to reconnect with nature and see the animal kingdom with fresh eyes, offering more than just a beautiful image—it can be a transformative experience. Art has the unique ability to shift perspectives, lift your spirits, and inspire new ways of seeing the world. Bringing special art into your home can spark joy, provide moments of calm, and even be a catalyst for change in your life.

What happens next is yours to discover.

Layer upon layer

Basically for me, painting in layers is just what it sounds like.

I paint a section of a painting, then after it's dry, paint on it again, and again. It's a classical approach that has been done for a long time and taught by many schools of art (or at least it used to be). Famous painters, like Rembrandt, Titian and Rubens painted this way.

It's a different approach than painting "alla prima" (basically one layer, painted in one sitting). For me, painting in layers is a more leisurely paced technique that allows me to slowly build up the painting, without being rushed. This way I can build up colors and textures, creating a rich painting (and every brush stroke doesn't have to be "perfect.")

On the other hand, alla prima is much more about speed. I do this when I paint outdoors, en plein air, where how fast you paint is important. - the approaches are very different.

How many layers? (Actually, that's not really the right question to ask.) I also see some who declare there's a specific number of layers if you're painting in layers. (That would not be my answer.)

My answer? There's no set rule for how many layers you should paint. It's really more about how many you NEED.

For me, the first layer is important and helps me to build a cohesive and luminous painting. That's the imprimatura/bistre layer. After that, I might paint an area in one or two layers, but other areas may need many more to get the result I'm after. By layering, I can build up beautifully rich colors and nuanced details with different types of soft textures or glazed layers. (I'm certainly not keeping count of how many layers I'm painting!)

The Beauty and Inspiration of Nature

Nature's allure is a constant reminder of the profound beauty that surrounds us. From the majestic mountains to the gentle rustling of leaves, nature captivates our senses and touches our souls. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, nature holds the power to inspire, invigorate, and awaken the creativity within us.

1. Finding Solace in Nature: Amidst the chaos of daily life, nature offers solace and respite. Whether we find comfort in a serene forest, a serene lake, or a vibrant garden, nature's tranquility soothes our weary minds and rejuvenates our spirits. It provides a space for reflection, introspection, and deep connection with our inner selves.

2. A Source of Inspiration: Nature's boundless beauty serves as an endless wellspring of inspiration. Its colors, patterns, and intricate designs ignite our imaginations and fuel our creativity. From the delicate petals of a flower to the sprawling canopy of a forest, nature's artistry urges us to see the world through fresh eyes and find inspiration in the simplest of details.

3. Reconnecting with our Roots: In the embrace of nature, we reconnect with our primal instincts and rediscover our place in the web of life. We witness the interdependence of all living things and the delicate balance of ecosystems. This reminder of our interconnectedness fosters a sense of humility and encourages us to become stewards of the environment.

Nature's beauty and inspiration are gifts that enrich our lives and awaken our spirits. By immersing ourselves in the wonders of the natural world, we find solace, ignite our creativity, and reconnect with the essence of our existence. Let us cherish and protect nature, for it holds the key to our own growth and harmonious coexistence with the world around us.

La Department of Military

Oil on a linen canvas
James H Mays
Command Sergeant Major
Louisiana Army National Gaurd
Size 24" x 30"

It can be challenging to show the work in progress. Over two months of work has been condensed into about 2 minutes.  
 

Oil painted portrait for the Louisiana Department of Military

What do you get from an artist?

When an artist is good, I do that this applies.

Creating a custom piece

When someone request a custom piece of artwork, they usually already have an idea in their mind. The artist job is to bring that vision into reality.

For this painting, the art patron, Bonnie, wanted an eagle soaring.  I had her send me a picture of the wall she was needing the the artwork to hang on.  

The first part of the process was for me to send Bonnie some conceptual designs for her to get an idea of what was in my head.

Conceptual designs of painting:

View fullsize

We had to determine the exact size the painting needed to be. Painters tape was placed in the area, then measurements were taken.

It was decided to go with the center image.  She requested some "semi-abstract" (I think that's pretty funny).  The eagle was more realistic while the background had texture, gold leaf and some abstract components.

A large wooden panel as constructed for the artwork.

Images of the process:

drawing

underpainting

tape and texture

begin detailed work on the eagle

Painting the sky.

Detailed image of the sky:

Here is a photo of the finished painting, hung in here home: