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.

The Beauty of the Human Face: A Captivating Tapestry of Expression

The human face is a remarkable canvas that showcases the intricacies of emotion, identity, and individuality. Its beauty lies not only in its physical features but also in the wealth of expression it can convey. From the sparkling eyes that shimmer with joy to the gentle curve of a smile that radiates warmth, the human face is a tapestry of emotions and stories waiting to be explored.

Each face carries a unique story, reflecting a person's journey, experiences, and personality. It is a window into their soul, revealing their hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. The face holds the power to captivate us, drawing us in with its raw authenticity and connecting us on a deeply human level.

The beauty of the human face lies not in its adherence to conventional standards but in its diversity. Every face, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background, possesses its own allure and charm. It is through this diversity that we celebrate the richness of human existence.

Faces are also symbolic of our interconnectedness as a species. They are a universal language, transcending barriers and fostering empathy and understanding. In their subtleties and nuances, faces create a tapestry of emotions that bind us together in our shared human experience.

As we navigate life, we should embrace the beauty of the human face. Let us appreciate the lines etched by laughter, the wisdom carved by time, and the uniqueness that sets each face apart. By cherishing the beauty of the human face, we honor the stories it tells and the connections it fosters, ultimately celebrating the incredible diversity and wonder of humanity.

Murphy and Linda's Portrait

Murphy is a kind, easy going guy. I met with him several times at coffee shops as we inspired each other to come up with a portrait that would represent a journey together for him and his wife. The couple have been married since their youth, and they have always had pets that were a part of the family. So it was decided to incorporate of few of these little guys into the image. Typically a portrait will have a much more simplistic background but this painting needed to be more than just their images, it was to represent their story of togetherness.

This was always one of their favorite pictures, so the plan was to make it the central theme of the portrait.

After the painting was about halfway completed, Camille made the decision to use a different photo for Linda because this photograph was challenging to work with, especially when it came to the “details” (they say that the devil can be in the details, yep…art joke)

here are a few images of the progression

drawing and underpainting stage

Putting on a new face

The underpainting helps in determining the values needed in each area.

After spending an enormous amount of time on their portrait, our home caught fire. I waited outdoors for the firemen to arrive. Our entire street was filled with white smoke. Our neighbor said it was so thick she couldn’t see across the street. Several fire trucks came, a few police cars, and the paramedics. You know what they say “if your home was to catch on fire, what would you run in to get?” Yep, I actually had that thought. “MURPHY’S PAINTING!” Then in I ran, but I didn’t have to run through fire, just plenty of smoke. I darted up the stairs when I heard a fireman shout at me. “What do you think you are doing?” I shouted back “I’m trying to save something”. He then yelled out “get out NOW!” So I left (after getting the painting to a safe place.)

Our son and daughter-inlove we so kind to take us in to stay with them while we transitioned into a rental house. I had a makeshift studio in their sunroom. When my grand-darling would get home from daycare, she’d sit on my lap and pretend to paint. (Her brushes did not have paint 😁)

Because of hurricane Ida, the fire and the first and few other hurdles I had to cross…this portrait took longer than usual to deliver to Murphy, but he was graciously patient with me.

I have a video that shows the progression here from beginning to end:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmjJiTXtMsc&t=22s

Hope you enjoy!

Girl with the Mardi Gras Beads

Mardi Gras #parades are canceled but #mardigras2021 Nola art is NOT!

I’m keeping the spirit alive with some Vermeer Inspiration.

Nola Arts District Show

Hey everyone, I’m gearing up for a spring show at Gallery 600 on Julia Street, New Orleans in March.

The ART WALK is Saturday, March 6th 4:00-6:00, I hope you can come.

Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the paintings that will be there…