#17

I've been working on this scene in front of our apartments. Actually, right in front of IH-10, as seen from our pool....I just painted all the good stuff... I will be doing a larger painting soon, but I am really enjoying these tiny oils. This one is only 2.5" x 3".

Boerne # 17, Oak on a hill, Oil on canvas, 2.5" x 3"

# 15 & 16

Boerne # 16, Oaks. Watercolor on canvas panel, 4" x 5"

Pencil study Boerne # 15, Oak, pencil on bristol, 3 x 5"

I hope no one is getting sick of trees. I have 84 more to do...Here are two I did today.

#12 & 14

I know... I skipped #13. Actually, I'm not done with it yet. It is part of a painting I haven't finished. I've been struggling with it for a while now, and I actually have the trees right, but the rest of the painting is hideous. So I have to finish it before I post...
Work and my little Izzy have been taking all of my time this month. I love the fact though that I am able to spend time with her, and I wish I had my other grandkids here too, although I would probably lose the rest of my hair trying to keep up with all 3 of them at once.
Kids, like all of us, need a lot of attention. Isn't it nice when we get focused attention?

Boerne Cypress by the Cibolo Creek (#10 & 11)

I wonder how many different types of trees there are - even just in Boerne...I was sitting on the river last week, enjoying the view of a nice cypress across the water. I did a pencil sketch of it, then a quick sketch of how I would lay it out with paint - then I painted it.

It has been so nice to have some time off, and to be able to just sit and paint, read, or whatever I feel like at the moment. I feel refreshed and relaxed, and it's given me time to connect with myself again without the pressure of everyday life.

Anyway, in the moment, I finished what I started last week. Here's the latest:

Pencil study - Cibolo Creek cypress, pencil on paper, 3 x 5"

Cypress on Cibolo Creek, Boerne, Oil on canvas, 11" x 14"

Post-break #s 8 & 9

OK.... I have 5 days haven't taken any time to sit and draw or paint. It's nice to have some time off. I thought I would take sometime to read, relax, and finally - draw and paint.

It's been a hard few weeks. I've been struggling with a bad back, a bad hip (injury from a fall), and a very stressed and sore tooth. On top of that, I got bitten by chiggers. Damn, I hate getting old. Nevertheless, today was a day I could just take a little time and paint. I am working on a cypress tree by a river painting. It's been a bit of a challenge, so I went back to some oaks.

I've always had a passion for art. I'm sorry I took so much time away from developing this talent, but I am happy I still have the desire, the talent, and the ability to develop myself. I'm thankful also for those around me that have inspired this passion, and encouraged me to go forward. I am thankful for my critics - those that care enough about me to help me see things I haven't seen before, and that help sharpen my skills.

Here are my trees today - I sill have a lot more to do before the end of next month.

Boerne Oaks #8 - Watercolor on paper, 4" x 5" - this is a birthday card for a friend

Boerne Oaks # 9 - pencil study on bristol, 3.5" x 4.5"

I touched God's canvas

I spent today with my best friend, Bobby, out at Enchanted Rock today. We climbed to the top of the granite dome and took some time to take in the beautiful Texas hill country's 360 degree view from about a 1750' elevation. 

I was awestruck. As I was sitting there enjoying what I believe to be one of the most peaceful and scenic places in the world, I was struck by the thought of God creating all of this. "God's canvas," I told myself.
When I look at a piece of artwork, I always want to touch it if I can. I like to feel the paint, I like to feel and know the surface. It helps me understand the work. I felt the Spirit tell me to reach out and touch the canvas, feel the work, so I did. For a few minutes, in the quiet and majesty of creation, I held out my hand, and touched God's canvas. I felt the distant hills, experienced the trees, felt the wind, and got to experience the creator's hand-work in a way I have never experienced it before. I cried. I was moved by something perfect, and so much more than myself. I got to feel and touch God's canvas. I hope I can do it again soon.

Part of God's canvas