Overcast Morning at Lake Bartlett

...it is good for me to draw near to God:  I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Thy works.  - Psalm 73: 28

Overcast Morning at Bartlett Lake,  10 x 10 oil on canvas

Well, its been too long since my last post.  I'll try to do better.  Thank you to Patrick for finding this spot for one of our September painting meet-ups.  One thing you might notice is that the foothills look further away in the photograph than in the painting.  The camera does that, and that's one of the many reasons some painters prefer to paint a scene on site.  Another thing you can see is that I tried to match the colors of the land and water.  An artist doesn't always choose to use the actual colors in an outdoor scene.  Its fun to be bold and creative with color, and can yield some stunning results.  But sometimes I want to remember a spot just the way it looked and felt when I was there.  And this cool peaceful shore is one I wanted to revisit whenever I see my painting on the wall. 

I can only imagine. . .
       - Bart Millard

In the Morning, 11x14 oil (still in the works)



     I've been working a couple mornings on this scene from a shady pavilion at a northern entrance to Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  There'll be some color corrections and some rocks and details in the foreground before I am finished.   Though I go alone to this spot I end up enjoying conversations with several different people who stop by one or two at a time.  We talk like old friends, just appreciating the beauty of God's creation, sharing things that spark fond memories, sharing current interests and projects.  One man spoke of how his mother and father painted, each in different styles and mediums.  Someone asked if I was going to put a haze across the mountain.  Another really admired the fence when I was working on it.  Another was glad to show me his own artistic paintings of cars, which he had on his phone.  One cyclist just stopped to watch quietly, and wished me a pleasant day as he left.  One lady talked about her dog and how he would love to get home to the swimming pool.  Two park volunteers shared enthusiastically about their work watching out for the safety of people on trails.  I took their card and might look into volunteering for the parks. 
     For me, these interactions with supposed strangers who don't seem like strangers at all, is as uplifting and fulfilling as singing in a choir or the praise team at church.  Its a foretaste of God's renewed creation, when redeemed voices and lives will blend in joyous harmony.  I can only imagine!

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way;  
In peace tat only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live!
                            - Washington Gladden, 1879

Mission Trails Morning, 11 x 14 oil

 

During our recent vacation with family in California I was privileged to paint with the San Diego Plein Air Painters group at a couple locations.  Beautiful Southern California!  Now that we live only 5 hours away, I hope to go there often to capture the hills, the ocean and the historical landmarks. (and catch a Padres game!)

 

Me painting at Mission Trails Park north of San Diego



In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way;
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master let me live!

Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

 – James 3: 18

 

Peaceful Garden I, 16 x 12 oil

This painting is close to finished - needs some flowers I think.  Thank you to our friend Mike for sharing his wonderful garden with Arizona Plein Air Painters last Wednesday.  There was plenty of shade and plenty of photo-worthy scenes to keep me busy painting even when its too hot to be outside this Summer.  What is it about stone, water and plants that refreshes the soul?  I don't know, but I thank God for little oasis of peace. 

(plural for oasis?  oasi?  oasises?)

New Painting - Birds Preening at Saguaro Lake

How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
- Psalm 104: 24

Birds Preening at Saguaro Lake, 8 x 10 oil

 

I've started using Utrecht artist grade oil paints - love them! 

 

This painting I started on site a couple weeks ago while we were out with our painting group.  After a couple hours Jim and I were ready for breakfast, so we ordered delicious omelets at the restaurant by the marina, one of our new favorite places to eat.  I had to chop the sky off to fit my camera's frame and show you the rocks in the foreground.  The rocks under the shallow water and the birds on the rocks are my favorite parts of the painting.  I hope you enjoy them, too!

Painting of - er - the week!

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. - Psalm 18: 32
 

Walk in the Foothills I, oil 12 x 16

This is another Plein Air painting I started on site one morning last week, and finished at home today - well, as finished as its going to get - its hard to know when to stop!  I hope it gives you the sense of the sprawl of the residential areas between the foothills, and the cool shade I found to set up my easel.  Yes, astute viewer, the foothills are really shaped that way (I think Dr. Suess must have been inspired by Phoenix.)  I'm trying to finished unfinished work this week; next up will be a Plein Air oil of Saguaro Lake.