Autumn Joy
A lot of people love Spring because it represents new beginnings and life, plus it means summer is on the way. However, I believe every season has its beauty. This is true in the mountains, and true in our lives. Some seasons are easier than others (like climbing a 14er in the predawn of summer instead of winter!), yet there is purpose and beauty in every season, if we will look for it.
I titled this piece, Autumn Joy, because there is something about the sights and smells of the mountains in the fall that lift my spirits, no matter how low they are, and fill me with an indescribable joy at the gift of life, even when life is hard.
The mountains always bring me renewal, restoration, and joy, but especially in the Autumn when the leaves blaze with color beyond imagination, the wind whispers of the hope and excitement of changing seasons, and the mountain-tops are kissed with the first hints of winter. I hope that wherever you are, when you view this painting, you can hear the sounds of the wind carrying the sweet smells of Autumn, feel your spirit lifted, and find joy in your current season of life.
Acrylic 24 x 18"; $5,900 (FRAMED)
Kintsugi in the San Juans
Kintsugi is an ancient Japanese art form that seeks to create beauty from the brokenness of an item. Gold lacquer is used to mend the pieces together, incorporating the damage as a part of its history and beauty, rather than seeking to hide the scars.
The San Juan mountains remind me of this art form—the jagged face of the rocks are their prominent feature, scarred by eons of weathering. However, when golden light hits the scars and jagged face of these mountains, their beauty is unrivaled by the smoother perfection of the Maroon Bells, Pikes Peak, or other iconic American Mountains.
Kintsugi in the San Juans is for all those who struggle with the impact of trauma in their lives, the scarring and brokenness it leaves in its wake. PTSD changes the way we experience the world—how our minds and bodies process information, and the constant struggle to control the inner chaos, to hide the damage in an attempt to function “normally”. I painted Kintsugi in the San Juans to remind myself and other trauma-overcomers that beauty and strength do not come from the unbroken life, but from a broken life that is being woven back together in the light and truth of God’s love and grace. Stop hiding; start shining—there is beauty in your scars.
Acrylic 8" x 10"; $1,600 (FRAMED)
After the Rain
Inspired by two of my obsessions: water droplets and the mystery of how the human eye interprets color. While every water droplet is like its own masterpiece, full of light and color, the color of the poppy creates a mystery. Though the flower appears red to our eyes, to accurately create the different planes of light, much of what appears to be red in the poppy is actually painted with greens and violets!
(Acrylic on acid-free mixed-media paper, 16.5 x 23.5"; $3,900)
Glory
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2)
I knew my client loved certain sci-fy books and any movie of epic grandeur. Thus, I based this piece upon Psalm 19:1-2 and my own epic twist.
(Acrylic painting, 40 x 60"; SOLD)
Moonlight Whisper
"Be still and know that I am God; ...I will be exalted in all the earth." (Psalm 46:10)
On a frigid night climb (with appropriate gear!), I stood before Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park as the moon rose over Longs Peak, Keyboard of the Winds and Half Mountain. The cold moonlight whispered across the mountainside and lake, creating a holy silence that whispered the sovereignty of God.
(Acrylic Painting, 36" x 24") SOLD
The Hunter
I love the red rocks of the Rocky Mountains--their color, designs, and sheer artistry never cease to amaze me, as do the creatures who call it home.
Acrylic, 11 x 14"; $2,100