Some paintings demand that you view it at a distance. I personally love to get in close and scrutinize the brushstrokes and detail, that's why I'm providing this big blow-up of 'Rocks, Shells, and Vibrant Colors'.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Rocks, Shells, and Vibrant Colors
Honestly, there wasn't much color involved here... but that didn't stop me from adding colors. The concept behind 'tonal painting' is that if you have your tones correct it doesn't really matter if your colors or lines are off, your painting will still look basically correct. Unfortunately, tones are more important than many artists give them credit for. (I am posting a detail of this image so you can see what's happening close-up.)
Easter Rabbit for Dinner
I've mentioned several times about the incredible hunting skills of Chubby the cat. I can't say I've seen any other cat that so consistently brings home wild game of all kinds, species, and sizes like Chubby does. He considers it a bad hunting day if all he gets is a little mouse or two. Today he outdid himself.
When we arrived home, Chubby came prancing out from under a parked car proudly showing-off the little Easter bunny which he had caught in our absence. It's been some time since he has had rabbit for lunch... I guess today was the most appropriate day to go for that delicacy.
When we arrived home, Chubby came prancing out from under a parked car proudly showing-off the little Easter bunny which he had caught in our absence. It's been some time since he has had rabbit for lunch... I guess today was the most appropriate day to go for that delicacy.
Seashells
Perfect for collecting, giving, sharing, decorating with, using in craft projects, and keeping you busy as you stroll along the shore.
Easter 2013: Christ the Redeemer
Originally painted for the 'Down Through the Ages' video, I felt it appropriate to rescan in higher resolution for this Easter celebration. This painting is based on the huge 'Christ the Redeemer' statue located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which is considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. When you combine Jesus and Art Deco you just can't go wrong!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Where 'ya Going?
People with a bad sense of direction are those who think they are doing you a favor by meeting you at a location farrrrr away from where you are and farrrr away from where they are, and you are both starting out much closer to one another to begin with. A navigator should never be the person who is weak in that area. The blind cannot lead the sighted, but those with great 20/20 vision have no problem leading the way for all.
Take His Boots Away
For years I have been familiar with the French storybook character "Puss in Boots" but until today was not all that familiar with the story. I am quite surprised that it makes no qualms about promoting vice as a means of acquiring wealth and prestige. The main character practices deceit, threats, lying, stealing, selfishness, treachery, and all types of deception in order to get ahead for both himself and for his master.
Yes, it's true that in real life this unfortunate principle proves far too accurate, and too many people have no guilt about practicing little lies and deceit in many areas of their daily life, but nevertheless, it still is alarming to see it promoted in an entertaining fashion for the enjoyment of young kids.
The older I get, the more it hits home just how weird this world is in so many unBOOTiful ways.
Yes, it's true that in real life this unfortunate principle proves far too accurate, and too many people have no guilt about practicing little lies and deceit in many areas of their daily life, but nevertheless, it still is alarming to see it promoted in an entertaining fashion for the enjoyment of young kids.
The older I get, the more it hits home just how weird this world is in so many unBOOTiful ways.
Rhododendrons
You don't have to hike the Smoky Mountain trails for long to enjoy the Rhododendrons which can be found in all parts of the national park... and beyond, on the Appalachian Trail.
Ancient Antique Books
The pages yellowed, torn, and literally dissolving into flakes. No longer serving their purpose of being read.
Friday, March 29, 2013
It is Finished
"It is finished."
--- i.e. ---
It is fulfilled.
It is completed.
It is accomplished.
It is final.
It has ended and has now begun.
These Passover/Easter days celebrate the most important moments and events in human history! Don't get caught-up with the unimportant trivial.
(artwork from 'But Jesus Paid it All' video)
the Road
"Knowing that our old selves were crucified with Christ, we must remember that sin lost its controlling power in our lives! This means we no longer are slaves to sin since when we died with Christ we were set free from it's natural hold over us. And because we died with Christ, we know we will also live with Him. We are confidently sure of this because Christ was boldly raised from the dead, and He will never die again. Death has no type of power over Him in any capacity!"
(Romans 6:6-9)
Both Good Friday and Easter Sunday are a great time to put things in proper spiritual perspective.
(Romans 6:6-9)
Both Good Friday and Easter Sunday are a great time to put things in proper spiritual perspective.
Along the Appalachian Trail
Scenic spectacles can be seen continually along the 2,200 miles (3,500 km) trail which passes through 14 eastern states.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Everyone's Looking
Actually, explain this to me please... this morning I post two of my floral renderings on Facebook, both quite similar in appearance. Within two hours, one has had 24 people view it and the other has had 12,000+ views!!! This has happened several times recently and I've noticed it's not necessarily my best pieces that garner the large numbers. Is the same principle taking place that causes some good posts to remain obscure and some mediocre stuff quickly go viral?
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Ice on Branches
Often when we're hoping for snow, we get ice instead. The very nature of ice shuts things down as it does it's damage. When it's thick enough, cars can't drive, power lines fall, tree limbs break, and people aren't able to safely go many places. But it does look lovely as it glistens and sparkles everywhere.
Snow on Mountain Stream
I just never get out into the wintertime mountains like I once did, but my memories are filled with the snow-covered splendor that transpires and blankets with glistening impact.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Rough Sketches
I just uploaded fifty-something of my rough sketches... most of them pretty old. These are pencil, pen and ink, markers, brushed washes, and several other mediums/techniques. They are for folks who appreciate the fast and loose foundations that in many cases become finished, finalized works of art. http://taaos.tumblr.com/tagged/Sketch
Monday, March 25, 2013
Kashada, Three Years Later
In March of 2010 I painted Kashada enjoying the snow. Here he is again, having a good time in the little bit of snow we've received so far in 2013. With snow dogs some things never change.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
2013 Snow on Branches
Today's snow is not here yet. This is the snow from a few weeks back. Had to be fast, it didn't last long.
Field of Red and Pink Tulips
(2010 painting Reworked in 2013) Another work applying pigments to an already wet surface. There's no better way of appreciating the textured surface of the paper.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Snow-Covered Smokies
The Smoky Mountains are known for their lush greens and/or multi-colored autumns. But winter also offers the lesser seen blankets of white snow. And as we all know, snow reflecting sunlight filtered through blue skies takes on a 'Parrish Blue' look all it's own!
Storm Clouds Over the Smokies
The majority of my Smoky Mountain pieces are from the Tennessee side, if I remember correctly, this one is in North Carolina... and the storm clouds are rolling in quite dramatically.
Frida and Diego
Frida and Diego
When studying about the husband and wife artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, it becomes evident that neither of them displayed very much character or integrity in both their personal life or in their public life. Those traits also occasionally reared it's head in both of their art pieces as well. It's interesting that as society has become more like them in our ethics and morality, our acceptance, approval, and elevation of them has grown proportionately. They were ahead of their time... and that's not necessarily a good thing.
When studying about the husband and wife artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, it becomes evident that neither of them displayed very much character or integrity in both their personal life or in their public life. Those traits also occasionally reared it's head in both of their art pieces as well. It's interesting that as society has become more like them in our ethics and morality, our acceptance, approval, and elevation of them has grown proportionately. They were ahead of their time... and that's not necessarily a good thing.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Super trivia....
The Andy Griffith show was inconsistent with Barney Fife's middle name. This popped-out to me recently when on one episode he was called Barney Oliver Fife (Oliver being the name of my son as well). On several episodes he is Barney P. Fife (I don't think they ever said what P stood for), and on one show he is called Bernard Milton Fife. Bernard? Perhaps he also had more than one first name as well. At least he was always a Fife.
Go Wash Your Hands
Have you noticed the signs that many restaurants post in their restrooms that say "All Employees must wash their hands before returning to work." Now tell me the truth, do you think these signs are posted as a reminder to absent minded employees, or.... do you think these signs are a not-so-subtle means of giving the customer some peace of mind, confidence, and reassurance about who's handling their food?
Snow Troll & Deer
Yet another pencil illustration from the unpublished 'Oliver & the Snow Troll' children's book.
Green with a Touch of Pink
(2010 painting Reworked in 2013) So many locations you go to are simply just a wall of green vegetation. If you reside in a location which is not this way, you owe it to yourself to occasionally seek out such a place.
The Harmonica Player
He loved to play the harmonica in public, whether as a soloist, or as an accompanist for other street musicians. And he didn't do it for the money either!
Watercolor Garden
(2010 painting Reworked in 2013) It's all in the pigments, both with flowers and with watercolors.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Sitting on a Mat on a Cairo Street
Colored Pencil Sketch produced several years ago from one of my trips to Egypt (I can't remember which one). This technique is where the artist starts monochromatic and adds the colors later.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Forest Full of Critters
Rough Colored Pencil Sketch produced several years ago as a mural concept for a restaurant.
On the Streets of New York #22
Colored Pencil Sketch produced several years ago when spending a summer in NYC. This man was watching the street performers. I was watching him.
Little Costa Rican Banana Seller
Unfinished Colored Pencil Sketch produced several years ago from a trip to Costa Rica. Rough, freehand art always has a life all it's own!
Cheap Entertainment
Cheap Entertainment
Have you noticed that the hosts/commentators of shows such as 'Tosh.O' and 'truTV-World's Dumbest' most often come-off as being just as dumb, if not more more so, than the people they are making fun of? When you poke fun of someone, it doesn't make you appear better, it makes you appear shallow and superficial.
Have you noticed that the hosts/commentators of shows such as 'Tosh.O' and 'truTV-World's Dumbest' most often come-off as being just as dumb, if not more more so, than the people they are making fun of? When you poke fun of someone, it doesn't make you appear better, it makes you appear shallow and superficial.
Large Blooms with Large Brush
(Original art created for 'Sea of Despair - Showers of Grace' music video.) This latest rendition has been reworked in 2013.
Rain Torrents on my Tomato Plants
(Original art created for 'Sea of Despair - Showers of Grace' music video.) This latest rendition has been reworked in 2013.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Meadow in Bloom
(Original art created for 'Sea of Despair - Showers of Grace' music video.) This latest rendition has been reworked in 2013.
Oceanic Shore Vista
(Original art created for 'Sea of Despair - Showers of Grace' music video.) This latest rendition has been reworked in 2013.
Meadow in Bloom
(Original art created for 'Sea of Despair - Showers of Grace' music video.) This latest rendition has been reworked in 2013.
White Tulips
The white tulip is a floral offering for symbolic forgiveness. Though other flowers can be given or received, it is only the white tulip which holds the symbolism exclusively for forgiveness (though the Easter Lily might be associated by some as to God's forgiveness).
Spiritual Council
I don't seek-out the spiritual council of the religious... if anything I try to avoid it at all costs.
But when I do desire spiritual advice or council, those who I respect in the faith are those who have been made renewed through Christ and by His Devine Spirit of truth. They are truly led by the Spirit, which sets a good barrier in place to help avoid the spiritual foolishness which naturally comes from the mind and heart of man. The wisdom they espouse has it's key in the all-important heavenly source of revelation.
The spiritual advice of the non-Spirit empowered religious person contains far too many pollutants to be taken completely seriously.
But when I do desire spiritual advice or council, those who I respect in the faith are those who have been made renewed through Christ and by His Devine Spirit of truth. They are truly led by the Spirit, which sets a good barrier in place to help avoid the spiritual foolishness which naturally comes from the mind and heart of man. The wisdom they espouse has it's key in the all-important heavenly source of revelation.
The spiritual advice of the non-Spirit empowered religious person contains far too many pollutants to be taken completely seriously.
The School Teacher
The historical one room schoolhouse contained a person who wore many hats of responsibility and abilities.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Can 'uh Beans
So good you can eat 'em out of the can. (Created several years ago, retouched in 2013)
Cub Hiding in the Laurels
The Mountain Laurels just demand to be looked at. Did the cub really think that he wouldn't be seen by hiding in there?
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Cub Hiding in the Laurels
The Mountain Laurels just demand to be looked at. Did the cub really think that he wouldn't be seen by hiding in there?
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Frustrating Creatures of the Night
Frustrating Creatures of the Night
Out of all my bird feeders, I only have one left. Some varmint(s) has been coming at night and aggressively knocks them down and destroys them to get to the Sunflower seeds. This creature is: (1) a versatile, agile climber, (2) able to grasp and manipulate with it's paws, (3) cunning, clever, and able to plan, (4) fairly strong and capable of destroying hard plastic, and (5) a ravenous eater!
I personally think it must be a raccoon on steroids. A bear? (Probably not since it climbs above the feeders and pulls them up by their cords.) Or perhaps it's a nocturnal, seed eating chimpanzee surviving in an environment where it shouldn't even be!
Whatever.
I'm now forced to come-up with an alternate plan in order to feed my birds.
Out of all my bird feeders, I only have one left. Some varmint(s) has been coming at night and aggressively knocks them down and destroys them to get to the Sunflower seeds. This creature is: (1) a versatile, agile climber, (2) able to grasp and manipulate with it's paws, (3) cunning, clever, and able to plan, (4) fairly strong and capable of destroying hard plastic, and (5) a ravenous eater!
I personally think it must be a raccoon on steroids. A bear? (Probably not since it climbs above the feeders and pulls them up by their cords.) Or perhaps it's a nocturnal, seed eating chimpanzee surviving in an environment where it shouldn't even be!
Whatever.
I'm now forced to come-up with an alternate plan in order to feed my birds.
Bluebird in the Dogwood
When it turns into spring, what do we think about? Dogwood trees of course! And what could be more lovely than a Bluebird in a Pink Dogwood?
Friday, March 15, 2013
We Can't Create Our Own God
If we have a concept of God that does not come from His revelation or agrees with His revelation, then there's about a 100% possibility our god concept is incorrect and not worth adhering to. It doesn't matter if we're atheist, agnostic, or highly religious, our self created theology is just another area where we are traveling on the wrong track.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
My Kids Grew-up With This
For the first fifteen years of their lives, a slight variation of this Smoky Mountain Autumn splendor was seen daily from our humble abode. This is looking more east towards Greenbrier than directly south at LeConte.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Victoria Coast
It's not always sunny or warm on the coastal beaches. With the breezes blowing, winter days can be quite cold... but still beautifully scenic!
Smoky Mountains
Just a reminder...
Smokey is a bear.
Smoky (Smokies) is the name of the national park.
There is no national park named Smokey Mountains.
Remember this when doing an Internet search!
Smokey is a bear.
Smoky (Smokies) is the name of the national park.
There is no national park named Smokey Mountains.
Remember this when doing an Internet search!
Nungalinya Student
This Australian student attended Nungalinya College accompanied by her family. The college serves a special purpose in many ways as well as being one of the Aboriginal people's premiere universities.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
He's So Nice
"Wow! He has to be the nicest person I know." When you interact with them on a very casual level.
"I tell you, he sure is nice most of the time." When you work with them.
"People think he's so nice, but I know the way he really is." When you live with them 24/7.
"Wow! He had to be the nicest person I know." When you have attended their funeral.
My Beautiful Weed Garden
My Beautiful Weed Garden
I've painted it before and I've said it before... I sure have a green thumb when it comes to growing beautiful, tall weeds.
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