I was finally able to get a short URL for my art site on Facebook.
It is: http://www.facebook.com/pdw.atelier
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Noodlicious
Even if you don't like them, or might consider them unhealthy, Ramen noodles are proof that a person can still eat on pennies a day. If you don't think so, just ask a college student who has practically survived on them when funds were at a minimum!
Disagree
I would much rather disagree with someone who I have very little respect for than with someone who I greatly admire. Unfortunately, disagreements can even happen between two like-minded and otherwise unified people. Just make sure you thoroughly know who you are disagreeing with... it could be you need to change your differing viewpoint into that of whom you presently barely understand.
Tipton's Cantilever Barn
The incredible 'simple folk architecture' that went into Cantilever barns easily solved two problems inherit in the rustic lifestyle of the early settlers. These unique barns imaginatively created maximum shelter with a minimal use of materials and, they allowed a larger structure to be constructed than what the hilly, uneven land allowed. Though cantilever barns can be found in several areas of the United States, the vast majority of them are located in the eastern region of Tennessee. Pictured is the highly visited and photographed 'Tipton Farm' barn located in Cades Cove within the Smoky Mountains.
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Old Man at the Camp Meeting
There's a story to be told, but I'm not the one to tell it. The story should be told by someone who knows this old gentleman and can do him justice with the details and the memories. His story should include his history, his character, and those personal things which make him beloved to those who remember him with fondness and affection.
To me, he's just the old guy who would be there year after year at the annual 'camp meeting' which was held at the mid-western college campus and camp grounds. He would brighten people's day with his smile and friendly demeanor. He was in no hurry and enjoyed talking... or listening, to anyone who stopped and shared a moment with him. He was like an institution. He seemed to be as old as the camp meeting itself. Surely he had been there from the beginning... so many, many decades before.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Eiffel Tower
Guess what? You don't have to show the whole thing!
It's only natural to try and show (paint,photograph,render) an entire structure… no matter how large, wide, or tall it might be. If we see a large building, tower, mountain, etc, we try our best to get the whole thing in the image. This often means we have missed a better aspect-ratio composition than what we are showing. When I closely inspected and gave some thought to the Eiffel Tower, it's incredible four-footed base popped-out for admiration!
(Created several years ago, retouched in 2013)
Oh He'll
We hate the concept of hell so much that one of my spellchecks actually took it upon itself to change the word hell into he'll. Spellcheck is just going along with the little response to the question, "So, do you think you're going to hell?" And the response was, "Nope, but he will."
Green Against Green
Truthfully, when you experience the Smokies in the Spring and Summer you are engulfed with greenery like you can't imagine. It's not just the trees, it's everything that lies under the trees as well. Sometimes you might notice some greenery that pops-out against the rest, as shown in this rendering. But hey, did someone mention pink too?
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Unbelievably awesome!
I actually received an email proclaiming that the 'horrible spammers' from Nigeria have been caught and prosecuted. Those 'horrendous blokes' have proven guilty of stealing money from nice hard working folks such as me. The Nigerian government wants to make sure I receive all the money which has been stolen from me and will personally send $600,000 to me by Western Union! All I have to do is reply to the email to get 'what is due' to me!
This is a work of art of complete dishonesty and deceit! The con men are now acting like they're the good guys who are against them. Wow!!!
The email even ends with the statement "Now is the time to stop dishonest spam emails which try to steal honest people's hard-earned money!"
(((Did I send those good folks $100 so I could get that imaginative $600,000 which is mine? Maybe.))))
This is a work of art of complete dishonesty and deceit! The con men are now acting like they're the good guys who are against them. Wow!!!
The email even ends with the statement "Now is the time to stop dishonest spam emails which try to steal honest people's hard-earned money!"
(((Did I send those good folks $100 so I could get that imaginative $600,000 which is mine? Maybe.))))
We Hate Judgment
One common personal theological statement that has little validity or credibility, whether spoken by me or by anyone else, is "I don't think that God would...."
One of the numerous positive aspects of God coming in the flesh is we are no longer bound to think incorrectly about Him, His character, or His expectations.
Get to know Him and let His Spirit guide and lead. Yes, He can be known.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Self Portrait
ArtStudio has basically replaced Photoshop for about 70% of my image and art endeavors.
Don't Block my Spam
I guess I'm gonna just haveta change the settings on my email account 'cause every time I win some big money; inherit a small fortune; or have a nice patron from Nigeria attempt to give me a large sum of dollars... the gosh darn spam filter traps that email so I can't claim my fortune!!
(We would all be so much richer if we just disabled our spam filters.)
(We would all be so much richer if we just disabled our spam filters.)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Music
Unfortunately,Tumblr only allows posting one audio file per day, so it has taken half a month to add all of my Spring arrangements of the Alpha... which is just the first half of the Alpha & Omega Suite! By May the whole Suite will be on my site. Whew!
http://taaos.tumblr.com/tagged/Spring
http://taaos.tumblr.com/tagged/Spring
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Rocks, Shells, and Vibrant Colors: Detail
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'.
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.
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