After the Solstice

Violet Landscape - part I

Violet Landscape - part II

In this century we are faced with many uncertainties, from immediate cultural concerns to long term issues of climate change that will impact the earth and its inhabitants in countless unknown ways.

Ostara, Oil on Canvas



Getting attuned to the natural earth cycles we know and can predict can give us a sense of wonder and joy as we move through our daily experiences. Contemplation of what we see in our daily experiences, tiny unseen microscopic activity and the vast universal movements of celestial bodies we can only imagine has led to the abstract paintings you see here.

Hidden Moon, Oil on Canvas

Since these ideas are abstract, it seems natural to not be too literal in the visual expression. The visible landscape is always a reference point, giving me a starting place. Color adds expression to emotion and spiritual experience. I have been drawn to the circular shape for many years, and I wonder if this might refer to the natural cycles of the earth, and of birth, death and then rebirth. These thoughts and observances have been at the core of my thinking as this series of paintings evolves.

Big Bang, Oil on Canvas

Perhaps you will have some interpretations of your own, and I invite you to share your ideas!

Asian Dream, Oil on Canvas

The Winter Solstice, which really lasts only an instant each year, is the time of year that people the world over celebrate in religions as ancient as Neolithic practices to Holy Days today. Following the Winter Solstice in our hemisphere it is a time of looking forward to the rebirth of the earth - for longer, warmer days and the colorful sights and savory smells of spring as crops are planted and grow. It is the time of the year for looking ahead with optimism and ingenuity. These paintings are dedicated to the wonder of all the things we can see, the things we can only imagine and to the peace that comes as we savor each moment of our experience.

Between the Two Evenings, Oil on Canvas

See current Abstract Paintings at 310 ART gallery, 191 Lyman Street, #310, Asheville, NC 828-776-2716

Red Omen

This Oil Pastel on Lokta paper is going to reside in Merida, Mexico!

Mountain Stream

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Last spring I had an injury that prevented me from painting for three months. To get back to painting, I decided to practice with some small landscape oil paintings that would require some careful observation of nature, and also be easy for me to move around. All my abstract work is based on landscape and I love the mountain terrain, probably the feature of WNC that draws so many artists here to live and work. The rocks in this particular area are almost completely covered with a dense carpet of moss that thrives in this cool, moist, shaded spot. It is almost surreal in appearance!

This is a painting of one of the many small streams in the mountains, this one in the Botanical Gardens near the site of the "Battle of Asheville", right in the city! To read about the rag-tag (but victorious) confederate stand against Union troops go to: http://thomaslegion.net/battleofasheville.html.

Afternoon Repose

This is a small landscape of my side yard. In the spring and summer the our mountain looks like an enchanted forest, and I love the wild look just before the grass is mowed! The "thinking log" is a great place to sit and watch as the sun begins to set and the fire flies wake up. The sunlight through the thick forest is dramatic in the afternoon.

Twilight

See this work at 310 ART
Just outside my bedroom window is an old tree stump. A few years ago I planted ornamental bamboo inside the stump, and it loves this home. The four o'clocks (so named because the blossoms close in the daylight, and begin to open a day's end) are volunteer plants that spring up everywhere. The wheel barrow is my holiday gift received a few years ago. Yes, I always wanted one! I stopped this painting, before I began to paint every blade of grass!

Bomb Island

Bomb Island, on Lake Murray in South Carolina is so named as it was used for target practice by pilots during WWII. Today it is the seasonal home for the Purple Martins, who roost at night in the tree tops. It is quite a sight to see the birds return to the island in the evening, in large (huge) flocks of swirling activity.

Kandinsky said

"Of all the arts, abstract painting is the most difficult. It demands that you know how to draw well, that you have a heightened sensitivity for composition and for colors, and that you be a true poet. This last is essential."

Red Tide

Oil on Canvas, 32" x 32" 2008

Morning light in the Studio, Spring is here!

Thought

The painter is lost who has found himself.
Max Ernst