January Birches

Winter is winding down, and the snow is starting to melt. The sun returns to us and in it, the birches and the snow glisten. Soon winter solitude will be left behind by warm winds, flowers and beaches. For now, the final blankets of snow slowly diminish, and then disappear.

I dare say a walk in this forest would be beautiful, but thick. The colors are perceived from a warm summer day, which during cold winter months, is something I dream about. We are on the cusp of spring, and the birches are singing.

Michigan Jungle-Donation to DIA

This piece is being donated to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Fundraising involving fine art has become a popular way to gain and maintain the interest of qualified contributors. However, it wouldn't be possible without the generosity of artists. I find that the artists I know, are generous with their work. Feeling good about giving it away is a reward to those who put so much of themselves into the work. Art was meant to be shared, discussed and enjoyed on some level.

I do hope that the fundraiser for DIA is a highly successful one, and I'm glad I could be a part of it.

Details I and II of Dark Pathway

Dark Pathway, 30 x 40 oil on canvas

Often when people see a landscape, they believe there is little more there than what meets the eye. However, everything I paint, especially those works that have no plein air or photographic reference, stem from some area of my brain. For this painting, when I approached the blank canvas, I didn't have a clear idea in mind of what I would lay down. As typical, I drew a few horizon lines in pencil and began applying paint. Getting lost in the colors and shadows, the world around me disappears for awhile, and I know that whatever the resulting painting evolves to be, I have left a bit of myself in the work.

I am frequently asked "what inspires you?" I could site some philosophical or aesthetic thought process, however, it's very simple. I am inspired by my surroundings in beautiful Northern Michigan. Day by day, it's never the same, and each season brings it's own form of charismatic enticement. Whether the paintings are representational or not has no bearing. Color, shape and texture protrude from being in awe of the wonderful things our creator has made. After all, He is the greatest artist.

Winter months with alot of time spent indoors should be a good motivator to paint. I intend to turn out some large pieces. I already have one. Will post soon.