Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the great mountains;
Your judgments are a great deep;
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 36:5 thru 7

Donna and I read this Psalm one morning before we started our day in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I am always amazed at the mercy of God to us; We who do not deserve it and can’t earn it. He invites us into His righteousness through the blood of Christ.

Mid-October Donna and I were blessed to travel to “the old country” of east Tennessee. We left the “big sky” land of Texas and headed east, by way of Memphis. The final destination was Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, not far from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The long drive “back east” is always an adventure; this trip had the bonus of traveling with our awesome daughter and granddaughter. They always make the trip more interesting and “lively”, as well as entertaining. We four travelers voted every time we came to another Buc-ee’s, in order to make a decision whether to stop or not. (We stopped at every one of them except one) Buc-ee’s has finally made it to east Tennessee, so our last stop at the beaver’s crazy big “convenience” store was Crossville, a couple hours from our final goal. We rolled into Pigeon Forge about sunset and caught our first glimpse of the majestic mountains that seemed to be guarding the towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. These mountains and their towns are a strange mix of the past and present. Commerce and some of the most beautiful landscapes God has created are wrapped in a unique bundle, fresh air and mountain streams competing with the smell of cotton candy and about any kind of food you can imagine… and pancakes. Lots of pancakes. Words seem hollow and very inadequate when it comes to describing the beauty of this mountainous region. The words of Psalm 19 are so true… “the Heavens declare the Glory of God…”

We made Pigeon Forge our destination because for years my awesome mother-in-law has had a time-share condo there in Pigeon Forge, and it has been a blessing to stay there when we visit the area around the Smoky Mountains. Donna wanted to spend some time with her mother on this trip, so I drug my oils, gouache and some greyscale markers from Texas and when she and her mother were relaxing in the condo or hitting the shops of Pigeon Forge, or exploring the surrounding countryside, I sought out quiet places to paint…places where the crowds that came to see the fall colors had not penetrated.  I found several awesome spots.

The first place I came across was a very old, covered bridge in Harrisburg, Tennessee, just a few minutes from Pigeon Forge. I think the small river it stretched across may have been called the Little Pigeon River, and it was beautiful…and quiet. Except when a car made its way across the 149-year-old wooden covered bridge. The single lane bridge popped and moaned and complained with every car, and I’m sure some of the drivers wondered it they would make the span without visiting the river below.

I love wood and architecture, so the heavy wooden timbers and “old school” construction of this historic bridge was a real treat to investigate. After I checked out the heavy timbers and construction of the bridge, I grabbed some watercolor paper, gouache and greyscale markers and climbed down to the creek bed so I could see the bridge from the river’s point of view. The late afternoon sun was backlighting the fall leaves and casting shadows under the bridge and down the bank and across the river. I did a quick value study with the greyscale markers, then a quick gouache color study while sitting in a 3-legged camp stool that was not “happy” with the soft sand and mud of the river bank. After some aggravation and having to only fish one marker out of the water, I hopefully captured a bit of the essence of the scene. I hoped to return with oils and paint the next day.

Next day, I returned with our “crew” (Donna, mother-in-law Ruby, daughter Christy and granddaughter M’Kiah) to show them the bridge and to possibly paint an oil painting. We were blessed to meet Mr. Woody, a very interesting native of the area who owned the land, house and property that bordered the creek and bridge. He gave us a great overview of the history of the bridge and the surrounding area and was kind enough to allow me to set up my easel on his property, which proved to be the perfect spot to paint a Plein Air oil painting of the historic bridge. I enjoyed a “picture perfect” morning painting in a perfect location.

On another day I headed into the Smoky Mountain National Park to find a quiet location to paint. One of the places I knew about from a previous visit was a small river called the Little River. The Little River runs through the park and also runs beside the road to Elkmont Campground. The road to Elkmont Campground is always less traveled than the main roads through the National Park that most visitors travel. I found several places to park and paint on this quiet, little road. The first location was about a hundred feet from the road and only visited by fly-fishermen, hoping to catch one of the large Brown Trout that make the Smokie’s many streams their home.  At this spot there was an old bridge, part rock, part steel and part wood that provided the park rangers with access to the other side of the Little River.

In an effort to plan my paintings a bit more, I have lately been working out greyscale drawings before I paint. It helps with values and composition. I worked out a greyscale drawing of this scene to help establish and hopefully solve problems with value and composition. Then I set up my easel and started an oil painting.

After about an hour of painting, I was re-adjusting my umbrella when I noticed a large bird flying up the river bed about 20 feet off the water. I first thought it was a great blue heron, having only caught a flash of movement from its wings. As it got closer, I saw that it was a bald eagle that was navigating the river channel with all the beauty and majesty that God had intended when He created it. It was an awesome sight. The eagle at first didn’t see me, I guess because I was under the umbrella, but when it was almost even with me, about 30 feet away, he caught a glimpse of me and the movement of the umbrella and with all of it’s 6 feet wing span changed direction and headed straight toward the sky, no doubt thinking to leave me with it. But then it changed its mind and came back down and continued in the same direction for about 75 feet and landed in a tall sycamore tree. The leaves of the tree added to this awesome site because they were starting to get some fall color. When I saw this truly awesome display of God’s creative power, I thought of God’s promise to believers in Isaiah 40. Verses 28 thru 31 say this:

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

When I first truly grasp the gospel back in the mid 80’s, I read several books by Francis Schaeffer- Two of those books were “The God Who is There” and “He is There and He is Not Silent”. These works are excellent resources for gaining an understanding of who God is and His plans for us. One of the solid principles Schaeffer brings out is that God has indeed revealed Himself in His creation first, and then through His written Word. Psalm 19 wraps this principle up nicely:

 “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.”
Psalm 19:1 and 2

So, when we read “They that wait on the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles” we can be amazed as we observe the eagle in flight. It’s a living illustration of a principle in God’s written word.

Or, when the written word says “Your righteousness is like the great mountains” (Psalm 36:6a), we can stand in awe while looking at the Appalachian Mountains, or any mountain, and know that God’s righteous is massive and so far beyond us. And this righteousness is available to all who believe and trust Christ… this faith applies the righteousness of Christ to all who believe.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

It’s always an awesome thing to drag an easel into the great outdoors that God has given us and create and paint, remembering Who created it all, and being amazed at His grace towards us in Christ.

The last day I was able to paint in the Smokies I returned to this spot and set up my easel and painted a detail of the river and part of the river bank. I didn’t see the eagle this time, but I did watch a river otter work its way up the river, diving for crawdads or salamanders or fish, as it worked its way past me and then on up the river bed till it was out of sight. Maybe the eagle was wanting some otter for lunch…

Between these two outings mentioned above, I set up back on the Little River but a mile or so downstream from the bridge. But before I went out to this spot, the night before, back at the condo, I worked out the composition with my greyscale markers from a photo I shot that day.  It always helps to get familiar with the subject before painting if at all possible. It helps solve the problems that will come up in the process.

So next day, I went back to this third location on the Little River. It was a beautiful spot with the leaves in the process of changing color and falling into the river. Again, a very quiet spot, only an occasional fly-fisherman working the stream for one of the three species of trout in the Smokies. The wife of one of the fishermen was also a photographer and stopped by and chatted a bit as she shot some cool photos. I always love meeting people while out painting. Always find some interesting stories in the Journey. 

The last painting I want to share is of a place outside Pigeon Forge. It’s a simple scene of mountains, barn and trees, but it kind of intrigued me so I pulled off the road onto some unknown person’s property and started a quick drawing and painting. I soon found out who owned the land when he pulled up behind me to see what I was doing on his property. I told him the mountain scene with the barn was awesome and wanted to paint it; I then ask if I needed to leave his property. He said it was no problem at all, and it was his wife who made him come down. He then told me a bit about the folks in the area, about the Tennessee “right-of-way” laws, (which don’t really exist) and then left me with it. It was a beautiful afternoon.

************IMAGE OF MOUNTAIN BARN

To sum up this trip, it was a continuing learning experience both in art and who God is and His plans for us. I created about 12 little paintings and drawings, each one teaching a little more about the finer aspects of color, value and design. And, I was reminded of the old truth that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives, showing us His mercy and grace and how His awesome creation teaches us more about who He is.

“The heavens declare the glory of  God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2  Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3  There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4  Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5  Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 6  Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat. 7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Psalm 19: 1 thru 9

Perhaps we need to dig down below the surface to really answer this question. The answer must start with creation: Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

We are made in God’s image. The depths of this concept probably have not be reached, even after these thousands of years. What exactly does that look like, to be made in God’s image?

I only want to focus on the creative aspect of this. The desire and gifting God put in us to make things, to sculpt, to sew, to draw and paint, among many, many other things we do that illustrates the simply fact that we were made in God’s image.

But, back to the question… Why do Artist paint? Recently Donna and I traveled 4.5 hours to an art exhibit featuring the works of two national artists: Scott Christensen and Quang Ho.

We were not disappointed.

The exhibit was well worth all it took to get there. The combined work of these two artists, about 100 works of art, some very large, was overwhelming. The difference between seeing an image of a painting on a computer screen and in person is like the difference between someone describing the taste of an exquisite dish and tasting it yourself. The work of these two artists was incredible.

Although Quang Ho is indeed a master and his work simply incredible, we especially loved the landscapes of Scott Christensen. The color, the values, the (for me) incomprehensible use of brush strokes and paint captured the grandeur of his subject and spoke in a clear language the answer to the question at hand – Artists paint to give voice to that need in each of us to proclaim that the physical world God created, even in its broken state, is truly awesome. We have a need to share the this beautiful creation with others. As if to say “Look at this… this is a beautiful thing…”

I have no idea of Scott Christensen’s world view, whether he believes in a God or biblical truth, but I do know that we as people, made in the image of God, do exhibit some of His attributes, even if we don’t believe He exist.

Standing in the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas, looking at a large masterpiece depicting a vast landscape of mountains, valleys, skys and streams of Wyoming and Idaho, I can say I caught a glimpse of the world as it should be. I know that is why I paint… each painting quietly says “Look at this… This is from the hand of a loving God”.

Romans 1:20  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse

Plein Air in Marble Falls: April 21 thru 27, I will join Plein Air artist from across the nation for the 17^th Annual Paint the Town Event in Downtown Marble Falls, Texas. We will be scattered out with paint and easels to capture various scenes and panoramic Texas Hill Country landscapes, as well as scenes of historic Marble Falls. Original art will be available to purchase during the entire week. There will also be live Painting demonstrations, student art day and a QuickDraw Event!

CLICK HERE for more information about this event!

Enjoy the beautiful Texas Wildflowers and come on down to Marble Falls during this unique event.

What relation do the Appalachian Mountains and Israel have? Interesting story….

It had been three years since my wife and I had been able to visit family back in East Tennessee. We always love our visits to East Tennessee and one of the “must-do” things on our list while there is to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. I took my easel along and was able to create three Plein Air works during our time in Tennessee, 2 of them were inside the Park boundaries. One of the locations I painted inside the Park was the history-rich area of Cades Cove, the Dan Lawson cabin in particular.

The Dan Lawson cabin was built in 1856 and Dan Lawson was the largest land owner in the Cove after the Civil War. The cabin was built from hand hewn logs and boast a brick chimney, which was rare in the Cove at that time. You can read more about the history of the Dan Lawson Cabin here.

Psalm 118:24 says “This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The day He made for us that day was rainy, misty and cold. So we thanked Him for it and proceeded with that day in Cades Cove. As mentioned above, I set up at the Dan Lawson cabin, because I could back up in the parking place and setup under the Dodge’s tail gate and stay “mostly” out of the rain. It actually worked out pretty good!

Many people came and went during the couple of hours of so I was working there. By far the most interesting and encouraging group was a group of young folks from Israel. My wife, Donna, and I had some great conversations with these awesome, beautiful people. I was very impressed with their demeaner and curtesy. At one point in our conversation I told them that I felt compelled to apologize for many of my fellow Americans who seem to have lost their minds in their opposition to Israel. We told them that we support Israel and always would. To sum up, we had a great time with our Israeli friends on a cold rainy day in the Smoky Mountains…

“I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 12:3

“In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”

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Zechariah 12:8

Another location I was blessed to setup and paint was near Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I set up by a little mountain stream and as Donna explored the nearby area I painted the scene below. It was a little cold, but quiet and peaceful. I am always in awe at God’s awesome creation!

The third location I was able to setup and paint at for a couple hours was inside the Cherokee National Forest, which is located between Cleveland, Tennessee and Copperhill, Tennessee. The stream depicted is called Goforth Creek and comes down the steep mountain side through boulders, mountain laurel and rhododendron. About 1000 feet from the place I setup the creek runs into the Ocoee River, which then empties into Parksville Lake a few miles down stream.

The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:9

The Breckenridge Fine Art Center in Breckenridge, Texas is sponsoring a “husband & wife” exhibit featuring Donna’s Photography and my works in Oil, Pastel and Charcoal. The exhibit is titled Shutters and Strokes! Donna and I love to hit the backroads of Texas and the South, where she shoots many photos and I collect reference material for future paintings. Whether in a canoe, a car or walking a trail, we love to see the People, Animals and Landscapes God has made. Psalm 19 begins with this message:

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. Psalm 19:1-4

We are truly blessed to be a part of this show. The show hangs the entire month of August 2023 through September 30, 2023, with an artist’s reception on September 9^th, 2:00 p.m. til 4:00 p.m. If you are up for a “mini” road trip, stop by the Breckenridge Fine Art Center and check out the exhibit. The Center also has two very interesting permanent exhibits: Festival Dresses of Texas and the Kathryn Leach Doll collection.

Donna and I are truly amazed at this opportunity to exhibit together the “work of our hands”. Work that we hope will point to the Creator. If you knew the road that we traveled in our early days, you might be amazed too! Not at all because of us, but because of the grace, kindness, and goodness of God.

The older I get and the more I see, the more I am amazed at the goodness of God. I understand that sometimes life does not seem so good. But God is good, and His goodness never ceases. David said this in Psalm 27: 13-14-

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

How true, solid, and unchangeable God’s Word is. He has allowed us to see His goodness in the land of the living.

But our lives together did not start out that way. Donna and I met in the mid 1970’s. Everything that had been sown in the 60’s was bearing fruit. The 1970’s brought more of the same, and my life was “marked” by the turbulence that foolishness and rebellion against God bring. Struggling to make sense of the hypocrisy and madness in the world, I begin to descend into the abyss of drug and alcohol abuse, which lead to dishonoring God in many other ways. Donna and I met during those years.

The “play” of our life began on that stage, and it was certainly destined for failure, except for the grace of the God who loved us more then we loved ourselves. He brought us to Christ, where all the sins of our past were forgiven. Psalm 103:12 says:

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

That will do… the east never meets the west. They are forever separated. Once our hearts were changed by His blood, we begin a new journey. And, through much blood, sweat, and tears God has shown us the power of the miracle of salvation through Christ as well as what a marriage can be, when all is laid at the foot of the cross of Christ.

September 2023 marks 46 years since we first said “I do” in a little ceremony in east Tennessee. Our journey has only been possible by His grace, and for that we are very grateful for His goodness.

Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3

Towards the end of last year, I was blessed by an old friend and gallery owner to produce a couple of commissions for one of his clients. The project was for two oil paintings. Each painting was to be 16 x 20 in size. The subject of each was U.S. Federal Courthouses. The first was the Eldon B. Mahon U.S. Courthouse in Fort Worth, Texas, and the second was to be the John Minor Wisdom U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Eldon B. Mahon is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a bit of a mix of architectural styles. Built in the “Art Moderne style, it incorporates classical elements. Art Deco lanterns of aluminum and glass, Aluminum grilles in Mayan ziggurat, Plains Indian arrows and Egyptian lotus motifs are of few of the Art Moderne elements incorporated in this building.

Although the overall building is perhaps a unique and excellent work of art, painting the building as seen from the street was a bit mundane. It basically looks like a big box, with the above mentioned elements not really seen unless the viewer was very close to the building.  It was a bit of a challenge but paled when compared to the next painting – the John Minor Wisdom U.S. Court of Appeals, New Orleans, Louisiana.

The architect for the New Orleans Federal Courthouse was James Gamble Rogers of the New York architectural firm, Hale and Rogers.  The architectural style is Italian Renaissance Revival. Construction began in 1909 and was completed in 1915. The building materials is White marble walls on gray granite base with copper roof and corner pavilions. There are also four monumental coper and bronze sculptures by Daniel Chester French on the roof of the building.

Restoration of the building began in 1971 and was completed in 1972. About 1972, before the courthouse took his name, Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals fo the 5^th Circuit, John Minor Wisdom, said: “It is probably the finest courthouse in the country…This fine old building was built in a time when they built well…Its preservation means a lot to New Orleans and Louisiana.”

In order to get solid, original reference material for this courthouse painting, my wife and I made a brief trip to New Orleans for a “photo shoot”. Once we located the building in downtown New Orleans, I have to say the building is impressive. I love the architectural detail. Every doorway and window was embellished with intricate stone work, columns… detail stacked on detail. And the front side which contained the “Focal point” of the painting, had 8 Corinthian columns, recessed porches and endless detail in the entablature that bordered the top of the building. My recurring thought during the next few weeks of working on this piece was “what did I get myself into?”

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the commission of these two works was a blessing indeed. I am always grateful for work, and working though the challenges are simply part of it.

I find architecture fascinating on many levels. My grandfather on my mother’s side of the family was a carpenter and a farmer and an all around “builder” of things. He lived his life in the old South, in the northern region of Georgia. He built houses and pretty much anything that could be made of wood. As a kid, my brother and I were always into his carpentry “things”; it seams the DNA for building and creating was passed on to us and we have created and built things over the years since we were kids visiting my grandfathers place  in north Georgia.

Building and creating things is part of that “image” we bear as an image bearer of God. Genesis 1:26 says:

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” NASB

I guess an entire life could be spent digging into exactly all that verse means in its depths; to bear the image of God. But for now, I simply want to focus on building and creating.

God’s word is remarkable. Some have described it as a love letter to mankind. God instructs, encourages, warns and teaches through His Word. And is very simple terms God describes Himself in many passages. He does this because He loves us and wants us to enter into a relationship with Him. And the simple “good news” is that that is done through His Son, Jesus.

In scripture God describes himself as “Father”. Simple and clear. He also describes Himself as “Creator”. He creates things. And another fascinating description is that he is a “Builder and Architect”.

In a section of the famous “Faith Chapter” of Hebrews, we read about the faith of Abraham. How he believed and obeyed God and left his familiar country, lived as a foreigner, all the while looking to the future, trusting God. Then in verse 10 of Hebrews 11 it says:

“…  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” – Hebrews 11:10

Interesting… God the builder and architect.

In the scriptures we also see that if you are a believer, you join with God to both build and be part of a “building” God is building.

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 3:9 thru 11

So it seems that the “visual” imagery of this Builder/Architect is this: When a person comes to Faith in Jesus Christ as their savior, we become part of a “building” of believers that God is building. And, we join in the building process as well. Why? Because God loves us with a crazy love, a love that Rich Mullins describes in the lyrics of one of his songs as “the reckless, raging fury that they call the love of God!”

“AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:17 thru 22

More Texas Architecture…

[Show as slideshow]

I shoot a lot of photos when traveling and sometimes it takes a while to work out a painting based on the photographic reference material I collect on various trips. The week of my Wife’s and I’s anniversary we were planning on making a trip to east Tennessee to visit family and friends, as well as driving through our favorite mountains, the Appalachians. However, since sometimes our “plans” turn out to be a work of fiction, I came down with COVID 2 days before we were to leave. Everything we had planned was scrapped.  Maybe we get a mulligan on this year’s anniversary 😊

Last year we spent our anniversary in the Caddo Lake area of east Texas. I know that a lake that is more of a swamp is not on the list of places to celebrate anniversaries for most people, but my wife and I have never been much of “fu-fu” anniversary trappings. We enjoy paddling around in a canoe shooting photos and taking in all that God has created. Swamp, snakes, ospreys, raccoons… it’s all good. So, we rented a small house/cabin in Uncertain, Texas and spent three days enjoying the peace and quiet of the only natural lake in Texas. (its true… Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas).

The little place we stayed in could not have been improved upon  at all. Secluded in the trees, backed up against part of the Caddo, long wooden boardwalks leading down to the water through the cypress trees, passing small, screened in dock houses supplied with table and chairs to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Caddo. We loved it.

With the exception of commission work, I always paint what I love, what I can relate to. The little house we stayed in had a screened in back porch which became our “go to” spot every morning. Cup of coffee in hand, camera ready, we sat on the back porch and thanked the Lord for His tender mercies and simple blessings.  Perhaps it was a glimpse of another world beyond our reach.

Have a blessed fall.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiates 3:11

The month of May brought a blessing to both me and my wife in the form of a 4 day stay at the Haddock Center. The Center has an awesome Artist in Residence program, and we can’t express our gratitude enough to Gerald and Diane Haddock for the awesome stay at the Center.

(The thoughts and opinions below are my own, and do not reflect the view of the Haddock Center)

The tag line for the Haddock Center is “An Approachable Fine Art Museum” and we discovered this to be true. The Museum focuses on artists of the Newlyn School of Cornwall, England, especially Stanhope Alexander Forbes. Stanhope Forbes was a British artist (1857 – 1947) and a founding member of the Newlyn school of painters. The works of Stanhope Forbes hanging at the Haddock Center are truly incredible and I enjoyed exploring every aspect of his originals. I was not familiar with Stanhope Forbes until my visit to the center, but I have to say that after spending several days studying his work at the Center, he is one of my new favorite artists.

My wife and I’s stay was very restful and relaxing, and I also got some painting time in. Since the Center sits high above Eagle Mountain Lake north of Fort Worth, Texas, my wife and I spent the evenings sitting on the docks watching the sun set over the lake. I spent the days painting in the beautiful gardens and well-kept grounds of the Center. Every evening, after the sun set and darkness gently enveloped the lake, I found it quiet refreshing to have the luxury of climbing the many stairs back up from the shoreline to the Center and sitting in front of one of Stanhope Forbes masterpieces and studying the values and colors of his paintings from another century. As well as being in awe of his work,  I was also trying to solve a problem I was having with the painting I had spent the day working on.

Also available to visiting artists are many incredible art books, each highlighting some of the finest paintings of the past two centuries. I also stumbled across a small book at the center titled “What is Art” by Leo Tolstoy. I read a few pages in the evenings and found it very interesting to say the least. (Later after arriving back home, I listened to the entire audio book).

Some of Leo Tolstoy’s thoughts on art I found intriguing and fascinating and I agreed with a portion of his views on art. But, did find we differed in some other aspects of our individual world views, which time will not permit to address here. His book did stimulate me to work through and focus my own ideas of what exactly “Art” is.

When I view a painting like “The New Mount” by Stanhope Forbes, once I took in the sheer beauty of the work, it seemed to create a desire in me for something that was just out of my grasp. A world that SHOULD be, but is not. A longing for another place, where there is no destruction, death, where wasp don’t sting and snakes don’t bite and every morning is a perfect spring day. I believe art takes us to such places, awaking in us an unmet desire; beautiful art can stimulate our thoughts for heaven.

C.S. Lewis had a unique gift for breaking down a complex idea into a simple thought. The quote below from Mere Christianity communicates the thought well:

“Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise […] If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

“Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.”

Art, like music and writing, can point to that “other country.”

“…but just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the human heart, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” Corinthians 2:9