News – Page 4 – Steve Miller Studios

Jan 23

The Cross

By Charash in Awards, Pastels, Portraits

We all meet many people, and our paths come across many places – people with stories, places with history. When I see these interesting people and places…they scream to be painted. Most never make it off the “to do” list. A while back I was in a Texas prison on a ministry event and was able to shoot some photos of some of the men who were locked up. One of the men I shot had some interesting tattoos on his face and arms. But the one that grabbed my attention right out of the shoot was a cross on his forehead. What does that mean? What did it mean to him? What was his story?

Being fascinated and intrigued with the look of this young man, I decided to work out a composition and create a soft pastel work on Ampersand pastel board of this guy. The piece is called “The Cross”. It has won a couple of awards, the latest was the “VAST Board of Directors’ Award” at the 2018 Visual Arts Society of Texas 12^th Annual 125-Mile Visual Arts Exhibition in Denton, Texas.

When I have time to work through the problems, I like a challenge, and the tats’ and skin tones of this subject proved to be a challenge indeed. Soft pastel on a sanded surface is probably not the best surface to create this kind of artwork. The tattoos require a certain level of detail, and the sanded surface wars against creating detail, but I love pastels on sanded surface.

I usually begin pastel work with roughing in shapes with hard pastels (NuPastels), trying to cover the entire surface with color, keeping in mind the values. I then take a rough hog hair brush and some paint thinner and brush the thinner into the soft pastel pigment, which creates a watercolor like look. This becomes the under-painting.

Close-up of thinner washes that show through from the pastel and thinner wash.

Next fresh layers of various pastels are added (Sennelier, Schmincke, Unison, Terry Ludwig), building up layer on layer until the final work is complete. Some of the “underpainting” stage is left as is, brush marks and runs and all. This adds a bit of contrast and variation in texture, which I tend to like.

The Cross, soft pastel on ampersand pastel board, 18 x 24

I love to get my fingers in the soft pigment as well, blending and moving the layered pastels around until I hopefully get something I can walk away from. This work is 18 x 24, framed under museum glass.

I named this piece “The Cross” because this is what grabbed me first. The symbol that is the cross has been around for a while. The crucifixion of Christ on a wooden cross outside Jerusalem has marked our world to this day. The several thousands of years that were before the crucifixion of Christ are numbered in reverse, counting down to “the Cross” (B.C meaning “before Christ”) Since the time of the crucifixion, the years are marked by A.D. (A.D. stands for Anno Domini, which is Latin for “year of our Lord,” and it means the number of years since the birth of Jesus Christ) How did that happen? Why is our world marked so by this one event? The Cross was not simply a random event in history. The Cross changed everything. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says this:

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

While working on this piece, I took some artistic license to tell the story of the Cross. Even though I don’t know anything about my subject and his relation to the cross, I have seen this Cross story play out in the lives of many who are locked up, as well as those in the free world. I altered one tattoo to read “Love thy neighbor as thyself”, which is what Jesus called one of the Greatest Commandments. Truth is, if we follow that command of Jesus, the prisons would be empty, the divorce courts would be out of business, families would be together, and life would look different. The power to love our neighbor as ourselves comes about through the Cross of Christ. The Bible says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Cor. 5:17) I have seen many men in prison become new people by the power of the cross. Note the Bible on inmate’s bunk. When a life is given to Christ, the scriptures become alive and begin to alter the path of a person.

That’s the beauty of the Cross, the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ…We have new life when we put all our trust in Him, and redemption that He brought about by His death and resurrection. Once before His crucifixion, Jesus was teaching a group of folks, and He quoted from Isaiah, which talked about Himself.

“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” (Luke 4:18, 19)

That is why Christ came and died on an old cross. He came to set us free from sin and its bondage, whether we are free or locked up. “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Thanks for reading, hope you have an awesome day!

Nov 11

Do You See What I See

By Charash in Awards, Oils, Pastels, Reception, Wildlife

Dutch Art Gallery Fall Show

December 2, 2017 the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas is hosting the show reception for the “Do You See What I See” art show and competition. The reception runs from 11:00 a.m. thru 6:00 p.m., with the Awards Announcement at 2:00.

I have three works in the show – two oils and one large pastel. For more information on the show visit the show page here.

The Dutch Art Gallery also represents me making several of my paintings available. You can click here for a peek at the work in the gallery. Stop by any time and see the artworks in person.

The Dutch Art Gallery is located at 10233 East Northwest Highway, Suite 420, Dallas, Texas 75238

Hope to see you there.

Aug 28

Number Our Days…

By Charash in Architecture, Pastels, Reception

Almost every spring since 2006 I have painted in the “Paint Historic Waxahachie” plein air competition and sale. I have painted many, many paintings in the downtown Waxahachie area, and sometimes it gets difficult to motivate myself to create another one.

So, when the Ellis County Art Association, who sponsors and organizes the event, opened the early weeks of the competition to include not only the Downtown area of Waxahachie, but all that lies within the boundaries of Ellis County, I was much pleased. That addition provided some additional subject matter – Ellis County has many rural settings and some small towns within its border.

Italy, Texas is one of those unique small towns in Ellis county. It was easy for Italy to become my favorite location to paint during the early weeks of the competition. I loved the quiet streets, the old architecture and the friendly folks who call it home.

One place that I painted several times had an old 1949 Chevy truck resting under a drive thru portico, which was attached to an old tin topped building. Both truck and building had seen many years under the Texas sun.

Soft Pastel on Ampersand Pastel Board, 18 x 24, titled Weathered. This work was accepted into the 36th National Pastel Show (The Pastel Society of the Southwest 2017 National Juried Exhibition) Opening reception October 8, 2017- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Grapevine Texas – 636 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051. Show hangs from October 3 thru October 31.

As I alluded to above, one of the interesting benefits related to painting in Italy are the lovely, friendly people, especially those who are native to “The Biggest Little Town in Texas”, as proclaimed on Italy’s web site. While painting on the several occasions I was there, I learned much about the History and people of Italy.

One of my tutors in the story’s and facts of Italy was Sandy. She came by one afternoon to check out the painting I was working on and I ask her if I could shoot a photo of her. She agreed and I snapped one with my cell phone. Later back in the studio I composed an image to use for reference for a pastel drawing, the main subject being Sandy, with the old building and truck in the background.

But, let me back up to our visit. She told me about the business that once occupied the building I was painting, when it was there, other things that were near by. She told me that Italy was the hometown of the mother of Dale Evans, wife of Roy Rogers. If you are under 30 you probably have no clue who these folks are, but once….

She also told me of a time Roy Rogers was standing out in front of the Post Office when she was in High School. Mistaking him for a vagrant or the like, she said didn’t treat him too well… Her eyes light up when she tells the story.

Sandy has seen 80 summers there in Italy, Texas. A beautiful reminder that our life is a vapor. Time stops for no one.

When I meet people like Sandy, people who do most of the living and dying and working in this diverse nation, I’m reminded of my own days, how they have so quickly gone by; days that now lie still in the past, unmovable as eternity draws nearer and nearer.

David said this in Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

There it is…David, described as a man after God’s own heart, is asking for God to TEACH him to grab ahold of the reality of the shortness of this life. Why? Another version says it this way: “That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” We often prepare for the future when it comes to money, retirement and the temporal things around us. But the most important thing is to prepare for the ultimate, “big picture” future…eternity.

It is a good practice to look ahead and see what may lie ahead, and then go to the One who created us and ask for His wisdom. Remember, the entirety of the Bible is to prepare us for the future. In its pages we can know how to “number our days”.

Proverbs 1:7 says to “Fear the LORD” is a great place to start. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Back to Psalm 90, a little further down in verse 14 it goes on to say… “Satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.”

I am grateful that as the years roll on, unstoppable, unwavering in their march for eternity, that I have a redeemer, a savior, one who gives wisdom for these crazy days we are in. He gives peace in the “madness”. His peace comes through faith in Christ.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:8, 9, 10

God is truly an awesome God. He loves us. And because God is Holy, His love, demonstrated in Christ, points us to real hope for the future. Isaiah 46:4 says “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” SM

Soli Deo gloria

May 25

Paint Historic Waxahachie 12th Annual Event

By Charash in Architecture, Awards, Landscape, Oils, Plein Air, Uncategorized

BEST OF SHOW

This spring has been a busy one…. I was blessed to paint in Marble Falls and a couple of “garden tours” in Southlake and Fort Worth, and then there was the Paint Historic Waxahachie Plein Air Event in Waxahachie, Texas. This year was the 12th Annual… I think the first one I painted in was 2006. The last couple of years the event has expanded the days artists are permitted to paint, as wall as the physical boundaries.

Sandstone was honored with Best of Show in 12th Annual Paint Historic Waxahachie Plein Air Event in Waxahachie, Texas and is available at Art on the Square in downtown Waxahachie, Texas.

Near the end of the final week of the competition, I set up at the old sandstone courthouse, across the street from the Gallery of the Ellis County Art Association – Art on the Square. I have painted this many times, and was actually a bit weary of it, but decided to paint a small section of the beautiful architecture, which included a column, porch and window, all part of one of the entrances to the old building. To say I was surprised when that particular piece won “Best of Show” in the competition would be an understatement. I am grateful, blessed and honored to have won, and… did I mention I was surprised?

THE EVENT

For a month before the actual 10 day event, the entire area of Ellis County is available for artists to create their masterpieces of color and composition, of coarse as well as the city of Waxahachie.

For the past two years I have enjoyed painting in Italy, Texas, which is in the south end of the county. This year I returned to the same place I painted last year, and actually painted the same subject a couple of days. I told an artist friend, Pete Quaid, about the spot and we painted at that location a couple of days.

Forty-Nine, plein air oil on panel painted on location in Italy, Texas. This painting is available at Art on the Square in Waxahachie, Texas.

One subject we both painted was an old 49 truck – sitting in all it’s “classic” glory under an old tin covered roof of what must have been a business in better, more prosperous years.It was rusty and showing the wear of over 60 years on a sometime hostile earth, but a thing of beauty nevertheless. Pete and I both entered our work in the Paint Historic Waxahachie Plein Air competition.

One of the unique things about painting in some little out of the way town is the beautiful people who come up and talk while you are working. I talked to a photographer who, like me, was always on the prowl for those unique images tucked away off the endless back roads of Texas.

I talked to Sandy, a lady who had seen 80 springs and summers, most of them in Ellis county. A man named Wendell, who had seen many years roll by like the cars on the nearby highway, kept me company for an hour and a half, leaving and returning several times, telling me of the events that had transpired in Italy since the 1920’s. I learned of boxing matches held every Saturday night on the street in front of the blacksmith’s shop, not far from where I was standing painting. I learned that Dale Evans mother (remember Roy Rogers and Trigger?) was from Italy, Texas. I discovered an old bell tower who’s owner rang it’s bell every year until the last Civil War Veteran died, I believe in the 50’s.

Plein Air Paintings

Wendell even took me into his old building and showed me an old faded sign on the wall advertising buggy tackle and rigging. He told me of his artist son, his aunt who painted and showed me some of their work. I enjoyed talking with all the folks in Italy, and learning a bit of history that no doubt will soon fall into the dust of the ages and be forgotten.

The Overhang, plein air oil painted on location in Italy, Texas

The Overhang, plein air oil on panel painted on location in Italy, Texas. Available at Art on the Square in Waxahachie, Texas.

From almost the exact spot where I set up to paint the old truck, I turned my easel 360 degrees and painted an old “stoop” overhang that was originally built to protect the back entrance to the 100 year old building from the elements. The building was empty, the once prosperous business gone. I think this place and painting was my favorite of the entire plein air event.

The old overhang, steps and weathered door have an old story that they whisper as the sun rises and sets, and the years pass. The door, as are all doors, was built to keep out an enemy, resist a danger that may wonder the streets. The tin covering of the stoop, the overhang that protects against the onslaught of rain, sun and adverse elements is a refuge. A little “mini” sanctuary, if you will. Because sometimes the world is not a friendly place.

Embedded deep within this little scene is Psalm 18, the first three verses in particular. They remind us that there is danger in the streets, an enemy on the prowl, and a place of protection is needed, a place of refuge. Verses 1, 2 and 3 say this:

“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.

Ultimately, that refuge, that rest, that peace is Jesus.

II Timothy 1:9

Mar 09

Marble Falls – Paint the Town

By Charash in Architecture, Demo, Landscape, Oils, Plein Air, Uncategorized

March 30 thru April 1, 2017, I will be painting in the 11th Annual Plein Air Juried Exhibition in beautiful Marble Falls, Texas. This Plein Air event called “Paint the Town”, will feature artists from across the nation, painting scenes around historic Marble Falls and other Hill Country locations nearby. A nationally recognized plein air judge will award winners, and all works will be for sale during the event. There will also be a live auction and reception.

You can learn more about the event here: http://www.hlcarts.com/paint-the-town/

Jan 31

Trees

By Charash in Demo, Landscape, Oils, Plein Air

Paint box setup at Loyd Park for “The Woods”

North Texas winters can be all over the map – snow, ice or close to 80 degrees. But this January, we have had some awesome days sprinkled throughout the month and hopefully it will continue into February. The temperature has been warming up to the 60’s and sometimes 70’s and the sky’s have been blue. Weather like this seems to stimulate the thoughts and memories of

spring.

One afternoon I had a little window of time and took advantage of the near perfect weather and packed up my paint box and headed out to paint. Access to land is always a problem, so I find myself painting in private parks and Texas State Parks…both provide easy access to quiet landscapes and usually crowd free locations to work en plein air.

Walking down a quiet path with paint gear in tow in the “dead” of winter, when the life of summer lies dormant and unseen, there is not much to see except bare trees and brown forest floors, dry grass and….not much else. But even in this silent, sleeping environment there is a warmth and kindness from the Creator Himself. A walk in the woods seems to refuel the soul and point to days to come. God created the earth and all it contains for us to enjoy and to remember and acknowledge Him.

The experience reminds me of words from an old song that has been sang by Elvis Presley and many other singers over the years. The second verse of the old song tells this story:

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze-

And then the chorus goes on with these words…

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee: How great thou art! How great thou art!

Of coarse this part of Texas has no mountain grandeur, and this particular day there was no sound of a brook as I wandered through the woods with paint and easel, inspired by the Creator and His creation. Just silence and barren trees. But some of the trees were awesome in shape; and subtle colors and shadows made interesting patterns on the ground.

So I painted a tree.

Psalm 96:11 and 12 say this: “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice”

Particular trees have always fascinated me. Trees are a gift from God, and a reminder of His “common” grace that He gives to all who live on the earth, whether they know Him or not. A tree is almost magical in all it provides for us. Shelter from the wind, cold, rain and heat. Wood for tables and chairs, wood for many tools that make our lives easier. Wood for boats to float on the vast oceans and rivers for both pleasure and food. Trees are really an incredible gift from God.

Steve & Donna Miller at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

And I believe trees have fascinated many of us from the beginning of time. Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have personified trees in many of their writings. One year while my wife and I were driving through the mountains of North Carolina, we came across the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. We parked and walked a short trail through the Appalachian forest (this section was one of the last remaining virgin forests in the mountains) to two massive Popular trees. A thousand years old or so. Back in the parking lot we read on a display a poem called “Trees” written by poet Joyce Kilmer –

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

The Woods – Plein Air Oil on Panel, 12 x 9

Jan 24

When the Boys Come Home…

By Charash in Architecture, Landscape, Oils, Sold

A few weeks before Christmas, 2016 I was blessed to create a commission piece for Byron and Sidney Thorsen, who were wonderful to work with. We connected through a contact from Weiler House Fine Art Gallery in Arlington, Texas.

The Thorsens requested a painting of an old family homestead in Louisiana. I worked from several photos and snapshots and also with verbal input they provided about the family’s history.

30 x 24 Oil on canvas titled “When the Boys Come Home…”

Blue Star Service Banner

One of the subtle details in this painting that relates to the family history is a small banner just to the left of the front door to the screened porch. The banner is a “Blue Star Service Banner” that became popular during World War II. Families who had members in the military during the war would put a banner in a window or door with a blue star on it for every family member who was off serving in the war effort. The Thorsen’s family had 4 sons who were serving their country in this world-wide conflict.

Byron mentioned to me that while the war was going on and the sons were absent, his Great-Grandmother, when making various future plans would say “When the boys come home, we will….” An excellent memory indeed. There is nothing like a “Homecoming”.

The Thorsens also noticed the small scripture reference present on most of my paintings and requested to suggest a scripture for their painting. Since I had never been ask that before, my response was absolutely! Because of the nature of the artwork, representing a generational family place and the story I mentioned above, they choose Malachi 4:5 and 6, which says this:

“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. “He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”

Thanks Byron and Sidney.

Jan 02

Art, Law and a New Year

By Charash in Architecture, Uncategorized

Christmas came and went at our house like a blue northern blowing across the Texas plains. The days seem to accelerate and gain speed with each passing year. But the meaning of Christmas remains constant and immovable.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

I want to backup about a week before Christmas of this year. We made a “mad-dash” to Memphis for three days. My wife and I, and my parents jumped in my uncle’s car (a very nice ride) and headed east to the Mississippi River. The reason was two-fold. It is always good to see my daughter and her husband, and of course the grandkids during the Christmas season. But, the main reason was to be present at the adoption of one of my granddaughters by my son-in-law. In a culture of “fatherlessness”, I really appreciate him “stepping up” to this challenge. I know our granddaughter is blessed by his courage as well.

The adoption was to take place at the Shelby County Courthouse in Memphis. So, to support all involved, several of us went to the courthouse on a bitterly cold Monday morning to see the adoption proceedings, something I have never witnessed. The morning proved to very enlightening and educational, both inside and outside the courthouse.

Shelby County Courthouse in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, with sculptures by James Massey Rhind.

Being an artist who loves architecture, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the size and beauty of the courthouse. It sits in downtown Memphis and is simply a magnificent building. Built by architect James Gamble Rogers (he was the primary architect), the Shelby County Courthouse opened in 1910 and is the largest and most ornate courthouse in Tennessee. To say this Greco Roman structure made from blue limestone with its massive columns and pediments is impressive is an understatement. As I said, I love architecture and I stood in the freezing wind shooting photos of this elegant building as our group entered the building.

Sketch of sculpture at Memphis Courthouse titled “Authority” (S. Miller)

But wait, there’s more…. The most impressive visual elements of this courthouse, in my opinion, are the six figures that sit to the right and left of the three main entrances to the courthouse. Each is carved out of a solid block of limestone by a very well-known sculptor at the turn of the last century, an artist born in Scotland in 1860 named James Massey Rhind.

James Massey Rhind, Scottish born sculptor.

He came to this country late in the 1800’s and was one of America’s most gifted sculptors, carving monuments and memorials for public buildings, cemeteries and parks across the U.S. Perhaps his most famous project was the “Victory” and “Peace” figures he carved at the entrance of Grant’s Tomb in New York City.

As I stood in the cold admiring these sculpted figures, I noticed a name under each of them. The names were Wisdom, Justice, Liberty, Authority, Peace and Prosperity. Interesting, I thought as my nose and ears screamed for a warmer climate. The stone characters meant something, they seemed to be telling a story – A story that needs to be heard today.

The first of these six stone figures represented “Wisdom”. Wisdom must be the foundation of any society and culture. Governments must be built on wisdom, and God is the only one who gives wisdom. I think they understood that a little better in 1910 than we do now.

Proverbs 1:7 says “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” The same book goes on the say in chapter two, verse 6 “For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

The figure that sat opposite Wisdom at the entrance at the far end of the building was “Justice”. We’ll come back to Justice later. The two carvings that guarded the stairs we climbed to enter the building were “Liberty” and “Authority”. If you saw the 1997 movie “Rainmaker”, you probably noticed these two figures as Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) and Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito) entered and exited the Shelby County Courthouse. (This movie was based on a John Grisham novel about ethics in law and business, which is exactly the story these six carvings that line the courthouse are quietly whispering today)

Limestone figures at the entrance to the Memphis Courthouse – Authority and Liberty

These first four works of art – Wisdom, Justice, Liberty and Authority – all work together, and Wisdom is the foundation. A people who govern themselves by a higher law, i.e. God’s law will have Liberty. But not all govern themselves, so the need for Justice, backed up by Authority is necessary. Justice governed by Wisdom is both Just and Merciful. And to keep order in this society, Authority must be set up and respected. This provides the setting for Liberty.

Just around the corner of the building where we entered, the final two of the six statues I mentioned were sitting, and like their four companions, they sat silent and unnoticed. They were titled “Peace” and “Prosperity”. Peace results from the healthy function of the first four. When godly Wisdom is the foundation, the outflow is Justice, Authority and Liberty, which in turn produces Peace. It doesn’t matter where you are in this world, what country or culture, peace is desired and pursued. When the first four principles break down, there is no peace. But, when peace is present, what follows is “Prosperity”, the name of the last sculpture by James Massey Rhind.

Rough sketches of sculptures at Memphis Courthouse (skeches by S. Miller)

Here is the long and the short of it. Standing out in the freezing wind one December morning in Memphis being amazed by the work of an artist long since gone, I saw beautiful representations of principles that build up a society. The artist’s work was almost like an outline in stone. I was a bit perplexed by the observation that nobody seemed to notice this outline. It seems to be background noise or relics from another time and what now seems like another universe. Does it matter? Memphis is the 4^th most dangerous city in the U.S. as of October, 2016. I guess it does matter some.

I’m not picking on Memphis, it’s much the same across the nation to one degree or another. How far we have fallen from those simple principles and guidelines. Proverbs 14:34 reminds us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.”

In other words, when a society fears the God of scriptures, there is Liberty, Peace and Prosperity. I think it is a general revelation of God’s great love for us, His creation.

We just came through a year full of turmoil, both in the U.S and worldwide. The new year lays out before us, it’s pages yet unwritten. Who can argue with a set of simple guidelines that if followed, will produce peace?

I want to wish you a Blessed New Year of Peace from the true source of Peace!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Dec 15

Open House at OPOMAC in Graham, Texas

By Charash in Uncategorized

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I wanted to pass along a special thanks to Marlene and Jim at the Old Post Office Museum and Art Center in Graham, Texas for inviting me to hang an exhibit during the month of December, and for the awesome Open House event on December 10th. Donna and I really enjoyed the night in Graham, meeting many beautiful people and enjoying the band and food provided by OPOMAC. Many thanks.

Below is a slide show of the event. The exhibit hangs until January 13, 2017. If you happen to be in Graham in the next few weeks, check the exhibit out. Also at the museum is a famous mural by Alexandre Hogue titled “Oil Fields of Graham”.

[Show as slideshow]

Nov 28

Exhibit at OPOMAC

By Charash in Demo, Oils, Pastels, Reception, Uncategorized

DECEMBER 10th, 6:00 p.m.

For anyone wanting to break from the madness of the city or business of the holiday season, join us for a night at The Old Post Office Museum and Art Center in Graham, Texas. The museum has allowed me to exhibit almost 90 works of art this December through January. December 10th at 6:00 p.m. the Museum is hosting an Open House reception for the exhibit.

Old Post Office Museum and Art Center

All the works hanging in this show are available to purchase. This exhibit will actually hang from December 5, 2016 thru January 13, 2017. Hope to see you there.

Old Post Office Museum & Art Center
510 Third Street
Graham, Texas 76450
Phone: (940) 549-1470
opomac@sbcglobal.net

Old Post Office Museum and Art Center

Oct 17

Fall Festival of Arts, Granbury

By Charash in Architecture, Awards, Reception

Saturday, October 15 – It is always a blessing and an honor to receive an award for a painting. Competitions are always a time to focus on strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps learn from the perspective and skills of the Juror, who for this show was Kaye Franklin. Kaye is an excellent artist working in oils and pastels. (http://kfranklinstudio.com/)

Two works were selected for this show, one called “Three Cows” (very original name, I know), and another piece called “The Blue Window” which won Second Place. Both are oils, The Blue Window is on canvas and Three Cows was painted on panel.

Original oil on canvas titled The Blue Window

Original oil on canvas, 24 x 18, titled “The Blue Window”

It was great to attend the reception at the Stanley House, just off the Granbury courthouse square and meet some of the artist. I

wanted to thank the Lake Granbury Art Association for this great fall show, as well as the sponsors who donated the much appreciated prizes.

Sep 19

Art for Gas

By Charash in Architecture, Awards, Reception, Wildlife

My wife and I love to go on little excursions across Texas, and sometimes across the South when we have time, armed with a couple of cameras. Donna shoots mostly wildlife, and I am always on the hunt for, well, mostly anything that looks interesting that I might use to work out an oil or pastel. An old barn, a landscape, city streets, or perhaps a person simply living life are things I find interesting.

Donna Miller, 1st Place in Photography

Sometimes we enter the results of our little mini trips in local art and photography shows. It’s always an interesting adventure to see what a judge may or may not give a nod to at these shows. And sometimes, we win a little money that helps to put some gas in the car or some bread on the table. September 18 we went to the Awards reception of the Grand Prairie Arts Council’s Annual Fall Show, a show we entered multiple pieces in. We were blessed to both win an award, and a bit of gas money, which these days is a huge help. It is always good to see a bit of fruit for the labor.

Donna won 1st Place in the Photography category with her photo of a group of Cormorants struggling to get air-born. She shot the photo down in Navarro County on one of our day trips, at the Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area near Corsicana, Texas. One of the cormorant’s struggle is magnified by the fact that it is carrying it’s supper with it – a good sized fish. The title of the photo is “Fishin’ for Supper”. (www.DonnaMillerPhotos.com)

2nd Place Oils at Grand Prairie Arts Council Fall Show I had a couple of oils in the competition, a small one called “Fall Primaries” and another larger one called “Autumn Music”, which depicts a man caring a guitar up the sidewalk in a neighborhood on an overcast day. I shot the photo reference while visiting Cleveland, Tennessee, a place where I spent several years in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Autumn Music won 2nd place in Oils in the competition.

The image reminds me of so many things in life. I don’t know this guitar man’s story, but he has a story to be sure. What dreams he may have dreamed when he was young – Perhaps he had dreams of Nashville. What trials may have passed through his years? What disappointments might have staggered his steps? I paint what presents a story, what intriques me, and this one does.

This painting reminds me that there will be days when the sun don’t shine and the journey may be uphill all the way. But that’s ok. there is hope in the words of Christ when He said:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28 thru 30