latest painting...

It had been awhile since I've completed a painting;

a long while...

Since I'd never attempted a portrait of a dog before,

I thought it would be fun to photograph the stages.

Even if the photos didn't turn out all that well...

they give a good idea of how I layer paint. :)

And there she is - all finished. 

Though technically in my mind, nothing I paint is ever "finished"

there's always something else that could be done.

I like the Leonardo da Vinci quote:

"Art is never finished - only abandoned."

Or something like that...

Cats and Flowers

Just a few random cat and flower photos from the past week.

Enjoy.

Peonies

"Madeline"

Johnny Jump-ups

"Favorite"

Roman Chamomile

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:

But the word of our God

shall stand forever."

Isaiah 40:8

Details

The weekend is already upon us;

and I only have time to share a few snapshots.

Just a few artistic moments that Spring has brought.

The blessing of details.

The sweetness of feline femininity.

Thirteen years old, and her posture is as perfect as ever.

The heavenly fragrance of fresh lilacs.

Wafting in the east windows on a sunny afternoon.

Huck and Buster.

A decade of dog friendship.

Tea with Honey and Cream.

With a nod to my English ancestors.

A smiley dog. Who never stops moving.

The world's greatest challenge in photography. Captured.

A piece of history.

More schoolhouse woodwork, and the beauty of time.

A Favorite cat.

Who has quite the knack for finding masculine backgrounds.

And posing.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for details.

He puts detail into everything He creates;

even the little things that last just a moment.

I'm so thankful for the details.

A Birthday Tribute

On this date in 1833, James Ewell Brown Stuart was born in Virginia. He would become one of the greatest Southern Generals of the Civil War; and one of my heroes.

One year ago, I had decided that I wanted to attempt painting a portrait of a Civil War soldier; I wanted something dramatic that would look good over a fireplace mantel. At the same time, I wanted to honor a man with a godly legacy. I wanted a painting with meaning behind it. That's when I happened across the photo below. I haven't seen another Civil War era photo quite like this one. I love all of the detail you can see in it - everything from his sword, to his calvary boots. When I read a short little essay about General J.E.B. Stuart's life - I knew he was definitely the one to paint. He wasn't just a military genius, he was a godly man.

It took nearly a year... but my painting is finally finished. In time for Jeb's 177th birthday.

(If you've never read anything about Jeb Stuart, you should! The best biography I know of is by John W. Thomason.)

(By the way, in case you're wondering... I don't pick sides when it comes to the Civil War. I admire the "good guys" -north and south-.)