The Cellist — 16×20, oil on linen

This painting was recently accepted into the Oil Painter’s of America 2010 Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition. It will be available through Walls Fine Art Gallery in Wilmington, NC, from October 15 through November 13, 2010.

Whenever I have the opportunity to participate in group shows or competitions, It is always an interesting and exciting privilege to share gallery space with other amazing artists. This year is no exception. The painting above will be adorning the walls alongside works from artists I’ve long admired, like Kathy Anderson, Michael Dudash, Glenn Harrington, and William Schneider to name a few. There are few things more challenging and inspiring to me than to see friends of mine doing well with their art and to put it simply … to see them paint, and paint, and paint, and paint some more! There are some in this year’s show I am grateful to call friends — John Ball, Kevin Beilfuss, Kevin Menck, Angela Sekerak. One also who will be participating in the show I am humbled to call my friend, teacher, and (whether he knows it or not) a mentor — Brian Jekel.

Brian Jekel is the reason I began painting. Seeing his work as a young freshman in college, then having him as an instructor throughout many of my formative classes has planted in me a desire to be like him in many ways — a follower of Christ, a family man, and an incredible painter. I entered college hating to paint, and left wanting to do it in one way or another for the rest of my life. And at times what inspired me the most is how gracefully, humbly, and quietly he has balanced so much while still finding the time and energy to teach so many students to become painters. He is truly an amazing man. Thank you Mr. Jekel.

some paintings finished recently. finally getting around to posting them.

Head study painted from life. Model: Amy Waters.

Late fall plein air from Frog Hollow Farms, Gallatin, TN.

Still life painted from life.

Have I mentioned that I like painting from life? You just can’t beat the experience.

Belle Meade Bridge – 11×14 – oil on Belgian linen

painted en plein air in belle meade, tennessee.

At long last! Tennessee actually got some real snow. And it actually covered the grass. And it actually hung around for at least a couple of days. Here in Tennessee, weather like this is extremely rare and it shuts everything down. The pandemonium that ensues will never cease to amaze me.

Having grown up in the north, I happen to love the snow—wish we could get more of it. But I love it even more now that I have done my first plein air in it. It was a lot of fun. Hope you like it. It’s my first in the snow.

Winter Plein Air — 8×10 — oil on Belgian linen

Chicken – 11×14 – oil on Belgian linen

This is one more piece I’ve done in preparation for the Sixth Annual Art Event at Lipscomb. The Art Event is a three-day fine art sale benefiting David Lipscomb Campus School in Nashville. You are invited to a Grand Opening & Reception Friday, February 12 from 5p—9p, with the show continuing on through Saturday, 10a—5p, and Sunday, 1p—5p. Please drop by, I would love to see you and I think you will enjoy the show.

click here for more info