Religious Wall Mural

This residential wall mural is a little different than what I usually do. I generally work in realistic works of art. This one, not so much. Artwork from the Renaissance had so many religious themes, and this one is no different. Alan Lee is an extremely gifted artist who worked on The Lord of the Rings set, and has completed some amazing, visual creations. I was inspired to use some of the templates from a book 'The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook.' That being said, let me explain what is going on here. The top portion are rams head. For those who read the scriptures, the ram is very symbolic. The ram that was caught in the thicket when Abraham went to sacrifice his son, was a representation of Christ. There are two rams heads. One is a literal ram, the other is what that ram represented. In the circular celtic pattern at the top, there is a star, which is a representation of the star that the Wise Men followed. The tree in the center is outlined in 24 karat paint - there are 66 leaves on the top of the tree for the 66 books of the bible, and 12 leaves on the bottom two branches - for the 12 tribes. In the center of the chair, another star - one of the names for Christ in Rev. 22, the Bright and Morning Star. Of course, sitting on the throne is Christ. The painting of Him is very medieval looking. I tried to give Him some brown in His skin, as I don't think Christ was this pasty-white Euro inspired visual that we've been fed. He has to have had some tan to His skin. Finally, under His feet was supposed to be a serpent, but that was scrapped at the last minute. The sketch for the serpent can still be seen. Maybe at a later date, the owner will have me paint it in.

In Progress - Residential Wall Mural

Adding in more details

In Progress - Residential Wall Mural

Close Up shots of the sketch.

In Progress - Residential Wall Mural

You see that little bald patch beginning to come in on the top of my head? Ahhh ... let the balding commence.

In Progress - Residential Wall Mural

Yet another Wall Mural about to unfold. If you look closely, you can see some of the sketch at the very top.

Christmas Card 2013

This is the final image. After I come back from Tennessee, I will be sending this off to be printed and ready for cards hopefully by November 1.

Christmas Card in progress

Almost finish.

Christmas Card in progress

Christmas Card in progress

If you'll notice, I got rid of the little cabin. I felt it would take away from the tree that will be in the center.

Christmas Card in progress

Christmas Card Painting

Every year, I try to do a Christmas Card. I started last year with the one below, and plan to continue the tradition this year.

At the top, the small painting is on a 9x12 panel, and you can see the outline. I decided to begin the painting in January and work on it periodically. I just finished it about a month ago, and I am pleased with the outcome. As with all of my artwork, I am posting the painting in progress. 

My Studio

This is my studio. Yep ... this is where the magic happens. This place is my own personal fortress of solitude. Imagine having the opportunity to peek into the studio of Picasso as he worked, or one of my favorites, William Bouguereau who, in my opinion, was one of the greatest painters who ever lived. Well, those of you who view my art blog, this is where the next greatest thing happens.