Archive Of Previous Blog Posts

February 1, 2015

Other than my first oil painting I've ever done, I have found it difficult to find time to paint over the past several months. As many of you know, I am a Realtor and that part of my work life has gotten quite busy over the past 6 months (a blessing). I also work at Shady Maple, so my painting time (and time for 'inspiration') have been severely limited. I hope to have some space in the next month or so to find an image that really gets hold of me and to do another oil painting. I need some time for reflection and to really see the beauty around me (sometimes that is hard to do in this violent, angry world). Seeing and capturing God's beauty helps to keep the Black Dog of Despair away. God is good... I hope I can paint in a way that shows His goodness and beauty. Feb 1 2015

Dec 16 2012

Yesterday, we learned of the school shooting in Connecticut. When I hear of such terrible tragedies, I wonder what good I am doing sitting at home painting pretty pictures while the world seems to be rapidly descending into darkness. Perhaps all of us ask the same question as we go through our typical, daily lives… As an artist, I wonder if the simple, joyful pictures I paint speak to the realities we face in life? Do they serve a purpose, or are they simply empty nostalgia with no purpose or meaning – just wishful thinking in a world gone mad? In some ways, the answer is no – art like mine seems to have no relevance – no connection to the world in which we live; an increasingly violent, evil-filled world. But that is not the complete answer. On this side of eternity, there are times and experiences of peace, beauty, joy, and wonder. So the images I paint are real. They are important to remind us of the other side of reality. But I think they reflect more than just the reality of our existence in time and space in the here and now. In the 1930’s, C.S. Lewis, the noted British writer and professor, was an atheist, but he couldn’t get past the idea that there might be a ‘god’ – someway, somewhere, somehow. As he saw beauty, as he contemplated his desire for “joy”, he realized that there was something inside of him – a desire for something that this world could not fulfill. There were glimpses of it here and there, but there was also so much pain, evil, and suffering (he had been in the trenches of WWI, and WWII was looming), it was hard to see. If he desired something (real joy; real peace; real beauty), and there was nothing in this life that could satisfy that desire, then there must be another reality where these desires could be met (how can humans desire anything that has no real fulfillment?). He eventually came to the conclusion that this ‘other reality’ was heaven. It was the truth and reality of the God of the Bible and of His heaven. I agree with Mr. Lewis. The glimpses we see of beauty, joy, peace speak to another reality. In the midst of the unspeakable horror of the school shooting and other pain we experience in this life, there is another reality. I paint what some would call purely idealistic images that do not speak to the human condition. I disagree. I paint images of that which all of our hearts hunger for. And if we desire them, there must be a fulfillment for them. I choose to focus on images that speak to an ultimate reality. I choose to follow this admonition from the Bible: “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” I hope my art helps you to do the same. Finally, my prayers and sympathy are with all the families in Newtown, Ct. May God pour out his mercy and grace on all the families and friends who have been touched by this tragedy. 

December 8, 2011

I just finished the painting, "The Gault House". Actually, I thought of titling it "The Gault House II" because it was my second effort to capture this beautiful property. I came at the image from two distinct viewpoints and enjoy both of them. They are both winter scenes, but to me, tell totally different stories. Below are both images.... feel free to give me your thoughts. Merry Christmas! Chris

May 9, 2011

My art blends many things that I love - photography, history, talking to locals about the way things were, and of course, drawing and painting. I've been working on a new piece for the past couple of months. White Chimneys is a wonderful historic home on the Lincoln Highway (Rt. 30) just west of Gap, PA. It's history includes being one of the first buildings erected by settlers after William Penn signed a treaty with the local Indians. It hosted a visit by the Marquis de Lafayette in the early 1800's. And it was owned and added onto by one family for over 200 years.

This fascinating house has many stories to tell. My painting will knit together a few strands of it's history using the back drop of a Harvest Moon Celebration at the mansion, c. 1925. A full moon is on the rise... the home is lit up from within and without... friends are gathered in the ball room... and one family member makes a surprise visit from above. I hope to have the piece done by the end of May - I'll post it as soon as it is complete. In the meantime, if you have more interest in this beautiful home, go to: www.whitechimneys.com. The home and gardens are available for weddings and other social gatherings.

April 20, 2011

Inspiration

I read about an artist who stated that, when asked about what inspires him to create, he responded, "Inspiration? My inspiration was that I painted 10 - 12 hours a day 6 days a week for the past 12 years!" What I took this to mean was, at least at times for him, his art was the old 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Just keep working - hard; good things will come if you do. While I agree in part with that sentiment, I don't think it produces my best work. That doesn't mean I don't put in my time (some of my works take a month or two to create)... but if I paint just to make something to sell, it shows. My best creative times come when I am inspired and captivated by the subject and the process. The history, the setting, the community and the good people of the place. 8 hours of painting races by in what seems to be the blink of an eye. I love those days when I am completely captivated by the world I'm working in and all the cares of this world fade away - if only for a lttle while.

I mention this, because I've been in a creative rut for the past month as I've been working on a piece that just hasn't come together. I've started it 3 times already and will be starting it again. I'll know when I've gotten it right - and I'll keep working hard... but I'm also waiting for that inspiration that carries me along with IT rather than me forcing it's hand. Blessings, Chris