High Mesa - Full Circle

To my artist friends. Take courage, what you do today will speak one day.

This painting was a part of a series I painted for the Classic Ramada in Albuquerque in the '80s. The hotel wanted paintings with texture in southwest motif. I used tiles to give texture. The tiles represent the houses at the base of the mountain.

This is called "High Mesa". I painted probably 30 paintings to hang throughout their hotel. This is one that wasn't bought, along with a companion piece. The pieces are 30X40. These two pieces ended up in Clovis, New Mexico.

This the the answer for why we paint. This painting has come full circle. It spoke today.

From a Friend:

I am sitting in Moms living room this morning enjoying the company of my Parents during one of our early morning talks.

The Sun is beginning to find its way through the cracks of the shades on the front window and shine on a piece of art.

Following the Sun's rays, I look at the painting and smile because I recognize the hand that created it. It is the same hand that everything in 6 days. It is the hand of the Spirt of God.

At that moment, I am moved, because I realize that I have once again Found The Spirit of God.

A gift from God can not be measured by dollars. It can only be measured by impact.

Well Done!

My prayers have been answered. I now know what needs to be done. I will talk to next week and show what the answer was 

Wyndham Art Students - March 21, 2013

It was a great day in the Wyndham Watercolor Art Class.

A family of four, two from Oklahoma and two from Arkansas were a delight. There are people who come your way, and you feel like you've always known them.

This is how the Copeland family was today.

There was Larry and Betty Copeland. Look at this picture of Larry. You could write a book. He said he was there because his wife made him do it. If pictures were a thousand words, then it speaks volumes. Next to Larry, look at Betty's happy face. She is having a wonderful time.

This is Gayle Bellinger. She is busy making it happen with her painting. She is the grandmother of Morgan.

This is Morgan.  She had fun with her family.

Another young lady, Jaydon from Kansas. She is only 13 years old, but an old soul for sure. She was helpful in the beginning, setting up with me. I learned later she has eight brothers and sisters.

Then we have Debbie Miles from Montrose, Colorado. She is a quilter who paints watercolors on fabric. I have another student who does that. I don't know how they do it.

Great class today. Always a blessing.

Wyndham Students - March 6, 2013

March 6, 2013

It was a great day at the Watercolor Art Class at Wyndham, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

When I staredt the day, I only knew the number I will have. I never know if I've taught them before, met them somewhere or if they are there for the first time.

Carole, the mother,  had been to the class two years before and she brought her daughters. It was fun interacting among their family. There was a tenderness among, especially between the two grown sisters.

Jeanine had a natural artist touch. From the beginning, I could see her painting transform before my eyes. Several times, I told her, "You could quit now, it could be finished at this point. Proceed very carefully. Make every stroke count." She kept working. She seemed to move with a real knowing in what she was doing. It's that creative knowing that I talk about.

She had only taken art classes in high school. Her painting turned out absolutely beautiful. At the end, I noticed the brush in her left hand, and I said, "Of course, you are creative. left-handed people have that right side creative mind-set. I encouraged Jeanine to go home and paint. I hope she does.

Her sister, Denisa, struggled with her painting. It's hard to walk out of your world and enter into the world of art. It's a different language. You are asked to mix colors and play. You would think that is easy. It isn't that easy for those who operate in the business world.

In the purple is Carole. She is one of the sweetest ladies I have meet. Her daughters talked so highly about her. This was a beautiful family that came my way for a few hours and we talked art and things of the heart.

As I understand, they took a hot air balloon ride and have enjoyed our beautiful mountains. Thank you for passing through my life.

I'm the blessed one.

My Wyndham Students - February 13, 2013

As always, Wednesday mornings at Wyndham Resorts, I meet people from all over the country. They come to learn how to paint. Each week there are those who I know I'll never forget.

When I arrived, a lady who came two years ago to Pagosa who I met in the painting class at Wyndham Resorts, was sitting in the class. I recognized her. The minute she said, "I'm Glenna Spencer from Michigan," I knew she was one of those who came into my life for more than painting.

Just catching up with the last two years, we both had gone through a change in many things. We enjoyed sharing with each other.

Two sisters with their grandfather came from Louisanna. Scarlett and Jeannette were delightful. They are young and full of life. Probably the one thing that stood out to me is how they treated their grandfather. They treated him with such respect.

This is Scarlett:

This is Jeannette:

This is Scarlett and Jeannette's Grandfather:

I hope your family has a wonderful in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. I understand you come back to Pagosa every year. Hope to see you next year.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

This morning, January 31, Todd Shudda brought a message from 1 Samuel. His question was: Can you learn from your mistakes? The discussion went from King Saul to David to the question, What are the concerns in today's society? Have we saved the best and disobeyed the Lord. Great message, thought provoking. Thanks Todd. It's Church for me in the middle of the week.

You're missing a blessing if you don't come. I know it's early. But It's worth it. We meet every Thursday morning at 7am at Pagosa Youth Center.

Eli, Todd and Brandon enjoying pancakes.

Wyndham Students - January 23, 2013

We come and go through each other's lives and sometimes we miss each other. But, when we are attentive to those around us, we know there is something special we need to pay attention to. Our own lives change because we have met. Paul Frey was that kind of guy. Paul is a snowboarder, but took to watercolor as if he was riding the slopes on his snowboard. He's here in Pagosa for another week, I'm looking forward to another class with him.

I kidded Paul. He had a beautiful "sweet" soft touch. What do you think?

Next to him, was Meg Jackson. She was my given-to-detail student. She was determined to make the leaves, and I said, wait, until you see the rest of the painting. Did she want to wait? No. But she did. Her painting was beautiful. I Don't know if she believed me.

Then we had Jerry and Lydia Winsimuis from Northern New Mexico. They're a special couple. They have lived around the arts for years, they had a savvy for the arts, and a desire to paint. Hopefully this class encouraged them to go home and create their own art.

Thank you students for making my day!!!!

From One National Treasure to Another

We live in the Rocky Mountains in the National Treasure. the National Forrest. We are blessed.

National Tree in Pagosa Springs this morning, November 12, 2012

Here are some of the pictures.

National Tree, Meeker, Colorado going through Pagosa Springs, CO

We are here with the tree.

From the Back, someone is looking at that all the way.

National Tree coming through

National Tree

This is the actual size of the National Tree

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