Slow Return : 2024-11

Slow Return

27 November 2024

Acrylic on canvas

18 x 24 in (45.7 x 60.9 cm)

SOLD - Private Collection

This was the Christmas card for 2024 (the 33rd card).

The inside of the card read...

Sometimes, things – perhaps many things – don't unfold according to our plans. While this can be frustrating, one thing is certain: God's timing is always perfect. Beginning a new process or journey can often be the hardest part, but we can't move forward without taking that first step. I am deeply grateful for my compassionate Lord, my friends, my family, and all the lessons I've learned this year. When I see jets like this, I'm reminded to value the journey and trust that I will reach my destination at exactly the right moment.

I love when white clouds peak through a grayer sky. The contrast is amazing and it always seems to instill hope. And when a jet lays down some contrails it reminds me how great flying is. There is less detail in this painting as it was done primarily with a palette knife. I still struggle with making bluffs and mesas look like I want, but I think these blended in well with the overall image.

I painted this over a few days but didn't take enough stage pics to make a gif worthwhile.

- mm -

Card Release : 2023-12

Most of the 2023 Christmas cards have been sent. I buckled down and got them knocked out in a couple of days. It was the perfect way to use bad weather. I will wait a few days before posting the painting. Always curious how the cards are received. Kimberly helped with was very nice!

- mm -

Christmas Robin : 2023-11

Graywood

22 November 2023

Acrylic on wood

8 x 10 in (20.3 x 25.4 cm)

The 2023 Christmas card.

- FOR SALE -

This was the second block of wood I made - the first was Blackwood. Much of the project commentary is the same. This is the block on which the keyhole slot for hanging was a bit rough as it was my first attempt. The concept here was a very benign background with a bird. Robins are pretty cool so I went with it. The background was originally going to be a solid color, but I threw in a piece of fabric as if he were posing for a photo shoot or a still life.  This was the 32nd Christmas card in a row.

The inside of the card read...

It’s easy to take things for granted and lose sight of the hundreds of blessings we have every day.  But if we simply pause for a moment and look around, we’re never short of reminders.  Even the grace and beauty of a little robin reminds me of something I so easily forget - if my creator provides for a creature as small as this, why should I question if He will provide for me?

The gif showing the progress - about 54 days had passed. The other block took 48 days - both were stark reminders of how quickly time can pass. I liked the blue background and it would have made a good contrast, but I'm happy with the end result.

- mm -

CC2022 : Stone Benefits : 2022-11

Stone Benefits

2022, acrylic on canvas, 22 x 28 inches (56 cm x 71 cm), held by artist.

The card reads...

Kimberly and I had a great visit to the mountains and a certain rock formation really caught my eye. It reminded me that some of our obstacles can have a beauty of their own. While we can’t always choose the road we must take, the hurdles encountered – attractive or not - can help us grow. I thank God that He knows what is best for me.

This was my 31st Christmas card and I was pretty happy with it. Like always, the card tradition helps me paint at least one thing a year, but I did better in 2022. Not much, but I did paint more than just the card. There was some pressure to add something with a Christmas flair, but the last few years I've focused on making more of a timeless piece. Christmas Crow of 2014 was the most recent card with something that could be specifically related to Christmas. Maybe I'll revisit in following years.

    

I love working on skies and clouds. They can be fun and frustrating - they should be fun. This year I thought I'd watch a couple videos and heard that stuck with me. I didn't write it down, but it was something to the effect of 'clouds come from the inside not the outside'. That's good for me to remember. Trying too hard to get a very specific look takes away some of the fun. I had fun with these clouds. I was a little loose with the sky - meaning I wasn't overly concerned with a perfect blend. Often, I can cover some defects in the sky with the clouds themselves. It worked out well, but the difference between the second and third shots above is the addition of another plume to cover a swirl that was a bit too 'radical' for me.

After being satisfied with the sky and clouds came the tricky part - adding the rock formation. Rocks probably shouldn't be 'tricky', but I haven't practice rock formations much. Above is the sketch but the actual inspiration is from a drive I took in the mountains - shown on the right.

UPDATE 27 DEC 22:  I added some color to the original sketch with the water color sticks (pencils) Kimberly gave me. I actually didn't realize they were water color sticks - I thought they were colored pencils.  You can see the difference when adding water in the two sketches below...

Water color sticks applied dry.

Water color sticks after applying water - nice blending effect.

For the initial application of rocks/stones, I went a with only a couple colors. I wanted to lay down the basic shapes, and it forced me to start covering the sky. The main rock needed to be 'softer' and you can see I made it wider. Finding the 'right' color for the stones - the color I liked and close to the photo - was harder than I thought it'd be. The only difference between the picture on the right and the final painting is some more shadows, more color in the lower left, and my signature.

Stone Benefits in a sample frame.

- mm -

CC2021 | True North | 2021-12

 

TRUE NORTH, 2021

Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)

The card reads...

Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.  The difficulty of decisions varies, but for the tough ones, solid guidance is priceless.

I often fly near this wind vane and regardless of its simplicity, it always gives good guidance.  Pointing north, I clearly know which way to go.  I thank God for His help and the help from those in my life.

The only sketch was this...

This is a cutout from the original piece of paper

This was my 30th card - which totally surprises me.  But at the same time, it always forces me to create at least one painting a year and reminds me of the amazing people in my life.

- mm -

CC2020 | Navigation | 2020-12

NAVIGATION, 2020

Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 24 inches (51 x 61 cm)

The card reads...

"This year, I was blessed to fly the line with United for three months.  It was short, but full of awesome people and great experiences.  The rest of the year saw a lot of general aviation.

It reminded me that people enter your life at just the right time - which continues to amaze me.  They can nudge you, inspire you, and help you move along your journey.

As this open-air flying machine approaches the foothills on a beautiful winter day, the sight of his hangar assures him he's on the right path.  God helps me do this each and every day."

~~~~~~~~

After the sky, clouds and hills were painted, I had the big unanswered question of what to add.  Originally, I thought a close-up of a crow flying towards the hangar but also wanted to add an airplane. This is the view of the crow I was going to add...

It was going to be solid black (minus some highlights).

As for the airplane, I had an idea that the original painting was also going to be a present for a retirement. The recipient, however, has flown dozens of airplanes. I knew he'd flown a Fairchild PT-19 and he had a painting of one in his hangar - it was actually a movie poster. He currently has a Super Decathlon, but I couldn't get the look I wanted and was happy with the PT-19.  The photo above was used for reference.

This was the only paint sketch I made.  You can see I sketched the crow and the airplane. The airplane was the focus as I had abandoned the idea of the crow.  I was happy enough with the airplane to proceed. One thing I don't like about myself is the liberty and freedom I take with sketches only to be overly conservative with the final. I shouldn't like the sketches more than the final piece - which happens too often.

Update 202101:  One of the best comments I get is that the card exceeds other cards.  This was written on the back of a note from a card recipient...

Of note, that's from someone who's received almost every card.

Return to the Cards or the Galleries

- MM -

CC2019 | Bridge Life | 2019-12

BRIDGE LIFE, 2019

09 December 2019

Watercolor on paper

12 x 9 inches (30 cm x 23 cm)

- FOR SALE -

Written in the card...
I have been rather nomadic the last few months of my life and to keep it short, tell people I live under a bridge. So far, the bridges have looked a lot like hotels, but who knows what the next one will look like. Currently I'm trying to fly with United - which is quite an adventure. While being a nomad has its issues, in some ways it is quite liberating. It reminds me I need a lot less than I think I need.

My comments:

The commentary in the card says it well.  However, I will comment on the process.  Below are three other bridges I painted prior to the final.  One is very United, one is rather Golden Gate-ish and the last rather 'in your face'.  It was the 'in your face' which I though best emphasized the bridge.  However it was kind of dark.  So I capitalized on the dominance of the bridge but wanted to go with a much happier sky (outlook).  And so we have the result.  Yes, it was a chance to practice watercolor clouds (which are a challenge for me), but also made a much more positive image.  The colors are much better in the final.  That sky/grass combination lets you image a day that is absolutely perfect for you.  For me, it's about 58-62 degrees and a bit windy.  But still perfect.

The fun of painting without explanation is viewers can imagine anything they'd like.  I purposely keep my descriptions vague and, funny enough, I had a dream about this painting.  A young girl was explaining the purpose of the spikes extending from the pillars.  I 'corrected' her and told her why they are there (in my mind).  It was actually more of a nightmare because it was exactly the wrong response.  I wanted her to believe why those spikes were there, and in two sentences I crushed her imagination.  Luckily, it was just a dream.  God was reminding me of graciousness.

Left:  this was the first sketch which tried to show the architecture of the

United training center.  Epic failure.  Right, this was a random bridge.

I liked it, but it didn't really convey any of my emotions.

This was another fabricated bridge trying to emphasize the bridge more than it's surroundings.  I liked it and it was pretty close to being the final card.  But then I asked myself, "has the bridge life been so dark?"  Far from it, which is why I brightened up the entire scene but still made the bridge strong. The only thing I'd probably change is to move the bridge closer to the viewer (i.e., make it bigger).

This is the United Training Center and I initially wanted to incorporated it into some kind of bridge.  I love the architecture and the blue sky looked great.  It's part of the old Stapleton Airport.

Found a great frame for Bridge Life in 2022.

Return to the Cards or the Galleries.

- mm -

CC2018 | Transition | 2018-12

Transition

24 November 2018

Acrylic on canvas

20 x 16 inches (51 cm x 41 cm)

- FOR SALE -

Written in the card...As my last card in the military, I wanted to capture the approaching transition. It centers on an airfield of sorts as I do want to continue to fly. The dark path is full of rich experiences while the next path is more of a blank canvas. I dabbled with aircraft, but the transition or “flight path” seemed more apropos. I look forward to the next chapters.

My comments:  This is my 27th Christmas Card and fourth acrylic (four consecutive acrylics).  On that note, I'm sure I'll get back into watercolor, but I'm still enjoying acrylic. Regarding the painting, I wanted to see how much I could do with a painting knife.  I used cheap putty knives, and while I was able to get the effects I wanted, they proved frustrating.  Even chose plastic over metal.

As I want to continue to pursue flying after the military, I wanted to make that connection.  I love airplanes, but my sketches weren't really doing it for me.  Rather there is a runway - maybe snowy, maybe just vague - which originally when into an abyss.  I added the blue as it's nice to have something of a destination but purposely kept it nondescript and at an unknown distance.  You might see it at the end of the 'runway' but it could be miles beyond.  The 'glide slopes' / paths / what-have-you, continue to draw you forward but are distinct.  One is full of experiences, memories, people, while the other is something of a clean slate.  The further glide slope is purposely higher because life transitions never have to be a downgrade.  Green is my favorite color - like a perfect clump of moss or an immaculate fescue lawn - so I think the predominance of blue was subconscious.  Likely linked to 20+ years in the Air Force.  The right-to-left is from a real flight just a few days before painting.

Below are the four sketches I made for the card...

• A and B are a Cessna from behind.  Abandoned the idea because I wanted to be more abstract and a landing seemed too terminal and predetermined.
• C was the idea of a flight path, but it seemed to sequential and/or known.
• D was closer to a 'then and now' concept but had an "up" transition.  Dropped that and stuck with the then/now - both taking me somewhere.  If I were to change something, I might not have added the blue.  It's not well-defined, but just a space would have worked.

Below are the evolution of the painting.  I'm happy I didn't keep the flight paths as trapezoids.  Too rigid to describe all that one experiences.

Above: pretty pleased with the background and 'runway'.

Above: original flight paths...first was too 'calico' and even though I liked the coloring of the one on the right, it was still too static.  I was holding back.  I'm always more pleased if I let go.  There was also more motion in the final version.  Motion is good.

So there you have it...2018's Christmas Card.  And in 60 years no one will have to wonder.

I made this simple wood frame. I wanted to see how it looked without mitered corners.

Return to the Cards or the Galleries

- mm -

2018 Christmas Card Released | 2018-12

The 27th annual card has started hitting the streets.  First mailing was 19 December.  I pushed about 140 cards this year.  I always had a promise "once on the card list, always on the card list" but I find that isn't so easy to do.  If you don't hear from people, you have no idea what their address is.  There's always about 10% of the cards where I'm thinking they won't make it.  I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and even better New Year!

- mm -

2017 Christmas Card Released | 2018-01

The 2017 Card, Christy's Hope, has been (for the most part) sent to its recipients. I ordered 200 but only used about 120ish. I don't want to be short, and the best thing is if you wait for either Shutterfly or Snapfish, they drop sweet deals around the holidays. Here are some on the way out...

- mm -

Nebraska Christmas | 2017-12

After a Christmas in Kuwait, I was able to share another with my family in Nebraska.  It was great to see everyone again and it actually turned out to be a White Christmas.  Cold, but white.

A few years ago, Mom switched to unicolor lights.  Initially there was some back and forth between all red and all white...white eventually won out.  Decorations?  Nests with little hand-crafted birds.  I did add one of my cards (middle, left) for effect.  I do love the look.

 

Visited my friend for a few drinks and took the 'ol 10-Speed.  My dad put airless tires in awhile ago which is a super hard ride, but they always work...even if it's 10 degrees outside.  Speaking of drinks, we (father, brother and nephews) shared some Woodford Reserve and smoked cigars on Christmas Eve.  Dad even let us use the enclosed porch which was 1000 times better than sitting outside.

My mom is always up to speed (or in front of) fashion.  She gave me this bracelet.  My nephews gave me two drawing books.  Draw People will be good practice for me and has good tips.  642 Big Things to Draw will also be good practice since it simply gives you the subject with space to draw. Great gifts.

Pop could always out draw or paint me.  These buffalo on the great plains were painted with no reference and rather quickly (assuming I remember it correctly).  To capture the White Christmas, I tried to take a cool closeup of this little snowball sitting all by itself on a table of snow.  I like it but couldn't get the camera to focus on the ball.  It keep grabbing the closer snow.

My parents have a great sun room. It's easily my favorite room. Big table, seven large windows, great light (day and night) and perfect for family meals. This is just before sitting down for Christmas lunch. If you zoom on the upper left plate, you can see the affair; yams, peas, carrots, roast beef, ham, taters, gravy and stuffing.  Below hat plate, you can see we share a glass of wine, but lower, you can see my coffee cup.  We have Taster's Choice almost 24/7 in that house.  Or at least it's available 24/7.

On the way to the airport, we stopped by a post office to drop off a large group of Christmas cards. Mom helped me stamp them enroute to the delivery.  The top one has a "Global Forever" stamp.  Yep, they have those if you're interested.  Just like domestic Forever stamps.  Nice.

Last supper with the family was a Zio's Pizzeria.  You can get pizza by the slide, pre-fabbed or build your own.  It was good eats.  Since my flight out of Nebraska as delayed I was afforded 4+ extra hours in Atlanta.  This is in the one of the lounges (near my gate which is always awesome) with some whiskey+diet and Mad Thai soup.  I hate going to a restaurant first THEN remembering lounges.  I'm getting better at it.  It was a great Christmas!  Thanks to God and my family!

- mm -