Sea Trails

12x12 Oil

Upon seeing this painting, a friend of mine commented, "Do you realize that you paint the elements of your two homes -- valley farms and the seas of Hawaii?" I hadn't thought of that, but it's a really good thing to know as I wander around trying to figure out who I am as a painter.

But it's true. I do have that almost unconscious tendency to head toward the ocean, or to the rivers and lakes, and then beyond into the the desert and wide open valleys and hills of the rural west. It's in those environments where I find myself most at peace, or in a kind of mellowness, where I can make the wild world pause, just for a moment, and remind myself that most of my life experience is not a forgone conclusion. It’s wide open, a blank canvas.

My life is what I make of it. Trying to find beauty through art is part of that. I hope “Sea Trails” reminds you of something good or sweet or peaceful in the meaningful life you are making for yourself.