Category Archives: Inspiration

Honoring Mentors

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton If we have had some success in any area, including art, we can be sure that we have benefitted from one or more mentors. Mentors come in a variety of circumstance. Some, like parents, may pourContinue reading “Honoring Mentors”

Axiom #1: The End Product Will Never Be Greater Than the Idea Behind the Artwork.

I’m at the point in life where I love to pass on to others things that I have learned along the way. As I teach and as I ponder great thoughts while painting I come back to some principles, some axioms, over and over again. I thought it would be good to get these writtenContinue reading “Axiom #1: The End Product Will Never Be Greater Than the Idea Behind the Artwork.”

Learning From Nature

“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.” – Jimmy Carter This Art Instruction Video called “Learning from Nature” is meant to encourage artists and aspiring artists in their creative development through studying the visual world. Although this is the primary intended audience, there mightContinue reading “Learning From Nature”

My Art Studio Has a New Name

When my art studio moved, I wanted to give it a new name.  It wasn’t long before the idea of “Nehemiah’s” started rolling around in my mind.  Now I have a great rescue dog named “Nehemiah,” but I named the dog as a mascot for the gallery (not the gallery after the dog 🙂  . Continue reading “My Art Studio Has a New Name”

One Slow Step at a Time in a Quick World

We live in a world of the quick.  Quick smartphones and ipads and computers and information…quick food and rapid results occur in many areas of life.  As an artist it took me years to be able to understand and paint with color in a way that can replicate what I see and reproduce the imageContinue reading “One Slow Step at a Time in a Quick World”

Well of Creativity – How People Conceive Such Extraordinary Things!

“Inspiration” is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language in the following way: “1. a.  Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity. b.  The condition of being so stimulated. 2.  An agency, such as a person or work of art,  that moves the intellect orContinue reading “Well of Creativity – How People Conceive Such Extraordinary Things!”

Writing & Painting in Times of Adversity and of Peace

Here is what Winston Churchill said of painting: “I am never going to have anything more to do with politics or politicians. When this war is over I shall confine myself entirely to writing and painting.” I find it both fascinating and encouraging, as an artist, that when Churchill moved off of the world stageContinue reading “Writing & Painting in Times of Adversity and of Peace”

Fruit, Flowers and Faith

“I am never going to have anything more to do with politics or politicians. When this war is over I shall confine myself entirely to writing and painting.”  –  Winston Churchill What an interesting insight into this great leader in history!  Also revealed is an understanding that there are distinct seasons in the book ofContinue reading “Fruit, Flowers and Faith”