Sometimes I go back...

Inevitably, in my business an artist will create a sound painting, but it never finds a home. Maybe it is too big, or too green, or too boring... but for whatever reason it is too resistable... and after a certain period, I will take mine which fall into this category and rethink and ultimately reinvent them.

So here is "Lost Maples Shadows" modified to become "As the Deer Pants." The name is a reference to a popular song in Christian circles twenty years ago... which quoted Psalm 42: "As the deer panteth for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." After adding the deer, I had to admit the painting felt complete... and needs no more attention. The canvas is quite large- 36" x 48," and requires a LARGE wall to hang comfortably.

Another painting, one I now call "Phantom," was done on location in Palo Duro Canyon, and again... needed something... and after years of annoying me as it was moved around my studio, I finally found the focal point that fit. Yes, it is an extremely unusual composition... with the subject low and outside of the normal central space afforded "main subjects." But it seemed to work.. as if you just walked up and caught a glimpse of this puma, lurking in the tall grass... and entered that instant of fear and wonder... Anyway, I liked it a little edgy... kind of being a little unpredictable. "Phantom" is a small (11 x 14) oil on panel, painted on location in Palo Duro, the mountain lion having passed through just recently!