A commissioned piece for my nephew, a displaced Texan, this piece symbolizes what it means to be Texan. Angus cattle in a ranch pasture, bluebonnets growing around cedar posts and barbed wire fences, the cowboy hat and the waving flag all bring together the pride and grit that makes Texans so proud of their heritage.… Continue reading To Be Texan
Category: Landscape & Architecture
The Love Bench
One of my miniatures, this poignant sunset scene is fit for a couple! In fact, there are three couples already there. Can you imagine you and your sweetheart joining them? 2x2" Canvas Panel mounted on 4x4" Canvas Panel Framed Original Available Signed JMc
St. Nicholas Basilica, Amsterdam
Taken from my own reference photo, this simplified watercolor of the famous St. Nicholas Basilica brings back some contented memories of my time in Amsterdam. 6x6" Watercolor on Paper Signed JBray
The Life of Andrew
My nephew Andrew is a patriotic fellow. Born in Texas, Andrew grew up in Iowa with a deep sense of loyalty to both states. For his graduation gift, I painted this essential "Andrew" in digital oils. From the purple mountains in the back to the amber grain in the front, his passion for his homelands… Continue reading The Life of Andrew
Couple at Craggy Pinnacle
Craggy Pinnacle, a high point in the parkway with beautiful 360 degree views, is a favorite sunset spot to hike for meditative moments with family or lovers. On one hike, the skies were clear and the sunset brilliant; the rhododendrons were not yet in bloom and there was still a chill in the air. These… Continue reading Couple at Craggy Pinnacle
Blue Ridge Vista with Blackeyed Susans
Blue Ridge Parkway views are some of the most beautiful in the world. These old mountains here in the Smokies are the oldest on earth, and their soft peaks unfold in the distance as far as you can see. South of Asheville, North Carolina, the black balsams and the blackeyed susans and coneflowers dominate, leaving… Continue reading Blue Ridge Vista with Blackeyed Susans
Coneflowers on the Parkway
I am incredibly blessed to live within a couple of miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway as it passes through Asheville, North Carolina. Up here, the mountains provide some breathtaking vistas, and the parkway provides access to some choice locations to sit and ponder. It is a spiritual, calming experience for me. In parts, the… Continue reading Coneflowers on the Parkway
Reflections of Bath Abbey
Taken from a photo I captured while on vacation in Bath, England, this windowbox frames a reflection in a window of Bath's majestic Abbey. The window is in the building across the cobblestone road from the Abbey, and it houses the ancient Roman Baths, for which the town is named. The beautiful cool fall day,… Continue reading Reflections of Bath Abbey
Forgotten Chores: 17 years of practice
The above painting is the very first realistic-style acrylic painting I ever did. Now, don't misunderstand. I did not magically know how to paint. This is from a lesson in a book, and I'd done some drawing and painting before, but the painting was more cartoon-style, and the drawing was just in pencil. However, when… Continue reading Forgotten Chores: 17 years of practice
