"A Creative Vortex"

($40.00......6" x 6".....mounted on a 1/8" depth clayboard panel)

"Linking ideas together is the entrance to a creative vortex." Everyone has a creative spirit in some area. Even though most of us are in a "rush-rush" state of mind...it is still productive to have a few minutes each day to link some ideas together intentionally. You will soon find yourself in a creative vortex.

I have had recent discussions with several artists on their working process. There are still a few creative minds who think they can work in a more inspirational manner by simply waiting until the Spirit moves them to do a certain thing. My answer is and will always be a strong one. If you only work when the Spirit moves you, growth will not happen in your art.

Our minds are very much like computers and ideas are linked together to form new ones. The responsibility of the artist is to work on their skill level until they can do it without thinking about it. Unfortunately for many of my Spirit led friends, this is time consuming and many shy away from the intense commitment it takes. The way to experience growth and put something in your mind for God to work with is to practice and learn new things and keep working on your work intentionally rather than waiting until the Spirit moves you.

These are tough words, but oh so necessary. The truth of the matter is that your work will speak much more deeply to the viewer if the skill level is at a high level and you are able to integrate the elements of design in a meaningful way. And all of this takes time and creating tons of artwork. That's why I'm blogging. Thankfully, I have stepped up my game and have grown considerably since the first posting. Tomorrow will be number (400). Just a few more things to think about.

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.

"The Word"

($300.00...9" x 12".....mounted on a 2.0" depth clayboard)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This powerful scripture from John 1:1 was created for the upcoming "New Beginnings" exhibit at Hill Country Bible Church NW in Austin, Tx. We are having a fabulous Opening Reception this evening from 7:00-9:00. You are cordially invited. To see the invitation click onto the links from my posting on March 18th.

The paper used for this pouring medium piece is greatly responsible for the  drama. It is 300lb HP watercolor paper that receives the pouring medium extremely well. The other contributing factor was pouring the colors and blending the colors just long enough to achieve some exciting movement and then leaving it alone. If this process is overworked, it will end up being a mud color. If you have been experimenting with this and are still having trouble, I strongly encourage you to pour your color from edge to edge on very wet paper, lay it down on wax paper and walk away. Do not touch it again until it's bone dry. This will be the first step in letting the water and the natural flow of the color do the work. It will take two days to dry on 300 lb paper.

From time to time, I get a desire to do a block of lettering called Neuland. It was created by Rudolf Koch and meant to be stacked with little or no space between lines. By changing the size of the nib, it is possible to emphasize certain words over others and to highlight those words by varying the color a bit. The spanish text is written in Copperplate as a contrast and also to appeal to those in our church who are involved in the Spanish Ministry. It is quite fun to write in other languages because your total focus must be on the letters rather than what it says. Just a few more things to think about.


Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.