Finally Finished "Serenity"! My Newest Terra Human Painting

I am so so excited to introduce you to my newest Terra Human painting titled “Serenity”! This 30"x48" painting required several months of dedicated work (some of which while I had COVID) but it was worth it so create something that I am really proud of. As you will read in my description this painting is about finding "a place to retreat to when it hurts too much to be anywhere else." It's no secrete that I've been dealing with moderate health issues on and off for about a year now and something that has helped he through the pain and uncomfortability has been visualizing imagined places that are calming and safe for me. A place that is sheltered from the hardship of the outside world were I can feel centered and at peace. And this painting ended up being a visual manifestation of this concept.
I hope that "Serenity" can inspire you to find your own mental fortress that can bring you peace and acceptance.

S E R E N I T Y

30"x48" | Oil on canvas| $6000
Payment plans are available

Painting Description

He knew that he needed to search at night. There was no other time that would give him the complete silence that he needed to walk with purpose. After hours upon hours of trudging through jagged rocks, thick bushes and patches of snow he finally passed through a thick layer of mist and found himself illuminated by the light of the moon above the clouds.

Once he found his footing he finally lifted his head and what he saw pulled the breath from his lungs.  After searching for so many years he had almost given up on the idea of finding this exact place of solace, somewhere he could go to in the darkest of times, a place to retreat to when it hurts too much to be anywhere else. A location so remote and peaceful that it cannot be penetrated by any malice or pain no matter how hard the outside world tries. And sleeping atop these mountains was a piece of him that he never knew existed. A part of him that could truly rest and feel a complete oneness with this environment. From this distance, he could just barely see her chest move in and out with every long breath. Her peace allowed him to finally feel safe and he began to understand himself absent from any other viewpoints. In finding this place he discovered a serenity that had evaded him his entire life.

Note on Payment Plans: Art is expensive, I get it. And I want the people who love a painting the most to have access to that piece even if they cannot pay for it all at once. So if you are interested in a particular painting please reach out to me so that we can create a payment plan that works for both of us. I'm very lucky that my website allows for a variety of payment options and I've already used this system with several clients. I currently charge 0% interest on payment plans.

"Sanctuary" Chosen as a Finalist in the International ARC Salon Competition!

I am super excited to say that my painting Sanctuary” has been chosen as a finalist in the 17th International ARC Salon Competition!
Last year I obsessed over making this painting for more than three months hoping that someone would appreciate every little detail like I did and so it’s really nice seeing this painting get some recognition!

 
 

There were over 5,000 entries in the salon this year from 87 countries and approximately 24%, 1,226 works were selected as finalists.
This is such a big international competition and I’ll be anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winners on January 7th 2025!

This painting is currently available for purchase from The Vendue Hotel, click the button below to view it in their shop.

"Same Breath" Limited Edition Prints are Available Now!

Hi Friends, long time no see! This is the official release of my limited edition prints of "Same Breath". I knew from the very first brushstrokes that this painting is was going to be extra special and thanks to an outpour of love on social media along with the immediate sale of the original painting I knew that I needed to make prints of this unique piece.

 
 

Each 14"x14" print comes in a black frame with clear glass in front of the print for protection. I will only be printing a total of 200 copies of this painting and after that the edition will be over. I will be shipping hand signed certificates of authenticity to accompany each print. This is a limited time drop lasting until Friday November 22nd.

 
 
 
 

Two International Salon Competition Semi-Finalists!

I am absolutely honored to say that both my paintings “Choosing Light” and “Sanctuary” were both selected as semi-finalists in the 17th International ARC Salon Competition! This salon received over 5000 entries from 87 countries and I am honored to have my paintings on this list.

I worked so so hard on these two paintings so it feels really great for them to get recognized in this way. The Finalists will be posted on November 20th!

Leading the revival of realism in the visual arts, the Art Renewal Center non-profit, educational foundation, hosts the largest online museum dedicated to representational art and includes works by the old masters, 19th century, and 21st Century Artists as well as articles, letters and other online resources.

The ARC also runs the ARC Salon Competition, which is the largest and most prestigious competition in the world for realist artists painting, sculpting and drawing today with eleven categories and thousands of works competing, culminating in a live exhibition of many of the winning works.

Delivery of my Three Month Long Commission

I’m so happy to let you all know that I was finally able to deliver my three month long commission to its new owner in Denver two weekends ago. This was such an awesome experience filled with an official painting reveal, sit down interview and hanging of the piece. I couldn't have asked for a better reception for me and the painting. Be sure to check out the photos below and I'm sure I will be able to share videos from the interview with you soon!

I think it’s safe to say I have NEVER had a reception like this before, Katy and I felt so welcomed by Jason, his family, his camera person and of course his dogs 
 I’m really looking forward to future projects with Jason and I am so honored that he approached me with this meaningful project several months ago.

 
 

In this interview Jason and I were able to talk about why he first approached me creating this unique painting. He talked at the extensive research that he conducted to find the perfect artist to fulfill his vision. He also mentioned that seeing my painting “Through the Leaves” fully convinced him that I would be right for the job.

I was able to talk about what intrigued me about this and why I decided to take it on. Mentioning that I really resonated with the meaning behind the painting he wanted to create and how I love creating works that are infused with symbolism and stories.

 
 

Three New Paintings for the Holiday Miniatures Show

Hello All! Thank you for your patience while I completed these new paintings. I’m very excited to share three brand new pieces with you that I’ve created for the 33rd Annual Holiday Miniatures Show at Abend Gallery! I worked on these paintings for several months and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Two out of the three pieces have already been sold so be sure to use the link below to see my available gallery paintings.

"Among the Stars"  |  8"x10"  Framed  |  Sold

If I am nothing but a tiny ripple in a vast ocean, a speck of light in an infinite sky of stars, how do I matter? And if my time on this pale blue dot is only a microscopic blip on the timeline of its existence, why should I live with purpose?

As she contemplated these thoughts the universe asked her to lay her head down. And as she did this she was shown the people that she loved and how her existence altered them, microscopically shifting their life path just by being herself and loving with her full heart. And then she saw how her influence in that person altered another person. And then her impact on that person influenced another. She was shown the spread of her impact again and again, a light that spread further than she could ever imagine, until it finally stopped and her presence in the world was not longer. Even though her impact was great eventually all memory of her would fade and her mark will eventually disappear.

The universe told her even though her wave would eventually return to the ocean as if it had never existed in the first place, it did exist in perfect beauty in the exact right moment and it will find its resting place back in the collective of the universe.

"Hunter's Gaze"  |  8"x10"  Framed  |  Sold

One of my favorite animals while growing up was the barn owl. I found their look and demeanor to be so unique and thought-provoking and I really loved reading about these creatures and discovering what made them unique. I especially enjoyed drawing them and trying to render their unique faces. And I always found their eyes to be incredibly mesmerizing and attention grabbing. These incredibly dark eyes hold so much expression and intensity which I hope that I captured in this piece. It gave me a lot of joy to capture this graceful creature in a painting.

"Witness to the Unknown"  |  8"x10"  Framed  |  $1500

Gazing up at the night sky in a time long before our own. We begin to see subtle green lights moving across the impossibly dark sky. The longer we look the more the colors seem to intensify and brighten as they form into amazingly long curtains reaching up to the heavens. In this time before scientific explanation this incomprehensible phenomenon ignites a spark of wonder in our hearts. A feeling of genuine humility while witnessing the absolute beauty of the planet that we live on.
And because we are human we choose to create beautiful stories and mythologies to explain this unimaginable wonder. Passing along these tales as a way to connect with one another and to find a semblance of understanding in vast unknown.

My Interview About Social Media as an Artist

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Hannah on her podcast “My Hometown Artist” about social media and the role it plays in contemporary life as an artist.

How do you show your authentic self on social media?

How can you engage with your current audience as well as expand your following?

I talk about these topics and more in this episode below!

Click the player above to listen to the full episode

Reveal of My Newest Commission!

I am so excited to finally share the final result of my most recent commission! Several months ago I was contacted by someone who wanted to memorialize her recently deceased father who was a 5th generation cattle rancher in The North Platte River Valley of Southern Wyoming.

 
 

The original photo that I was given was in black and white so in order to make this image come to life as a painting I had to do a few things. First I used a colorizing AI that is specifically used to bring color to old black and white photos. After a few additional edits from me I now had an image that was in color but still lacking in some details. Luckily the clinet was able to take some photos of the original print and then them to me. These photos had just enough details in his face and saddle to make a much more convincing painting so I patched these photos into my reference so that I could have those important details in the final stages of the painting.

I felt so honored to receive such an intimate and meaningful project and for the next 4 months I worked tirelessly to make a painting worthy of such a significant person. While working on this painting I thought a lot about the person I was painting and what he might have meant to the family who so recently lost him and while there aren’t many comparisons between a cattle rancher and an oil painter I thought of a few.

While painting Chuck I thought of the concept of meaningful work and how he must have found so much joy and fulfillment doing what he loved everyday of his life. And no matter the difficulties that came with this lifestyle he always chose to live in alignment with who he truly was. Ranching, hunting and being in nature was how he interacted with the world so the long days of exhaustion labor were always worth it. I also thought of his love for his family and his commitment to their wellbeing. His presence seemed to tie his family all together and even when his presence took the a different form in this painting, he brought them all together with beautiful memories and stories.

It’s really hard to describe but this whole project felt so much bigger than me. I feel like I was allowed to use my craft to help this family heal. Upon delivery, they welcomed me into their home with hugs and tears and wanted to hear every detail of my artistic process. This painting seemed to help bring them closure and an understanding that Chuck will always be with them in their memories and stories.

A Painting of My Wife

I started this piece two years ago but didn’t have time to photograph it and come up with a description until now. I posted this painting on February 17th to celebrate my wife’s birthday.

From the first moment that I met this person I could see that she was different from anyone I had ever met. Her level of self knowledge and confidence immediately drew me to her. From our first meeting I saw that she strongly knew who she was and not afraid to hide her values or identity from anyone.
Since our meeting I have had the pleasure of knowing this person and living life with her for 11 years and she has never ceased to impress and inspire me. Her relentless commitment to self-knowledge and self-improvement inspire me everyday to be a better person and to look out for the ones I love. And her excitement to learn about herself and the world around her makes me admire her even more. This person moves through the world with passion and vulnerability, while effortlessly encouraging others to do the same.
This is the strongest person I know and I am honored to share my life with her.
This piece is titled “Apricity” meaning the warmth of sun in the winter.

"As One" has been SOLD!

I am so honored to say that my painting “As One” has been sold! This piece has been so special to me for several years now and I’m ecstatic that it found a new home.

For me, this painting served as a giant leap forward in my skill level and confidence as an artist when I made it back in 2019. While creating this piece I had to silence so many doubts and trust myself and the final result allowed me to keep pushing with even bigger and better paintings.

And while I have you here, I want to encourage you to use the button below to see what paintings and prints are available in my online shop! Artwork can make for such meaningful holiday gifts!

International ARC Salon Semi-Finalist!

I am absolutely honored to announce that my painting "Light After Dark" is a semi-finalist in the 16th International ARC Salon! With over 5400 submissions from 75 countries, humbled doesn't even begin to describe my mental state. I've wanted to apply to this competition for years now but always missed the deadline. So I honestly cant believe that one of my pieces got selected.

 

The finalists will be announced on November 1st! As always thank you for your continued support over social media! It is greatly appreciated.

“Light After Dark” is currently available for purchase from my solo show with Abend Gallery. Use the button below to view it in their shop!

 

5x5 Project XI | Abend Gallery in Cherry Creek

Hello everyone! Here are three brand new 5x5s that I had for 5x5 Project XI with Abend Gallery for their Cherry Creek location grand opening! I had a great time at the opening and look forward to seeing more shows in this beautiful space. Click the button below to view the whole show.

"Above Tree Line" | 5"x5" Framed | $525

 
 

"Wide Open" | 5"x5" Framed | $525

 
 

"Fortis Avis" | 5"x5" Framed | SOLD

 
 

10 New Paintings Available at the LA Art Show!

I am incredibly honored to have the following 10 paintings featured in the LA Art Show with Abend Gallery! All Abend artworks in this show are available both online and in person at the show. Click the button below to see all the artworks in the 5x5 Project Booth!

 

“Colorado Majesty” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | SOLD

 

“Diminutive” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $450

 

“First Steps” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $500

“Giving Light” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $500

“Kindred” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $450

“Last Glimmer” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $500

“Lost in Fiction” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $500

“Migration” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | SOLD

“Origins” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $500

“Small Traveler” | 5”x5” oil on panel (Framed) | $500

 

Two New Paintings in the Animalia III Show | Abend Gallery Denver

Hello! I’m honored to be included in the Abend Gallery show Animalia III an animal themed show! Below you will find two brand new paintings that I created specifically for this show. I worked incredibly hard on each of these pieces so I really hope that you enjoy them. As of the writing of this blog post “Mutuality” has been sold but “Reflected Soul” is still available for purchase. Click the button below to view the whole show on the Abend Gallery website!

"Reflected Soul" | 16" Framed | $2000

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This piece illustrates the very special relationship that humans can have with animals. The animal kingdom is diverse and powerful and we aren’t as separate from it as much as we often think. This is made apparent when we have brief yet significant moments of connection with an animals out in their element.

When a person stumbles on the right animal it can reflect our souls back at us, revealing a new understanding of ourselves on how we relate to the world around us. These unique life forms can often bring out our best traits such as gratitude, understanding and empathy. Animals such as this starling can remind us of the strength and fragility of the natural world and the intricate patterns on its feathers serve as a reminder that all life on this earth is complex and valuable.

"Mutuality" | 11"x14" Framed | SOLD

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This piece depicts the fleeting moments of connection that we can experience with the animal kingdom. When we come across an animal such as this buck there is often an initial moment of fear that often grows into a form of mutual respect and admiration. There is no need for conflict or fear, both are simply existing in each other’s space for a brief moment while time passes slower than usual. Stumbling across such a strong and beautiful animal can be incredibly humbling in a way that makes one think of the vast world that surrounds us and how we are but one life form amongst billions.

This beautiful moment of eye contact can allow us to step outside of ourselves and appreciate the amazing and diverse life forms that surround us.