Faded Memories

 Faded Memories

Meet Brigid, the pre-Christian Irish goddess and member of the ancient Tuatha De' Danann.  Brigid was associated with protection, healing, wisdom, and poetry.

Through the years I've enjoyed painting various images of Brigid, including placing her on my homebrew labels.  When I learned earlier this year that I had Alzheimer's disease, I decided to express some of the intense emotions through my artwork, and I’m beginning with Brigid.

My goal is to complete several paintings that express living with gaps in cherished memories, as well as the new treatments for the disease that may initially slow or stop the progression and potentially lead to a cure. I’m scheduled to begin one of these new treatments in February.

The canvas is dominated by a spectrum of radiant splashes of yellow, green, and violet that symbolize the vitality of recollections. These bold strokes represent the vivid memories that once painted the canvas of the mind with clarity and emotion. As the eye moves towards the center of the painting, vibrant and intense hues become increasingly subdued, gray, and eventually a black hole. This mirrors the gradual fading of memories.

This painting captures the emotional journey of memory loss through the use of colors, inviting you to contemplate the transient and delicate nature of the human experience.

Fourth Joyous Mystery

 The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is recounted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-40). According to the Gospel, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth, following the Jewish custom of presenting a firstborn son to the Lord. They also offered a pair of doves or two young pigeons as a sacrifice.

In the Temple, they encountered the righteous and devout Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the child in his arms and praised God, uttering the prayer known as the Nunc Dimittis. Simeon acknowledged Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise and spoke of the child being a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.

The Fourth Joyful Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, is a moment of both joy and solemnity as Mary and Joseph fulfill their religious duties and encounter the recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah by Simeon and the prophetess Anna. This mystery invites reflection on the themes of dedication, obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises.

 

 

Brown Pelican Eyes Galveston

 

Brown Pelican Eyes Galveston

18X24

 

Liz and I this shot this image last year on Galveston Seawall. The brown pelican is a common coastal bird in many parts of North and South America, including the Gulf of Mexico region where Galveston is located. They are known for their distinctive appearance, including a long bill and a large throat pouch. 

 

There is a long-standing and symbolic connection between pelicans and Christian religious imagery, including associations with the crucifixion of Christ. The symbolism describes in times of famine that a mother pelican would pierce her own breast with her beak to feed her chicks with her blood. This act of self-sacrifice was seen as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, with the mother pelican representing Christ.

 

The symbolism is captured in the medieval hymn "Adoro Te Devote" attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas, which includes the lines:

 

"Like what tender tales tell of the Pelican;

Bathe me, Jesus Lord, in what Thy bosom ran—

Blood that but one drop of has the power to win

All the world forgiveness of its world of sin."

 

 

Temperance - The Fourth Cardinal Virtue

 

Temperance is not only concerned with the physical realm but also extends to emotional and psychological aspects of life. It involves managing emotions and impulses in a way that 

fosters inner peace, stability, and a healthy perspective on various situations.

 

The mixing of water and wine has deep historical and religious roots, particularly in Christianity. In the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion), it is common 

to mix a small amount of water with wine during the ritual. The wine represents the blood 

of Jesus Christ, while the water represents humanity. The combination signifies the unity of Christ with his followers.

 

In summary, temperance is the virtue of self-control and moderation that helps individuals develop a balanced and healthy approach to pleasures, desires, and emotions.It plays a 

crucial role in fostering personal growth, moral integrity, and a well-rounded and 

virtuous life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fortitude - The Third Cardinal Virtue

In Christian tradition, fortitude is closely related to trust in God's providence and divine strength. It is often invoked in prayers and reflections as a source of strength to face life's trials and tribulations. In art and iconography, fortitude is typically symbolized by a depiction of a person with a shield, armor, or other symbols of strength and protection.

 

Overall, fortitude is a virtue that encourages individuals to be courageous, steadfast, and resilient in the pursuit of moral excellence and the common good.

 

 

Justice - The Second Cardinal Virtue

 

Justice - The Second Cardinal Virtue.

 

Throughout history, philosophers from various cultures have explored the concept of justice and its role in human life. Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and many others have discussed justice extensively in their works. In modern times, thinkers such as John Rawls and Martha Nussbaum have provided their own perspectives on justice and its implications for society.

 

Overall, justice as a cardinal virtue represents the moral foundation upon which societies seek to establish fair and harmonious interactions among individuals, institutions, and communities.

 

 

Sweethearts!

 

Who doesn't love Sweethearts? 

 

Valentine's is only 98 days away along with all the fun and friends!

 

Sweethearts candy, also known as conversation hearts, are a popular type of candy often associated with Valentine's Day. These small, heart-shaped candies are typically pastel-colored and have short, sweet messages or sayings printed on them. The sayings can be romantic, affectionate, or simply cheerful, making them a fun way to express affection and friendship on Valentine's Day or other occasions.

 

The sayings on Sweethearts have evolved over the years to keep up with changing times and cultural trends. They include messages like "Be Mine," "I Love You," "Hug Me," and even more contemporary phrases. Sweethearts have been a part of American candy culture for over a century, and they remain a nostalgic and beloved treat for many people during the Valentine's season.

 

 

Cubism 1

 

Cubism was an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, pioneered by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. It sought to depict objects, including human figures, in a fragmented and abstracted manner. In the context of Cubist figure studies, artists would break down the human form into geometric shapes (often monochrome), such as cubes, spheres, and cones, and then rearrange these shapes to create a new, abstract representation of the figure.

 

Cubism had a profound impact on the development of modern art, influencing not only painting but also sculpture, architecture, and other art forms. It played a significant role in the evolution of abstract art.

 

 

Visitation - The Second Joyful Mystery

The Second Joyful Mystery in Catholic tradition refers to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. It is one of the events associated with the life of Jesus and Mary and is typically prayed as part of the Rosary.  The painting shows the moment of joy between the two cousins, with Mary represented by the purety of the white shawl, and the green shawl of Elizabeth represents peace, harmony and hope.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, her baby, John the Baptist, leaped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She greeted Mary with the words, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."

The Second Joyous Mystery is a reminder of the humility, faith, and joy of Mary as she shared the news of her miraculous pregnancy with Elizabeth. 

 

 

Boliver Roads - Galveston

Bolivar Roads is a shipping lane with a depth of 45 feet and a width of 1.5 miles located between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas. The deepwater access provided by Bolivar Roads is vital for the Port of Galveston, which is one of the busiest ports along the Gulf Coast of the United States.

This East end of Galveston Island is home to seagulls and pelicans often soaring overhead, searching for food in the bay. And if you're lucky, you can stand on the rock groin and watch them stop for a rest. 

The Nativity - The Third Joyful Mystery

This is the Third in my series of the Joyful Mysteries. Enjoy!

 

The Nativity, as described in the Christian tradition, is indeed a significant and cherished story for Christians around the world. It represents the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and the central figure of Christianity.

 

The traditional Nativity scene includes Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child in a manger. Mary was a young virgin who gave birth to Jesus, conceived through the Holy Spirit, and Joseph was her husband and the earthly guardian of Jesus. Above Jesus was a halo comprised of radiant circles of light or glory representing his holiness and divine nature.

 

The Star of Bethlehem: According to the Gospel of Matthew, “…a bright star appeared in the sky, leading the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem.” The Star of Bethlehem is often depicted as a guiding light in Nativity scenes and symbolizes the divine nature of Jesus' birth.

 

The nativity scene is not only a religious symbol but also a symbol of hope, peace, and goodwill, which is why it holds such significance for Christians and many others during the Christmas season. It serves as a reminder of the story of Jesus' humble birth and the message of love and salvation that is associated with it.

 

 

 

Evening Storm - Galveston

This is a painting of the view from Galveston Texas, my childhood home.  From the expansive seawall you can see the granite rock groins, beach sand, and the Gulf of Mexico.  It is truly a sight to behold!

As the sun begins its descent toward the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sky, the Gulf of Mexico transforms into a realm of enchantment. The gentle waves lap against the shore, creating a soothing symphony that accompanies the fading daylight.

The horizon becomes a seamless blend of sea and sky, where it's hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. The last rays of sunlight kiss the water's surface, leaving a trail of glistening diamonds that dance in the fading light.

As the day transitions to night, the first stars begin to twinkle above, mirrored in the tranquil waters below. The scent of salt hangs in the air, carried by a gentle breeze that ruffles the surface of the Gulf. 

 

The Battleship Texas - Galveston

 Liz and I toured The Battleship Texas last weekend! Even though we we assumed that the tour would include the ship from top deck down to the lower decks with a detailed view of the massive gun turrets. As it turned out, our tour was limited to the drydock, which was initially a disappointment. However, the drydock was fascinating and the hull didn't fail to provide a great experience with awesome wheather and of course our home town. We were assured that the ship will continue to be worked upon and will ultimately be docked in Galveston!

Annunciation - The First Joyful Mystery

Then the angel said to her, “Do notbe afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”— Luke 1:30-33

The First Joyous Mystery is my first painting in what I plan to be a series depicting the 20 mysteries of the Rosary.  The traditional Annunciation scent shows the angel Gabriel visiting the young Mary to tell her that she has been chosen to bear a son that will be the Messiah foretold in the old testament.  My painting of the scene is much more symbolic in nature showing the orange pathway (representing the primary colors of red for Christ and yellow for God the Father) that forever defines her life if she chooses to accept the call.  The blue semi-circle (a metaphor for the Holy Spirit) shows  the Blessed Mother the ominous future of her decision.  The wings of Gabriel are shown beside the pathway guiding Mary along the path of her life.

 

Prudence - The First Cardinal Virtue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prudence is my latest painting, a 30X40 canvas depicting the Cardinal Virtue of Prudence.  This will ultimately be part of a four painting series dedicated to the Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.  I began with Prudence since it has long been considered the guide for the other virtues (auriga virtutum).  Prudence disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it.

Been away from my blog for too long!

 

Well it's been many years since my last blog in 2009.  I haven't stopped painting, but other facets of my life have kept me from being as active as I would like.  Well I'm back!!!

This image is from Series - Virtues and Conversions that took longer to finish than I expected.  The Virtues and Conversions series takes the viewer through three religious conversions guided by three virtues. 

 These and more can be found at www.mcneelart.com.

 

Trinity

The Blessed Trinity is an oil painting on a 21X34 lauan panel. The painting presents the viewer with the image of a seascape that forms the backdrop for a surreal triad of primary shapes and colors – a yellow triangle, a red cube, and a blue circle. The shapes interact with two lines that intersect at a right angle and are derived by drawing diagonals through the mother/daughter pair of golden rectangles contained in the dimensions of the panel. The long diagonal symbolizes time and the short diagonal symbolizes space. The Father God the Father is symbolized by a yellow triangle. The triangle has long been a symbol for God and reason, as evidenced by the Hebrew use of an equilateral triangle to symbolize God; and the many versions of the Eye of God image that appear throughout history. The position of the triangle at the intersection of time and space symbolizes God’s mastery over creation. The color associated with The Father is yellow, the brightest and warmest of the three primary colors. Yellow shines with a brilliance that overwhelms all other colors. The Son Jesus Christ is symbolized by the red cube. The three dimensional cube represents matter and weight. Likewise in his humanity, Christ was an inhabitant of the earth with form and mass. When the sides of a cube are opened as in the illustration, a cross is formed which symbolizes Christ’s victory over death. The image of the cube appears much closer to the viewer and is part of the seascape. The color of the cube is red, the symbol of life, courage, valor and martyrdom.

The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is symbolized by a blue circle. The circle is a locus of points moving at a constant distance from a central point, which is in contrast to the sharp lines and angles of the other two shapes. The circle represents the gentile movement of the spirit flowing through our lives. It is much larger in relation to the triangle and cube because the Holy Spirit interacts with us to a greater extent and thus has a greater influence on our actions. The great size of the circle does not have the mass of the cube nor the brilliance of the triangle. Rather, it is a floating, airy spiritual image that is difficult to see but easy to sense. The color of the circle is transparent blue, the symbol of cool water and flowing motion.

Fall of Lucifer Donated to Art With Heart 2010

Everyone who has admired Fall of Lucifer can have the opportunity to bid on the framed oil painting at the Art with Heart fundraiser in support of the San Jose Clinic.

For more information, please go to: http://ftp.sanjoseclinic.org/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=9

The Phlegethon

This acrylic painting is titled The Phlegethon. The image is that of the fiery river Phlegethon as it flows through Tartarus - The area of Hades reserved for punishment of souls deemed unworthy by the gods. The painting is an 18X15.5 canvas mounted to a reused Plexiglas sheet.

I like using plexi panels because they are impervious to the atmosphere, vermin, normal temperature ranges, and most chemicals. They also give me the opportunity to keep non-biodegradable materials out of our landfills, and put their longevety to good use.

Elysian Fields

This is my latest acrylic painting. Elysian Fields is a 16X20 canvas panel (canvas mounted to a sheet of acrylic plexiglass).