Bruges, Belgium - For My Valentine

I wanted to do a painting for Russell for Valentines from his mission.  So here we go. Here is a scene from his mission.  He is very happy with it.  I really like it, but it is just one of those paintings that did not live up to my dreams of what I envisioned.  Looking through the process pictures, I really like the coloring of some

I love paintings in this phase.  So suggestive and pretty.  I almost wanted to leave the painting just like this, but Russell didn't.  He wanted a little more realistic.

Oh no!  Look at the sky!  It is turning so amateur looking, and muddy.  Browns in the sky?  Just looking weird.  So I really learned that I needed to brighten up the sky, and then it would look more natural, even adding some blue. 

Much better blue sky.

 I won't point out all the flaws that I see, but instead I'll just be happy that Russell loves it.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Nautical Nursery Theme Prints

I did a baby shower recently, and conveniently, my friend needed Nautical theme nursery art.  I had just recently done some for a commission.  I always scan whatever paintings I do, so I edited the scans, printed them out, and framed them nicely. I thought they looked amazing!  I think prints look just as good as the real thing, especially framed.  I get framing mats for all my 5X7 paintings, and they really elevate paintings a lot.

Haceta Head Lighthouse

 My best friend Laura wanted a painting of the Haceta Head lighthouse.  The lighthouse is supposed to be a symbol of Christ, which I thought was so sweet.  The Savior truly is a symbol of light amidst the storms of our life.  She's going to use this lighthouse in her kids' room.

Flowers, mourning for a loss

A sweet woman in my ward at church suddenly lost her husband.  This was my gift.  I often feel weird about making paintings for others, and I hope that they like it.  I don't want to force my art on anyone.  So far people usually love having a painting, but it's not always easy and sometimes a little embarrassing.  I don't share paintings to seek praise.  I just am touched that a painting means anything to someone else.  I received a FB message this week from another person suffering a loss who I gave a painting to, and she said it deeply touched her.  I'm willing to put myself on the line if there is a chance that it will lift someone else.

I did a larger version of this painting this week, and I'll post that next.  The colors are a little different.  I love both of them for different reasons.

The final

Experimental Abstract

My friend Heather was working on an abstract DIY, and fortunately she needed my help.  She tried to do it on her own and she realized it was a little harder to do an abstract than she though.  It was a weekend where we were snowed in, so she came over and I fixed her paintings.  I've really wanted to try out some abstracts, so it was nice to have chance at one on my own for practice.  I think it's something I would be good at because I don't like love drawing a ton.  It's not amazing or perfect, but it was fun to have her there telling me what she liked and didn't like as I painted it.  I think it's beautiful now.

How it started. (Heather's attempt)

In progress. My work.  I just covered up everything she did.  Woops.

Hung in her house.  It certainly could even be bigger.

Framed Art - a landscape

Here is a piece I did last year for my uncle Stan.  I love seeing art framed and hanging.

Bountiful Temple

This is probably the best temple I have ever done. I was very invested in this piece, and loved working on this piece.  It was a special commission temple for my Grandma Richens.

The final