A new series "States"

UPDATE to this post: Just finished the new painting for Colorado. This is from a photo taken in Breckenridge this summer.


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Recently I have been pondering what elements tie all of my paintings together, besides the obvious subject, nature. The answer is
LOCATION.

It’s no secret that I have traveled a lot and I have lived in four different states within the USA. The places that I have lived were very different from each other, but they have all held places that came to have great meaning.

With that thought in mind, I have started a new series on “states.” I don’t know if I will be able to complete all 50, as there are still a few states I have yet to visit and I DO NOT paint anything that doesn’t originally stem from my own photograph or experience. I have completed four thus far:

1. IOWA
Iowa

I’ve done so many paintings now on my home state. This is from an image I took through the window of Amtrak this past December. I’m not sure exactly where it is, or where the roads lead, but it feels cold and lonely.


2. ARIZONA
Arizona

Over a year ago, my family and I went on a day trip to Arizona and visited the Navajo reservation. We were fortunate enough to see the Veteran’s Cemetery in Fort Defiance. The colors in the land, the way the plots were decorated, and the fact that my father is also a veteran, made this a very moving place for us.


3. NEBRASKA
Nebraska

I think Nebraska gets a bad wrap. When I hear people talk about it, it is usually within context of “I had to drive through Nebraska to get to...” Yes, I was driving through on a brisk fall day this past fall, but I think the colors in the encaustic wax captured the beauty in that particular day.


4. NEW MEXICO
New Mexico

I lived in New Mexico for six years and during that time I took a memorable day trip to Chimayo. Chimayo is just north of Santa Fe, a small village located on soil that is considered Holy. During the year people from around the world visit the churches here, and it is a sacred place during Holy Week. This is a wall along an area where people line up during Holy Week, and continue onward toward the churches. It is a beautiful and unique place.

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More will be coming SOON! I would love to know your thoughts on this particular series. Do you have you have any ideas of special locations in your state? What is unique or has a special story? I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Texture!

A new recent piece! Trying a bit with texture and carving the wax. I’m currently working on a new line of paintings. Much more will be added soon!


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Detail:

Texture


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