22in X 28in Acrylic on Canvas July 2026

About

One can almost feel the mist of the clouds on their skin and a cool breeze through their hair in this piece. Golden Hour is not just the first or last ray of light, but it could also be our time to shine. This piece is powerful without being obnoxious. It is the glow that lights up all around us with out being too bright that we must look away.

The Grey scale against the contrast of the mountains creates a strong physical reaction that is hard to put into words. But if we felt this painting’s warmth, we know exactly what the feeling is.

Back to the month of July, with the support of friends, family, bosses I was able to showcase in Colorado Springs at the Broadmoor Traditions Fine Art Festival, and the Contemporary Hispanic Market in Santa Fe, NM. This was a lot to take on with fire season rocking and rolling. I try to be consistent and work hard at my full-time job of fire suppression for the forest service, hoping I will have the support of my overhead to pursue extra curriculars. Not less than 36 hours after returning from Colorado Springs I was calling in helicopters for a fire on forest.  Luckily the monsoonal rain began to appear cooling and wetting the area days before the show in Santa Fe, so it was not the worse thing have one person gone.

Fire season is far from over as the Pacific Northwest is wide awake. Both art and fire require constancy, dedication, and focus. I feel like I am always working at the moment, but that’s what happens when fire season and festival season overlap. I had relied on so many people to help and support, but they were more than willing. I am fortunate. Soon enough we will be in fall then winter, with almost too much time available. If that can happen.

The shows were great and I always a learning experience. I think my biggest take aways are, becoming proficient with transportation and set up/ break down, listening to feedback and talking with people. The set up and break is a pain, it just is. But the ease of the set up largely depends on how organized the previous break down was. After a show it is tempting to just roll up and stuff when you are ready to wrap up and head home. But this means, unpacking and re-packing before the next event, or dealing with the “consequences” during next set up.

As an artist I create work that inspires me and keeps me excited to paint, but I neverknow how it will be received until it is displayed and I am eavesdropping on everyone. Luckily people would also just tell so I wouldn’t have to be to awkward. My Visuals collection is relatively new (less than a year) and had yet to make it’s debut. I think the concept is original, it’s unique and just pretty to look at. It was great to hear similar thoughts from the crowd. Slowly but surely, my art is starting to be recognized.  “Hey I saw this guy in Colorado, he is here too! Remember I was telling you about the glasses?” I am getting warmer.

And then finally, as you know, I like to talk. Even when I was “talked out” I talked my wife’s ear off the entire drive back. Ops normal. But seeing familiar faces and meeting new people is energizing for me. My goal was for everyone to leave my booth a little happier. I am finding my style how to chat with folks and talk about my work.

Looking ahead,

Since we are still in fire season, I am expecting I will be headed out the door shortly to where-ever. Timing should work out nicely, At the end of the month I have one more show left for the summer series, Highlands Summer Finale Festival, Denver Colorado August 29th and 30th. I think that about wraps it up. Oh yeah! Read, Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne. Ii’ve been going to bed dreaming of battle-fame and Vikings.

Until time,