"The value of a work of art depends simply and solely on the height of inspiration, on the greatness of soul of the man who produced it."

-William Merritt Chase



I came across this quote a couple of days ago, and I find that I keep coming back to it.  I love the idea that the quality of our work doesn't come merely from our ideas, tastes, and abilities, but from an authentic and humble response to the inspiration we are given.

These are a couple of recent paintings, 24x24 and 18x18 oil on canvas.

"The dignity of the artist lies in his duty of keeping awake the sense of wonder in the world.  In this long vigil he often has to vary his methods of stimulation, but in this long vigil he is also striving against a continual desire to sleep."

- Marc Chagall

These are some paintings I did this week.  The middle one, with the view downtown, I did at home based on a photo that I took on a hike with my son last summer.  The other two were done in the field, as most of these small paintings are, awake to the wonder all around. 

It's funny but it seems like every time I'm done painting, and I'm driving home, the hills are lit up so amazingly, bursting with life and color I could never hope to imitate.  And so the pursuit continues!

These are all 8x10 done in oil.

"The painter must enclose himself within his work; he must respond not with words, but with paintings." 

- Paul Cezanne


I've been doing a lot of small oil paintings after work lately (or sometimes before).  These are all 8x10.