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Let's delve into the progress of my latest project. Yesterday afternoon, I began work on a new piece of work, measuring 16 x 20 inches and crafted with oil on board. The subject matter? A blend of wildlife and landscape.

Employing a method I favor, I started with a basic toning of the canvas (a Masonite board) and applied dark values using asphaltum. Following this, I utilized a subtractive technique, using terpenoid on a brush (I also used a paper towel) to selectively remove paint and expose the white canvas beneath.

The process, while requiring patience, offers efficient results. By evening, the initial underpainting was set, laying the groundwork for subsequent layers of color. My aim is straightforward: to complete this piece by week's end.

Stay tuned for updates as I progress through this journey of creation and refine with layers and layers of color.

For the other painters out there, what are your thoughts about using this process? Why do you use it or why not?

Let's explore the beauty found in the intersection of nature and art. 🎨

Greetings, fellow art enthusiasts!

I am thrilled to announce the completion of my latest painting, titled "Lightshow in The Valley of Fire." Allow me to take you on a journey back to last year where it all began in Nevada, during a plein air event that gave me lots of inspiration. A group of roughly 20 passionate painters, attended the event in which we visited several areas and painted what we saw.  At the conclusion of the event, my dear wife Terri and I, and another adventurous couple, embarked on an unforgettable excursion to The Valley of Fire. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow upon the rugged landscape, I found myself immersed in a symphony of colors and textures that stirred my creative spirit.

Armed with my camera, I captured over 300 snapshots of this awe-inspiring scenery, each frame a potential source of inspiration for future paintings. The magic of the "Golden Hour" and the essence of that fleeting moment in time did not disappoint.

In the coming months, I shall delve deeper into this subject matter, exploring the many possibilities it presents.  I have a humorous yet whimsical notion of painting a crashed flying saucer amidst the desert sands, as well as painting Rams, wild horses and whatever else comes to mind. Indeed, I saw and photographed goats, rams and wild horse while there. Did not see any extra terrestrials though. As for the flying saucer as the subject matter (focal point), I can only say variety is the spice of life, and I relish the opportunity to deviate from the beaten path every now and then, injecting a dash of spontaneity and humor into my artistic endeavors. Just look at the painting I created for my grandson Henry, Titled "Childhood Revisited".  It is a great example of whimsical imagination.

To all you art aficionados who continually support and appreciate my work, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. I am impassioned and inspired to push the boundaries of creativity with each new canvas.

Stay tuned for more artistic adventures and surprises in the months to come. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for that next stroke of genius!

Warm regards,

R.B. (Bernie) Christian III

This past Saturday marked an eagerly awaited affair held at my residence, as I hosted an event to reveal a portrait dedicated to the esteemed Reverend Roger Grist, commemorating his nearly two decades of service at Saint Anne’s Anglican Church in Fort Worth, Texas. The evening unfolded with an intimate gathering of around 30 individuals, among them the honored Reverend Grist and his wife, Nancy.

Capturing the essence of Reverend Grist's impactful journey, the unveiled portrait stands as an oil-on-canvas creation, 40 x 30 inches. As the canvas was undraped, the spirit of the celebration was enlivened, with Nancy herself assisting in the grand reveal. The attached photo in this blog post captures a moment frozen in time - Reverend Grist and I, flanking the artwork, while Nancy readies herself to capture the essence in a photograph.

What made this event particularly unique was the general rarity of unveilings, turning my home into an impromptu art gallery. This was more than just a revelation; it was an opportunity to share my art with a wider audience, giving them an up-close encounter with the tangible beauty of oil strokes on canvas. The impact of art is truly magnified in person, surpassing the limitations of the digital realm, which is where most works of art are viewed these days.

But wait, there's more to this artistic soiree! Leveraging the occasion further, we transformed the evening into a book signing event. Reverend Grist, a man of not only Godly spiritual esteem, but also the written word, showcased his latest creation, "Pay Attention." Reverend Grist says of his book, "Paying attention to the various areas of our lives (physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational) can lead us to much happier and more successful lives. This book will give you insights on how to better Pay Attention." For those keen on delving into his literary world, a link to purchase the book awaits at https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/pay-attention-14. 

In summary, the evening unfolded as a harmonious blend of art, literature, and celebration, bringing together the creativity embedded in visual works of art and the profound messages within the written word. If you missed the event, fear not, for the essence of art and literature lives on through this blog and the inspired strokes of paint which I applied to the canvas.

Cheers to creative endeavors and the people that love those creations!