Enlightened

Enlightened

24x24"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #195 - In Age of Opportunity, by Lawrence Steinberg, we learn that a fresh set of standards by which to judge the behaviors of adolescents are needed. Sadly, when I was working on this painting two teenage boys were killed because of their engagement in a thrill-seeking activity. I was shocked by the lack of empathy from people who were quick to judge the situation. Steinberg’s book helped me understand the science behind the teenage brain and why perhaps this terrible tragedy happened. This painting depicts an informed and compassionate society who worked together to help protect adolescents from themselves.

Interconnected

Interconnected

12x24"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #194 - This painting depicts a group of adolescents in their early 20’s. Their pre-frontal cortex and limbic systems are more interconnected. Consequently, they are more mature and have increased self-regulation.

Thinking Ahead

Thinking Ahead

6x12"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #193 - This painting depicts an adolescent who has begun to develop better decision-making skills. Synaptic pruning and myelination are taking place and the pre-frontal cortex of the brain is becoming better organized. Information is now flowing quicker and across longer distances.

Protection

Protection

10x20"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #192 - This painting depicts a group of adolescents who are being supervised by adults. Brain research shows that adolescents exercise poorer judgment when they are in groups than when they are alone. Consequently, consistent adult supervision will help protect adolescents from themselves.

Pursuit of Pleasure

Pursuit of Pleasure

6x12"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #191 - This painting depicts an adolescent in pursuit of excitement. During adolescence the limbic system of the brain is easily aroused. These hormonal changes cause young people to seek out sensational and intense experiences.

Strutting My Stuff

Strutting My Stuff

12x24"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #190 - Adolescents can shift moods rapidly. One moment they are happy and the next they are distressed. Likewise, one second they're feeling confident and the next they're worried. This painting depicts the swagger that can accompany a moment of self-confidence.

First Crush

First Crush

5x7"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #189 - I'm continuing with my series of tree portraits, which depict the world of adolescents. This painting represents the complex social interaction of experimenting with romantic relationships, which often exacerbates their unstable emotional states.

Trying to Fit In

Trying to Fit In

16x40"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #188 - This is the second of my tree portraits, which depict the characteristics of the adolescents I teach. This painting represents the process of a teenager searching for where he/she fits in with their peers and society at large.

Ready to Learn

Ready to Learn

16x40"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #187 - This painting was inspired by an artist named, Langevin and a tree that lives by the walkway of the school I teach at. I think I'll start a series of tree paintings that personify the lives of the adolescents I teach.

1953 Buick Special

1953 Buick Special

5x7"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #186 - I found this beauty parked right outside my front door!

Grace Found

Grace Found

10x20"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #185 - Continuing work from my colour book ... I used a analogous colour scheme of purple, blue and green. I like the simplicity of this painting, which is why I called it, Grace Found.

Home on the Range #10

Home on the Range #10

6x6"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #184 - I had to paint this little red tractor again as I ruined my painting last spring when I put the resin on it. Today is Thanksgiving - time to send thanks for all those hard-working farmers out there. Thank you!!

1956 Plymouth

1956 Plymouth

5x7"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #183 - I don't understand my love of painting old cars, trucks and tractors but I'm grateful for my neighbour Chris who's providing me with these gems!

Take the Leap

Take the Leap

15x30"

Mixed Media on Canvas

Painting #182 - Oh, its been a long time since I started this painting. I began it at the end of July and then I was on holidays most of August and then school started and finally .... its finished. Lesson learned - don't start something you can't finish in a reasonable time. I was always searching for a rhythm that was constantly interrupted. But - I finished!

Release

Release

11x14"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #181 - I used an analogous red palette of light and dark values of magenta, red and red-orange.

Divine Support

Divine Support

5x7"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #180 - Just a little painting I completed while visiting my niece. She was interested in how to paint birch trees.

Presence

Presence

6x12"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #179 - In this composition I continued to use the ten hues from blue-green to red-orange, however, this landscape emphasizes the blue-green side of the analogous palette over the yellow-red side.

Self-Care

Self-Care

6x12"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting # 178 - I'm still working from my colour book. This composition includes ten hues from blue-green to red-orange. This landscape emphasizes the yellow-red side of the analogous palette over the blue-green side.

Light of Grace

Light of Grace

11x14"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #177 - The relationship between these analogous colours is harmonic because there are no dramatic contrasts of hue and the colours have a natural unity.

Spiritual Signposts

Spiritual Signpost

11x14"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #176 - I'm continuing my work using colour schemes from my 2000 colour combinations book. I like the analogous colours of blue, green and yellow.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity

10x20"

Mixed Media on Board

Painting #175 - I'm still using my colour book to push and inspire my work. I think the subtle, understated blue works well with the strength and warmth of analogous orange.