The Decision

The Decision... 20x20 oil on linen. One of my worse qualities is decision making.... I can take anything and turn it into a dilemma... I thought with time, I would get better, but unless it is a decision between sardines and a chocolate cake, forget it....

Betrayed

Betrayed... 12x12 oil on canvas... Betrayal happens, whether it be a friendship, job, marriage. It can feel like the end of the world. I have discovered though, that it also forces you to look deep within, to define what you want, who you are, and what strengths you may or may not have. It can be a learning experience, that can enrich your life forever.

The Death of the American Dream

The Death of the American Dream... 18x24 oil.  All of us since childhood have held to this dream of the white cottage, and the white picket fence. We marry, hoping for those dreams to come true. We save throughout life to help realize those dreams. Ultimately, they dont exist. Either through political agendas or the unfaithfulness of a spouse, the white cottage falls.

Veiled in Ignorance

Veiled in Ignorance...

  We think that we "know"... but until we experience something, we know nothing. We are veiled in ignorance.

Cloaked in Bodhi

Cloaked in Bodhi... 18x24 oil on linen. Bodhi is the contemporary Western word for enlightenment. The Buddha reached enlightenment by sitting under a Bodhi tree, for many many years... It is also said that we are like a lotus, born from the mud, but rising through the water to reach the sun and light. This painting is where I want to be... my goal. Total enlightenment, and compassion for all sentient beings.

Discovering the Buddha Within

Discovering the Buddha Within, 30x30 oil on linen... yes, I am discovering the Buddhist philosophy of life, and like all of my life events, I am putting it on canvas. I wanted to do this Buddha in the antique Tibetan or Indian style, with tons of color, and a precise composition. Through this painting, I have learned the impermanence of all things, as the color pallet and composition changed throughout the painting. I learned patience, and perseverance, and found that I had to live in the moment to keep from getting overwhelmed with the detail. To look forward was disheartening, and to look back (because of all the changes) was frustrating. I am pleased that he is finished, I just wish he would stop staring at me  ;-)

Rooted in Attachments

Rooted in Attachments, 24x36 oil on linen. A look at the Buddhist concept of non-attachment... This painting is obviously showing me where I now am, clinging to things that are not in my best interest, nor condusive to spiritual growth. That said, I am well on my way to loosening my grip.