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The basic foundation for my entire body of work is Romans 1: 19-20--^" For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made."

In the rocks, the star, the sun, the wind, one may see the divine attributes of God. The world was made by the Lord the Creator, for us. It is that natural fact that I celebrate in my worldly creations, that represent--for me, His supernatural creations, certain existence, and love for me.

I have listened to this song by artist Amanda Cook several times over the year, and find inspiration in it not only for my work, but for my life. You may find it inspiring, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwYuKlbk6BQ

I just returned from Jackson, Wyoming, where I was one of the three awards judges for the National Oil and Acrylic Society's annual exhibition, entitled "Best of America." Truly, there were many paintings created in these two mediums that might be on any judge's "Best" list. However, our task was to determine three top awards, and winners in many other categories.

I have had some experience as a judge for national shows. But it is always challenging, as I realize my vote for "best" anything is precisely that: a vote, or an opinion. No amount of letters after my name will assure that I will infallibly select the "best" painting. So I have come up with some criteria that will assist me, as guidelines, in coming to some sort of informed decision when I am called upon to judge artworks in an exhibition. Thank you for your interest as you read these thoughts.

An excellent painting is like an effective speech, a memorable movie, or a stimulating conversation. It has a profound effect on you, tantalizes your senses, opens the door to something new, touches your emotion, your mind, or spirit in a way that nothing else would do. The language of art has been communicated to you through an artist who had an idea, and has crafted his/her work to express that idea in a powerful and personal way.

It is the language of shape, value and color, of creative and logical composition. The medium employed is used in an intentional way to convey emotion, to share experience or a moment in time, to explore a relationship between humans and the world they inhabit. The painting is about something, a concept, focal point, a feeling—everything in the painting supports that central ideal. Great work is powerfully and simply stated, elegant in its communication, and fine in its finish.

Accurate and sensitive drawing and command of perspective are key to credibility, as the artist demonstrates experience in working from actual subjects, not just photographs. There is an authenticity, an honesty that can be seen and felt: the artist is speaking in his/her own voice, developed from long hours of study, observation and work. And the work looks effortless.

Making a great painting is not easy, nor is the judgment of what a great painting truly is. But there are fundamentals of drawing, composition, and color that need to be in place for communication to take place. In addition, the innovative use of many other kinds of elements that an artist will use to express his meaning clearly is what will make his or her work unique. It is the blend of fundamentals and innovation that create the work that works.