My wife and I love to go on little excursions across Texas, and sometimes across the South when we have time, armed with a couple of cameras. Donna shoots mostly wildlife, and I am always on the hunt for, well, mostly anything that looks interesting that I might use to work out an oil or pastel. An old barn, a landscape, city streets, or perhaps a person simply living life are things I find interesting.
Donna Miller, 1st Place in Photography
Sometimes we enter the results of our little mini trips in local art and photography shows. It’s always an interesting adventure to see what a judge may or may not give a nod to at these shows. And sometimes, we win a little money that helps to put some gas in the car or some bread on the table. September 18 we went to the Awards reception of the Grand Prairie Arts Council’s Annual Fall Show, a show we entered multiple pieces in. We were blessed to both win an award, and a bit of gas money, which these days is a huge help. It is always good to see a bit of fruit for the labor.
Donna won 1st Place in the Photography category with her photo of a group of Cormorants struggling to get air-born. She shot the photo down in Navarro County on one of our day trips, at the Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area near Corsicana, Texas. One of the cormorant’s struggle is magnified by the fact that it is carrying it’s supper with it – a good sized fish. The title of the photo is “Fishin’ for Supper”. (www.DonnaMillerPhotos.com)
I had a couple of oils in the competition, a small one called “Fall Primaries” and another larger one called “Autumn Music”, which depicts a man caring a guitar up the sidewalk in a neighborhood on an overcast day. I shot the photo reference while visiting Cleveland, Tennessee, a place where I spent several years in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Autumn Music won 2nd place in Oils in the competition.
The image reminds me of so many things in life. I don’t know this guitar man’s story, but he has a story to be sure. What dreams he may have dreamed when he was young – Perhaps he had dreams of Nashville. What trials may have passed through his years? What disappointments might have staggered his steps? I paint what presents a story, what intriques me, and this one does.
This painting reminds me that there will be days when the sun don’t shine and the journey may be uphill all the way. But that’s ok. there is hope in the words of Christ when He said:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28 thru 30
Autumn Music, 20 x 16 Oil on panel
