Halloween

Amber AfternoonMy Victorian Autumn

Autumn Lane

I've always loved this time of year. When the colors change, the air carries a chill and the children get ready for the big night--Halloween. I always reflect back on my Autumn images during this time of the year.

Three of them are most memorable.

Amber Afternoon is a romantic love sonnet about the charms of the autumn season; the cooling moisture of rains and mist and the occasional scent of burning leaves.

My Victorian Autumn, the fourth seasonal addition to my series of idyllic family retreats, visits an imposing Victorian mansion in the fall of the year. Light pours through the rectangular windows, providing a glimpse of the comfortable family life unfolding within. The change of seasons is well underway, and nature is blessed by an abundance of color. The near foliage is lavish with the last blossoms of summer, the reds, pinks, blues, and purples of a floral bouquet, while the trees have already begun to flame red and gold with the vibrant hues of autumn.

Autumn Lane follows a rural road into the cool depths of an autumn forest. The scene is rich with the pleasures of the season; the quiet shadows are deep, the morning lights brilliant, the hardwoods are simply on fire.

Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful

I unveiled my new Christmas image today on ShopNBC. It's called Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful, which is the first of my new Christmas Chapel collection, planned for three images.

Here are some interesting facts about Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful:

I have placed a total of 25 N's in Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful in tribute to my wife Nanette, as well as in celebration for my 25 years as a published artist.

Did you know that the top five selling Chapel images of all time are: Mountain Chapel, Forest Chapel, Streams of Living Water, Sunday Evening Sleigh Ride and Dogwood Chapel?

Did you know that the top five selling Christmas scenes of all-time are: Holiday Gathering, Village Christmas, Blessings of Christmas, Sunday Evening Sleigh Ride and Lights of Liberty?

In this work, I feature a new technique called "the radiant palette", where I intensify the mid range. This makes the glow more intense and radiant than ever, while the shadows grow darker.

Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful features a country church - with an old-fashioned celebration of Christmas in the country -an intimate gathering of family and friends on Christmas Eve.

This is an classic timeless image of Christmas. My favorite part is the ragged cross on the steeple. I wanted to portray the light of hope that we can have during Christmas. The cross is a symbol of hope.

Christmas Chapel I, O Come All Ye Faithful is a celebration of details, with a Christmas Eve service in progress - the log building glowing with light pouring out. We can tell that people are inside celebrating, with a fire to keep them warm, maybe even singing the hymn,"O Come All Ye Faithful".

Tomorrow on ShopNBC

My appearances on ShopNBC are also fun, informative and a great venue for new announcements and great surprises.

Tomorrow, I will be on ShopNBC for two different segments--at 7:00 am to 9:00 am and again at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

For more details, visit my schedule of upcoming TV appearances on my Web site.

Tomorrow, I'll be unveiling a special image. The only clue I can share with you is this--it's a Christmas painting titled after a popular Christmas carol.

Stay tuned. You'll find some facts about this newest image tomorrow...

Sunday Stroll

For Sunday Stroll, a new release, I have turned back the clock to an era when the Impressionists were in full glory. Various elements within the painting direct us through the scene. The bridge in the distance is one of countless spans that cross the river Seine, many of which date back to the days of the Romans. At the right of the composition we get just a hint of the booksellers. They are truly an ubiquitous part of the walking paths that line the Seine. Sail boats suggest the perfect relaxation of such a moment, while figures clad in 19th century garments remind us that it's an ideal time to make a memory. The bench invites us to enter the scene and relax. Perhaps it is time to settle back and feel the sunshine on your shoulders and ponder life's goodness.

This image brings back many memories as my wonderful time painting under the name Robert Girrard. I always look back at those great times and this painting reminds me so much about that period in my life.

The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco

The new Walt Disney Family Museum is a great plus for the San Francisco Bay Area. It opened last week, and the area is very excited about the new facility. Disney is more popular than ever.

Here is some information about this great new museum:

Their mission statement is: “The Walt Disney Family Museum presents the life and achievements of the man who raised animation to an art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a global and distinctly American legacy.”

The Museum will tell Walt Disney’s story in his own words and those of his family, friends, and co-workers. Using a mix of historic materials and artifacts, Disney’s achievements will come to life through innovative displays that include listening stations, interactive media, and more than 200 video monitors. Much of the material is being generously lent by the Walt
Disney Company and private collectors.

Stay tuned. There will undoubtedly be several new announcements concerning the new Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco’s Presidio.