Enchanting Ireland series officially begins NOW...

Follow my WIPs (Works in Progress) on my new "Enchanting Ireland" painting series HERE...

Ten years ago today....

... my life, along with everyone in my family's, changed forever. It was this day 10 years ago that Kristi, my sister/friend, was killed in a tragic car accident. Needless to say... even after ten years these days are still tough... surreal might be a better word. The past few years I have used my art as therapy and found comfort in painting portraits of Kristi on July 20th... it became our special way of spending time together.
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7-20-2005

7-20-2006

7-20-2007

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This year was a little different... art still proved therapeutic for me but it was through the eyes, hands, and heart of another artist... Alicia Sotherland. I was surfing the net yesterday and came across a recent painting Alicia had just finished titled "Morning Light"... I was totally "in awe" and blown away when I viewed it. A comfort and peace came over me as I felt in my soul this was not mere chance but something Divine.

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I emailed Alicia and the story gets better... I found a warm and compassionate person who was touched by the story. She gave me permission to display her painting here. Those of you who knew Kristi will be in for that same "in awe feeling" I got when I viewed this painting... scroll down and see what I mean....

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"Morning Light" by Alicia Sotherland, July 2008.

Click on image to enlarge.

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Isn't that cool... looks just like Kristi doesn't it? To top that... it is a self portrait of the artist, Alicia Sotherland. You can view more of Alicia's awesome artwork on her website here. I love the quote on her web-page bio... “I keep my life simple and quiet. Art is my career and it brings a lot of Peace and Joy to my life. However, it’s my life that brings a lot of Joy and Peace to my art.”

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Thanks Alicia for bringing me peace and joy on this difficult day... may your artwork continue to bless others.

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I would love to read everyone's comments about this special painting and/or Krsiti... click here... comments...

In Faith,

Bernie

An example has been set for us....

An example has been set for us....

Great News... My first solo show set for August 2009.

I just received some great news... my recent trip to Ireland will be the inspiration behind my first solo art exhibit set for the Baysden Gallery in August 2009. The exhibit is titled "Enchanting Ireland" and I have exactly one year to paint approx. 24 paintings for the show. I look forward to sharing this journey with you and could use your encouragement every step of the way. I have been sorting through the 1900+ reference images I took trying to chronicle a story about this special trip. I hope to capture the beauty of the country and her people in this special series.
Stay tuned...
Bernie

Forgot to mention... we got addicted to CRAIC in Dublin!

Let me explain... CRAIC is the Irish word for FUN! It all started in Dublin... from day one we were addicted and "had good craic"... translated "had a blast"... the whole time we were in Ireland. We'll share some of our Craic'n good times with you over the course of the next few weeks... enjoy this video I found on youtube sharing GOOD CRAIC in Dublin...



Until our next post...
Bernie and Tami

Bloggin for Third Day on the 3rd day...

Mark Lee, guitarist for the Christian Rock Band Third Day, has issued a challenge to all Third Day bloggin fans out there... to blog about Third Day on the the 3rd of each month.

I'm up to the challenge... So here goes...

Most of my friends know I'm a Third Day fan... heck... you're listening to them as you read this. Their new CD, Revelation, will be rel;eased on July 29th. Click on the icon in my side bar to pre-order.

My wife, two daughters, son-in-law, and I had a great time at a Third Day concert in March in Myrtle Beach, SC. A cool story came from the event... this painting was the result... read all about it here... My Tribute to Christian Rock Band..."Third Day"



I'd love to hear your comments... see you on the third of August!

Bernie

PS... Mark, did you ever recieve your painting?

We are SO small....

While flying to Ireland... I realized something... we are SO small...
Read about it here...