Perceiving Light

"After the Storm" - 9x12” - Acrylic on Canvas - I’ve wanted to paint a storm scene for a while now and chose this image because of the puddles in the foreground. It was actually difficult to find the right tones for those puddles, but once I did, everything came together smoothly. The clouds were probably my favorite part and made this painting one of my most enjoyable to date. I hope it portrays the awe and relief we feel after a storm, when we come face to face with the power of God in nature and our own vulnerability. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/after-the-storm Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/country-road-dirt-road-rural-407207/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"A Quick Buck" - 11x14” - Acrylic on Canvas - I’ve thought about painting a deer for a while now but kept getting distracted by landscapes and other animals. I loved the way the light illuminated this stag and created so much contrast between the lighter and darker tones in the fur. It provided a nice challenge in an otherwise simple piece. I chose blue for the background to really make this guy pop and create a more dramatic atmosphere. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/a-quick-buck Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/deer-stag-wildlife-animal-1982416/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Brilliant Path" - 12x16” - Acrylic on Canvas - This is the Delaware Canal towpath near the Thompson Neely house. It’s a beautiful place in every season, but my favorite time is in the fall when the multitude of colors creates a brilliant backdrop to the calm, tranquil water. Those same colors provide a unique challenge in autumn paintings like this one. They make it tricky to get the lighting and shadows just right, but when the whole scene finally comes together it’s a joy to see! ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/brilliant-path Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"Savage Predator" - 9x12” - Acrylic on Canvas - After painting a great predator of the sea, I thought it’d be cool to paint a great predator of the sky. This eagle captured my imagination with his fierce expression and dangerous vibe. I had fun with the color scheme; playing up the blues and browns to accentuate his bright orange beak and eyes. The eyes were actually my favorite part. It was a lot of fun creating the sense of threat and danger in them. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/savage-predator Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://unsplash.com/photos/PltXkZ0KNh0 - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Across the Sea" - 12x16” - Acrylic on Canvas - Before returning to land-based subjects, I wanted to try painting some sea creatures. I chose these whales because of the way the sunlight highlighted them so perfectly. At first, I tried exaggerating this highlight to bring more drama to the piece, but quickly realized that it overwhelmed the whales and wasn’t true to how real sunlight behaves. Repainting the water was frustrating, but I’m satisfied with the end result and encouraged by how smoothly the piece came together once I realized my mistake. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/across-the-sea Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://unsplash.com/photos/maxbZW7MKs4 - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Silent Predator" - 12x16” - Acrylic on Canvas - To finish off this summer’s ocean series I wanted to paint another sea creature, but this time from an underwater perspective. I chose this scene because of the way the light filtered through the water and cast patterns on the sand and shark. The shark was actually challenging at first. I repainted it several times but still wasn’t satisfied with it until my fiancée suggested adding some aqua green. She was right! The whole piece came together beautifully after that and I was able to achieve a much better sense of depth. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/silent-predator Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://unsplash.com/photos/GBDkr3k96DE - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Breakers" - 12x16” - Acrylic on Canvas - After how smoothly “Morning Watch” and “Evening Watch” came together, I wanted to try painting another ocean scene. This time I chose some rolling breakers. I loved the way the light passed through them creating a soft green tint. I used some deep blues in the background to accentuate that green and draw the viewer’s focus to the foamy foreground of the painting. PRINTS & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/breakers Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/wave-water-surf-ocean-sea-spray-3473335/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #seascapepainting

"Evening Watch" - 12x16” - Acrylic on Canvas - I wanted to paint a companion piece for “Morning Watch” and chose this seascape because of the brilliant oranges. Both paintings are calm and quiet and both went so smoothly it surprised me, although the clouds were a bit of a challenge in this one. I actually had fun with the water texture and felt a freedom in my style that I haven’t felt in the past. It was another great reminder that my paintings can be realistic without having to be “picture perfect!” PRINTS & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/evening-watch Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/lighthouse-st-marys-lighthouse-1824614/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #seascapepainting

"Morning Watch" - 12x16” - Acrylic on Canvas - Last year I did a small series of paintings inspired by Newport, Rhode Island. The two seascapes were two of my most challenging paintings to date. I had to repaint the water multiple times before being satisfied with it. In contrast, this painting flowed so smoothly and effortlessly that it was completed in record time! I loved the simplicity of the scene but was still surprised by how simply everything came together. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/morning-watch Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/lighthouse-beach-sunset-sea-coast-4195439/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #seascapepainting

"Gotcha" - 12x16” - Acrylic on Canvas - This painting actually started out as a normal landscape. Once I had created the waterfalls however, I realized that it would be the perfect backdrop for another fantasy painting. My inspiration came from old 80s and 90s sci-fi books that my brother used to read. It was a challenge forming a believable environment but the moon and glowing green plant life was a lot of fun to create. The most enjoyable part was developing the scale relationship between the two subjects and adding detail to the tripod arm. Full Length Versions: Part 1: https://youtu.be/o-6dnbNEYqU Part 2: https://youtu.be/pnzf4P2a1DY ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/gotcha/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #fantasypainting

"Time to Go" - 12x16" - Acrylic on Canvas - After painting numerous landscapes and wildlife of the real world, I wanted to change things up and create a world of my own. I knew I wanted to include a dragon, but scaling him relative to the horse and rider was very challenging. I also wanted to include a princess with the “knight” but ended up having to take her out because the piece was getting too complicated. My favorite part was definitely adding the fire to the dragon and the light effects to the hero. In the future I would like to return to this “world” and create a story line to go with this painting! Full Length Versions: Part 1: https://youtu.be/9WDE9qzePYk Part 2: https://youtu.be/NE6fJCqccCw ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/time-to-go/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #fantasypainting

"Fortunata" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - It's always nice to paint the same subject more than once. It gives me the opportunity to refine prior techniques and experiment with new ones. This fox painting was no exception. Where the fur in “Chickenhound” was more smooth and sleek, this fur was much more fluffy and texturized. I loved playing up the blues in the shadows of the white fur and complimenting them with the rich orange tones. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/fortunata/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/fox-camouflage-autumn-wild-animal-985292/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Chickenhound" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - This painting was named after a character in some young-adult books Sara and I read when we were in school. The books were about talking woodland creatures, and foxes were usually portrayed as cunning villains. I thought this red fox’s expression fit that idea rather well with his piercing green eyes. The fur textures were a bit challenging but I loved playing up the oranges against the deep purple background. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/chickenhound/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/fox-nature-animals-roux-fauna-715588/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Evening Falls" - 12x16" - Acrylic on Canvas - With summer getting hotter, I wanted to paint some waterfalls to help me stay in a “cool” frame of mind. This scene struck me with its craggy rocks and refreshing pool. Completely changing the light from the original photo was a challenge, but I had a lot of fun creating the sunburst and playing with the texture of the water. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/evening-falls/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/jeju-island-cheonjiyeon-waterfall-1594590/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"Morning Rises" - 12x16" - Acrylic on Canvas - I wanted to paint this waterfall scene because of all the vibrant greens and yellows. I enjoyed adding all the rocks and playing with the movement of the water, but felt like this piece needed something more. Adding the wolf was a challenge, but it brought a sense of mystery and adventure to this painting. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/morning-rises/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/waterfall-bad-urach-urach-waterfall-2866253/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"Sunday Morning" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - Bears can look so human at times, it’s a little unnerving. This guy is no exception, but it took a lot of reworking to get his face and expression just right. I wanted the whole painting to evoke a quiet contentment, like a peaceful Sunday morning just after dawn. The simple background and small flowers in the foreground were a fun touch of color for this piece. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/sunday-morning/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/bear-animal-nature-dangerous-4158536/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Mine" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - I had to paint this bear when I saw his expression and the way he’s slumped over this rock. It’s exactly how I feel when I finish a painting…exhausted and just a bit wary. Any artistic endeavor requires a lot of energy, not just to create a piece but also to keep reworking it if necessary. This piece needed to be reworked several times before I was satisfied with it. The lighting was particularly challenging, but the highlights and contrast of the warm and cool tones were a lot of fun. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/mine/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/bear-meadow-rock-nature-brown-bear-2515711/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Winter Wonders" - 12x16" - Acrylic on Canvas - Another scene of Tyler Park after a snowfall. Here the snow carpeted the forest so thickly that all the underbrush disappeared, leaving a smooth unbroken blanket of white—the perfect backdrop for a quiet stream and waterfall. The sunlight glinting on the water and the ice-encrusted trees provide the perfect touch of magic for this piece. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/winter-wonders/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"Monday Morning" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - This is one of my favorite paintings to date. I really enjoyed playing with the reds and blues in this lion's fur and the contrast of the light and dark sides of this his face. His pose is a lot of fun too. I almost called this piece “Growing Pains” since he seems to be an adolescent that hasn’t grown into his mane yet, but “Monday Morning” seemed to capture his expression more...just like one of us when we don’t want to get out of bed! ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/monday-morning/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/africa-animal-close-up-lion-macro-1842302/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Quiet Path" - 12x16" - Acrylic on Canvas - This is the first snow painting I’ve done since moving to PA. Even though it’s a cold, overcast morning, I wanted to add a warmth and softness to the path, shadows, and trees. It was quiet day in Tyler Park, the snow keeping people indoors and muffling all the usual sounds of nature. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/quiet-path/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"Ol' Blue Eyes" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - I’ve wanted to paint lions for a long time now but kept getting distracted by landscapes or other animals. I’m happy to finally have had the opportunity since they’re such interesting subjects to paint. Between the thick mane, the fine facial hair, the delicate whiskers, and the haunting eyes, they’re a fun challenge. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/ol-blue-eyes/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/lion-male-close-up-staring-3740159/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"Nature's Outlet" - 12x16" - Acrylic on Canvas - This is the Lambertville Outlet Lock. It was built to allow canal boats to pass between the NJ and PA Delaware Canals. They’d bring their cargo down the PA side then cross the Delaware River while attached to a cable. It was abandoned in the early 1900s and now nature has thoroughly taken it over. I love the way the setting sun illumines the old walls and gives the place a timeless quality. It made this scene a joy to paint! ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/natures-outlet/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"Bridge of Promise" - 12x16" - Acrylic on Canvas - Bridges can be very romantic. There’s something about the graceful construction and quiet running water that’s both soothing and invigorating. This bridge was inspired by one in Lambertville, NJ near the playground on the south side of town. It’s a special place for Sara and me since it’s not far from where I proposed to her. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/bridge-of-promise/ Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #landscapepainting

"Rough Housing" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - There’s so much drama in this piece that it was a joy to paint. I especially enjoyed playing up the contrasting colors to bring out the muscle definition and movement of these horses. This is probably one of my most enjoyable pieces to date. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/rough-housing Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/standard-horses-combat-mane-horse-1401913/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting

"In the Limelight" - 11x14" - Acrylic on Canvas - I always enjoy painting horses, and this piece was no exception. The photo that inspired it was actually taken on an overcast day, but this fellow’s noble pose seemed to demand a spotlight. I wanted this piece to have a theatrical feel, to give this graceful animal the stage and attention he deserves. ORIGINAL PAINTING, PRINTS, & MERCHANDISE available here: https://perceivinglight.com/in-the-limelight Win a FREE art print: https://perceivinglight.com/print-giveaway SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceivinglight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceiving_light Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/perceivinglight PHOTO INSPIRATION: https://pixabay.com/photos/arabs-stallion-thoroughbred-arabian-1367173/ - - - #acrylicpainting #timelapse #wildlifepainting