​A beautiful morning at Frankfort Cemetery in Kentucky today changed a simple landscape into a painting of emotion just 10 minutes after I started. Painting outdoors is for practice and intended as a sketch. This only took about 45 minutes, but it's such great experience in more ways than one.

Callie and Dzl are Blue Weimaraners and the love and joy of their owner. My friend Maria commissioned me to do their portraits as a gift to the owner.

My first commission is another big step in my second year as a professional artist. There is a lot more pressure. Or, at least, I put that kind of pressure on myself.

The video talks about how this fear turned out to be unwarranted when the result was unveiled.

​I guess I'm now in the pet portrait business. Hint. Hint.

Gouache can be reworked by wetting dry paints, it has the purity and beauty of water color, but it is opaque so I can cover up my mistakes. Here's a look at some recent attempts, and the sketch for what is going to be my largest work in progress in oil. You get a sneak peek here. Plus, look at the incredible talent of a local artist who inspires me, Marilyn Sadler.

Richeson, an American art company, supplied the casein paints, paper, and brushes for this landscape contest.

Vote below for which painting you would choose in this video showing the progress of each?

My debut of two paintings honoring Joseph Smith and 200 years since his "First Vision" led to the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

​This paint video is different because it was assigned as a weekly spiritual thought for Frankfort, Kentucky Ward members.

George Floyd pleaded for his life ("I can't breathe"). A key inscription on the Statue of Liberty ("yearning to breathe free.") My video art journal of how this inspiration came to life from a basic sketch and then a finished oil painting full of emotion.

Several people ask how I can part with paintings that have great meaning. My favorite paintings are "sold." I explain how this family painting is not quite priceless.