tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8262983062941562592024-03-12T22:49:12.581-04:00The Autumn GladeMatthew Hannum - landscape artistMatt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-37966553011690064722024-02-16T15:46:00.003-05:002024-02-16T15:53:09.390-05:00Moonrise over Snowy Pines<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeOSIGWc73eMOmZR7iDMbFaTykPcypmIOV_UYJiJFh1sT8ZYhZlI7nLfynPiI14zjhkpSfpnBNX4obMYS_9m6JEC90aF2kbwdxZOoac0U9rV7dXX5j4k68cBvRRgpqmGOvQbCNXLoEJJ-78FXfLa6f5hifItY7aIkjUs4iZL1UJqBLM4XLiVTwpzDIbw/s800/moonrise%20over%20snowy%20pines1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="673" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeOSIGWc73eMOmZR7iDMbFaTykPcypmIOV_UYJiJFh1sT8ZYhZlI7nLfynPiI14zjhkpSfpnBNX4obMYS_9m6JEC90aF2kbwdxZOoac0U9rV7dXX5j4k68cBvRRgpqmGOvQbCNXLoEJJ-78FXfLa6f5hifItY7aIkjUs4iZL1UJqBLM4XLiVTwpzDIbw/w336-h400/moonrise%20over%20snowy%20pines1.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Winter has been relatively normal this year along the east coast of the US. We've had a few snowfalls, with another on its way, and some cold temperatures, too. Here, we see the moon rise above a cold northern forest, casting its warm glow on the snow as a few stars peak through the clouds - light without heat. Soon, spring will come and melt away the snow as life returns to the forest. </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</span></div><p></p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-21185797108046088862024-01-19T16:29:00.003-05:002024-01-19T16:29:56.697-05:00Hill Country Winter Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP57gxsLFi3nQNBcHWOEKFmgv5k2VCcJXXCI3qUIDCuYhZG22FF3IHy7WZjognZ_sb20NHjJYDQZUZXQ6f2Dls8-JwyIDq9trJ8SjpqC6AY7D8M8mR659IrNOPj5Q_SJa_TWfVvVINbz3xVMsf5z8-eWFEH3nBAPGqPiDuTqPmuB12a-sCNzNV6O2iYBg/s800/hill%20country%20winter%20sunrise1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="800" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP57gxsLFi3nQNBcHWOEKFmgv5k2VCcJXXCI3qUIDCuYhZG22FF3IHy7WZjognZ_sb20NHjJYDQZUZXQ6f2Dls8-JwyIDq9trJ8SjpqC6AY7D8M8mR659IrNOPj5Q_SJa_TWfVvVINbz3xVMsf5z8-eWFEH3nBAPGqPiDuTqPmuB12a-sCNzNV6O2iYBg/w400-h324/hill%20country%20winter%20sunrise1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>After several years without measurable snowfall, winter returned to Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region this week, with frigid temperatures and two snowstorms that each dropped several inches of snow. Here, we see the snowy weather from the rolling, forested hills of western Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania as the sun rises on a quiet, freezing day. </p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-73406588293361120072023-12-22T12:28:00.007-05:002023-12-22T13:24:10.706-05:00Exoplanet - Winter Lights<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM44QBYO1R5fjtMIsxWR5HME8dUn7VkIACq0POeRSiM1r6ScCSF9e1NEWFZEV4P1fsY98RMNdj6wSRD6yoiSVu3hOIuHAyaZ7cHZndLln492hhjWvIeiVMjJPgWJUiPJoL-iEyLbAFneQJbg3GneIXi8DnBx4vHys8xp2fBAUkxpaT3M4jmQ4F3MMWVOk/s800/exoplanet%20-%20winter%20lights1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="800" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM44QBYO1R5fjtMIsxWR5HME8dUn7VkIACq0POeRSiM1r6ScCSF9e1NEWFZEV4P1fsY98RMNdj6wSRD6yoiSVu3hOIuHAyaZ7cHZndLln492hhjWvIeiVMjJPgWJUiPJoL-iEyLbAFneQJbg3GneIXi8DnBx4vHys8xp2fBAUkxpaT3M4jmQ4F3MMWVOk/w400-h324/exoplanet%20-%20winter%20lights1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p>The winter season on Earth is marked by festivals of light to push back the darkness, but night has a different meaning on other worlds. Here we see a young, cold exoplanet covered in winter snow. The night sky is illuminated by an enormous nebula and the blazing light of countless new stars. Dark dust clouds are silhouetted against the glowing gases, and particularly brilliant star clusters cast their light across the frozen wastes. This world is far too young for life to have formed. Perhaps in billions of years - long after the nebula fades and the most massive stars in it die off - a sentient species like us will create their own winter festivals to drive back the darkness. </p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p><p></p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-83922227202116501472023-11-10T14:49:00.003-05:002023-11-10T14:50:32.446-05:00Fall Sycamore Thicket<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP1U5mOQfFJVfMK6j1ZIoxDR6QtfcLWJTn2lr6V4IkZJDHZLPRy8XMaew8q2ByHzRWqGgGu2TphUrhCs2C-kVFkKrgwsu1dTke2uS3KjfUFCOBBPIDQnHj1n0fiaUrfxP6Z3wYniwbz_wOE-Ev__m_Y1KVNAq85U7osm2VhZTeIxke5Kh_aMegBb0wfs/s800/fall%20sycamore%20thicket1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="669" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP1U5mOQfFJVfMK6j1ZIoxDR6QtfcLWJTn2lr6V4IkZJDHZLPRy8XMaew8q2ByHzRWqGgGu2TphUrhCs2C-kVFkKrgwsu1dTke2uS3KjfUFCOBBPIDQnHj1n0fiaUrfxP6Z3wYniwbz_wOE-Ev__m_Y1KVNAq85U7osm2VhZTeIxke5Kh_aMegBb0wfs/w335-h400/fall%20sycamore%20thicket1.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><br />As autumn color winds down, we go for a walk in the woods while there's still sun remaining. A mix of sycamores, both old and young, tower overhead, their leaves turning to crumpled bronze as they fall from the trees. Low light bathes the mottled bark; winter is when sycamores are at their finest. <p></p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-5023659316063482742023-10-13T14:19:00.006-04:002023-10-13T14:43:58.983-04:00Maple Lake in Fall<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RGXza2lnb8Yncr6aPWOrllzdJ2yw1w6aaIDaa7i6WsNmxMeUoWKpj2qeHOxCua6syFSPwNVXwnrpLqPyUK2OY_RSqpI282F7HTu8XURnQeTzCZJaPIh5fjhjlaQtHM0CNnL0RcFNjSwPJ3PJ7kVmZGapw0LCTWrmzvJWrKC9jppQyZZ7A0z-e2JigQE/s800/maple%20lake%20in%20fall1.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="800" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RGXza2lnb8Yncr6aPWOrllzdJ2yw1w6aaIDaa7i6WsNmxMeUoWKpj2qeHOxCua6syFSPwNVXwnrpLqPyUK2OY_RSqpI282F7HTu8XURnQeTzCZJaPIh5fjhjlaQtHM0CNnL0RcFNjSwPJ3PJ7kVmZGapw0LCTWrmzvJWrKC9jppQyZZ7A0z-e2JigQE/w400-h323/maple%20lake%20in%20fall1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Autumn has finally arrived here in Maryland with falling temperatures and leaves of changing colors. Here, we wander northward, where the chill air has already turned the maple leaves to warm fire that contrasts with the cold waters of a large lake. The low sun stretches across this scene of bright colors in the cold air.<p></p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-86913887323006735232023-09-24T12:32:00.005-04:002023-09-24T12:35:23.686-04:00Abstract Autumn in a Pond<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakOvc7SvQwUHD-D6b7FycdAM7fphTAW5ld6bAC85LTlvnFfaYPq0u1lIyH0cQfj9wjiyB2aI6eZc5bUp9IyXukebzJ6QuK0spQ-stvR44E0HDg5cPZ_DOVuu8vCn7jzoVg9qmfNRVX6ZpmfZpiF1V8XQvsruZkrQ88vWuOJQOuzo31-PyCyTZKb78BQc/s800/abstract%20autumn%20in%20a%20pond1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="800" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakOvc7SvQwUHD-D6b7FycdAM7fphTAW5ld6bAC85LTlvnFfaYPq0u1lIyH0cQfj9wjiyB2aI6eZc5bUp9IyXukebzJ6QuK0spQ-stvR44E0HDg5cPZ_DOVuu8vCn7jzoVg9qmfNRVX6ZpmfZpiF1V8XQvsruZkrQ88vWuOJQOuzo31-PyCyTZKb78BQc/w400-h321/abstract%20autumn%20in%20a%20pond1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We've only begun the autumn season here in central Maryland, with the first trees turning hints of color and the temperatures finally becoming more seasonable. A month from now, colorful and fading leaves will float in our rivers and ponds like confetti tossed from summer's party. <p></p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-39481416709737261482023-08-04T12:09:00.004-04:002023-08-04T12:09:26.270-04:00Cumulonimbus Sunset<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeylDilzCNHgPhdEANtKviBz0PKxXLy8uEGzZfZbsLt6PZi5gVDKhoBEoORE2gLVsnI4nhJ50D_16gyk_dCPD9RUPT79O9AeLMe1RXIRqKOjjGtVYZcW59bosIQ94Bt9ibh9e76uzFBYcvahLjujOnK-P2Jt_wcUO5W5yzzKNFHODr8OA7StM4pLi9x4/s3851/cumulonimbus%20sunset1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3851" data-original-width="3280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeylDilzCNHgPhdEANtKviBz0PKxXLy8uEGzZfZbsLt6PZi5gVDKhoBEoORE2gLVsnI4nhJ50D_16gyk_dCPD9RUPT79O9AeLMe1RXIRqKOjjGtVYZcW59bosIQ94Bt9ibh9e76uzFBYcvahLjujOnK-P2Jt_wcUO5W5yzzKNFHODr8OA7StM4pLi9x4/w341-h400/cumulonimbus%20sunset1.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><p></p><p>This scene was inspired by a line of violent thunderstorms that swept through the area last weekend. While those storms happened in the late afternoon, this painting imagines them in the glow of the evening sun, cloud tops illuminated while shadows fall under the storm's anvil. </p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-89309436595315147892023-07-03T15:49:00.007-04:002023-07-03T17:11:20.094-04:00Quiet Beach Dunes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HyRDkegqbmv46xygnmdJqeJd9iNfJG838dqAoqFQdxSwFgIHqOU0ZoPmDpOSBkxXApK1g7rQo_3XXAAoaxWKOw5gHAe4UW1b3Ii1vRLijVS-n7J8bXDfS8FTacPKkTZL8t1PiNi09WGgoFENkrdzNXr490WasZ0gw20JhljVmDl-I1EG8dRzRGtt9mg/s800/quiet%20beach%20dunes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="800" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HyRDkegqbmv46xygnmdJqeJd9iNfJG838dqAoqFQdxSwFgIHqOU0ZoPmDpOSBkxXApK1g7rQo_3XXAAoaxWKOw5gHAe4UW1b3Ii1vRLijVS-n7J8bXDfS8FTacPKkTZL8t1PiNi09WGgoFENkrdzNXr490WasZ0gw20JhljVmDl-I1EG8dRzRGtt9mg/w400-h328/quiet%20beach%20dunes1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">On a lazy summer afternoon on a distant beach, waves lap against wet sand with rhythmic splashes. A breeze tosses the sunlit grass as shadows are cast along the dunes. The heat of the sun is balanced by the gentle winds from the ocean, and all is still. </span></div></div><p></p><p>Acrylic Painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-80140689377247975632023-06-09T15:48:00.006-04:002023-06-09T16:26:24.549-04:00Cinder Dawn on the City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv72Aogfmo0b4J-q5Rjjiq4kLP-rTMZ5Nz4GXyfouMRhCSP8SevS3OrFJNp3_SF2mtuGoAYw-DXXNOkdTNHf6TfYNiTMU1azVe5UBeJ3PH0ErCW4nnqVOSucqGq86LAi0u_yfo6czjT8TqMcDgcObOdXFc7OVp6LOWvoJsJRXMtCvLHqHeWt_wIKr3/s800/cinder%20dawn%20on%20the%20city1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv72Aogfmo0b4J-q5Rjjiq4kLP-rTMZ5Nz4GXyfouMRhCSP8SevS3OrFJNp3_SF2mtuGoAYw-DXXNOkdTNHf6TfYNiTMU1azVe5UBeJ3PH0ErCW4nnqVOSucqGq86LAi0u_yfo6czjT8TqMcDgcObOdXFc7OVp6LOWvoJsJRXMtCvLHqHeWt_wIKr3/w331-h400/cinder%20dawn%20on%20the%20city1.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><p>The rains ended in April, followed by drought and now wildfires burning across Canada. Smoke blanketed the east coast of the US for days, leading to hellscape skies of ash across major cities, such as New York. Under the light of a seemingly dying sun, we look upon a stylized version of the city's skyline choked in ashes. A sickly tree struggles in the foreground, reminding us of what we are losing. Scenes like this are sadly going to become more common. </p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-59197756830933854012023-05-21T19:21:00.003-04:002023-05-21T19:21:51.955-04:00Chesapeake Bay - Cruise Sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3gMqfFAF349E210Li5BP2uvuBomrmGL05t2PJZrqz4sp94LU_PIgm2kZMbxBLUJwPJlubshxSRYwOOxzVoTkK6YKkf8mEWiTlpdWuTTVdvjVrdkVn10M-ol-sgKIa3lyP2GQ45m-HOsmWG_9u-1e5pfnkqBqTqdFix1vjteo2miZRPFN-vzb1ppt/s800/Chesapeake%20Bay%20-%20sunset%20cruise1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="800" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3gMqfFAF349E210Li5BP2uvuBomrmGL05t2PJZrqz4sp94LU_PIgm2kZMbxBLUJwPJlubshxSRYwOOxzVoTkK6YKkf8mEWiTlpdWuTTVdvjVrdkVn10M-ol-sgKIa3lyP2GQ45m-HOsmWG_9u-1e5pfnkqBqTqdFix1vjteo2miZRPFN-vzb1ppt/w400-h333/Chesapeake%20Bay%20-%20sunset%20cruise1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Earlier this month, I went on a week-long cruise around the Chesapeake Bay to see various historical sites, such as Jamestown, Williamsburg, the Harriet Tubman Museum, and small villages like Saint Michaels. The trip was a lot of fun and I had a great time! This painting was inspired by a photo taken from the restaurant at the stern of the ship one day as the sun was setting. You can see the rough water left by the ship's wake to the right under a blazing sky full of clouds. </div><div><br /></div><div>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</div>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-40593302529976098552023-04-30T13:15:00.003-04:002023-05-02T17:02:49.014-04:00Abstract Rainy Skyline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWPmii6PYQA1EJhKkk3gm9cJnpbqn3TiRtis7NtGGT3E7icyBTGZ-3Jz75dYI00N4OS_5xhEUxuXj7hEbHsjUr3j8f6SpTvYZ_6gCOjS_KhqyNDRCfi9nwUWo7hLoLvVPiexdWrpaM3k1dNchFwBp951eAsFpnMhzsOngowgGV3roUw5xandDM_NN/s800/abstract%20rainy%20skyline1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWPmii6PYQA1EJhKkk3gm9cJnpbqn3TiRtis7NtGGT3E7icyBTGZ-3Jz75dYI00N4OS_5xhEUxuXj7hEbHsjUr3j8f6SpTvYZ_6gCOjS_KhqyNDRCfi9nwUWo7hLoLvVPiexdWrpaM3k1dNchFwBp951eAsFpnMhzsOngowgGV3roUw5xandDM_NN/w400-h330/abstract%20rainy%20skyline1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We're now on at least the third weekend in a row defined by at least one day of torrential rain here in Maryland, so I decided to paint a scene inspired by the lousy weather. This painting is more abstract than most of my works, and it depicts a fictional city skyline on a soggy night. Misty clouds drift near the tallest buildings, streetlights blaze away, and everything has a watery feeling. </p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-39392247595556132522023-03-18T16:12:00.005-04:002023-03-18T16:41:28.527-04:00Spring on the Shoulder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUrBK8T4a2C13WC-kGxD34UX9MjSgvE_CSECu4AXCjudjkj1pVBuZ7nl4FLr9uJIApreN2tWs0dfLqTcJlJfyxzELB5L8mOEIbXdano5s9aYVBxRF7saTILchmeK00NVJDlSShR0yOdiOtWTnO8jLpPTm8WxxnsoGWPMtv1iHEr7No7AWY3HiXn2d/s800/spring%20on%20the%20shoulder1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="671" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUrBK8T4a2C13WC-kGxD34UX9MjSgvE_CSECu4AXCjudjkj1pVBuZ7nl4FLr9uJIApreN2tWs0dfLqTcJlJfyxzELB5L8mOEIbXdano5s9aYVBxRF7saTILchmeK00NVJDlSShR0yOdiOtWTnO8jLpPTm8WxxnsoGWPMtv1iHEr7No7AWY3HiXn2d/w335-h400/spring%20on%20the%20shoulder1.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><p>All over the eastern seaboard, along highway shoulders and medians, spring has arrived. Scattered throughout the old pines and dried brush from last summer, flowering trees appear in pastel colors. While one's eyes should be on the road, it's hard not to sneak a peek at the chaotic whirl of colors living next to the pavement. </p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-42428639003932922462023-02-25T11:49:00.003-05:002023-02-25T13:40:37.677-05:00Swift Winter Sunrise<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHVxh4WH-nJzdv7IdYs_5LDX_7LH3JxDX-snUhqxCXcs7mZuI3xKM9t-suw-tL4YEmwap-RMT1U5mbiqYkJH8DlIinxa7rRuDCweo_16suCicaryyF1rNyrcVNh05wojgSx7w6fYbDEhZhepbYOPEG0EqUACVJr68aG9m8R79O4j1p4ZICuFi7opi/s800/swift%20winter%20sunrise1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="800" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHVxh4WH-nJzdv7IdYs_5LDX_7LH3JxDX-snUhqxCXcs7mZuI3xKM9t-suw-tL4YEmwap-RMT1U5mbiqYkJH8DlIinxa7rRuDCweo_16suCicaryyF1rNyrcVNh05wojgSx7w6fYbDEhZhepbYOPEG0EqUACVJr68aG9m8R79O4j1p4ZICuFi7opi/w400-h305/swift%20winter%20sunrise1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Winter has been basically nonexistent this year in the eastern United States, so we'll just imagine an appropriate scene. Here, the sun peeks above the distant trees, quickly bringing a bit of light and warmth to a frigid, snowy scene. Clouds roll by, perhaps remnants of whatever storm brought the snow. <p></p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-18018053215874958132023-01-29T12:38:00.008-05:002023-01-29T19:51:40.345-05:00Frigid Woodland Sunset<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3fh7mMT8d55UL3MASIarhKKepUcdZDLCy_58UI9zhHc1PIrePXNLzYDp6xCAUNwNwzi6G2RJIlPce7A_GNRO7IdZhS-9NrQ-ZoejcgsdmZg6Wub8wq4u48gOuCJ9dxg1928f8Q_EuTRO-VXplRf9-34lc1WlOWnV0o9b4jFwhwH2WCBAkvSVyLeL/s800/frigid%20woodland%20sunset1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="665" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3fh7mMT8d55UL3MASIarhKKepUcdZDLCy_58UI9zhHc1PIrePXNLzYDp6xCAUNwNwzi6G2RJIlPce7A_GNRO7IdZhS-9NrQ-ZoejcgsdmZg6Wub8wq4u48gOuCJ9dxg1928f8Q_EuTRO-VXplRf9-34lc1WlOWnV0o9b4jFwhwH2WCBAkvSVyLeL/w333-h400/frigid%20woodland%20sunset1.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />It's been a warm winter here in Maryland without a trace of snow in most of the state, but the season isn't over yet. Here, we see the low winter sun set in a tangled forest of old trees and vines, all coated with snowy silence. Spring will come eventually, but until then enjoy the winter.<p></p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-62402225300221895242022-12-31T15:47:00.006-05:002022-12-31T15:51:43.806-05:00Snowy Sunrise atop a Sequoia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7o4RMZf3cfevkLMvRWnRCH9mtj9heW4vHKdCvzRJ-wCoxmlEnIb3VI0tmHBmKXZPhCpKbEIo9uLZD0Tc8yTLDeothTGSYo6SjL9ykdeuUyALZb4i5RZ4sQgn6DIgTndD0s29JfKIyESpbma40YLQmLuXnoq0f6jw4c3JgD007qDi0G_ZA8LmRoO2/s800/snowy%20sunrise%20atop%20a%20sequoia1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="661" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7o4RMZf3cfevkLMvRWnRCH9mtj9heW4vHKdCvzRJ-wCoxmlEnIb3VI0tmHBmKXZPhCpKbEIo9uLZD0Tc8yTLDeothTGSYo6SjL9ykdeuUyALZb4i5RZ4sQgn6DIgTndD0s29JfKIyESpbma40YLQmLuXnoq0f6jw4c3JgD007qDi0G_ZA8LmRoO2/w330-h400/snowy%20sunrise%20atop%20a%20sequoia1.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><p>The winter sun rises over the snowy, tree covered hills of the Sierra Nevada range, filling the sky with a warm yellow glow. The air is cold and crisp as we enjoy a bird's eye view from the lofty heights of an ancient Sequoia tree. </p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-90439264862367959262022-11-20T13:35:00.009-05:002022-11-20T15:00:13.817-05:00Bay Breeze in Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHubfoXww4NM8Xg2A9dpHPeG17oglfgzLkuW8KzsQtGndFWE2mnQQIq-EsxxIPNURkSczce-Z654HOHbouIVGTYJm5qJ3Q0GTFmF7LGlRmXP8URFqZi_NJ0BaRq9H2O-82hbeERFnz8BmjfsinKdTsOYCP-d-ux2dVG0G3fxn1Mfxs5p-Uds3iTlL/s800/Bay%20breeze%20in%20fall1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="800" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHubfoXww4NM8Xg2A9dpHPeG17oglfgzLkuW8KzsQtGndFWE2mnQQIq-EsxxIPNURkSczce-Z654HOHbouIVGTYJm5qJ3Q0GTFmF7LGlRmXP8URFqZi_NJ0BaRq9H2O-82hbeERFnz8BmjfsinKdTsOYCP-d-ux2dVG0G3fxn1Mfxs5p-Uds3iTlL/w400-h331/Bay%20breeze%20in%20fall1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>On the last warm day of fall, we watch a cold wind blow the drying leaves from old trees by the Chesapeake Bay. The ground is already covered in crisp leaves as the low sun casts long shadows. Soon, the winter cold will set in, but that won't spoil this peaceful afternoon.</p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-39150197336453882402022-10-15T13:59:00.002-04:002022-10-15T13:59:37.926-04:00Rainy Autumn Stream<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjEi8tcwvkfxmyUIPd_bshmXZX3Ulq-xE2EsJ3nS9KbnYkxWnYWnoSnLJJKGBrbi8i03wDjD6CcEntrpt74yAsRCwGCBq2yjRH1yr2kztQywcuAE_-GNvzb_bOwzEHlBnCYhxRKc5SXV6BF4w68ysFlgs-SKEIeNeBsWo3ERVKzQXTv1kiOYOBzjD/s800/rainy%20autumn%20stream1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="800" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjEi8tcwvkfxmyUIPd_bshmXZX3Ulq-xE2EsJ3nS9KbnYkxWnYWnoSnLJJKGBrbi8i03wDjD6CcEntrpt74yAsRCwGCBq2yjRH1yr2kztQywcuAE_-GNvzb_bOwzEHlBnCYhxRKc5SXV6BF4w68ysFlgs-SKEIeNeBsWo3ERVKzQXTv1kiOYOBzjD/w400-h325/rainy%20autumn%20stream1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Autumn around here often brings cold rains as the season passes and summer fades to a memory. In a soggy clearing next to a wide stream, we watch the fiery autumn leaves rustle in the cold drizzle on a gloomy fall day.<p></p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-44791037984052439652022-09-16T13:46:00.007-04:002022-09-16T13:47:10.902-04:00Foggy Autumn Dawn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintrGgANt0rB4s6rgeHmdcqRRJ9Pa_7vCTPOr8znxgbvXtRSvvETRLno8h8BexBLFmcxp8UZpVDrX3NxNr7bSS4DQoVVOuiSKDi3b0FayuaW9iPE0wH9uC8XXrrsvqVPtHoNpbaZXdMkK0nSQb0zzAJeg3fZp7H8yhC4hnErEMIAMhOeUtd4aU10cC/s800/foggy%20autumn%20dawn1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="800" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintrGgANt0rB4s6rgeHmdcqRRJ9Pa_7vCTPOr8znxgbvXtRSvvETRLno8h8BexBLFmcxp8UZpVDrX3NxNr7bSS4DQoVVOuiSKDi3b0FayuaW9iPE0wH9uC8XXrrsvqVPtHoNpbaZXdMkK0nSQb0zzAJeg3fZp7H8yhC4hnErEMIAMhOeUtd4aU10cC/w400-h325/foggy%20autumn%20dawn1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Dawn stretches across an old forest in autumn, piercing the fog and lighting the mist beyond. In the cool air, we see the fiery leaves illuminated by the rising sun.<p></p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17" </p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-42377635787349085802022-08-19T14:49:00.004-04:002022-08-19T15:13:42.092-04:00Purple Meadow Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh-Ed8UEsehXiG2YM6xApSD56yHidiuAZOUP3ZD8BYOyGpZBi4qVSJnjdFmq7UzSQUg5rgubJrN00b3z60yvJEMowTKVxQWlX0QGrvEqpnvq61YKulAeStv_rgmj0aQM0fY5ifdBhACNGR0wUkvvUAp8sVdjaOK58i6cztHMpszIGvyxqsKSS3EuY/s800/purple%20meadow%20dreams1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="800" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh-Ed8UEsehXiG2YM6xApSD56yHidiuAZOUP3ZD8BYOyGpZBi4qVSJnjdFmq7UzSQUg5rgubJrN00b3z60yvJEMowTKVxQWlX0QGrvEqpnvq61YKulAeStv_rgmj0aQM0fY5ifdBhACNGR0wUkvvUAp8sVdjaOK58i6cztHMpszIGvyxqsKSS3EuY/w400-h318/purple%20meadow%20dreams1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">It's the waning days of summer here in Maryland, and natural beauty abounds. In a field under a sunny blue sky, wildflowers bloom in purple, pink, and red. A gentle, warm breeze blows, jostling the flowers, as butterflies drift lazily about. It's a place of peace far away from the bustle of everyday life.</span></div><p>Acrylic painting; 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-34000683324440030162022-07-08T11:12:00.006-04:002022-12-31T15:50:09.666-05:00Sunset Storms at 30,000 Feet<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwmuWJLT-d0sogmwhX5qXrYoZJbDZRyOuu4S4NMLa5MI7ft4C3p08MAajC6_l39PJGTNH-nrFbmXVFSEOcI2kZuztuh298L_37h4fGbIl9Q5nISmS_0gpEv0xyuPiYrwpsIWG3FnNJ6JQxO94oX9vfYgCVvmC85VwmxV9cCRaGiOdcvf197mf6x8D/s850/sunset%20storms%20at%2030,000%20feet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="708" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwmuWJLT-d0sogmwhX5qXrYoZJbDZRyOuu4S4NMLa5MI7ft4C3p08MAajC6_l39PJGTNH-nrFbmXVFSEOcI2kZuztuh298L_37h4fGbIl9Q5nISmS_0gpEv0xyuPiYrwpsIWG3FnNJ6JQxO94oX9vfYgCVvmC85VwmxV9cCRaGiOdcvf197mf6x8D/w334-h400/sunset%20storms%20at%2030,000%20feet1.jpg" width="334" /></a></div></blockquote><p>Inspired by some of the storms I've seen out airplane windows over the years, here we look over some summer thunderstorms in the warm sunset glow. Lightning flashes silently from our perspective as rain falls on the land below.</p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-90697388547358015762022-06-26T11:29:00.004-04:002022-06-26T11:31:32.208-04:00Yosemite Tunnel View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTcxH8bv6PyA7663oyzin_y9Waj_4mgekmLKa7tu47UaWrBPbdQ8fdaNPvdnoDRW-ZTKam06vlVmAjHaVFa7ywHQAwMG9bPYTKZVSG-QrBhYvMby0yPa2YkxASw2AYSsIZuvS3FAlyR3D2OOAEMfOULnY_pCwNjXKA75JKYKGt-ZGA1zoMNzFlikT/s800/Yosemite%20Tunnel%20View1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="800" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTcxH8bv6PyA7663oyzin_y9Waj_4mgekmLKa7tu47UaWrBPbdQ8fdaNPvdnoDRW-ZTKam06vlVmAjHaVFa7ywHQAwMG9bPYTKZVSG-QrBhYvMby0yPa2YkxASw2AYSsIZuvS3FAlyR3D2OOAEMfOULnY_pCwNjXKA75JKYKGt-ZGA1zoMNzFlikT/w400-h325/Yosemite%20Tunnel%20View1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Back in 2018 I painted a landscape of the famous Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park. I soon framed the painting and displayed it, but I was never fully satisfied with it. This month, I had the framing store swap out that painting for one that celebrates the Chesapeake Bay, which gave me a chance to touch up this painting to higher standards.</div><div><br /></div><div>Improvements include adding more contrast and color range, fixing the waterfall and mountains on the right, adding a suggested tree line to the foreground of the painting, and cleaning up the sky by adding a subtle gradient and eliminating the excessive sky texture in the original. The end result is a significant improvement - there's more light and texture, better details, and it just feels more lively and real.</div><div><br /></div><div>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</div><div><br /></div><div>Link to original: <a href="https://autumnglade.blogspot.com/2018/08/yosemite-tunnel-view.html">The Autumn Glade: Yosemite Tunnel View - OLD</a></div><div><br /></div>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-19999671711280761972022-05-29T14:07:00.011-04:002022-06-26T20:27:44.097-04:00Rocky Bay Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2kPyxYDe9XvCiHgPOu_ObjwncUqvbpzMXnj55eKnkpYZd2HsIIET7jLCBFsjSHOF0hDruBrtZ8OSRe4B0lkBiIMFYnuqBbwtz18LBz2HgAGpAh1lCY2wmAVDhEpTNNnmIiDhp4sWXwA3rX6h0eNJX7Oo8nCd-lc0TRjHbj-PGIj-7yWke0aLGw73/s800/rocky%20Bay%20sunrise1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="800" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2kPyxYDe9XvCiHgPOu_ObjwncUqvbpzMXnj55eKnkpYZd2HsIIET7jLCBFsjSHOF0hDruBrtZ8OSRe4B0lkBiIMFYnuqBbwtz18LBz2HgAGpAh1lCY2wmAVDhEpTNNnmIiDhp4sWXwA3rX6h0eNJX7Oo8nCd-lc0TRjHbj-PGIj-7yWke0aLGw73/w400-h329/rocky%20Bay%20sunrise1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sunrise shines through parting clouds on the Chesapeake Bay, illuminating its peaceful waters. Waves no larger than ripples lap at the old rocks of a forgotten, submerged jetty at high tide on this beautiful morning.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Acrylic painting: 14" x 17" (framed)</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-21460569512108046322022-05-02T17:19:00.009-04:002022-05-02T17:21:50.178-04:00Patuxent Research Refuge in Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnhRHG2GUt6jg9c_jfVu6p1AGktTyIVvZN14iNYGOvAqJuY0pp0BcAS3kFkzgjY3XEebuFNYu4mrHOACa8cLIl1NotJeuyexLBqzIB7nEwrzaYGWcXFd68pOEa4MeNdAFEl61smcNuCQXym4y5F33FPaw8I9KWT_1ywWAUCcdPhcEHjZOyNhvM4Hi/s800/Patuxent%20Refuge%20in%20spring1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="800" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnhRHG2GUt6jg9c_jfVu6p1AGktTyIVvZN14iNYGOvAqJuY0pp0BcAS3kFkzgjY3XEebuFNYu4mrHOACa8cLIl1NotJeuyexLBqzIB7nEwrzaYGWcXFd68pOEa4MeNdAFEl61smcNuCQXym4y5F33FPaw8I9KWT_1ywWAUCcdPhcEHjZOyNhvM4Hi/w400-h321/Patuxent%20Refuge%20in%20spring1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Patuxent Research Refuge is a beautiful swath of nature in the megapolis between Baltimore and DC. Composed of about 20 square miles of forests, marshlands, and small lakes, it's a crucial area for waterfowl and other animals in the region. Unlike many of our nation's national parks, this refuge has also thankfully not been completely overrun by tourists, nor has it been threatened by wildfires or other devastating effects of climate change. Here, we look through the trees, some still flowering, at one of the Refuge's lakes on a sunny day in late April.</p><p>Acrylic painting; 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-81100485446048826802022-03-27T18:39:00.010-04:002022-05-02T17:20:48.177-04:00Valley Forge - Spring Clouds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfCcLUtAZAo6UEIG6OYWIAZcgAmpA1Frbyvyv4ndmmPqBKq4xVD2IdjUKJz4Jzvk4Ok21blGKhDQly_AYZ6qBSbIls1y-uk3_TR1p_Uupil1TI-TaGC43_PKwj7keXBFofVIV5LaLIiJolcrCPAlw2Ypr-nANY340cUuHFxPVyi7b6bPCG6UBFnoC/s800/Valley%20Forge%20-%20spring%20clouds1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="800" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfCcLUtAZAo6UEIG6OYWIAZcgAmpA1Frbyvyv4ndmmPqBKq4xVD2IdjUKJz4Jzvk4Ok21blGKhDQly_AYZ6qBSbIls1y-uk3_TR1p_Uupil1TI-TaGC43_PKwj7keXBFofVIV5LaLIiJolcrCPAlw2Ypr-nANY340cUuHFxPVyi7b6bPCG6UBFnoC/w400-h324/Valley%20Forge%20-%20spring%20clouds1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Last weekend, some friends and I went on a road trip up to Valley Forge National Battlefield, which is outside of western Philadelphia. The weather was great, which is unusual for March, and we enjoyed our walk around the perimeter trail. Like most eastern US battlefield parks, Valley Forge is steeped in history and has a quiet dignity to it. You can also get great open views across the rolling fields and scattered trees, which is a rarity in the densely populated and forested parts of the country. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</div><p></p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-826298306294156259.post-43133631779940999302022-02-27T14:44:00.002-05:002022-05-02T17:22:32.340-04:00Storm over Ukraine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigD7hjrP6NKahzeSur9ckq98o8a2JYD7TcUmhQpPUSXTtgcLIe62Bhr0SzB8LVEi8edmIHJGRdCLWcoMF21OXHnx_WtAjjsahtp74BSVgmBQ_OsPa__RNsf8BX6JEJn4KlVaBvKydh7wB1s9DCDgZmgsfhAGAU93tFEhOc5fVbR8LuL17cR1X1CsaS=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="800" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigD7hjrP6NKahzeSur9ckq98o8a2JYD7TcUmhQpPUSXTtgcLIe62Bhr0SzB8LVEi8edmIHJGRdCLWcoMF21OXHnx_WtAjjsahtp74BSVgmBQ_OsPa__RNsf8BX6JEJn4KlVaBvKydh7wB1s9DCDgZmgsfhAGAU93tFEhOc5fVbR8LuL17cR1X1CsaS=w400-h318" width="400" /></a></div><p>I don't usually mix politics with painting, but some situations call for it. In the past week, the Russia army started the largest war in Europe since the end of WW2 with an unprovoked invasion of the independent democracy of Ukraine. This war is symbolized in this painting; the composition and colors are drawn from the Ukrainian flag, and the sunflowers - the national flower of Ukraine - stand in defiance of the storm. There's another message here as well; how hateful, grasping tyrants cannot enjoy even the simple beauty of nature, such as a storm passing over a field of flowers. All they can do is destroy and then wonder why they are still empty.</p><p>Acrylic painting: 14" x 17"</p>Matt H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14772769564995561875noreply@blogger.com0