INTERSECT - 20 x 30 in. Diptych
INTERSECT was inspired by freedom -- the freedom to think, to do, and be who we are created to be. The brightness of the copper and flow of gold serve as a reminder of the hopes and dreams that enable us to overpower any shadow of darkness that tries to undermine us.
Inspired by the silhouette of sparse tree branches against the morning sky as the sun's brilliant red rays washed over the horizon signaling the beginning of a new day.
RED DAWN - 18 X 14
CONUNDRUM - 9 x 12 canvas panel
CONUNDRUM began as an experiment and was a mystery as to where it was taking me; hence the name. As layer upon layer was applied, I began to feel the depth of expression in it. The centered square adds dimension to the puzzle: representative of a hole in time…or perhaps a door leading to an unknown adventure.
(Donated to A Little Faith Foundation fundraiser for Lilly’s wish, Greensboro, NC)
COSMIC CAFÉ - 20 x 10 Diptych
COSMIC CAFÉ symbolizes the simpler pleasures of life where there is freedom to be who you are and enjoy each day as it comes.
This set of two abstracts took a couple of months to create with numerous layers of paint, glazes and texture. They are composed of an underlying painting containing blocks of colors in copper, turquoise, lime green, aqua, purple and periwinkle with a champagne metallic glaze. The color blocks span the two paintings visually connecting them together. Heavy relief texture of acrylic paste in taupe brown was troweled on to add depth and dimension. Scumbled metallic copper highlights accentuate the texture.
AQUILINE 1 - 24 x 24 - SOLD
AQUILINE 2 - 24 x 24 - SOLD
A set of two original abstracts inspired in part by the memory of a piece of tapestry used by my mother in the early sixties and in part by a lovely pottery vase I strongly admired by an unknown potter.
L-R: MERCY, LOVE, HOPE - 9 x 12 ea. canvas panel
This series of three abstract paintings are about life. On this journey called life, we encounter many challenges and problems too big for us to handle alone. These paintings are intended to be a reminder that when we experience Mercy through unconditional Love it enables us to find Hope.
SHADES OF SAPPHIRE 16 x 26 - SOLD
SHADES OF SAPPHIRE was inspired by a study of the sapphire gem revealing all the depth and beauty of it’s colors. Natural sapphire is not just blue; it comes in an array of colors.
UNFAILING LOVE - 30 x 40 - SOLD
UNFAILING LOVE has been adopted and moved to it's new home in Greensboro, NC. It is an original abstract representative of the passionate care of God’s unfailing love, the one place we can find security and refuge through the uncertainties of life.
SISTERS - 20 X 10 in Floating Frame - SOLD
SISTERS is heavily textured with delicate colors and copper metallic highlights giving the appearance of sculpted metal. It is symbolic of sisters standing side by side with long, flowing hair cascading down over their shoulders, expressing the love they share.
HOPE RENEWED - 36 x 12 (click image for full view)
HOPE RENEWED is intended to remind us that during the seasons of life when hopes and dreams seem lost, there are still glimmers indicating that hope will return.
WATERFALL - 30 x 10
WATERFALL - A Smoky Mountain waterfall with its crystal blue water tumbling and cascading down a rocky hillside was the inspiration for this painting.
VINEYARD’S SONG - 6 ft. x 4 ft. - SOLD
Art’s d’Vne Exhibit, Kernersville, NC
VINEYARD’S SONG represents the tranquility and peace experienced at the end of a day; comfort taken in the knowledge that we are loved.
OUT OF DARKNESS - 14 x 11 Dioptych
NFS - Private Collection
A JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF —
In the midst of darkness, there is a path of Light, a promise of hope. Therein lies the choice of the journey--to remain in the dark, or move toward the Light. I prefer to move toward the Light; to experience healing in the hope. This painting is my interpretation of that process and was inspired by my personal journey through a season of grief.
OUT OF DARKNESS - Two 14x11 traditional canvases created by first applying thin layers of modeling paste and multiple layers of paint in thick and thin coats to achieve the lightly textured gray background. Each layer represents a stage of grief that was being processed. As I worked through it, colors changed until I reached the desired shade of gray. The heavily raised texture was created by using a unique mixture of ash and gel. Coarse gold metallic gel was applied to portray the path of light. Copper metallic gel was used to create the copper block and the circle which represent hope.
One definition of the word Zerah is scarlet, thus the name of this painting. It is inspired by scarlet rays of sun spilling over the earth heralding the beginning of a new day.
This 12 x 9 in. original abstract was created with acrylic medium troweled onto a canvas panel with layers of paint in greenish brown tones and scarlet red. Coarse gold and silver metallic scumbled on top adds highlights and accentuates the texture. Signed by the artist (sjh) and framed in a 1/2" frosted umber metal frame.
Tranquility - 40" x 30" Acrylic Mixed Media
It's an honor and delight to share that TRANQUILITY won 3rd place at the "Second Spring Arts 2016 - The Power of Story" exhibition held April-May at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Winston-Salem, NC.
Troika - 36" x 24" Triptych - SOLD
The name TROIKA (pronounced troi-kuh) means “group of three acting in unity.” This original abstract incorporates 3 canvases containing 3 circles. It is inspired by and representative of Love, Word and Truth acting together in unity giving us never ending hope.
Layers of crinkled tissue paper were applied for texture on a 36” x 24” canvas. Then numerous layers of paint using thick and thin coats and glazes were used to create a leather effect. (Note: The leather look of the base canvas does not show up very well in the photo so the painting really has to be seen in person to experience it.)
Next, a tissue paper background was applied to two 16” x 20” canvases. The circle and line relief textures were created using twisted tissue paper adhered with acrylic gel. Color was painted, washed and glazed in varying layers to achieve the final effect. Metallic gold scumbled over the circles and lines accentuates the relief texture adding highlights. Both smaller canvases were securely attached to the larger base canvas to complete the triptych.
TROIKA sold in 2010 to a private collector in Greensboro, NC.
TOUCHED BY LOVE - 24 x 20 - SOLD
About TOUCHED BY LOVE: The purpose of refining a fine metal, such as gold, in fire is not to change its original composition but to purify it; through the harsh flames will emerge a material infinitely more precious. I have seen this process accomplished and it is often with great care, even love, on behalf of the craftsman to create the most beautifully pure finished object. In that way, this painting, which is predominately a fiery gold, represents the love and care of a craftsman over their work.
Sold to a private collector.
…
I recently reconnected with the collector and it was such a treat to hear how she is doing. To me the joy of creating is being able to share the gift. The pleasure a collector derives from a piece of artwork makes painting it worthwhile. I was thrilled to hear that one of my paintings touched someone's life so deeply and after years of owning it, the painting still speaks to her. A special thank you to Leslie A. for sharing how TOUCHED BY LOVE gave you hope through some trying times. May you continue to be touched by love.
RESTORATION - 24 x 8 (24 x 16) Diptych
When we choose forgiveness and unconditional love instead of offense and hurt, the chains of rejection begin to break and fall away; restoration begins. We can't change the lies someone may choose to believe, but we can be quick to forgive and extend love regardless of how they treat us.
This diptych, which consists of two 24x8 canvas panels, was inspired by the experience of a broken relationship and the rejection I felt from someone I deeply cared about. I chose to express the emotion of the journey on canvas. I took time to listen; waiting to see where it would lead. As the painting progressed over four years, it went through multiple transformations, as did I. Through the process, I learned that forgiveness and unconditional love are powerful tools which can promote healing.
RESTORATION’S blues and greens represent the new life and peace we can experience as we embrace forgiveness. The chain draped across the top stands for hurt and rejection that breaks apart and falls away. The smaller gold metallic chain across both canvases remains connected as a symbol of forgiveness hopefully resulting in healing and restoration.
11 x 14 framed canvas panel. Shown in antique gold metal frame.
Another day draws to an end as the sun disappears below the horizon. The silhouette of the hillside is boldly pronounced against the afterglow of the evening sky. The wind calms and stillness settles in. It's twilight, my favorite time of day. There's just something about twilight that calms the soul. Inspired by the greenish tint of the western sky immediately after sunset as viewed from my front porch.
Twilight was constructed on a canvas panel using a thin layer of acrylic medium applied with a paint knife. Background shades of turquoise with a touch of black and orange worked into the crevices creates the sky. For a finishing touch, metallic gold scumbled over the relief surface brings dimension and creates the afterglow effect. The dark blue, green and black silhouette texture on the bottom portion has been scumbled with a touch of orange and metallic copper for added depth. Signed by the artist (sjh), it comes framed in a 3/8" antique gold metal frame along with a Certificate of Authenticity. It is sealed with a satin archival UV protective finish coat and is ready to hang.
Shown framed in room setting on small decorative chest.
Shown framed in room setting.
Thought I would take a moment to honor and share some heartfelt appreciation for the late artist, FrancIs Kendall, who lived in Whiteville, NC. Art was a big part of her life and she loved creating, teaching and sharing her enthusiasm and love for it with others. She was a kind, patient lady and an excellent teacher. She loved her family, loved working with all types and media of art, gardening and being out in nature.
Francis was a very special person and she had a major impact on my life. She was my first art teacher and mentor and was instrumental in my passion and pursuit of art. She instilled in me a sense of adventure when it comes to creating. I can still hear her telling me, "If it doesn't turn out right, just try again." She emphasized that when creating art, one should be willing to fearlessly try new ideas, techniques, combinations and media because you never know what you might discover. That has proved so true in my pursuit of acrylic mixed media abstraction.
Francis Kendall, I thank you for encouraging me on this path of creativity. I thank you for instilling a passion for art in me. It has taken me on interesting journeys and brought me to where I am today as an artist. I only wish it were possible to thank you in person but I have a feeling you already know the impact you had on my life and how much I love, appreciate and respect you.
