SIERRA SNOW    18" X 24"

"It is good to be a seeker, but sooner or later

you have to be a finder,

and then you must give what you have found

as a gift for the world to enjoy."

SIERRA AUTUMN    8" x 10"

HOUSE WITH BLUE ROOF     14" X 18"

WHY PAINT LANDSCAPE?

THE ANSWER LIES IN AN OLD RABBINIC STORY

A Jewish man dies and goes to heaven. He meets God, who will tell him whether he will spend eternity in heaven or otherwise. The very "religious man feels certain that he will go to heaven, considering the "pure" life he's led. God asks him some questions:

"DID YOU VISIT MY FORESTS AND VALLEYS, LAKES AND MOUNTAINS?"

"Oh, no, Sir. I spent all my time in prayer and study, awaiting the glory of this moment."

"DID YOU MARRY AND ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF LOVE, FAMILY, AND CHILDREN?"

"Oh, no, Sir. I spent all my time in prayer and study, awaiting the glory of this moment."

"DID YOU ENJOY THE FEASTS OF FOODS THAT MY WORLD PROVIDED?"

"Oh, no, Sir. I spent all my time in prayer and study, awaiting the glory of this moment."

God sadly directs the man away from heaven. The man was aghast. He had given up everything to study and pray so that God would find him worthy of heaven!

"God," the man protested, "how can this be? I have been a holy man, focused only on your kingdom in heaven."

God raised his arm in a wide flourish over the world and said,

"THIS, TOO, IS MY KINGDOM. 

ALL THE BEAUTY AND WONDER WHICH I HAVE PROVIDED FOR YOU

IS TO BE ENJOYED AND HONORED IN HOLY WAYS."

SIERRA COLOR DANCE   18" x 24"

Floral    Portraits/Figures    Equine