From the Mountain to the Prairie

This painting/collage was done for the Marianist Environmental Education Center art show. However, I didn't submit it because I wasn't satisfied with it.

The mountain area was done by making my own stamp using softened plastic on which I pressed bark from a tree. This was then painted and pressed to the paper. The foreground is paint with lacy rice paper glued over it.

The theme for the show was restoration with an emphasis on the prairie as a conservation of soil.

MEEC Postcard

This is a scanned image of the postcard used by the Marianist Environmental Education Center (meec) to advertise its series of programs offered currently. The programs emphasize the beauty of the prairie that was established to reclaim a "borrow pit" which was disturbed land left after construction of an interstate highway. I was honored to have my painting selected for the card and other advertising. For the complete schedule, go to www.meec.udayton.edu.

Prairie Weeds

"Prairie Weeds" is another whimsical and imaginary field of weeds generated by interactions among the seeds of biodiversity. It's not real but it's fun!

Seeds of Biodiversity

"Seeds of Biodiversity” exaggerates the makeup of seed formation in a graphic but fun interpretation of possibility. What is possible when nature combines fertilization accomplished by wind and birds and even tramping feet? Is it going to generate fantastic forms like those illustrated in this painting? Probably not! But restoring land condemned to abuse by waste or refuse or unneeded construction can open land for beauty and the unexpected.

Prairie Biodiversity

“Prairie Biodiversity” is a whimsical suggestion of the plants that can spring up in a field left on its own. A stroll through a field of grass can help the observant to discover a variety of plants and flowers that are unexpected at first glance. Restoring land, whether it is a hillside like at Mt. St. John, or seashore where dunes are preserved, encourages growth of the oddly shaped or multi-colored plant.
Imagine the possibilities—just like this painting is full of imagination.