• I did it. I ran and bought a pochade box to do plein air painting and now I can’t stop. I have been addicted to a few things in my life. I can recognize an addiction when I have one. And this is just like an addiction. Perhaps I will gather help numbers now while I have the strength. I need plein air anonymous counseling, I think. all kidding aside, this purchase has made my day and my year. It is something I have wanted to do for some time now. Just get out and paint what I see. The challenge, paint a reasonable likeness of you see while you fight the elements. Clouds shifting, shadows changing, light changing, Florida sun drying my paint prematurely. And I might add, the sun beating down on me. Very important to find shade when you do this. The panels I am doing are small and on purpose because of the elements. but it’s a jumping off point. Get out there and plein air!

    Pochade box by artist loft. It works great I love this thing. Hand crafted by someone. It was $150 bucks or so. Stand is quality too. Only one drawback is knowing what supplies to bring. The box is not very deep. So, you can always bring a separate bag for other stuff. Narrow focus of supplies is required. The goal is to get what you need in that box.

    I have started a new series. Church fronts. My area of Florida has a few hundred churches. I probably won’t do all of them. I mean let’s be realistic. But there are some cool ones. Here are a few I started with just since I purchased the Pochade Box. Have fun!

    Northside Presbyterian Church. 8×8 panel 2025

    Eau Gallie Baptist Church 8×8 panel 2025

    Jesus Christ of ladder day saints. 8×8 panel

    Church 8×8 panel 2025

    Crossroads community Church 8×8 panel 20

    Ascension Catholic church 8×8 panel

    Beacon Babtist 8×8 panel

    Saint Timothy church 8×8 panel

    Emmanuel united methodist 8×8 panel

    Holy name of Jesus 8×8 panel

    In full disclosure I mistakenly painted the back door. So, this church got two paintings. Emmanuel United Methodist 8×8 panel

    Lake Washington Babtist church 8×8 panel

    River run Christian church 8×8 panel

    Bow Gardens Babtist Church 8×8 panel

    Calvary Babtist Church 8×8 2025

    Kol Mashiach Messianic synagogue 8×8 2025

    Discover Life Church 8×8 2025

    Christ is the Key Church 8×8 panel

    Harbor City Babtist Church 8×8 panel

    First Christian Church 6×8 panel

    First United Methodist 6×8 panel

    Saint Paul’s Anglican Church 6×8 panel

    Avent Lutheran Church 6×8 panel

    Saint Katherines Greek Orthodox Church 6×8 panel

    First Baptist Church of South Brevard 6×8 panel

    Life Oasis Church 6×8 panel

    St. Marks UMC 6×8 panel

    The Community Church of Melbourne 6×8 panel

    rock Harbor church 6×8 panel

  • I have been home here in Florida for about a week now. I am coming off the best vacation I have ever had. It was full of kayaking experiences when the weather was at its best. When the wind owned the day, I went walking. A jacket, my camera and my cat, followed me everywhere. The cat seemed to enjoy himself in the wilderness of Georgian bay but later feared being out in it. More about that later. I went, I saw, I painted. See last post for images. Now I can reflect.

    I had a vacation that unintentionally became the most important thing I have done for myself in a long, long time. I started a thirty-minute bible reading every morning. This tiny effort has blossomed into two and a half hours in the morning followed by night readings. And not just reading but prayer as well. I started with a simple morning prayer centered around my gratefulness and seeking forgiveness and my wanting for the Lord to be with me in all things. Especially with reading the bible. Prayer with the reading. Asking for insight and for the Lord to open my mind, my eyes, my soul, my spirit (which the bible says will lead me to truth) my, mouth, my ears, whatever. Open my up Lord to your word.

    The tiny effort I made for the Lord has taking on a life of its own and I hope there will be no end. I got saved about twenty years ago. Unfortunately for me, I must confess, that when I got saved the word of the Lord, as in the parable of the Sower, fell on stoney ground. It had no depth of soil and was choked. I can say with assurance I had no idea what I was doing. What to do with this being saved bit. As a result, I fell off. I wandered off, thinking well… that was fun. After chasing after everything, in every area of my life, without Jesus, for nearly twenty years and realizing I had failed in every area. I had realized that I had gone it alone without Jesus. I had Jesus within me the whole time and considered him not. For twenty years I tried to make life happen and the ends thereof were disastrous, unnecessarily difficult, and many time missed the mark. Frankly, a twenty-year shit show. Yes, it had its bright spots. I had a son in 99 and he now has a child, my granddaughter. And I made some financial and career improvements along the way but something was always amiss. Something was just not right. I was left with an unmistakable conclusion that I went it alone without a prayer life and without Jesus.

    Finally, I gave in. On this vacation a total surrender to the Lord took place. I just asked him to please take over. Take over all of it. I gave complete access to all of me. I open up to him in ways I never thought. I poured it out. After a while it just came flowing out of me, along with a few buckets of tears. It was relief from Jesus himself. I realized I reached out to the Lord like I have never before.

    Shortly thereafter, I felt amazing. I knew the Lord was at work in me. I had confessed during my surrender to the Lord that I would put him first and consider him in all things. I am working hard to make sure I put him first and I can feel him making it easier every day. When I start a new painting, I ask him to be with me with every stroke. I plan the day’s events, and I ask him to be with me. I want to incorporate Jesus in all things.

    In Genesis 5:21-24 we read about Enoch walking and talking with Lord and he was not, for the Lord took him. And later we read in the book of Hebrews that Enoch had so much faith, a super-faith as it were. His faith was so strong he believed he would not see death and the Lord took him. That is an amazing story of faith but the taking up into heaven seems the afterthought here. What is amazing is that Enoch walked with God all day and in all things. That is what I want. I want to walk with God. I don’t care so much about being taken up. Death, with the exception of a few in the bible that got swept up, is part of it. We can’t escape it. What is important here is this man’s faith. The only way to have faith like Enoch is to let Jesus in and take over. By doing so my faith will grow, and I can walk with Jesus.

    So, reconnecting with Jesus is the best thing I have done for me in a long time. It’s worth repeating. Simply amazing. Get back with God.

    My cat. My cat enjoyed being in the wilderness of Canada few the first few days. He followed me everywhere. Then one day we were out for a walk, surrounded by think woods on each side he decides to take off into the thick woods. My cat is deaf, like an idiot I started to yell for him to no avail. I had to go in after him. I had to go get my lost sheep. I had to weigh in on some heavy thick woods. it was amazing a fox didn’t get him or a rattle snake. I got to thinking why would he just take off like that. Following me one minute and the next in the deep woods. I think he was crying in the wilderness, so to speak, about maybe being lost. We both were, I guess. Any way thanks for listening.

    I have wrapped up my limited Canadian series but had a few fall paintings I thought I would try. 2×4 foot acrylic on canvas 2025

    Fall drive in Georgian Bay 2×3 foot acrylic on canvas 2025

    This has an A.Y Jackson feel to it. 2×3 ft acrylic on canvas 2025

  • My interpretation of the amazing rock formations found in Georgian bay, Canada. It is very special place indeed. Acrylic on canvas. 2025. Sold.

    (Limited Canadian Series) L.C.S. Georgian Bay. Amazing rock formations. 8″x10″ acrylic on canvas. 2025 #06

    L.C.S. Colorful mushroom. L.C.S #05. 8×10 inches acrylic on canvas 2025

    Sun through the woods. LCS #02. 8×10 inches. acrylic on canvas. 2025

    View from clothesline rock. LCS #03 8×10 inches acrylic on canvas 2025

    Rock Formation LCS #07 acrylic on canvas 9×12 inches. 2025

    Birds of Georgian Bay LCS #08 acrylic on canvas 9x12inches 2025. Sold

    In the woods. LCS #04 acrylic on canvas 9×12 inches. 2025

    Abandon boat. LCS #09 acrylic on canvas 12×16 2025

    Wild rock formation on GB (Georgian Bay) LCS #10 12×9 acrylic on canvas. 2025

    LCS #11 12×9 acrylic on canvas. 2025

    An almost surreal approach at the rock formations. 12×16 acrylic on canvas LCS#12 2025

    One of the many night shots from captured my window. LCS#13 acrylic on canvas 20×16. 2025

    Another amazing rock formation. LCS# 14 16×12 acrylic on canvas 2025

    crazy rock formation LCS #15 acrylic on canvas 12×16 2025

    Sun lit winding road through town. LCS#16 acrylic on canvas 2025

    A free moment to just have fun on tiny canvas. LCS#17 6×8 inches acrylic on canvas. 2025

    Another free moment, rainy day. LCS#18 acrylic on canvas 6×8 2025

    Plein air. Deans Lagoon LCS# 19 acrylic on canvas 12×16 2025

    Night Kayaking LCS#20 acrylic on canvas 16×20 2025

    Pesce Strano. LCS# 21. acrylic on canvas 16x 20 2025. Not found anywhere near Georgian bay.

    This is the final piece of my Canadian adventure. LCS# 22 acrylic on canvas. 2025

    Well, my fellow viewers and fellow artist this has certainly been a wonderful experience to come to Georgian bay, Canada and paint these amazing rock formations. The natural beauty of this place leaves me speechless. It has been excellent for my soul as well. The beautiful surroundings of Georgian bay I find have made me appreciate things of God again. Thank you, Georgian bay. I have reconnected with my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. So, thank you again.

    That’s it folks. That’s all she wrote. I will be heading back home to sunny Florida in a few days. I am avoiding winter. Hee Hee. I should be back in May for another paint fest.

  • Artwork by Kerry

    Kerry Holmes.

    Hello there.

    Kerry

    I love to paint. I find it relaxing. It has the potential for quieting my soul. There is definitely something happening when paint meets the canvas, I must admit. I can’t exactly put it into words. I am just pretty sure there is something special and exciting happening. I am relatively new to the painting scene. In fact, I didn’t start painting until November of 2023. Prior to that all I could manage was the odd doodle from time to time. That November I decided I was going to explore oil painting and straight away, with little warning, a connection was made with painting that I could not deny. I could not part with this newly discovered activity that has transformed my life. The very first thing I noticed was that my soul was quieted. I heard no one and nothing. I have joked about saying “I heard no one not even me.” It was that quiet in there. The last time I felt any kind profound soul freeing experience was when I gave my life to Christ. In no way am I suggesting it is the same. Christians can testify to the life changing experiences that Christ does when one surrenders to him. But it is like unto the same in terms of freedom and silence of the soul. As a result, I just keep painting. And I am a better person for it too. I look at everything now through the lens of “I wonder if I could paint that?” Which stops life’s momentum long enough take a second look at things. In other words, a stop and smell the roses taster’s choice moment presenting itself and an obligation to enjoy an unrushed visual experience. Go ahead, enjoy it, view it, take it in was what I heard. Then I oblige and am blessed for doing so. Beyond measure.

    The second revelation I had was the vast in-depth knowledge of painting that I did not possess. I knew less than nothing. I didn’t know one brush from the other and what each brush could and couldn’t do. Canvasses, paints, colors, primer, this, that, the other… OMG… But I had to start somewhere. So, I did. The first agreement I reached was the variety of art in the world was open ended and blinders were needed. To be good at painting I had to paint. I had to learn! Renowned Jazz bassist Ron Carter witnessed many bass styles during his career but decided to stick with the upright. Only way to get good at upright is to play upright. Ron Carter holds the record for most recorded bassist of all time, so 2600 credits. I think he would agree that getting good helped. The other reason for blinding out other forms of art is simple economics. Art supplies are expensive. Live with in your means. You still have to pay the bills. Self admittedly I dove headlong into an art rabbit hole the depths of which have not been revealed to me as of yet and the source light from whence I entered has dwindled and faded out. I am totally cool with this art life changing event thing that occurred in me. I do different things now. I go to different places. I have meet different people and other cool artists. I can’t even remember the very things I used to do. I have joined the art league here in my hometown for the first time. Each month there is a themed painting I have to complete and submit. Then the public gets to vote for their favorite. I haven’t won as of yet. I don’t expect to really. The thrill is in the painting.

    I put some of my work on this site for you to view. You can leave a comment if you want. I will respond. Please be polite. Happy to discuss.

    Thank you so much for viewing my work. I would love to paint for you.

    sincerely

    Kerry

    Self portrait. 2023

    The Starving Artist Mercy Center. Imagine a place where one could get treatment for being a starving artist. Free room and board in exchange for paintings you produce. You can never leave unless you die and your painting will go to the museum next door. Where you will be honored with you own gallery.
    acrylic on canvas 2023 This painting is available.
    The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: img_20241228_1643456542.jpg
    A Lovely Night for Stroll acrylic on canvas 2023 This painting is available.
    Milly and Tami’s Things. Acrylic on canvas 2023. If you are someone who is passionate about the things you love, I can paint them. With a few pictures of you and your things I can create something special for you. Get Christmas gifts. Just saying. This Painting is sold.
    Medicine Cabinet. Acrylic on canvas. 2024. If you have a med cab or maybe the contents of your refrigerator I can paint it for you. Could be a unique Christmas gift. This is available.
    Christ on the Cross. This is a Rembrandt. My hand at a master. this one is sold. This painting now hangs in a local church. This was a real honor for me. Could very well hang there for decades. This was a donation. Does your church need one? Sold.
    The Potato Eaters. This is a Van Gogh. My hand at a master. 2023. Acrylic on canvas. Available
    No Signal. 2024 acrylic on canvas. Available.
    The Lenox. Surreal. 2024 Acrylic on canvas. On occasion I get crazy visions. Available
    18th Hole Pebble Beach. 2024 acrylic on canvas. Notoriously tough hole with the howling ocean wind a tree parked right in line with the hole. If this tree could talk. Sport fans this one is calling you. Available
    1944 National Geographic magazine. December Vol 6. Acrylic on canvas 2024. This Mongolian family grabs some shade on a collective farm. The boy wears a Red Army hat. Available
    Betina’s Things. 2025 acrylic on canvas. Betina is very passionate about witchcraft and good vibes. This I can do for you as well. Are you passionate about things? I can paint them for you. Sold
    For my first grandchild, Charlotte Ilene Marie Holmes

    Range of Motions. 2025 acrylic on canvas. This is a themed piece based on movement/ motion. Sold
    Railway Fun. 2025 Acrylic on canvas. Another themed piece for movement /motion. Available.
    Nasa Drama. 2025 acrylic on canvas. another themed piece. This on space. Sold
    Things We Left on the Moon. Space themed for upcoming art show. Acrylic on canvas.
    City on Fire. acrylic on canvas 2025. Available.