I feel certain that we each follow a specific path for a specific reason.  I was recently talking with an old friend and he said that he knew since we were kids that I would be an artist.  He said there was nothing else for me to be.  I was meant to be an artist.  Similarly, I always knew he would be a teacher.  But I did not set out to be an artist and he did not set out to be a teacher.  While it can be frustrating for those who love us to see us heading down roads which seem ill-chosen, I am certain that all roads lead us back to our hearts.  I needed to sell cars and recruit corporate folks and manage an office and work at an art school in order to develop into the artist that I am.  And my friend needed to do all sorts of unusual and unexpected things before he could become the teacher he was meant to be.  So wherever you find yourself today, please do not worry about finding your way.  Trust that your way has been found and that the experiences you face today are entirely necessary for the creation of your intended future.

How All Roads was created.....   Once the black gesso primer dried, I used palette knives to create a gorgeous rich expressionist field of color.  I then "engraved" the lines of this image with dental tools.  Many of the lines were continually retraced between each layer of paint to keep the grooves clear.  I used a soft damp cloth to rub on multiple transparent washes in deep earth tones.  And I also used a dry cloth to blot through those washes in key places.  This piece also has some soft brush painting and some fine detail work, too.  I finished with tiny detail brushes, painting the heart, key highlights, the words and my signature.

(The sides have been painted a deep dark shade of brown. This is a digital photo. The scans above are more accurate.)

All roads was painted on a wooden board created specifically for use by artists. It has a recessed slot in the back allowing you to hang it flush with the wall. The sides of the board have been painted as well so that this piece would look wonderful displayed unframed either directly on the wall or on a small, decorative table-top easel. It is also very stable standing on edge and can be displayed that way on a shelf or table.  ***NOTE: I can include a new black, wood, mission-style display easel with your order for just $10.00. Please email me and let me know if you would like one.