Eilean Donan Castle. Scotland

This is my painting of Eilean Donan Castle as you have never seen it before ( and perhaps not again ) but I was feeling rather crazy during the week.
This is the result.
I have painted this most famous much painted and photographed castle in Scotland twice before but only with a more conventional style.
Much to my surprise my crazy and abandoned brush strokes came together to form this painting. I quite like it.
Maybe Vincent Van Gogh was onto something being mad!

What do you think?
Would you buy this?
Size 39cm x 30cm Acrylic.


Paradise Road

I was close to a magical paradise when I saw these beautiful trees in their full autumn glory.This is my second attempt to paint this subject. It is not exact but I tried to capture the spirit and essence of my feelings and the trees.

It is quite different to the previous one ( see the other a few posts back ) but that is what happens.
The painting takes on a life of it's own and you, the artist, are merely a bit player in the process.
Why is this?
What does it mean?

Famous Findhorn Community

Up here in the far north of Scotland I live close to the Findhorn Foundation. Depending on your point of view, hearsay or actual experience it is regarded as wonderful, weird, false, authentic, empty, inspirational and many other positive and negatives. Whatever your point of view it has survived 50 years and this week is celebrating the fact. See what the BBC has to say about it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-20358557

I myself volunteer once a week in one of the gardens for a morning work shift for which I get a free meal and lots of interesting chats. What is my opinion of The Foundation?

Emptiness

Amoghasiddhi. Buddha of the North.

After over 30 years of sporadically studying and practising Buddhism I finally get it!


I know nothing, that is enough.


Does this mean I am enlightened?

Open Heart

I was reading a book someone gave me recently. It is full of wisdom but one short passage made me think about the hearts response to emotional pain. I think it is true to say that for most of us the default response is to close down to protect ourselves. However I think the passage I mentioned and quote below is a more skillful and healing way to deal with it.

" Closing down in the midst of pain is a denial of mans true nature. A evolved man is free in feeling and action, even in the midst of great pain and hurt. If necessary a man should live with a hurting heart rather than a closed one. He should learn to stay in the wound of pain and act with spontaneous skill and love even from that place."

Autumn Road

This painting was inspired by the extraordinary colours this autumn. It is mixed media and I used only five colours. Lemon Yellow and Cadmium Red watercolours and Light Red, Paynes Grey acrylics. Oh and a little White acrylic also.
The size is 47cm x 35cm and will be available to buy. It will be a nice reminder of the warm autumn colours as winter changes this scene to more sombre tones.


Mid Town Brae, Poolewe. Scotland

Mid Town Brae. Poolewe. Scotland.

Sold these four prints to one person.
To see more go to www.chrisgauntartist.co.uk

Ben Loyal. Scotland.

Blue Moon

Guarding the path. Magnificent Oak tree.

Golden Rudd

Sold these two prints.  One is of Rudd a beautiful freshwater fish.

The other was inspired by a fete in St. Ambroix in France which I chanced upon when on the Gerry Active cycling trip in 2011.

Body to die for




Gerry Active Hero

This man  started body building at the age of 87 and now at 93 aims to pull the young ( 70 years old ) girls on the beach.He is an inspiration to Gerry Actives everywhere. So guys if you don't want to lose it you know what to do! To read the full story go to this BBC link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20048675