Today’s blog post is just a quick look at two of my latest paintings.
My Gray Mountain painting came about through experimentation with brush strokes and color, with the hope of creating something that might move the viewer. It came together as a colored image, but when I tweaked the saturation, some old-time photo characteristics appeared and made me feel that it provided the spark it needed to make it sing. The title, Gray Mountain, popped into mind as the finished scene reminded me of Gray Mountain, the title, and location, of a John Grisham novel I had read not so long ago. It is about strip mining for coal in Appalachia, specifically in southwest Virginia’s coal country. Whole mountains are destroyed in the process. All the beauty wiped away….
It is my hope that the monochrome landscape invites the viewer to look closer, to feel the silence, and to step into the scene. It is my hope that it evokes a contemplative mood, much like an old photograph whispering stories of the past and pushes the viewer to experience the devastation that strip mining does to the environment, as succinctly described by John Grisham in his book.
Master’s Painting – Created by Don Cheke
As always, this painting was started with no real destination in mind, and as usual, I was surprised to see what appeared on the canvas. I then blended in a digital drawing of windmills that I had made a few years ago when I first started to experiment with digital drawing. The original was okay, but nothing I would write home about. Once I added the image and tweaked the color and tones, I liked how it reminded me of an old Dutch master’s drawing or painting. I hope that you like it.
In the version below, I added a frame that I thought looked appropriate for the past ages. The frame is just an image I found online at Michael’s art store in the frame department. I edited it so that I could add my painting instead. I thought that it suited the painting well.
Master’s Painting with Frame – Created by Don Cheke
Thanks for taking time to visit my blog and to read through the posts. I hope that all is well in your neck of the woods! 👍😊
Donald B. Cheke – May 5, 2025
Of course the Dutch in me really likes the windmills. Nice art work Don!
Thanks Michael!
I really enjoyed reading about your creative process. It’s always interesting to see how a piece unfolds through experimentation. “Gray Mountain” carries a quiet intensity that truly draws the viewer in.
The monochrome palette gives it such a timeless, almost meditative quality, like a memory captured in an old photograph.
I found the connection you made to the environmental impact of strip mining especially moving. It adds a powerful layer of meaning. The inclusion of the windmills is such an inspiring touch. They feel like they belong there, gently echoing the past.
The final image feels thoughtful and evocative. Thank you for sharing its journey.
Great idea reflected in a great piece and that’s how great art is, in my opinion.
Thanks Suhail, for leaving such a lovely reply. As always, I appreciate your kind nature and words. Although I have never met you, I am glad that we “met” through the online world of art.