Journey Day 3

Day 3 consisted of more driving and some of the most incredible landscapes I could imagine. As we crossed into South Dakota the flat plains eventually gave way to beautiful rolling hills and then the quirky yet fascinating landscape of the badlands. It felt like a different world as we ventured through this new landscape. South Dakota has a beauty all it's own. We stopped by at the world famous Wall Drug Store. WoW! what an amazing place. It felt almost as if we entered Disney world or something of the sorts. I also saw my first N.C. Wyeth original work of art. It was everything and more I had imagined. Wyeth as one my greatest influences has a special place in my heart. To finally view one of his works was an incredible experience. Wall Drugs Store has such an incredible collection of art hanging on it's many walls. I am planning a trip back that way to further explore the badlands and the outstanding art collection. Tomorrow we will explore the Black Hills and the Mt. Rushmore area. Overall this has been a most incredible experience and I feel blessed by my maker in every step we have taken. I am however exhausted and going through two time changes has screwed me over. To sleep I go...more to come - prayers - Ja-

Day 2

Today was another long drive! We crossed the Mississippi River which really was not much bigger than though Ohio but hey I can cross that one off the to do list. We drove through Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota stopping at some interesting sights along the way. We drove by my wife's grandfather's hometown and we remembered all the stories he told us of his days growing up in Iowa. It was good to remember such a great man. My wife and I shared many interesting thoughts on religion and spirituality as she read me the rest of my book "So you think you don't want to go to church anymore....an unexpected journey." Man what a great read! It has given us so much to discuss, dwell on and apply to our lives. It is so incredible to have God at the center of this journey. He never fails to amaze with nature's beauty. Overall it was a most excellent day. Tomorrow we should arrive in Rapid City and then on to the Black Hills where I will be doing some major photo shoots and exploration. Post more when I can- prayers

The Journey day 1

day 1
Today was a long drive. We started out around 7:00 a.m. from Gallipolis and drove several hundred miles to wherever we are at in Illinois. I found the transforming landscape quite fascinating. As we left the rolling hills of southern Ohio we exchanged the quaint beauty for the ever flattening landscape of the mid-west. Myself being somewhat secluded in my life, have never travelled farther west than the Smoky Mountains. Today was my first day in the flat lands of Indiana and Illinois. To say I felt unnerved would be an understatement. I live in a beautiful valley in the large foothills of West Virginia. I thrive in my hills. There I feel safe and secure. There I know how to survive. In these flat lands of Illinois I feel completely exposed and out of place. It is interesting to look off into the distant landscape and wonder just how far you are actually viewing. The landscape though for the most part is cornfields and farms. I found myself having to look hard for anything interesting and out of the ordinary. I enjoyed this day of hard driving though and look forward to the rest of the journey. Our destination in a general sense is the Black Hills of South Dakota. Where the journey goes from there is up to the journey. I am bound to follow wherever it leads and fear I could find myself lost in the beauty of America for months as I realized just how close my journey brings me to the Rocky mountains. Time and funds will tell how long this adventure will continue. I thank God for a safe and blessed day where I had new scenery and great conversation with my lovely wife. Mark my friend your verse has us boggled but lead to such interesting discussions....thanks for stirring our thoughts! I am exhausted though so off to dream land I escape...more tomorrow.

Calypso

Hello again from my realm where I am lost somewhere between reality and fiction. I have completed the first painting since my surgery. "Calypso" yet another addition to my current exploration into mythology. "Calypso" is currently on exhibit at the French Art Colony in Gallipolis Ohio.


Calypso by ~RogueWolfStudios on deviantART

In July I will be taking several excursions to fresh landscapes in hopes of capturing some interesting photography and painting ideas. I am currently just enjoying my summer and I hope you are enjoying yours!

News

Hey there everyone hope the world is treating you well. I thought I would drop you a line and let everyone know how the art world of roguewolfstudios is going. First the Altar Art event with Romans Highway was an incredible experience! I believe we had over 270 people in attendance. The guys from the band are an incredible bunch of guys to hang with, it was a privilege to create with you! They will be having a CD release party soon check out http://www.myspace.com/romanshighway for more info!

I have been Featured! One of my latest works titled "Monkey King Steampunk" has been featured here http://news.deviantart.com/article/73185/ Thanks for the feature!

For the next few weeks I will be in and out of the studio. I will be having knee replacement surgery very soon and will be splitting my time between rehab and art. Stay tuned though as I am currently working on a 48"x36" painting titled "Roman's Highway" a painting inspired by the above mentioned bands name and the upcoming Easter season. I am also kicking out a few children's book illustrations for a friend and some World of Warcraft portfolio pieces. I will post when I can for your viewing pleasure!

Peace and prayers!