Bottom art

A Christmas train story

2007-11-10T21:36:00.000-04:00

While visiting a local train amusement park I noticed the engineer shining the brass bell.I took a photo and did an oil painting of this scene.I almost changed the red hair color of the engineer but decided to leave it red.Once completed,I placed the image on my art website and after a few weeks I recieved an email.It was from a lady who wanted to purchase the original and three prints.She said the engineer in my painting is her son and that it would be a Christmas gift for him.That December my wife and I delivered the art in person and we were introduced to the red haired train engineer in my painting called "Reflecting on Tweetsie".

Worthy of Art

2007-11-09T11:22:00.000-04:00

I'm considering ideas for a series of paintings that are relevant to our time in history.Instead of painting a simple landscape I'm contemplating subject matter that deserves to be painted and may raise awareness.
Any ideas are welcome.

150,000 people die every day.

2007-03-12T12:41:00.000-03:00

I haven't blogged for several months because I didn't have anything of significance to talk about until now. I have to share this website with everyone that I can. It belongs to Kirk Cameron from the Television show "Growing Pains". He has a passion to tell us that every day 150,000 people on earth die. Then where do they go? Where will you go? Watch him interview gang members on the street and more at his website...
http://wayofthemaster.com/

Veteran's Day Mural

2006-11-09T14:38:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning the mural will be unveiled. All the work during those cold and windy days will soon be allowed to receive sunlight. I had painted inside a tent covering that was about 10 feet tall to keep the mural a secret. After about seven days of priming, drawing, painting and sealing, the mural is finally ready. I heard there will be a military flyover so that will be interesting too.Painting is always fun but this was a special project because my wife's grandfather and step mom's dad passed away recently. They used to share WWII stories with us such as parachuting into Normandy with freezing weather. Had her granfather not survived... I would not have met my wife.

Pisgah Forest hike

2006-10-29T00:58:00.000-03:00

We recently hiked a trail in Pisgah Forest that was awesome. It was the middle of October and time for our annual hiking trip in the Blueridge mountains of North Carolina. Our good friends met us there and we began our 1 and 1/2 hour hike up a trail called "John's rock". The fall leaves had not peaked yet but some yellows and reds were beginning to shine in the sun as we climbed higher.We were beginning to wonder if we would ever find this rock when all of a sudden we came out of the forest trail into an unbelievable view. This was one of the most scenic views in Pisgah forest.We walked onto the rock surface and were careful not to get too close to the edge! We sat down and enjoyed the view of "Looking Glass Rock" across from our location.The beautiful scenery reminded me of the movie "The Last of the Mohicans" which was filmed around this area in 1992. It was amazing to watch eagles fly by us at a lower altitude.
I'm waiting to see the photos from our friends who remembered to bring their camera!

CARS world premier movie

2006-05-27T23:26:00.000-03:00

Our family attended the World premier movie of CARS Friday night under the stars and along with the "Stars". I must say our family loved it. The new Disney movie was shown under the stars at Lowes Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina. Disney erected about four Gigantic screens for people to watch from their seats around the speedway. Each time I see a new Disney/Pixar movie, I'm always amazed at the increasing technology in animation. While the technology continues to improve, Disney/Pixar still manage to tell a wonderful story too. Our family highly recommends this movie as one to definitely see this summer. The animation is awesome, but the lessons learned by the main character can help us consider how we treat others as we journey through life.
-Stacy Bottoms

Hickory Museum of Art

2006-05-19T12:43:00.000-03:00

Saturday May 20th is "meet the artists" Day at The Hickory Museum of Art. I will be there from 10 am until 2pm to discuss the inspiration for my art along with other artists from across the U.S. and England.
The group exhibition will show from April 29th through September 17th.
Hope to see old friends and make new ones as well.

Museum exhibit

2006-03-12T00:41:00.000-04:00

Needless to say I am both honored and humbled to be invited to show my paintings at The Hickory Museum of Art. The exhibit will run from April 29th until September 17th.
The exhibit will be a tribute to the history of motorsports in the Carolina region.
For more information visit www.hickorymuseumofart.org

Art Quote

2006-02-19T02:23:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite quotes is mentioned at the top of this blog.It was said by the First President of the United States George Washington. "To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citzen owes to his country".- George Washington
If politicians still recognized the importance of the Arts in societies, perhaps there would be less crime and higher tests scores among our schools.
If encouraged globally perhaps there would be a desire for peace and less violence.

Lincoln

2006-01-23T00:45:00.000-04:00

Just watched a History Channel documentary about President Lincoln and learned some very interesting things about him. I actually grew up in his home town so it was especially insightful to learn about his childhood years and the chores he did around their cabin.He was self educated because his father saw no use for an education and often belittled him.He witnessed his mothers death at age nine as well as other family members due to illnesses.America's Civil War would show him death on an unimaginable scale and was something he had wanted to avoid.But he wanted to keep the United States United.On February 12th we celebrate Lincoln's birthday.

Creed

2006-01-07T03:31:00.000-04:00

Now that Creed has ended I will be purchasing Scott Stapp's new CD The Great Divide.His lyrics are still great and the message is still there.Check it out at www.scottstapp.com

Penguins and People

2006-01-06T01:51:00.000-04:00

I must recommend the movie called March of the Penguins. This movie was amazing. It must be viewed to really appreciate. After watching this movie I could not help comparing how human beings value our species and how penguins cherish theirs. Each day the news tells us about more senseless violence and killing around the globe. While at the South Pole each year,penguins give birth to their young and teach them how to live peacefully. The way humans behave, I'm not sure which species is more wise.

Leonardo's code

2005-12-15T13:46:00.000-04:00

While taking a break recently I watched The History Channel documentary about Leonardo Da Vinci. I remember studying about his art in college but this program gave more insight to his life and how he overcame adversity. His mother was not married when he was born which made him an outsider among the Italian community. His uncle guided him to a local painters studio where artists studied under the owners instruction. Da Vinci understood that painting involved science and proportion and he began to realize that his talent was surpassing his Master's. In addition to painting he also provided design plans for battles to Italian leaders. I was unaware that Leonardo had designed so many weapons of war such as the first "tank". About the age of 50 he crossed paths with a 25 year old named Michelangelo but they did not get along well. Throughout his life Da Vinci continued to draw and attempt his flying machines along with other inventions. The narrarator explained that Leonardo was driven to understand as much as possible about the world and mankind. He had realized that animals kill in order to eat but humans kill simply because they can. In his later years he would return to painting and carried the Mona Lisa with him as he travelled until his death.

Oh Holy Night

2005-12-11T03:03:00.000-04:00

My favorite Christmas song.Every word in each verse has a beautiful sound.This song always fills my heart with joy.
And as I get older each year, I simply pray for Peace on Earth.
Merry Christmas to all.

A Happy Story

2005-12-01T14:26:00.000-04:00

I've known a particular lady now for several years and I knew that her son was a student at The Juilliard School. She has worked very hard and encouraged him over the years and he recently graduated. The wonderful thing is that he is now a member of the new Broadway play "The Color Purple". Needless to say, she is a very proud and happy Mom.
I'm also happy for them too. She is one of the nicest people that I've ever known.

New Paintings

2005-11-13T23:47:00.000-04:00

My website will be updated this week and will include recent artwork from a local gallery show.Several people that saw the paintings have inquired about purchasing limited edition prints made from my originals.The updated website will have new limited edition prints available to purchase.

Hiking the Blueridge

2005-10-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is November 1st so its time for the annual trip to see the Fall colors. Where has this year gone? I hope the leaves will be colorful this year. The best year was 1998 when the Blueridge Mountains were blanketed with orange and red hues. A painting or a photograph cannot replace the experience of actually hiking this area in person.The cool air, the colors, and the aroma of leaves is refreshing. Not to mention the endless view of mountains that meet the sky.

Renaissance

2005-10-16T23:15:00.000-03:00

We visited the touring Renaissance Festival this weekend and finally saw a jousting reenactment.Very cool indeed.I missed the jousting event the last time we went so it was nice to see it this year.Forgot to take my camera however.Of course the period music was appealing to my ears and I especially enjoyed the lady playing the Harp as well as the haunting sound of bagpipes as we left at the end of the day.Makes me wonder about my ancestory. I do know that my mothers family originated from Ireland and my fathers family from England(perhaps Botham England).For Hollywoods attempt to remember this time in history, I can suggest the fairly recent film "King Arthur" which is now on DVD.

October Exhibit

2005-10-11T02:43:00.000-03:00

Thanks to all who came to the gallery reception. It was nice to see old friends and former clients.I will begin a new commision soon and discuss a mural with a new client.Sold one of my wifes' favorite paintings but that is the way it goes.I put many hours into my paintings only to let them go and hang on another persons wall.

Wet Paint

2005-09-09T00:58:00.000-03:00

Still burning the midnight oil as I paint in oils.I have about twelve new paintings ready for the show on October first.I still have ideas for more paintings but it seems I just won't have enought time to paint them all. Its also time to start framing so they will be ready to hang. so,... back to work.

Prayers

2005-09-03T02:51:00.000-03:00

My heart goes out to the victims of hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.It seems only a short time ago when the tsunami occured and now Americans need help.I have to wonder if building a city so far below sea level was ever a good idea.If we offer up our prayers as well as donations perhaps the survivors will recieve the strength they need to overcome.We must learn from this however and possibly prevent a similar situation.

Midnight Oils

2005-08-25T12:45:00.000-03:00

I've been painting until three in the morning for about six weeks now and it's beginning to take a toll on my sleep.The gallery opening is not until October first but I still have many ideas for more paintings.While I'm painting,the time just slips away and it seems there are not enough hours in a day.

Close art

2005-08-18T12:46:00.000-03:00

I finally made it to the Mint Museum to see the work of artist Chuck Close.I had read about his art in my college text books but until you view the work in person it can't really be appreciated. This exhibit is worth seeing if it comes to your city.

A better world

2005-08-16T01:24:00.000-03:00

"To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country".
-George washington
"So many countries are fighting against one another because as children they did not learn how to create but were instead taught how to hate."
-Stacy Bottoms

INXS

2005-08-11T14:57:00.000-03:00

While I don't watch many reality shows there is one that has me recording it to view when I can find the time. It's called Rockstar INXS. The band is trying to find a replacement for their lead singer who died in 1997. Each week singers try their best to impress the band and become the new lead singer for the group.In my younger days I enjoyed listening to all their music. Since watching the show I have ordered their greatest hits CD and added it to my music selection while I paint. I really hope that Marty is chosen when the show is finished. His performance and encore performance of "Lithium" was amazing.

Shuttle

2005-08-09T09:24:00.001-03:00

Thank God for a safe shuttle landing today.Discovery is home.

Comet Collision

2005-07-31T13:10:00.000-03:00

As my interest with the Discovery Channel continues, I think I'll watch their show about the NASA comet mission. What a package deal... to learn something new and be entertained as well. Time well spent and topics that are great for conversations. After a weekend of painting several oils and watercolors, I think its time to stop and take a break.

Sharks

2005-07-28T03:47:00.000-03:00

I was watching the Discovery Channel again and the show was called Myth Busters (I think). In this episode the crew was trying to see if a great white shark, like in the "Jaws" movie could actually do what was seen in those films. Several tests were performed including the construction of a shark head (for ramming ). The actual floating tanks used in the film were loaned to the show to determine the strength necessary for a great white to pull them under and away as seen in the movie. After numerous experiments the crew found that given the average known weight and size of a great white, one could not actually do what was seen in the movie. The key phrase there is the "known weight and size". Our oceans still have unexplored areas and who can say what lies miles beneath the surface.

Early Art

2005-07-07T00:35:00.000-03:00

I can't have a blog about my art and not give credit to the greatest influence on my artwork. It wasn't Degas or even DaVinci. My earliest art courses were provided by my grandmother who drew in sketchbooks while we sat in church. She realized that I would sit still and watch her draw geometric shapes in amazement. I wanted to learn more about art and paint as well as she did with watercolors. I was encouraged with numerous painting workshops and visits to museums. I would go on to study art in college and learn about art history. Over the years I've been asked to do paintings for many nice people that I might otherwise have never met. Painting has truly been a blessing in my life and I can't imagine life without art.
-Thank you Grandmother

Stonehenge

2005-06-27T01:31:00.000-03:00

Here it is after the Summer solstice and I have yet to blog anything new. Oh that reminds me about a program I watched on Stonehenge on Discovery Channel or National Geographic t.v.
Apparently it has been learned that when a person stands in a particular spot outside of the Stonehenge walls on the Summer solstice, the setting sun will shine its rays through several rectangular openings at the same time.
If I remember correctly this occurs with the movement of the moon as well and for the Winter solstice also.
The documentary seemed to express the idea that early man was acknowledging the times of the year as an agriculture calendar.
Fascinating for many reasons but they still could not explain how the heavy stones were lifted onto higher stones.

Purpose

2005-04-30T20:11:00.000-03:00

As a painter I don't really make a lot of time to read hardcover books, but this author asks you to read ONLY one chapter a day. So far I am enjoying it and can't wait until the next chapters. The title is "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.
It puts things into perspective because we really are only here for a short time.
I would like to grow old, with grey hair and perhaps wiser but what's important is that I always have my bags packed in case today is my last day here.
My Grandmother used to read the Bible to me each night and I know her prayers have helped me through many trials. Just as her prayers have been a blessing to me, I hope this book will help others to find purpose in their life.

Art, the Universal Language

2005-04-27T02:13:00.000-03:00

After visitng the websites of artists around the world, I do believe that there is hope for mankind. While history books inform us about wars through the centuries, artists have created paintings reflecting times of uncertainty and a hope for peace. On this planet, there are artists in every country who share the same delight in watching the sunlight on a landscape. For me, it is an honor to be one of those artists and I hope that art will continue to be shared and learned from by all global citizens.
I was encouraged to draw and create when I was a child. It is my prayer that the Arts will be encouraged in every nation so that there will be an increasing number of people who will slow down and appreciate the sunlight on a landscape.

Monthly blog

2005-03-31T02:16:00.000-04:00

So much for a weekly blog. I haven't had much to say lately or is it that I haven't made the time to type. Busy with Work, painting , family and friends, and yes spring weather! Read a book recently called "Flags of our Fathers"... it really makes you appreciate life and the sacrifices that our veterans made for the Free world.

Painting words

2005-01-31T14:02:00.000-04:00

"If I could say it in words,there would be no reason to paint." -Edward Hopper

North Pole off 2 inches

2005-01-29T15:41:00.000-04:00

I remember reading that after the Tsunami happened the North Pole is now off 2 inches. It will be interesting to see if this alters our weather in the future.

Staying Warm

2005-01-19T02:49:00.000-04:00

Cold Canadian air is really cold! Can't wait for Spring and warmer weather.

Music to paint along with

2005-01-17T21:00:00.000-04:00

I have now added The Bourne Supremacy soundtrack to my collection of music that I might play while painting. Yes it sounds intense at times but it keeps the paintbrush moving. Some other soundtracks that I find useful are from A Beautiful Mind and The Last of The Mohicans. Happy Painting!

Prayers also

2005-01-16T14:20:00.000-04:00

In addition to money, I hope we can all find the time to pray for the survivors as well as the victims of the devastating Tsunami.

A new year

2005-01-16T01:06:00.000-04:00

It's a new year and I'm really forward to painting more and finding interesting subject matter. To see some of my artwork visit www.bottomstudio.com