From The Shade Into The Sun

Work in progress, on the easel where it shall remain unfinished for the next 15 days . It's off to Ethiopia. . .

        "Afflictions are often the black foils in which God sets the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine brighter ." - C.H.Spurgeon 

Tune The Harp

Leaving for Addis Ababa this week, a return to the blessed and the scorned, always a time for self-examination and a sobering reminder of how little we know of suffering. Time permitting, I will fill the sketchbook with what captures the eye, or rents the heart.

The above print is a recent proof from earlier in the month . . .

Tarry For The Night

Finished recent canvas on the Biblical tale of Jonah ( see blurred detail above ) . It's mostly ink and paper the rest of the week as I press to run some block prints before this month expires. Faint not . . .

How Little Is Known

                                                                                                                                 

Into the days, fully armed and prepared to wrestle with the distinctive battles that come with every new canvas, blank page, sheet of linoleum, block of wood. The joy in the struggle is often overshadowed in the struggle to convey.

Thankful for the time. . . 

This Is My Father's World

All creation singing, and preening in the garden outside my studio window this morning. These birds won't be ignored.

 A block print to be run- (this restive horse doesn't want to yield to the preoccupying canvas on my easel at the moment ).

The Arrow That Flies By Day

From a window on the garden I watch God bring down the curtains on autumn.

 Some progress,albeit small, on new recording. Also, some new lino cuts in the offing. Making an effort to return more to prints in the forthcoming year.

 The worker does his work . . .

What Has Taken Place

 Back in the studio this week, itching to begin working after a European journey consuming most of November. The rich offerings of masterworks in Venice and Florence , and even Milan made for an immersing diversion. And ... warm days for a Glasgow November. Blessed, it's true.


Many thanks to all of those who attended, and purchased work from "The Deserters " exhibition last month. I was truly stirred by the many kind remarks and remain grateful for your patronage. The reception was a warm welcome to a northerner, unfamiliar with the charms of Fort Worth and it's community.

( featured sketches from : Edinburgh, Florence and Glasgow ... )

And If You Go

Abiding

Counting off the remainder of days before the opening of "The Deserters" exhibition in Fort Worth,Texas. Work to be done - press, invitations, framing...
 Other projects in the offing - a print series and book on the book of Lamentations .The return to two postponed recordings, and a few exhibitions pending. 

Ordinary Air

All but consumed by the tyranny of the last large canvas/panels marked for inclusion in October's The Deserters exhibition ( some minimal detail in progress, in photograph above ). Anticipating a great sense of relief lying in the pasture that waits beyond this show. Unfinished recordings to tend to. Possibly another book of prints, based on the prophet Jeremiah's poetic Lamentations.

Moments Of Clarity

Several ways of seeing the high summer months of monastic exile. Diversions are minimal. Contemplation and self analysis flourish.Long days overlap, but are currency for a future allowance. 

Along The Graded Shoulders

Dates for forthcoming exhibition, "The Deserters", have been finalized .

The Deserters
Paintings, Sculpture and Prints by Mark Renner
October 1-31, 2011
Opening Reception : Friday October 7, ( 6:00 -9:00 PM )

Fort Worth Community Art Center
1300 Gendy
Fort Worth , TX
76107
817.298.3021