This is a couple of photos from Christmas 2013 at my brother’s home in Valdosta, GA. We had a great time out behind the pool house where the cooking of some of the most awesome crab legs transpired. They were absolutely delicious, and I didn’t even miss the turkey and dressing.
Mom and Ray were married Feb. 13, 2014.
Mom and Ray, Christmas 2013
Crab legs for Christmas lunch
Many thanks to my brother, Jeffry, who shot this photo of me painting in Blue Ridge. It was very cold, and I was racing against sundown trying to get the last few strokes of paint on before my hands froze.
Fortunately, we had a roaring fire in the outdoor fireplace on the deck just a little way to the left of where I had my easel set up.
Painting in the Blue Ridge mountains
Happy holidays to you and yours.
I am so thankful for a wonderful family. As my life seems to be more busy than ever, I take this opportunity to remind myself of what is truly important, and that is the people I love and am blessed to have in my life.
I wish peace and love to them and to you as well.
Allan R. Banks, Children with Lop-eared Rabbit
In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Hi everyone. I updated the blog this weekend with a new design including a new header image. The image is a detail from Allan R. Banks’ painting, Celebration of Naboo Youth on Freedom Day. This painting was done for the Lucasfilm book, Star Wars Art: Visions. Gandy Gallery was asked to participate in the book project by the studio, and we were excited to have three of our artists, Allan Banks, Carl Samson, and Steve Levin chosen to create works for the book. The three paintings, which appear in the book, were also purchased by George Lucas.
Allan R. Banks
Celebration of Naboo Youth on Freedom Day
Oil on linen, 54 x 62”
Carl J. Samson
Padme Resplendent with Naboo Mandala
Oil with 22 and 23K gold leaf background on chestnut panel, 24 x 20”
Steven J. Levin
Portrait of Darth Vader
Oil on linen, 56 x 46”
A great Thanksgiving spent with family in South Georgia this year. Plenty of good food, fun and fellowship.
I actually hit a skeet in the afternoon skeet shooting! It was a first for me, so I was pretty excited.
