"Saddle Mountain Sunset Oil" is a profound and deeply spiritual oil painting that captures the ancient essence of Saddle Mountain, Arizona. Created before "Marvin" and painted in an area rich with ancestral petroglyphs, this work is a direct testament to the artist's felt connection with the spirits of the past who dwell there. The mountain stands not merely as a geological form, but as a sacred guardian, a place of enduring rest and protection for these ancient presences. With a masterfully limited palette of only four colors, and literally rooted in its origin with raw sand from the site mixed into the paint, the piece offers a visceral and tactile connection to the very earth and its history. The vibrant sunset sky bathes the rugged contours of the mountain in dramatic light, hinting at the spiritual energies that permeate this timeless landscape. This painting is an invitation to pause, listen, and feel the powerful whispers of memory and spirit that endlessly resonate from the heart of the land. Signed TLM.

Saddle Mountain Sunset

“Saddle Mountain Sunset Oil” is a profound and deeply spiritual oil painting that captures the ancient essence of Saddle Mountain, Arizona. Created before “Marvin” and painted in an […]

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Marvin" is an deeply personal and spiritual oil painting that transcends a mere landscape, becoming a heartfelt tribute to beloved family—both canine and human. Set at Saddle Mountain, Arizona, the painting unveils a hidden narrative: a prominent mountain ridge forms the distinct face of the artist's cherished dog, Marvin, while a larger, distant peak tenderly represents Marvin's parent, embodying protection and eternal love. In the foreground, five subtly rendered native figures, symbolizing the artist's family, gather near a powerful native spiritual glyph etched into the earth. This work beautifully merges emotional realism with profound symbolism. The warm, earthy tones and textured brushwork bring the desert landscape to life, while the symbolic elements create a powerful narrative of connection, memory, and spiritual guidance. "Marvin" is a testament to the enduring bonds that sustain us, a deeply moving exploration of how love, family, and ancient spiritual energies converge within the timeless embrace of the land. Signed TLM.

Marvin

“Marvin” is an deeply personal and spiritual oil painting that transcends a mere landscape, becoming a heartfelt tribute to beloved family—both canine and human. Set at Saddle Mountain, […]

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"Spirits of the Sunrise Oil at Sonoran National Monument AZ" is a powerful oil painting that captures the radiant energy and spiritual awakening of a desert sunrise. Created in the same transformative spirit as its companion piece, this work is literally rooted in the land it depicts: raw sand from the Sonoran National Monument is mixed into the paint, creating a tactile and profound connection to the earth. The canvas explodes with the vibrant yellows and oranges of the rising sun, illuminating the ancient mountains and vast desert landscape. A lone figure on horseback journeys towards this light, guided by the silent wisdom of the land. This painting is not merely a depiction of a sunrise; it's a visual hymn to hope, renewal, and the enduring power of the human spirit to find its way, echoing the artist's personal journey of healing and connection. Signed TLM.

Spirits of the Sunrise

“Spirits of the Sunrise Oil at Sonoran National Monument AZ” is a powerful oil painting that captures the radiant energy and spiritual awakening of a desert sunrise. Created […]

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"Homeward Journey, Spirit Bound" is a profound oil painting born from a transformative encounter in the Sonoran National Monument, Arizona. More than a mere landscape, this work captures a powerful spiritual awakening, an experience where the land's ancient energies and native spirits resonated throughout the night. The painting is literally rooted in its origin: raw sand from the site itself is mixed into the paint, creating a tactile, sacred connection to the very earth it depicts. The canvas explodes with a radiant, almost blinding light on the horizon, not merely a sunset but an emanating spiritual presence that washes over the majestic mountains and sweeping desert. In the foreground, a lone figure on horseback and a skeletal structure stand as silent witnesses or participants in this powerful convergence of the earthly and the ethereal. This painting is a testament to the unseen forces that guide us, an invitation to step into a timeless narrative where land, spirit, and memory intertwine. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound wisdom found in the wild, offering a visual echo of a deeply personal and spiritual "homeward journey." Signed TLM.

Homeward Journey, Spirit Bound

“Homeward Journey, Spirit Bound” is a profound oil painting born from a transformative encounter in the Sonoran National Monument, Arizona. More than a mere landscape, this work captures […]

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Painted on-site at Sonoran National Monument. The land whispered its truth—this small mountain, known as Lost Horse Mound, revealed itself as an eagle to me. I shaped the form to match what my spirit saw. A solitary Native figure stands in awe, witnessing the presence of freedom in the land itself.

Freedom

Painted on-site at Sonoran National Monument. The land whispered its truth—this small mountain, known as Lost Horse Mound, revealed itself as an eagle to me. I shaped the […]

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this piece reveals another layer of spirit within the land. As I watched the last light fade over the silhouette of the eagle mountain, I felt the presence of a quiet witness—one who kneels in stillness, listening. The figure appeared in the paint as if called forth by the land itself. Whether spirit, ancestor, or memory, it reminded me that reverence isn't always loud. Sometimes, it's simply being present. Watching. Remembering.

Native Sunset

Oil on canvas This piece reveals another layer of spirit within the land. As I watched the last light fade over the silhouette of the eagle mountain, I […]

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Carried on the breath of the storm, the birds descend with weary grace—fighting wind, seeking earth. In their struggle is a sacred rhythm, a spirit’s journey back to stillness, back to home.

Descent Through the Tempest

Carried on the breath of the storm, the birds descend with weary grace—fighting wind, seeking earth. In their struggle is a sacred rhythm, a spirit’s journey back to […]

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This acrylic painting, titled "Warm Embrace, Winter Kiss," transports the viewer to the unique and restorative landscape of Hotwell Dunes, Arizona. It captures a moment of serene paradox: the gentle descent of light snow upon the warm, natural hot spring pools. The soft, blended brushstrokes and harmonious palette of muted desert hues, accented by the delicate greens of the sparse vegetation, evoke an atmosphere of profound tranquility and healing. This work is an invitation to experience the quiet power of nature's unexpected convergences – where the chill of winter meets the earth's nurturing warmth. It speaks to the deep relaxation and therapeutic solace found in these sacred waters, offering a visual metaphor for the peace that can be found even amidst contrasting elements. A testament to nature's cycles and its capacity for renewal, this painting serves as a reminder of the connections that sustain us, echoing the personal journey of finding calm and resilience within ourselves.

Warm Embrace, Winter Kiss

This acrylic painting, titled “Warm Embrace, Winter Kiss,” transports the viewer to the unique and restorative landscape of Hotwell Dunes, Arizona. It captures a moment of serene paradox: […]

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"Journey to the Spirit Mountain" is an evocative oil painting that captures the vast, timeless beauty and spiritual resonance of the Arizona desert. A lone figure walks into the landscape, inviting the viewer to contemplate their journey within this ancient terrain. The warm earth tones of the desert floor and the imposing Saddle Mountain range, shaped like an eagle in the rock, contrast with the cool, muted colors of the sky, creating a sense of both grandeur and solitude. Expressive brushwork and rich textures bring the landscape to life, while the figure adds a human element to this powerful scene. The eagle formation infuses the work with a deeper layer of meaning, connecting it to Native American symbolism and a reverence for the land's spirit. This painting is not just a depiction of a place, but an invitation to reflect on the stories we carry within us and the profound connection between humanity and the land.

Journey to the Spirit Mountain

“Journey to the Spirit Mountain” is an evocative oil painting that captures the vast, timeless beauty and spiritual resonance of the Arizona desert. A lone figure walks into […]

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The mountain itself revealed the form of a great spirit—what some might call the Thunderbird. I didn’t plan it. The image emerged on its own as I painted, as if drawn by an unseen hand. Out here, the land still speaks—if you know how to listen.

Where the Thunderbird Sleeps

The mountain itself revealed the form of a great spirit—what some might call the Thunderbird. I didn’t plan it. The image emerged on its own as I painted, […]

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Reclaimed

Reclaimed

“Reclaimed”:In the stillness of a desert bathed in the soft hues of a contemplative sky – where lavender whispers secrets to fading rose – stands a weathered sentinel […]

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"Moonrise on the Saddle" is an acrylic testament to the desert's profound alchemy of light and shadow. Painted en plein air as dusk surrendered to the nascent night at Saddle Mountain, Arizona, this work distills a moment where the terrestrial meets the celestial. The mountain, a colossal presence, is imbued with the last echoes of day's warmth and the burgeoning cool luminescence of the moon's ascent, its craggy facets rendered in a symphony of russets and ochres. Above, the sky shifts from twilight's muted greens and grays to the first whisper of night, a silent canvas awaiting the full unveiling of the cosmos. A lone saguaro stands sentinel, a silent witness to this unfolding drama. This painting is not merely a depiction, but an immersion into the desert's quiet grandeur, inviting contemplation on the vast, ancient rhythms of the earth under a newly dawning moon.

Moonrise on the Saddle

“Moonrise on the Saddle” is an acrylic testament to the desert’s profound alchemy of light and shadow. Painted en plein air as dusk surrendered to the nascent night […]

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"From the Wash" is an acrylic painting born from a direct encounter with the Sonoran Desert's quiet power. Executed en plein air near Lost Horse Mound in the Sonoran National Monument, this piece is a meditation on the subtle yet profound life found in arid landscapes. The painting highlights the intricate patterns of a dry wash, hinting at the forces that shape this land, while the resilient desert plants and the distant mountain stand as testaments to endurance. It's a visual narrative of presence, capturing the light and spirit of a truly ancient and breathtaking wilderness.

From the Wash

“From the Wash” is an acrylic painting born from a direct encounter with the Sonoran Desert’s quiet power. Executed en plein air near Lost Horse Mound in the […]

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This acrylic painting of Pelican Cove, Lake Pomme de Terre, Missouri, was a deeply spiritual experience to create on location. It represents a sanctuary where the earthly realm harmonizes with the celestial. The dramatic sky, ablaze with hues that hint at divine power, pours light onto a landscape rooted in quiet strength. The calm waters mirror not just the physical world, but perhaps the serene depths of the inner spirit. This painting is a testament to the profound peace and universal connection one can discover when truly present in the natural world, offering a visual prayer for tranquility and spiritual solace.

Pelican Cove

This acrylic painting of Pelican Cove, Lake Pomme de Terre, Missouri, was a deeply spiritual experience to create on location. It represents a sanctuary where the earthly realm […]

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At Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, the winter sun rose without a sound. The air was cold enough to still breath itself, and I stood watching as the sky washed the frozen lake in soft gold and rose. This painting holds that moment of suspended grief and grace—when the world, like the soul, holds perfectly still.

Stillness at Dawn

Medium: Oil on canvasLocation: Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico At Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, the winter sun rose without a sound. The air was cold enough to still breath […]

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The mountain itself revealed the form of a great spirit—what some might call the Thunderbird. I didn’t plan it. The image emerged on its own as I painted, as if drawn by an unseen hand. Out here, the land still speaks—if you know how to listen.

Protector of the Sacred Path

Painted on location at Saddle Mountain, Arizona, Protector of the Sacred Path reveals a land alive with spirit. At the base of the scene, a Native figure stands […]

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This evocative drawing, created at Valley of Fire, NM, powerfully captures a landscape shaped by millennia of natural forces and human history. The rugged terrain in the foreground speaks of its ancient origins, formed by lava flows from 5000 years ago, now reclaimed by nature through the slow, persistent work of time. A distant mountain range anchors the horizon, while a lone, skeletal tree stands as a sentinel. Crucially, the subtle inclusion of a windmill reveals a more recent chapter: the landscape transformed by Western expansion. This juxtaposition highlights the vastness of geological time against the relatively brief, yet impactful, presence of human endeavor. Through nuanced shading and texture, the drawing invites contemplation on the land's profound resilience, the layers of history it holds, and the enduring interplay between human presence and the raw, ancient spirit of the desert. Signed TLM.

Sketch — Where the Spirit Watches

Sketched on site at Valley of Fire, New Mexico, Where the Spirit Watches explores the quiet tension between past and present, between sacred earth and settler encroachment. The […]

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