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Creating Tomorrow

"I paint from memory, spirit, and the land—capturing stories that live in smoke, stone, and silence. My work blends personal history, fire service, and sacred landscapes into visual prayers. Whether monochrome or blazing with color, each piece is a moment of reflection and reverence."

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Pencil & Charcoal

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.
Ancient Flows, Enduring Land
"Offering" is a powerful and deeply moving pencil drawing that transports the viewer to a sacred moment in the Valley of Fire, NM. From a unique viewpoint amidst the ancient lava flows, the drawing centers on a lone native figure standing upon a rugged outcrop, hands raised in a profound gesture of offering to the Great Spirit. Through the skillful use of graphite, the drawing achieves dramatic contrast and rich texture, from the gnarled branches of a foreground tree to the craggy rocks and the vast, ethereal landscape beyond. The scene pulsates with a palpable sense of reverence and spirituality, echoing the artist's feeling of the early natives making their devotions in this very valley. "Offering" is a timeless testament to the enduring spiritual connection between humanity and the land, inviting contemplation on ancient rituals and the deep, invisible energies that still resonate within this sacred place. Signed TLM.
Offering
Excellent choice, Tom! "Warm Waters, Ancient Spirit" perfectly encapsulates the serene atmosphere and the profound spiritual connection in this drawing. Here's a description for "Warm Waters, Ancient Spirit," followed by the tags: Description for "Warm Waters, Ancient Spirit": "Warm Waters, Ancient Spirit" is a captivating pencil drawing that draws the viewer into a deeply peaceful and contemplative scene at Hotwell Dunes, Arizona. It depicts the serene pond where warm waters collect, framed by the textured, gnarled branches of foreground trees that create a natural archway into the tranquil vista. At the heart of this quiet sanctuary, a subtle native spirit figure is depicted seated on a rock, gazing towards the water in contemplation. This powerful presence imbues the drawing with a sense of timeless reverence and a palpable connection to ancient wisdom. Through a rich tonal range of graphite, from the deep shadows of the branches to the soft reflections on the water, the drawing beautifully conveys the unique atmosphere of this healing oasis and the enduring spiritual presence within the land. "Warm Waters, Ancient Spirit" is an invitation to quiet introspection and a recognition of the deep peace found where nature's solace meets ancestral echoes. Signed TLM.
Warm Waters, Ancient Spirit
"Nomad's Peace" is a compelling pencil sketch from Hotwell Dunes, Arizona, that beautifully captures a moment of quiet serenity and spiritual guardianship. This piece, a study for a painting later gifted to a friend, depicts a van—a symbol of a nomadic lifestyle—nestled between two stark, sheltering trees. The sketch evokes a profound sense of calm and the freedom of life on the open road. Crucially, a subtle native figure stands as a quiet guardian on the right, watching over the scene. This thoughtful inclusion imbues the drawing with a deep spiritual resonance, suggesting that even in modern journeys, the ancient spirits of the land provide a watchful presence and a unique sense of peace. Signed TLM.
Nomads Peace
"Where the Ancestors Wait" is a deeply evocative pencil drawing that invites contemplation on the sacred relationship between land, spirit, and memory along the majestic Rio Grande in New Mexico. At the base of a venerable, strong tree, a lone figure—the "watcher"—sits in quiet reverence, listening not for sounds, but for "the breath of those who came before". The drawing depicts a serene landscape where traditional dwellings are subtly visible in the distance, testament to the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples. The calming flow of the Rio Grande winds through the scene, symbolizing the continuous passage of time and the lifeblood of the valley, a place where, in days gone by, "Indians could sit by the river and commune with nature". Through a rich array of graphite tones and nuanced textures, the drawing captures the profound silence where "silence becomes a voice," where "the trees remember," and "the mountains pray," creating a powerful narrative of ancestral connection and timeless spiritual calm. Signed TLM.
Where the Ancestors Wait
"Sonoran Sunset Serenity" is a captivating color pencil drawing that perfectly captures the tranquil and expansive beauty of a desert evening, inspired by a calm sunset at the Sonoran National Monument in Arizona. The artwork is dominated by a vast sky, painted in soft, warm hues of orange, pink, and pale yellow, that gently transition across the canvas, reflecting the sublime glow of the setting sun. A low horizon line anchors the scene, where the distinctive silhouettes of desert vegetation, including saguaro cacti, stand in stark, dark contrast against the luminous sky. This drawing, with its simple yet powerful composition, evokes a profound sense of peace and quiet awe, inviting the viewer to pause and experience the serene majesty of a Sonoran desert sunset. Signed TLM.
Sonoran Sunset Serenity
"22" is a deeply impactful pencil drawing that serves as a solemn tribute and a powerful commentary on the devastating impact of PTSD on veterans and first responders. Titled in heartbreaking recognition that an average of 22 veterans die by suicide each day, the drawing is an intensely personal memorial to a friend, Dave, whom the artist met on the Rio Grande and tragically lost to this silent battle. At the heart of the desolate landscape, a heavy anchor descends, bearing a crucified Christ figure, symbolizing immense sacrifice and suffering. The word "USA" etched onto the anchor, along with a chess piece (a king's crown) — a poignant nod to Dave's love for chess and the mental battles he faced — underscores the heavy burden of service and the devastating personal cost. Through its stark monochrome and evocative symbolism, "22" confronts the raw reality of mental anguish, serving as a vital call for awareness and compassion for those silently struggling. Signed TLM.
22
"One With..." is a serene pencil drawing inspired by the calm quiet and visible wildlife at Hotwell Dunes, Arizona, during a breathtaking sunrise. The artwork captures a profound sense of meditative and spiritual connection with the awakening natural world. Softly defined dunes stretch across the horizon under a vast sky filled with the gentle light of dawn. A lone figure sits in contemplation, seemingly absorbed into the landscape. Subtle indications of wildlife further emphasize the interconnectedness of life in this tranquil environment. Through delicate shading and a focus on the quiet beauty of the sunrise, the drawing invites the viewer to experience the artist's felt sense of harmony and unity with the peaceful desert landscape. Signed TLM.
One With…
Graphite sketch, made on site at Indian Bread Rocks, AZ. I felt the spirit there—the silence spoke. As I sketched, the figures revealed themselves. I didn't plan them. They came from the stone. This place wasn’t empty. It was sacred.
Spirit of the Native

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