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Lazy Boy 18 x 24 S/N — $750 framed 18 x 24 A/P – $1195 framed The magnificent Smokey Mountain Black Bear - powerful - yet peaceful. Perched on his reclining branch, he is a testament to creation's desire and ability to rest and be at ease. The "bear necessities" of life are all around him, and he doesn't worry a moment about what tomorrow holds. Gaze into his eyes as they follow you around the room and ponder the mystery of being provided for by the Creator who cares for you. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." — Mark Keathley

Praying for America 24 x 20 S/N — $750 framed 24 x 20 A/P – $1195 framed 24 x 20 P/P — $895 framed 30 x 24 S/N — $995 framed 30 x 24 A/P – $1555 framed 40 x 32 A/P – $2350 framed George Washington was a unique figure in the history of the world. So much so, the King of England said that George Washington was the greatest man on the earth simply because he disbanded his army and chose to be a servant to his new country rather than an emperor. For Millennia, the opposite had been true. The most powerful men in civilizations stood atop their palaces or ziggurats and declared their divine right to rule over people. With armies to back them up and the obligatory religious leader to scare people into submission, Kings and Emperors dictated everyone's deeds and way of life. With resolute humility and a passion for human dignity, George Washington, on the other hand, believed that each man on earth was equal with the next, sovereign individuals with divine rights of their own, all deserving liberty and all guaranteed justice under common law. He believed that government should be put in place to secure the rights of these sovereign individuals and men should never again (in America at least) be destined to the age old domination of Command and Control monarchs - ruling over the people. In fact, he was so humble that he refused many of the titles people gave him, and humbly asked to be called Mr. President. In my newest painting, Praying for America, I've chosen to portray President Washington taking a moment to pray for his new nation. I imagine him praying the aforementioned purpose and destiny of this new republic would survive against the evil forces of the world. He stands in front of the church he attended when the nation's capital was in New York City, Saint Paul's Chapel, which remains to this day and rests in the shadows of Lower Manhattan. If one could follow his gaze today, the president would be looking directly at the empty space where the World Trade Towers would one day fall in an evil plot to usurp America's liberty and put command and control government in it's place. St Paul's Chapel served as a resting place to first responders during the 9-11 crisis, and symbolizes the “rest” that is only possible when people are free from tyranny. I hope this painting inspires and reminds you to pray for liberty. Recognizing the right of liberty as a gift from above, personal liberty and responsibility was hammered out in the constitution in an effort to limit the ability of anyone to ever dominate the sovereign individuals of the United States of America. We often pray for peace, but I encourage you to pray for liberty as did our founding fathers. Will you pray with the George Washington, “Father, please don't let the enemies of liberty have victory this day or ever in our future. I offer all that I am as your servant, to lead this nation back to the liberty it was founded on.” — Mark Keathley

Warm and Cozy 18 x 24 S/N  — $750 framed 18 x 24 A/P  – $1195 framed  25½ x 34 P/P - $1295 framed  25½ x 34 S/N - $1150 framed  25½ x 34 A/P - $1695 framed 30 x 40 A/P — $2350 framed There is something magical about the first snow of the year. Somehow the downy blanket transforms the mundane and common landscape into a wonderland of beauty. I remember the first time several inches of the white stuff fell during a fellowship meeting at our house. I was six year old, and upon emerging from our meeting to say goodbye to our guests, our yard had transformed in those brief two hours with a quick 4-inch blanket of fluffiness. OH MY! I had never seen anything like it. With round-eyed wonder I looked up at my mother expecting the usual "time for bed" and saw the same excitement on her face. "Let's go get our winter clothes on!" She said excitedly. She was from the North and hadn't seen snow for several years, so we all ran back inside to bundle up and join our guests in an hour of freezing fun. I remember the constant laughing and giggles, the surprise at how heavy the rolling snow ball got as we tried to lift up the body of the snow man, how stingy the snow was when a snow ball exploded and fell down my coat, and how crazy painful my hands would get in my mittens! This early childhood memory from northern Alabama was the inspiration for my newest painting where I wanted to depict the wonder and excitement everyone has when a fresh blanket covers over the mundane mess of everyday life and transforms it into something of beauty. It reminds me of what God said to his children through Isaiah "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" and makes me smile with joy every time. I painted the magic of this first snow, the evidence of the creative and playful mind, and the joy of returning to a fire and many laughs so that you, too, can feel all "WARM and COZY." — Mark Keathley Summary Points: Inspiration for the painting came from an early childhood memory in Decatur, Alabama Look for a Snowman in the painting Look for a bluebird and some deer in the painting Look for the snow angels the kids just made In his early memory, both Mark and his Mom were excited to see the snow The kids couldn't wait to play in the snow, then couldn't wait to get inside to the fire Look at the scriptural symbolism of the snow covering the mundane of the ground like our scarlet sins being made white as snow!

Refuge 24 x 20 S/N — $750 framed 24 x 20 A/P – $1195 framed 24 x 20 P/P — $895 framed 30 x 24 S/N — $995 framed 30 x 24 A/P – $1555 framed 40 x 32 A/P – $2350 framed Trials or Tragedies are inevitable as long as we are alive on earth. How we face them and go through them is what makes the difference between living in fear and anger or living in peace and joy. In “Refuge”, I want to depict the truths that we all need to know and believe if we are to find the inner peace we all long for. These truths are: we are "never alone," and we are accompanied by One who gives us the ability to face anything that comes our way. When we do face these times in our lives He helps us make it through them "intact" – they are not unto our destruction. In this painting, I've portrayed these truths in the stained glass window depicting the three Hebrews from the Bible in Daniel, who were protected in Nebuchadnezzer's fiery furnace by the angel of the Lord to the amazement of many witnesses. The fireman in the painting, is, also, a symbol of someone who is protected from modern day flames and is pondering in a moment of reflection, the Truth of the biblical account. As the fireman gathers courage from the ancient story and from the reality of the One who says "I will never leave you," he realizes he has chosen go against what seems like "hell" (fiery blazes) to help those in trouble - taking a stand in a way and place that could do him great harm. His willingness to take this stand is worth emulating as we, too, will be faced with our own “too hot to handle” circumstances. It takes more than fireman's gear to face the blazes of life, it takes courage, as well. No matter what you face in life, from past hurts to present circumstances, I hope you find the courage to go through it - in the strength and comfort of the One who longs to be your Refuge. — Mark Keathley

Morning Glories 18 x 24 SN — $750 framed Whether you are the first one out in the morning or the last one to feel the days warmth in the sand, there is nothing quite like the experience of the lights of heaven as they rise above the vast ocean. There is a brief moment in time where the moon and sun look larger than usual, the colors are dazzling, and the soft breeze stirs the water so the shimmering reflection of the light dances across the water in a mesmerizing display. Mark Keathley has captured this moment in time as a gift to so you can be awed again and again by the light. "This is one of my favorite experiences in life—a light show put on just for me by my Father." — Mark Keathley

Evening Glories 18 x 24 SN — $750 framed Whether you are the first one out in the morning or the last one to feel the days warmth in the sand, there is nothing quite like the experience of the lights of heaven as they rise above the vast ocean. There is a brief moment in time where the moon and sun look larger than usual, the colors are dazzling, and the soft breeze stirs the water so the shimmering reflection of the light dances across the water in a mesmerizing display. Mark Keathley has captured this moment in time as a gift to so you can be awed again and again by the light. "This is one of my favorite experiences in life—a light show put on just for me by my Father." — Mark Keathley

Bedtime Stories 20 x 24 SN — $750 framed 24 x 30 SN — $995 framed Over the centuries, story telling has been a vital source for connection of community throughout the world. Often the elders would pass on a pivotal event or interesting tale to the new generation. Then their memory could carry on the legacy or even the legends of the tribe/family. This form of communication is a type of glue that holds the family together when times are tough because “I belong” is stronger than fear. This act of telling inevitably knits the listener to the story teller as they laugh or even cry as the story is told. While we read books alone or even watch movies in a fantasy world of our own, this form of “retelling” is becoming a lost art form. So, next time you see the moon rising, take a little time and recall an event from your childhood or your parents life and pass it on to your children so they feel like they belong to something more than their soccer team or their school. Make your past interesting, embellish it a bit, and recapture the great moments and the legacy of telling Bedtime Stories. — Mark Keathley

Heavenly Light 18 x 24 SN — $750 framed I wasn't sure what I'd name this painting until I painted a family into the picture. I wanted to depict a "heavenly light" in this painting, causing what would feel like a very cold world to glow with radiant light. Then I found a photo of our friends, the Kneips, that I took many years ago, and the meaning became clear - the Light we long to see is the joy on the face of those looking at us. This truly is "Heavenly light" as it is a reflection of God's delight in us and as it is what is intended for each soul to experience. Lost in a cold and self centered world, we have the privilege of reflecting and reintroducing it to those around us. — Mark Keathley

The Dance of Grace 18 x 24 SN — $750 framed 25.5 x 34 AP – $1695 framed The Dance of Grace is not intended to be an illustration of a moment in the life of Jesus 2000 years ago, but rather a present depiction of the delight and celebration, which He invites everyone to join in the present. I’ve chosen to portray Him dancing with children, for they come to him as they are, with no pretenses, with no performance or sense of duty. Looking in their eyes and knowing every decision they will ever make, whether good or bad, He laughs with delight because they are His. While onlookers watch, their hearts are stirred up to either desire to join the dance or to turn away, but the sheer joy and love that is seen captivates even the skeptic. Too often we imagine we must “get ourselves in order” before we can experience his delight, but his call is simple: “Come to me and I will give ….” Such is the meaning of Grace – when what we need is given freely. Not realizing our need keeps us from what Jesus said He came to do: “bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and to set the prisoners free.” Do you recognize the chains? Do you feel the bondage from the lies? Do you want to be free? Let Him do as only He can - and join in the celebration of His love and the Dance of Grace. — Mark Keathley

Seasons of Life 18 x 27 SN — $750 framed 24 x 36 SN – $1150 framed 28 x 42 SN – $2350 framed Life is full of changes. Out of the dullness of winter springs new life where the senses are heightened and living is bright and sweet. The warmth of summer causes growth and maturing followed by Autumn's celebration of what all has happened in the year with a show of color that brings worshipful awe. The rhythm of the seasons is a gentle reminder of the changes which face us each year. Seasons of Life reminds us to seize the moment before us. Whether it be a playful occasion with your children or the prospect of dreaming up your future, face it with serious joy! Yours is the only life you can live and the people closest to you are the only ones you can love. Like this momma bear, watching over and admiring her cubs, aware of the dangers yet enjoying the moment, joyfully embrace the changes that come in the Seasons of Life. — Mark Keathley

Moonlight Sonata 18 x 24 Canvas SN — $750 framed 25.5 x 34 Canvas SN – $1150 framed The moon, as the lesser light, creates a mood that allows timid creatures to thrive. Most animals prefer the night for moving about. As Christians, the light we reflect from God will be such that it invites the fearful ones out into the open and helps them find their way. Too often, it is not a Godly light, but rather judgment and condemnation which hinder anyone from opening up true Light and Love of God. Have you ever wondered why the wildlife is more active at night? What is it that causes the quiet stirring of the forest? Moonlight Sonata is a nocturnal melody of wonder. The heart is stirred when the moon rises slowly over the hills. If we stop for a long moment and ponder the wonder of it, we might even ask the right questions. So take a moment and watch the rising moon. Let it draw your attention, stir some awe, and then allow yourself to ponder its mystery. While the moon holds no light of its own, it is a spectacle to marvel at as it draws its light from another source. It is so reflective of the true source of light that other creatures can thrive in its reflective glow. Moonlight Sonata is a nocturnal melody designed to stir the perceptive soul to new levels of awareness of the Source of Light, so we too might shed a little light in a dark world. — Mark Keathley

Moments to Remember 18 x 24 Canvas SN — $795 framed 25 x 34 Canvas SN – $1195 framed There are times in our lives when we can't help but stop and take notice of the beauty around us that God has masterfully brushed into our lives. Who can forget the amazing light and color of an awesome sunset. Moments like these fill the soul with wonder and delight, so reach out and grab a hand of someone who isn't noticing and draw them in to the wonder of life and create your very own Moments to Remember. — Mark Keathley

His Light Shines 20 x 24 SN — $750 framed There is just something wonderful about the way the warm light shines out of cold and dark places. The contrast of the two is a stark reminder that the Light in the world overpowers the darkness. Yes, I know there are forces at work (disguised as light) which are actually trying to make the world a kingdom of darkness, and it sometimes appears they are winning; but in the world which one can see with eyes of faith, the Light shines through. I'm calling this painting His Light Shines because it is an allegorical depiction of the Creator's ability to bring victory out of what looks like defeat, Light out of darkness, and joy out of sorrow. Don't give up! — Mark Keathley

Quiet Encounter 20 x 24 SN — $750 framed In Quiet Encounter I tried to capture the best elements of nature in the most beautifully visual way possible. It has turned out to be one of my most colorful paintings -- yet a very peaceful image. Stimulating colors often stimulate the senses visually and keep one "up". Somehow, however, the lazy trickle of the stream and the crispness of the air in this eastern mountain landscape invite me to rest on a big rock and soak it in. Then out of nowhere appear a couple of whitetail deer and some wild turkeys and wallah! A moment you'd never forget.” — Mark Keathley

Newfound Memories 18 x 45 SN — $1150 framed Newfound Memories commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I had been to Newfound Gap last October when the fall colors were eye popping and happened to take several photos. What a place! But as usual, the photos just didn't capture the scene. And to my slight irritation, neither did the painting I did. Yeah it was a nice painting, but it lacked the grandness that was in my memory. So I tried again... painting another 24x30 painting ... determined to make this one work. Well, midway through, I was comparing the two, and asking visitors to my studio which they liked better. One afternoon, we had them sitting side by side and "Wow!" There it was! The two paintings fit together like one. (I had to make a few minor adjustments, but together it captured it! Because of this, we are releasing 3 prints from these two paintings. One "Left", one "Right" and one Panorama of Newfound Memories ... one of the most famous vistas in the park going over the pass from Tennessee to North Carolina. I couldn't resist adding a touch to show that the painting was done to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the Smoky Mountain National Park. The tree near the turkeys has GSM emblazoned with a 75 right below that and NP below the 75. — Mark Keathley

Nature's Harmony 20 x 24 SN — $750 framed I fell in love with the moss covered rocks and fallen logs that surround the streams in the deep valleys of the Smoky Mountains. Tromping through the woods is very exciting to me. Every turn of the stream has a new vantage point that makes me go, "wow!" I haven't gotten to see any wild bears -- I guess that is good -- but I did find these in a nearby wildlife habitat. The old settlers' cabin and split rail fence is still there today .... left over from the days when the land was donated to the national parks service and the last of the "old timers" lived out their days scratching corn out of self cleared meadows. The woods have re-invaded the farm land and only this small strip of land is left at this farm, but it made a beautiful location to paint. Every time I see such a spot I wonder what kind of people could survive so isolated and alone. But then I remember, they weren't alone. Certainly, they had a large family, some unexpected visitors like the ones in this painting, and a confident belief in their God and his claim, "I will never leave you or forsake you," to take with them into the wilderness. — Mark Keathley

He Leadeth Me 18 x 24 SN — $750 framed He Leadeth Me is a self portrait but it is also a depiction of Psalm 23. I wasn't intending to portray the Good Shepherd when I began the work, but rather a rancher simply watching his sheep. I needed a model for the shepherd, so I asked my youngest son to come outside and "take a picture of daddy." In the last second, instead of looking down towards the sheep, something caught my eye and I looked up for the photo. When I was well into the painting, events in my life came about that left me feeling lost and confused. After seeing myself in the painting, I felt comforted, because it appears that the shepherd (me) is himself being led. The painting which developed before me depicted the Good Shepherd taking care of his sheep and at the same time, I saw myself and I knew that God leads us by still waters. In a time of uncertainty and confusion in the world, my newest work inspires one to be at ease and rest in the provision and plan of the Good Shepherd. I tried to capture the tender care of the shepherd in this self portrait as well as my own faith in God's leading in my life. He Leadeth Me speaks of the Divine love and leading that is available as one of His. — Mark Keathley

Evening Romance 18 x 24 SN — $750 framed We are always in too big of a hurry for romance ... I'm constantly toting my camera trying to capture the moment, but never really living it. There are moments in life that I wish could be captured and savored again and again. This night, taking the long way through the city park, we had the time of our life before we arrived at the social event we were destined for. The thrill of true love, speaking words of blessing and hope, and the warmth we experienced, snuggled together in the carriage, was a moment we'd never forget. Savor the memory of your Evening Romance." — Mark Keathley

Country Blessings 18 x 24 SN — $750 framed 25.5 x 34 SN — $1150 framed 25.5 x 34 PP — $1295 framed Let your bare feet feel the earth as you are drawn into a world of simple living. No more rushing to fit it all in; instead, relax on the porch and enjoy the blessings of life in the country. I have created such a place for you to sit and enjoy so your heart can come home. I am wanting to stay right on the edge of "this is my grandparents home place" and "I'd love to retreat to this spot." I'm trying to balance the natural look of a farm with all of its "stuff" and the park like setting we would like to believe is where we live, with the peaceful reminders that the simple life of the country is often where the deepest "blessings" are found. — Mark Keathley

Home for Christmas 16 x 20 SN — $595 framed 20 x 24 SN — $750 framed This painting is a dream for me. I have never experienced a white Christmas. As I paint this scene it is 97 º here at my home in Texas. But whether the chill is in the air or not, the anticipation of seeing loved ones that I haven't seen for some time is deep in my heart. I remember well -- waiting for hours in the front yard, or peeking out the window when Grandma and Grandpa were coming to visit. It isn't too far of a stretch for me to envision looking out the window in anticipation and waiting for my son to come home for Christmas as he is moving off to college this year. My hope is to capture that thrill and excitement that happens for just a few minutes of our lives as those people whom are most dear to us come into view. To celebrate another person with jumping and waving or cheering and shouting goes deep into the heart of every human being because it says, "You are worth it!" "I delight to see you!" I hope you feel the excitement and are reminded of your deepest longings as you, too, dream about going Home for Christmas. — Mark Keathley

About the Artist:   Mark Keathley

Mark Keathley (born 1963) grew up on the family farm in East Texas and loved romping through the woods and across open fields. He spent most of his spare time outside chasing lizards, and trying to catch that illusive grand-daddy large mouth bass. It was here, in this environment, where he first spied his mother’s oil painting box in the attic of his country home. He had drawn pictures voraciously since age five, but the paints offered a new challenge that he thought he was up for at age eleven. After a very disappointing start, he didn’t give up, and continued trying, often painting well into the night as a teen. He later attended a small one man show put on for a friend in his college art class and saw, for the first time, someone selling artwork. He was nineteen, then, and this was all it took. His renewed interest in painting and determination to learn more, kept him busy twelve to fourteen hours a day, six days a week, and within a year found that many folks were beginning to collect his work. “You’re so young!” they would say, for he was twenty or so, and his career had begun. In the early 1990’s, he entered a couple of paintings in the Cheyenne, Wyoming “Old West Museum Show” and won a couple of awards for his work. He also attended the “Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Art Show” in Waco Texas and twice won the “Popular Vote Award” for a couple of his pieces two years in a row. Everywhere he has gone, he has found great acceptance for his work, and his paintings hang in many homes around the world. His favorite collectors are those who see his work, and want to take it home because it causes them to be still and rest. “We are too busy these days,” he says, speaking about our need to slow down, sit a while, and think about life. Our kids are growing up alone, our schedules are jammed full, and there is no time to contemplate what life should be about. “I want my paintings to inspire people to be still, to listen to that quiet voice, and then rise up assured that they are a part of something bigger than their schedule.” Mark’s paintings do just that. He is able to capture that perfect moment that you might experience on a hike through the mountains when a majestic elk might come out for an unforgettable experience; or even immortalize on canvas a moment in time when the light, the water, and the gentle involvement of a man and his horse all come together in a masterful composition. Mark uses his gifts blending bold strokes, amazing color, soul stirring light, and even some fine detail to bring your focus to the "point" of the painting -- allowing you to experience the emotion of the moment. This is where he wants you to stay - not admiring his ability, but rather inspired to live.