Translucent Wave

by Godfrey J. Ellis – 16×20 Oil 1990

I had not painted for 13 years when I painted this seascape.  My life had been consumed with finishing my PhD, helping to raise a family of four boys, and fulfilling numerous Church assignments.  I was also establishing my career as a professor at both Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and at St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington, developing new classes to teach,   In 1990, things calmed down somewhat and I heard about an oil painting class being offered.  With Merry’s encouragement, I signed up for this fun get-away.  The project in the class was for class members to paint this translucent wave, guided by the teacher. People love it, but I prefer paintings that are original and unique rather than a class project. Nevertheless, this class prompted a series of painting in 1990, although I switched to acrylics which are more convenient and dry much faster than oils.