The Fountain Hillbillies

I have not posted anything new since returning from a great two-week vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona. We visited our old stomping grounds, Fountain Hills, and recalled precious memories of our 11 years there prior to moving to San Antonio.

I was reminded of this painting. Five years ago my son-in-law asked me to paint this picture of the Derksen family. They pastor Faith Mountain Church in Fountain Hills and somehow got the title of Fountain Hillbillies. You probably recognize Jed Clampett's jalopy. I painted them cruising down Saguaro Boulevard past the lake and the fountain. The faces of Mark, Carol, Mark, Jr. and Vicky were cut from photographs.

The Shaffers wrote lyrics to the theme music from "The Beverly Hillbillies" and sang it to them at a church celebration.

The Ballad of Mark Derksen

Com 'n listen to my story 'bout a man named Derksen

A bless-ed Christian man who tries not to sin

An' then one day, he was prayin' what to do

An' down from the cloud come a shinin' white hue.

God that is! Glorified! Cant's be denied!

Well, the first thing ya know, Ol' Mark's without a care

Holy Spirit said, "Derk move away from there."

Phoenix Arizony is the place that God wills,

so they loaded up white lightn' and they moved to the Hills.

Fountain that is! Palm trees! One hundred plus degrees?

Ol' Mark got a church home and he has God to thank

He didn't even have to see the pres'dent of a bank.

Lotsa folks objected, but the Lord found no fault,

'Cause ol' Mark's treasures are a buildin' in God's vault.

Riches that is! Heavenly wage! Derk's gettin' paid!

Well now it's time to say good-bye to Mark and all his kin

An' they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin' in.

You're all invited back again to this locality.

Ta' have a heapin' helpin' of their hospitality.

Spirit filled, that is! Shed yer cares off! Worship a while!

Y'all come back now, ya hear!

Coppini Academy Fall Show

Last night I was awarded a ribbon for "Tommy's Tom Tom". It took 3rd Place in the Watercolor Division at the Coppini Academy of Fine Art Members' Juried Fall Show of 2008. It was a beautiful show this year and many gifted artists entered their best works.

I painted this picture from a professional black and white glossy photograph of my father, Tommy Noll, taken in the '20's when he was a drummer in the big band era. Who would have thought at the time the photo was taken that it would be displayed at Coppini in San Antonio in 2008! I have always been proud of my Dad and painted him with love.

Riding the River II

This is my second attempt at this same scene. My earlier one was the first Riverwalk painting I did and seemd a bit "timid". I used more intense color in this one and am very pleased with the finished painting. Giclees in various sizes will be available at the gallery in a few weeks.