Belonging
We belong to the day
Paul said
Not this darkness
all around
Not of the loveless
passions
Or corrosive brutality.
We are of the day.
(I Thessalonians 5:8)
My Apologies
Sorry I was late.
I got lost in the sunshine
Walking away from
the smoke
the dust
the stress
the fuss.
I guess I'm really
Not that sorry
for being late,
As I was lost
in the blessed, blessed
sunshine.
© M.R.Hyde 2024
This month I have an art show at Cottonwood Center for the
Arts in the Johnson and Hanson Galleries. Below is a list of the artworks
that are on show, and most can be viewed on my Redbubble artist
site. You can also purchase reproductions of many of my works and some books at Cottonwood during this time.
If you have come to this site while viewing the artwork, by reading below, you can learn more about them as you gaze. They are listed alphabetically by title. Original artwork is also for sale at Cottonwood and you can see prices below. Use the Contact Us option on this blog to see if the original work you are interested in is still available. Payment plans are available through the artist. Full prices are at the gallery. Reproductions are available during the First Friday Art Walk, Friday February 2, 2024 and by contacting us.
Biography
M.R. Hyde earned a BA in Visual Arts from Point Loma College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) in 1983 and an MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1997.
While working full-time in non-artistic realms, M.R. Hyde has been a practicing artist for many years. During the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation a renewed push into the arts launched her into a desire to capture more broadly the animal world and put positive artistic work out into the world. Upon reflection and review, animals have been a significant part of the span of artwork done since her undergraduate experience.
M.R. Hyde has had exhibitions at Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) in 2008, 2009 and 2023, has been in two juried shows at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts, and won an Honorable Mention at the 2023 Colorado State Fair.
The artist’s Christian faith is the source of the deep respect and admiration for all of the Creator’s work.
M.R. Hyde is also an author of non-fiction Christian books and fiction and poetry publications. She has participated in the PPLD Mountain of Authors and has done public readings in the community. She is an active member of the Pikes Peak State College writer’s group The Nearby Universe.
Artwork (Alphabetical by Title)
Air
I have an interest in magpies because they are considered garbage birds or bringing bad luck, but look like butlers. I found a video online that showed how air circulates from a bird’s wings. It completely mesmerized me. So, perhaps to heighten the status of a magpie, this piece reveals the beauty that any bird’s wings render typically unseen by the human eye.
2023
Prismacolor and Acrylic Ink
$75.00
Bears in Grass
In the Tongass National Forest and near the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska we encountered black bears (Ursus americanus), in particular a weary looking mother and her older cub. The National Forest Service maintains bear viewing areas and we were at a safe distance above them. I just loved the contrast of the verdant grasses and the blackness of these bears.
2022
Acrylic on Canvas
$800.00
Buffalo Grass
This is a rendering of a very famous photograph during the slaughter of millions of American buffalo. Like the piece “1873”, it is a stark reminder of what humanity is capable of in its most brutal and greedy state. This work won honorable mention at the 2023 Colorado State Fair.
2023
Prismacolor and Vellum Paper
$80.00
Christus Victor
Having studied old Norse Christianity and having seen deer as symbols of Christ in their metal work and jewelry, I had become more and more focused on this same symbol in my artwork. During the COVID pandemic in 2020, while sequestered from the world, I had a dream of Christ as the champion of the world as a radiant buck surrounded by vibrant colors.
2020
Prismacolor on Paper
NFS
Fearless
While at Rock Ledge Ranch in Colorado Springs, I observed a small bird dancing and flitting about between the legs of horses. I was encouraged by this display of fearlessness and it reminded me that no matter how big the threat around me, I can be fearless because of God’s love and leadership.
2019
Prismacolor on Paper
$125.00
Foxes Have Holes
These creatures fascinate me and are found all over the world. I am particularly drawn to their rich coats, which in this piece, are reflective of the fallen leaves.
Prismacolor and Graphite
2023
$500.00
Gnarled Series (Buck, Donkey, Hawk, Magpie, Moose and Steer)
Upon exploring acrylic ink, I found that the transparent burnt sienna produced a look not unlike gnarled manzanita wood. I explored what it would look like to have such static images done of active animals. I also used this medium to explore the muscle structure and hide of each of the animals – to great satisfaction.
Acrylic Ink on Smooth Bristol Paper
2023
$75.00
Gnarled Cat $40.00
Leviathan of the Prairie
While observing the mighty bison on the prairies in Badlands National Park during a wild-fire smoke filled trip, I was fascinated by how the grass moved like water. Wanting to depict the kind of power that moves from and around these large beasts I sought to mirror how water moved before and away from the bow of a mighty ship. In the Bible the leviathan (a curious and indecipherable creature) is so large and powerful it can only be controlled by God.
2023
Acrylic on Canvas
$800.00
RLR Trinity
One of my favorite places in Colorado Springs is the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. This is working ranch with a wonderful mix of animals. I am particularly drawn to their Percheron horses. The center horse, Old Dan, has now passed and I wanted to try to capture the strength and steadiness I saw in him over many years.
Prismacolor on Paper
2023
$200.00
Rams in Queue
We came upon a group of rams, some twelve to fifteen in number, on the snowy grounds of Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. We learned from the grounds keeper that the rams gather just before rutting season in this small canyon. It brought to mind the abundant provision just waiting to be distributed to those who follow God as Abraham did.
Genesis 22:13, Philippians 4:19
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
$250.00
Sleeping Cat
Inspired by the colors and composition of one of my favorite artists, Wayne Thiebaud, I wanted to explore the various modes of sleeping that I saw in my cat Poh. I loved the late afternoon shadows cast by the chair and the cat.
Prismacolor on Paper
2020
$250.00
Zack
My family has long taken in rescue animals. Zack was one of these. At a family picnic he jumped up on the empty picnic table covered with one of our favorite tablecloths. He was a fantastic looking dog with wonderfully golden eyes and luxuriant black hair. He was also a spaz. But we loved him for the time he was in our family.
Prismacolor on Paper
2021
$250.00
Interested in purchasing original artwork?
Works must be on display at Cottonwood through February 23, 2024 and may be purchased there.
Works may also be purchased directly from the artist after this show.
Payment plans available through the artist after that time. Artwork will be delivered upon half of cost received or held in reserve until payments are complete.
Refund Policy
75% refund available if artwork is returned undamaged after 30 days. Shipping and handling included.
Otherwise, fine art reproductions and cards, posters, and more available at affordable prices at Redbubble.
