James Hendrick - Personal reflection

4.  For the fourth blog in this series, I will review the artwork of a close friend of mine, Corey Keeling.  Entering his room one cannot help notice the abundance of colorful artwork, all of which he personally created.  One recurring theme of his works is the image of a ‘Lion’ in a number of settings, scenes, positions and activities.  I questioned him about the paintings and he explained a bit about his fascination with the Lion.  Most of his works focus on the detailed coloring of the lions mane and he describes this process of blending and shading colors as his favorite.  Being able to find new colors he has never used before is one of the rewards painting can offer him.  By changing the setting and landscape in the background, including the time of day, Corey is able to paint the familiar image of the Lion in a seemingly unlimited variety of colors and shades.  Corey describes the colors he makes very fondly; when the color blending results in a shade that has no name, and presents a color so unique and particular it transcends the label of any assigned color, then it right for the painting.  So what’s with the Lion?  Corey describes his fascination with the Lion as a personal connection with the Beast.  He describes the normal attributes of the animal, strong and courageous, fierce and intense, but at the same time gentle and majestic, proud and family oriented.  He values these attributes illustrated by the Lion, wishes to see these characteristics emphasized more in humanity, and attempts to embody these traits in his daily existence.  He claims his behavior and attitude express this desire and it is obvious that his paintings do as well.