My wife Holly and I were recently privileged to visit a collector of my work and to view my paintings in their newly built Blowing Rock home. Robert & Amy have purchased quite a few of my pieces over the past several years and have placed them tastefully throughout their house.

The Brinkley's have decorated their beautiful mountain home with accents that visually embrace the rustic surroundings of our area. Beyond visual appeal, they have created a haven for work and family and personal pursuits which include recording their family history. Their home is a very welcoming environment with a warm atmosphere and gracious surroundings.

As we passed through the front entrance and into their great room, we immediately noticed a recent purchase, No Trespassing, presented with a stately presence on the wall next to the fireplace. Also in that room was the figurative work, Rainy Days positioned at the entrance to Robert's study with the mountain grandeur of Soaring Over Hawksbill anchoring the other side of the doorway. Apple Cider graced the wall next to the dining room table opposite a recent Elliott Daingerfield acquisition. The two pieces looked like they were made to compliment one another.

The other paintings they have added to their collection were in key places throughout the house to bring attention to bygone memories or scenic landscape vistas that are visible from their wonderfully designed expansive back deck which takes in a 180 degrees view of the Western North Carolina mountains. They can watch the sunset over peaks like Hawksbill, Table Rock, Grandfather and Grandmother mountains as well as the Mount Mitchell range in the distance. Very exhilarating.

Finally, I am honored that both Robert and Amy have positioned my work in their office spaces where they want to be stimulated by imagery that motivates their creative energies. Caught in a Storm graces the wall opposite Robert's desk. Amy has selected Storyteller to remind her of childhood relationships each morning as she leaves the bedroom and Summer Memories faces her as she walks the hallway to her office. Other landscapes from my work are positioned along the passagewaysx that are a reminder of her heritage and focus her thoughts on capturing the narratives of a bygone era.

After a wonderful evening and tour, I have to admit they have provided a much better place to display my work than a gallery because it is more than a place to view art. Their home reflects their interests and passions and give meaning to the pieces that surround them.

As we reflected on our time together, Amy said, "We were honored to have you and Holly here to witness your paintings in their new home. Each one has a special place in our hearts and minds."

In the Home of a Collector

The Artwork of American Realist Painter Jason Drake