Thursday, November 3, 2011

Quote of the Day

Thomas Jefferson once said, "Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed their only firm basis-a convection in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God? They are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that His justice cannot sleep forever."

"A Miraculous Request" Giclee Print

A Miraculous Request 10x14 will be available at $49 for November only! At Bedardfinearts.com

Friday, October 21, 2011

"Deseret" In West Jordan


Deseret
In West Jordan 
West Jordan Temple
A Tribute to Brigham Young and His Desire to Call Utah “Deseret”

This is a real place in West Jordan that I came across while searching for a landscape of the West Jordan Temple... Upon seeing it, I was impressed by thoughts that came to me; these long rows of wooden hives all in white seemed indicative of what goes on in the Temple. 

Boxes of hives were representative of temple records and names of families whose work needed to be done. The bees are those working for those who can not do this work for themselves. Their labors create the sweet joy (honey) that results from doing this great temple work.

 This is a wonderful painting that has just recently become available in Giclee print.
I painted Deseret with a little of George Innis floating in the back of my head. For those who are not familiar with George Innis, he was one of the greatest American landscape painters of all time. I had the privilege of seeing this show in New York and then again in L.A. California.


Quote of the Day

Eminent Man
George Washington: "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. The smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained."

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Quote of the Day

Eminent Man
Christopher Columbus: "Our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my enterprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but the Holy Ghost inspired me?"

"White Edifice of the Desert" or The Saint George Temple






This striking landscape of the Saint George Temple captures the early morning sunlight  illuminating white clouds under the veil of a blue sky.

The saints were not so successful with cotton but they produced a heavenly white temple to the Most High in 1877, the oldest continually operating temple in the Church.
  

Monday, October 17, 2011

What did the 56 signers do to change the world?

They were instruments in God's hand to create a government where religious freedom could be experienced by the human race in its fullest for the first time. 

How many Christian religions are in America today?
There are only as many as the people of America desire.

There is even a Christian religion that is unique to America itself. This is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as the Mormon faith or the more good Faith in Jesus Christ as I like to call it.

For those who love Christ and truth, this unique religion of the Mormons' has great appeal.

This little church that started with only six members back in 1830 is the stone made without hands that is rolling forth and will fill the earth to prepare us for the Second Coming.

So what did the fifty-six signers do?  
You will have to ask them when you see them on the other side.

During 1877 there was a man who saw the signers and others, including General George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, as well as preceding generations such as Christopher Columbus in the Saint George Temple. His name was Wilford Woodruff.
In that sacred edifice, General George Washington and the 56 signers requested the blessings that could only be found in a Holy Temple of God, the blessing of eternal family relationships after this life, a fitting blessing for individuals who had sacrificed so much for others. They truly made the world better through their service.

It seems that the recent  groundbreaking ceremony led by President Henry B. Eyring of the Church's First Presidency  is very appropriate. 
 At his side was Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder William R. Walker, executive director of the Church’s Temple Department, and Elder Robert B. Smith of the Seventy. The Church leaders were joined by Mayor Michael Nutter and other local community and religious dignitaries. Thousands of Latter-day Saints watched a broadcast of the event in local chapels.
"The work done in these sacred buildings becomes the crowning element of our religious worship," said President Henry B. Eyring. "For Latter-day Saints, no building is more sacred than a dedicated temple of God."


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Temple




Friday, October 14, 2011

"A Miraculous Request" A Major Work by Michael Bedard

A Miraculous Request, a piece I just finished, is a major work of art for the world. It actually began at the beginning of time. It will finish when the seven thousand years of mortal life is completed. This painting shows the many layers of God's plan for man to return to Him and rejoice in all that He would have His children enjoy.

Another aspect of this painting I am pleased with is that it shows the gospel will go to every person that ever lived or will live on this earth.

If God loves all of his children and values them equally, it stands to reason that at some point all would
have the opportunity to become perfect as he has commanded. It is only through hearing the restored gospel in its purity that this can take place.

The Savior's own children's talents, when they are used to serve others' needs, help augment the work required for that perfection to take place. Some of the children were the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

New Website with New Products BedardFineArts.com

 BEDARDFINEARTS.COM


New Email Address: Michael@bedardfinearts.com



Hope of the Wold prints are now here!
To place orders for limited and open edition Giclee prints go to Bedardfinearts.com


Photographs such as these can now be ordered on the new online story in the Vintage Photos section.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Displaying Handcart & Carriage at Saint George Art Gallery

Vintage Carriage Now on Display

When I moved into my new gallery (Bedard Fine Art Gallery), I was surprised to find that Ancestor Square, the good old downtown Saint George itself, completely lacked wagons, carriages, as well as handcarts.  These transportation devices were not always fun to ride in, but they got great gas mileage, kept us more fit, and enabled us to enjoy cleaner air. And of course they look cool. They remind us where we came from, a heritage to be proud of. I love our history.
Authentic Handcart 





A new painting of the Saint George Temple in progress!



























Hope of the World
 by Michael Bedard
Did I forget to mention? The Hope of the World painting is completed! I am taking print orders now. Just call 801-803-3415 to place orders and they should be ready at the end of next week. A Key Map will be ready as well! The original (7'x10') will be on exhibition in the gallery, open 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday.






Sunday, August 14, 2011

Trip to Historical Nauvoo

I am on my way back from Nauvoo, Illinois. I took a quick trip to pick up a carriage and a handcart I wanted to use for my new gallery in Saint George, Utah. I'll post pictures of them soon.


Thanks to the kindness of some good friends of mine, my gallery will now be carrying Nauvoo Temple Stars and beautiful period Nauvoo Temple Plates which will become available starting Monday.

Monday, June 20, 2011

"Awakened by Angels"







Awakened by Angels

About the last of May [1846], previous to our departure from Nauvoo,
I was aroused from my slumbers one night, hearing such heavenly music
as I had never heard before. Everything was so still and quiet when it
burst upon my ear that I could not imagine from what source it came.
I got out of bed and looked out of the window toward the temple.
There, on the roof of the building, heavenly bands of music
had congregated and were playing most beautifully.
The moon was shining brightly and the music was exquisite!
Autobiography of Nancy Naomi Alexander Tracy
Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University

        For several years, fine artist Michael Bedard has desired to recreate this remarkable 1846 Nauvoo Temple vision in an original oil painting. He has already spent many weeks in research, photo shoots, and Photoshop prep work. (Please see his attached preliminary Photoshop image. This image doesn't have the detail and beauty that the painting will have, but it does give you an idea of how extraordinary this work of art will be!) Michael needs to sale twenty-four 18" x 24" Giclee prints of Awakened by Angels by August 1st in order to devote the next 2 to 3 months to creating this painting. Each of these limited edition prints will be signed and numbered and will include a finely printed letter of authenticity that also describes Nancy Naomi Tracy’s historical account. The price of just $225 for these large paintings includes shipping. They will be shipped by November 1st, 2011. What a magnificent family Christmas gift this painting would make!

For anyone who has a connection to Nauvoo or the Nauvoo Temple, simply loves the history of Nauvoo, or is a descendant of Nancy Naomi Tracy, this exquisite artwork by Michael Bedard will be treasured for generations. This painting displayed in the home will be an inspiring reminder of eternity each day for all family members—and a stunning conversation piece for all who come into the home.

If you can purchase one of these prints by August 1st, you will be helping to bring this remarkable vision to life for generations to come. Please participate in this rare opportunity and forward this to anyone you know who may be interested. Thank you!


To purchase with a credit card call:
801-803-3415 

QUESTIONS? Email Michael at bedardfineart@hotmail.com or call the phone number above.

Friday, June 17, 2011

New Gallery in Saint George Utah Open! Next Door to Brigham Young Winter Home

New Gallery Next Door to Brigham Young Winter Home Saint George, Utah
29 west 200 North
Saint George, Utah 84770

Sunday, June 5, 2011

With my eyes open, it's never boring!



I am trying to open my eyes. Each day I am trying to see better. It is a funny thing. I see the same thing each day but I don't see it! When I see it I begin to see! How do I know I see it better? When I paint better than the previous day! Some days are better. When you see something a thousand times you think it would get boring but not so. It's like eating ice cream or holding hands with my wife. I have been doing it for thirty years, but it's never boring-I love it! 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

NEWS!!! MORMON HISTORY ASSOC. SAINT GEORGE, UTAH 2011

HOPE OF THE WORLD PAINTING WILL BE ON EXHIBITION 27-29 MAY 2011


An Extraordinary Event

In the arid desert of southern Utah, August 1877, in the upper room of a white edifice, a remarkable event occurred. The signers of the Declaration of Independence and other eminent individuals from history appeared to a religious leader of the time, Wilford Woodruff. This was their message:

"Do not forget us."

Who were these noteworthy figures of the past?


MORMON HISTORY ASSOC. SAINT GEORGE UTAH 2011

This will be a lot of fun! A large number of special guests will make appearances. Primary speakers include W. Paul Reeve (Associate Professor of History University of Utah), Elder Bruce C. Hafen (Saint George LDS Temple President), Susan S. Rugh (Professor of History Brigham Young University), and the list goes on!
Hope to see you there! Prints will be available!

Michael


Sunday, May 15, 2011

News Extra Update! By the end a new beginning!


"Hope of The World"


Hope of the world is within days of being completed! Two new paintings will then be underway!



"Awakened by Angels"


"Hurrah Hurrah For Israel!"



"Awakened by Angels" and "Hurrah Hurrah For Israel!" The two images above are scrap prep previews for the actual paintings in progress and are copyrighted as is all content on this blog. They are here for everyone to view and enjoy. 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

NEWS: "Hope 1863" Graphite is on exhibition at the 87th Annual Spring Salon

Hope 1863
This is a wonderful little work. I love using graphite as a medium. Dragging a pencil across a new sheet of  paper is a magical experience!  I can actually feel the paper through the pencil. I see lines coming out of nowhere and becoming a new creation . 

Friday, April 1, 2011

Spring sale of some of Bedard's best prints at 20% off!

Harvesting Hollyhocks

Singing Blue

Nauvoo Day Lilies

Brother Joseph 
Free Email Spring Catalog 2011
Call 801-803-3415
or 
Email at bedardfineart@hotmail.com

Giclee prints! 20% off!!!  

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

"A Miraculous Request" by Michael Bedard


Painting in my studio in Saint George, Utah




Completing the A Miraculous Request in two more weeks!

.........A MIRACULOUS REQUEST by Michael Bedard

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Why I Paint the Way I do


Traditional Realism

I choose  traditional realism because it allows me to pull out the spirit and emotion of the person or persons I am painting, where the abstract form of painting points in directions that will never satisfy me. I want to make touch with all mankind as the audience of my art; that requires a common language, realism. The world we all live in.... light, joy, love, darkness, suffering and pain, is felt most acutely through the emotions, the best universal language of all, the human heart, the soul.

Michael Bedard

Friday, March 4, 2011

Sweetwater and the Willie and Martin Handcart Rescue




Some Must Push and Some Must pull

 




Express Riders

These express riders were the advance charged with locating the coming wagon relief for the Willie and Martin Handcart Company.




Brother's Keeper 1856



Ascending Rocky Ridge







"Brigham's Call to Rescue"
These are the first six wagons racing up Echo Canyon in answer to Brigham Young's call to rescue the stranded Willie and Martin Handcart Company of 1856.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Original Artwork for Sale 2011 by Michael Bedard

"Winter's End"
 Oil    18 x 24                                                                 $8,600
"Blue Alpine Trail"
Oil   16 x 20                                                                  $6,400

"Singing Blue"
Watercolor     15 x 17                                              $3,500
To purchase originals call Bedard Fine Art at 801-803-3415

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

progress on "A Miraculous Request"


 James Godson Bleak  
Chief Recorder of the St. George Temple

"I was also present in the St. George Temple and witnessed the appearance of the Spirits of the Signers..., The spirits of the Presidents..., and also others, such as Martin Luther and John Wesley..., who came to Wilford Woodruff and demanded that their baptism and endowments be done, Wilford woodruff was baptized for all of them. While I and Brothers J.D.T. McAllister and David H. Cannon (who were witnesses to the request) were endowed for them. These men laid the foundation of this American Gov..., and signed the Declaration of Independence and were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth to perform this work. Martin Luther and John Wesley helped to release the people from religious bondage that held them during the dark ages. They also prepared the people's hearts so they would be ready to receive the restored gospel when the Lord sent it again to men on the earth."(Personal Journal of James Godson Bleak-chief recorder of the St. George Temple)




"I am going to bear my testimony to this assembly, if I never do it again in my life, that those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the Declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits not wicked men. 
General Washington and all the men that labored for that purpose were inspired of the Lord.
Another thing I am going to say here, because I have a right to say it. Every one of those men that signed the Declaration of Independence, with General Washington, called upon me, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Temple at St. George, two consecutive nights, and demanded at my hands that I should go forth and attend to the ordinances of the House of God for them.... I told these brethren that it was their duty to go into the Temple and labor until they had got endowments for all of them. They did it. Would those spirits have called upon me, as an Elder in Israel to perform that work if they had not been noble spirits before God? They would not.” (Wilford Woodruff, Conference Report, April 1898, p. 89-90.)


 I think volumes could be written on what transpired during those two days and nights on both sides of the Veil in 1877.