Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
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Gray is a poet of the heart, gifted in her ability to convey feelings. Some of her poems rhyme, some are lyrical free verse ("word pictures"), all are fairly short and structured so they can be easily understood. Although they integrate well with Charles Peer's vibrant nature scenes and many are obviously about nature and the seasons, Gray often gives a more spiritual message in her poetic words. Occasionally lines leap out as this one from "In Love with Life": Love is the only rental that we owe.
Peer, head of the Department of Art at John Brown University, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, has arranged with the owners of many of his finest paintings for their reproduction in this choice gift book. Some of the pieces have color so bright and thick, they make the viewer wonder if the paint is still wet.
Others reveal the texture of the canvas beneath the color, which gives a muted feeling that is appropriate to the poems they illustrate. In most he uses blue and lavender with gold and green to suggest either early morning or late afternoon, times when many of us find a few quiet moments to consider the bounty of the earth and give thanks.
Tending the Master's Garden is a wonderful gift choice for those who love the beauties of nature, as well as those who recognize their source.
Arleta Jones is a freelance reviewer from Dayton, OH.
Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com