         |  | |  Meet the Artist These vivid memories and others- light twinkling on small streams, or icicles hanging on cliffs on a cold Winter morning were my first introduction to true beauty. As I have grown into adulthood, I have endeavored to capture these images in my paintings to share with those who also appreciate mountain beauty. I have been painting most of my life. It has been my sole avocation for the past 20 years. I studied art in Europe for several years developing my skills in the "Old Masters" technique of oil painting. While equally at home in both the oil and watercolor mediums, I enjoy painting scenery and still life's, However, my passion is in portraits both human and animal. I believe that every picture should tell a story and preserve the history of our people and region. My studio is located in Grottoes, Va; in the center of the Shenandoah Valley . I am fortunate to have my art included in private collections throughout the United States and Europe. I am currently accepting a limited number of commissions for artwork, of all types, for completion this year. bsjustis@surfbest.net 
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As a child growing up in the Appalachian Mountains; hemlocks, laurel, moss, nut trees were part of my being. Furniture, for outdoor playhouses, was made of rocks large enough for a five year old to roll in place and upholstered with moss. Daisies were "fried eggs"; hemlock needles became rice or salad. Water, soil and nuts mixed together made a wonderful cake. All of these were "cooked" under the shade of mountain laurels or hemlocks. Others were "baked" on sunny rocks by the stream.