The rolling plains surrounding Dair Mar Elia Monastery of St. Elijah, located 4 miles southwest of Mosul, Iraq, could easily be mistaken for the rolling plains of the Texas Panhandle. This was an interesting observation for Texas artist Andrew Scott DeJesse whose primary inspiration comes from the landscapes of the Texas Panhandle. Through his paintings of landscapes and old homesteads, Andrew tries to capture moments lost and places forgotten. Although he is currently deployed with the U.S. Army and stationed in Iraq, he finds that he doesn't have to rely solely on memory when he needs to tap his inspiration. Andrew did not leave home with the intention of returning with a sketch book full of images of Iraq, but visits to the monastery have been inspirational. "It is a difficult environment, but I am trying to make this a positive and enlightening experience." says Andrew.

Andrew paints primarily with oil on wood using multi-layered abstract washes of paint to create an atmospheric quality. Each layer is allowed to bleed through the next in an abstract manner. When viewed in totality they appear realistic and give depth to the imagery. As he interprets the subject matter, he makes no effort to paint photorealistic, instead he tries to render what lies just beneath the surface literally and figuratively.

To read more of Andrew's visit to Dair Mar Elia Monastery, click on the article A Letter from Iraq on the Amarillo College website.