Among 10 paintings in artist David Fuller's "Living Moments" exhibit at Fireweed Gallery is one dedicated to benefit a memorial to Homer's Eagle Lady, Jean Keene, who died January 13, 2009.

A silent auction throughout the month of August, beginning with a First Friday reception Aug. 7, will determine the owner of "Knock Knock," an acrylic painting measuring 28 inches by 22 inches. The auction-determined cost of the painting will be added to a fund established specifically to create the Keene memorial.

"It's of an eagle looking at a wooden woodpecker," Fuller said of the painting's subject, reminiscent of the woodpecker that was situated near Keene's residence on the Spit. "I think it's somewhat indicative of what she would appreciate. It's a bit whimsical and we hope that it draws some attention because I'd love to see it go and the fund grow."

This is the first Homer exhibit for Fuller, who lives in Homer four months of the year and in Florida the other eight. He describes himself as a "Norman Rockwell person."

"I like to tell a story with a painting," the artist said. "I like to have it pretty obvious so every one can understand what's going on. A slice of life kind of thing. A moment that you see."

With his heart set on becoming an artist, Fuller entered art school upon graduation from high school in Florida.

"I quickly found out you have to have a day job to make that work. Even at the eager age of 18, I figured that it didn't calculate," he said.

Shifting gears, Fuller enrolled in college and studied for a career in engineering and science. Thirty-five years later, he returned to his interest in painting.

"I'm back, trying to pick up where I left off in the late 50s," he said.

Following an invitation from a friend who lives in Anchor Point, Fuller and his wife, Joanie, visited the peninsula in 2006, and have since bought a home that offers Fuller a studio and views of the surrounding area. Although he never met Keene, he heard much about her from those who did, including Homer resident Bev Dobbs.

"She e-mailed me some pictures and I said, 'Gee, that's pretty interesting.' From there, (the painting) just sort of fell in place," Fuller said.

Fuller's exhibit, "Living Moments," runs Aug. 7-Sept. 1. To read more about the artist and see samples of his work, visit the Fireweed Gallery Web site at www.fireweedgallery.com.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.