Ode to the rain...

As the 4th week of too much rain pounds the sidewalks, I found it inspired my most recently completed piece. There's a lot going on here as you can see. I worked on it for many weeks and it has taken many layers and transformations along the way.

I am still very attached to the connection between man made structures and nature co-existing. I have really enjoyed exploring this connection and I suspect I will continue to do so through out my life...and the trees...well those are always one of my favorite subjects.

I've already got the next canvas up...blank...staring at me...

"Through the Trees" 24x24 inches

mixed media, acrylic on canvas

The Old Mill

Ahhh Fall....my favorite time of year is upon us once again. As Spring does for some people, I always feel a coming of renewal in Fall. The changing colours, climate, and the crispness in the air. It makes me feel aware and alert of everything around me.

I was down at the "Old Mill" the the other day. It's about 2 km from my house along Shore Line Parks shores. It was a working Mill in the late 1800's and burnt don in 1906. There are remnants of the mills history littered along the shoreline. The natural habitat has embraced this man made rubble and created a very unique site of colour, haphazard architecture and form. The shore here is inundated with birds, fish, crabs, and seals...natures perfect ecosystem. There are jellyfish over a foot in diameter carelessly fluttering through the water.






An old brick half buried in the sand reads only a portion of what was originally printed on it, and tells the destiny of this site "...burn in canada...".


Enjoy this special, beautiful time of year.

I'm loving this medium!

I've spent the past couple of weeks thinking, creating and pondering art...in between Momming and the other daily stuff! I have been interested in Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, Picasso and other great artists from the 19th and 20th century. I love their fearless use of colour and abstract lines to conjure up feelings with just a glance at their works.

I have found great joy and anticipation in creating this painting and am working on a couple more at present. This painting was inspired by my love of trees and the collation between nature, industry, & their forced unity. The canvas measures 48" x 48", and untitled...for now.

F I R E !

Well, I spent many hours thinking about what I wanted to portray for the "Fire" show for the Burnaby Arts Council. I haven't worked with Acrylics in a long time...and as I sat out in my beautiful garden painting my 1st piece...it just dryed too fast! I over worked the layers and just wasn't happy with the outcome. The following weekend, as the rain fell, I sat at my easel...brushes in hand, colours mixed...I knew I had to work fast if I wanted to achieve the look I was going for. I decided to collage with one of my favorite subjects...trees. I placed the images on my panel and so the process began. Less than 1 hour later, I was happily sitting in front of my finished work. I signed it and am ready to deliver. Whew.

"Demise & Rebirth" 12x12 Acrylic on Wood Panel

In the garden...

I spent some time in the garden this past weekend. My sweetie does a fantastic job of keeping everything well hydrated and cared for, and I am reaping the rewards. I had a perfect weekend. An awesome balance of family time, sleep, and appreciation for life, art and love.

I just can't stop photographing the florals! They are so layered with colour, shape and texture. The perfect subject.

looking for inspiration...

I have an upcoming show. It's organized by the Burnaby Arts Council and will be shown at Deer Lake Gallery in Burnaby.

My piece will be one of many 12"x12" ‘Art Projects in Support of the 2009 World Police & Fire Games‘. All of the art works have to have something to do with "fire". It can be literal or just reflective of a thought or feeling associated with fire. I love the idea of this show and I am really looking forward to seeing the vast outcome of all of the artists involved. It is fascinating to me, the great differences people see and feel in what can literally be viewed as the same thing.

I have not decided on the fate of my 12x12 panel yet...still looking for inspiration and time!

Sweet Inspiration

I long for you my sweet inspiration
Misplaced amidst the daily confusion.
I withdraw to thoughts of you and I
Harmonious and free,
As though a ravenous strength has devoured
My anxious self and ascended me to all I can be.

The air cools, the dreary brightens
My solitaire self no longer frightens.
Adaptation of lament to creation
How I long for you my sweet inspiration.

Leesa Hanna

desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And what ever your labors and inspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

the beginning...

I just wanted to start documenting my progress into my lifelong dream to become a full time artist. I've made many baby steps over the past 20years, but the steps are getting alot bigger and I'm looking forward to every positive movement towards making this dream a reality. So this is me cutting the ribbon and popping the champagne ( notice I'm not breaking the bottle...blasphemy!)