I have been thinking about summer and skies, longing for colour and warmth.

June, Remains of the Day

oil on canvas

24x24in, SOLD

This as an early painting from my 'Remains of the Day' series. It is exhilarating to paint these plein air works as you are literally working 'blind' as the sun quickly descends beyond the horizon.

I usually work on a ground of alizarine crimson and start building the painting an hour or two before the actual 'event' occurs. Just as the sky vibrates it's colours and reflections of the days' culmination, I am doing so with paint. Then, with only 10 minutes at most, I follow the sun with my brush, not seeing but 'feeling' my way.

Gathering up my gear in the dark isn't so much fun..at that time all of the man-eating bugs are out in full force and keeping an eye out for skunks is no easy task as you're stumbling home with wet canvas and gear in tow. I'm always excited to see my work once back the studio --it's a mad rush to open the door, get the lights on and see what's happened on the canvas!

Lately I have been reviewing Bonnard’s paintings—one of my all-time favourites! Initially it was for a ‘colour kick’ after all the winter monochrome. Yes, hands down Bonnard was one of the most ingenious colourists, and I’ve always liked his compositions. What initially looks like a coloured shape often turns into a dog, plate, or person. This optical trick of the eye is what does it for me and most if it is done via pure colour patterns divided into many subtle values.

Waiting for Arugula

oil on canvas

12x12in, 2010

Another artist and myself have been researching organic farms for a project involving farming on the Greenbelt. Today we visited a lovely small farm in Beamsville, Ontario. The owner gave us a tour of her hoop house, where she grows salad greens in winter. She then led us to the chicken coop and proceeded to feed these lively –and spoiled- birds arugula from her indoor garden! We took some eggs home - with a diet like that they are sure to be delicious:-)

I have been a little tired of the winter and not particularly inspired. Instead I have been in the studio working on my encaustic series. I just could not, however, resist the temptation of today. The sun was SO warm...stayed out for a few hours, and when I got back into the house and checked my messages, the gallery called to let me know of another painting sale! A pretty good day so far--will see what tonight brings:-)

 

February, Greenbelt Disaster

oil on canvas

18x24in, 2010

In the foreground  is a vineyard on the Niagara Escarpment in Jordan, Ontario. Beyond stood another vineyard--recently torn out because growers can no longer afford to farm it.

There is a group who claim that regulations implemented by the Greenbelt legislation puts constraints on their land and what they can and can not do with it. Some have set fire to their vineyards in response and  are calling this  the 'Greenbelt Disaster'. For more information, please visit Greenbelt Collective.

 

March

oil on beeswax

12x12in, 2007

SOLD

Lately I have been revisiting earlier works. If I am feeling lost in my artistic journey (which is part of process I think) ,  studying past works that still reverberate in my being affirms faith in my intuition.

 

All Dressed Up, Nowhere to Go

oil on beeswax

8x10in, 2008

Today I attended an inspirational event called ‘seedy Saturday. There were talks on heirloom gardening and presentations by The Cottage Gardener, Urban Harvest, Tree and Twig and the Garden of Eating (Niagara project, through which hundreds of pounds of fruit, which would otherwise have gone unpicked, was donated to area food banks).  As well, very informative organizations promoting organic farming, including the National Farmers Union and Ecological Farmers Association. Of course seeds were exchanged and there were lots there to purchase. 

All this talk of fruit and vegetables has given me a creative kick start to continue my encaustic Liberty Garden series. 

The late winter season does not stand favourably for my general well being. I find myself really having to push to begin new larger work and inspiration comes in ebbs and flows.

This February ‘flue’ seems to flare up after I have completed a large studio painting. After the excitement of it’s completion, and the sadness to see it go, I feel lost and in limbo.

So I ‘self medicate’ with these wee canvases. Chances are I can start and finish fairly quickly and my symptoms are eased for a few hours at least.

*And the fresh air does one a world of good:-)

February

oil on canvas

36x48in, 2010

I'm compelled  to depict the same locale in the same scale in all four  seasons. Below is a spring version .  Two more to go.

May

oil on canvas

36x48in, 2009

SOLD

February

oil on canvas

6x6in, 2010

The division between sky and land has always held my interest. They merge, yet remain separate. The horizon line is my measuring point and I rely on it to balance my compositions.
I gaze at it to balance my mind and heart.

available
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