Thursday, December 31, 2009

Ghosts of Yesterday

Part of the old log farm buildings are collapsing, but the logs seem resolute to continue. Gratitude and appreciation to the past, joy and welcome to the new. Happy New Year!


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

1867


1867 or so, to now, ending 2009. And here the past sits, silenced, alone but not forgotten.....nice to visit but not dwell in for long.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A Walk in the Park

Actually it was in the middle of 400 acres of forest. After the ice storm, we went skiing along the logging trails to take in the frozen splendour . Fresh deer tracks were everywhere.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Season's Greetings


The valley had a splendid display of hoarfrost about a week ago, and I was working on angles and perspectives etc. It was my intention to paint something for Christmas, but alas, the joy and bustle of the family coming home delayed that, so here it is today.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Retreat


It is so gray outside these days, but when there is a sunset, the glow radiates everywhere. I wanted some of those colours.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Crabby Tea

Mary still had some crab apples from the fall, even with a leaf, and we painted this still life today. I am still working on those wonderful ellipses - getting there slowly but surely.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Birch Notepaper


While stomping through my backyard - mini forest - I came across these two birch trees. The bark was hanging from one and reminded me of how as children we would write notes with great delight on birch bark.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Back to Basics




The basics - shapes (and that includes ellipses), value, colour etc.
I am reading a book called "The Talent Code" which describes the effective way of learning so that we create the brain pathways - neurotransmittors wrapped in myelin - so in other words, practice is key, but correct constructive practice creates fast firing circuits.
So I am going back to slow, methodical, aware practicing ....... called DEEP Practice.
Now we know!
Next I need to connect with a "hotbed". Will keep you posted!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Partners


Painting day with Mary - now we are indoors. I am working on variegating the colours in the background and shadows.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Chirping...


These little clay birdfeeder had shapes that I have been wanting to paint. The birds are essentially the same and yet different. They have minimal details and yet are quite expressive.
I had filled it with seeds, but it can't stay out for the winter.