Across the Columbia River

The bridges at Revelstoke. Amazing to think that this big river is the same one that flows north from the springs at Canal Flats.

p.s. if you need cheering up, go check out "cake wrecks". Then explain to me why, when hiring a cake decorator, the first question isn't "Can you spell?"

Lost in the wilderness

I am working on entries for "My Revelstoke". This is a view of the local bridge. I need to go back and possibly deepen the value of the far mountain. But first, I am going to change the sky color to a more contrasting color. The painting is boring and blue to me. I think I will dump the clouds too, they are just competing with the snow pack and they look pretty lame. Oh heck, I'd better straighten out the bridge a little too...no one is going to want to cross it. Never be ruled by a photograph! Tomorrow, this could be a different (and hopefully better) painting.

BAck to Business

I think I already posted this but I am running it again for lack of anything else to put here at the moment. This was painted right after the Burridge workshop.

I am mulling over resolutions and ideas. I am going to review a lot of the books and DVD's I own and try to use the information that is in them. I am happy to say that I am journaling (whoopie-do 10 minutes a day, but it is more productive than not journaling). I also want to start warm-up exercises a la Burridge so that I play and experiment by painting on watercolor paper. That is the beauty of acrylics. If stuff looks terrible you can paint over it. And if you produce a gem, you can mount the paper on a canvas.

My word to reflect on this month is Enthusiasm. I am enthusiastic about beginning the year. I like New Years and the beginning of September (I was a student for 20 years) because there is so much potential in a new season. I also just read a biography of Dale Carnegie, a little mid-west farmboy who did well and valued enthusiasm.

Enough rambling, must go paint.

Dusk Doe

Another splashy little abstract.

Windermere Lake--evening

This is one of the paintings I got done just before my show at Centre 64 and it is on its way to a new home.

I am off to Vancouver!

Windermere Lake--view from the cattleguard

I am trying to do some landscapes. I want to do some "historical sites" for the upcoming Columbia Valley Tour of the Arts on Aug. 2. including the stolen church (where I will have my booth) among others. I just need time to paint!
I must say, this one looks better in person. I will try to photograph it again.

Making Hay at McKersie's

This is one of those paintings that just fell off the brush. I like it better than a lot of stuff I've done recently.

The island house

I went back and added some reds to this painting. It warmed it up considerably. I have to say that this one was definetly a learning experience!

Little Pine

This is what I am sending to the local government conference. They are holding a contest of sorts and winners will be viewed in Victoria BC. Here's hoping!

"Hot Date"

Hot Date is finished, I think. I'm off for a week to interact with my kin in Illinois. My daughters are flying down from Yellowknife to Cranbrook and then we fly/drive to Olney Illinois. I am looking forward to having most of my small family together for the first time in about 18 years. I also look forward to seeing the farmland. The wheat will be pretty now.

Work in Progress

I am working on the sheep picture and have the major elements blocked in. I am not happy with the color scheme yet and will tweek it some more.

More Deer

Yay! Absolutely beautiful weather for a long weekend.

Smiley Face

This is based on pictures of the Aqiskinuk horse band. I didn't notice the moon-eyed paint had a motif until I reviewed my photos. This photo could be better.

The Hitchhiker

Yesterday, an artist-in-residency I had applied for let me know there was no residence available. I also got passed over for a grant to study in Alberta. I'm feeling pretty discouraged. I'm in a workshop this week and feeling like I can't paint. Spring feels like it is never coming to this valley. I am going to go find some cheese to enjoy with this whine.

The Billy Boys

This may be the last painting that gets posted for a while. I just returned from a trip to Illinois to check on my father. He is in an assisted care home. Parkinson's disease is robbing him of his movement and I am seeing early signs of dementia. But he is still trying and his odd sense of humor still kicks in occasionally. It is going to be very hard for all of us in the time ahead.
My daughters are coming home for Christmas, the first time we will all be together in three years. I am busy cleaning up this huge cavernous house that has been neglected for painting and travelling (much better things to do). Cleaning, gift finding, then painting (for a limited time only).