The Village Perk

The Village Perk

I painted this 8 x 10 oil on last Sunday, felt like painting something local. The Village Perk is a funky little Cafe down by the lake where great coffee and food is served.  The tables and chairs are very retro and the atmosphere is nice and laid back.  Ken, the owner, keeps it open for the tourist season only.

Robert Genn's Passing

Sailing on Little Manitou, SK

As some of you may know by now, Robert Genn has passed on. He was the gentleman who originated the Painters Keys internet site that has since gone on to be a magnet to thousands of people worldwide with an interest in reading his online letters and ruminations on Art and related matters.  Robert Genn was a wonderful Canadian artist, his paintings are instantly recognizable. He was witty, funny, well versed, philosophical and so generous.  It is hard to imagine how he found the time to do his twice weekly letters and still manage a busy schedule of painting and related business but he did.  I will be indebted to him as I go out on my own plein air excursions, another thing that he excelled at.  So thank you Robert for your example of how to be human.  Also thanks to his daughter Sara for continuing on with his legacy.

Supernatural

I got up quite early yesterday morning (5:00) and enjoyed the natural world from my deck that faces the lake. My watercolours were handy so in a  contemplative and purposeful way I painted my experience in those moments.  I had barely started painting when a large Raven flew overhead me with a small bird in its beak, likely a Robin chick, so I included that in the piece.  A thought entered me saying "this is." This is as natural as the way the wind causes the surface of the lake to turn another colour and texture. This is as natural and right as the sky turning from a pale rosy tint to blueish green.  Its hard to put thoughts on paper sometimes but I'll try.  We can trust Nature, she always gets it right.  We should not impose ourselves on Nature, that is not Natural and Healthy.  I am grateful to be taught the most amazing things by observing the seemingly simple and underated things in Nature.  This is not the first time the Raven has talked to me, but maybe thats a story for another time. Thanks for coming by.