The Joy of Collaboration

Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Every once in awhile I have the joy (I could use many words to express this) of collaborating with good friends at our various Retreats.  The painting above was painted by Dean Bauche, Jan Layh and myself at our Retreat in Denare Beach, SK this past summer.  Rocks were the theme of many participating artists as this location is well known for the Precambrian outcroppings abounding about there (some are loaded with precious minerals like zinc, copper and gold).  I was entrusted to take this painting home and finish it, the only demand was that I didn't break the first rule.  People in the know will understand what that means!  I only had to sharpen up some lines and do a bit of glazing.  Seems like its done.

The Value of Thankfulness

Melody  36 x 48 Oil

After reading the latest post of Robert Genns Painters Keys, which was about thankfulness, I considered my experience up at the Denare Beach (Shellmouth North) retreat with respect to the idea of giving thanks.  For sure we always as a group said grace before we partook of the fabulous meals prepared for us by fellow artists but there is also saying thanks to all the participants for their help and critical comments that served to enhance the artistic experience.  There is giving thanks to God for the supernatural geography that is Amisk Lake, Schist Lake, the creeks, forests, blueberries and bears.  Their is thankfulness for the humor of singing Karaoke at 1:30 in the morning with people that sing way better than you, or worse.  Skinny dipping in the crystal clear waters of Amisk under a full moon at 1 in the morning with other loony artists, and the loons.  The list goes on.  So thanks, and thanks again.

Denare Beach Art Retreat

Blue Hotel  Oil on Canvas 36x48

I am back from a week of painting in the wonderful community of Denare Beach, SK.  Our annual Shellmouth Retreat was moved there to give Jan Layh a bit of a break this summer after busily planning for her daughter Avery's wedding in a few weeks time.  What a fantastic place to be for a week of friendship and art making.  Many thanks to Karen Clark and Sarah Trevor, who organized this fantastic event.  I made new friends and reconnected with the supernatural wonder of the precambrian shield country after being away for nearly three years.  It has wetted my appetite to get back there and paint the landscape once more.  Also thanks to the artists of that area who came out to participate and to the public who supported all of us at the wind up on Saturday, what an amazing turnout!  We were treated to some special music performed by the Hanson's, a local duo, who played while be danced our heads off!  The painting above is one of 9 that I completed while up there.
I would like to invite my readers who are in the vicinity to come out to my solo show here in Watrous at the Gallery on 3rd.  It is titled "Conversations with Place," and will feature many of my works of the area.  It opens on Wednesday, August 17th.  The opening reception is August 19th at 7 pm.  Hope to see your there!