Wind in the Grass, Smoke on the Wind

This pastel was a plein air effort from the hill above the dam at Eastend.  I was up there with Dean Bauche, Bonnie McNabb and Ovid Mercredi.  There was a pretty stiff wind blowing and I had to hold onto my pastel board tightly to keep it from taking off on me.  For sure I didn't have to worry about blowing the pastel dust occasionally.  I love sitting in nature and painting, and when the elements are particularly active, it is even more vital.  Plein air pieces form a lasting memory for many years after. 

Thinking like Leonardo Da Vinci

North Saskatchewan River near Moose Park, MB

I am currently reading a book entitled "Thinking like Leonardo Da Vinci" when I have a bit of time on my hands, which isn't much lately.  It is a wonderful read on an amazing human being, I have always had a great deal of respect for Da Vinci.  Without a doubt anyone would benefit from adapting some of his characteristics, stretching the mind muscle is a good daily practice.  Ovid Mercredi, a friend of mine, quite often encourages young people to study the great people that have come and gone in order to better their way of life.  Interestingly, he also recommends studying the infamous people as well so that you can learn how not to behave.  Sound advice for sure.  I'm looking forward to seeing Ovid and Gerry at the Eastend Art Retreat in July.  Ovid, like myself, spent time in The Pas, Mb, near where the above watercolour was painted.

Ovid Mercredi

A whiles back, we were invited to spend New Years with Jan and Don Layh, who live near Langenburg, SK. Also present were other friends, including Ovid Mercredi. I caught him with my camera in a very contemplative mood sitting near a window overlooking the valley below. Ovid is a wonderful poet and he has blessed us many times with readings of his work. He also has become very interested in painting and is coming along quite nicely in that field. He has challenged other painter friends and myself to come up with a painting that visually captures the spirit of his poem, "Ode to Mozart." I am still working on that. For now I'll settle for this pastel of the poet himself.