en Plein Air

This past Sunday afternoon I took my pochade box down to the lakeside and painted this view down Little Manitou Lake, looking west.  It was a lovely day but a bit windy at times as I had to weigh down my easel to keep it from flying into the salt water!  As it was Spirit of Manitou Studio Trails weekend there were lots of people about and I had one visitor who was curious enough to stop and ask if it was Ok if she watched me for awhile. We had a nice chat while I painted and then she was off to visit the galleries all about our community.

Wouldn't it be nice

Wouldn't it be nice if winters were always this way?  I have enjoyed this winter so much, being able to paint outside practically everyday and going for long walks in the hills and fields with my two dogs.  I plan on going out tomorrow again and finding a nice place to paint and enjoy life. I like listening to Van Morrison and Neil Young while painting, funny how music and painting go together so well! The painting above is an oil of the hill across from Wellington Park.

Serenity at Sundown

I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing an amazing performance by what I believe to be terns over the waters of Manitou Lake. A group of them were flying in formation and they appeared to be a mass of white flecks. When they turned and abruptly changed direction they literally disappeared from sight as there black markings blended into the landscape behind them. What a beautiful and memorable sight! I submit this pastel in honor of the event. It seems like a simple thing to comment on but it really was an awe inspiring spectacle.

Rainy Spring Day

Who out there doesn't love to take a walk after a warm spring rain? The smell of the budding poplar buds and choke cherries, the fragrant earth, the bird song and the wind in the trees. Everything has been given a new lease on life and exuberance is in the air. This little watercolour is a testament to my feelings on just such a day.

Re-cycling

I was banging around the studio this afternoon looking for a canvas to paint on and I came across a panel that was previously painted on. After some consideration I decided that it had the makings of a water type painting with lilies. There is a particular type of water lily that grows in Percy Lake, where my good friend and artist Jan Layh has a summer cottage and I have wanted to paint them for some time. With that in mind I went to work on the piece and very shortly I had what I was looking for. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Spring

It is feeling alot like Spring these days. You look up in the skies and see flocks upon flocks of geese flying back and forth, a wonderful sight and sound. One of the most beautiful things in the world is to hear geese flying close overhead; the sound of all the wings flapping and the geese's chatter is amazing. The sea gulls are back as well, I always look forward to the sound of their cries as well. I set up my portable easel overlooking Wellington park the other day and did this oil, the time was late afternoon. As you can see, the snow is practically gone and the lake ice is starting to darken. It was nice to sit there and soak up the sun while doing something I love. What a blessing life is!