Rocky Lake

Rocky Lake, Manitoba  Oil  9 x 12 in

We used to have a winterized cottage not far from this location where we spent many perfect days doing what you do at the lake, fishing summer and winter, swimming, paddling, exploring, cross country skiing and so much more.  Lately I have these pangs of longing about the North.  I spent over 40 years up there, its really in my blood!

Ravens

I've had some interesting interactions with Ravens in the last couple of days. Yesterday one flew to a tree that I was standing beneath and just kind of hung out for awhile, listening to our conversation and occasionally adding a comment!  Then today while on a walk that this painting depicts three Ravens were hanging out near me.  I made some Raven like calls and one of them starting talking back to me. Probably confusing it.

Its Raining, its Pouring

Its terribly wet out and has been for a few days now. I have lots of work to do but its all outside so I'm in my studio trying to be productive and maybe learning something to boot.  This is an oil painting about water, one of my favourite subjects, and a leaf beginning its journey to who knows where.  After I was almost finished it for the day I realized it bore some resemblance to the American painter Larry Poons, whom I admire.  Funny what comes up through the sub-conscious at times.

Water World

I haven't had much time to paint lately, life as a carpenter has to take precedence at this time of the year! Looking through some of my works on paper and I came across this watercolour painted a few years back, I rather like it as it expresses exactly my sentiments when I came across the scene.  And, since it is raining so heavily outside, the water theme is appropriate.

Morning on Schist Lake

I've been spending quite a bit of time lately working on paintings of Schist Lake, Mb, where I had the pleasure of being this past summer.  A fellow painter, Ron Watt, took us on a boat trip around the lake one glorious morning and I am eternally grateful for that!  My only regret is that we didn't get on the lake a little sooner in the morning so that we could have caught the mist on the water.  This painting portrays the last vestiges of that pristine morning (I hope). I'm going to give this one a rest for awhile as I find I am fiddling with it which could mean it is telling me that it is finished or just needs a break from me for awhile.

Shimmering Water

My latest plein air of the lovely Wellington Creek.  An overcast day, temperature hovering around 0 C, with bits of sunlight once in awhile.  Quite contemplative place to sit and paint, the water gurgling and chickadees fluttering about, I even saw a couple of robins. What a life.

Hue and Saturation

This watercolour is pushing hue and saturation somewhat, but I swear it is not terribly different than what I have seen on some summer evenings out here.  I don't know, maybe I will wash it out a bit.
CC's are welcome.

Shellmouth goes North

As I have mentioned in this blog several times I have the distinct pleasure and privilege of attending a week long Art Retreat in Shellmouth, Mb.  Well this year that retreat is going to be held at Denare Beach, Sk. because of extenuating circumstances and will be hosted by two amazing artists who go by the names of Karen Clark and Sarah Trevor.  I can't express how excited I am about this because I grew up in Northern Manitoba and who I am as an artist is largely defined by the beauty of the Boreal forest and Precambrian shield area that makes up the geography of the land north of my home town of The Pas, Mb. The painting above depicts Amisk Lake which is near the location of this years Retreat and you can bet that I will be found paddling my home built Kayak around the many islands and inlets of this amazing lake with my pochade box at the ready.  Thanks in advance girls, I know you will put on a wonderful event for us all!