Dawn on Rocky Lake

This morning I was greeted by a wonderful spring dawn, the kind where the robins are singing, sparrow hawks soaring about and the most wonderful colour abounds. I was reminded of a painting I had done of Rocky Lake, MB, where my family once owned a cottage. It is a fantastic little lake, lots of limestone outcroppings and neat little islands and great fishing. I have a friend there, Ron Scott, who is a talented musician and an experienced outdoorsman.

Ice Break Up

A lot of people still are not sure if it is spring or not considering the crazy weather we have been having of late. In these parts there are people who claim that the ice does not really melt, it just sinks down to the bottom of the lake! Sometimes I wonder if there isn't some truth to that. This painting celebrates the beauty of the northern parts of Manitoba, near Flin Flon. I have taken some liberties with the scene but it is based on a lovely little lake called Neso. Hope you enjoy it, I always do.

Pond Lilies

Today, the 13th of May, it was 1 degree Celcius outside and it snowed like the Dickens! It is a very interesting contrast to see snow flakes and fresh green leaves, those poor delicate little things. I feel sorry for the birds as well, trying to eak out a living amongst the snirt (snow and dirt). Anyways, to pay tribute to more summer like conditions I have posted this little painting of lilies, one of my favourite subjects. Hope you enjoy it, and the weather where ever you are!

Quietude

I just got word that my painting, "Quietude", sold at a Federation of Canadian Artists Chapter show in Kamloops British Columbia! Although it is nice to sell paintings I am always a bit sad to see them go; a person puts so much of themselves into those pieces that an attachment forms with them. Maybe I'm just a pack rat! The lady that purchased the piece said she was quite taken with it and therefore I am glad it is going to a good home. I love water and this piece is all about that peaceful easy feeling found by the waters edge.

Langenburg Arts Council

I just got back from Langenburg, Saskatchewan, where I was invited by the Langenburg Arts Council to deliver a knife painting workshop. The workshop was a great success. I was re-united with friends I haven't seen in up to 5 years, ladies and gentleman who have been regular participants in our annual Shellmouth Art Retreat, and new acquaintances who were a pleasure to work with. I was hosted by Jan Layh, a wonderful artist and a dynamo of energy. I also had time to hike in my beloved hills surrounding the Shellmouth valley. I have plans on doing a major piece to celebrate its existence. The painting above was done on a past retreat at a secret place some of my artist friends make a habit of visiting when we are all together.

Little Manitou Lake

Little Manitou Lake is claimed to have healing powers. Its waters have a high mineral content, particularly salt, which aids in ridding the body of toxins. I know that the healing powers it gives me happen when I sit down with my portable easel and paint its natural beauty. The crocuses are out in full force now and it is a sight to behold.

Palette Knife Workshop

I am looking forward to the upcoming weekend because I will be giving a workshop on palette knife painting in Langenburg, SK. Langenburg is the home of my friends Jan and Don Layh, Sandra and Jack Hollenburg (they have a group called "Silk and Steel" and are wonderfully talented), Mabel Mund, and numerous other talented artists. Our famous Shellmouth art retreat is only minutes away. It will be exciting to be back for the weekend.

Calm before the Storm

I was happy to discover that I live very close to Canada's oldest Waterfowl sanctuary, at Long Lake, Saskatchewan. I believe it was established even before Confederation which was 1867. Now I know why there are countless birds of all makes and sizes in the area. Nothing heralds spring more in my mind than the sound and sight of our feathered freinds. I have painted a pastel to honour them and their environment. It is called "The Calm before the Storm." Do you know the feeling?

Spring Storms

Woke up the other day to a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. I am old enough to know better, in Canada you can expect any kind of weather at this time of the year. This is a small oil painting to commemorate that early morning snow.

Spring Breakup

Mistik Creek has been one of my favourite haunts for many years. It is a lovely creek that meanders amongst the Pre-cambrian rocks of Northern Manitoba. I have spent many memorable times there with my brother Richard, a wonderful photographer. Check out his site at http://www.richardbaschakphotography.ca for some amazing photos! This watercolour is called Mistik Breakup. Enjoy it this Earth Day! Maybe do something for old Mother Earth today.

Peaceful Morning

What a great time of the year, so much happening all around. I love water and everything that happens in that space and could spend a lifetime painting that motif. Hope you enjoy this picture. It is a watercolour of an area not far from the town of Watrous, SK.

Pain & Suffering

For those out there who enjoy poetry, a poem by Rumi, entitled "That Live In Us."
If you put your hands on this oar with me,
they will harm another, and they will come to find
they hold everything you want.

If you put your hands on this oar with me, they would no longer
lift anything to your
mouth that might wound your precious land-
that sacred earth that is
your body.

If you put your soul against this oar with me,
the power that made the universe will enter your sinew
from a source not outside your limbs, but from a holy realm that lives in us.

Exuberant is existence, time a husk.
When the moment cracks open, ecstasy leaps out and devours space;
love goes mad with the blessings, like my words give.

Why lay yourself on the torture's rack of the past and the future?
The mind that tries to shape tomorrow beyond its capacities
will find no rest.

Be kind to yourself, dear--to our innocent follies.
Forget any sounds or touch you knew that did not help you dance.
You will come to see that all evolves us.

If you put your heart against the earth with me, in serving
every creature, our Beloved will enter you from our sacred realm
and we will be, we will be
so happy.

Its Winter again

We have gone from 16 Celcius to O with wet snow and howling winds, winter is back for awhile. Thought I would post a painting that celebrates the warmer weather we had for a couple of days. It is called "View from the Chapel."