Rocks and Trees

I will preface this post by recounting an encounter from a trip Tom and I made to Gros Morne, Newfoundland, with my brother John and partner Michelin. We were all enthralled with the landscape, every inch of it beautiful and compelling, and couldn't help thinking that residents get to wake up every day to this natural beauty. We were in a little store and mentioned this to the owner, a local. Her response was 'rocks and trees is all, don't sees it'.

So, now we are back after a lovely week in Haliburton. We managed to get a fair bit of painting done, most of which still need work... We visited a gallery in the area (called the Art Hive) - a really neat concept, not unlike ArtScene in Spencerville, but more workshops and collaboration. Here’s a link: http://www.thearthive.com, check it out.

At this gallery I was taken with one artist in particular, Wendy Wood, whose unique and graphic take on her natural environment is compelling. Her fluid, sinuous interpretations strongly reflect one’s visual experience of those wonderful Canadian Shield rocks, abundant streams, tall pines, poplars, oaks and maples.

Tom and I have our own take on painting that environment, especially as we were there to paint plein air. Choosing what you will paint is your first challenge – then there is the breeze, the changing light (no bugs, thank heavens!). One spot, Butternut Falls, inspired this work (in progress) from Tom (oil on wood panel):

I was inspired by Wendy when I chose this view. At right is an actual shot of part of this scene.

At Ritchie Falls, I was inspired by the twisted cedars, with the bright backdrop of rushing water (work in progress, acrylic on wood panel). 

So, in my Wednesday evening class, we will explore a little further our natural world, water, rocks and trees, for one more look at fall before she leaves us. We will leave the sad news of darkling darling Jian behind and lose ourselves in art! If you are inspired to join us, please contact me, or call me at 613-658-2916 and I will set you a place at our creative table!