“Whatever you think your boundary is, if you can get to that point
but then step a little bit further, the whole world opens up again.” Mike Cotty. ( Anchor & Leap)

New 11×14 oil on board- photo research credit Deborah Malin

The story of Mike Cotty and the Col Collective is quite fascinating.
In less than a year since it’s launch in 2014, the company has been featured in numerous magazines, blogs, and podcasts.

“The name The Col Collective came about when I initially thought up the idea of creating this video library of climbs, the French word ‘Col’ meaning pass, married up with the collective of videos we were creating just seemed to fit perfectly.” he says.
Some of those videos have reached over 50,000 views.

I was captivated by the incredible landscapes and was immediately a fan upon seeing the first video.
Intrigued just as much by what the videos didn’t include, as by what they did.

1) They lack annoying hammering music and suffer-fest display one often sees in a cycling video.

2) The Col Collective site displays an educational feature, complete with gear information, and cycling techniques a recreational cyclist like I can understand. Mike’s stretching routine would suit many, including artists.

3) They supply site- specific information, for those who want to explore these incredible places. Col Collective delivers details on the climbs.

4) Artfully filmed with breathtaking panorama’s~
they’re like an extraordinary moving, living painting.

5)The mountains steal the show.
Col Collective created the videos with just that in mind.
Even Mike’s commentary is reminiscent of sanctuary.
“Ease into it” he says softly as he cycles up the mountain.
“Relax and enjoy the view, it just doesn’t get any better than this”.

With Videographer Michele and photographer Deborah collaborating as a powerhouse creative team,
together they bring the videos to life with Mike and Jérôme, their (Canadian) Graphic Designer.

Mike’s path to the Col Collective and Media-24 (his company), is nothing less than remarkable.
You can hear about his journey in the Rich Roll podcast, here.
It’s inspiring stories like his that continue to express dreams come to fruition thru hard work, persistence, passion and faith.

Rich Roll called him both Athlete and Artist in his podcast interview.
I asked him how he felt about that.
“It was the first time anyone had described me as an artist, most of my creativity came through writing before The Col Collective so I hadn’t recognized that in myself.
When he used that simple analogy, Deborah said to me after the interview, “wow, that is exactly who you are and why you are so unique”. It was a huge compliment, as I put as much time into the creativity as I do the athletic training if not more, so to be recognized like that by someone totally independent was humbling.”

Mike exudes a quiet humble confidence that transpires in his interviews.
“Some of what we (Media-24)are doing is about trying to get people back into nature, back into that feeling, because I think that is the most powerful feeling in the world. (Anchor & Leap 2015)”

I agree with Mike. It is the most powerful feeling.
By finding ways to bring people back to nature, we can make the world a better place.
Discovering nature by participating & immersing in it, we connect with it in a deep way.
Whether we are on a bike, in a canoe, traversing on foot, or painting outdoors.

Photo- Col Collective- Deborah Malin

“Every time I ride in the mountains I feel a certain serenity that’s beyond words. It’s like I feel safe, inspired and energized by life all at once. The landscapes are so beautiful, every one tells a different story and teaches you something new about yourself (even if you may not realize it at the time). I really wanted to try and let each mountain speak for itself, to bring the emotions that I feel when I ride to life in a way that can help people experience that little piece of escapism and freedom again.” He wrote.

Whatever your ‘mountain’ may be, the Col Collective inspires you to take the leap. Believe in yourself and possibilities.
To reap not just hard won efforts at the top, but to enjoy the journey, one step or in this case, pedal stroke at a time.

~ Special thanks to Mike Cotty, Deborah Malin & the Col Collective for generously sharing their incredible photos, and kind response to my questions.

New Italy commission 9×12 Oil Sold.

How does an artist healthfully maintain energy, productivity, beat fatigue, burnout, avoid repetitive use injuries, stay motivated?
We don’t’ often talk about the actual physical demands of painting, or the toll it can take on the body.

I thought it would be fun to show you how I incorporate my fitness training into how I work.

Running shoes would be included at the top of the list of my important Artist’s tools, and I don’t sit to work.
– video intro~

“Sitting is the new Smoking” an article in the Toronto star article Feb 20/14 stated, featuring
Dr. Greg Wells, a kinesiology professor at the University of Toronto and author of SUPERBODIES.
He says “If you sit for eight hours a day, that actually damages your health, and if you do an hour of exercise in the evening, that’s great for you, but it doesn’t necessarily counteract the damage you are doing by being immobile.”

Dr. Wells mentions 85 % of the population does not get enough activity.
He brought up a rarely discussed topic, those who exercise for required amount daily don’t realize they are at risk.
It’s a common attitude, even among athletes,
an article in Canadian Running magazine suggests.“Running more doesn’t equal less sitting”.

Dr. Greg Wells has an easy solution to incorporating movement in our day.
“The rule I recommend for people is 20-20. For every 20 minutes of sitting, get up and stretch for 20 seconds..”
“If you have something really important to do during the day, mentally it is great to do 15 minutes of exercise right before that,” Wells said, noting that it activates areas of the brain associated with learning, problem-solving, concentration and memory.”

New work “Winter Dawn” 11×14 Oil~ Sold~ in the collection of Dr. Greg Wells.

Exercise is critical to my work.
Nutrition is the foundation, setting the platform for a great productive work/ LIFE plan.

Structure your day taking care of the three E’s: eating/ exercise/ emotional (mental) health, and you become your own powerhouse.

Shannon Wenkoff (Dec 2014) writes “ Set up triggers that get you into the rhythm for a routine of creating.
In her post “ 7 Rituals you should steal from extremely creative people” she continues
“of the artistic clients we’ve worked with over the years have done everything from meditating, to singing, to running, to even doing two-hour long workouts immediately prior to working on their creative projects.”

My methods on mobility:
Begin the day with exercise, ( cardio/ strength) and specific stretching –include areas that take an extra toll, shoulders, neck, chest, etc.

Keep moving in the workspace with efficiency for your productivity:
My palette & tools are 3 steps from my canvas. I move every time I load my brush or gather tools.

I run up 14 stairs every time I need to refuel. ( food & drink)

I don’t sit. Stand, pace, and if the music moves you, dance. It’s the energy that infuses the work.

End the day with a workout that releases tension, stretches muscles, soothing mind & spirit.

Remember the three E’s.

~ ps.~ Our culture on the topic of nutrition & exercise is often short sighted- focused on short term goals: vanity.
We have a responsibility to our own health care,
it directly affects others, our families, workplace, and our community.
If we focus on the bigger picture, living a long healthy happy life, having more enriched relationships, at home & work, being of service to others, it may make the transition to better health easier, and longer lasting.
~

Lee Humphries president of ThinkingApplied.com, Minneapolis, MN. describes artistic process eloquently:
He writes
“…At its core, artistic process blends emotion with the disciplined pursuit of quality.”

He describes process in four steps:
Contemplation: Observation: Organization: Perseverance.

Painting live in the CBC studio in 2013 I included listeners by updating my progress on social media.
The risk of showing artistic process wasn’t without drawbacks.

Emails flooded in.

If I could paint that fast, it must be easy.
‘It’s just natural talent’, they wrote.
From my perspective, chalking it up to natural talent, quickly diminishes the amount of training/ work involved.
Viewers seeing the work evolve, like the painting at CBC, is like seeing the last 1000 metres of a marathon.

In painting, you develop skill with tons of practice, arriving to a point where mixing colours & the physical part of painting becomes an organic process- which allows the creativity sparks to take over.

It frees up space for the work to enfold.

Thou it may seem so, it’s never ‘easy’.
Each painting presents new challenges because every single painting is new. An original.

With interest in the new painting’ Rising Sun’,
I’m testing those risky waters again, to give you an idea of what happens behind the scenes.

Here are few stats:
It took one week to paint, up to 8 hours in one day.
Three years ago the foundation for the painting, inspiration and idea behind wanting to do a piece this large for it began ‘cooking’.
It’s been simmering every since.

I used 5 photo references, including one from friend Julia Hargreaves. ( thank you J!) Thou we paint in very different styles, I also asked Julia for feedback during the process, it was important she felt what I was trying to portray.

The shoreline you see behind me in the previous post is the shoreline in the painting.
I tested the waters by doing two paintings of the same shoreline, different perspective and sizes in the last three years.
See Boreal Sunrise 22×28 andSun 11×14

Rising Sun was a difficult composition to tackle, for one thing the sheer size of canvas, 5 feet x 3 feet- and the fact I wasn’t going to include a dominant foreground. I wanted light to be the focus, the feel of how that morning was, all misty milky warmth.

I didn’t do any prior sketches. At the first wash of sienna- I knew I had the feel of it, now to not mess it up.

I used cold wax & Oil, including nearly two 200ml tubes of the Cad Yellows.
I always mix colours by feel, no measurements, no colour charts, etc.
Palette is below. You can see those extra cad yellow tubes on the lined up above. I like to be organized.

Layering began slowly. I felt out the composition along the way.

I listened to music until the last day of painting.
I needed absolute quiet for the last day for focus.

At one point, there is always the need to do more, to play with it, to get more fussy, this is the most difficult time for me, I second guess, and add, take away.

I leave it for at least a day, returning with fresh eyes.
I view it in different light.

I want the viewer to have a new vision of the work each time of day, light and colour are added to help achieve this.

Process is always going to be a difficult question for me to answer.
A question I keep hearing lately “ how long did it take to paint Rising Sun?”
Three years and one week.. but in truth?
A lifetime.
:0)
~
New Work – 6×8 canvas boards oil & wax original

A setting sun invites reflection & peace.
A morning sun blooms with newness & discovery.

A rising sun is filled with promise.

This story ventures back to a young life filled with sunrises & sunsets growing up in the boreal forest.

It’s a story of homecoming.
The Boreal Forest, circumpolar in extent, is the largest terrestrial ecosystem on Earth and the greatest wilderness in the world.
In 2011 I was invited on an expedition traveling deep into the heart of the Boreal Forest.
I met up with five complete strangers (renown artists), and spent 30 days with them in remote wilderness,
with no contact to the outside world.

I was some 1600 k from where I had roamed as a child.
The landscape varied, but familiarity in the scent of pine and loon’s echo resonated.
I realized how much I had longed for this.
The welcoming silence of the wild.
My body felt soothed in the gentle rock of the canoe traversing waters immersed in the natural world, empty of civilization.

Recollections flooded my spirit.

A balm I didn’t realize I had been searching for quieted the chaos of the civilized world.
I was awakening like the rising sun before me.

Note ~The average person looks at their phone 150 times a day. We spend 80% of our lives indoors.
If a shimmer of wilderness spirit finds it’s way to you in a painting, it’s a good thing.
May you be peacefully well, and feel the warmth of the rising sun.

New “Rising Sun” 5ft x 3ft oil & wax on 1.5 in profile canvas avail for purchase

Wax & birch Board.
Who knew beeswax would be a key to ascension?
The road to this discovery is more about creative efficiency than chance.

After nearly a month of absence from my studio, I didn’t leap directly into painting.
It may be surprising to hear I work more methodically than whimsically.
Some artists attribute success to fanciful notions and may be as unpredictable in their approach as in their art.

To achieve creative evolvement ~ we need to free up space for possibility.
Thou it may seem contradictory, for me, a solid foundation of preparation helps the ‘spark of genius’ to occur.
In short: I need to have my ducks in a row for creative flow to happen.

In my FREE EBOOK, I write how I build a foundation and create‘space’.
Achieving artistic vision is a lot about the prep work.
In order to lay that ground work, I live by structure.

If one is feeling their optimum, the work has opportunity to be so.
I am regimented with my health, the work, and schedule. Ducks in a Row.

Plein Air-oil & wax
Whatever your goals and ambitions, when we create’ space’ for flow to happen, wonder takes hold, endless possibilities are achievable.

New Oil & Wax “Sky and Haystacks” 8×10 on Birch Board. 400.oo $

Last summer, my friend Julia and I spent an afternoon
painting plein air in the warm sun,
under the shade of a maple grove.
Dressed in a pink Princess shirt, and bright matching skort,
she spoke from her perch in the big red wagon,
“I have never painted OUTSIDE before”, eyes shining, as we rolled into the forested park.
An adventurous 5 year old, she was keen to try.
Julia, 5.

After deciding on our posts and setting up, we dove right in.
Julia worked quickly on her playground composition.
She dipped her brush in a soft blush pigment she created herself, sweeping the paint lightly in arcs over the entire finished painting.
Seeing my fascinated wonder she said “It’s the wind”.
Of course it is, I thought.
It looked how wind would be.

Lake Island 6×8 Oil & Wax on canvas board

When Artists speak of elements needed to create a great landscape painting, they mention good design, composition, colour palette, & skill.
The piece needs to be infused, not just what we can see with our eyes,
but what we feel in our hearts; passion & joy,
and the spaces that surround us; energy, spirit.
Wind.

Sunset sky 8×10 Oil & Wax on Birch Board

I have always been drawn to the incredible beauty and dynamic that is nature.
It’s powerful drama, contrasts, and to find those in moments & spaces where you have to feel it first.
That’s the challenge, to seek out the energy, connect with it.
Discovering those glimpses of stunning beauty
not just in a brilliant shout of morning sun, but in the whispers,
a common wheat field, a frosty meadow, glinting in the light.
It’s in fleeting whispers where the painting heartbeat is born,
before the flash of drama and colour.
Of course, it helps if you can feel the wind.
~

A healthy snake will shed skin once a month.
Prior to ecdysis a snake’s
Skin is dull.
Eyes become cloudy.
Nervous behavior increases because they cannot see well.

In some human cultures ecdysis happens Jan 1st.
Shedding poor behaviors or pounds, renewed lifestyle habits are common themes.
Reasons vary and may mimic those of the snake.
Feeling dull. Vision is cloudy. Anxiety from lack of vision.

Drastic change may increase nervous behavior.
A friend who gave up sweets would attest to this.
Is establishing an annual deadline the root cause of some anxiety?
With an ambitious list, another friend fell off the resolution bandwagon before of January’s end.
“That’s it, she exclaimed. “The boat has sailed. Maybe next year.”

The exciting concept for renewal is,.. we don’t have to follow a calendar.
The dock awaits our arrival continuously.A ship of possibility ready to set sail.
Opportunity for growth exists daily in every precious moment.

Artists grasp this fairly well.
Blank canvas or page anticipates creation.
A brick of clay, a slab of stone takes shape from the sculptor’s hands.
Each project is a vision of renewal, of growth.

For the snake, even eye pockets are renewed when skin is shed.
With unclouded sight, we are free to imagine, dream and begin.
Begin it now.

Drifts 11×14 Original Oil $ 500.oo

Transformation of this Art News began in July 2013.
It’s inception due to encouragement of customers/brokers requesting ‘narrative’ with the ‘New Art’ delivery.
Instead of art process tales, I chose to write inspiring human stories.
Stories of Resilience, Legacy, Longevity in Art, Community,Wilderness,
Intention and Vulnerability, inter- woven with a creative thread.

Creativity permeates almost every aspect of our humanity.
To me, this made sense.

The voice of the Artist may be heard in their art.
Stories and journeys vary as much as the work.
Pastel whispers of soft light or bold crimson song in broad strokes.
It’s the universal tale that speaks to all.

Praire Sunset 12×24 New Original Oil

I found my voice from the unwavering support of my family.
Born in a secure loving environment, I was encouraged to be an individual.

Mom had my sketches professionally framed, hung all about the house when I was in high school.
The framing was an extravagance, when there wasn’t much extra money.
Dad placed my wildlife sketches in his office.
He selected one of my paintings for the cover of his CD, with my brother’s photography.
Mom’s sister, Beth was among my first collectors, purchasing work when I was still in school.
If the outside world balked at my pursuits, the nucleus of family remained loud and clear.
“Follow your heart”.
Earlier this year, I was deeply touched to see my paintings in nearly every room of my brother‘s new home.

To have those you love continue to celebrate the work, is life affirming.

Snowy Day 11×14 New Original Oil

As the work grew, so did my voice and the circle.
Loving support of family shining like a beacon, with Collectors purchases and Mentor’s encouragement kept my voice from falling silent.
To have such a foundation in life and love is the real gift.

~ In loving Memory those who passed in 2014~ Greatly missed, forever loved.

My Mom, Mentor, Sage and friend- Marj Larson~
Mom’s sister, My Auntie Beth Crawford ~
Friend & Mentor- Robert Genn~

She flew thru my doorway in an enthusiastic flurry.
“Do not let me walk out of here spending more than four hundred dollars.”
She spoke like an old friend, thou, this was the first time we had met.
“I have a budget.”

With an engaging smile, she buzzed from painting to painting like a bee in a jar.
Comfortable in the space, as she paced her excited chatter echoed thru the studio.
My customary offering of viewing privacy was met with a casual wave of her hand, and emphatic no.
She peppered me with questions.

Slightly stunned, I found her utterly refreshing.

My new client left, delightedly staying within budget.
Two treasured paintings in tow.

NEW Tree Study 8×10 oil on board~ avail for purchase

NEW Northern Forest 24×30 Oil- avail for purchase

Dialogue is an important part of client/ dealer/ artist relationship.

To some people’s surprise ‘budget’ and original art may happily co-exist.
“Budget” isn’t a bad word, it’s a starting point.

When I first launched a website, dealers discouraged pricing directly on the site.
The client was encouraged to inquire for pricing and further information.
By communicating your needs the Artist/ Dealer may assist you, and help refine the process.

Purchasing an original painting isn’t quite like buying a couch
(“does that come in purple?”), but you should be just as comfortable buying one.

Let’s say you were to fall in love with a painting online, it’s price listed beyond your budget, or size not your preference.
Discouraged, you don’t pursue it further.
If you had inquired, a smaller piece, similar style, not shown online, is available within your budget.
With some prolific painters, not all available paintings are shown online, or in the studio.
Galleries may have a ‘back room’ of work not displayed, or network available to source out the work/ Artist you request.

The Artist/ Dealer may offer to add you to a list if similar genre becomes available within your means.
Most offer flexible payment plans.

Some clients have been on a mailing list for 5 years or more before purchasing the right piece.
It’s extra special for both of us when the right paintings sing for them.
Winter Study- new- 8×10 oil on board

When a representing gallery posted pricing, it solidified my choice to do so on my site over a year ago.
I have included how pricing was established, hoping to clear up any questions that some may be too shy to ask.

Artists/Gallery Dealers who are vague about prices, inconsistent, or cannot provide documentation, may not be of the professional caliber that you seek.
It’s a fairly straightforward process.
By all means, feel free to announce “I have a budget” when we talk. :0)

The best wisdom expressed early in my art career was from a Gallery owner
who delivers great advice and warm bear hugs.
A seasoned outdoorsman,his meaty potter’s hands craft beauty and grip canoe paddles thru northern rapids.
During my opening event in his gallery, one guest was creating his own turbulence.

After months of work, opening reception may produce jumbled nerves and thin skin.
After his third attempt to “Get a rise out of the Artist”
spouting hurtful accusations,patrons were beginning to stare.
Art criticism comes with the territory, personal bullying, not so much.
I debated how to tactfully respond.

It’s a unique career position as a working Artist.
Choosing the creative path embodies one of wonder,
of an education that will never cease.
It spreads before us possibilities, challenging to create something new to the world, every time we step to the canvas.
Commanding us to evolve, to be better. To be great.
Built with love, fed by passion, fueled with a desire to inspire, to celebrate, to transform someone’s world.

New “Vines” 11×14 Original Oil

It’s also a path that exposes our vulnerabilities.
It beckons us to open a personal window to the world, despite possible criticism, the risk of failure.
Each painting we release, we wait… and hope for a warm reception.

Choosing a path where our living is dependent on that reception is a powerful and frightening thing.
As frightening as it is, it’s also humbling.
To intentionally wake up each morning
evaluate, assess, then choose,
Today, I am an Artist.

The advice Al Pace gave to me over a decade ago?
“Don’t respond. However tactful you are,
you will seem as the Artist with a chip on your shoulder.
Don’t be that Artist. Be The Artist”.

I thanked the guest for coming before focusing my attention on other patrons.
The show was a success.
My memory is fuzzy on the guest’s slashing words, but every one of Al’s still resonates.
Thanks Al.

Al Pace and Dawn ~ London Exhibit 2005- Pace Pottery on display.
~
Al Pace and Lin Ward run and operate Pace Pottery Studio in the Hockley Valley and award winning Canoe North Adventures. They have sold the most Dawn Banning paintings of any other gallery venue.

~ Note: Among many emails I receive, some are Artists asking advice.
Having great mentors and heeding their advice is one key to success.
Reading suggestions:

Mark McGuiness a recognized Creative business coach
and Poet, offers a tremendously helpful course for FREE online: click here
Mark’s book Resilience is fantastic. Click here.

Great sources of inspiration & creativity infusion, are:
Zig Zag– The Surprising Path to greater Creativity – Keith Sawyer
The Art of Possibility by Ben Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander
The Happiness Advantage: Shawn Achor
Quiet: the Power of Introverts by Susan Cain.