Food just tastes better outside.

 The Pottery Cupboard.

Dining alfresco among butterflies in the afternoon summer sun, I pondered expressions referring to the great outdoors.

“Breath of fresh air.”

“Stars in your eyes.”

“Outside the box.”

“Sky’s the limit.”

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”

“A voice in the wilderness.”

“A ray of sunshine.”

“Colour outside the lines.”

Referrals to nature may infuse our language, but experiences outside are becoming limited. Several recent articles suggest children spend less time outdoors than the average prisoner.

Fresh air feels better in our lungs, but research states we will spend 80% – 90% of our lives indoors.

I suppose then, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear inquires concerning nature’s hues.

“How do you feel about taking such liberties with colour?”

“No land is that red.”

“I love your red trees. Do you always paint trees in autumn?”

The flavour of colour influences our emotions similar to music. We recall unsung lyrics hearing the first notes of an old cherished song playing on the radio, drawn back in time by the familiar rhythm.

Adventures in nature are emotionally fueled. Colour (in art) offers a powerful connection and clarity to experience.

Fascinated with light & shadow, I take nature’s cue for colour inspiration. My friend Susan’s photo is of a land I once wandered. Crimson tundra does exit in bold beauty.

Finding sources of existing palettes in nature is kin to discovering a four leaf clover, witnessing a sun dog, or fireflies on a summer night.

It’s magical.

Paintings can censor the noise of a landscape while illuminating nature’s breath of life.

Art and wilderness share the same language.

They both speak to our soul.

Luminous essence of the wilderness in art conveys a universal language we can all appreciate.

Landscape art is also an open invitation to wander out of doors.

Peaceful, engaging, awe- inspiring beauty beckons us to revisit.

Nature always welcomes us back.~

Note:

I once delivered paintings a rural forested home of a client who was very ill. A nature lover, she had wandered her grounds daily during times of good health.

As we sat quietly on the edge of her bed, looking at her new paintings in full view of her perch, I heard her sigh.

Gesturing to nearby glass doors opening to a ground level terrace surrounded by wilderness, she whispered softly, “You are reminding me what it’s like to be out there, and that’s a beautiful thing”.~

Cycling 100 miles offers plenty of time to reflect.

During Saturday’s century ride over rolling terrain, I recalled purchasing my first adult bike 15 years ago.

Trading a commissioned painting for a new red bike made returning to cycling extra special. My thoughts wandered back to that painting and commissions I have completed since.

  “Summer” new 14×18 ~750$

The subject of commissions is a popular and complex one. My last post ignited so much curiosity!

A science professor inquired (correctly) if I applied new methods while working on the large painting.

Embodying a consistent formula may be restrictive, and stifle the spark of creativity. One of the joys of an artist is discovering unfamiliar ways to adapt in a specific painting.

The commission in my previous post was unique in process.

To clarify, I rarely pre-sketch and have never under- painted a monochromatic composition before.

Why it was necessary:

1.The size.

Working closely on a big canvas distorts vision. The ink sketch provided a ‘road map’ of sorts.

A monochromatic under- painting loosely portrayed the ‘map’.

I don’t paint on a grid form, or paint one area first. I work on the painting entirely at once, so it’s important to ‘see’ what’s going on in the whole piece.

2. Cost. A large custom canvas is very expensive and timely. I needed a plan.

Here is where it gets tricky.

Once I had the ‘map’ in place, I needed to forget about it.

It’s critical to maintain a divisional line between planning and creative expression.

“Road” 18×24 ~1000$

To influence creative flow, I didn’t pre mix, or pre- plan colours. (I never do.)

I created the palette spontaneously, adjusting the composition instinctively, as I went along.

“Boreal” 4ftx2ft~ 3300$

Those who work in various creative fields wrote about the difficult task of explaining creative freedom to prospective clients. “Commissions” they wrote, “are a headache because often clients believe they can dictate the painting.”

It’s a common problem. That’s why it’s important to communicate expectations, and understand what you are hiring the creative professional for.

Earlier this year I received a letter from a new client for a commission.

He wrote most eloquently:

“Today I was introduced to your work by a friend.

My wife and I met here. As the area has grown on us, my wife has expressed interest in a piece of art depicting the area. Our goals in life will soon make us depart this northern city, we want something to take with us to commemorate the city we met, were engaged and spent the early years of our marriage. We have spent many days out (in nature) I proposed to her on one of the trails.

I admire you hold strong to your style and values and will not do commissions that take away the artist in you. When we were looking for a wedding photographer we told him l.. we just want our wedding to be fun! We did not lay out strict guidelines and format every image he was to take. So I would hope you would feel the same freedom!”

He had two requests. To complete a painting of the area, any size within his budget.

“My father collects art. He was explaining his enjoyment that every piece links him to a place he has been. It trickles memories of a vacation, a road trip and the events that led him to find these creations. We have not started a collection yet, but this is part of our inspiration to start! This will be our first original of hopefully more pieces from the adventures ahead! I appreciate any feedback or ideas for this piece, and if you are interested this would be great! Thank you for your time!”

My fellow artists would agree, this is a dream client.

Our plan evolved, after scrutinizing photos, I had a request.

I asked him to forget every photo he had sent. His painting would be an original. It was necessary for him to have an open mind.

He graciously complied.

He wrote: “I was asked today “What if I don’t like how it turns out?” .. The door has been left open for you to use your own talent and style. This is part of the joy of it! … this painting will be completed with .. meaning for my wife & I. I basically love everything on your website…I feel that no matter how you use your brush (or brushless!), I know we will love this work!”

Later: “You have made this process so enjoyable!”

When the painting was successfully delivered, a letter arrived in the mail including something I have never received in my career.

A gratuity.

He wrote: ”We are so excited!  She absolutely loves it!”

They had already framed it and found a perfect spot for it.

“We are both happy to have this incredible work to take with us and remind us of our days here.I have enclosed a small gift. The whole purpose of this was to create a memory of our time here. Now that we are moving, the timing couldn’t be better. Thanks so much for everything.”

“Sunset 8×10~415$

How enriching to have such incredible people celebrate the work, all it embodies, with deep respect for artists and creative process!

Like the thousands of cycling miles I have ridden since that first red bike, I am so grateful to have built a foundation of amazing clients who make a difference in my life, and in turn, continue to infuse the work with love & joy.

This year, I celebrate you. ~

The 50 project is well underway. 50 Collectors, 50 paintings, celebrating 50 years, in gratitude.

“The true spirit of conversation consists in building on another man’s observation, not overturning it.” E. G. Bulwer-Lytton

How artists approach commissions may be as varied as their work. Ask a dozen their perspective, and the word headache frequently pops up.(commission definition click here)

Thou commissions are always challenging, aching heads may be avoided when both parties have discussed expectations/ abilities and completed thorough research. You wouldn’t hire a plumber to wire your house or employ a portrait artist to paint your Grandpa’s cornfield.

In my opinion, two key elements help determine a commission’s success.

1. Communication
2. Trust

I begin by clarifying terms of acceptance.(click here & scroll to bottom text).

 prep for large commission

Occasionally clients request large canvas to be installed in a permanent location. In this situation, it’s my aspiration to offer an element of the unexpected to excel the painting in ways the client hadn’t imagined.

“Who could be so lucky? Who comes to a lake for water and sees the reflection of moon.” Rumi

 commission wall above- photo credit Sho-Arc Bureau of Architecture.

When Michael Shocrylas of Calgary’s Sho-Arc Bureau of Architecture called to confirm the commission that would hang in one of his incredible designs, we had been in communication for nearly a year.

Previously, I shipped work for the clients to view and test in their home. gathering direct feedback on palettes & compositions they were most drawn to.

The circumstance was unique, as the painting would be viewed from varying distances/ living areas, becoming an integral part of the house as much as the architectural features.

 commission wall centre

 commission wall left.

Some cultures believe original paintings are alive, breathing life into dwellings and the occupants within. In this way, art stands on it’s own, with unique benefits. (benefits of art, click here).

Art can be an active participant in habitats and we can use this knowledge to our advantage.

Therefore, I make deliberate choices in the process to create a dynamic piece, that will literally, interact and blossom within the space.

 8×11 ink sketch

For this project, I collected as much information on the dwelling as possible. Michael & the clients were fantastic to work with delivering all material I required, including panorama photos and architectural drawings.

 Credit Sho-Arc

Factors I considered before implementing the design/ composition:

• Natural Light in the room and how it changes thru the day.
• Installed lighting
• Design of room/ architectural elements
• The rooms purpose, such as: entertaining, living, dining. (in this case it would be all three).
• Time of day occupants frequent the space.

Thou original art’s intention isn’t decorative, taking advantage of architectural elements and considering the room’s intention can bring the painting’s full potential to life.

My requirements for the painting:

It needed to:

• Express & fulfill the client’s desire offering the feeling I infuse in my work: emotional experience connecting with the spirit of nature.
• Embody energy, interest and tranquility
• Captivate viewers from below ( with elements to draw the eye up) and yet have perspective/ interest from upper level.
• Have a sense of anchoring on the left side and opening dimension on the right. A ‘lifting feel’ thru the space with architectural elements coming into play.
• To embody a composition that would keep the eye moving thru out.

I hoped to achieve all of this by:

1) Using natural light play/ consideration from bank of windows to the right of the painting, pulling outdoors in/ indoors out/ – partly achieved using the angled roofline to meet with clouds lifting up & out.

 under painting

2) “Pockets” of light introduced thru the sky corresponding with how natural light moves in the room. The sky should feel as thou moving/ changing thru the day.

3) With composition in place, the light will ‘shine’ on the islands as if coming from windows on the right. Viewers will feel the expansion both of space & sky, continuation of sky/ tree line from outdoors, in.

4) The island on the left anchors the painting when seen from the upper level, creating interest & foreground. Viewers here should feel as thou merging with the painting, ‘walking into’ the landscape.

5) Contrasting reflections from the dark shoreline pull viewing from below, also creating synchronicity with walnut table below and wood elements in the room.

6) Multi levels of warm grey palettes in the clouds help coincide with stonework and natural elements in the room.

7) Bold drama is brought in with less fussy reflections. Viewing from a distance requires contrasting design to stand out. It’s also a play on the clean lines within the home.

8) The entire painting is under-layered with combinations of wall colour meant to give a feel of synchronicity.

Process described above pictured below. Under painting completed in acrylic with sponges to soften the many layers. oil was introduced 3 weeks into the painting.

In closing, none of these details will be directly noticed by the viewer. The intention to offer these elements in a way that will be felt unconsciously, the painting will feel very natural in the space and give flow, emotional impact and visual interest for years to come.

~A special thank you to Michael, C. & S., it’s been an absolute pleasure and honour to work with you. What could have been a stressful project, instead, was a delightful challenge. You offered your complete trust, giving me freedom to do what I do best, and the wings creation needs to soar.~

P.S.

Gratefully, not once was I asked “How long will it take you?” or “When will it be done?”

~ “Commissions tend to bend your mind into dimensions where you may not at first be prepared to go.” Robert Genn.

“It doesn’t make sense to some of us, you can clarify it.”

“You need to write about this stuff”.

Questions have been popping up in my inbox and in conversations surrounding the art industry. Topics range from galleries, sponsorships, art fairs, shipping, industry standards, and how artists make money. (see how my work is priced, click here)

New “Wild Sunflowers” 11×14 oil

Because it’s the most frequent question, let’s start with the money talk.

Artists are paid solely from the sale of their work.

Most galleries and artists offer free consulting, unlike other design firms who charge an hourly consulting wage.

There isn’t a benefit plan or painters union, (that I know of) thou I believe one exists for actors.

Sponsorships:

Museums may have corporate sponsorships to assist with the cost of hosting exhibits, this money goes directly to the museum.

It’s very rare for artists to acquire corporate backing for expeditions or hosting exhibits.

Unlike athletes who may receive free gear from sponsors, artists don’t receive materials for free, thou some art suppliers offer bulk discounts. (How many consumers view you-tube to see an athlete win a race, vs. to see an artist paint?)

Art Fairs:

Fairs are popular events to attend in the balmy days of summer, or near the holiday season. A few examples of booth fees to exhibit are:

One of a Kind Exhibit (Toronto)- 10×20 booth- 7,113.00

One of a Kind Exhibit (Chicago) 10×10 booth- 2,550.00

Make it Vancouver- 15×10 booth- 1,350.00

Artist Project (Toronto) 10×20 booth- 5,590.00

Art in the Park (Windsor) 675.00

Note: most fees are for booth space only. Lighting, props, etc, are extra. Many artists travel to these exhibits, add the cost of shipping work & booth materials, hotels, meals, etc and these events may cost a small fortune. Ironically, some patrons ask artists for a ‘show special/ discount’. Why it’s the norm to offer one doesn’t make sense. (or cents, for that matter).

New “Mountain Meadow” 11×14 oil

Galleries:

In many countries galleries collect a minimum 50% commission. (IE: an artist will collect 500$ on a painting sold for 1000$) Taxes are charged directly to the client as is framing cost.

Few galleries pay their artists immediately upon the sale. Most wait 30 days to make certain the payment clears. One of my representing galleries had a minimum 60 day wait period.

Shipping to galleries is paid by the artist. Shipping unsold work back to the artist is paid by the gallery. Clients are charged directly for shipping from galleries.

With high commission rates and risk of my work getting lost among large collections, clients ask ”Why the need to have art represented in galleries at all?”

It’s a relevant question, because thanks to the worldwide web artists have access to a global audience at their fingertips.

To be clear, I only seek representation with galleries of high ethics & reputation, selling quality work. (how I choose a gallery, click here).

Why:

• To give you access to the work with options to view & purchase. Some clients aren’t comfortable visiting an art studio, or purchasing online.
• Many corporations won’t purchase art from an artist directly, due to their regulations, or invoicing governance.

I once called nearly every company in Canada with corporate art collections (& many that don’t) I received this answer over and over again.

Impressed by Bruce Steinhoff’s massive list of corporate collectors I complimented his resourcefulness. He remarked “all credit goes to the gallery”. Click here to see the list & his work.

•  Street Creds. It’s still of recognizable status to have gallery representation. Clients feel assured the work has value when also sold with a reputable gallery.
• The gallery’s reputation, contacts and history of selling. The gallery will expose the work to established collectors. Many top end collectors will only deal with a gallery.
•  The gallery will advertise and display the art on their websites & social networks. If they sell famous work, collectors googling famed pieces will often peruse the galleries full collection.
• The secondary market. It isn’t against the law for an artist to submit their own work to auction/ secondary market, but it is certainly frowned upon. The galleries have the ability to give longevity to the work by introducing it/ circulating it on the secondary market once the artist is well established.

Note: a great gallery will work with the artist and act as an incredible support system. To read about this click here.

It’s also important to note, when a gallery is selling the work well, and handling much of the business end,  it can relieve alot of stress for artists and free us up  to do what we are best at, and that’s paint.

 New “The Lake” 9×12 oil.

NEWS: Happily, my gallery representation is expanding. I have recently acquired a US  art dealer who will sell the work in two galleries/ states & ship across the US. Americans who write hoping for a venue in your country, that day is arriving soon!

It’s still a thrill to meet with clients directly and sell thru my home studio, while offering the work at amazing venues like the Hambleton Gallery in Kelowna, where these three new paintings will be available for purchase. I couldn’t ask for more professional wonderful people like the folk at Hambleton. Thanks Stew, Tracy, Kenna, Jessica & Joshua!

~

Happy Father’s Day weekend to all the great Dad’s.

I celebrate my amazing father, a conservation officer, passionate musician, humanitarian, champion of the people, wildlife & wilderness, who is steadfast, gentle, sparkling with humour. Referred to as “One tough Norwegian” by a Doctor.

In the last decade he has voluntarily performed over 1000 shows in nursing homes & hospitals and at 83, continues to play 100 performances a year. He represents so much that is good in life, and continues to be an incredible role model. Love him so very much.

The Japanese call it “forest bathing” when one seeks restorative benefits immersing in nature.

 New Red Canoe 18×24 oil

I have been refreshing my soul exploring forested mountains recently by bike and on foot.

 last week.

Reacquainting with wilderness brings a sense of renewal physically, mentally, intellectually, even spiritually. It’s a brilliant reminder of who we are, where we really live.

“You didn’t come into this world.
You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean.
You are not a stranger here.” 
Alan Watts

Exploring quiet valley trails draped in mystery elicit memories in of past experiences in nature.

I recall spending a month in wilderness traveling by canoe inspiring the first, and until now, the only canoe painting I have created.

 New Canoes 18×24 oil

First Nations people and explorers traveled our expansive waters by canoe. It’s an iconic Canadian symbol reminiscent of family adventures or solo pilgrimages answering a deep call of nature.

Paddling a canoe can feel incredibly meditative. It’s wonderfully rhythmic, your blade churning fresh water as your craft gently sways.

Some philosophies suggest the experience meets all 4 elements, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual.

 New 2 Canoes 11×14 oil

This time of year summer backcountry expeditions come to fruition.

Whether goals include exploring ‘unchartered waters’ or reacquainting with wilderness, on your journey may you feel the restoring benefits of forest bathing as you immerse in nature.

~Note. All new work is available for purchase. I am still puttering with the last two paintings. My way of not overworking is to post them quickly. :0) There have been many requests for canoe paintings, thanks so much for your interest!

My last post left some of you breathless.

 New Commission ( cropped)

In admiration of your colourful feedback, I am leaving the narrative to you this week.

“I’ve read this a few times now and I start off the same, a fairly good reading pace, then with each section I start going faster and faster until I’m practically going berserk by the time I finish.  I’m almost out of breath.  If this is how you paint you are a mad woman. :0) “ ( The Runner ) S.T

“Always love your posts, Dawn. Yours always captivate me. I particularly like this statement ~ Some ask why I don’t put people in my paintings. Actually, I do.

I put you there.

Because it is such a common refrain with the Group of Seven—-You are similarly questioned and your answer is brilliant.” J.M

“Your art is beautiful in your paintings and poetic words.”  W.K

 New Sun Cloud 

“Even your name suits the fresh air of your paintings. Just want you to know your charming jewel is now framed and hanging on a narrow wall in our kitchen home office that has been waiting for just this grace. Thank you for this pleasure.” A.K

“Your visuals are so very inspiring! You have the ability to tame the landscape and reduce the complexity and noise into intelligently and beautifully crafted dimensions. I don’t mean to go on and on or to be too verbose, but your art does speak with such clarity and vision! “ C.B

“Your work in our home enriches our lives. Thank you for this.” L.B

“You are blessed with a creative language and may you continue to inspire!”

 New Sun Cloud easel view

“It was lovely to work with you yesterday. You have great energy and a powerful commitment to your art! I’m confident here will be no stopping you. 🙂 ” L.W

“Your work has an almost tangible inner-energy, and a very distinctive sense of mood and atmosphere: in a word, fantastic. I also enjoyed reading your blog. When done well – like yours – it creates an interesting window into what an artist is all about. R.B.

 Mighty Oak

“Dawn if this art thing doesn’t work out for you, you can always start writing….meaning your very talented with words.”  J.

“Autumn Stream is so loose, and yet defiant.  The colours and strokes hammer away and I’m so delighted with this evolvement of your style.  The true beating heart of Dawn is pounding in this one.  Celebrating that passionate rhythm. ”  R.C

New Autumn Rain

“You’ve captured the essence of those skies I’ve seen on so many canoe trips.  There’s an emotional quality for me because often those skies are a storm clearing at sunset. Although we may have been paddling, portaging and setting up camp in the rain, the forest is quickly drying and we now look forward to sleeping out that night, embracing good weather the following day.  As dramatic as the sky is, for me it also offers hope.  Such a great feeling. “R.C

 New Moon

“When I received your email I had to share it with my staff, I hope you don’t mind.  Would you be OK with me sending the letter to our Police newspaper “the Beat”?  As you will read in my note to my staff you and Glen are inspirational and your stories should be shared. “~Dawn is the artist who painted the picture she donated to the Grand River Cancer Center. Glen and Dawn are inspirations to me and the story rightly states “the key to resilience is attitude”. “T.M

“You’ve become a mentor for others in both your art and yourself.” J.P

P.S ~

Thank you for your art patronage, sharing the posts and kind letters. It’s so rewarding to hear how the art enriches your lives.

Pretend you are professional trail runner.

If you detest running, try pro hiker.

Where I write ‘run’ or runner, insert your preferred choice.

I promise I have a point.

Every day you arrive at a new location to begin your trail run. (hike/ portage)

It’s your job. You know how to run, what equipment you need, your nutrition plan and how to pace yourself. Dedicated to training and improving, you are in your element.

Your work day begins at the edge of a beautiful massive mountain forest, which you are viewing for the first time.

Now. Run to the other side.

Oh, and there is no trail.

You have no idea the distance you need to cover and no map.

No clue of what obstacles or challenges await you, like hidden lakes & bogs, boulders or wildlife.

It’s your job, so you will do it regardless of weather, or circumstance.

You may be able to pick up a deer trail at times, clipping along at a great pace, fresh air pumping in your lungs.

You may struggle thru thick bush the next.

You may need to camp out for a day or two to get your bearings, or weather out a storm.

You may run in circles without realizing it and spend valuable time doing so.

You may run to the highest location first, to get a lay of the land. It might help. Then again, it may not.

You witness incredible vistas and beauty, feeling connected to it all. Your body sings with awareness. You are fuelled by passion.

You have moments of such clarity & freedom you are emotionally overcome.

You encounter storms and obstacles so enormous, your aching body drops to your knees in defeat. Distraught visions of quitting swirl in your tired mind.

From this vantage point your field of vision changes. Renewal washes over you as you spot wildflowers bathed in sunlight blooming among vivid moss. You feel the magic.

Finally reaching your destination you may be euphoric, championing your efforts with a mental pat on the back as you stand alone at the edge of the silent forest.

You may drop to the forest floor exhausted.

You may even wonder if you are at your destination. Do you need to travel further up the mountain?

After all, there was no map or guidebook.

You have only instinct to rely on.

It’s been known to serve you well.

Sometimes.

You mull the experience over, wondering how you could have navigated more efficiently.

You may judge your competency & skill, reviewing your efforts as your worst critic. You decide what you may do differently, and savour valuable discoveries. You rejoice in the spark of magic.

You feel a rush of both gladness and sadness, because you will never run this same course again. Ever.

The run make take days, weeks, perhaps months.

Each is unique and you never know how long it will take. After all, you cannot see the finish and aren’t really sure where it is.

After a course is completed, the next day you are dropped off to a new to you location.

You do it all over again.

Such is the life of a professional painter.

~

To my friend who wondered what it is like to paint professionally, and how I approach each new canvas.

There are discoveries, highs & lows of each piece.

I have no template, formal pre studies, or patterns.

I mix all colours on the fly.

I never know how long each painting will take.

Unlike in past careers, if I hit an obstacle, I have no one to call upon.

We artists are lone wolves.

It’s a requirement to be resilient, patient, have clarity and sense purpose.

It’s an absolute joy to experience newness every single day creating something that has never been before.

It’s invigorating to be challenged and find new pathways with every turn.

Hardships make one savour the treasures.

It’s never stagnant or routine.

Evolving the work & continuous learning emerge from the frustrations. That’s when growth happens.

Humour and a good pair of trail running shoes come in handy.

~

This may bring understanding to questions & comments like these:

“You have been doing this for so long, you’re a pro, it’s routine, right?”

“It’s natural for you, so you just sit down and plop paint on.”

“You don’t really think about anything, do you?”

“It’s easy for you”.

“It’s a passion career, so you would starve to paint, right, selling isn’t so important?”

“It’s not like a real job or you have any stress”.

P.S. Artists: brush the shoulder chip off.

It’s difficult to explain how our work & life is.

We may feel misunderstood or not respected.

However, it’s an amazing gift to do what we do. To have incredible vistas surround us and be able to explore this beautiful wilderness we call art. To feel the magic and communicate it to those unable to run, reach or see for themselves.

~My friend Robert Genn wrote:

“Art is a path on which we honour our world. Art may not be the only path, but it is a good path, even though at times a difficult one. As bearers of this honour, we artists do not need to simply render our world as we see it but as we might ourselves redesign it. As artists, one of our privileges is to invent.’) (On our path, design is everywhere and invites the soul. 

From my window, art is a worthwhile cause. Whether we choose to delineate the rare birds that come to our shore, to broadly honour the spirit of the sunset, the deep forest beyond or the tiny foreground mosses, this is our opportunity to connect. In a world that appears now to have more connectivity than ever, and yet also less, this is what art looks like from my window.”

~ All work available for sale. New Georgian Bay 5ft x 4ft & New Wildflowers 6×8 panel. All work is original oil.

Note:  The blue wildflowers were spotted on my run today, inspiring both post & art.

It felt like a big mistake.

This thought kept swirling in my mind as I stumbled thru the crowded Los Angeles airport. Introverted shy girl from the Canadian north emerging in a crowded American airport was culture shock overload.

 New Moon- original 8×10 oil avail for purchase.

A week before my 21^st January birthday I was traveling from the Yukon chasing a dream of youth; an adventure in the Mexican sun exploring Mayan ruins.                                         At the moment, bopping around like a pinball thru massive crowds of LAX, it felt like a mistake, arriving to this noisy swarm from the peaceful north.

original canvas card w/mat

Seeking reprieve from the moving pack I searched desperately for a seat along the corridor teaming with people.                                                                                                      People were everywhere, lounging in chairs, on the floor, spilling out of gateways.

My travel agent had warned me about safety. Pickpockets were rampant in LAX at the time. I needed a spot that looked peaceful and felt safe.

Nearly an entire row of unoccupied seats appeared at a break along the passageway. Dressed in sharp black suits with crisp white shirts, two gentlemen sat quietly in the middle of the row. I heaved a sigh of relief.

Normally, I would allow plenty of personal space, but I was overwhelmed and honestly, a little frightened. Walking directly to the pair, (possibly a grandfather and grandson) I greeted the elderly man. Would he be so kind to allow me to sit beside him?                                 He turned, dark glasses reflecting my harried look, offering me a brilliant smile.                 His grandson, rather stoic, giving a barely perceptible nod, looked remarkably like the actor Quinton Aaron.

“Of course” the elderly man said. His voice resonated gravely deep & rich in his slight frame. A scent of fresh clean linen on a spring day drifted around him. His gnarled hands rested gently on his lap.

 New – experiment with colours left on  palette- Sunset Swirl- 8×10 oil on canvas board- influenced by Simona Rosco of Fyreglas.

Relief washed over me the moment I sat down. Have you ever been in a stranger’s presence and felt an immediate kinship & sense of comfort? We discussed the masses of people swarming the airport. His grandson watched the crowds, leaving us to our conversation.

We sat for some time in relaxed silence, enjoying our island of peace in the chaos.              I remember how I felt in his company more than our conversation. This gentle man radiated relaxed confident energy, and pure enthusiastic happiness.

When it was time for my connecting flight I bid them both a good day & farewell. Walking away a young man ran up to me, abruptly grasping my shoulders exclaiming “What did he say to you?!”

“Who?”

“WHO??!! RAY CHARLES!!!” he said loudly.

“Ray Charles?” I said.

His arms dropped to his side while he stared incredulously at me. The elderly man turned in my direction, an illuminating smile lighting his face. I smiled back & walked away, leaving the oogling crowd and Ray’s bodyguard (not grandson) keeping people at bay.

Friends cringe when I share this story.                                                                               “If only you had recognized him! Think of the questions you could have asked!!”

 custom canvas prep/ arrival early Feb.

 Completion & signing March 31.

Mr. Charles and questions artists hear have been circling my mind recently. While completing the large commission last week “Georgia” was one of the last four songs playing in my studio. After,  I ruminated complex questions posed to me recently in Calgary.

“Why this?” an attendee asked me as he waved his hand to my landscape paintings.

A complicated question to answer in limited time.

It stuck me with an idea to share questions I would ask an Artist.

Tip: Artists & Attendees at Exhibits: Please keep in mind other guests may want to engage an artist, be respectfully short. Collect contact information, make a future date for discussion where you may enjoy conversation without interruption.

Short questions suitable for an exhibit setting.

1) What other passions do you have? This gives you insight into the Artist’s personality.

2) Are you a full time Artist? (Do you hope to be?)

3) What other mediums have you worked in?

4) Do you have a website/ business card/ contact info.

~ If time isn’t an issue and other guests aren’t disrupted I may ask:

1) What do you enjoy most about the work?

2) How long have you been working at art?

3) What are your goals with the work? (if not full time)

4) What experiences have led you on this path to art? – This is a fun question. You may be amazed at the inspiring stories.

My response to the guest in Calgary who asked “Why This?” Short Version: “It’s home”.  Whether he realizes it or not, it’s his too. :0)

my brother & I

P.S ~ As for Mr. Ray Charles, I wouldn’t change a thing about our encounter. If I had recognized him, I wouldn’t have boldly asked to sit beside him. I have a wonderful memory of a lovely man offering a young woman reprieve. I felt his magnetic personality and had a rare personal moment experiencing his kindness. Recalling his deep voice, fresh scent, and radiant smile, my heart warms once again.

Immerse yourself in nature. Bask in sunset’s golden light.

“Now, resist the urge to instagram it.” (author unknown)

During a mountain run in the glow of sunrise last week that quote came to mind. I wasn’t about to post my immediate surroundings on instagram.

Actually, I have never owned a cell phone.

Thou a camera is a great tool for my work, I often explore outdoors without one. Even a camera may be distracting, inhibiting us from fully absorbing experience.

~Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein

Being immersed in nature, minus technology, improves our creativity and problem solving skills by 50%. ( From Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings)

~The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we. David Brower

In the work I do, observing with captivated attention is paramount. It’s portraying an intimate human experience akin with nature.

When it comes to being emotionally connected, I wear my heart on my sleeve.

Landscape Impressionism concept is “the impression of”. This style of painting is not illustrative, say, compared to a lengthy detailed essay. Impressionism expresses mood, drama and movement, similar to simplified bullet points ‘conveying the key points’.

“I can breathe in your paintings, and within them. Some artists paint tightly, like they are wound up,” an exhibit attendee observed last week. As an impressionist painter, it’s important to understand what the landscape offers, it’s essence, while weeding out the ‘noise’.

My friend shares a sentiment with her young boys. “We are given a glimpse what is around us all the time when we witness rainbows. Certain elements make them visible, but they are always there.”  It’s similar to what I hope to achieve with art.

~Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gazing at my research for Wild Sage, a client remarked, “That’s a very drab photo, how did you get this painting from it?”

The truth is, I have stood on the hillside both at sunrise and sunset.

The camera may not have captured it’s glory, but my heart did.

P.S ~ Some ask why I don’t put people in my paintings. Actually, I do.

I put you there.

~Special thanks to my nephew & brother for their wonderfully supportive help during the exhibit & my little western tour. All new work available for purchase.

Last evening I settled in to watch an incredible documentary on the late great King of Blues.
It’s riveting watching artists in their element, witnessing
that blend of passion, drive, sweat and sacrifice.

B.B King’s inspiring story of overcoming injustices & racism, while developing his musical style, is incredibly moving.
It took years to create his unique sound, influenced by Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others.
“King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that influenced many later electric blues guitarists.”
Listen to B.B speaking with Bono here while rehearsing.
“Gentlemen, I don’t play chords. I do this.” displaying his unique artistry on guitar.
Musicians interviewed on the program (like Johnny Lang, Robert Cray, Eric Clapton) confess they can identify B.B’s playing hearing one note.

One single note.

Artists in all genres who have developed personal style are recognizable in different ways.
Painter’s signature may be a specific colour palette, recognizable brushstroke, lack of brushstroke, composition, size of work, or body of collections.

Artists may explore genres/ mediums and style while seeking one that speaks to the heart the most.
For B.B. it was the blues.
It was there where he developed his legendary sound.
Which, did I mention, took years?
“It seems like I always had to work harder than other people. Those nights when everybody else is asleep, and you sit in your room trying to play scales.” B. B. King

~Studio prep for large canvas commission 8 foot x 6 foot.

Robert Bateman speaks about coming full circle in his career, painting wildlife realism before exploring impressionism and abstraction, returning ‘home’ once again to realism.
Surprisingly, he says each painting is a ‘labour’ and a ‘struggle’.
“Everyone has his/her own muse. That is the fabulous thing about human creativity; each person’s is as unique as fingerprints or zebra stripes. The muse must be cultivated and she will come to you in unexpected ways.”

Landscape painting is my ‘house of blues’.
Art of the natural world is where my heart sings.

For any artist, evolving the work within one genre alone requires a lifetime of learning. *Learn how to play like BB King and other great guitarists, article by Jen Reviews. click link  here or below.

https://beginnerguitarhq.com/famous-guitarists/

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.”
~ B. B. King

Bono states in the documentary ~ the commitment to one path brings excellence.
“He is a lesson in grace”.