Watery pools reflecting cobalt sky upon their mirror surface dotting the frozen river, greeted me as I ran by.

As ice rinks melt and snow disappears from forested pathways, last season’s grasses lie in shaggy disarray.
Trees stand barren of their frosty blanket, with buds yet to sprout.
We wait anxiously for the first pop of purple crocus and starry bright wild trillium.

Despite having months of winter left in Canada, it’s a time many pine the colour of spring.

Colour is on my mind too, both indoors & out.

Dec morning run -photo Dawn Banning

I have been developing some new hues in the studio.

Thrilled to see these new colours infused in new work, and refreshing existing work.

NEW 22×28 oil on canvas ( Sleeping Giant) commission ~ Sold

For Colour enthusiasts, a few facts:

* The human eye can distinguish up to 10 million different colours.

* Yellow is the first colour the eye sees. It may be used in art to attract interest of the viewer

* Colour affects us psychologically, physically, & emotionally.

* Everyone experiences colour differently, and we SEE colours uniquely.

* People are affected from experiences & memories to colour.
(You may be drawn to a soft pastel reminiscent of a favoured child-hood teddy bear.)

* We react differently to strengths of colour.
We may be overwhelmed similar to experiencing music that’s too loud, or underwhelmed like tasting bland food.

* Psychiatric wards are painted in green to induce calm.
(blue is a close second).

* Cheer up a friend by wearing their favourite colour on your visit or offer a card/ gift wrapped in the hue.

* Some say purple sparks creativity, and use it for studios.

* Attracted to ‘colourless’ spaces in beige, gray, or creamy whites?
Many neutrals have subtle layers of cool or warm shades, from green in gray, to pink in beige and are not colourless at all.

* Try placing your painting on different wall colours & experiment using different light.
The colour will change, as will your experience of the piece.

Painting shown here, in stark daylight, and with an addition of lamp light.
Same room, same time of day.

4ft x 3ft oil on canvas “SKY” infused with new colour, avail for purchase.

In August of 2003 Robert Genn wrote a thoroughly engaging letter on Colour Therapy.
He discusses topics ranging from using colour to treat obesity to the symbolic.

“Colours may calm, excite, arrest, motivate, or even heal. In art they need to be understood and used with both intelligence and intuition.” Robert Genn
~
Studio News~With the new commission and Calgary exhibit paintings just complete I am busy finishing studio paintings, gathering supplies, quoting new projects and preparing new paintings for shipping.
Add in a little furniture design with Marc, & new concepts in the sketchbook, makes it all such an exciting time in the studio!

Thanks so much for your support and interest in the work. Keep the letters coming!

The arts encourage us to reflect, to view things in a new or unique perspective.
The arts offer a celebration of culture, solace, entertainment, beauty, pleasure & peace.
Because the arts inspire, bring ease & beauty to the chaos of our lives, we tend to think of artists lives & how they work as such.
Phrases like natural talent are tossed about like petals in the wind.

Autumn Trail 4ftx3ft avail for purchase

I had the pleasure of seeing Vancouver’s amazing production of Showboat years ago.
A friend’s cousin played a major role in the musical.
Visiting backstage, she spoke of grueling rehearsals, a demanding 6 day work week with several performances daily.
This schedule had been ongoing for months.

I couldn’t help but ask the question.
“What do you do on your day off?”.
“Voice, dance and acting lessons.”
Whaaaaa?
“No staying in pjs all day reading a book??”
She gently laughed with a sincere smile made to light up a stage.
“It’s what most of us do.”
“Landing a part like this is highly competitive. We recognize the privilege and work very hard at our craft.”

She assured me after a show’s duration she celebrated with a well deserved break.
Much of her ‘off time’ was dedicated to researching roles, attending auditions, and honing her skills with lessons.

If you know a working professional artist in any genre, you have a glimpse of the dedication, structure and grueling schedules many live their lives by.

It’s a life many choose gladly, others feel the life has chosen them.
It’s a career with tremendous work- load & challenges often misunderstood.

Watching the sweat drip from an athlete’s brow, performing in front of thousands, we feel their efforts in the most tangible sense.
We witness passion, physical, mental, even emotional tension first hand.
It all enfolds before us.

For artists, the effort is oft behind closed doors.
We see the fruits of their labour, not the action.
Soaring tempos, lyrical words, a seemingly effortless dance, beauty in clay, glass, canvas.
The bulk of creation is internal, then develops within studio solitude. A pen or brush in hand, a lone guitar.
No less taxing than the athlete we applaud.

A deeper level of exhaustion strikes me after a painting marathon than running one.
Absorbed in artwork I may be more drained emotionally & mentally than in a full Ironman.
Artwork asks all of me on every level.

Like the young actress, I am grateful for the priviledge. It’s work I gladly do.

A friend’s advice came decades ago while I was working a ‘regular job’ painting in spare time.
I just wanted a normal, quiet, even dull life, I said.
I enjoyed creating, but the demands of painting for others, and selling the work I discovered, terribly stressful.
It wasn’t’ a life for me.

“You are an artist at heart. You will never have a normal dull life. Once you accept this you will be able to move forward. Understanding of course, the very difficult challenging road ahead, but it’s the only life for you.”

His chosen career? Reverend.
~
As always, I welcome your feedback on the new work & post.
Please note new pricing is now in effect.
Thanks most graciously for the support of the work and making my path to art a welcome & honourable one.

Mediation is well recognized for positive emotional health.
New scientific studies proclaim surprising benefits, including a form of mental training for the brain.
“Building a Better Brain” by Sharon Begley (Newsweek) suggests meditation can ‘increase the thickness of regions that control attention and process sensory signals from the outside world”.

What does this mean exactly?
It’s a form of fitness training for your brain.
Better than crossword puzzles, it transfers to changing your brain at molecular level, helping to preserve the aging brain.

Having problems sticking to those New Year’s Resolutions? Meditation may assist your success.
NEUROSCIENTISTS have also found that, after just 11 HOURS of meditation, practitioners had structural changes in the part of the brain involved in monitoring our FOCUS and SELF CONTROL.
That’s good news for artists.

Meditation’s obvious benefits are easing anxiety issues, chronic pain, stress, and depression.
It fuels our happiness and energy, improves our sleep, develops our intuition.
Science states meditation can influence behavior, assist with weight loss, have a positive effect on relationships, and help us stay on task.

It’s also been proven to increase our <ahref=”http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health-advisor/meditate-on-this-to-jumpstart-your-immune-system/article21702573/”>immunity.
In one study, after only 8 weeks of meditating participants had increased antibodies on their system. Our immunity is directly linked to our thoughts, positive and negative.

How does the world’s oldest female bodybuilder, 79 year old Ernestine Shepherd begin her day?
That’s right, she meditates. Ernestine’s discovery of fitness late in life is remarkably inspiring.

People are able to lower their blood pressure and resting heart rate by practicing meditation.
Even during times of crisis.

Under local anesthetic a friend’s minor surgery took a dangerous turn.
A nurse, she understood the Dr’s coded language stating her body began to hemorrhage.
With a genetic pre-disposition to high blood pressure, she knew it was a deadly combination. A lifelong meditation practitioner, she immediately began TM.
The Dr’s were baffled when her blood pressure and resting HR began to stabilize without their intervention.

New York Times writer Eric Barker’s popular article “Improve your Life- the 10 things you should do every day.” lists meditation in the top 5. ( Note: getting out in Nature is #1)

Thou meditation is recognized as an essential tool for health, some find it difficult to incorporate into their daily living.
In a ’stillness’ challenged society, walking meditation may be a solution.

Meditation can influence creativity.
Research has found meditation to promote ‘DIVERGENT THINKING’ a type of thinking that allows many new ideas to be generated.
Creative coach & author Mark McGuiness quotes insight & clarity among the benefits for creatives who practice meditation.
He states if you depend on your creativity for your means of living, your most valuable piece of equipment isn’t your computer, it’s your brain.

I have long believed in the power of meditation, thou admit, a little biased.
The friend who transformed her situation in surgery?
My Mom.
~
tip: having trouble with distraction while meditating?
Never underestimate the power of a sleep mask & ear plugs.
Of course, not to be applied during walking meditation.

Studio News
I have included photos of work available for immediate purchase, including the newest Rocks & Snow, posted last week.
For complete list of available work click here.
I’d love to hear from you. (Note: 2014/15 pricing is still in effect.)

New work in various stages of completion for the private exhibit, will be available for purchase after the event in Calgary.
I am also in the midst of working on private commissions in the west & east.
So grateful to meet new clients, have a full plate of work, and an actual waiting list.

Clarence Bucaro didn’t intend to write his first album while hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, but that’s exactly what happened.


8 original diverse albums later, the Brooklyn based singer songwriter is showing no signs of slowing down.

Introduced to Clarence’s music at The Ark‘Michigan’s non profit home for folk & roots music,’
we were captivated by his compelling voice, soulful melodies & meaningful lyrics.
So taken by his live performance we found ourselves inviting the NY musician to play for our inaugural house concert.
In fact, he inspired the idea on twitter.

Exuding gracious warmth, this world traveler and accomplished musician entertained with the ease of a veteran performer.
In an unassuming powerful way, he draws people in with his beautiful music.
He mesmerized our guests and left us all pining for more.

It’s interesting to know this passionate songwriter was almost an environmental lawyer.
In a 2012 interview with Nancy Dunham of No Depression “Bucaro fantasized “over and over and over again” about being an artist, he was torn with a desire to become an environmental lawyer. He made the decision to become a musician when he hit something of a professional crossroads. At that time, he was offered a job on a natural resources defense council and a record deal”

Clarence has always felt deeply and naturally connected to music, writing songs since he was a boy of 8.
Dedicated and passionate, he has played up to 300 shows in one year.
He dreams of one day playing the Royal Albert Hall in London and Red Rocks in Colorado.

We communicated about similarities in the creation of art & music, influences, inspiration, and industry challenges.
I wondered about myths in his profession.
“People mistakenly think it’s easy and it simply isn’t. The territories and boundaries in each aspect of the craft and career are endless and take perpetual time and work and patience.”

Clarence’s music plays daily in my studio.
“ Can’t Rush the Road” poetic lyrics are insightful.
“Sometimes the shortcut’s the longer way if you really want to get where you are going”
“ … you can’t rush the road, you can’t push destiny before it unfolds.”
You can’t rush the tide.
You can’t rush the wind that crosses your sky.”
It’s a relevant message today in our multitasking instant gratification era. Taking time to respect the journey.
I love the nature referrals.
Surprisingly, Clarence wrote this song as a personal reminder to continue to be patient amidst frustration.
“My career has not been one graced with lucky breaks etc. I have had to work hard for every gig along the way. Sometimes disappointments can overwhelm the journey. This song funnily enough is rather cathartic for me.”

During an interview on Art & Soul, Sirius XM’s coffee house, he mentions going back to old folk & blues. Caroline Jones refers to gospel and diverse influences.
Yet his unique style resonates.

Is originality of sound difficult to achieve in the music industry?
“We all start emulating our heroes and hopefully if you are following your own voice, it comes naturally, without you truly noticing it.”
He challenged himself to remain inspired and fresh in his newest album “Like the 1st Time”, by “staying focused. I dug in and didn’t take any easy way outs. I explored new keys and worked vigorously on my voice everyday.”

A friend said “Mother’s Word” is the best song ever written about a mother.
I agree wholeheartedly. Has your family been influential in your career?
“It’s no secret to people who know me, I am a family oriented person. My family has always been right next to me in all aspects of my journey.”

What other passions do you have?
Chess, basketball and reading. I have a book club with my mother (membership=2) We read the classics each year. This year we have read 51 already including “War and Peace” and “Moby Dick.”

I was curious about his creative experience immersed in nature on the Appalachian Trail. I found it fascinating he embarked on the adventure while in the midst of trying to secure a record deal.
Clarence Bucaro photo- Appalachian Trail

What special connection with nature appeals to you in aspects to your work/ writing?
“Nature has always given me clarity and mental health for writing. Hiking or running on a trail is a great breeding ground for memories and ideas for me that I bring to my songs.”

You wrote your first album, “Sweet Corn” on the Appalachian Trail. Was that the intention?
“It wasn’t necessarily my intention. I had a couple songs written but had not attempted my first album yet. I brought a small Martin backpacker guitar and the songs came pretty naturally. The record label couldn’t believe I planned to disappear for 4 months at a time in which we were close to clinching it, but when I came back with the new songs inspired by the trail, it sealed the deal.”

How did the hike affect/ influence your work & life?
“It filled me with the sense of everything being a journey. I have looked at everything since in that way.”

New “Trail” 18×14 original oil- avail for purchase- inspired by Clarence Bucaro’s journey.

We talked about what a treasure that is, having that amount of uninterrupted time to create.
He mentioned the appeal of another trek in the distant future. It’s an impressive list, including the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest, the Camino de Santiago and climb Mnt Kilimanjaro.

The paragraph below from your online bio is reminiscent to me of painting. Do you think there is a similarity between visual art & songwriting?
“I love paintings and see colors when writing.”

“When I started making music, it was all instinctive—I emulated what I discovered and wrote down what I felt,” Bucaro observes. “And as you grow and learn, you become filled with form, structure and craft. My last three albums have been me attempting to find a marriage of those two approaches. That’s another reason why I called this one Like the 1st Time: because it feels like it’s rooted in the old, but also moving in a completely new direction.”

“Rooted in the past, moving in a new direction”.
Words steeped in wisdom for us all, my friend. Thank you.

The entrepreneur proved beyond successful.
News spread about the amazing product, it’s applications, and the company’s consistent quality service.
It had been years in development.
new Larch trees- 8×10 oil study

Product creations were born from passion.

The entrepreneur had established relationships with vendors, sourcing quality supplies and scouted perfect locations.
The entrepreneur visited similar businesses thru the community and when traveling, painstakingly taking notes of what features did or did not work in these locales.
Marketing was developed strategically. Demographics were studied.
The entrepreneur engaged and invested in the community, supported charitable events, diversified projects for larger scaled clients, expanding the brand.

Community’s far & wide embraced the product applauding the entrepreneur’s efforts.
New Farm 11×14 oil

Now, please reread the story, switching the word entrepreneur with artist.

Artists are rarely viewed in this light, even the artists themselves may not.
Why?

Some artists say it’s how we are portrayed in society “we have been dealt our role” powerless to change perception of art as a credible business creating a uniquely beneficial ‘product’.

Overwhelming scientific evidence continues to promote benefits of art in our spaces. If anything, this should be the time art is flourishing.
What else could be so unique that it benefits business, health, relationships, nourishes spirit, promotes healing, preserves & celebrates culture?

Artists complain success is driven by dealers, “we are their puppets”, they write.
Others complain a saturated market prohibits success, those reputable dealers have no space in their roster for new artists.
Without representation, they are prohibited from having a successful career, they say.

I believe we aren’t powerless any less than we are accountable to contributing to our success.
How?

First, look at your work. As they say ‘the buck stops here’.
Be your own worst critic. Consult pro’s opinions. Request honesty. Dedicate yourself to continually evolving your work.
Spend as much time on the business side of your art, as creating.
(like in the beginning of this post).
Build relationships.
If you are represented by a gallery, continue to spend a portion of your week on the business side. Communicate with your dealer, become a collaborator.

I have never felt like a puppet. I have great collectors/ dealers who believe in the art and work very hard to promote art in their communities.
They, in turn, know I will show up for openings, meet deadlines, help with advertising, work with specific client needs, direct clients to their venue, volunteer at exhibits and even on occasion, make fudge.
~
Note: When we are creatively fluid, science proves the more logical part of our brain shuts off when creating. A little valve closes up, freeing up space for imagination, for, according to Scientific American “genius”.
It’s the magic component to creating, but not so helpful for business.
Balance is key.
Maintain a schedule for creating, another for business. Keep your office separate from studio.
Be creator, agent, PR & demographic specialist, shipping & logistics handler, marketing & accounts department, etc.
Learning to wear so many hats isn’t always fun, but it trumps the feeling of powerlessness every day.
~
Robert Genn to an artist “You are an entrepreneur, you figure it out.”

In my first canoe over canoe rescue lesson I hadn’t expected to have so much fun.
But then, instruction by two of the best paddlers in Canada is a pretty good start.
After all, Joanie & Gary McGuffin have written bestselling books on the subject.
Their list of accomplishments is astounding.

New SHORE 12×16 oil on canvas

I have been inspired to write about the McGuffins since we met.
My only problem?
Where to start.

Thank goodness for the availability of links provided for you to peruse in this post.
Peruse you should, their wilderness expeditions read like Hollywood movie material.
Their dedicated conservation work is recognized across Canada.
The McGuffins are recipients of the Premier’s Award and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Outstanding Achievement in exploration, wilderness preservation and environmental education.

I first met Joanie, Gary and Sila McGuffin ( & malamute Luna) in Thunder Bay, ON,
the initial leg of our Expedition for the project
“Visions of the Boreal Forest”.

New BOREAL 4ft x2ft original oil on canvas

We journeyed a month in secluded wilderness.

Julia Hargreaves photo ~ Gary McGuffin & Dawn

You learn a lot about people spending a month with them in isolated wilderness.

Julia Hargreaves photo~ Sila & Joanie McGuffin

The McGuffins are humble & gracious folk, whose passion is infectious.
They have a deep respect for our wild spaces, and the human history that makes our beautiful country, Canada.
A country which has tremendous diversity and rich culture.
The McGuffin’s mission: “Inspiring people to reconnect with the natural world”.

When we met, they were in the midst of working on a book project with art historian Michael Burtch,
searching for vistas that inspired the Group of Seven.
The 8 year project morphed into a film, “Painted Land” recently released by White Pine Pictures.

Here is the part where you dig frantically for your calendars.
This is a film you don’t want to miss.
Nor do you wish to forgo the companion digital media site.

You will be led on a remarkable journey transforming Gary’s incredible photography into the Group of Seven’s own brushstrokes, merging into the masterpieces known today.
It takes expert wilderness and historical knowledge to discover these vistas, and a keen artistic eye to capture landscapes in near exact circumstance shown in the art.
Imagine the patience necessary to capture a scene like this.

I recently spoke to Gary about the film, in true McGuffin fashion,
he deflected my compliments on their tireless work, simply praising White Pine Pictures, their team, and efforts to bring the project into fruition.

Julia Hargreaves photo from Boreal Expedition

The trailer gives me the best kind of goosebumps.
It captures our imagination, bringing the wilderness spirit alive in film, photography and iconic art.
I am enthusiastically waiting on the edge of my seat
( with tissue on hand) to see the film.

Shown at the International Vancouver Film Festival a review by Georgia Straight‘s Janet Smith states
“A must for Group of Seven fans, and a true eye-opener for those who only know a few of the gang’s iconic Canadian paintings.
A trio of experts sets out into the Lake Superior–area wilderness to try to find the exact spots where the men set their vivid landscapes. Their journey is mixed with fascinating archival footage and diaries that illuminate the way these guys camped in remote rustic cabins and train cars—an artists’ story as romantic, in its own way, as any set in turn-of-the-century Paris.”
~
South of the border, a Group of Seven member is celebrated this month.
Ironically the exhibit “The Idea North” of Lawen Harris opens at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles October 11th.
Curated by the actor/ musician/ avid art collector & Harris fan,
Steve Martin.
JORI FINKEL of the NY Times writes one of the most interesting & indepth articles on the exhibit. (SEPT. 25, 2015)
Martin says “I have loved the work for so long. And a loving curator is an asset to an artist, probably”.
I am inclined to agree, Mr. Martin.
~
A special note of thanks to Julia Hargreaves brilliant artist, dear friend & team member in the boreal, for sharing her amazing photos.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

What increases growth in critical thinking, compassion & tolerance, lowers our blood pressure & resting HR, sparks our imagination, influences our eating choices, motivates us to work out longer, invites relaxation, improves quality of life of all ages?

Clue: you don’t have to ingest anything… and you don’t have to practice it.

What happens to our brains when we view art?
“In psychology of art, the relationship between art and emotion has newly been the subject of extensive study. Emotional or aesthetic responses to art have previously been viewed as basic stimulus response, but new theories and research have suggested that these experiences are more complex and able to be studied experimentally”

This article suggests the area of the brain that experiences not just emotion, but goal setting is activated when viewing art.

From Visual Thinking Strategies:
“We also found that given certain key elements in the design of aesthetic encounters, growth in critical and creative thinking accompanied growth in aesthetic thought. In other words, in the process of looking at and talking about art, the viewer is developing skills not ordinarily associated with art. These findings were consistent over a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic contexts.”

I have long believed we don’t have to be educated in art, or even a fan to receive it’s benefits.
Why?
Training in marketing during my advertising career taught me~
We are influenced by our surroundings whether we are consciously aware or not.

The newest research is fascinating.
We can directly apply this to how we choose art for our personal surroundings, work and public areas like schools and hospitals.

In a past post, patients in the hip replacement study weren’t aware art was a factor, but their healing improved when art was introduced in the study.
In the same post, research discovered surprisingly, people exposed to art on their lunch breaks created more acts of random kindness.

Subjects in another study were placed in a room at a table with a screen projecting paintings, or an abstract screen saver. They were instructed to eat as much as they wanted from a bowl of candies. They ate less when exposed to the paintings.

The fitness study quoted in Runners World 2007 isn’t surprising, “A team of Boston researches discovered looking at paintings of favourite vacation spots helped exercisers work out longer.”

Scientists are uncovering interesting facts using MRI imaging.
Via “Brain scans reveal the power of Art”
“Human guinea pigs underwent brain scans while being shown a series of 30 paintings by some of the world’s greatest artists.
The artworks they considered most beautiful increased blood flow in a certain part of the brain by as much as 10 per cent – the equivalent to gazing at a loved one.’
‘Professor Zeki added: “What we are doing is giving scientific truth to what has been known for a long time – that beautiful paintings makes us feel much better. But what we didn’t realize until we did these studies is just how powerful the effect on the brain is.”

The Smithsonian Magazine.com topic of neuroaesthetics
“How Does the Brain Process Art?” enlightens us to fascinating findings using a technique called trans­cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
While viewing Michelangelo’s Expulsion from Paradise “excited areas in the primary motor cortex that controlled the observers’ own wrists.”

Speak Art Loud states
“Art positively impacts both individual and community wellbeing. Incorporating art into own daily life, into our community and into our health care systems will help us all create good health.
Art is used to educate medical professionals; Analyzing art provides a new way of “seeing” and helps medical students become more skillful at diagnosing patients.
“Courses in arts observation can help doctors hone their clinical skills, said Dr. Caroline Wellbery, co-author of a research paper on the role of arts education in medicine, published last month in the journal Academic Research.” –Globe and Mail Aug. 2015

In her Ted NPR, Tierney ThyThys mentions desire to exercise our brain, increase focus & concentration, speed healing, release stress, increase energy, inspire creativity;
 surround ourselves with nature. If people are unable to venture outdoors, just imagery of nature can have a powerful effect.

Scientists say they are just scratching the surface of discovering the true power of art on our minds & bodies.
Thou the public may be surprised at these findings, I think Artists have known, either intuitively, or consciously, since we began drawing in caves.

It’s just super cool now science is backing us up.

p.s
Note from my client (who purchased a “Sunset” original painting) works in the field of Education:
“I had a little boy who is quite autistic visiting my office.He went right up to ‘Sunset’ and just quietly stared. I gently asked him, “Tell me what you see.” Without taking his eyes off of it, he replied, “The beach.”
It was a special moment, and certainly affirmation for me that the Arts have the ability to cross all academic divides and social barriers.”

New”Autumn Trees” 8×10 oil on board avail for purchase

Austin, creator of my favoured ‘Birthday Candles’ painting
is becoming a frustrated Artist, his Mom confessed.
You may remember my friend Austin from a previous post, here.
Austin isn’t alone in his frustration.
These days my mailbox is filled with similar complaints, from professionals, hobbyists and Artist hopefuls.
Complaints are typically followed by
“You wouldn’t understand. (Yes I do.)
“You have natural talent” (it isn’t a secret how I feel about that word, and No).
“It probably came easy to you even as a child.”
Noooooo.
I have proof.

If that didn’t convince you, this will.
We had a babysitter who loved to draw horses.
I would sneak out of bed to see her drawing, only to be scooted back before I could watch her process.
How did she do it? I tried and tried.

Horses were a favourite subject of mine, among people, landscapes, animals and my dog.

earliest record of my art ~ a card for my parents.

I shouldn’t show these publicly.
Besides making point, they’re funny.
I wasn’t a born artist, but I was tenacious.

By Grade 12, I could draw a decent horse.

coloured charcoal- horse

I taught myself looking at picture books and horses, making a ton of mistakes.
By high school, I had shown improvement on the other subjects too.

I didn’t have art in school until Grade 11.
The Grade 11 art teacher told me “Never study. They could ruin you. You’re a natural talent”.
She had no idea I had been working on it for over a decade.

New 12×16 “Sunfire” oil on canvas

I assured Austin’s Mom frustration is a good sign.
It means he wants to improve. Austin has great passion for creating.
We all have the fever of frustration, it’s a myth professional artists are immune.
The key is, don’t give up.

My friend Dayna of the Pottery Cupboard says
“I have spent 12 years in the studio, every day. The first five were spent crying”.

In an instant gratification society often we underestimate the work & time involved to excel.
The craft is honoured when we recognize the dedication necessary to become a master.
~
Note. Along with the talent myth, another fable exists: once an Artist is accomplished, art is an easy road from thereon.
It’s never easy.
Like athletes we have to practice. Muscle memory applies to Artists, too. We need to use and improve all our skills or we lose them.
Art is a lifelong learning process, of which I am a joyful student.
~
p.s Austin’s painted birdhouse is a treasure in my studio. He began by painting the inside- for the birds of course. When his Mom encouraged him to paint the outside, he added ‘snow’. Both signs of a great artist indeed.

I am venturing into exciting new territory.

New “Mono Cliff Trail” 8×10 Original Oil

On Sept 26th nearly 400 runners will converge in a valley draped in autumn beauty to embark on a spectacular trail run.
Chase the Coyote takes place in Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, part of the Niagara Escarpment.
It’s natural wonders of rocky cliffs, forested trails traverse by natural ponds returning up steep inclines.
Meadows of wild grasses & sumac dot the scape below.

Running Free Orangeville and their participating sponsors
host an amazing fun, challenging event on this incredible diverse trail system.

Autumn Trail 4ft x3ft Original Oil $ 3200.oo

Camaraderie among runners of all ages created a festive atmosphere as
I mingled about at the start line last September.

photo from Running Free Orangeville.

This stunning course invites the runner to experience each aspect of the varying terrain among the soft drumbeat of footfalls on dirt trail.
The vivid scenery, great support of volunteers and host, add to the elements making this the most spectacular trail race I have run.

See photos click here
It’s worth the time to view the entire course video.
Envision it in full autumn splendor here

Absorbing the beauty of the season running this diverse landscape was amazing.
Reuniting with friends made it extra special.
As we celebrated in the autumn glow of the afternoon, I thought about the similarities of my work and events like these.
• We encourage people to connect with nature
• To engage in our natural surroundings in a healthy manner
• Support our parks.
• Discover & celebrate community.

It’s a few of the reasons I am inspired to venture into new territory sponsoring Chase the Coyote.

Mono Cliff Trail 8×10 original donated to Chase the Coyote Trail Race Sept 26/2015
~
If you have been following my career path, you know I donate
a portion of my sales to conservancy programs such as Nature Conservancy International, Nature Canada, etc.
I continue to support charities & community fundraisers specifying health care services and community parks.
Thou sponsoring a race is new, it’s a good fit for the work, and an honour to be connected to such a vibrant community actively engaging in our wonderful parks.

“You’re lucky having a creative outlet for stress, all I have is my elliptical.”
I was unsure how to respond.
I use other tools as a stress release, not art.

This may seem confusing because art is well recognized as therapy with documented scientific results.

Art is a powerful and amazing tool for rehabilitation, recreation, stress release & enjoyment.
It can be an outlet that brings balance, improves health, achieving an array of benefits.
It’s a wonderfully individual pursuit and experience.

As a professional, my art isn’t a quest for self- healing or self- expression.
For one thing, I am painting for you, not me.

New “Afan” 8×10 Original oil on panel. Photo research credit to Afan Lodge, Wales.

There is an accountability and responsibility to deliver consistent quality work and connect with the viewer.
How the work will resonate with you, how it will feel in your spaces.
Will it have longevity, and make a difference in your lives.
These are all considerations I take to the canvas.

New “Boreal” 4ft x2ft Original Oil

I show up for work as stress free as possible with intention, a clear focused mind, a loving heart, an ability to surrender to discovery.
I am driven to improve, to master.
I wasn’t relaxed when I sat with my drawing pad as a child,
I was and still am, electrified.
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Art is not an amusement, nor a distraction, nor is it, as many men maintain, an escape from life. On the contrary, it is a high training of the soul, essential to the soul’s growth, to its unfoldment.~ Lawren Harris
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I had a lovely email& photo from a client happy with their painting. Wonderful to have new friends in Germany!

Boreal Sunset Sold to a lovely family in Saskatoon.. so I have a new desk view.
“Sky” 30×40 original oil avail for purchase.