On a flat wooden bench in the balmy shade of a chestnut tree, I sat with a man watching his dream in fruition.
As we listened to the rich voice of Thornetta Davis drifting from the outdoor stage, a crowd of two hundred relaxed in chairs scattered among the trees, enjoying the music, great food & wine.
Beyond the grove spread expansive vineyards and restored wetlands.
A meadow of wildflowers colourfully dotted the landscape.

He pointed to the distance, seeing not only what he had built, but what would be.
His vision still unfolding.

It was Jazz on the Vine last Sunday afternoon at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards, and I was sitting beside it’s founder, Tom O’Brien.
Vineyard Study acrylic 6×8

I met Tom once before, on a flight departing Toronto 5 years ago.
After exchanging introductions, he announced with a joyful grin he was retiring from Price Waterhouse Cooper the following day.
He had a dream, a tractor and shed. He was going to grow grapes.

Along with those grapes, he planted 7000 trees, restoring natural Carolinian forest. The greenspace included in his vision, he consulted conservation societies and Ducks Unlimited. Reclaimed wetlands now welcome birds and wildlife. Directing me to a tree where bald eagles prefer to nest, his voice filled with pride.

It hasn’t been without bumps along the way.
His plan was to farm and enjoy the property with wife Katy, their children and grandchildren.
A family retreat for bonfires and campouts.
They worked the land, once an apple orchard, for three years, with a winery contract to purchase the crop. The first harvest developed, and the winery backed out.

The dream could have gone in many directions, including south.
But Tom and Katy regrouped. Together, with partner Debbie Meloche and winemaker Rori McCaw, Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards emerged, producing award winning wines in an award winning building.
Vineyard Study acrylic 6×8

As adults we may lose belief in the big dream, in possibility.
We may think it happens to select few who have a golden path.
Let off the hook if we believe achievement comes easier to some.
The top art dealer/collector arrives at their doorstep, the stone cottage appears, or those 20 pounds melted off overnight.

This year a nasty beetle has destroyed some of Tom’s crop.
When I met with him a quiet day before opening, he had been in the vineyard since 6 am, overseeing a multitude of tasks.
His boots were caked in mud, sweat trickled down his face.

Tom and I agreed vision evolves constantly, like in painting, or similar paths in life, it is rarely a linear process. Challenges and obstacles are faced, plans evaluated and shifted.
I asked him about his inspiration and what keeps him focused.

He had a plan and passion.
“I wanted to build something for my family and people to enjoy, and to keep my mind and body healthy after retiring.
We’ve hosted weddings. How great is it people choose to begin their lives together, right here. “
Sitting in the shade of the chestnut, overlooking the vineyard, it doesn’t surprise me people are drawn here.
It’s a destination of new beginnings, aglow with the magic of dreams.

“.. there’s no magic bullet, no magic formula, no foolproof system that leads to success. And no infallible guru to tell you what to do. The real magic happens inside, in your mind and heart. Only you can commit to making your dream happen, whatever obstacles stand in your way. Only you can turn that key.” Mark McGuiness – Resilience.

~ New in the studio~

Along the theme of today’s post-
the new work continues to evolve, as does the vision.
It is the plien air spark I continue to nurture in the work- a feeling of being immersed in the landscape.
Instead of focusing on deciphering subjects (is that a shrub or a tree) ~you are left free to feel the essence of nature.
Fluidity of movement, texture, contrast. Depending on the subject, some paintings are softer- completed with rags and soft brush- others display rich movement , thick with texture.


Rock- original oil 11×14 Mountain Mist – 22×28 original oil
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