Thursday, August 26, 2010

The R&R' s of Summer

















Summer is traditionally a time for the essential R's to promote healthier and happier living for all of us... no matter our jobs or locations. It is a time when we spend time with loved ones to do things outside the structure... constraints and pressures of daily living. Rest and relaxation come in a variety of forms... usually decided upon by family together or through individual choices. I needn't spend time naming the ways... we all have our ways unique to our interests and rituals.


I have passed through this annual event with family... with Deb and alone at times just to think and... (another important "R" word for "Me")... Reflect... meaning "to form an image "of ... directions. "I" look in a forward direction to the upcoming fall and winter seasons and behind
Me" to the past... near and far to remember and resolve unfinished thoughts. "I" also take time to look around "Me"... sometimes to sketch... paint or write about the subtle changes that are occurring. This is my own most treasured form of rest and relaxation... and fortunately, I am able to share that with Deb... because we share these common interests.


After passing through this chain of "R" words we arrive at yet another... Refresh. This infers the process of reviving and revitalizing. This means, in our case to look at how we can add new "ideas" to our individual lives and pursuits... both personal and artistic. We have discussed some of these things and are now in the process of... "lining up our ducks". Let's call this last "R" word to describe this point as Re visioning.... or making a projected action plan.


My own is already underway. I am busy working at the commission that was delayed due to the earlier mentioned R&R business... and family events that necessitated giving my full attention to them. I currently have the 15x24 inch study piece at the three quarter pole and hope to finish it today so that the clients can see my progress and thoughts on the matter. We are meeting on the weekend to decide on the larger version once they approve thew direction of the study. Strangely... the delay has led to some interesting and helpful discoveries in my research and preparations for the piece... including a lovely and very early poem about the Old Mill. I am including images to show the stages of my progress with the commission to date. I'll keep you posted... as the commission proceeds.


Next on the docket after the commission will be a lot of plein air work... with the annual foray to Algonquin Park... always a highlight of the year for "Me"... and painting in and around our own backyard. So lots of work ahead. I have been offered and have accepted a solo show for January at AyrSpace... so that will pretty much direct my activities and energies up to Christmas. This is also a busy part of the year for The Paint Box Gallery as well... so... "plus du travail"... as the French say! Glad to be busy... doin' what "I"love!


Good Painting to all!!

12 comments:

  1. Congratulations on all your well-earned and wonderful busy-ness. Isn't it grand to love what you do???

    Also enjoyed watching the progress of the commission study.

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  2. Thank you for showing your process Bruce. I really love to see the stages of pieces and look at the decision-making of the artist - to see how they tackle their problems. This looks fantastic! A wonderful glow...

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  3. I love this piece, Bruce. It reminds of old England, for some reason. Just a fabulous mood that comes from it for me!

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  4. Hi Marian!... Thanks for dropping by and for the encouragement!

    It is indeed going to be a very busy Fall... but it has been worth all of the effort. We have enjoyed great sales this month and new business has just arrived on the doorstep.

    Doing what one loves and has a passion for is the greatest reward... and satisfies well beyond receiving money or recognition. As an artist yourself "You" will understand what I am saying.

    Good luck with your own painting Marian!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Hi Kim!... So glad to hear from "You"! I have so very much enjoyed your recent "dailies"... particularly the Violin Scroll piece- Magnificent in every sense of description!

    Sharing ideas and process are essential to one's own growth and development. So many artists are secretive and overly-protective of their process. Some parents make the same mistake in the rearing their children. I consider that to be both foolhardy... and selfish.

    Children and art are the two most beautiful creations we leave behind us... to say that we lived... with passion and purpose. I think that we share a common open attitude in this regard... which makes further collaberation something to be looked forward to... and I am excited about this possibility!

    Good (Daily) Painting Kim!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  6. Hi there Autumn!... Hope that this message finds "You" happy and enjoying what's left of this wonderful summertime weather!

    You nailed it dead on Autumn. This area is VERY British... even to the river's name....The Humber! All of Ontario really is essentially defined by earlier British settlement...especially the English, Scottish and Irish "United Empire Loyalists"... who made the difficult decision to leave the Thirteen Colonies when they banded to form the "newly born"..... United States of America... to resettle in Upper Canada (now Ontario) during the early ninteenth century.

    The obviously Scottish masonry and stonework of this four-storey gristmill and countless others dotting Southern Ontario attest to that early influence and continued presence.

    That was what I had intended through "knitting" the finely arched bridge and mill using their common function in relationship to The Humber River. Levels have dropped on this and other main rivers these days after the devastating damage caused by flash flooding during Hurricane Hazel. Dams now reduce and control the flow... the mill no longer grinds grain. Now restored and enhanced... it is a highly regarded restaurant, spa... and much-used wedding and convention centre. VERY pricy!!!

    The Humber flows ever onward... and so does Life!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards Autumn,
    Bruce

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  7. Thank you Bruce, for sharing the progression on your painting with us. Its absolutely beautiful ..I love the color and the reflections on the water..so beautifully done.! Love the Autumn colors even though it means Winter is slowly upon us.

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  8. I think the painting looks lovely and finished to me. Beautiful rendition of light which brings the painting together so well. It is nice that you are enjoying the commission work sometimes it can be hard to paint another person's vision, it is often more natural to an artist to paint one's own. Very interesting to see how the painting is built up from the beginning. We haven't had much of a summer here in the highlands so I hope Autumn holds out for a long time before the cold weather sets in.

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  9. Hi Hilda!... Thanks for stopping by... and for the gracious and encouraging comments!

    I hope that by sharing my process others might find ideas and inspiration to guide their own explorations and work. We learn often not so much because we are the same... but out of our individual differences.

    I look forward to Fall and Winter. Each has its own unique beauty and excitement for "Me". I love just to be outside!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  10. Hi Caroline of Scotland!... Sorry to hear of your summer weather problems. We'll hope for a better fall for you!

    Glad that you enjoyed the progression of this commission and found it to be interesting. The "glow" in the piece is created by glazing the colour in layers... gradually building to the final value and colour. This technique is especially helpful in creating transparent areas like sky effects... reflections in water and texture in general. It's worth taking your time to work in this fashion.

    I try always to work with the client's ideas in the fore at the beginning of the work in the initial planning stages and the use of photo reference. However, from the lay in onward... the picture is mine to reach from inside and use what "I" feel... to complete the remainder of the painting. I can then say that "I" own the painting... when I sign my signature to conclude the process.

    Wishing "You" Good Painting...and fairer waether Caroline!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. Revved and ready might be another R&R for you, Bruce! Thanks for sharing your process with this full of light painting - and may all of your plans meet with much, much success!

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  12. Hi Linny!.... Revved and ready are indeed other "R" words that apply!

    Glad that you enjoyed the process for constructing this painting! Hope now that the clients share your enthusiasm and appreciation for the piece! Time will tell!

    Thanks for the encouragement Linny... much appreciated!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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