Monday, October 10, 2011

Bittersweet Autumn... A Time for Reflection




Evening Angelus, Combermere- Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Heads bowed in Grace

In this pastoral place-

Giving thanks for the plenty
In this beautiful space.




Two ol' Pals




Cavalcade of Colour at Brewer Lake




Brewer Lake Reflections.. Algonquin Park




View to the confluence of the York and Little Mississippi Rivers at The Conroy marsh




Oxtongue Rapids Inukshuk





Bittersweet Moment, Combermere- oil on canvas 11x14 inches



Madawaska Magic- oil on panel 12x16 inches



Summer always seems to be a time of hustle and bustle... a time where human activity mimics the energy and vitality of the natural world where human kind reside... work and play. Though it is long like winter as a season... it really almost seems to evaporate in one's mind. Where did the time go?... is a question in most of our minds. It seems that cottages were just opened... and that boats were just slid into the water... and the kids just got out of school for summer vacation.


These are the questions that surface in autumn... questions that again, I'm certain... are brought forward in the face of sudden changes in the natural world. As the summer warmth is stolen from us by the slyly approaching winter... as the myriad of lush summer greens are replaced by the flush of the tumultuous final fanfare of colour in our woodlands and hills... as the animal world shifts into high gear as hunter-gathering activity takes precedence over courting and play... we come to realize and become more attuned to the natural rhythm of the rapidly changing natural world, where we are but pawns in the chess game of life.


For those of us who have reached the "autumn" years of our own earthly journeys... autumn perhaps seems rich and vivid on one hand... yet saddening in another. "Bittersweet"... is the word that comes to mind for "me"... to best describe my own feelings. It is at this particular time that I pause to look across the breadth of my journey... recalling highlights and less pleasing moments... recalling changes that have evolved during the course of my journey... recalling friends and relationships that have enriched my own journey. Some of those... have passed on... though they were as young as I... way back when. Time is indifferent to the human term "fair"...


I choose to embrace and to bathe my Self in the blessings... the gifts that continue to sustain "Me"... those gifts that further enrich my life and offer renewed possibility. I choose to view the glass ... "as half full... rather than half empty. Autumn... for "Me"... the whole short season is about Thanks-giving! I am richly blessed!


While I was painting with Deb and my friends David and Diane at the century farm near Combermere, I roamed about... camera in hand as I customarily do for a break once in a while during a painting session and came across this natural and poignant still life created by some farm soul who shares my Faith and connection to Life. It will most certainly become a large painting in the studio down the road... but I wished to share the photo image with all of you today because it encapsulates my belief system so wonderfully about Life and our brief place in it.


I am... as well including the two sketches that I managed during our wonderful and unforgettable Algonquin Getaway-2011.


Rich blessings...Happy Autumn... and Good Painting to ALL!

24 comments:

  1. You write so beautifully Bruce. I believe that this time of year does make us reflective. Maybe it is that quiet change of light, the way the trees are losing their leaves, and the knowledge that all things are indeed passing. I felt all you were saying this evening as I came in from the garden at dusk, my cat Angus who is getting old now looked out at the shadows and the low light in the sky and then decided he would turn in early for a change! for a night by the fire! Lovely photos and paintings too Bruce.

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  2. Thank "you Caroline... for your visit... your complimentary remarks and for sharing your very own "reflections"!

    We elder( word choice) cats do love our amenities... especially when the weather starts to go..."the other way!" HA HA!!!

    Sure hope that you continue to move ahead with your lovely natural studies and tree drawings Caroline! They are indeed special!

    Happy Fall... and Thanksgiving Greetings from Canada!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regarsd,
    Bruce

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  3. Bittersweet Autum is the best. I soak it all in as I sit here with my warm cup of coffee and just take it all in. The sunflowers are beautiful why the whole scene is beautiful.

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  4. Hi there Angela!... So glad to hear from you again!

    Thank so very much for your encouraging remarks! We enjoy many of the same simple pleasures..."You" and "I"... a hot coffee being high on that list o' plenty in out lives!

    I enjoyed my first visit to you lovely site this morning and will be back soon... for certain!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Hi Bruce,

    I think 'Bittersweet' perfectly sums up my feelings at this time of year as well. The summer always seems to be over so quickly and it can be depressing to think of the long winter to come. Every season has its delights if we look for them though, and without summer and winter we wouldn't have autumn in Algonquin!

    Your paintings beautifully capture the essence of this brief time, as usual. I hope you've stocked up on plenty of white paint, because I'm looking forward to some of your nice snowy scenes before long.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  6. Hi there Keith!... Once again... it is quite eveident in our shared feelings and views that we are "kindred spirits"... sharing much the same journey... in separate parts of the globe.

    Having visited Scotland... and having roots there... I share your deep love and affection for the beauty of your own wonder-filled landscape.

    I too, look forward to adding more white paint to my palette and donning warmer painting attire (and snowshoes occasionally) to head out into the winter landscape... for it has its own beauty... and solitude as well.

    Thank you for sharing your own thoughts and paintings with us out here in "bloggerland" Keith. It is always a treat to visit your site and always a pleasure to chat!

    Good Autumn Painting!... Thanksgiving Blessings upon "You" and yours!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. i believe you live in heaven bruce!! amazing vistas, incredible paintings and the always wonderful words. i so love your take on the bowed heads of the sunflowers. lovely! autumn as seen through your eyes is just beautiful bruce!

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  8. A BIG HI Suzanne!.... Thank "You" for your uplifting words and remarks!

    Heaven... I believe is here on earth... and it can be what you want it to be. It is a state of mind... and Heaven can be anywhere... if the spirit is surrounded by beauty... the freedom to think and act in one's own way... and where Truth is both valued and practised! That's Heaven... to "ME'!!!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards Suzanne,
    Bruce

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  9. The photos are beautiful but I find the paintings even moreso. I echo your thoughts on the bittersweetness of our autumn years. I'm right there with you Bruce. I too think I have been richly blessed.

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  10. Hello Bruce,
    Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog! You gave me a little boost right when I was feeling a little 'art unsure'.
    Your artwork is magnificent! Fantastic landscapes. I love Madawaska Magic. You live in such lovely surroundings, I hope we have a magical autumn and a snow filled winter for those plein-air paintings!
    I'm trying to get into plein-air more, but it's not easy in downtown TO, so I'll be back to your blog for more outdoor inspiration!
    Happy Thanksgiving
    and
    Happy Painting
    Nora

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  11. Hi there Sherry!... So good to hear from "You"... and to hear your positive voice! Your words (about your Self) gave me such joy and much reason for "Thanks-giving"!

    I was thinking about "You" this morning as I was sipping coffee... and reading Robert Genn's Twice Weekly Newsletter post... today entitled: Intelligent Design.

    If you don't already subscribe (it's free)...simply Google the above. In particular please read today's post dedicated to Steve Jobs. It will forever change your perspective about living your life!

    I do hope you'll visit Robert's site... You won't regret doing so... I assure you!Continue on your recent path!

    Good painting and reading!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  12. Hello there... New Friend Nora!... So nice of you to make a return visit... and to leave such encouraging words!

    You should never doubt the quality of your own work... it is very unique and I GREATLY admire its spontoneity... fluidity of line and joyful rich use of colour! We artists are like that though... our own worst critics! HA HA!!!

    In Venetian terms: Bellissimo! Magnifico!!

    I much look forward to future chat and sharings!

    Good Painting and Sketching!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

    PS I am very familiar with your Willowdale Group of Painters. I did an oil demo last Fall for them... and greatly enjoyed the experience!

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  13. Good morning Bruce, what a delightful way to enjoy a cup of coffee, read your words and see your beautiful photos and paintings.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

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  14. Hi there Joan!... Ahhhhhhh Yes!... The morning cup o' coffee and sweet silence! Ain't the perfect way to kick off one's day? Room for thought!

    Sure does beat a long commute and the craziness of hell-bent-for-leather fools racing... to what?????

    Thanks for your always encouraging words... and visits to my site!

    I have been really enjoying your fall flurry of activity on your own site Joan! Striking work... and energy! Keep it up!

    Good Painting and sketching!~
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. Hi Dad!
    The Park was a vision, even if less colourful than you have found it in past years. You got some great canvases out of the deal, too. I think we can all related to the touch of melancholy the autumn brings, if only because as Canadians we know what is on the way.....and it needs to be shoveled!
    Lots of love,
    Allie xoxox

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  16. Hi there Jemima.... in the writer's pergatory!Good to hear from "You"!

    The Park is.. always has been... and always will be part of my soul Allison! Not only for its unique and rugged landscape... but as well for the voices and many memories that "I" have enjoyed with a multitude of painting friends over the thirty odd years! They remain vivid... and lasting!

    You're absolutely right about the caper that's really not too far away! The beaver lodges seemed extra large this trip... native answer: Buy a BIG shovel... and a few more than usual tubes of your usual winter supply of A353! HA HA!

    Good luck with your editing marathon!
    I'll be back to you later in the week!

    Thanks for the visit and encouraging words... I know that you're SUPER busy!

    Much Love ALWAYS!!
    Dad
    XXXXXOOOOOXXXXX

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  17. Hi Bruce,

    Wonderful paintings and photos! We are on the same wave length. In spring, it is all before us, the long days, warm weather and beautiful landscapes of colors. Autumn is a reflective time for me as well. I think you described it best Bruce, bittersweet.

    All the best,

    Sue

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  18. Thank You" for leaving such positive comments and for sharing your very own wonderful autumn reflections Sue!

    As one of my blogging friends Keith Tilley so succinctly put it..."Without summer and winter... there wouldn't be an autumn in Algonquin Park... or anywhere else." There exists beauty in every season... if we choose to search it out and "see" it for what it is!Isn't that the truth?

    Good Painting and Sketching Sue!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  19. I love this post and your gracious and positive outlook on all
    the things we can't do a darned thing about. The paintings ate beautiful and thanks for sharing the beauty of your region with us. I love the cairn in
    the river .

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  20. Well Hello there Mary!... So nice of you to drop in. The summer has been busy for us both... and we sort of lost touch. Good to reconnect!

    Thanks for your positive comments! IT is always my pleasure to share all aspects of my personal and painting lives. We are different people... living in different places... but paradoxically.. if you look... we are so much on the same path, eh Mary??

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  21. your place and paintings are amazing this time of year especially....this looks like fall country!!

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  22. Hi there Mate!... Thanks for dropping by and for your compliments! Coming from you... they mean a lot!

    Autumn in Algonquin Park is the quintessential Colour statement for The Eastern Canada Woodland Region... where the Maple... is King!

    Love your new "wet one"... another kind of "reflection"... beautifully rendered! A gem!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  23. Great post Bruce. Beautiful paintings, thanks for sharing those photo's of Algonquin and your thoughts on the journey...

    Jeffrey

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  24. Thanks Jeffrey... for the visit and encouraging compliments on the post's contents and the Algonquin paintings!

    Sharing paintings... and good thoughts is what I hope I offer to my blog visitors. "We" are... a family of sorts because of our passion and commitments to a common higher purpose!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards.
    Bruce

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