Listening... and "Listening"

These last few silent summer mornings... as I sit in the darkness, I hear sounds that summon up deep and treasured memories from yesteryear. They are lost in the background of the noise we humans create and live in... or in the deepness of stolen extra sleep.

But in this sleeping village this morning... far from the roar of traffic and even intruding light, I am alone with coffee in hand to listen to the gentle pulse of cricket choirs and the slight drone of a nameless and lurching river freighter... somewhere beyond sight out on the river. Reawakened solitary loons... emailing their eerie morning hellos up and down the length of the islands.

In the deep humidity of this late summer morn... sound is my only friend and guide... and I am greatly blessed!

Sound is such a powerfully creative agent that can serve purposes beyond what we usually employ it for. Those of us who choose to paint mostly in the field are acutely aware of its use. I would offer in my own case, that sound is an active agent that plays an integral part in my painting process. It inspires and transports me beyond the visual. I believe that along with touch and other integrated senses... it elevates the quality of my work... and if nothing else it lifts my spirit.

The second "Listening" suggested in the title of today's post is indeed somewhat related to the other, yet it responds to an inner stimulus - one's body... or psyche. This "voice" sound is less tangible and has no visible outward form, but it does offer necessary information to command attention. In this specific case, related to my current mural project... the "voice" is loud and clear... and should be heeded.

The position of the actual panel is on a downward and low slope which requires that I paint in an unnatural forward-leaning and downward manner. Too many hours of working in this stooped position has created deep and very painful shoulder and upper neck pain. For the past week, I have been only able to continue by deep icing nightly before retiring. Even that did not alleviate this condition.

I approached the friend for whom the mural is being completed. I explained the problem and requested that the mural be installed vertically as I first requested. I have provided the hanging clips with which the mural can be hung securely... and then safely and easily removed at the season's end to be stored inside out of the elements.

The rest is up to that other party to address my request. No further work will be undertaken ... until it hangs vertically two feet above the ground where I can work at completing the bottom section and detail work to bring the project to completion. Meanwhile... on to my own projects... much needed garden work... and last minute plein air teaching assignment.

Sometimes... a change is as good as a rest!

Here is a tune up I completed... heading out by myself to Lansdowne for a little r&r... and practice while searching for just the right location to take my two lady enthusiasts.

Depicted here is my location set up... early morning tucked tight against a tall spruce hedge for shade... no interruption... just a lovely village pastoral setting... and "Me"! What else could a guy ask for????

"Neighbours, Miller Street, Lansdowne" - oil on canvas 14x11 inches

The 14x11 inch canvas canvas at completion... not a single stroke extra necessary! Ready for the ladies!

Final thought:

This plaque... hanging at our front Garden entrance... a gift from my lovely daughter Lisa says everything in this post... in two sentences... Shut up Dad! HA HA!!

Stay tuned.....

Happy Painting!!!... to ALL!!!!!