Thursday, September 3, 2015

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!!!!!

10 comments:

  1. You have been very busy Bruce, love the large painting in your last post too. I do hope your neck and shoulders get better soon, try heat and then the ice sometimes that can help. I had the same problem and had a can of beer! I know not something I usually do but it really helped!

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  2. Good evening Caroline!... Busy gets one past a lot of problems!

    The neck thing is starting to feel better... now that I have forsaken the stoop position while painting. Hope to get back to the mural... when the spirit moves the other parties involved, Until the... on with my own work daily at the gallery or en plein air.
    I have been using the ice... I'll try it in conjunction with the heat. Thanks for the tip!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. Yes, yes, yes, Bruce. All of the senses, to my mind, play into art. Even when I'm eating while working...

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  4. Good morning Sherry!... A life if only fully enjoyed... when it is passed slowly through the sieve of one's senses... and savoured.

    Even viewing the art of others truly activates all of my senses.

    We are greatly blessed to have these senses to enrich our lives!

    Happy Summer Sherry! Thanks for dropping by!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Still going out plein air painting while doing the major work on the mural? You are energetic these days! I hope you are enjoying every minute of this busy time. Thanks for sharing your day.

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  6. Yup!... The mural project is on hold for the moment... or until whatever time the mural is erected at a more reasonable working height for me to work comfortably at! The ball's in their court?????

    I have lots to do otherwise...as you've noted! Onward.... the good weather is movin' along (too) quickly... and my fall schedule does not include time for a mural!

    Thanks for dropping by!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Oh, I know how you feel - if my easel isn't at exactly the right height I end up paying later with shoulder pain. Rest a while and heal up - I hope your client agrees with the solution so you can complete the project. Love the quaint serenity of your Lansdowne street painting.

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  8. Hi there Susan!... Yup... we pay dearly for our zen state indiscretions! HA HA!!

    The break from the mural has actually been a positive segue... as the Lansdowne piece attests!

    Stay tuned for more....

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Good morning Bruce. Your first few paragraphs are like a poem; they put me right there on the river!

    I hope your aches and pains clear up soon. It sounds like an impossible way to do good work, with the setup you have had. Hopefully the client will be co-operative.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  10. Good morning Keith!... Again our thoughts and practices resonate our common spiritual connection like tuning forks!

    I am painting... in my own fashion... comfortably... and patiently waiting for the light to come on... or perhaps not. Fall is fast approaching. You know what that means to an ardent plein air guy! Right Keith???

    Thank you for your high compliment... much appreciated!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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