Monday, December 30, 2019

Moonlit... "Sail Along Silvery Moon..."

 A couple more moonscapes... as I earlier promised. Moonlight has been the inspiration for so many creative individuals... in so many art forms. Musicians, writers, poets, dancers and painters have since earliest times been drawn to observe and to try to capture the celestial power the moon. It has captured the human spirit... imagination and created wonder in us all. That enrapture in earliest childhood... "when the cow jumped over the moon" and for many in my own generation led right up to that landmark marker on  mankind actually stepping for the first time on the lunar surface on July 20th, 1969.

At that time, mankind for the very first time had a reversed view and forever changed perspective of Earth relative to the moon... and the Universe really. Seeing the Earth... as no humans had ever done before, for certain changed our view of "possibility." Certainly. this "one small human step" by Neil Armstrong does represent an epic scientific stride "for all of mankind." But we, as artists have long been dreaming and reaching out to places where no other men or women have ventured through our individual sand our collective expression.

I will move towards the conclusion of this post by sharing a tabletop painting that I created for Allison to mark her successful completion of her undergraduate studies at Queen's University. Ironically... it bespeaks a Truth that we couldn't envisage. My words... at hat time... were simply words of pride and encouragement back then.

But today... those words stand as an epitaph and testimonial to her accomplishments and endearment to her many students.



Nocturrno a la Salute, Venezia - oil on canvas - 12 X 12 inches


 It has always been my custom to scout an area before finding my way there to set up and paint en plein air. In so doing, I am able to eliminate some of the numerous variables that lead to a lack of success and hardship. That is especially so during the winter months when one faces the hard cold, wind and shortened period of light.

Most times in winter, I will begin with a smaller canvas, say 11x14 or 16x20 inches. These sizes permit plenty of time to completely accomplish the painting in the two and one half hours needed. Occasionally, that first painting moves more quickly than expected. But there is not sufficient time time to find and relocate quickly enough to step into another subject


"Dying Light, Godfrey, Ontario" - 11x14 inch oil on canvas

So, I look 360 degrees around my easel setup to see if something interesting catches my eye. Usually there is something that fills the bill nicely. So , I gather my thoughts.. fully knowing that there will be no fancy-dancing about. I begin, in earnest what I refer to... as "my run for the sun." It describes perfectly the goal of my attempt here. Simply to out dual the rapidly dying sun on the horizon. Here is such a panel measuring 8x10 inches. The composition is simple... the colors muted or contrasting. But what catches my attention and becomes the central image in the painting is...


"Pale Moon Rising"- Godfrey 

This scene directly followed the one that you see above it... within mere minutes really. Note the rapid brush works.... " A stroke laid  must remain a stroke made." 
Strangely enough... the smaller rapid sketch left my hands much sooner than the larger more finished canvas. Why would that be? Luck? ... "circumchance" ???

I wonder...

I would like to end this blog post today with this bright and optimistic canvas that I created in homage to heritage and hard work. This 24 x 30 inch oil on canvas captures the crisp early golden light of a new day. Perhaps... such a bright, snowy day best describes the new beginning of a brand New Year.


             "Morning Comes! The Delta Grist Mill" - oil on canvas 24 x 30 inches

Wishing all of you... a Happy New Year... filled with the richest blessings of Joy, Health, and Happiness. May 2020 bring inspiration...  adventure and Good Painting into each of your lives!








8 comments:

  1. Wishing you the best in 2020 - bursts of creativity and joy that comes in unexpected moments, as well as warm and loving family and friends :). That Pale Moon Rising painting is my favorite - beautifully done and cold but a warm fire waiting in that house :). The videos said they were unavailable so I hope you didn’t impart any pearls of wisdom there that I will miss. Happy 2020 to you and Deb!

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  2. Wishing those same blessings back to you my Friend. Creativity
    does in fact come in great bursts... and often when least expected or planned for. That makes its pursuit so enticing... and rewarding when it is felt.

    Your choice of favorite hardly surprises me Rhonda. I find that your beautiful work follows a similar vein. It is highly evocative of the wam spirit that your being embraces and nurtures.

    The videos wouldn't upload but I intend to send it to you... you will enjoy it and you will see why I chose to share it with you and others.

    Happy New Year... and Good Painting in 2020.

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. Very beautiful paintings !!!
    Happy New Year 2020 !!!

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  4. Thank you for your visit and positive comment Art-Traveller. A very Happy New Year... filled with great painting adventures!

    Regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Happy New Year to you Bruce! What beautiful paintings! you are so skilled at painting they look as if they roll off the paint brush with joyful ease! I like how you explained that the little one took you only a short while to do. It would take me ages!! I spent ages in the studio today just trying to tidy up some winter tree branches in my snow painting! still have lots to do!! Hope you have some new painting ideas to share with us all soon. Best wishes Caroline in Bonny mild Scotland!

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  6. Happy New Year... back to you Lass! I can assure you that as "easy" as they can appear to "roll off my brush"... like you, I agonize to achieve what I seek to capture in front of me, or from my imagination. Both can be illusive as you well know.

    I too look forward to seeing your new projects and am so very fortunate and blessed to be sharing ideas and encouragement with you. It means a lot to me as well...

    Rich blessings of good health... painting success and many new adventures.

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. So interesting, Bruce, that your moonscapes and thoughts of Neil Armstrong coincide with my own visit to the Air and Space Museum and seeing the space suit worn during his moon walk. There is no doubt that the moon is a powerful and wondrous image hanging in the sky inspiring scientists, poets and painters alike. I love your work and how you channel your inspiration to capture the beauty of the moonlight - pale and warm or cold and intense. Coincidentally, tonight is the January Full Wolf Moon, so called apparently because the early Native Americans noticed that wolves were more likely to howl during the full moon of the winter months. We occasionally hear the howling of coyotes where we live and I will be listening intently for them tonight! Thank you for sharing your wonderful work - I so look forward to see what the new year brings!

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  8. Dear Friend Susan,

    Your insightful remarks about my work does indeed parallel the interests (beyond simply painting) and a journey that you and I share. The reference in your comment to your interest and knowledge of Native American indigenous culture reflects your spiritual connection to the world around you.

    I have been all eyes on that very same moon as it waxed to its winter fullness. Could that moon have been the very well been that one in my "Martyr's Moon, at Sainte-Marie-Among-the-Hurons???

    I wonder...

    The coyotes in the rear of our woodlot have been exhibiting the very same rowdy behavior here... likely driven by the very same impulse brought on by the full moon.

    Thank you for continuing to visit... and share your ideas Susan I feel that we have a group of kindred spirits who can elevate each other's creative spirit to new levels!

    Happy New Year! Look forward to more conversations!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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