By simple dictionary definition "horizon" can mean... "an apparent line that divides earth and sky" or conversely it can be used to denote... "Limits of scope, interest, or knowledge".
As landscape artists, we all make use of the first definition as a crucial starting point from which to build the structure of each painting we begin. That use of "horizon" is finite and is universal in its application by us all.
However, the second definition of the term "horizon" can allude to infinite possibility... given one's willingness to explore and grow as a creative individual.
An artist from Quebec... whose work and personal creative philosophy "I" truly admire is Richard Monpetit. I only came into contact with his beautiful work through my own visits and work in Baie-Saint-Paul in Charlevoix, Quebec. There, I saw a few original pieces and was immediately drawn to his masterful application of paint and the quality of luminous light in all of his work. I managed to procure a copy of a catalogue of a hugely successful solo exhibition that he had been given at The Roberts Gallery in Toronto, Ontario. The title of that show was "Horizons".
I wish to quote the forward that he wrote for the introduction in that catalogue in this post verbatim... because, in its totality.... it might as well express my own personal philosophy regarding the act of painting. Perhaps "You" might also feel a sense of personal "recognition" within his words:
"On the whole, I am a traveler. No matter where I am I look with a certain distance to see and feel. My gaze on the present moment is possessed of a certain nostalgia, as if I were observing old photos.
Then everything is clear and I really see. Of course, I am painting the light, but studying the light is looking at time through days and nights, seasons, etc. So in a way my subject is time; time passing in our life, time that I would like to capture or at least remember when magic was present and express that I was there... I am there."
- Richard Monpetit
Aren't these wonder filled... beautiful thoughts to consider? Does it matter if the painting is "good" or "bad".... completed "en plein air"... or in one's studio... is saleable or not... is award winning or rejected?
What is so important is that each and every piece that you complete is unique... one-of-a-kind... an expression that records your personal view of a moment in your own journey. "You"... "alone" are the Creator and there should be value and "honourable mention" for that in itself. Be proud of that accomplishment and build upon it painting-by-painting... and by always reaching beyond the horizon as "You" presently see it. Paint... explore... read... workshop... share... and grow... all to become better and to increase the scope... the limits and the knowledge that you currently have gained.
Are "We" all... not on "Parallel" journeys... all headed towards the same limitless Horizon? Hope that "You" never "arrive". For it is the wondrous journey and not the destination that is important!
Fair journeys... and Good Painting... to all! Make... and discover your own "Magic"... and share it!
PS: Today's jpeg is last week's effort arising from a trip to Terra Nova, a smallish crossroads community located in the Blue Hills region near Collingwood on Georgian Bay. It is Terra Nova's proudest claim to be the highest point of land in all of Ontario. I could easily see the famed CN Tower in Toronto .... "on the distant horizon"... nearly 100 kilometres away. I go there because of the panoramic vista opportunities it provides... and to feel the always present prairie-like winds atop these vantage points. It is indeed a Heaven on earth... with buildings and barns like the one depicted... clinging on for dear life in spaces not yet bulldozed or beseiged by developers. Heaven on earth!
More to come... stay tuned!
