My... "Tangled Garden"

"The obedient in art are always forgotten.... The country is glorious but its beauties are unknown, and are waiting for a real live artist to splash them onto canvas. Chop your path. Get off the car track."

- A.Y Jackson (Canadian Painter and one of the founders of the Canadian Group of Seven) in a letter from him in Montreal to Florence McClement of Berlin, Ontario - 5 Mar 1913

"I" am unabashedly... and will always be primarily a Canadian landscape painter. The landscape around me... wherever I have lived, or painted has continually offered me joy and the inspiration to paint. I have been blessed to have been able to visit and paint in all but one of the ten Canadian provinces. Next year... Deb and I hope to visit Newfoundland to complete that lifetime goal.

Canada is such a vast and diverse landscape... stretching some 4025 miles, or 6521 kilometers from east to west. Each province undoubtedly has its own unique landscape features that cannot to be found in any of the others. In my own mind, there exist commonalities which mimic those found in the others... however slight they might seem to others.

The greater commonality that I discovered on my journey was the consistent presence of genuine friendliness of the peoples in each region. I offer that a landscape is as much defined by the people that live upon it... and by how they choose to utilize it.... as its physical beauty in itself. I have spent my lifetime trying to knit together these discoveries that I have made during my own artistic journey.

The breadth of my painting garden has been large... and to some degree... tangled by twists and turns in subject matter and style. But I believe that finally... in the preparation of this show... my work and thinking have become distilled and filtered into a new direction and path that I shall continue to travel from here onward..

I have primarily learned to paint through being exposed to the landscape itself... and by self-education through exposure to the works of artists that I discovered and admired along the path that I have taken. Among these... and foremost are certain members of the group of Seven... simply because their work depicted the landscape that I was most familiar with and their works were more readily available for me to study.

A.Y Jackson was my first mentor of sorts. The fluidity and fervor of his brushwork laid out the Canadian landscape before me to travel upon. It was a kind of "magic mystery tour" for me... a young wide-eyed lad trapped in a smallish River community. His work helped transport me to places early in my life that would otherwise have been unavailable to my eyes at that young age. I copied his works... and through this process... I discovered how painterly brushwork and the imagination could be paired to create a unique style.

But it would be many years... and mentors later... before I could actualize that learning into becoming my own "voice". Each step led to the next and gradually the learning that each mentor offered... garnered me a better and fuller understanding of the craft of painting. It has been a long journey... and I have only come most recently to more fully realize that the journey to become an "artist"... is a lifetime pursuit and that just calling oneself that does not necessarily make it so. I humbly offer that each of us will never fully "arrive" during our time on earth.

I offer the answer as to when this might occur using the words of another Group of Seven mentor... A.J Casson. This master colorist taught me how to "see"... and to use varied greens that occur naturally in the landscape:

"Time is the only critic."

Time is indeed the very solution for many things in many aspects of our lives. As human beings... our growth and developmental unfolds on its own time frame in stages... and not in great leaps. Within this development there exist periods of stasis... plateaus. It is so with painting as well. The Muse comes and goes... ever leading .. and we following. Four key "P" words are important to remember in my mind: Patience... Perseverance... and most of all... Passion.

"Tangled Garden" is a 48 x 60 inch oil on panel by another founding member of "The Group"... J.E.H MacDonald. It was simply a painting of his own garden... late ripening in fall... filled with wonderfully decaying elements in the physical garden he cared for and loved in Thornhill, Ontario. When it was first exhibited by The Group.. art critics denigrated it called it "from the School of Mush"... unworthy of the title "Art". MacDonald... as eloquent in oral expression as he was in paint shot back indignantly and remained unyielding to the critics' raves.

Today... his iconic masterwork is housed on the walls of the National Gallery collection in Ottawa. I have stood in front of it many times... and still I stand with very genuine sense of "shock and awe" - the exact feeling I had when I first came face-to-face with it at ten years of age. His work taught me about the value of painting the things around you that you have a passion for. It taught me to paint from my heart... ALWAYS! the work itself is a studio piece, but it owes its origin to a small 8 x10 inch birch panel... done en plein air!

This picture of a picture from my well-worn copy of "Tangled Garden", a biography of MacDonald's life and work. It does no real justice to the painting itself... but it does lend you an insight into his manner of painting. It is a decorative...a tapestry-like rendering, much like those appearing in Canada and the USA in response to the impact of Victorian Art Nouveau movement which embraced Nature and garden themes in European centers.

Here is a stained glass church window from roughly the same period which again adopts the decorative... tapestry natural theme motif so evident in Tangled Garden... Florid landscapes... filled with a sense of open space... light and rich color!

"Create a beautiful lie."

This advice comes from American water colorist Edgar Whitney. What both he and and MacDonald practiced... as do I...  since passing through the awkward and frustrating stage when I sought out perfect compositions from Nature and copied them slavishly. The real joy and full purpose of the artist is to interpret what lies before you. To lie... is to merely embellish... create at will in response to the feeling that the subject evokes within you. Spit it out! It needn't... no ... shouldn't be a perfect facsimile!

I would like to share these words by another artist of renown which likewise underscore this last premise.

"If I were called upon to define briefly the word 'Art', I should call it the reproduction of what senses perceive in nature... seen through the veil of the soul."

Amen ... to that... Mr. Cezanne!

In closing... I humbly offer my latest "work in progress"... to be completed this afternoon. Could it not also be titled fairly as... "My Tangled Garden"? The site is located right behind our Gallery. Discovered the "idea"... as I was gathering leaves to decorate the Thanksgiving table in October. 

Today... I give thanks to the mentors mentioned above in the post for the inspiration they passed along to me when I was growing my own garden. Without each of you... this painting... my journey and my joy for life would be greatly diminished.

"I" am greatly blessed...! Welcome to "My Tangled Garden" - oil on canvas 30 x 24 inches

Good Painting... and Gardening... to ALL!!!

"... and miles to go before I sleep."

Post Script - Project complete... ready for signing. On to the next canvas!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Garden thoughts???... With two and and half feet of snow spread across the landscape everywhere in this part of the country... and much more in other places? Temperatures in the double digit minuses.. now for several weeks?... A long way off... it would seem.

These thoughts are not at all exclusive to me alone. My friend Terry is pouring over seed catalogs... in preparation for his upcoming new gardening business venture. His garage... once only a Boston Bruin "man cave" is transformed into an indoor greenhouse... filled to overflowing with newly begun and flourishing plants and flowers. I know this ... because I tended his gardens while he was vacationing with his wife in Cuba for ten days. His... and my own garden thoughts were indeed "in season" - despite the outside weather.

However... here ends the garden thought idea within its normal context. As is ever the case with me... an event can trigger a fertile exploration and easy jump from one domain to more existential level... or personal level of thought. I'll throw this thought of mine out for each of you to consider. Perhaps it might make sense to you as well... and that it might "kick start" further fertile exploration in your own "gardens".

"Art is the garden of Humanity. And we, as artists... are its constant gardeners."

Gardening is indeed an art form ... when it is pursued with passion... dedication and extensive effort and planning. These... to my own way of thinking are the very building blocks and tenets upon which one builds one's art expression.

The blocking in of passages of color and variations of form and structure are what makes a garden eye-catching. This management of space approximates exactly the approach every artist undertakes in the creation of a new canvas. Making sense of an otherwise empty space in one's own terms... and no gardener does it the same as another - at least... they shouldn't!

There exist countless self help books with tips to get started... but it really comes down to getting the tools necessary... a good set of gloves... and to joyfully... " getting down and dirty". Success can hardly be expected to be instant... and the title of "master gardener" is never earned... simply by attaching those words to oneself. That accreditation must be earned through continual growth and achievement... over a life time.

Experimentation and risk are essential to improve one's garden. Sharing ideas and time with more mature participants help one to develop a personal approach... let's call it "style" which is recognizably unique and different from that of others. Aim beyond the ordinary. Avoid patterning behaviors. Follow your own passion... develop your own garden plot. Add to it as you go forward. IN the end ... you will have your own Eden. That... should be the only valid reason for pursuing this dream. Dream... Sow and Share. Then dream some more!

In closing today's post... I too... am pouring through catalogs of sorts... sketchbooks and picture files to decide upon the varieties for my Spring Show. My planting is well underway... and a few have flowered already. Others are works in progress... while others are still to be determined.

Kate, the gallery curator and I have arrived at a theme for the show. The works will by and large center upon "Bruce Sherman - On the River - A Homecoming". It will open on Thursday March 19th and will close on April 25th.

Below is a sample of a simple 6 x 12 inch "seed"... a smallish plein air black sheep that I completed right from our dock across the road back in late October. It was done purely for my own entertainment on a canvas that had been kicking around... without purpose for far too long. That was part of the challenge for the day... to make something from a "sow's ear". It pleased me enough... but wasn't a format that I would usually work on.

My daughter Allison came to have supper and an evening with us.,.. as she does from time to time to escape the rigors of her academic duties at Queen's University in Kingston. As is always the case... she never fails to want to see "what is new with Dad" in the studio. She has been a wonderful supporter of my journey clear back to her childhood years.

She always had a great eye... and could be counted upon to always offer objectivity in her criticism. And I do value that. Her breadth of knowledge in her field leaves me both proud... and humbled. Watching her conduct a recent lecture... and to see the response to her lecture by the hundred and seventy five young and aspiring minds in the lecture room made my entire life seem full of purpose.
I... am greatly blessed!

Her eye caught this small "orphan" and her attention and excitement immediately jumped above that shown to the larger canvases. She said simply, "Oh Dad , I love this wee piece. It's a masterwork. This should be included in your show. As well... you should do more. Have you ever thought of making this one wing of a small triptych? It would be delightful... very representative of the River scenery along the Parkway... and it could be hung in so many places in the ordinary home." I said with a shrug... "Hadn't thought of that Sweetie".

Days later... I purchased two more 6 x 12 inch canvases... toned them with acrylic burnt sienna as a ground. But it was now winter... what to do??? I contemplated using the snow forms on the rocks as a guide to place granite rock formations... then just to fudge the colors. However... after a lengthy search of my digital files I came across an image that I could (sort of) use to guide my painting process to complete the other two panels.

Here is the result of our collaborative venture Allison... just as you envisioned. Thanks for your supportive encouragement and enthusiasm.

"Time Stands Still... on the River" - triptych 6 x 36 inches

Good Gardening... Good Painting... and Sweet Thoughts of Spring... to ALL!!!!

Post Script

Below is a jpeg taken after the triptych panels were painted around all of their perimeters. NOTE -  that the difference of tone (perceived by two of my ardent... hawk-eyed blogging friends Sherry and Keith)... in the the space between the left and center panels was caused by the angle created by the back support creating glare on the entire left panel.

Hope this posting shows the real picture... sans the glare in the first photo.

Thanks guys!

Creating "Imprecise Truths... Using Reality"

"If facing the paper, your thought is 'I am an artist', you have no clue as to what to do. If the concepts of your function are,'I am a shape maker, an entertainer, an expressive symbol collector', then you have an explicit road map."

-Edgar Whitney (renowned  American water colorist and revered teacher)

I have only just recently been introduced to the work and philosophy of this iconic American artist by a fellow American artist friend. In the mere scratching of the surface of this discovery, I have already begun to see great merit and value into deepening my knowledge of both aspects of both his marvelous artistic journey and his philosophy related to painting. His wisdom and talent are exceptional.

The above sentence speaks so magnificently, and with unusual and candid clarity about what the goals of painting should be for all of us who paint. Simply calling oneself an artist... does not make it so. Even if we possess a rudimentary talent to begin the journey, one should realize that becoming an artist in the truest sense demands that one must pursue the goals necessary to leave a journeyman position during an entire life time.

I do possess very strong feelings about what constitutes being an artist and what I perceive as the current misuse of the term artist, but I will not use this blog as a forum to denigrate or to discourage others... or to arrogantly assume that my view is the "golden rule" to define what an artist is... or must be.

I maintain that each of us is entitled to express themselves, whether in words, actions... or paint. By so doing, we are offered a chance to enrich our lives... and the lives of others. What level we can attain for ourselves will be determined by exactly what we aspire to... and put into the venture. A rich journey will involve much self-learning and discovery.That journey will never end... for as long as we can continue to reach out and discover more.

In preparing for this quickly approaching solo exhibition, I have given much thought to what I hope to achieve in the end by accepting this daunting challenge. Despite having had more than a few positive solo shows during my journey... I still feel the self-doubt and uncertainty... when "lacing up for the opening face off" on this new occasion.  I have tried to view this as my first... to make it fresh and new - something that will represent my reasons for painting... and the joy that I feel every time that I pick up a paint brush to work.

In some respects... I feel that this exhibition opportunity can be viewed legitimately as fully retrospective. This past week, I have poured over a large collection of photo album-scrapbooks which chronicle my entire painting journey. The earliest photos present me as a young black-haired man... hardly begun the "toddler stage." That voyage progresses and emerges page by page... ever so slowly into what I have finally become - a painter.

A part of my self-education involved studying and at first imitating a host of other artists that I admired. That journey also involved much travel and painting across the entire breadth of Canada and much of western Europe. I studied in Venice, Italy for eight weeks in the 1980's. It was then that I was brought face -to-face with the inescapable truth about "what was"... and "what wasn't" ... an artist.

As I stood at the foot of Michelangelo's twenty-five foot monolithic marble masterpiece of David... I wept, partly out of of awe... but as well with some genuine sadness. "I"... realized for the first time. that I really played with crayons in comparison to this genius before me. That view was further consolidated by viewing the copious works of other vastly superior artists as I moved from city to city...  through church after church... villa after villa to contemporary artisan workshops. I had so much further to go... and perhaps, in my full lifetime... I might never really fully arrive and claim this distinction for myself.

In humble truth... today I am still voyaging. I have yet to arrive. But... "I" am more at peace with myself about these thoughts... simply because... in looking back over those pages... I see a much different man, inside and out. I find immense joy in seeing that my initial painting goals and motives are virtually unchanged. Though the thickness and color of my hair have indeed changed... the fire and youth in my soul has remained intact.

"I" am grateful... and deeply blessed to have discovered my....authentic self. At this stage in my journey, I continue, as I always have... to paint what I love and feel is important to me and others. I have developed a few voices which I choose to use intermittently to convey a certain feeling or view of my world.

As I move forward... painting by painting towards the rapidly approaching March 15th deadline.. I am trying to 'shift gears'... to create paintings that are much more than 'pretty pictures'. I truly hope that as a body of my thoughts... they will inspire and offer others the pure joy and pleasure that I have been fortunate to enjoy in making them. I hope that they encourage thought about the wonder and beauty of the Natural World we have been given.

In closing out today's post... though my entire lifetime body of works do indeed openly and unabashedly exhibit limitations and areas needing much improvement and further attention, I can readily admit that in all cases... they contain "Imprecise truths... inspired by reality." That is... they found their genesis in my observations and experiences in the outdoor world. They are mine to claim... good or bad, I have been blessed to have been able to pursue this journey in good company and health.

I am pleased to note that Whitney concurs:

"Create the beautiful lie."

"Photos transcribe, when paintings translate."

If you see worth in my work and words... then you indeed do... "have an explicit road map." Use it as you will to guide your own heart and hand. That will please me greatly!

Good Painting... and travellin'... to ALL!

This 16 x 20 inch plein air canvas was painted on an unusually hot September afternoon. I feel it accurately captures the rich warmth of early fall color and "hotness" of the day that I felt in the process of painting it.

While passing by the same scene on another day... in another season, I found myself drawn  to photograph it... lest I forget to return. It presented another entirely different reason to paint it.

Later in the same week, I hustled over with a small 8 x 10 inch panel and dashed down this "run-for-the-sun" quickie sketch... which I later felt might become a larger painting... with some added lighting to add drama

This past week, I returned to the smaller sketch while searching out a suitable subject to relieve the week of tight painting that I had worked through to complete the Delta Mill piece. I had hoped to get out into the field to paint... but the temperature hovered below -24*C for three days and gusting high winds driving the wind chill into the very low -30's. Not only foolhardy... but dangerous to go out into.

I painted this 20 x 24 inch canvas in just over three hours... start to finish on the same day. It is painted in a completely alla prima style... looking for impasto texture and painterly brushwork to carry the day. I feel that it replicates a full plein air experience and product. Imagination draws upon many hours and treks out into the outdoors. That cannot be accomplished using photos or working primarily from digital photos. One acquires the feel and the knowledge gained form the great teacher... Nature herself to work in this fashion!

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Open to Comment....

The past week has been challenging. The Delta Mill canvas required as much looking... thinking and planning throughout the process... as actual painting. Gradual glazing of colour in thin layers is a long... and time-consuming process, but the end results do indeed reward one in the end. The rich reddish "glow" on the mill face itself was achieved in this way.... as well as in the shadowed areas of the painting.

In closing out the post today, I shall not belabor the post with needless descriptive detail. I believe that the painting should now "speak" for itself. The "dialogue" process of which I spoke earlier is completed ...from this direction. I will leave it to any of you to respond with your own comments or ideas... should you wish to comment. I value your opinions to guide future posts to share my thoughts in this open (I hope) forum.

Good Painting!... to ALL!... and Good luck with your own challenges! Paint what you love!

" Morning Comes"... Delta Mill - oil 24 x 30 inches on gallery wrapped canvas

Developing A Dialogue... Using the Landscape as a Medium

For the past several weeks now, I have been devoting my thinking and energy to the process of getting ready for my fast-approaching solo show. I met last week with the curator Kate from The Glass House Studio and Gallery in Kingston to discuss mutual ideas to guide my selection of theme and subjects for this undertaking. We agreed upon the theme "Coming Home to the River". It seemed comfortably "right" to me ... given the fact that my personal and artistic lives have come full circle back to the Saint Lawrence River.

The basic theme of theme of the landscape will predominate throughout the selection process, but it at this exact point where my own working definition and use of the landscape deviates from the traditionally accepted notion of the term "landscape" as a static reference to the term as a genre... that is painting subjects which involve only the natural setting.

In my own view, "landscape" of course surely begins at that point. However, I feel that it is impossible to consider the purely natural landscape while ignoring  the effects of human activity on it. The impact of our presence has created what I recognize and paint as the human landscape. This arm of landscape painting presents both architecture and activity within the natural landscape. To me ... they are inseparable. They have always formed an underlying context in my painting process. Quite simply... this point of view defines why I paint.

While I have certainly painted my fair share of urban landscapes, I have preferred to focus my painting interests upon the what I refer to as... The Vanishing Landscape. That does not necessarily the painting of heritage buildings per say... but rather to the disappearance of natural space and  a way of living... where thought and consideration was given to containing sprawl with planning.

Such a painting method, I believe reaches out to the viewer in a manner which approximates forming a conversation ... firstly... between the landscape and myself and then secondarily through a dialogue between my Self and my viewer. Within the context of each painting, I try to engage the viewer (from my perspective) to look at the world that we share in a more reflective and respectful manner. I hope that they examine... and carry with them a greater appreciation for the Natural World we are blessed to enjoy.

I have two very separate voices or painting styles...  one for each painting situation. When painting en plein air my style necessitates quick decision-making... expressive brushwork and a heavier impasto "alla prima" character. This approach is largely determined by rapidly changing and unpredictable weather conditions and transient lighting conditions.

Time is rarely on your side... but spontaneity reigns supreme and (usually) saves the day. I prefer this exuberant and expressive painting style... but many clients... and my wife Deb lean towards a preference the "quieter" voice. "Different strokes..."
Neither style depends upon hyper-realism. Both embody my pure interests ... based upon impressionism.

I have several larger painting formats that I must create to fill such a large space. Those will in all likelihood be representative of the quieter... more planned canvas. Never the less... they will always find reference to a sketch deriving from earlier field work... either in oil, ink or pencil media. Such is the case for my current work in progress... a largish 24 x 30 inch gallery wrapped canvas which I have already entitled... " Morning Comes... Delta Mill".

The "Idea" originates from an ink rendering dated May 10th, 2013. It was cloudy and cool... as is noted on the sketch and I was waiting in Delta for Deb to come out of a day long conference. I parked in the parking lot near this beautifully restored and now fully operative grist and flour mill. I could not resist the urge to sketch it in fuller detail than is usually the case.

Perhaps my reason then  was that I foresaw this day and an opportunity to take the "Idea" to a larger plane... or carry the enjoyable conversation forward to share it with "more elegance". Or perhaps... I simply wished to acknowledge the original gift of a now vanished builder and owner... and as well the magnificent gift of heritage that a dedicated committee and small community had made possible for future generations... and "Me" to enjoy... and paint!

Depicted here are the stages that I have moved through to this point in the process. I feel that this certainly resonates clearly what I have tried to describe above in terms of my painting mission... my process and my clear desire to converse... to dialogue... with those who as well feel blessed... and cherish this beautiful Natural World... and Our Eden.


In closing out today's post... I urge that denying our responsibility for stewardship... we do not merely deface and misuse the land... we diminish our future here... and that of our children. Something to think about dear Friends!

Plein air ink rendering serves as one of the original references used to commence this larger painting. Note that I have swung the vantage point intentionally more to a fully three quarter view... to eliminate a feeling of looking directly down the mill race... the rear building taking away the prominence and impressive and more accurate scale of the mill building itself.

Day One - The Drawing Process

As is most always my starting point... the canvas is first toned with acrylic burnt sienna. The drawing was completed carefully in vine charcoal... allowing the substantial "playing around" and correction that was necessary to arrive at this finished drawing. I still wasn't certain at first that I would proceed... the building seemed to loom so. I finally decided I neither could erase a full day's work... nor abandon the "Idea" that had been kicking around in my head since 2013. Dive in!.....

Day Two - Lay in of Basic Color

I glazed in all of the areas using a soft squirrel hair brush with approximate values of transparent color until all areas were somewhat covered but not opaquely in  all areas.


Day Three - Modelling the Stonework of the Mill

My main goal was to create a feeling of the magnificent stonework... without painting it hyper-realistically replicating every stone in the process. I first lowered intensity of the light on the stonework by covering its entirety with a very thin wash of reddish orange... giving it a reddish glow to approximate the early morning light that I wished to portray. I then changed hue... value and lighting of individual stones to create the shadow and light interplay on the walls

Next I did a bit of light on shadows on the snow around the base of the mill. I ended the session by adjusting the first sky covering in the direction I wished to go across the entire area of the sky and then added darks to the evergreens to the left... adding sky holes as I felt they were needed.

I will continue the process of building more detail and finish gradually across the entire painting surface... moving randomly as I feel the urge to increase the level of finish. Still much to be accomplished! But I am happy with the outcome at this point.... glad of my decision to forge ahead... and not give up!

Stay tuned... I'll post further change!

Good Painting!... to ALL!

Independently Discovering One's Voice - A Journey... NOT... A Destination

While the noun "voice" is generally attributed to sounds made either when speaking or singing...  it also is used to describe the personal expression of a painter or artist which makes his or her work unique from others. Even inanimate objects... musical instruments such as a violin are often referred to in terms of their unique sound aka "voice". Voice can also be used to describe the collective opinion, or position of a group ie. the "voice" of a nation.

It is the clear desire of all human beings to discover a voice... or vehicle of expression to comfortably and confidently represent their feelings and thereby earn a modicum of group approval for their views, opinions and talents. We need only examine how each of us has acquired vocalization skills with which we express our ideas... thoughts... wishes and needs.

Acquiring A Working Vocabulary to Begin

Babies learn to speak and "read" human behaviour as it is presented to them by their parents and siblings. It commences with them creating mimicking sounds which approximate the word sounds. Gradually... their brain development and manipulation of vocal cords and tongue lead to success with rudimentary oral expression. Necessary blocks of vocabulary slowly emerge... beginning of course with Mum and DA-DA... the primary caregivers... siblings ... pets and food.

The need to advance those newly acquired oral verbal skills suddenly leads to an interest in printing letters... if only those that identify themselves with awkward scribbles and personally created "symbols". These first glimpses of human ability to express ideas in symbolic language mark a pivotal point in child development. Eventually... as more learning and practice is acquired... and success recognized...l skill using written language can potentially deliver an inspired and prolific writer to a "best seller" status.

Setting Reliable Goals and Expectations For Success

The truth of the matter is however... that most of us cannot hope to reach these iconic levels. Such fortune is based upon the presence of a primary "gift" and is combined with an obsessive-compulsive drive to succeed... for interior gratification. We can hardly call  ourselves successful "artists"... "musicians" ... "actors"... "dancers"... "novelists"... etc. Though we struggle and do improve greatly, we are mere hobbyists in comparison.

Realizing this fact is not by any means a put down... nor should it discourage any of us from continuing to grow as we are able in concert with our separate daily lives and responsibilities. Most off us essentially create for the right reasons. We enjoy the process of creation... and it adds purpose and pleasure to our lives. That is all that should matter!

I have hovered painfully over the writing and rewriting this post for too long. I even considered deleting it entirely. But I felt it necessary to share this view... and perhaps a glimpse of my own journey to further encourage other enthusiasts to continue their struggles and enjoyment of creator ship. Following my journey point-by-point would go against what I believe and practise. I choose simply offer some guides and sign posts that I discovered along the way... upon which to hitch your own star.

Assuming the Responsibility For Personal Growth and Development

Like most of you, I am self-taught. I have combined my art within my teaching career and it has carried into our tight family relationships. I do have a university degree in art history and within those studies, I took several studio courses and was fortunate enough to have even studied and painted briefly in Europe. Basically, however my painting voice and process are built from thirty odd years of plein air and studio painting.. and a predilection to paint that dates back to earliest childhood.

Value of Mentor ship in Learning

I have indeed had many mentor-friends to whom I owe much in my growth and development as a painter. I as well had inspiring teachers and peers in my school experience who added much to my human development and success in the world. I owe them much... and never forget that fact or their gifts. But again... I contend that I alone am responsible for my current place... good and bad in life and in the world. I have never copied or patterned my own forms of expression or opinions upon that of a group opinion ...or mentor..real... or virtual.

The Importance and Value of Reading and Books

I have read continuously... and enjoy a varied taste for books. I love history and heritage-related books, philosophy, natural science, poetry, autobiographical novels and short stories. I have a very large collection of art-related hard covered books. Many are of the "how to" genre and really... now just gather dust and take up space. They are soon to be purged. Their value was useful to gain basic understanding  ... but soon lost value in further directing my interest or my growth. What I will retain... and read and re-read are certain what I call "Bibles" - works by iconic artists to include those written by the American and Canadian individuals.

If your medium is water colour... then my recommended "go to" book would be "Making Your Paintings Work" by American Philip Jamison. It brilliantly bridges actual painting techniques with his painting philosophy... and with a heaping and helpful side dish of pencil sketching tips.

If you wish a foundation course in landscape painting techniques, materials, valuable lessons in drawing and perspective and a concise overall in painting for all mediums... then one need look no further than (John) "Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting." It was my first purchase in my painting journey... and it still is at hand and used often near my easel and computer desk. It is an indispensable tool for any beginning painter.

My favourite book of all at this particular part of my journey is "A. T. Hibbard - An Artist in Two Worlds" by John L. Cooley for The Rockport (Maine) Art Association. Though scant in colour reproductions of his work... the few masterpieces shown and the compendium of knowledge that is shared in regards to how he conducted his painting and personal lives leave one in awe of his stature and wisdom. I try every day to read some part of his book and particularly about five well worn pages which help remind me about the value of  .... Dedication... Discipline... Original Thought... Experimentation... Plein Air Work... Sketching.... The list is endless. It is a MUST for any painter in any medium.

I have recently been offered a solo show at The Glass House Studio and Gallery in Kingston, Ontario and have accepted the honour... and the weighty responsibility that goes along with my decision. I have walked this path many times over my career. Each undertaking advanced me as an artist... and led to new directions for me in my ongoing quest to discover and refine my painting "voice". I embrace the task with joy... but a certain mount of trepidation... though that pressure does not come from the gallery owners. It comes ... as always...  from within "Me".

Challenge means Change!... and Sacrifice!

I would like to share my first painting just created... explicitly for the show. It is a smallish 20x16 inch canvas which has its origin from my many plein air experiences at Ivy Lea Park painting refuge. I decided upon this subject simply because I enter the process in a complete state of joy... and understanding of my subject - the Canadian Shield landscape. I am offering this as an example of how my process and thinking parallels Hibbard's. Hopefully... by including some direct quotes from those precious five pages within his book you will be understand the significance of his influence in aiding my own self-directed journey.

"Sun... Snow... Silence... and Solitude" - oil on canvas 20x16 inches

Here are some direct quotes from Hibbard's book... pages 151-155 which I feel are visibly present in this painting.

"The first fundamental is drawing."

"Composition and design are everything."

"In the early days I tried to put everything into a picture I saw. But I soon learned to leave many things out."

"Nature, of course is the basic reference."

"Avoid using Nature photographically. Many adjustments re usually necessary."

"The foreground of your picture should be the lead-in to what  beyond."

"Focus on the dominant part of your subject, whether sky, distance, middle distance, or foreground."

"Be honest in your own conviction about art- and more power to you!"

"Be yourself. Don't make the mistake of trying to imitate another's work!

In closing out this post today, I genuinely hope that my blog continues to empower and inspire each of you to reach out... and become the best you can be. Read voraciously... visit exhibitions... experiment with as many mediums as you find interesting to your own tastes PAINT!... PAINT!... PAINT!... Inside and ut!

Avoid being drawn too heavily into competing in challenges decreed by others. The most worthwhile personal learning comes from discoveries made... while you are "captains" of your own Destiny...  steering your own vessel with excitement and confidence.

You possess a unique... one-of-a-kind "voice".... no matter how you value its strength or quality. Let it be heard... and seen. You might be truly surprised when it is added to the "choir" of artists who share this magnificent art journey!

Good Painting!... and fair winds!... to ALL!!


Stay tuned... for new additions as they emerge.....

The Value of the Whisper In Art

A strange concept you might think... when reading the title for this post. None the less... I believe the concept worth reading further... and worth considering when creating your own works.

We live in a society that seems to worship cacophony. Where the act of "making noise" is considered a necessary tool to draw attention to one's self or their endeavours. Worth is determined and measured in decibels it seems. Cars, boats, snow machines push the decibel levels to uncomfortable... even potentially dangerous levels for the human ear.

Sound levels in theaters... "music"... television...  sporting events and especially the gaming world of our children have reached intolerable levels of constant noise. And we seem oblivious to its presence... in all parts of our lives.

Strange... how at a certain level of awareness... we value solitude and quiet and we pay particular attention to those individuals who can effect absolutely astonishing changes in animal behaviour through "whispering" - the use of the whisper as a therapeutic tool. ie The Dog Whisperer... The Horse Whisperer, etc. Why then... do we not recognize that that same device might actually be a tool for the artist to employ in creating appeal for their work?

I wonder...

What is a "whisper" in art... and what is its intrinsic value to the overall process?

I choose to apply the word "whisper" into reference to planning composition and design... and the application of paint. So many of the paintings we make attempt to capture the eye solely through boldness of colour and dynamic line. While these are indeed necessary ingredients to grab your viewer's attention... they can be overly used and over stated to actually confuse the visual senses. Many of the attempts at "abstraction-ism" that I have seen on line lately simply overwhelm me... and leave me shaking my head as to the purpose of the work.. except to relieve tedium and boredom with painting in general.

A "whisper" as I see it... is a strategically selected place in a painting where the viewer's eye can simply rest. A place where the viewer can contemplate a change in the path of viewing. Such a precisely planned and laid passage in music is simply called... a rest. As well as indeed providing the listener a rest... this interlude creates a dramatic, but comfortable tension between the area of pause itself and the surrounding action and intended direction. This makes it an effective creative device.

Lost and found edges and the use of adjacently placed complementaries as devices suggest intent... without spelling out every detail. The skillful and careful use toned grounds on painting supports uses the underlying tone to act as a colour guide to neurologically "pull" or lead the eye around the painting surface on a seemingly random viewing adventure. But its use or presence within the painting is intended... though mutely so. Therein lies its magic.and its ability to capture and hold the viewer's attention.

"The Spruce Pointers" is a 16x20 inch plein air canvas painted on an acrylic burnt sienna ground. If you search around the entire painting surface you will ideed find many"rests"... intentionally retained areas where the ground colour remains and helps create a warm tonal harmony with the selection of varied earth tones which make up my limited palette.

"January Thaw" is an oil painting on a matte black acrylic toned wooden panel. It is a subject directly in front of our home and was painted exactly one year ago... totally en plein air in one go. The value and presence of lost and found edges can readily be seen in this work. What is more important though. is that the limited palette of colour edudes warmth and pleasing colour harmony between the bluish purples and warm rose-oranges.

It totally represents the picture of a typical mid-January Day on the Saint Lawrence River. This is why I have no difficulty donning my plein clothing to head out headlong into winter to paint whatever is there. Nothing is imagined... it is perhaps... borrowing a recent newspaper heading from the Toronto Star... an impressionistic painting containing my "imprecise truths, [but] inspired by reality."

What is a "whisper"... in reference to life?

The "appropriate" use of the whisper is well ingrained in us as children early in our lives. We are taught that there exist specific places where only a whisper can be used. Why? The underlying tell-tale evidence for its socially accepted use in churches... libraries... funeral homes and services... public lectures... schoolrooms... theater performances to name but a few is quite evident. The whisper is a gesture of respect for those others gathered for a specific event... and the whisper a prescribed gesture and action designed not to interrupt

Traditions that we celebrate in our family lives indeed reflect remaining and deeply embedded whispers of the teachings we received from our parents. They speak softy to us during the remainder of our lives. Memories are gentle whisper as well... reminders of important places, events and people in our lves

As human beings living in this too noisy chaotic society we can become numb to the "possibility" and the presence of beauty which surrounds us. As artists and painters we cloister ourselves in places we call studios - places where we can find quiet, or at least some degree of control over the din from outside. Some of us chain ourselves to easels and seek inspiration from digital references we either collect ourselves... or... draw from on line libraries. The wonder we wish to share through our paintings is first interpreted from a screen or monitor... then reinterpreted to our canvas with our brushes and pigment.

In closing off this New Year's Day sharing from me I would share with you on yet one more occasion... one more strategy for your own tool box. While I do indeed paint in a studio... I do so quite unwillingly and with a feeling of constriction. I total enjoy... and choose to be outdoors throughout all seasons. The Natural World has always been (since early childhood) my playground... my classroom and my spiritual cathedral. It is here ... where I feel a sense of complete freedom... to think... to learn... to act... to play... and to create.

" He leadeth me beside still waters... it restoreth my soul."

Many of my sketches and paintings are created totally en plein air.Some are developed in the studio at a later date into a larger format/scale painting to extend an idea or an experience that I feel I have more to say about. On other occasions my plein air trek becomes just walk to either enjoy an area simply for its beauty... or to record scenes digitally for future reference ... if I shall not be able to return.

I would like to offer you with one thought and a question to contemplate during 2015. The first is derived from a Russian tradition, while the second is derived from a 15th Century Japanese school of Zen Buddhism meditation and thought. Perhaps they may advance you... as they have "Me"... since they were first posed to "Me" many years ago now in a sociology course at Queen's University. They have directed and advanced my personal and artistic growth and development immensely since that time.

"The fall of a leaf is a whisper to the living." (Russian proverb)

The second thought is an example of a "koan". A koan in Zen philosophy, is a story, dialogue, or question to create great doubt at first. Contemplation can lead to enlightenment. Here is my question passed to you to think about. 

Everyone has heard the sound of two hands clapping. But have you....?????

Heard the sound of one hand clapping?

I have... and with that knowledge I now understand how to travel beyond the din and noise of every day life. Give it some further thought if you wish. I would dearly enjoy hearing what you "read" in either... or both of these meditations on life.

"I". and greatly blessed... and have finally found Peace for my once greatly troubled soul.

I wish to thank all of your who have supported my journey and this blog in past years. I wish  each of you...

Good Painting... Rich Blessings of Health... Prosperity and Peace... to ALL in 2015!!!

PS Here are some things "old" which I think speak to "art whispering"... as I described it above.will add something "new" ASAP

Stay tuned...