Spring has apparently (by a few normal indicators).... arrived, but still seems to be taking its own sweet time deciding whether or not it will remain. Temperatures remain unseasonably cold... April showers and rain come and go... heavy killer frosts have greeted commuters and gardeners cruelly most mornings.
The woodland trilliums are fading quickly to their final pink phase... lilacs have just this week showed any interest in undertaking their annual May colour and perfume spectacle. Apple and strawberry blossoms have succumbed very quickly to the nasty icy finger of the numerous overnight frosts.In short... Spring seems very confused... as are the humans who revel in planting and recreational activities in the Oro-Medonte Hills region.
As for Yours Truly... "He" has been nestled under the warmth of his easel lights... "putzing around"...that's painting... in Nova Scotia using sketches and photo references to lift his dampened spirits. I must admit that "I" go as the weather goes... "I" very much depend upon sunshine to maintain good Karma. This "easel light therapy" tactic is my strategy to deal with depressing weather or stresses in my life. "I" simply retreat to my inner space (below decks)... and work away until the storm clouds disappear.It works for "Me"!
The two pieces displayed in this post are the last of five paintings that departed by courier yesterday for my gallery rep in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They had asked me to send along some more pieces for the upcoming summer influx of visitors... soon to descend upon the province... they were down to one last Sherman painting in their inventory.
Ironically... my visit to our post office yesterday yielded a pleasant surprise - a nice big cheque from the same gallery covering their latest sale of one of my larger works... "Mare's Tails Over Ironbound Island". All too Strange... "ships passing in the night".Storms do come... and pass. Fair weather does return
... in its own good time. Just keep sailing!
"Everything comes in its good time... to those who wait" (patiently)!
Good Painting to all!
If only the ephemeral flowers of spring could linger a little longer.... The only comfort when they fade is knowing that summer is just ahead.
ReplyDeleteHi again Lori!... Right on! There can be comfort.. an "up side".. for every "down side"... when one is open and receptive to change (as "You" obviously are)... even if it seems to come too slowly!
ReplyDeleteThank "You" for your comforting comment... and that excellent word... ephemeral... "I" will remember that one!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Congratulations on the sale...Yes - patience can definitely have it's rewards!
ReplyDeleteHoping MUCH more sunshine for you (I, too, need LOTS to get motivated!)
Hi Samantha!...Thank You! Patience and hard work do create rewards.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move!Much sunshine back to you in your new home!
Good painting... and unpacking!HAHA!!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Love the lovely thick paint in that last one!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
Hi Marian... Good observation "You" have made here. My painting process works between two "styles" if you will. One where I paint more in an "alla prima way... for the sake of texture and free brushwork in one sitting.
ReplyDeleteThe other is very smooth... completed slowly and thoughtfully using glazes of colour to build upon over a longer period of time.
Which path "I" choose to follow depends upon my mood and feelings I am feeling about the subject. The alla prima style obviously is my plein air side taking charge... where spontoneity and rapid interpretation are the primary goals to be achieved.
Thank "You for dropping by and for your observations!
Good Painting!
Warm regards,
Bruce
I understand what you mean about having styles to fit moods - I stopped trying a long time ago to decide between the appeal of looser more painterly strokes and the silky look of more detailed, smoother surfaces. I end up with both in most of my stuff now. These new works of yours are full of the sun, wind, briskness, and freshness that I associate with the east coast
ReplyDeleteHi again Karen!... Thanks for the gracious comments about the current Nova Scotian work!
ReplyDeleteSeems that "You" and "I" share a lot in common in regard to our goals and expectations for our work. Main thing is that we enjoy what we're doing... there is no other reason for doing it!...Right?
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Thank you also for the insight you wrote on my blog...that one can have siblings but still feel like an "only." I was just thinking this morning about how much I would enjoy having my artist friends here all the time but then reconsidered when I realized that I, as do most of them, and you also, require a great deal of alone time in order to produce. To me artists are in a similar category to monks; self sufficient, meditating, seeking, and being open to what the universe offers. (I do, however, like my creature comforts - nice bedding, tasty food served on pretty dishes, central heating, and indoor plumbing among others.)
ReplyDeleteHi again Karen!... "I" am glad that my "insight" comments helped "You" to consider the positive benefits that working... thinking... or being "alone" can provide for any serious thinker or artist.
ReplyDelete"You" used the word "Universe" in your comment above. It would seem that we share a sense of spirituality along with the obvious artistic common interests.
The "Universe" is indeed a vast and limitless realm of "possibility"... that human kind will never understand or control. If one is patient... listens... then chooses a path offered... it can lead one on a path of understanding and peace... beyond one's wildest dreams.
"I" too enjoy the same comforts that "You" speak of... they are the blessings of an existence not available to the largest percentage of people who live... or have lived on our beautiful planet.
"I" am ever grateful for these blessings... and share them where possible with others.
I very much enjoy our "conversations"... and look forward to more!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the sale of your painting. Your paintings are bright and cheerful, I thought you painted them plein air. They have that wonderful essence of painting outdoors. I would have never guessed you were struggling with the dreary day blues. I think I should read your statement again. Maybe you did get out to paint. In any event your work is outstanding, not matter what the weather is doing. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Joan!... Thank "You" so much for your gracious compliments. It is surprising how much plein air painting develops one's confidence and ability to find "the outdoor groove" in the studio. No better mentor/teacher than Mother Nature!HAHA!!
ReplyDeleteThank "You" for your visits Joan! I greatly value our "connection" as artists and as people who are willing to share their passion for painting and life openly and generously.
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
great feeling and texture bruce
ReplyDeleteyou really paint with your heart on your sleeve,lets hope these sell as well (-:
btw we are better off accepting change,
cos everything chances,everything that is will go...and come back,and...
Thank "You" Rob for your visit... and for the kind comment.
ReplyDelete"I" do in fact paint with "my heart on my sleeve." It has been the way "I" have always tried to approach all things in my life... straight up... and in the open. Times when I haven't... were disastrous.
"You" are correct about accepting change.One should always try to ride with the current of change.... being open to the Universe's offerings and opportunities... as they present themselves!
Good luck with your work! I much enjoy our back n' forths!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce