Saturday, September 24, 2011

Autumn's Upon Us.....




On our way down to Rockport and all along the Thousand Island Parkway.... things have begun to change quickly... and colour now has begun to replace the deeper summer greens. Even the air is changed, as the leaves and field vegetation emit a pleasantly acrid odor that for "Me"... signals that Autumn has arrived.


Geese are now gathering in larger flocks and fly about in training flights preparing "new wings" and new primary feathers for the long migration haul toward southern wintering grounds. With corn and grain crops already harvested... they spend most of the rest of their time on the water... "tipping up" and feeding upon the aquatic energy-rich vegetation that is available to them now because of the annual the low water levels.


It is a magical show to watch... and be a part of... one that never fails to inspire and entertain me. One can never be a part of this wonderful natural drama... in a studio. It is a side dish... at no cost to the plein air painter. Others of my kind... like Phil Chadwick, David Kay and Poul Thrane will understand what I am getting at. We have spent many hours together sharing the magic of this brief part of the year... and I am grateful for their company...a reason for genuine..."Thanksgiving."


The painting posted this morning is small... but its large spiritual context is unmistaken. I think it wholly captures my deep and abiding spiritual connection to The St Lawrence River... Rockport... painting... and my deeply rooted connection to the peace and sanctity of the natural world that "I" am blessed to be a part of. I hope that you enjoy it too.


Good Painting... and Happy Autumn to ALL!
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18 comments:

  1. Gary KeimigSeptember 24, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Nicely done.

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  2. Bruce ShermanSeptember 24, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Thanks Gary!... For the visit and the comment!

    We share the very same love... respect and sense of wonder for our separate... yet connected natural worlds. It shows in your own magnificent paintings!

    Good Painting! Happy Autumn!

    Warmest regards, Bruce

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  3. AllisonSeptember 24, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    This is a lovely painting! The composition is really striking, just as you had described it the other day. Might be one to hold onto, actually! A little souvenir of an exciting time.
    Love you! xoxox

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  4. Bruce ShermanSeptember 24, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Hi there Sweetheart!... Was wonderful sharing of time and java with you and Deb at Timmy's in Kingston! We look forward for more opportunities to do so... more frequently... as the Universe has provided! HA HA!

    You're right about the painting too! It is very special for "Me"... and does sensitively record... even on this tiny space... the immensity of my love for this "Shangri-la"!

    I have been thinking about giving a go on a larger canvas... wher I can be freer with the paint... bigger brushstokes. But then again... maybe it's that smallness that makes it so inviting!

    Thanks for your comment and visit(s) Allison! They are ALWAYS... uplifting to my spirit!

    Much love and Peace ALWAYS!
    Dad
    XXXXXOOOOOXXXXX

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  5. jsicignano2.blogspot.comSeptember 24, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Hi Bruce,
    First and foremost I love this painting. You have captured the brisk fall day in all of it's magnificence. I am still stuck in cyber limbo awaiting my new computer. Tonight we are to pick it up, just want to get back to plein air.
    You are so right about studio vs plein air. There is nothing like being at one with nature.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

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  6. Bruce ShermanSeptember 24, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Hi Joan!... Have missed your wonderful East Coast plein air presence!

    Hope that the computer woes are in the rear view mirror... for good for you!

    We do indeed share and enjoy the plein air experience... and it does without any doubt... help us back in the studio environment.

    Good Fall Painting Joan!

    Warmest regrads,
    Bruce

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  7. Keith TilleySeptember 25, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    Hi Bruce,

    The geese are just starting to arrive here, from their summer feeding grounds in Greenland and Scandinavia. Life is all about cycles isn't it?

    The painting is beautiful and conveys exactly your feelings for the river. The empty boat seems to waiting for a passenger to go off exploring along the tranquil shoreline.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  8. Bruce ShermanSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Hi there Keith!... Life is just about cycles really!

    The geese are flying overhead and honking noisily as I write this to you... eager and excited to get on with their annual cycle of migratory change!

    On the River... it's as if one pulled a lever and shut off all the power (boats). This is the time for canoes and skiffs like this one... to roam as we love to... in quiet secret places.

    I truly love this time of year the best of all!

    Good Fall Painting Keith!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Autumn LeavesSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Never have seen the "St. Laurence Seaway," that I remember learning about in grade school. Must say that autumn is my favorite season of them all and I just adore the scent of the turning leaves, the tree bark, even the earth itself during this season of flux.

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  10. Bruce ShermanSeptember 25, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Hi there Sherry!... Red leaves falling... bluejays calling... wood smoke fills the air!

    One's senses are overwhelmed by the richness of harvest smells and the heightened activity that signals the change of seasons!

    It is a symphony of sights and sounds to be relished... each precious and fleeting moment as it passes!

    Happy Autumn Sherry! Thanks for dropping by and for adding your insights and thoughts!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. sue grecoSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Hi Bruce,

    Lovely painting and it definitely captures the wonderful season of fall. I bid farewell to my hummingbirds last week, and am always sorry to see them go. I so love this time of year though, with a nip in the air, and the brilliant colors of the season. Lucky we are to appreciate these simple joys,

    Nice post Bruce as usual,

    Sue

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  12. Bruce ShermanSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    THanks Sue... For stopping by and for adding your own autumn pleasures and insights to the mix!

    These simple aspects of life and the observance of these yearly changes really do bring an abundance of joy... to those who are in tune with the Natural World that they live in!

    Your hummingbirds will return... as will I Sue. Sharing time and ideas with Friends like you is my blessing!

    Good Sketching!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. suzanneberrySeptember 26, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    bruce, one of my very favorites of yours! it's just lovely!

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  14. Bruce ShermanSeptember 26, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Thanks Suzanne!... This compliment coming from "You"... makes the painting all the more special for "Me"!

    It truly encapsulates a lot of my feelings about the River and its heritage! Being a "River Boy".. is a forever thing!

    Thank you for dropping by!

    Good Fall Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. Marie TheronSeptember 27, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Once again, this is so harmonious and serene! Incredible work!

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  16. Bruce ShermanSeptember 27, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Thanks for visiting and for leaving such encouraging compliments Marie!

    I admire your own work for some of those very same qualities... and more!

    Good paintings should speak for themselves and elicit strong feelings from the viewer. Serene... and harmonious? They both aptly describe my own feelings and my reason for painting the subject!

    Thank you!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  17. rob ijbemaSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    your world must be idyllic bruce...judging by your paintings

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  18. Bruce ShermanSeptember 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Hi there Mate!.... Very strange that you should use that word "idyllic". It is actually a part of the title of one of the two new paintings I intend to post later today!

    The Thousand Islands are indeed just that Rob... and that's not just my own personal history and bias showing through. Millions of people come to share in it annually from all over the world. It is indeed a world class destination for tourists. Very picturesque!

    Thank you for visiting Rob... and for once again leaving such positive comments.

    Good Fall Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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