Juvenile American Goldfinch
"Just as appetite comes by eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning."
-Igor Stravinsky (1882- 1971) U.S. Composer
Its hard to believe that a month will have passed since we arrived in our new home Islesview in Rockport on the 19th of April. Hard to believe as well... that we officially open for business on May 19th for Up the Garden Path Studio Tour. We were too late to officially be included as a site/ destination... but three sites already exist in the village so we will most likely catch the traffic passing through.
Despite this disadvantage... we have had many visitors through the Gallery already while we were in the process of organizing for the weekend. Deb managed to draw first blood with the sale of a piece of her lovely jewellery and a box of our Rockport Images Series to a visitor from Japan. This morning a couple from Ottawa dropped in and purchased a largish River scene which I had painted previously entitled "Silence ... Is Indeed Golden." So we believe that the Universe is indicating a prosperous tenure here.
I have not been able to resume my painting... not due to the lack of inspiration... as my posted photos well indicate. It is rather related to the reality that I have had to assume a role of grounds-keeper/ gardener to reclaim the gardens and large grassed areas. It has been a good many years since I was into that business... and though it is indeed taxing... I find it very soothing and fulfilling as an activity... especially when I am being serenaded by a such a varied bird land chorus. This chorale offering indeed rapidly turns outdoor work into pleasure... as I'm sure my Blogger gardener Friends can well understand and appreciate. I am 10 lb. lighter to boot... so... win-win!!!
I will jump back into my painting for certain this weekend... hoping to complete the three commissions that piled up on my lap in the last week in Hillsdale. Despite the fact that I'd much rather be sinking my artistic teeth into the plethora of inspiring subjects amongst the Islands and everywhere in the village... I must continue to make perspiration my first goal... before new Rockport painting sorties can materialize... and they will... when inspiration and imagination can range freely! Be certain!
Stay tuned!
Good Painting to ALL!
Welcome Deb and Bruce! I painted some flat stratocumulus this afternoon. As you wrote, inspiration comes with the attempt to work. I didn't feel like chain sawing wood for next winter...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the sale of 'Silence ... is indeed golden' Sounds like you are both settling in very well and looking very organised. It is good to hear all of your latest news as you settle into the lovely place.
ReplyDeletecongratulations on all fronts! the weight loss as well! lovely photos, can't wait to see them painted. missed you my friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired looking at your photos of Rockport!!
ReplyDeleteLooks great, Bruce and Deb...and happy painting to you, too!
Good Morning Bruce from a sunny but unseasonably cold Scotland. Sounds like a great start to the Rockport Adventure!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's best to put the work into getting things straight now. Then you can enjoy the rest of the summer without so much pressure.
Hope things continue as they've started,
Keith
My hummingbird feeder is similar to yours, however, I've seen nary a humming bird at it since we've put it up. Our first year to have one and it is a bust. Alas. Your photos are just gorgeous, Bruce, and I'd so love to visit this area. I am in deep want of that log cabin. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteLife is good, yes?
The Gallery's looking good Bruce and the early sales must surely be a sign of things to come. I hope so. Like you, groundsmanship is keeping me from my easel (it's that time of year) but not for much longer. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood omens of great things to come. I'd love to have hummingbirds at my feeders but it's sparrow chatterings all the way here interrupted by a comedy blackbird's trilling.
ReplyDeleteWishing you every success on your gallery opening. Best wishes.
Hi Phil!... Thanks for dropping by and for adding your sentiments regarding inspiration! Now that your new home is "99% completed"... you can paint your clouds!
ReplyDeleteI start back to my painting tomorrow during the studio tour... demoing while folks come by. Already got my spot picked... right across the street!
Stay tuned!...
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi there Highland Lass!... Thanks for stopping by and for the encouraging comment!
ReplyDeleteWe are gradually getting our house... gallery and gardens in order. Takes time! Back to the (outdoor) easel tomorrow! Can't wait!
Stay tuned!...
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Suz!... How glad I am to hear your voice again... and to be connected! "I" have much missed "You" as well my Friend!
ReplyDeleteI will drop you an email right after the weekend to catch up and talk more freely!
I am so delighted ... and relieved to hear from you!
Good Painting!... and MUCH Peace!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi there Linny!... Seems that water brings on inspiration for us all... doesn't it Linny!
ReplyDeleteWe often take that fact for granted... but painting near water really does amplify inspiration and stirs the creative juices!
Thanks for dropping by and for your encouragement Linny!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
HI there Keith!... Thanks for visiting and for your supportive words!
ReplyDeleteYou're right on the $$$ about getting the work in the right order. I'll get back to my "play" tomorrow! HA HA!!! Can't wait... I have really missed it!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi there Sherry!... Sorry to hear about your hummingbird blues! Plant some very red bush or fragrant flowers nearby your feeder and voila! They will come for sure!
ReplyDeleteWe dreamers all have those log cabin thoughts Sherry! Perhaps it is more the association with isolation... solitude and peace. We have both found ours here in Rockport for certain. We are livin' the dream I'll tell you!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi there John!... Thanks for the supportive comments!
ReplyDeleteWhen gardens and grounds get away on you... you pay BIG time in order to retrieve them! IT has been a lot of hard work... but finally there's an end in sight and the grounds do look lovely! Ready for the tour and summer! Back to the easel!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi there Lisa!... Thank you for dropping by and for sharing your plaintiff bird stories!
ReplyDeleteWe have Northern Tree Sparrows nesting in the garden and today a cedar waxwing appeared. Stayed a long while after hitting the window. I placed him on a branch and petted his head while he got over his concussive state. Got some great pix which I'll share next post!
" A bird songs only... because he has a voice."
-Maya Angelou
And aren't we blessed to have any of them nearby in our lives!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
I love your description of the delicious anticipation of future paintings spread before you, Bruce! And how you can't wait to dive in! :) It's enough to inspire me also!
ReplyDeleteGlad you've got the gallery up and running.
Loved your comments about the birds.
I really like your panoramic "Silence...Is Indeed Golden".
Hi there Dean!... Thanks for dropping by... and for as always... leaving a copious dose of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteRockport has a plethora of inspiration... scarcely a stone's throw from our home and the studio.
I painted from our front lawn yesterday and sold the piece right from the easel to visitors. Lots of visitors from all over Canada and the world at large! A promising sign of things to come I believe! Fingers crossed!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Congrates on the sale Bruce and thanks for the lovely tour, wonderful. Got quite close to a female Goldfinch the other day high on a hill above Trial Island Light...no photo though =:-/
ReplyDeleteJeffrey
Hi there Jeffrey!... Thanks for the newsy visit and the compliments!
ReplyDeleteThose wee goldfinches are like chickadees... a joy to behold... but a real challenge to catch in one spot long enough to photograph them! HA HA!! I love their cheery voices and exuberant nature!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce