March Break... A Place Somewhere between Magic and Madness

As I write today... ol' Man Winter has circled back into our area it would seem. It is snowing... BIG flakes... and they're coming down hard! On the previous three days, the skies were blue and the sun was shining. The skies were filled with skein after skein of migrating geese, working their way northward to their spring and summer breeding grounds. The grass on our lawn magically appeared and the birds at our feeders were all a twitter... animated by the sudden change in weather here. The ice on the River seemed to disappear before our very eyes during the day. There will certainly be no need for the annual trip up river by the Canadian Coast Guard ice breaker to break a path in the shipping channel to encourage an earlier start to inland Great Lake shipping. It is already totally clear from Lake Ontario at Kingston... right through to Quebec City and the Gulf of St Lawrence. One more sign which collaborates a world view on global warming and dramatic climate change!

I have spent the past few weeks working on my water colour and ink sketches which will form the basis for a new series of cards and prints that we will be offering visitors to the Gallery this summer. These specifically target Rockport and the Thousand Islands,... and hopefully, they will afford an opportunity for a steady income for us, based upon their quality... portability and low cost. I am pleased with the overall result... and once I got into the swing of things, I truly enjoyed travelling this old path way back along my earlier painting journey. The lively and loose approach felt comfortable to me... and I believe the exercise will help me find the same feelings as I now prepare to get back to my preferred medium of choice... my oils... and en plein air! Bigger canvases... and bigger brushes... and solitude - things which make my spirits soar!

March Magic... on the way! It wouldn't be March without revisiting as I do...the rushing dark waters of swollen creeks and rapids which carve away at winter ice and snow. I intend at least a couple of forays to some local sugar bushes to make some sugaring off paintings... and perhaps, even pick up some fresh-from-the-tree 2013 maple syrup. Reports from our syrup producer the McCutcheon family back in the Oro-Medonte Hills near Hillsdale,  indicate that it the run is well underway now. Let the good times and sap flow... Ken, Renee , Carley and Jesse! Wish that we were there physically to share as a family, as we have for so many seasons with your family! We shall be there... in spirit for certain! By all means.do take time  visit the McCutcheon blog site at www.mccmaple.com .Within their site you will find an overview of one of the most up to date producers... recipes and interesting maple facts. A great resource to gain an understanding of the process of gathering and making maple syrup and other products!

I will conclude today's post by offering the watercolour and ink sketches which I have completed and add to the other folio of my recently completed card sketches. Hope that you enjoy them for what they are - sunny... colourful and jaunty... quick impressions from my travels around Rockport and the Islands over the post year here! I hope that you enjoy them!

This sketch depicts the electric power house for Boldt Castle... constructed of beautiful pink Canadian Shield granite the oldest rocks in the world! It represents a very small part of the most famous of all destinations in the Thousand Islands... an absolutely must-see visit to Boldt Castle. This is a trip that I will shre with you on another post... it is worth the sharing!

This sketch represents Zavicon Island and the smallest international bridge in the world... or so the boat cruise guides tell the story! It actually lies fully in Canadian waters however... but it's a great tourist attention-getter! The large summer home was originally owned by the Woolrich woolen family from the USA.

THis sketch depicts a small summer home along a lazy channel, wending its way through the Islands just under the Thousand Islands International Bridge. One can see the Sky Deck observation tower... a place where one can gain a birdseye, panoramic view of the entire islands and channels! Breath-taking is the word!

This is but one of the magnificent high vantage points from the turrets of Boldt Castle... looking down upon Sunken Rock Light House... one of my earlier painting subjects and a demo. One can also see The Rockport Boat Line Chief Shemauk below... adding some scale to the sketch.

Here is the very same vessel heading to Boldt Castle from Rockport into American waters at Wellsley Island's tip. These vessels carry over 150 passengers and the Line offers one and three hour cruises to visitors.

This sketch captures an early autumn monet and the Grout's quaint cottage-style home... just around the corner from our home. I have painted its lovely garden view from the rear. That's St Brendan's Catholic Church peeking over the top and down upon us! It is a favourite subject of mine... and a place where I go... just to think and often just be alone!

Stay tuned!... More March Madness... and Magic coming up!... I hope! Enjoy my views of Home!

Good Painting!... to ALL!!!