"When the Whipper-will Sang"

August 21st.... the day when my dear Mom was born remains for me a day to be celebrated fully... even though she has passed out of this life and is forever gone from it in the physical sense. However... "She" will never really be gone for as long as her children... grandchildren pay homage and give thanks for her countless gifts to their lives. She will be remembered always... by the now fully grown members of her cottage "Polly Wog Fleet, as they pass on their swimming skills and enjoyment to their own wee ones. "She" will forever be in my heart as I ply the familiar waters in and around these Islands... watch ruby throat hummingbirds' territorial antics... count fireflies and stars in the inky, sultry night air... or listen for the occasional  hoot owl's plaintive cry. She gave to me the knowledge and love of all of these things. She taught me to recognize and respect the rightful place of all living things in the Circle of Life.

My garden this year celebrates her in a very significant way. The garden has been an ongoing source of delight for the hundreds of visitors to Rockport throughout the entire summer. On more than one occasion, we have found several visitors right up and within the garden taking pictures. I wasn't at all upset at the "intrusion". I smiled each time to think that Mom would... and did share her own with so many visitors, even taking bouquets to shut ins and elderly friends. Flowers were her friends... and her gardens overflowed with her joy and satisfaction as she tended them faithfully.

In a loving tribute to her... I should like to share a few of the many "annuals" that I have created as a perennial tribute to her contributions to "Me" and my own family. Each and every August 21st... I add yet another "bloom" to mark the occasion. I offer these bouquets as well... to  Mothers amongst my Followers. Thank "You"... all ... for tending your own gardens as well!!

"I " will always love "You" Mom... ever remembering and giving thanks for those halcyon, still summer nights at The Narrows. That wistful,wonderful summer sound has disappeared... like you, but I shall always treasure those special nights with "You"... when the whipper-will sang! 


Love "You" Forever!
Bruce

 

Releasing the Child Within ... to Create

"The painter should not paint only what he sees around him, but also what he sees in him. Should he, however, see nothing within himself, he should refrain from painting what he sees around him."
 - Caspar David Friedrich

There is so much truth in this statement and I sure their is none of us who is not guilty of having embarked upon a desolate mission of trying to "make" a painting... when we are unmotivated... low in spirit or overburdened, as we often are... with daily responsibilities. Paintings of worth most always have their origin when our passion couples intuitively and willingly with our creative spirit.

Being open to the exciting possibilities around you... or showing a willingness to reach inside and release emotional responses to deeply felt thoughts can often lead to a break through... or at the very least, a few hours of satisfaction... meditation and solitude. All of these are cathartic outcomes that by and large outweigh the intrinsic monetary worth of the painting itself. All contribute to a feeling of inner wellness and peace.

Yesterday, my class consisted of just one student... but her enthusiasm...wonderful spirit and strong desire to learn made the one-on-one day together highly valuable for us both. Since the weather was "iffy'... thunderstorms in the forecast off and on for the entire day we decided to work indoors and on a floral still life at my suggestion.

I decided to throw out another challenge to Robin. I suggested that since she wished to achieve a looser quality to her watercolours that we... together... would embark on a day of "play... for the sake of play"... with no intent at the start to follow our regular pattern of tight planning and drawing and to let  the result emerge as it would... no worry about or focus on the final outcome.

I opened our 10:00 am session by reading from a book which I own and treasure above all others. It is a book which has greatly shaped my own personal artistic and spiritual growth. It is , in itself...a full and rich  curriculum of self-conducted study for any artist in any medium. It covers all of the bases... in plain, easy-to-understand language. The book  is written by an American watercolour icon, Philip Jamison and is entitled; "Making Your Paintings Work." It is unfortunately out of print. However, in Googling Amazon Books I found that several copies are available for purchase in both new and used condition.

Here is the quote that served as my introduction to our "Play Day."

"Many artists are greatly enamoured with children's art and wish they could get some of the childlike glee back into their own adult art. Children are uninhibited and simply pour forth whatever comes to mind, at times producing delightful pictures. Adults, on the other hand, can accumulate so much knowledge through study and their association with others that they are hampered in their ability to be free and spontaneous. Thus, their art can become tight and laboured.

An artist must have moments of playfulness, away from serious work - time to be carefree and frivolous, and just enjoy the use of line and colour without any concern for the outcome. Time spent in this way may produce nothing, or it may produce a whole new world to explore. It is certainly not time wasted."

So... with these words as the engine of our effort on this day, we jumped fully into the floral still life that I had previously prepared for us to work with. I must confess at this point that the flowers used in that set up were far from random selection. August is the Sherman month of Birthdays. Today... my wonderful Dad would have celebrated his 100TH Birthday! In my wildest imagination... and even now, I can't get my head around his ever becoming that age? And yet... I never ever thought that "the Boy" would be 68... and "He" is! My sister Chris will be-- on the 19TH and my beloved Mom would have celebrated her 96Th on the 21ST. August was always... the "gathering of the clan"... a festive occasion for our family!

 Back to the flowers! Black-eyed Susans, Field Daisies...any wild flower are family favourites... and thus the choice black-eyed susans, chicory, Queen Anne's Lace (Yarrow). Weeds to many... free flowers to our clan! Our cottage on the River dining table had a constantly changing clutch of these throughout the entire summer. As I mentioned in the beginning of this post... when one transplants something from "Within" into one's art... there is a stronger likelihood of commitment and pictorial strength in what is produced on the canvas.

We sketched only light geometric representations of floral shapes... paying absolutely no attention to details such as petals or leaves. We selected only flower shapes that strongly interested us and literally re-composed our own impression of the bouquet in front of us. I suggested that we crop the earthenware vase... using only the upper third. We added a few diagonal lines emanating from the centre of the floral shapes to represent the strong linear presence of the chicory stalks. Down with the HB pencils!... Enter the Brushes, water and paint!

We commenced the painting portion by laying in a light neutral ochre-like wash around the floral area and while it was still wet... dropped in some warmer drops here and there as we pleased of burnt sienna... yellow and cerulean blue... allowing them to mingle as they would without manipulation. I did add a touch of salt to one corner of mine... just to demonstrate its effects on the colour to Robin. Yes... it did give a grainier effect at first... but the excess water all but eliminated it in the final outcome.

We let the wet-in-wet dry down a bit and then selectively... then  playfully added mixtures of darker greens to form somewhat of a mass where the leaves and stalks came together at the neck of the vase... but we were careful not to lose all of the white of the paper too soon. We then turned our full attention to loosely and transparently adding petals and buttons randomly to the susies. Just stating them was our goal - no detail or attempt to finish them.

We added some of the rigger lines to note stem positions and a few more distinct leaf shapes... topping the longest chicory stems with pale purplish-blue florets. We revisited the areas around the bouquet washing in new layers of wet colour which left harder edges than before. At this point, I introduced the concept and visual value of lost and found edges. We each applied this technique in our own fashion to create this effect, where we pleased... and as we wished. We decided to break for lunch.... a good opportunity chat... to review the process and to discuss where we each might proceed.

It was clear after lunch that some very wet areas still existed... so I offered the use of the hair dryer as a tool to speed up the drying enabling us to fill those final few minutes of working time adding a few touches and details, or perhaps glazing in stronger colour here and there. We even included acrylic titanium white in our arsenal to recapture a lost area or to strengthen a weak area opaquely. Though not a traditional watercolour tactic... even frowned upon by purists and juried shows... we owned the process and chose NOT to have rules!

I am posting the result of my day's effort here today as a birthday tribute to my Dad, Sis and Mom. I know that you would join "the Boy"at this "Play Day"... if you could. I have thrown in a card that was pinned on a cupboard door in my Dad's basement" "Inner Sanctum." He too... valued solitude and time for meditation. I carry on that  ritual religiously... each and every morning. "I" implore each of you out there... to... "Keep Smiling!"

I love you ALWAYS sand FOREVER... Dad, Mom and Chris! Happy Birthday!!

Good Painting... to ALL!!!

 "Summer Smiles" - watercolour on paper 10x12 inches

Cropped version with Dad's card



PS Stay tuned for  my posting of Robin's piece! She has purchased her own copy of Jamison's book! Better hurry for your own copy! Unbelievably low prices!

Be Prepared!... The Cardinal Rule For Success En Plein Air

Success and enjoyment in plein air painting depends upon many variables. Some like choice of painting locations... temperature and choice of materials  can be planned  for in advance. Others such as weather are fleeting and totally unpredictable at the very  best of times and must be accommodated on the spur of the moment. The cardinal "rule" (of thumb)... in my box carefully adheres to the ol' Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared!

In earlier days I used to drive around with a painting friend for hours... often either "settling" for a second rate  site as the painting light began to fade... or worse still... we would return on occasion with absolutely nothing to show for the exercise... except futility and a sense of being beaten. This needless undoing came as a result of our own stupidity... allowing ourselves to be caught up in finding... "the perfect composition."

I have long left those days of dejection behind and I really owe my present success in most always obtaining at least one good sketch per foray to to a prior set plan and decision to commit to one site or specific small area  interest... rather than just conducting a driving tour. This also includes setting a specific time for arrival at the site to prepare mentally and physically for the intended painting activity for the day.

 I usually scout the area (if it is nearby) the day before... looking for prime material and landscapes which trigger a positive feel.In so doing... I not only know in advance what is available at the site... but as well it affords me the opportunity to plan for the sizes and numbers of panels or canvases that I might use. That's a time saver and reduces carrying needless supplies and equipment... less to forget!  HA HA!! Done that... more than a few times!

I have been teaching a small class each Tuesday during the month of July and that will continue throughout August as well. I purposely kept it small and open-ended in the registration part... allowing members to participate as they wanted to or could... given often busy summer plans that include visitors and family events. That has worked very well for everyone. The small size of the classes permits more one-on-one time with each participant and a stronger opportunity to develop a very strong relationship with the individual and the group.

Having to prepare thinking about the needs and individual mediums and strengths of each of the learners is a daunting task... one that I have ALWAYS taken personally ... even during my elementary school teaching career. Every student matters! - Plain and simple! So site locations... predicated weather conditions... proximity to necessary "comfort" needs (for the ladies especially) and painting needs particular to each participant had to be well considered beforehand.

In selecting a possible a potential subject for my class... I have to take into consideration the participant "variables" as well.- variation in medium... variation in both studio and plein air experience... variation in painting process and knowledge... and most of all... variation in confidence. All of these variable  factors will add into'...  or take away from the success and the enjoyment for each of my class members. That must be considered in my advance preparations.

"Fred Guild's Retreat, Little Hebrides Island" - plein air oil on canvas 16x20 inches

Looking Twice... and a second view to be considered!

For our fifth outing together... I decided to take them to the "Fred's Island Retreat" site... on Little Hebrides Island five kilometres east of Rockport. They had admired my earlier 16x20 inch canvas in the Gallery and wanted to give the subject a try. I knew that the location was very close to the shoulder of the very busy Thousand Island Parkway... but that  there was plenty of shade and numerous location possibilities close together for our group of three on this occasion.

I knew that if they merely tried to replicate the format of my earlier canvas that both would find themselves overly challenged by the complexity of the entire subject... as I was. So I suggested that perhaps we might investigate the possibility of using only a smaller section of my original composition and the actual site to create an entirely new composition. Using my digital camera, I cropped out the area that I thought had a real strong composition... based upon simpler perspective, detail and masses. I showed them this cropped version on my 3 inch digital screen... the equivalent of the trusty rectangular mat board view finder that I used when I first went outdoors painting.

Both liked the suggestion and new view... so while they were setting up (both like to sit while painting)... I set up my regular fashion... standing... with easel off to one side so that they could watch a quick lay in "demo"... using burnt sienna oil washes to establish the basic forms and structure (as shown in the upper jpeg). When I reached the conclusion of this first step... I stopped painting and made myself available to encourage and suggest... as each needed until they too reached the lay in stage in watercolour and acrylics. My "wash" entry approach closely resembled their own individual  approach using water media... putting all of us basically on the same page as far as initial technique went.

Stage 1. Tonal start... just the basic masses and important lines

Stage 2. Basic coloured masses and placement of bridge structure

The next stage was to demonstrate the laying in of darker green masses to replace the burnt sienna toned areas with those features. I moved all over the canvas simultaneously to create full coverage in temporary thin coloured  passages of all areas ... water... land and sky masses. No attempt was made to bring any one area into a state of of finish at this point, but rather to serve as a transition platform/foundation from the tonal lay in into colour. This strategy, I hoped  would  approximate the necessary process of  laying in of washes to build water media pieces by means of gradually layering of transparent colour.

 Halfway into the painting ... light's on the move... Halfway out of the shade!

Both participating artists easily reached this same stage quickly and confidently working , for the most part on their own. I continued work on my own demo painting so that they could watch as they liked and use what interested them to define areas  and adjust the myriad of green values using heavier darks and lighter lights on their own works. I then had them stop to watch as I worked up the water areas... first in the distant passages and then the foreground water which was continually changing. I dropped vertical shafts of loosely painted dark green reflections from the trees on the island first and then proceeded to adding the horizontals into the darker areas of vertical shadows. This emphasizes the influence by the sky and the wind effects on the water. I strongly emphasized that one must make a decision about these and then lay them in .... once! Otherwise, the values become greyed down and lose their vitality and freshness.

At this point, both people were at a point where they (and I) were tiring. It is without any doubt a challenge to paint en plein air in the summer because of the overwhelming presence of green everywhere in the landscape. It forcefully underscored the wisdom of our original decision to limit our day's focus to a smaller area of the larger picture laid out in front of us. The full scene contained too much information and detail for someone with limited experience to attempt.... and a lean window of time to accomplish that task. The light had changed  rapiudly and dramatically on the island part... as I had predicted, but I had taken a photo of the lighting on the island that we wished to include. I would jpeg this photo to each to serve as a reference for each... when they did their (studio) homework on their pieces before the next class.

Note my further cropped version in the painting... AND... that white sail! What a gift!

I ended the class by placing the bridge roughly onto my own canvas and by quickly adding some cat tail details in the immediate foreground to illustrate the work that I might play with back in my own studio at a later date. I would again emphasize the need to control the urge to try and include too much detail... for the sake of detail in the foreground because doing so would reduce the overall harmony and structure of the subject as a whole.

Stage 3. Final result of the plein air class. Still a few strokes to be added... but not ... too many!

The obvious success and joy experienced by all of us on this lovely summer plein air outing can be directly be attributed primarily to PREPARATION - both physically and mentally prior to the actual foray. When the number of variables are reduced beforehand... those that must be faced can be met with much less worry and frustration. Painting en plein air should  always be as  rewarding an experience... as is possible and not made into a punishing test of endurance. As is the case in swimming in deep and unknown waters... Never venture too far from shore and when in doubt... or if necessary... wear your "life jacket." Be prepared for the unexpected... and where possible... paint with good friends. They make the day and shared experience much more enjoyable!

Secondly... success often arrives in the form of surprises... like the cropped view plus a "happen stance" arrival on the scene... as the sail offered us. These come out of the intended looking beyond what is in front of one... beyond the "big picture"... to a hunch... or impulse! Follow your heart!... Paint what you feel!... Paint whatever serves your passion! That's the real goal for anyone who paints!

Teaching a painting class is a daunting task akin to exhibiting publicly for the first time. There is risk... but weighed with the opportunity to grow as an active learner given a teaching role... the benefits and opportunities for personal growth and development are worth the risk!

Happy Summer and Good Painting ... to ALL!!!

Final canvas version: "Bridging Summer"- oil on 20x24 inch canvas

Finding... Sharing and Living the Simple Life

Our move back to Rockport has already brought many rich blessings into my life. Each new summer day yields more adventures and discoveries it seems... reminiscent of those halcyon days in the beginning when "the Boy" slipped quietly (so not to rouse the sleeping household) out onto his River at first light in search of new adventure... and fish! There was complete freedom then... an unabridged ... pick-a path ritual of rising and rowing that was for the most part determined only by wind direction and an inner knowledge of where the fish would be under the weather conditions. Even rain was a welcome opportunity not only to make fishing luck better... but as well... a respite from the sometimes hot, humid nights of July and occasionally August as well. Life was rich and the Boy loved... and valued  his freedom and solitude and drank it up with a headiness unusual to others his age... for "He" alone lived in this world of unbridled freedom and solitude.

Life since then has brought with it many changes. At one point the Boy was encouraged to "grow up"... to assume the "responsible" duties of an adult... to join the rest of the adult world on the gerbil wheel. "He" traded seats with the teacher for nearly thirty years  and provided thousands of faces he shared a room... and a year with opportunities to be "free thinkers" not curriculum-fed guppies in an enclosed "container." Being with children and their optimism and joyous nature permitted the Boy to live on. Sharing time and a home   with five children further provided an environment of adventure, discovery and play. Watching... as these "new faces" recycled his own footsteps and previous pathways created an invitation to get down and play again himself... with kindred spirits.

The Boy deeply  loved each of his "Group of Five " equally... yet recognized and encouraged their differences. He knew... and wanted them to follow their own hearts and journeys unobstructed... and under their own power as "He" had done. In so doing he realized that this would bring about their leaving. Life has its own way with all things and creatures. Humans are social creatures... and thereby require the presence of "others." At some point in life... the need for "others" must change.... and it has for them all now. For the Boy it is a bitter-sweet time. The "bitter"??? Now lost opportunities for more regular play... and visits that crop up only occasionally and when when Time allows. The wheel has turned almost full... leaving the Boy once again to his own resources  to create adventure... discovery... and Play!

The "sweet"?? The sweet arises from the "discovery"... no matter late in his journey that "He" too has found an "Other." And that "Other"... for the first time in his life totally understands and accepts the Boy and the ever-present Self which has always followed him about... his shadow! Yes... in a very real sense "I" have been much like Peter Pan - rash... drawn to the very edge of self-destruction by an impulse-driven nature and need... as surely as a moth is drawn to the fire. And like Peter... unexpectedly along my journey, I discovered Deb. "She" has become the kind ... generous and loving soul who has "stitched"... reattached my once lost Self... so that "I" am whole once again. She has supported me and my five and her own two unconditionally... giving unselfishly of her time and energy without complaint or motive of repayment.

Tomorrow... "She" will be 63  years young. Her vitality... unflagging energy and work ethic each day motivate me to work hard...push the envelope creatively... and to live in the pure light of Truth! Her skill in her crafts and art forms demonstrate her drive to always  strive for... and usually achieve impeccable perfection.A the very least she always does so  to the best of her ability. Yet it is the simpler side of life that she embraces.... and that I most admire and love. Her child... like my own...eagerly  rises each day to seek out new adventures... often just outside our huge front window looking out at our River... cup o' java in hand watching hours... turn into days...  turn into months. We revel in the antics of our ruby throat hummingbird pair... as they spar and quarrel over air supremacy around their feeding station. It would seem that disagreement arises from time to time in their sonic lives as well! HA HA!! We laugh and compare their antics with our own "moments."

Tomorrow we will book off early  head into Brockville to properly celebrate "her day"... with a simple meal out and trip the Cineplex-Odeon... at her request... to take in "The Dark Knight Rising". We live... love and play simply. We share a  common and unusual love for family and friends... creating art and each other. These are the basic ingredients in our recipe for livin' the good life at The Paint Box Gallery in Rockport.

I wish to close out this post proudly recognizing and show casing a few of the many new creations of my beautiful wife and soul mate. Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Much love and many more years of creating the good life... together!
Love ,
Bruce
XXXXXOOOOOXXXXX

"A Cut Above... or a Touch of Glass!"
"A Cut Above... or A Touch of Glass"... Both work for me!

 Cardinal in the company of the 3-D Spidy!

 We love our wee American Goldfinches... real or in glass!

 Hang in there Mr Cardinal!

 "Big Bird"... our Resident Great Blue Heron!

 "Sunken Rock Light, Alexandria Bay, NY"

 Love... those Goldfinches... don't you?

 Jewellery... for the Girly Girl in you... Age doesn't matter!

 Simple Fare... for you to wear... any time... anywhere!!

 Deb's First Garden!

 "The Paint Box Gang!"... Partners... For Life!

Darned good life... when ya got a wife... like my Girl!!! Love ya Babe!

PS She'll hate me for posting this one!... but it's my all time fav! Look at the SMILE!!!!! HA HA!!



Good painting to ALL!

Change... is in the air!

The vastly changed cool... crisp morning air following two days of vacillating high gale force winds and rain signalled the unpredictable nature of August... sullenly humid one moment and mimicking fall in one other brief moment. Even the birds... the overly noisy...raucous and raspy gatherings of crows and erratically wheeling Arctic terns over the water belayed the sudden confusion of such a radical and sudden change in the weather pattern. How wonderful that brisk westerly breeze felt on my cheeks!... How fresh and alive the world seemed - reclaimed from the clutches of the paralysing heat that had hung like a woollen blanket for the past two weeks.

Previously wilted and parched gardens and flowers stood tall once more... revitalized in a fashion which no manner of watering can achieve. Morning dew on the lawns in a space of just hours. It is remarkable to observe Nature in action... and to feel a part of and place in the scheme of such wondrous things. To feel regenerated oneself as well. To be able  to be outside again enjoying comfortable painting conditions and to genuinely feel motivated and alive creatively. This sudden change allows one to feel and understand perfectly the regenerative effect which other creatures of Creation experience... when "all's well with the world."

Well... yesterday and today...  the world was simply that for "Me." My reunion... as brief as it was with my high school mates added new fire and created a stronger sense of meaning in spiritual terms for me. This morning's sweet hour of solitude... and meditation... in the cool and quiet of this August morning kick-started me back into action at my easel. I finished up the demo which had been hangin' about because of the endless heat... and completed another painting... an 11x14 inch canvas which was completed using the landscape directly in front of Islesview with the addition of a photo reference which I had made a week back of The Empress... a Victorian look alike steamer from the turn of the century. The Empress, out of Kingston, Ontario plies the waters of Lake Ontario... The St Lawrence River between Kingston and the Saguenay River in The Gulf of St Lawrence just north of  Quebec City.

 Both paintings... on their own way support the focus I have been discussing regarding respecting the Past... but embracing the Present... while preparing for the future. Each painting has a heritage touch included... symbolizing a healthy acknowledgement of things passed. However... both in their own way demonstrate a moving forward to embrace the face of change as demanded by Man and  his always changing Technology. I think that both paintings reflect a fresh air of acceptance and a hearty embracing of the Present.

What do you think? I wonder...

 " Sun Bathing at the Captain Carnegie House in Rockport" - oil on canvas 24x20 inches

"The Past Steaming Full Speed Ahead... Into the Present!" - oil on canvas 11x14 inches


Good Painting! Get out there... summer's on the wane!

Living with the Past... but not in it!

One of the strongest fears in my life is to find myself being caught up in trying to re-live or re-capture particularly memorable events from my prior life. Most always this attempt to further extend the success or pleasure of a span of time... an event or even to once again  a memorable meal experience at a special restaurant results in disappointment... which in some fashion even takes away from the initial joy of the first experience.

Studying and living in Venice for eight weeks was one such pivotal moment in both my personal and artistic lives. That experience drew together every art history course I had taken previously... every book that I had read about the Renaissance... every visual image and slide that I had been shown of architecture... landscape and master works which related to this subject. It is difficult with any number of words... to convey the impact which that the experience/adventure has had on me... and my work.

When offered the opportunity to return... I was at first overjoyed to think of being able to once again wander those rivas... fondamentas and canals... each time rediscovering new bits and pieces of a past that was beforehand only available to me in books. And then reality set in... a reality that strongly suggested that perhaps I might be supplanting a lesser return on this second go-around... thereby tarnishing "the gold medal" which I had already achieved. Did I really need to improve the already life-changing blessing? No was the answer... and I live happily with that decision... still savouring many of those memorable moments from time to time as they return from my memory reserve.

Today, Deb and I had the wonderful pleasure of accepting a luncheon invitation here at The Boat House Restaurant... an invitation to join seven "strangers"... not because I hadn't met them before... but "strangers" in the sense that I hadn't seen four of them in forty-six years!  It was "way back then"... when we attended high school together and played football... basketball ... and shared more than a few "illegal" beers together. Again... in the past I have been reluctant to become involved in reunion events... preferring to let the planned hooplas remain the possession and joy of the planners. Nothing wrong with that... just not what I'm into for the reasons stated earlier.

But these older men were once special young people on one very special team which even trained during the summer to achieve a dream of winning a championship which we all believed was possible. That dream ... despite our commitment and our passion slipped away from us in overtime play. It was heartbreaking for us all... and for some... they play out that one moment of "failure"... in that one game... even today. Tragic! I still carry the pride and respect for every member of that team... to the man... but my life is more based upon what has transpired since then.

I took with me from that experience a deep lesson about living my own life. I have always been a team player. I have always tried to "win"... AKA ... to do my very best in everything that I undertake. I have learned not to look at "failure" as such... but rather...  as "a learning opportunity." Life  is not  at all about winning. It is about playing... about "getting a glove and getting fully into the game of life." It's about the people we meet and share our journey with... no matter how briefly!

"As Time Goes By" - oil on canvas 36x30 onches

Today... I was thrilled to learn that "Dr Bill"... a totally "wild guy" back then continues to contribute and enjoy serving... even leading the medical profession he chose to join... teaching... mentoring and actively practising... with no eye on ever retiring from the"work" which still fuels his passion and life goals. And then... there was Lynne... back then... "slick with ladies"... but now a successful metallurgist... re-tired ( a new set) back on the road doing what has given him a life time ofpleasure. Lastly... but not the least  by any shakes...  a "bon vivant"... now sixty-eight year old Schwarzenegger-like Rod... who continues to play baseball and has the same hunky physique and looks (except for a shiny head) that made him one of the most popular and loved of all young men in our high school.

How much we enjoyed the banter and teasing... the dredging up of sometimes embarrassing moments and glow of  an friendship which has not been diminished by time or circumstance. Thank you to the ladies who sat through these shenanigans patiently... and tolerantly.We came together for the sake of just re-connecting... to find out how the others have fared. It would appear that being together in an early team environment of trust and mutual respect for common goals has served each of us well.

Life and the Universe offers opportunities and choices... what we do with them remains our responsibility. Only two of this foursome really showed any sign of "scholarship" at this early time in our lives. However... it can be said that the other two... found their way ... later and  each with a path to achieving their own personal measure of Success and Happiness!

I am posting this very personal painting that I made several years ago. It is titled... "As Time Goes By." As titles go... it is highly unoriginal because it owes its birth to a song by the same title from the blockbuster movie and classic Casablanca. It was the song that my Dad closed off each of his weekend "gigs" with his Buddies Orchestra. The painting has much meaning to "Me"... and by the obvious response of these three pals it holds the same value and degree of meaning for them as well.

I intend to present it to our high school next year before the 125TH Anniversary Reunion (I won't be attending)... to honour those members of our team still living... and some now passed... and "the dream" that we continue to live out in our own individual lives... long after that "loss"... in 1962. We are all... "Winners"... in every sense of the word! Each of us is still actively... and fully "playing" in the game of Life!

Love you Guys! Thanks for the memories!

PS Hope that you can excuse this ramble ... back down "Memory Lane." Maybe you have such a memory as well! Hope so!

Wind-Blown ... Water-Soaked... Yet Glad of It!

Yesterday... July heaved quite a lot more than a sigh... and a wave farewell... as she came to an abrupt end. My class of two this week were working directly across the road from our residence painting the stately Victorian Captain Carnegie or the Andress House as it is referred to these days. I had selected this site based upon the fact that a forecast of continued heat... humidity and the very strong possibility (60%) of afternoon thunderstorm activity compelled me to consider shade and a quick retreat for cover as the major considerations for the class location.

It turned out a good choice... given that these conditions did occur... and the wonderful shade of the three ancient oaks... plus a continuous light and cool westerly breeze made painting a real pleasure! Besides this fact... there was a large picnic table for my water media enthusiasts to set up on which looked directly at the subject. I set up my easel alongside and in front a touch... allowing them to follow my demo and my work as I progressed... without having to get up from their own work stations. It so reduced the back n' forth which can really tire the aged feet of this painter... so very relaxing and enjoyable for all!

One of the gals works in watercolour, while the other works in acrylics. I demo'd using their mediums in previous sessions and neither was uncomfortable with my using oil to demo in the following sorties. I constantly remind them of the basic difference between water media and oils and to apply the rule:

"Light to dark... in transparent washes in water colour. Dark to light in transparent stains in oils with glazing or addition of stronger pigment application as one proceeds. Acrylic can work either way because they dry more quickly and can be over painted without worry. By following this pathway... we could work together with more or less the same plan of attack towards a finish.

None of us achieved a final state of finish... due to the fact that the lighting changed dramatically towards the late afternoon... as the storm conditions moved in. I got along further because I had painted the scene twice before and therefore knew when the shadows on the faces of the building parts would change... and I was already prepared to make those changes.... QUICKLY!

I demonstrated the value of taking a quick digital reference photo when the lighting that you want is strong... and available. This can then be carried back to the studio for future consideration to support the work completed ... en plein air. I promised to jpeg this photo to them so that they could each work further with their individual piece and to bring to share with the group next time.

At noon hour... Deb and I hosted a cold luncheon...  a relaxing time for us to share work from the previous time together... " Palette Talk"... and of course some summer food! It was a glorious opportunity to be together... doing what we all share a passion for... In God's Green Garden... Manitouana... Garden of Manitou (God)... as the First People's called it! On this last day of July... 2012... it is surely that! Does life get any better????

"We"... think not! "We"... are deeply blessed! Stay tuned for the finished results!

Good Painting to ALL!

Oh yes... about the Wind-blown and Water-soaked part! At just after four pm... the weather turned nasty as the gun metal grey skies were etched in continuous snaps and  strikes of lightning... the air echoing with repeated thunder rolls.l The wind swung unpredictably from the west... to the east and then dead out of the south almost at will... and then repeated the pattern again. Trees were laid out in gale force winds as the rain hammered down on the previously parched pavement... producing that wonderful perfume only smelled at such times in hot summer conditions. It was fearfully... "electric" to watch and be a part of!

Boaters headed to the docks and held their craft from being battered against the south-facing docks at the marina as the storm raged. Wendy's tent... once secure and beside our picnic table painting site disappeared up the road to the top of the hill before anyone could rescue it. And as suddenly as it had come... the storm departed... leaving the rest of the evening in the form of a much-needed soaking.... a gardener's delight!

Such is life in the Thousand Island village of Rockport- usually quiet in the evenings... but never without the possibility... of SURPRISE!!