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Here are some pictures from my first week at elsewhere: my artist talk and project proposal – in that order.
Artist talk
Artist talk
proposing my project with parrot friend
Canada Geese, ink on paper, 3 x 4"
Yesterday my husband and I went for a bike ride in the morning and came across a meter-long snake a little thicker than my wrist coiled up on the road. Fortunately a truck was driving down the road at the same time and pulled over to inspect the reptile. The driver, clearly knowing what he was doing and what species he was looking at, picked it up by its tail and flung it gently to safety in the ditch. His twelve year old son was right next to him wide-eyed. “It’s a bullsnake!” he yelled cheerfully after us.
Later that day we made a picnic to eat in a state park. We pulled into a site and I made my way towards the picnic table. Then I spotted a note scrawled on legal paper held down by rocks. It read, “Black widow nesting under table comes out at night. Consider moving away rather than killing? Thanks”… It was night. Perfect time for a dinner picnic… and letting black widows crawl on your knees. We ate in the car and enjoyed the brilliance of colour through the windshield.
In this land of tough, rough, wild creatures it’s nice once in a while to focus on the gentle, non-poisonous kinds. Here are some ducks I sketched at Oasis State Park the day I spotted “Snakey“.
Ducks, watercolour on paper, 5 x 7"
I had a wonderful morning adventure in my car which involved nearly running over a meter-long snake (phew, I didn’t) and watching cows, birds, rabbits and stray cats roaming the plains.
Here is one of two sketches I did from the passenger seat, trying not to get oil paint all over the dashboard and armrests! I had to work both canvases quickly before the day got too hot and unbearable. I packed a cooler-bag of ice water but still got a little dizzy in the open. I drove home after two hours and completed the paintings at home in the comfortable air-conditioned studio. I’ll post the other canvas tomorrow…
Bird on a Post, oil on canvas, 8 x 10"
I visited Nelson, British Columbia last fall and must say I could really use an annual visit to such a vibrant, unique place. The autumn was an especially nice time to visit as I got to experience the colour and the warmth of the town as it transformed into the crispy white of ski season.
Nelson they say, is a place that either sucks you in or spits you out. I was sucked in for a decent chunk of time and imagine I will always feel it tugging me back. What I miss most are the walks I took up and down the steep streets. They provided endless views of eclectic houses lined above the lake with a backdrop of bulbous clouds caught on the mountain tops.
Walking Nelson's Streets, watercolour and ink on paper, 7 x 9"
The Chickadee, watercolour and ink on paper, 4 x 6"
Hens, watercolour media on paper, 4 x 6"
Pair of Pigeons, watercolour and graphite on paper, 4 x 6
Now in its 12th year, The Sweetest Little Thing is the most important annual fundraising event for The Owens Art Gallery and Struts Gallery & Faucet Media Arts Centre.
Presented in partnership on Valentine’s Day,The Sweetest Little Thing combines a contemporary art auction with a cake walk and dance. The event has become a seasonal highlight for the community, featuring artists, friends and supporters from across the country and beyond.
The funds raised go directly to the ongoing programming of the galleries.
To view the fabulous art of the community up for auction and to make an online bid visit here.
Matisse and Birds from photo by Cartier-Bresson, watercolour and ink on paper, 4 x 6"
I have a quiz for you:
Which owl was I drawing while distracted by my family doing ridiculous things around the cottage, and which owl did I draw with concentration? Winner will be mailed the owls. Haha, maybe.
Owls owls, ink on paper, 4 x 6"
