Work in Progress

I know it's spring.....and this is an autumnal scene; not exactly seasonal!  It's been on my sketch pad and hung on my corkboard since fall and I finally am pursuing getting this one sorted out. 
Like me throughout my life; this may very well be a permanent work in progress.  I know what I want to say the problem is saying it.  It is of course a subject tied to my origins in Norther Ontario.
The forests of northern Ontario are primarily evergreen - jackpine, spruce and balsam fir.  The deciduous trees comprise mainly birch and poplar; both of which glow with wondrous golden yellow shades in the autumn.  I've spent much time in this environment and do so want to convey the wonder, the peace, the glorious golden afternoons; the scents, the air, the spirit of a poplar grove..
I'm feeling somewhat intimidated by the task just now, but we shall see where it goes.....it may very well be 'life long work in progress'

Will keep you posted.


I've used this painting with my Turning Points and Identities blog:-
High School Days - Work In Progress

Upside Down Painting

This painting has been hanging upside down on my studio wall since January.  I painted it and wasn't too impressed.  The old homestead is as it stands today on a forgotten northern road near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and is reminiscent of house structures during the 40s and 50s....either 'clapboard' or 'insul brick' siding.   I had originally planned a sepia type painting and somehow got sidetracked into an autumn scene.

After a few days contemplation I applied a thin orange glaze to the entire canvas.  Still not being happy I applied another thin orange glaze; hoping to tie all elements together.  And then  in disgust proceeded to hang upside down planning to paint out the image entirely.

Recently I decided to take another look.   This is the end result.  Still don't know if it works, but for now, this is it.


PS - I will only be posting twice weekly to this blog. 

Visit my other blog where I talk about turning points and identities; a personal journey through life:-
High School Prom

Effervescence of Love

I painted this canvas one morning while listening to a tape of love songs.  The more I listened the more I wanted to express the feelings of loving someone. 

How does one portray the happy joy one feels when loving someone; not necessarily physical but emotional elation.  Like a first found love!  The bubbling effervescence!  Like soda bubbles of joy and happiness rising to the surface in a heady swirl of warmth; leaving a permanent smile on one's face!  A recognition that to love someone else is boundless, without restrictions, free to give and inspiring to the spirit.  

Thus the painting....a boundless fountain of bubbles and joy. 

I textured the canvas first with acrylic then painted with oils.  Enjoy.

I have used this painting with my blog on high school days:-
High-school-first-date

A Painting Potholes filled with Lilacs

Lilacs are in full bloom here in Southern Ontario, cultivars and those a century old or more gracing farmlands and abandoned properties. The cultivars are beautiful and come in many hues; but I love the old fashioned….mauve and purple lilac!

Such abundance of blossoms; wild copses of wonder; they fill the air with scent and colour.

I painted the attached of freshly picked lilacs, in about an hour for my sister. It looked sort of lacking towards the bottom and I added a small pic my sister has of her grandchildren; knowing she would be so delighted.  What a mistake and now she won’t let me 'muck about with it'

Anyone, please help! I know there is something askew with the tiny picture I’ve included…its all off from a perspective point of view; and probably too large.  I feel need to resolve this.....other than taking the picture out completely; don't know what to do!    Would appreciate your comments on how to remedy this bad painting. 

Surmounted - A Painting Pothole

This painting is tied to my high school days as it is to an emergence, a growth on a pursued path!

It started out as a landscape with acrylic texture applied to canvas and then painted in oils.  It was totally wiped clean and a second attempt at the same landscape was also wiped clean.  There it sat for several days never emerging into the light of creation!

Then one day while listening to some music and musing I started applying paint in rhythm to the music and...voila, my first abstract.  As I stood back and looked I thought ...."And?".  Thus its title "And.......?"

I don't know if I will ever paint another abstract but was pleased with this result; it may be a road for further exploration.  Like the pranks I left behind in high school, I just may leave landscapes behind and emerge as an abstract artist.  We shall see.

This painting is connected to my other blog:-
High School Dances

Co-Op Galleries - Riversong Gallery

Delivered some of my paintings yesterday to a co-op gallery located in Neustadt, Ontario. Finally a home for those that have been filling up my home. I Sold some out of this gallery last year so am hoping for the best this year.


For those of you who may not know, a co-op gallery asks for a monthly fee…in this case very, very minimal; and whatever you realize from sales is yours to keep. You may have read in my earlier blogs my chagrin and disappointment in dealing with established galleries in my area.  Let me say this does not include all art galleries, I can only site those I approached and perhaps I was reaching too high too soon.  Not so here. If you work is professional you are welcome to participate whether you are well established or a beginning artist!

The owner is currently updating his website to include participating artists. Check him out; if you live in Southern Ontario it may be an avenue for an artist looking for a place to hang their work. http://www.riversonggallery.ca/

The painting I display with this blog today is one of a local scene.  Found on Mud Street in Stoney Creek I couldn't resist this wonderful wrought iron gate; the remnants of what once must have a beautiful and proudly owned property. 

Vist my other blog on turning points and Identities:- 
High School Pranks

Springtime Spectacle

Travelling home from my daughtr's yesterday I decided to take the 'slow way home' and was rewarded with this springtime spectacle.  So often on my journey through the Niagara penninsula I have used the expressway and only viewed the acres of orchards for the highway.  What a reward to take the ''slow way'.

Came across this pear orchard and on speaking with the owner was advised the blossoms on these trees are not yet at their peak.  Will have to check these again in a few days.

In the meantime just wanted to share these with you.

Enjoy spring and the bounty of blossoms and new life where ever you may be!