Raccoon Watercolour & gouache on water colour paper.
I'm surrounded by fur, on my desk & at my feet. My studio is tiny yet, it seems to be the place I & 4 dogs always want to hangout, all staring out he window. Other than the times when am tripping over them, I'm o.k. with my girls wanting to be with me. It's that time of year I feel for them, the weather is cold & they don't go out but long to. We still manage to kick the ball a few minutes every day & have taken to playing inside a bit more. I explain to the girls "some dogs live in apartments & never get out like you do - so don't try to make me feel guilty." You know... I prayed for Trudeau. I remember feeling such relief when he took over Harpers position, so no... I don't hate him or wish anything bad to come to him. Everyone is here to teach us lessons & boy oh boy - WTF does Justin Trudeau think by lying on the stand for the world to witness? After WE ALL (anyone with TV, a newspaper & social media) KNOW is that not long ago he was calling the unvaccinated names, to which he just denied on the stand... I also read, which was truly comical, in his defence for calling the emergency act (which many also agree should not have been called or was NOT needed) suggest "what if a grandmother got run over by a truck during the protest??" Really Justin? What IF a grandmother on a scooter got run over by a fucking horse!??? I guess that doesn't count. The entire world now knows he is a world leading liar. A liar that did indeed cause divide & shame some Canadians, who do not agree with his totalitarian ways & he is responsible for adding a huge amount of grief & stress for countless Canadians. If he can lie about this - in front of the world, what else is he capable of? Do I wish him harm, never. Do I wish him gone as our PM, I guess - to be replaced by who? Frankly, my trust - because of the hope I had with Trudeau, is gone. I don't trust any politician. Covid has been the biggest 'power trip' on the planet to date. Look at China - the moment people protest, restrictions are lifted- it's all gone away? It's all a test. Not a day goes by where some politician states 'everyone must behave a specific way' & they behave the opposite... & then our noses are rubbed in it. So yes, I prayed for Trudeau & still do.. I was blind but now I see. I've prayed for many & I AM thankful for all lessons. Thank you. Thankfully I've had many lessons in love as well, to keep me hoping & keep praying. I am grateful for the lesson & reminder, to only ever, put all my faith in God. Happy Saturday!
How many times have you heard someone say: Remember watching cartoons Saturday morning?!… I’ve heard it many times and 'how great it was'. A carefree feeling Saturdays mornings, I remember it as though it was yesterday (probably because I watched them a few days ago - lol) grabbing my cereal, rushing for a good spot on the carpet to watch Saturday morning cartoons, often with my cousins & we usually argued, as they being boys preferred the Three Stooges'. Ask me who was my favourite character & I have a difficult time deciding- Bugs, Daffy… Porky -they are all favourites - ask me who I don’t like, that's easy - believe it or not it’s : Tweety. Bird lover that I am, Tweety is not one of my favourites and I can’t even express why, it’s always been that way. Sylvester - love him, perhaps that’s why, poor kitty never getting to snack on Tweety. Painting this, I struggled with Tweety. He doesn’t look right but I have decided to move on. It’s just a painting, painted for enjoyment. It represents Life’ - one moment you are Sylvester - the next Tweety. It’s the anticipation of cartoons - the guessing what might happen next that makes them successful. & ALL cartoonists & animators who have come since, have learned from WB cartoons. At least Sylvester gets the occasional ‘taste’ of Tweety, unlike they Coyote & Road Runner. I think my next set will be round, along these lines.. with action & reaction images, with No Bugs Bunny, The focus will be on other cartoon classics as there are many besides Bugs. Who’ else influenced me, cartoon wise? Scooby! Snoopy & Popeye just to name a few & of course Mickey. It’s Saturday - Perhaps watch a few cartoons to start off in a light hearted mood. Cartoons - not just for kids. Really, WB cartoons in particular were often directed at adults & not children. One hint to this reality is the amount of cartoons that reference to alcohol. I noticed in one cartoon, Daffy Duck does a ‘strip tease dance’ (bearing right down to his skin) to fool a male chasing him & it works - as he smacks a kiss on his nose. Obviously this was not directed at kids. Watch again with adult eyes and you’ll notice something new. Grateful for another day to explore & enjoy. Rabbit Seasoning. Acrylic on wood (two sides). A bonus bugs I had started #10/10
What season is it? Duck? Rabbit? Elmer? This cartoon has it all including a fantastic play on words and trickery by (of course) Bugs. They team us several times to get the advantage over Elmer during hunting season. One side was finished a while ago (the cook book side) and hung in the kitchen, I decided to finish it as I have the rest. Look at the expression on Bugs & Daffy when the hunting sign ripping frenzy finally displays ‘Elmer Season… something tells me Elmer is in trouble. It’s been hunting season here, for moose & deer (I wonder if we have a bear hunting season in Ontario) & I think it’s now over, which brings a sense of relief. I don’t venture the woods in hunting season as you can hear shooting and sometimes it sounds ‘too close’. Friends who live further North tell me it’s so loud, they too don’t leave their house much, for a couple of weeks. I think it was last year or the year before a house was hit by a stray bullet, causing a bit of a commotion, understandably. Concern for my dogs running around is also something that I keep in mind. The papers warned a week before to make sure people exploring surrounding woods wear bright orange and use caution & remain alert when in the woods but my understanding is hunters must be cautious & aware. When I see deer, I fin myself thinking - I hope they make it another season. Living here helped me understand the whole hunting thing and ‘I get it. I have tried both deer meat & moose meat & not a fan of either, I’ve had many tell me, ‘it was how it was prepared’, a good venison stew will change my mind. I do know many people enjoy & live off of what they catch -a freezer full & that’s just how it is. I’ve changed my mind on seal hunting, now wiser in my understanding, it is a right of passage & food for a community that has lived this way - forever… Hunting in general is something I’ve had to ‘let go & Let God. A friend who also lives in the woods, once shared he thought he’d hunt.. he bought all the gear & gun, got his license & practiced shooting. Finally, he went hunting with a few buds & he was successful and shot his first deer. He said it was terrible, he felt like shit as he watched the life drain from the deer he had just shot. It was not what he thought the experience would be like and admitted it just made him struggle with his actions. I know the deer was shared with several, providing nourishment Many say ‘they would never shoot an animal…’ as they shove a burger in their mouth or carve their juicy steak, roast, stew, forgetting that an animal was killed because of our desire to eat meat. I’m not going to judge hunters who hunt for food, I eat meat. Many hunters make a point of thanking God, the Universe for their kill which shows respect for the creature & hunter. Either way- it’s over for another year & I’ve seen deer - enjoying & exploring for another year! As for Elmer… I’m sure he’ll be fine, it’s only a cartoon after all. Great point by the cartoonists turning the tables. Genius. Darkness sets in - dark at 5 p.m., looking out the studio windows I see nothing but my reflection - which can be somewhat distracting, especially as I am use to watching birds & the light dance through the trees. Even though dark, I've been focusing on light - painting it, being inspired by it. Thankfully there are several very talented beings who share their painting gift on YouTube and teach how to paint light, I don't like 'masking fluid' so it's slightly more difficult with watercolour & gouache to achieve the results Im hoping for- I think I'll try with acrylic.
This has been an emotional week, much pondering.. It's been almost 10 years since surgery & I look back in amazement & give thanks. I remember not being able to eat a meal without difficulty - I've worked past it, not being able to have a conversation or laugh with out face contortion & pain, I've persevered through it. Chronic pain, I have learned to live with it & there are more times than not- I hardly notice anymore. Frankly, I've gone from thinking about death, vivid memories still, after surgery- realizing - it was not successful & just wanting to give up; now celebrating every day with new admiration, love, respect & continued heightened faith. I've been reading about MAID in Canada & the changes it's going through. I agree with MAID & assisted death for those suffering from terminal illness & devastating pain who are able to choose when they can no longer go on. BUT... Now, those mentally suffering with depression can opt to choose MAID to end their lives. People who can't afford housing & are struggling with financial issues like bills, food, clothing.. choosing to die than to continue to try... leaves me feeling we are failing each other. I read about people who prescription drugs don't work (only exaggerate symptoms - as they did with me). Enough with forcing people to take drugs that are harming them (mentally & physically), I wonder is everyone who applies to MAID educated on the new advancements becoming common knowledge with psilocybin for depression? How about LSD changing peoples experience & mind.... don't you think we should allow people to try all they can before they choose to end their lives? I do. How can we have so many vacant properties & so many homeless. Why can humans create what we do, go up into space, make meat in a lab, make bionic body parts, make 'movies' that cost 100 of millions to entertain the masses BUT we can't look after each other? We can't see that each other is safe, warm & fed? I've had it with out 'world leaders', jet setting all over, having a grand time being hypocrites. We can't make Tylenol for our kids, can't home our homeless? Yet we can send millions to other countries, something is messed up with what's happening here in Canada. Depression, pain, suffering is all a part of the adventure. I told Storm just a couple of weeks ago - I am grateful for this brain tumour - nothing has taught me more & as quickly as something that has you pondering your life every day, literally. It's helped me decipher what (&who) to tolerate & what to let go. I think had MAID ben available for depression about 10 years ago - I'm not sure I'd be here. Today, I appreciate it all & everyone. I focus on living & enjoying. I thank God every morning & continue all day - not for God, for me. I thank God for simply being able to kick the ball with my dogs & paint. I usually yell it out loud at least once a day: Thank YOU Lord! lol. The chickadees like it, I know. I don't know what to tell anyone who is depressed & considering MAID to end their lives - other than: I have been there, with hope & faith in God you can get through it. I know it sounds simple and easy for me sitting here, in the woods with a nice fire & not much to stress over.. but I have not always been here. God put me here, I'm so grateful it brings me to tears when I think about the past couple of years. Not long ago I could not eat, smile, speak, walk or even read without pain, we were in serious debt and weeks from losing our home, but I listened to God & never lost faith. I still giggle, when my real- estate agent called & told me 'I better lower my price & sell!' & I said: God told me to be patient - I suggest you do the same! & then hung up on her. The next day she called me - shocked with an terrific offer. God still has plans for me & I'm fucking thrilled to be here & let God continue to amaze me, every day. Time to paint & continue to focus on LIGHT.. some samples of what I've been playing with below. First snow & hibernation sensation is kicking in!
It snowed (not Buffalo snow but snow) and it’s -4 chilly… it does something to the brain, it tells it to eat comfort food and sleep - like bears going into hibernation. Suddenly, I find myself in the kitchen craving & baking cherry turnovers, roast & chicken in the slow cooker and chicken pot pies, chilly, soup, shortbread & there it is - the muffin top that most Canadians acquire every winter is already making an appearance - Weee. This, is how it’s meant to be - if we all listened to our bodies, I think we’d all put on a little weight for the winter. Ready for bed at 6p.m - surrounded by darkness as the sun sets at 4;19 (today). It takes a while to become accustom this time change crap. To top it off I’m an early bird - usually up & enjoying my first coffee at 4, so I don’t feel guilty when I’m in bed at 8. Did you know in 2014, Russia stoped changing the clocks. Hawaii & Arizona don’t change either. It’s “daylight saving time,” not “daylight savings time.” Either way - it’s comfort food season! I love the snow, the glitter blanket putting the woods to bed for a few months. The dogs… not so thrilled, although Arrow & Daisy love the snow, rolling, tumbling & sliding - Poppy and Ginger think it’s Nipply - with tiny legs - they run out & in. The wolf birdhouses have been delivered & my friend Tom was pleased, I never tell him what I am creating, I like him to be surprised. Time to get back to regular painting - currently on my desk - Bugs & Daffy & Im learning to paint ‘light’ in the forest… in between I might bake & do push ups (phhhhbt - lol) to keep some control & avoid the entire muffin from accumulating - which I will be cursing in the spring, if I over indulge. Welcome winter! I don’t shovel so.. I’m not complaining. I do think this snow is here to stay, oh well - this is Canada after all. It’s a fabulous day to - Paint & Enjoy some Canadian comfort food... in moderation. Ho, Ha, Guard, Turn, Perry, Dodge, Spin, Ha, Thrust!!!
RobinHood Daffy Chuck Jones. Acrylic on wood (2 sides). 1 of 9 in a set. Daffy & Porky at their best, what an interesting relationship these two have. In this cartoon - full of Daffy antics & laughter, you really get to see the friendship between them. Porky is the sweetest I’ve seen him, sitting there laughing so hard - a tear falls, then the two of them laugh together (Daffy at himself) until they are rolling on the ground, it is contagious & makes me laugh to watch. We’ve all had that kind of friend, makes you laugh until you pee your pants. Laughing is the best medicine and these cartoons are a wonderful escape to do so. You’ll notice this cartoon is full of vivid colours! Pinks, greens - a yellow sky & blue trees but it all blends magically and appears very ‘normal. Take a closer look and you will notice the leaves are actually stamped’ as are the little red flowers. This is obviously an attempt by background artists to not only be creative but save time and costs (if I had to guess). I watch this cartoon for the joy of watching Daffy try to convince Porky he is RobinHood, Daffy forever f*cking up and Porky is forever patient & I admire the stunning, sharp background visuals. This is the last of my set of 9 that looks neat up on the wall, if I do say so. Want a pick me up? Want a good giggle - I suggest you make a tea, get all cosy & watch these two. I have the golden collection DVD set (all 3) but they can still be watched on YouTube. It turns out - I have one more just being finished on my desk today, I did the one side a few months back & it hung in the kitchen.. I decided to finish it, I’ll show you next Saturday. Created to create, I’m grateful for ALL those cartoonists, animators & artists who have created amusing visuals to raise our spirits & make us laugh. Jurassic Punk… Poppy & I are waiting patiently
A while back I mentioned watching Netflix - Movies that made us - specifically, Jurassic Park & that I had attended Sheridan while Steve ‘Spaz” Williams was also a student. Steve created the dinosaur for Jurassic Park, as well as other movie moments that none of us will forget, including working on The Terminator, The Abyss, The Wild (I loved this Disney movie, a touch of obvious Canadian’) as well as numerous commercials & more -HOLY - quite an accomplished career! As fate has it... Steve & I have become friends the past year & I’m grateful. He got in touch with me I felt completely at ease speaking with Steve, (he’s that kind of guy - very personable) to me, he will alway be Steve from Sheridan, when we were both in our early 20s. Remember when…. Lol It’s been 40 years since we last saw each other. How cool to have a comrade who enjoys talking about Warner Brother cartoons & is as big a fan, as I am. Steve was raised in Toronto and we reminisce about the areas, times... growing up in Toronto & how it's changed. We talk about everything - not just movies. Usually we discuss dogs, America & Canada differences, Covid… stuff! At a point when I was struggling with ‘gun mentality’, he shared his point of view & helped me understand a different perspective, which has helped immensely. Steve is quite the shot. I’ve enjoyed our conversations & friendship which feel as though no time has passed, he makes me laugh & think and I am inspired by his continued creativity. I have to be honest & say, at first it was difficult for me. I knew what Steve accomplished and when he asked “so what have you been up to all these years?” - I drew a blank. Hahaha I think I replied, I had painted a few murals and taught kids cartooning & created a son… hee hee hee but it was me, that was struggling speaking to the guy who changed movie history. He mentioned once about creating the underwater bubbles for Red October - and I felt like a dummy - I thought they were real, that just means Steve is very good at what he did/does. It must be difficult if you ponder.. I wonder what Steve tells people if they ask: So, what do you do? Steve told me - He has simply been a messenger. He absolutely has! We can all thank him, for being scared out of our wits watching a dinosaur chomp on a jeep! Just as we were all terrified to go for a swim after Jaws. I mentioned he has a documentary coming out called Spaz’, now changed to ‘Jurassic Punk’ which I could not believe was rejected by Toronto Tiff!? WTF? A born & raised Toronto boy makes it HUGE in the movie industry & they don't select it!? It makes absolutely no sense, a silly move on their part (politics no doubt), I think I get why it was refused, now that I understand what happened a bit better & who attended. Phhhhhbt, no matter- You can’t stop what is meant to be seen & soon Jurassic Punk will be available on Apple December 15th. Poppy, Arrow, Ginger & I can’t wait! Popcorn, snuggle blankets - we can't wait for this movie night. At first, I said I wasn't going to watch it, because I already felt angry for what happened to Steve & with animation, I understand the blood sweat & tears that went into Steves profession & accomplishments - let alone, the bullshit. It is a difficult situation to try to understand and more so when you know the person that lived through it. I think it was a devastating time, understandably, still the proof of what he accomplished before, during & after - is proof in itself of incredible talent & tenacity. It has opened my eyes & mind to a new level about this shitty industry that uses & abuses those in the background while a select few reap literal millions, I for one am thrilled Steve did not fit in, did not follow the crowd & spoke up & out against ‘the system’. For a while, I thought to become an animator would have been the ‘dream’ - yet for some it becomes a nightmare of constant stress with little appreciation. What happened to Steve was just plain mean. Because of his bravery (you have to be brave to share like he has, how it effected his life on several levels -I don’t know that I could) many will see & understand what it’s really like in ‘Hollywood’ & hopefully it will help change for all those behind the scenes who are rarely acknowledged for the talent they have contributed to create these Block Busters'. Oh, Steve also did the BlockBuster commercials with the rabbits & rascals. I can't even fathom all that he has created & the time it took. You can learn more about Steve in Disneys Light & Magic (episode 5 & 6) you’ll get a hint of what’s to come in Jurassic Punk. I’m actually really grateful because of the timing… it’s not been an easy last year for a few reasons, a few close friends dying, Bow going missing, Scruffy passing, covid bullshit… Steve has been a much appreciate distraction & friend, who happens to speaks ‘Bugs bunny’ - what bonus!! Time to get back to birdhouses! With a little Porky pig in between - you’ll see him Saturday. Howling at the moon!
Ooooooooooo! Tis bird house season - winter is on the way & the birds need a place to sleep - how about amongst the Stars & Northern lights - perfect place for a passerine. My friend Tom called & asked if I wanted to design another bird house, which he sells & the proceeds go to charities in the area - Tom decides. Absolutely! After some thought - a winter house with a wolf (I hear the wolves often, howling & there is a wolf sanctuary close by I’ve not visited yet), surrounded by stars, a moon & northern lights for a pop of colour! We only make 10 & these bird houses sell quickly. I believe it will take me about 3 days & will then deliver to my friend Tom. Created to create, Tom builds them, Norm adds my design and gives them back to paint (thanks for the assistance), I paint the first to decide the look I want & then paint the rest - one step at a time to avoid confusion & make sure they all get the loving attention they deserve. I hope they all find nice homes & become nice homes. Giving the money from these creations to charity, those in need is the added bonus & makes it a joy to be able to contribute -I’m thrilled Tom asked me again. Time to get painting & get busy. Tom won't have these houses until the weekend but if you want to call him & reserve one - his number is 705 286 4168. Have a productive day, what ever you do. Below a few photos of the process. Robert McKimson director 1949 film "A Ham in a Role" wherein the dog's efforts to become a Shakespearean actor are foiled by the rambunctious rodents. Slap stick comedy is pushed to the limit in this one but it is very amusing, all about timing for the dog, who is in Mac & Tosh - Gophers 'space'. Remember these two? You probably do, from a more popular cartoon -the one in the vegetable factory.. These two are the best of friends, with the sweetest accent & ever so polite .
It was Hallloween day when I was reminded of this cartoon, I didn't want to rush it - instead I've added it to the Warner brother cartoon collection, this pair likes to laugh & when they stroll it's usually hand in hand with a look of admiration for each other - as they do. One of the sweetest duo ever created. Unless you are a diehard fan, I don't think you'd be able to guess the back side image from these tiny dancing bones, which is part of the enjoyment for me. One space to be filled & my nine cartoon display will be complete! I think I'll do another 9 next, all different cartoon favourites, you know Scobby will be in the set! Created to create & joyful to do so. This Monkey is on a big burlap bag painted in acrylic. Plastic bags are no longer encouraged but you can still buy some for .35 cents! (a plastic bag) if you need them.. 35 a bag- forget it - bring your own. Better yet -create your own. By now everyone knows how to recycle an old T shirt into a big with no sewing.. if not - google.
I'm o.k. with reusable bags but I wonder - is the damage already done and for individuals trying to make a difference- I wonder what rules apply to companies regarding -one time plastic. Have you seen the crates covered in Saran Wrap, which makes them easier to ship? Have you seen the solution created from plastic bottles - still being produced by the millions, I think a documentary (Netflix) stated we could easily reach the moon & back if we lined up all the plastic bottles. I have used reusable bags for a while now - mostly, they are stronger , we've all had the experience of a cheap plastic bag breaking. The first monkey was sad looking - I guess I was pondering plastic too much, Storm remarked on his sad appearance so I made him - happy? O.k. perhaps not "happy" but slightly more cheerful, as he soaks in a pool with mushrooms rising beside him, mushroom clouds. Either way - it's a new big bold bag, I won't forget & why not... there was no plan -I just painted to create & this little chimp made himself known. What will you create today to save the planet? hee hee - it's good to have goals. A photo of my chicken sitting on an egg gave me and idea for a painting...
That painting, later while in bed, became a sketch of a craft idea, I keep a notepad beside my bed for such inspirations. The next morning, the sketch became reality once drawn on wood, followed by a quick visit to the shop' with some simple instruction & measurements. Back on my desk a couple of hours later for paint & now... a new 'egg holder' hangs in the kitchen. Reminding us to give thanks for each egg. Created to create. Give Thanks - Love Thy Hens. Reading
What a lovely fall we are having here in Ontario! Chilly in the morning & evenings - great for sleeping & snuggling; hot & sunny T shirt weather during the day - yay! Great weather for painting & reading.. two of my favourite pastimes. Currently I’m reading: Woman Watching. A terrific book about a very impressive woman - living in the Canadian wilderness, in a cabin in the the woods - watching & documenting (no easy task) birds. Louise de Kiriline Lawrence has a fascinating journey from Russia to Canada - looking after Canadas Quints (remember them?) & leaving her position because she was disgusted at how the quints were being ‘marketed’ & kept from their own parents. Louise was no stranger to hard times or hard work & made a sizeable impact on our knowledge of birds in Canada. I watch the birds with a new respect, appreciating each grosbeak & bluejay, chickadee & nuthatch with new curiosity. Her thoughts of life itself & her reasoning on choices she made were also insightful. I read it at the perfect time - with birds migrating, the feeder has been very active and there are days I can’t even count the different birds as they are non stop. Learning about catching & banding birds and ‘how that works’, this woman had incredible patience & perseverance. I won’t be catching or banding (you need a permit), I’ll just be enjoying ‘birdy antics’ -inside & out. Today a painting of backyard birds is on the agenda. If you love birds and adventure, check out this woman journey. It’s a fabulous day for ball kicking, bird watching & painting. I painted it gold... my favourite Buddha. A gift from a young friend, gone almost 10 years but still brings me to tears.
Do we ever heal? Grateful for the introduction even with the heartache that takes over from time to time... years later. Give thanks for every day - too many little ones never get to experience adult life. Be here Now. Time to paint. Sweet Cheeks!! Say hello to my little friend! I have missed my last bird & thought of him often, such a sweet little creature - big on love & brains, since I’m not getting another cat (still miss Bow) I decided I was getting a budgie. On the way to pick a bird I was contemplating- should I get a purple budgie? No, maybe blue… or green! Then I arrived at the store & noticed this white budgie & the other birds were keeping their distance or nipping at it s0, I decided on the albino budgie - all white. I’m not positive if Sweet Cheeks is male or female because it’s still very young. I’m guessing male, he looks at me with love in his eyes - hahaha. Did you know that sometimes budgies can be 1/2 blue & 1/2 yellow, albino are more rare, Sweet cheeks reminds me of a little dove. I named him sweet cheeks because he does have the tiniest bit of colour on his cheeks - and he's SWEET! I can already tell what an intelligent tiny being Sweet Cheeks is - he never takes his eyes off of me & makes eye contact. The first few days I was concerned as he wasn’t eating but he’s come around. I plan on training him, to give me kisses, lol. Sweet cheeks will fly free like my last bird. He is already spoiled, I spent last night designing his play area to sit on top of his cage. Sweet Cheeks already sits on my hand as I whisper sweet nothings in his ears. He will be loved like the rest of the furry/feathered family. I don’t like clipping wings- birds are meant to fly, with care & education (including the dogs) he will roam the home when I can’t be around to watch. There are all kinds of bird care videos on YouTube, there are even videos that encourage your bird to sing and Sweet Cheeks pipes right up at playing it! I know birds can be amazing, tiny interactive pets - I will love him and not hug him and call him Sweet Cheeks - hee hee and teach him to give & get kisses. Lot’s of budgie portraits on the way. Look how smart & affectionate he is! Happy November - a great time to train a bird. |