Clowning around! 8 x 8 gouache on black
Blue background or not! ...Not - but it's too late now. I'm enjoying exploring my glitter paint - and it takes practice like anything to master - I will preserve. The site I purchased the paint from has tutorials - mostly including betta Fish -which I'll attempt but first I just wanted to play. Sometimes I paint the background and think: I should have left it as is. New material/supplies are like fuel for creativity! In this case new paint but it can be anything.. usually I'm just restocking my paint but every now & then I'll try something new. I have clay I purchased but still not prepared to open, I have to make sure it's a day when my hands are feeling fantastic (fantastic is pushing it but you know what I mean). The Clown Fish below has a lot of metallic paint but you hardly notice, no matter as it will make the art all the more enjoyable to be seen in person. Today, I celebrated another year - here on this planet. What an incredible 60 years it's been. The lessons I've learned - we've all learned, give thanks for every one! I've lost enough people in my life to understand how easily one day can change everything - so be grateful for each human, especially those who continue to grace us with their presence decade after decade - I know a few! Thank YOU! My son took me on an adventure - a day out to explore, eat - pick up some art supplies and just wander, we had several laughs and it was an enjoyable day all around... until I got home & the girls let me know they missed me & clung to my side all evening. 60 & my strongest relationship is with God & Jesus! YAY! I communicate with God daily & give thanks constantly, without even thinking about it.. it comes naturally - as it should. I couldn't think of anywhere else (at this point in my life) that I'd rather be mentally, emotionally, spiritually ... so I guess it's all going according to Gods plan. What's in my future? What ever I want! All things are possible with God- took me 60 years to KNOW this. Storm asked if I had any new goals' as a matter of fact I do: To serve, to be who God expects me to be, to actively seek joy in all & appreciate it daily, to paint more & share & continue to inspire others to be creative. To let others know I think of them and appreciate them & am blessed for them in my/our lives. To not worry about tomorrow but focus on the gift of TODAY. Other than that - it's just another day, marking another year & I'm happy to still be here'. Give thanks for every day. Next Oh Canada or: Hahaha-waaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Bear adventures.. here's a few I was playing with, above Blue spores for a blue bear... Psilocybin help with depression research shows, pay attention - it will become more prevalent in the months to come! A safer alternative then many anti-depressants without the harmful side effects. I like the all blue bear, he's inspired another painting idea - for another day!
I'm not sharing everything on social media simply because I don't feel like it, some days I appreciate the break from the mega distraction called Instagram. I don't know how people do it - those who have Facebook, Instagram & TicToc... must not have much time for actual life. I tell myself - I'll just go check things out and easily an hour passes - seeming like minutes, time I could be creating. Below is a painting I started and disliked, I finished it anyway -it will help the next time I attempt the same idea -IF. I wasn't pleased with the direction it was going but like the concept'. Even (mostly) our mistakes teach us the fastest -what not to do again. I was impatient - more layering was needed. & below that- the stumps bear - I also became bored with, I like the pose but the rest was lacking. Or maybe I just didn't want to paint. It was also on my desk when my cat spilled water, you can notice near the face where it started to bleed'... some paintings like those two (not blue bear) ended up as kindling. The important lesson to myself - is every painting is a lesson- what to do, not to do. The more you practice -the more you learn! The next will absolutely be better - as we should be every day. It's to be a balmy 14 today... I can't wait for the snow to melt off the deck! The dogs- excited as I am can smell the spring getting ready to spring! Created to create. Let it Be. acrylic on Canvas. 18 x 24
My fat cat is complete and working terrific. Let it Be' can be interpreted several ways... Let it Be = Leave the Cheezies alone, just because they are there, does not mean they must all be consumed right away. Let it Be= Enjoy the cheezies, it's not the end of the world (yet-teehee) they're just cheezies Let it Be= It is what it is... let it Be and focus on other things - distract yourself from over indulgence. Let it Be - Fat cat - love me for every ounce. Let it Be... Let it be enjoyable & paint that ever you want! Enjoy the process, the creativity & have fun, show yourself love - make yourself smile. He' Big, bold, orange and looking at me. I'm Chezied out - 3 bags later - one full to study (not full. for long) one open to study cheezies & one to sample while painting to keep the motivation lol. I'm good for a while - that being said They have a terrific 'shelf' life, I'll get some and put them away for a rainy day. My own cat - eats everything! Here are a few items he has tried and appears to enjoy: Sardines, tuna, hamburger, fried eggs, banana, go treats (all of them) pizza, pasta, steak (of course), bacon, ramen noodles (beef flavour), sausages, mandarine oranges, cream, ice cream, whipping cream... and steadily growing -the cat & the list. He's pretty active and will be even more in the summer so I'm not concerned about obesity, unlike Ginger. Ginger just looks at food and gains weight, poor girl -it will be lifelong struggle & because I'd like her to have a long life- I'm not stopping diet. She eats what they all eat, just less - more veggies in Gingers portion. Im not too happy with my cat, he gets on my desk in the middle of the night and steals my water dripper (for gouache) and destroys them, he also leaves a trail of pawprints- this time blue. When I remember to cover my desk with tinfoil, he avoids so it's now more about me making it a habit. Time to paint - what's on the desk , a gift. It's the weekend, a break from posting and focus on painting, I want to paint dogs, a whole tiny book about all the dogs we've had bless our journey, many breeds and personalities, lots of tiny paintings.. Created to Create I had company this morning, while still in my PJ's - before 8:30a.m.! Have you ever held a woodpecker? I have!
Took me 60 years, lol but I can cross it off the bucket list. A Friday Morning Miracle - a hello from nature and all things wild. I heard a thunk' and saw this little guy sitting on the deck... I went out and he looked up at me as to say 'OUCH'. I was concerned because one wing was also open so I hope didn't break a wing. He let me pick him up and snuggle, speaking softly and petting his tiny head he was very relaxed... we just chilled a few moments - I took him back outside and he flew off. YAY! I've held a few wild birds in my lifetime but this was the first woodpecker! I couldn't get good photos as it's more important not to startle my tiny feathered friend but I managed a film and took a couple of stills from it, he was not huge, just a baby woodpecker I think. It absolutely is a miracle - how many people do you know, held a woodpecker this morning? I always see them as the blessings they are meant to be. Ah, hard to top that today. lol. My canvas is coming along.. lots of detail, perhaps I'll finish it today -maybe tomorrow. Expect Miracles! See all the miracles around us - look in the mirror and SEE Gods greatest creation - you, me. I could feel this little bird felt safe, he knew I was not going to hurt him, we had a moment and exchanged curiosity and love for each other -I hope. I might be that birds ONLY human contact ever! I'm glad it was a pleasant experience for us both. I wonder what he's telling the others. I already see him at the woodpecker feeder, I'm not sure what distracted him earlier to hit the glass - maybe it was the bluejays feeding... I'm grateful he is o.k & for the experience. Tomorrow is The Chinese New Year! I have a painting - of course, the sign this year is MY sign! Only happens every 60 years and I'll be 60, next month - Of course it's going to be a fantastic year- I already held a woodpecker! Created to create Smokey Bear ‘Only You.’ Part two. Acrylic on wood 9.5
This piece is officially titled: Only You. When researching vintage smokey I noticed many had Smokey with cubs or baby deer, small animals (usually babies) & fire filled skies with orange and yellow lighting in the background. Too often we worry about human life & not animals, but all Gods creatures deserve consideration. It’s not the animals starting forest fires, usually simple carelessness from inconsiderate humans start them. Smokey Bear has a powerful message to share, a reminder for all: the forest if full! Home to many animals, birds & insects. Trees are proven to communicate with each other… do they scream to each other during a fire? Forest bathing, walking in the woods… watching the lite glisten through the leaves, exploring for fungi, seeing all sorts of creatures on the trail cameras - I feel blessed to be here. Blessed with every changing season I’m still around to see… Gods gift to us all. It was alone in the wilderness, Jesus knew. I’m always asked when others are going shopping - do you want anything? My reply is usually: No. I need nothing. Our past house had a Walmart built within walking distance & we always were getting stuff, most not needed’, stuff. I was forever arguing with Norm who felt it necessary to go almost daily, spending money we did not have on crap we did not need. Note - we also ate less healthy then we do now, easier access to junk & junk food, can be problem. Living in the forest, we are taught by nature what one truly needs: to become more self sufficient, to be aware of our surroundings, to be in AWE of Gods creation & every detail… which can all go up with one match tossed on pine needle trail or campfire carelessly left smouldering. I understand & appreciate fire bans when the forest is too dry. Firefighters are heroes, forest rangers too. My tribute to Smokey Bear is done.. for now. Painting fire with all this snow was a challenge to the mind, I have one more image on the desk. First I’ll add another log to the fire on this chilly morning & thank the dead tree for keeping me & the girls warm. Give thanks - everyday for everything. Canada (the world) needs MORE water bombing planes, not people bombing. There’s a message for Smokey. Created to create. Time to break out the nostalgia red nosed reindeer, hohoho. It makes me get in the Christmas mood, painting things of days gone bye. Holly, bells & a nose shining bright!
I am not fond of this painting - it happens. First, it took way to long. I was distracted and had a few other things that needed to be done so it was painted over 3 days -in 3 different moods. It started realistic and turned "toon" perhaps because I'm listening to Charles Schulz autobiographical audio book - amazing tale of rags to riches and the cartoon business. It's got me wanting to paint Peanuts for Christmas - soon. It's also given me an idea for a side project that will be joyful. The face of the deer was painted at least 3 times and I finally said - enough - move 0n! All the glitter paint does give it a Christmas feel so it will become a card for someone next week. I did accomplish getting it out of my head and on to paper and did not give up on it, all is good. Every painting is a lesson. Storm & I attended a Christmas dinner at The Dominion in Minden, it was a wonderful (yet short) evening. It was a group setting/function and we were in, ate and out- as they had a second sitting, the short time we had was enjoyable albeit, a little more leisure time to enjoy each others company' would be appreciated. Tis the season I guess, gotta make $. I get it. The food was as a Christmas meal should be - comforting & tasty! Dining out with Storm is always a pleasure... I know a few friends who don't see their sons often enough, I'm grateful for his company I was impressed most with the serving staff- 2 women who worked their butts off, had us all served and fed and out of there in record time. Tis the season for celebration & RIDE. Please don't drink & drive, think of yourself, your family and innocent others on the road. This applies to UTVs and snowmobiles... how heart breaking every year to read of such accidents involving alcohol and love ones lost due to over indulgence. I'm focusing on the KING of Christmas as it states in the Aurora sky above - Praise Jesus! Jesus is the reason for the season and every day in between. Created to create - get busy. Comfort food time as I look at all the snow... this morning I baked a cake that sounded like nothing I've made before & oh my goodness - it's an immediate new favourite. So good, I decided to share it NOW. I have to tell myself- no more.
I could easily go for another piece, or two maybe even 3. The recipe is from the Church cookbook, you can't beat church cookbooks -as most are dishes that are well loved comfort food specials, and Canadian to boot -eh! This recipe was so tasty, I'll thank the contributor the next time I'm at church. Tomorrow is not promised - have cake. My friend who I spoke of a few days ago has passed. He suffered quite a bit the past few weeks so I was grateful his suffering is over. Are you still here? Relatively healthy? Did you wake today to celebrate another day? Here to bake a cake? Give thanks. Doesn't that look like a painting!? It will be soon - Icicles! Our first major snow has arrived in all its chilly elegance.
Most of it while dark - every time we turned on the outdoor lights there was more. How magnificent is Gods canvas! To add to this snow show the moon was bright last night - so much so things were casting shadows at 2 a.m. I had to get up and take some photos. Arrow thought we were going on an adventure, had I been prepared with boots & such we just might have. It's here to stay for the season. Just weeks ago we were sunning ourselves. How does one not see such 'events' as miracles? Below are a few photos of the last 24 hours - Our Winter Wonderland is here! The dogs (big dogs) love it - Poppy & Ginger not so much , lol. they can only walk on the cleared driveway, snow is too deep for such tiny legs. I've got to take more icicle photos and then - knock them off, specifically over the door entrance as I don't want them coming down on the dogs when going out or waiting to come in. This afternoon we'll go out and take more photos form painting reference. Winter has arrived - give thanks! I'm also thankful Norm loves to shovel snow. lol What a splendid day to paint more Christmas Cards! Created to create. Where paths cross. This is my driveway, I walked up with the dogs the other day to see a deer grazing. I saw the deer then turned so the dogs did not chase after it. Did you know female deer can have antlers? It's deer hunting season, I make sure the dogs are in dusk & dawn to make sure they don't case deer who are already 'skittish'.
The day we signed papers on this place a deer appeared at the end of the driveway to welcome me, since then I've seen a few on the property, mostly on trail cameras and on the driveway. I feel blessed with every witness of these creatures. There's someone complaining in the paper lately about 'feeding the deer', as it causes problems for them - the deer eat their landscaping... forgetting - we are the problem, living in their home. I researched what plants to plant that deer are not fond of, rock placement.. dogs. there all sorts of deer deterrent. Some people who move up here from the city, complain about the deer, not realizing how much wildlife contributes to the community and being a tourist' area - tourism. I love seeing deer on peoples lawns and in the woods. Deer is also food for many, & with rising food prices, I bet a lot more wish they had deer in their yards'. If from the city and you don't like the deer - perhaps you prefer city life, they were here before us. I like the deer, I'm pleased to see & read when people feed the deer. With what's happening around the world - it's preposterous anyone even thinks to complain about deer eating plants. They also addressed deer ticks - which is laughable as deer ticks are also squirrel, chipmunk, beaver, fisher, moose, owl... ticks. Rats with ticks are a bigger problem than deer with ticks. Read about New Yorks current problem with rats taking over.. much more serious than deer munching on plants. Ticks too are a part of wildlife, omitting deer will not omit the tick. Deer causing car accidents is always addressed.. I'm not sure what to say, perhaps take caution when driving. The deer is not crossing the road as much as the road is crossing the forest. I knew of someone who's mom died from a deer hitting their vehicle that was in Georgina.. what are the odds? Is the answer to remove all deer? I'm grateful for each tree, every deer and every path - All paths lead to Jesus. It is on a path surrounded by forest, deer, bear, birds that I feel closest to Jesus. That being said - it is deer hunting season and I'll avoid the woods for a few. I wrote the other day - knowledge is power.. but it's not - Wisdom is power, knowledge isn't much if you don't know what to do with it. How we use what we know, is wisdom. I'm wise enough to understand the deer are here where they belong, instead of cursing them and wanting to eliminate them, we should give thanks we are still blessed and surrounded by Gods creations. Psalm 42:1 1As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. created to create Hello Honey! 8 x 8 gouache on black
This bear was painted using a 9flat wide brush, with the exception of a tiny liner for the sun details on the fur and a few leaves, most leaves are also the flat brush held on it's side, great for bunches of leaves! I find it amusing, I tried to record it to show the process and did so on slow motion. Once the camera is set up, I forget about it, that's how it should be.. focusing on the art being created - creating, is what's important. While trying to take a photo my son was in the room and did son stuff,' that he's been doing 30 years and it made me laugh, he stuck his hand infront of my camera. Sons.. intentionally annoying moms since the beginning of time. lol I enjoy it, it keeps life normal. Storm took me to dinner this past weekend - twice! The first time because we were ready but reservations were cancelled due to road issues, so we had to go to a different restaurant. Rhubarb, just around the corner. The food and service was delicious as always. It did seem a little crowded though, I think it was just our table placement, luckily it didn't effect the food or company. The next night we went to a new place Heathers Lodge & it was a wonderful evening and what a view! The timing was perfect on the drive there the sunset was brilliant and we arrived just in time to watch it disappear with a stunning reflection on the lake. Each dish was a delight - since they had to cancel the reservation from the evening before we were also treated to complimentary drinks and chocolates. It's a clever menu they have, coming from someone who helped run a restaurant. It must save on time, preparation, service and $. You can also stay overnight (no kids) "Adult Lodge' & it's looks very comfortable, I was told it's booked solid, all summer - no doubts. Today, 'we' attended mass via zoom! My first zoom experience and I so happy I tuned in, it was nice to see everyone and it made me want to be there in person, the service was about Remembrance day, starting with one of my favourite parishioners reading: In Flanders Field, a perfect 'first zoom' experience. The dogs tried to distract but then settled down. My remembrance day art is already complete, since we're hearing about 'war daily and more lives lost daily, it's been on my mind. How anyone can choose a side ' when death, destruction, suffering is 'equal' on both sides, is beyond me. WWJD? Enjoy today - tomorrow is not promised. , Got Smores? 8 x 8 gouache on black
This Bear has the expression as if I've caught him off guard, roasting marshmallows, the metallic embers lifting into the sky (you can't see them here) on a beautiful summers night. I love the light of fire, candles an campfires, there's nothing like the warm glow & feeling of the wood stove when you come in from the cold. Campfires especially are mesmerizing as they hi light the trees and rocks closest to us... This bears fur is shimmering with gold to reflect the fire. ...For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness. Not summer, snow on the ground, it's snowed twice already... it will melt. Yesterdays bear (you'll see her next) I remembered to record but did so on slow motion - so NO bear video. Too bad as I painted 90% of it with a wide flat brush to show you the difference. I'll just have to do it again. I was trying to think of famous bears - can you think of any? Please, let me know. Theres Yogi Bear & Booboo, Smokey The Bear, Baloo (Jungle book bear) and the 3 bears... that's all I can think of, there's got to me more. Oh and Pooh Bear of course... Paddington Bear too. Can you guess when I'm using sad bear? We will have a few more outdoor fires, as long as the fire pit doesn't get covered in snow. Tis the Season! Clocks go back this weekend, I tell you having chickens proves how time/light effects us. They went from an egg a day - to none, maybe one a week... so imagine how the time change messes with our human internal clocks. We are giving the chickens a rest but will soon turn the lights on at 6 & off naturally , to try to get some consistent egg laying, at least for weekly baking. I understand why people kill their chickens in the fall for stewing, and save eggs in water, it's less work in the winter, for birds not producing. No chickens will be killed for stew... this year. It's all lessons in life. Ducks still like to venture outside for a stroll but the chickens prefer the warmth of the coop. Time to get cracking with painting lessons & painting. Have a creative day! Heaven on Earth. gouache on watercolour sketchbook 2 page spread
This painting started with a sketch from the day, done late at night in pen while in bed, messy and quick it captured the peaceful mood of the moment. It's now my favourite, simply because it's a memory captured in paint of me & my girls. Luckily, this sketchbook I just discovered, fits on my scanner -just. This is heaven on earth, for us. I captured all the girls in their moods, Poppy forever by my side. Arrow close by always on the lookout & Ginger eating bugs or chasing butterflies. I did note -in the sketch I was wearing P.J.'s - as I was in the woods - lol, an advantage to have a private forest on the property, in the painting I put on normal clothing. Maybe I'll go back and correct it, maybe. Daisy, I have sleeping on my leg - earlier in the day I was NOT pleased with this sneaky girl... we went for a short walk but I noticed she seemed preoccupied, on the walk back she ran ahead instead of playing ball. When I turned to go to the deck I saw her already there - with my last moon cake in her mouth! Arrrrgh! I was saving to savour with a fresh cup of coffee on he sunshine filled deck, she beat me to it. She NEVER takes food of the coffee table - they know this is a 'No-No'. I guess the temptation of moon cake was too much to resist. When I saw her I yelled "DAISY!!!" & she spit out the mooncake... lol. Now covered in dirt and slobber, I decided to let her enjoy it and said 'O.k.', she quickly grabbed it and went to lay in the grass to finish. Daisy is our oldest girl, a very good dog so - I let it slide. She is also very vocal, I tell her 'no barking' but then look at her grey whiskers and remember: she won't be with us forever & she likes to talk'... so I let her talk (a bit). It was enjoyable to paint, occasionally glancing out my studio window and noticed overnight the leaves have changed, now there's several patches of yellow, it's raining and leaves are starting to fall. This makes me savour summer more than mooncake, heeheehee. I often paint from sketches that I enjoy, they are the seeds planted in my mind. Below is the sketch, scribbled in pen, I think I did a pretty good reenactment. I have a journal sketchbook, instead of words I draw things on my mind or events of the day, it's easier than words & a lot more freeing and fun. Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the Universe - creator of trees & dogs! Give thanks! 2 of the greatest creations, hug a tree and your dogs, you'll feel better... you'll feel peace. Created to create Path to peace. gouache in sketchbook
This is the path to peace... before the leaves fall I've been taking photos with the sun shining through the leaves, to take me painting through the winter. It's a wonderful time to walk the path as well as the mosquitos are almost gone! The pine needles are so soft under foot, if you look closely you'll find mushrooms all over now. Yesterday we found some pinecones full of tiny mushrooms! That will be both a challenge & joy to paint. Painting is absolutely the path to peace. It's why I try to encourage others to paint. Reading comes second. Sitting and just looking at nature with the dogs is the ultimate peace recipe as well. All 'luxuries', I know & am thankful to God, for them. I am thankful for: The smell of pine in the morning. Bluejays on the deck asking for breakfast. Wood for the wood stove to take the chill off, on these chilly mornings. Norm & Storm who replenish the wood supply every summer. Countless shades of green -turning yellow, orange, red and brown. Dogs - always ready for an adventure. Paint. We watched a movie about a small village that tries to make it 'perfect' so a Dr. will stay. They do this countless ways, one is putting money where the Dr. will walk so he thinks he's extra lucky. It reminded me of the day we drove up to sign papers for this house. We signed then drove over to take measurements (we had Poppy & Ginger with us).. while Norm was measuring I decided to walk up the driveway and was greeted with a doe - not 3 feet from me, eye to eye! She, looking at me as to say: "Hello!" The dogs were in shock & silent (amazing), they must have though: what the heck is that!? It was the closest I've ever come to a wild deer & an encounter I won't forget, talk about a perfect 'sign'. Not a day has gone by that I have not thanked God, God put me/us here. I knew it the first time I stepped out of the vehicle. It has not been 'prefect', there's been a few struggles, such is life - it's the struggles that make the Peace appreciated. Yesterday, a humming bird (a straggler -as I'm sure most have departed) was flying outside, I was watching him buzz around the gazebo - then it flew right over & got up close and stared at me through my studio window. 2 inches from the glass - it stayed. It was really intense, it was surreal how long it hovered & lingered- with direct eye contact. How did it even know I was there? I believe it was a goodbye glance; thanks for the food and see you in May. For me, not to say Thank you God, every day (a few times a day), would be a sin on my part. If the only prayer you ever say is Thank you - it would be enough. Thank you, for taking the time to read & check out my painting passion. Alice inspired art on the desk today... time to get to it! Holy Heatwave Batman!
Leave it until the end of summer for a heatwave! It’s so hot after stepping outside I was covered in sweat after only 5 minutes, it had me wondering how people survive it down south -I forget where this summer but I was reading one place in the USA had a record of 20 consecutive days over 40 yikes. Storms said it’s the humidity here 0that makes feel so “heavy”. Painting is tricky too- gouache (any paint) dries very quickly so painting outside it not an option… I sketch outside - paint inside. Still -thankfully it’s cool inside (we don’t have air conditioning) it’s because the trees! The shade is so much cooler & thank God for trees -you know- those things Doug Ford is selling off. I’ve been painting things I can paint pretty quickly, in an hour or less. The bear above took a while longer. He’s on his own foray with a look that says- these Amanita belong to me. The mushrooms below are inspired by an online course I’m taking. I know how to paint but watching someone else can inspire new directions, each lesson I notice I end up giving my own Georgia touch’ - ‘tweak’. The course is by Ruth Wilshaw : https://www.ruthwilshaw.com. she has mastered gouache and I like her style, you can see many of her tutorials on YouTube for free but I took a course to see what it’s like & I’m pleased. There is no excuse for learning how to paint - I started with YouTube videos & Gouache is obviously my medium of choice. Watching and learning, I will use some ideas to transfer to my own creations. It’s to cool down tomorrow - it’s bitter sweet -as we know what’s on the way - snow… so get out your speedo and be sure to enjoy the last dog days of this glorious summer! The blackberries are also ripe - time for pie, jam and blackberry flakes'. Created to create Blue moon wolf. Keep going on the path. 8 x 8 gouache on watercolour.
I wanted to quit, as soon asI painted the base of the wolf. The best way to learn is with mistakes. You wonder a little longer after an unsuccessful 'lesson' (of al sorts) - where did I go wrong? I've wondered that too many times; the time is, now. So, I push through , learn I have to focus on the perspective of the snout next wolf attempt. Get better or become bitter. It was my own fault -I had started a deer I was excited about - thinking about a deer painting a wolf is not a great direction to start. Once finished I appreciate him & the moon - it was by the way - AWESOME - big bright, I actually squinted. Storm made a fire last night - so it was a wonderful start of star gazing before moons glowing. Not for another few years - 2037? Before it happens again. I'm glad I got us to see it, the glow was obvious but the moon - beautiful, stunning, masterpiece moon - created by the creator! I'm back at my deer painting but thinking about a Jesus painting -I'm inspired to do, lol. Oh, and it feels like the softer down, silk... I set them free -for the monarch of the future, Check out this seed pod below - isn't nature incredible - What do you see? Mind blowing.. 8 x 8 gouache on black
Watching happenings around the world right now is mind blowing... Conspiracy theories about Hawaii set a flame intentionally, to acquire much sought after land not previously available (owned by the native people who refused to sell for generations) who thinks it will be re built with luxury hotels? I do. The cost? Lives & suffering. I was reading an article about the fires across Canada shown on a map -then compared with the rest of the world... WTF EH!? Looks a little fishy, don't you think? Do you think? I know it's easier some days 'not to think, just be. Then I read Ottawa is giving (around -possibly more) $74 M to build a 'small modular nuclear reactor development in Saskatchewan. Minden had to shut down a much needed hospital, because of no funds. Imagine what $73M would do to benefit homeless & hungry Canadians (the numbers are growing) already stressing & struggling and worried about the anticipated heating bills as winter approaches. Is it any wonder tent cities are growing? Food banks are struggling? Imagine, IF that money was put to preventing & fighting forest fires, training firefighters.. or towards daycare or drug overdoes education. People can't find affordable' housing I was reading a semi detached townhome in Toronto is on average a million dollars. & I don't have to tell Canadian about the cost of groceries! 2 bags of chips (lays family size) is $10. Potato chips. I have never liked even the word Nuclear' -I guess because when we were kids we were taught to hide under our desks in the event of a 'nuclear attack' - LOL! Now being an adult & understanding the devastation that such an attack would cause -it is comical we were taught to hide under our desks. Have you watched 7 days -about the plant in Japan that was damaged from the tsunami? How it will take at least another 40 years to clean up - as the employees piss blood daily? Ottawa can appear to find money for 'specific things' when it wants to. It blows ones mind you think about it too long. If you'd rather not think about it, I get it, it's little overwhelming some days... take a break & have some fun: in the photo below are 5 frogs - can you find them? Have a creative day - God bless you and keep you safe for another days adventure! Praise Jesus! Pooh & Piglet (kinda) falling for you. 8 x 8 gouache on black Not yet... but, the leaves - they are a changing. "I sit beside the fire and think Of all that I have seen Of meadow flowers and butterflies In summers that have been Of yellow leaves and gossamer In autumns that there were With morning mist and silver sun And wind upon my hair." — J.R.R. Tolkien Ready for harvest. gouache on watercolour 8 x 12
Chilly mornings, drizzle... picking vegetables - it feels like fall. I was playing with 'fall leaves colours' but they are not bold enough - next time! Sitting, painting outside is such a pleasure -especially with fewer mosquitos, now that the cooler weather is here and they disappear -or are at least slower & easier to swat. This painting was inspired looking at my sunflower patch. I didn't grow any cannabis this year, simply because we forgot... if anything I miss nibbling on fresh peppery bud, perhaps next year. Many will be harvesting soon, medicine along with vegetables and herbs! I already have Yarrow bunches & oregano hanging in my studio to dry, it smells lovely in there. It's the time of year when you see the sunshine you try to get out & enjoy it, as we all know what's on the way - snow shovels! Mitts and hats... but for now - it's still t shirt weather as I pluck mega zucchini, cucumbers & hot peppers -kale too, I like kale as do the chickens. The sunflowers will be cut and hung to dry & then placed in the cook over the winter to give the ladies a treat. Happy last days of summer, enjoy them while we have them. It's raining, again... pouring. I'm not complaining, I love the rain even though it plays havoc with my arthritis, namely my hands... they just need a little more time to warm up before painting. I've been reading about rubbing actually chilly spice with olive oil on my hands - I'm going to try. I'm also going to try to take some in capsule form as I've been reading many say they notice a difference after a few days. I've been enjoying 'candied garlic'. Garlic that's been sitting in honey for a few month - when you feel a little run down or a cold possibly coming on it's recommended. I think it taste so good - I don't need an excuse.
With the rain comes mushrooms! Storm on a recent foray found both Chanterelle's & HedgeHog mushrooms (as shown above) both very fresh. I didn't have time to paint them as they both ended up in the pan pretty quickly, lol. Both very tasty! There's all sort of recipes from pasta, pickled mushrooms to soups but we like them simply fried in butter to experience the true taste. We then topped them on Pizzas - also made by Storm which were delicious. The absolute positive side of covid was everyone learned to cook from 'scratch' more! I don't really want any other pizza now that I know how tasty his pizza is. I'm grateful my son knows his mushrooms and grow us lions mane & oyster mushrooms - good for the brain and my favourite fried! In the spring we should have an abundance of Shitake he has prepared them in logs... its educational and enjoyable to see them start to grow. I also prefer them as much as meat. Grow your own food! Soon I'll be cooking zucchini in bread, fried and in stew, pasta too! We have an abundance this year. We also acquired a few new chicks - they are adorable running around the coop, as well as 4 ducklings but sadly a hawk got one the other day. The man at the feed store educated us a plastic owl probably won't work and suggested hanging CD which we have now, at least 10 are twirling in the coop. As time has passes, I've learned to not I get attached to any chickens -this way I avoid being heartbroken when something happens. Bird2' a.k.a cheeky f*cker as he is called is not like my last bird, he has attitude! Especially when I play music - if he does not like it, you know it. He prefers classical and is not a fan of The Smiths. He flies outside his cage now a couple of times a day but always returns and never lands anyplace but his cage. My last bird use to sit on my lamp above my desk, I still miss that tiny pecker. Isn't nature amazing? Time to paint: Let there be light! |