Fallen Leaves

Finished!  I hope this reminds you of the beautiful autumn colours wherever you are.  I've also added a watercolour I did several years back of the leaves and berries of a Cranberry bush I found at the Forestry Farm.

Fallen Leaves - Watercolour 12 x 17" 

Daydreams - Watercolour 17 x 12" - Sold

Fallen Leaves: progression

Each day a little more gets done on "Fallen Leaves" but with this type of painting I need to take breaks.  Last week I purchased a number of cd's at a book sale so I have been checking them out as I've been working - seeing if they are 'conducive' to such detailed painting.  Classics for Relaxation and Meditation, CHANT by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De silos have 'passed the test' and I will listen to them often.

But my favourite so far is one I picked up at the local Book Store using a birthday gift certificate, which somehow makes it a bit more special.  The 2014 recording by VOCES8 titled, 'Eventide' - "the magical space between day and night.  Eight perfectly blended voices, embraced by ethereal instruments, make music to beguile, inspire and soothe." It includes such beautiful pieces as the Seal Lullaby, Underneath the Stars, Corpus christi Carol, Benedictus, Ave Maria, and my all time favourite, O magnum mysterium by Morten Lauridsen. 

Since I prefer absolute silence while painting this, having a cd on, is new for me and I am finding that it is okay.  When the music stops I actually consider taking a much needed stretch break. I need more of those breaks to release the tension which develops in my arm, shoulder and neck.  When I paint with acrylics I seem to use different muscles somehow... perhaps a different type of music will be needed then.

"Fallen Leaves" - progression so far...  next the finished painting!

Fallen Leaves

Yesterday I began a new painting!

My two favourite seasons are spring and autumn.  I love seeing new life poking through the last mounds of snow in the spring and in autumn I am fascinated by plants as they let go of their visible life and make way for the long winter rest.

I came across some fallen leaves on the path under our oak tree and was amazed at the clarity and colour - I am also amazed at the pictures my iPad takes!  They are so clear and vivid.  After several days of pondering I decided to paint the leaves in watercolour.  First, I set up on excel the size I want the final painting to be, then I print it.  I also make a smaller print because it is usually just a tad more colourful than the large printing. As I paint I refer to both.  Then it is time to begin the slow transfer using carbon paper on to the watercolour paper.  While tedious it is necessary - and if I did not do it this way it would take me hours longer to draw out and transfer.  For many years artists have projected images on to paper then traced them.  This is the hidden, necessary structure behind the final painting.  Taking the photo is the inspiration:)

Then begins the slow meditative push and pull of water and paint, the adjustments of colour.  Where to begin is usually a conundrum. This time I turned the picture around and began at the top.  Then there is the wondering if I will actually be able to put together a harmonious blending of colours, if I will lose the light/white places which are essential in watercolours.  Now, after two days of work I am at the stage where I am liking what I see and want to proceed.

I know there are many hours before this painting is finished but I thought I'd share its beginnings as a way of reminding us all to appreciate the beauty of autumn's endings.

Roses

Just finished a small study of peachy-yellow roses.  Approximately 8 x 10" and done in watercolour.

It took some time but the much larger "White Roses" painting sold at the gallery this last month.  I think roses and peonies are the most interesting flowers to paint.

One more set of rapids....

Well I think I've finished with rapids for now!!  Here is the second painting... not sure I like how it turned out but I'm tired of it for the moment so any changes may need to wait for awhile:)

Rapids.2  [30" x 40" acrylic]

It's been a long time!

Summer weekends when I was growing up often found our family packing the car, loading up the trailer, and travelling north to the lake country.  We had our favourite lakes but they all had a smell and freshness along with a beauty which stays with you.

"Many years ago" I actually spent time canoeing the Churchill River system and even swam Otter Rapids.  A recent request for a painting of one of the many rapids in the system reminded me of my "yesterdays" and gave me a longing to travel north - must write that into next summer's agenda!!

Here is the painting - a compilation of a number of views so it could likely be one of many different rapids.  I actually enjoyed doing it and was pleased that I did not need to fight with the acrylics as is often my habit...  maybe I am settling into using them - finally.

Rapids.1   [30" x 40" acrylic]

Big Sky Artists at Cowan Lake

Ten of us traveled north to Cowan Lake for several days in the forest and by the lake.  What a refreshing break in the midst of colder weather which was threatening an early fall.  But we have had a reprieve and I'm so thankful for the sunshine and warmth this week.

A few photos from the trip: