Wisteria (SOLD)

I want to paint another work of Wisteria.  I love that stuff.  My plan was to keep this one for myself but sold it. So, I will do another and  hang it away from view of the public. This was a large painting and think I will do another even larger. It lends itself to the use of big brushes.  I tend to get ahead of myself as I am working on another painting at the moment. I will not complain as it is better than painters block.  Had that once or twice and it makes me crazy...

Something to think about....(SOLD)

Spring Watercolour

How do we feel about bullying? Many of us have our experiences either being bullied or being the bully. I heard recently that Jamie Hubley took his life because of this terrible torment. Approximately 300 youths take their lives each year due to the thoughtlessness of their peers. 

I was bullied. For me to write this is difficult. I am a private person, or at least I rarely show my weaker side. It leaves you vulnerable. You learn this as you grow into adulthood. However, sometimes it is worth putting  out there. In this case, as I teach the young and impressionable, it is important that I do. 

If you have children, share this with them.  I am accomplished. I am happy. I am fortunate. I am hard working. I am caring. I am rewarded  each and every day by being able to  paint, laugh, and  be surrounded by people who love and care about me. 

Three girls bullied me. It went on for 3 years. It made me sick to my stomach to go to school. It made me terrified to go to certain classes. I said nothing. However, everyday, I told myself, before I stepped into each school hallway, each class, that I was worthwhile and better than they were. I learned something from them and that was that I never wanted to be like them. I would always try my best to be kind, caring, and empathetic. Teach your children well as the song says. If your child is a bully, examine yourself. Everything you do is a mirror to your children. 

A footnote: I found out years later when meeting up one night with one of the "bullies" what had happened to each of them.  One had dropped out of school , one had become drug dependant and the other no one knew where she was. The one I spoke with said that the reason they treated me that way was because they were jealous. I appreciated her honesty. My heart went out to them. So they really did teach me something.

Here's to Mothers....They produce art....

Paper whites My Mother Gave Me (SOLD) 

I have missed  something! What was I thinking? Do I have it all wrong? I think it is time to get "knocked up" to  really demonstrate a true art form. That's it, done. Giving birth on the floor of a gallery is the most original form of artistic expression I have heard yet. Yes, it's true. An artist is planning this exhibit in New York. I suppose purchasing tickets in advance for the event would be somewhat dicey. If you're there at the perfect moment you will  "luck in".  Depending on how long labour will be,  you had better bring some snacks, lunch or even dinner. Or perhaps you could just stay for the first stage of labour on your way to work and catch the finale on the way home.  She is very brave. If I decided to bring forth a life while visitors to the gallery watched, all I can say is they better duck. I would be throwing things at people and if  your children were there, you would have to cover their little ears as I would likely be screaming obscenities. If  I was on duty as a custodial engineer, I would call in sick that day.

The Subject of Dating..

Geraniums (Sold)

I was out last night and we started discussing dates that we had been on in the past. This topic can either be a yawner, or put you into fits of laughter. I have done everything from tripping in my stiletto's and virtually flying from one room to another (honestly, airborne)  to leaving  my date  by himself and having a glass of wine with the wait staff as he was so nasty to her.  If  it can happen, it has happened to me on a date. One that I remember fondly was a first date with a pilot. I must admit he was hot. If you guys out there, want to impress a girl, taking her flying is a sure way to do it.  ****(Note to guys : Do not attempt this if you do not have a pilots license) "Would you like to go flyng?" I said yes. As we sat at the airport, waiting for the booked plane, I was so busy gazing at him, that when I went to take a sip through the straws that were in my drink, they both went up my nose. OK, so I thought that was it. No one wants to "second date" a chick who is that spacially challenged.  I felt much better though as I watched him move his hands along the top of the table only to see his palms were sweating. ( Although, it doesn’t instill confidence in you when the pilot appears to be slightly nervous). I know it’s a huge no no, but a little " fake dog fighting" took place in the skies. If you have ever tipped in a plane,  you know that your nose may possibly run. Like I said, if it can happen, it will happen to me and it did. I guess in the end he must have found something endearing in all that mess, as we stayed together for a few years. So I learned that there is hope for the klutzy and spacially challenged after all! 

**** My Legal Disclaimer

A Sense of Humour...

"Hi Honey..How Was Your Day?" (Sold)

No matter how things are going, I seem to be able to laugh at least once a day at something.  Seriously, there really is a hell of a lot of humour in everything. This little "ditty" I did, when in one of those moods. Perhaps no self respecting artist would put this out there. I have a great deal of self respect but throw a bit of cheekiness in with that and sometimes this is what happens. No one should take themselves too seriously. This, as far as I know, is hanging in a divorce lawyers office in Newfoundland. I hope it cheers up his clients as they wait to fight out who gets what...... 

The Beach Fence (Sold)

There is nothing like fresh Mussels steamed at the beach. It is probably my most favourite thing to do.

I especially love it at this time of year. Grab a blanket, throw on a warm sweater, and collect some wood for a fire.  All you need is a big pot, some wine, stock and butter. Nothing fancy. It always tastes amazing, even with little to no ingredients.  That, with the company you are keeping, is heaven. Thanks for the Mussels...
OMG. Don't forget the lemon!

P.S  Someone left a scarf..I have it.  

Great Causes ( Large Iris- Donation)

OK. I hate to sound like a bleeding heart liberal (actually that's a lie, I am proud of it). I believe it is so important to support causes  locally, and globally. Last night I was chatting with a friend and business owner here in the community where I live. She has contributed in a wonderful way to a fundraiser here on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. It is an amazingly generous contribution. So many people and organizations need all the support they can get. So, huge applause to her, and all those that help to make our communities and world a better place.  

Sailboats in Two Colours (Sold)

I love colour. It seems to have become a trademark of mine. At least I have been told. I decided that I must challenge myself and do a painting where I used the least amount of pigments I dared.

It was painful. It was a scene from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as my hands fought to stay away from all those tubes of coloured paints.  

However, I did it.

"With every day, and from both sides of my intelligence, the moral and the intellectual, I thus drew steadily nearer to the truth, by whose partial discovery I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two."

- Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Chapter 10

Message to a Friend

It takes hard work to get where you are. It takes character to stay there.

I know this is not a painting. It should be though.  It is part of my life.  My hero, and darling,  Bedford  The "Old Yeller" Lab.  

Landscape

Sold

Sometimes I like to grab a brush and just experiment with colour. This is one of those. It doesn't matter the subject or how great the painting is.  It is not about individual colour, but how the colours relate to each other on the canvas.

Laundry in Clearland

(Sold)

The wonderful thing about living by the sea is that there is so much to paint. I drive along the seaside roads to do simple things like going to the market, picking up the mail, visiting friends, and  there is always some scene that captures my eye. I am impatient though. I want to jump out of the car and set up my canvas, easel and paints. Not always practical. However, I make a mental note and come back to paint it later. I gave this painting to my Father.  So glad I did. 

Oh No. Another one of my ideas....(SOLD)

 I have been mulling over coming up with a cookbook combining art and food. Two of my favourite things. I know I spend more time painting than cooking, however, as I have said before, I love food. You would think my obsession with both, would leave me fat and sloth like, but surprise surprise, it has not. If I gain 4 pounds I whine to a friend (who by the way, contributes to that 4 pounds with wonderful sauces) and start jumping up and down in a state of panic.  I swear they want to hit me with their cooking utensils. I   thought painting the illustrations to this book of edible delights would add even more of a thrill to my existence. Yes, believe it or not, I do actually have a very full life.  Anyway, it would not be paintings of cooked vegetables and the like, but paintings that would relate to each dish.  So, I have begun. I must confess that over the years I have been invited to numerous gatherings where people have said "bring something".  I have always said that I can't cook. There was a method in my madness. If you say you cannot whip up something wonderful , no one expects anything but a purchased Crusty French Baguette from the Grocery Store. 

P.S  I still love KD! Perhaps with more sophisticated ketchup's. I have much more refined tastes now.

The Tangled Garden (Sold)

Mixed Medium

Again with the rain... I know, it's October but I look forward to tomorrow and seeing the sunshine. I think I will take my paints, hop in the car and head to the beach to paint.  There are a few really close to me..

The Green Vase (Sold)

I have hauled this green vase around with me forever.  I based this painting upon one of the Masters. (how else do artist's learn) I just had to paint it. This was awhile ago, however, just thought I would post it. I miss this painting. I have to stop selling the ones that I really love.

Toronto

The Sultan's Tent (Sold)

A good friend had a birthday at the Sultan's Tent Restaurant in Toronto.  As I live on the East coast, it made it a little bit difficult to attend. I really wished I could have been there. I was in spirit though. I did a painting of the place and posted it on my website. The owners came across it and purchased it.  

Grimms' Sheds (Sold)

There is a road here on the South Shore of Nova Scotia called Grimm Road. I thought of Grimms' Fairy tales.

The Fisherman and His Wife.

’O man of the sea!

Hearken to me!

My wife Ilsabill

Will have her own will,

And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’

Trees In Abstract (Sold)

A long time friend wrote these words. I felt they should be published. I asked her if I could. The answer was yes. She wrote this in response to two older postings that I wrote.  She is very wise and I thank her. XXXOOO

Her Words to me.......

You can wear all the rose coloured glasses you want. I wake up every morning knowing I’m going to be inspired, hurt, surprised by the people I see on a daily basis. I never feast on the past because it fools around with my present. I have always known that there was an invisible thread between you and I.  I’m so proud of the Artist you are.


On a completely different note I need to comment on your blog about getting a job. 90% of the world get up in the morning and do what they need to do to feed the children and hate every minute of it. You are blessed with being able to “taste your life” every second. And trust me your art strikes a chord. I think I could explain the reasons I like every painting I have seen posted. There is art and then there is art.






















Lessons in Life

A section of  the painting "The Gig" (Sold)

I love living in a home where people teach. My studio and downstairs is full of art and music.  Trumpets, Piano, Violin and Paints grace the rooms. I am chocked full with art students this year and nothing makes me happier.  I teach them, however, they teach me much more. I have a young student that asked me if he could try marble sculpture.  This is his third year with me now and I love the fact that he wants to challenge himself. 

 We will do it.   

Abstract Sailboats (Sold)

 

Sheets and Boots (Merlot Sold)

Merlot

Last night at 2:30 in the morning, I heard a huge crashing sound in my basement.  Convinced that someone was breaking in, and in a haze of sleep and hot toddies made famous by my gran when we had a cold,  I was obviously not thinking straight. I wrapped a bed sheet around myself and tip toed as quietly as possible down the two flights of stairs. 
Getting to the bottom of the steps and finding not a criminal, but a sump pump that had fallen off a shelf, I went back up the stairs with a sigh of relief.  
Looking out the window, I realized that my sign for my gallery had been left out. What harm would it do to throw on my rubber rain boots, and run out to retrieve it? No one would be out at this time of night to see me with nothing on but a white bed sheet and wearing rubber boots. Lesson  number 1. Never EVER assume that people are not out at 2:30 in the morning taking their wee pup for a pee. Ok, so I did not know this man, (thank god)  and I commend him for his diplomacy in my obviously uncomfortable situation. He smiled at me politely and said. "Good Evening" . I was tempted to blurt out that I had just returned from a Toga party but thought better of it, smiled, and returned the greeting. Thank you kind Sir and if you happen to come across me at the Post Office or Market,  just a kind nod would do. Let's just not mention this and keep it between the two of us. 

Sunflowers

(Sold)
I have a cold to beat all colds! Did drag my sorry butt to the studio to finish this up.  Time to lay off the cold meds....they can make you see double.  

Compassion (Pen and Ink) Sold

My paintings and writings have become a diary. I must write about an experience I had.

 A little dog was struck by a car on the street where I live. All we could do was comfort him so I brought a small blanket out to the street where he was lying and upon my arrival, there was a woman, who was sitting trying her best to console him. As we both sat along side the dog, patting him gently,  a kind woman crouched down, her lips almost to the small pups mouth. I could hear only her whispers as she spoke softly to him. A call to the RCMP  was made. I have always had a huge respect for our Mounties. This has only solidified that respect. An officer arrived and then another. You could see the grief on the faces of the people at the scene. A kind and persevering gentleman made a call to a vet. The vet was to meet the officer at his clinic. As I held the door to the police car open, I watched as the officers gently placed the dog in the back of the cruiser and the second officer at the scene, rushed off to the awaiting vet. It was incredible to see the compassion and love for animals that night. It is something I always hope for. The people  that were there, are an example of how good human beings can be. Sadly, the dog did not survive, his injuries were just too severe. It is hard to stop seeing that sad scene in my head, however, when I do, I remind myself of the wonderful people that night.
So, to everyone that did their best to provide comfort to a dog in distress, thank you. You are truly amazing human beings.

Proof (Sold)

Would you die for the one you love?