This is my first attempt at reacting to the west coast rain forest. While this area is not as wet as other parts of the coast it does have stands of old growth Sitka Spruce and massive amounts of foliage. The challenge for me as I see it is to translate the sense of warmth and energy that I feel from this land even though there is a predominance of green which reads as cool. Walking over eons of needles and semi exposed root systems I feel a heat sink larger than I felt in the thin forests of the semi-arid deserts where I have spent so many years. The is energy bursting forth everywhere so how to express those sensations with paint. I will begin with a strong Terra Rosa value design. This is a very warm and transparent paint that I will begin to build on. Stay tuned, here is my start.
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I am very pleased that my painting "Sforzonda" has been accepted into this years Sooke Fine Arts Show. This is such a beautifully curated and promoted event and one that I really hoped to be involved with now that I am a Vancouver Islander. Show dates are July 28 to Aug 7.
My calling as a painter is to explore and exalt the beauty and goodness of creation. I am fully aware that the art academics and critics embrace an industry driven by cleverness, shock, social commentary and pontification. That's fine, its a big world with room for all of us. As for me I will follow and attempt to climb upon the shoulders of Sargent, Sorolla, Metcalf, Waugh and all the Great Painters in the tradition of representational art. In Beauty we find a bit of Truth, a glimpse into the heart of our Creator as well as tiny appreciation for the collective unity of all. My ambition is to create work that will occasionally inspire someone to see a little of the beauty, truth and unity in this amazing world. Working through this piece I consider the vast power and fragility of this island. I see incredible natural beauty in the land and sea. I see industry sometimes behaving responsibly and other times recklessly jeopardizing the ecosystem as well as their own sustainability. In this case I gently insert a plea to anyone with eyes to see , handle this place carefully. Its ours to love or abuse. I will post a sample of my process for those who requested that. I call this "Petro- Economics (Not a zero-sum game)" Until next time.
I am pleased to have my painting "Divine Compostion (Little Qualicum Falls)" included in The Old School House- My Canada 150 show. It seemed an appropriate piece to submit as the source of inspiration for this painting is situated a short drive away from the venue. Each of the 65 selected works represent the individual artists statement about "their" Canada. Held at TOSH in Qualcum Beach June 26 to Aug 7. Opening reception on June 28th at 2:00.
"Okanagan Sagebrush" has found a new home in Victoria. Thank you Janice of Calla Design
I am starting to feel the sudden impact of the wave now. Will keep working on my value plan as I see its slipping away. That seems to be a weakness for me the longer that I work on a piece the more likely it is that I lose the design. I always allow for the flow of a painting to lead me along but not at the expense of the main idea. The rocks could use some more work I think. Ill mull it around now and return to it tomorrow.
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July 2017
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