• Artwork,  Fauna - Feathers and Fur

    The Prince of Rockwood Park

    An oil painting of a Majestic Whitetail Deer Young Buck In the heart of a nearby city park is a forested area that is enjoyed by hikers and wildlife alike. This is a quiet place where you may often see whitetail deer among other wildlife.  I met this young buck while out on an adventure while hoping to photograph some birds. The Prince of Rockwood Park When I pulled into the parking lot, I was quite surprised to see this young buck accompanied by his harem. I managed to get some ok photos from the car and planned to get some photos of the trail once the deer left.  The…

  • A Tale Unfolds,  My Plein Air Adventures,  Travelling Colours

    Home Away From Home

    Travelling with paint adds another dimension as well – weight – so you have to be really discriminating as to what you pack. The other challenge is this is the shoulder season with spring creeping in on winter so you need clothes and footwear to bridge both seasons.  More weight. I had to be really selective with my art supplies. I packed up my art supplies so I’d be able to “studio” paint while visiting my daughter and her family on the West Coast. My home away from home whenever the opportunity arises. Since this is still the rainy season in Vancouver, water mixable oils and Plein Air painting are…

  • My Painting Process,  My Plein Air Adventures

    Well, I’ll be spuddled

    Well…I’m a thinking that I’ll be Spuddled Definition: to work ineffectively: to be very busy while achieving absolutely nothing Spuddle is a lovely new word that often describes my quest as a Master Procrastinator. It describes how you can feel productive in the middle of avoiding work related tasks.  And it’s fun to say. All of this supports one of my other claims to fame of getting things done right on deadline as; in just under the wire; squeaking through.  Some of us (namely me) apparently work better under pressure. The desire to spuddle often hits when I am about two thirds done a painting.  In this case two of them. …

  • Artful Reflections,  Artwork,  My Plein Air Adventures

    I’m happy to be OuTSiDeY

    I just learned a new wonderful word. Outsidey  And I identify with it so much.  I love the fresh air, the warming sun and gentle breezes. Long walks on the beach.  A hike in the woods.  All the little critters (except ticks, hornets and black flies) I also love creature comforts.  Like heated car seats and heated steering wheels. Air Conditioning! Indoor heating and warm showers!  I’m essentially a wimp. I’m kind of amazed that at this point to discover a new way to describe myself. I mean I always sort of knew it – but never had a word to describe it. Outsidey! Discovering something new, no matter how…

  • Lessons Learned,  My Plein Air Adventures,  Travelling Colours

    And that went fast

    And that went fast – Summer. What the heck happened? How is it possible you are leaving us so soon?  It seem like you were only a blur this year.  Anyone else feel this way? Oh, I know we can all be too busy – but this time of year I stop to smell the roses. Literally! I always say that is the sun is out…I’m out.  Only this year the sun was elusive, the weather was wet, often smokey and incredible humid!  And a lot of the blooms literally rotted on the bush. Yes, I know you know but I feel obligated to complain a bit more and remind…