Christmas Memories ~ Poem

Snow falls gently upon frozen ground

This eve of Christmas Eve

Birds puff feathers to keep warm

While sitting on branches laced with frost

Clouds are filled with winter's light

The landscape has been transformed this day

A wonder to behold

As I move now through this fairy tale

A crunching beneath my feet I hear

Oh how I love this sound

Reminding me of days long ago

When life was simple

Hours were filled with snowballs, icicles

Skating and sledding in this winter wonderland

Now my children’s children do these things

Life pushes on

A snowflake caught as my lashes flutter

I smile and remember the fun I’ve had

I raise my face to the heavens above

Catch some crystals on my tongue




Another magic moment

I may not be able to do all of the things

That I was once able to do

Many moments forgotten as time passes

This I do remember

Carefully I lay on this fresh blanket of white

An angel now grows its wings

Moving arms and legs

I fly

May you too find time to grow your wings 

~ Merry Christmas to all ~

Connie Cuthbertson ~ 2011

This Place Where We Live ~ Autumn Marsh, Radiance & Winding Creek

"Autumn Marsh"

oil

30" x 40"

These 3 images complete my collection of oils currently on display at the Fort Frances Museum until mid January. "This Place Where We Live" has been an exciting journey in my life and 

I thank you for being a part of it. 

I have received many emails from around this incredible world of ours from people who have been following my artistic journey.  Many have expressed they must now put 

Canada on their travel list. 

Wonderful!

Now to get on with my busy day ahead. Time to decorate the tree whilst listening to Bing or Burl. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

"Radiance"

oil

24" x 18"

"Winding Creek"

oil

14" x 11"

This Place Where We Live ~ Through The Reeds & Cattails - Poem

"Through The Reeds"
oil
24" x 36"

On Rainy Lake along her shores

This is a sight you'll see

Cattails swaying rhythmically

Dancing gently on the breeze

I like to come to my secret place

To contemplate this day

I feel myself in harmony

As my spirit begins to sway

Magical light filters through the reeds 

As trees line these distant shores

Another day to be grateful for

I can not ask for more

You too can know yourself here

But first must take the time

To sit in quiet wonder

Breathe deeply and you will find

"Through The Cattails"

oil

14" x 11"

This Place Where We Live ~ Quiet Pond - Poem

"Quiet Pond"

oil

18" x24"

There are many places such as this on Rainy

Ponds filled with light and life

Cat tail reeds flowing in the gentle breezes

Paddling now I hear lily pads 

Make their music across the sides

Of this old canoe

Water drips slowly from 

Paddles end

A great blue heron glides on

In search of solitude

Here on this Quiet Pond

You can take the time

To contemplate 

Just be

Sharing a moment with the wilds

I am not alone

This Place Where We Live ~ Spring Birches & Forest Glow

"Spring Birches"

oil

36" x 36"

I love the freshness

 The colours and the vibrancy that comes with the newly formed leaves of spring

 And for me the spring birch is special in another way

When I was young I used to lay under these white paper wonders

 Smell the rising sap

Listen to the ruffling of the spinning leaves

Nature's wind chimes

"Forest Glow"

oil

24" x 18"

This Place Where We Live ~ Northern Mist - Poem

"Northern Mist"

oil

24" x 36"

It seems the mist has taken me

On travels far this night

I'm wrapped within this moments glow

I’m humbled by her sight

The threads serene envelope me

I stand here calm, at peace

A witness to this miracle

Nature’s gentleness I seek

In silence here I take this in

Remember all I see

A perfect jewel, a memory

Lives deep inside of me

This Place Where We Live ~ Cloud Dreams 1 & 2 - Poem

"Cloud Dreams 1 & 2"

oil

24"x 48"

I’ve always loved to watch the clouds  

Dance across the sky

Changing constantly they’d go

A bird a wolf a butterfly

The earth is warm beneath me

As I marvel at this sight

Mine eyes and heart are lifted up

  I'm filled with their inner light


No mortal means propel them

As they shift across the sky

Another of life’s mysteries

My spirit soars, I fly

This Place Where We Live ~ "Lady of the Lake" and Island Dreamer" - Poem

"Lady of the Lake"

oil

24" x 36"

There’s a story gone round and round

Of a girl who lost her way

Tales drift on like ripples in a pond

Is it true? It’s hard to say

Like some sad romantic love song

Of how she came to be

A legend here on Rainy Lake

She's a wonder for all to see

Casting glances to shores afar

As she lays upon her stone

Boaters slow to see her close

A wonder to behold

All I know is she’s here today

And will be for a while

I’ll take my children’s children there

For I know she’ll bring a smile

If she could tell her story

Of how she came to be

I think she’d smile and simply say

I’m here for all to see

"Island Dreamer"

oil

36" x36"

This Place Where We Live ~ Last Light - Causeway Island

"Last Light - Causeway Island"

oil

18" x 24"

I’ve always been amazed by this magical time of day

When the evening comes to an end and the night sky closes in

Every sunset an original

A fingerprint that marks the mystery and celebration for a day well lived

Last Light gives promise of a new day when rest is done

This Place Where We Live ~ "Swimming Rock Reflections"

"Swimming Rock Reflections"

oil

18" x24"

I remember sitting under these pines on a hot summer’s day

Resting after a long cool swim in the clear fresh waters of Rainy

Laughing and playing our days away

In the distance is Blueberry Island where we would canoe to on one of our many expeditions

When I see it now I hear our laughter still

This Place Where We Live ~ "Spirits Entwined"

"Spirits Entwined"

oil

18" x 24"

When I was a young girl I would go out canoeing along the shore not far from home. There was a place where the branches would hang out over the water and I could glide under ~ totally magical for me. Another mystery was seeing that many of these trees actually grew out of cracks in the rocks. Their roots like hair weaving through stone seemed such an impossibility. "Spirits Entwined" has been created from a combination of these memories. Here the tree and rocks both smooth and worn are interconnected sharing one spirit as memories do from days long passed. 

This Place Where We Live ~ "Autumn's Light"

"Autumn's Light"

oil

36" x 36"

I like the delicacy of the birch tree

The way the old bark and the young exist side by side

And how the old layer pulls away to reveal the new

 They are like people as we learn and grow

 When we are young and fresh

 Our outer layer is smooth, unscarred

 As we grow and age our character shines through the lines on our face

Much like the pealing bark reveal her spirit beneath

This Place Where We Live ~ "Spirit Tree"

"Spirit Tree"

oil

24" x 30"

I imagine that this old diamond willow was once a marker for the wild rice beds that flourish here

The lake people would sit under her

 Sing songs of the harvest

 And of the creatures that lived in the water amongst the reeds

 Her bark and leaves will have absorbed their voices into her sap as part of her growing

 The sounds and songs that once filled her have fallen with her into silence

 But there is life and sounds in the water and the land around her still

 Perhaps one day the songs will come back

And from one of her seeds there will be a new tree that will once again show the way.

This Place Where We Live ~ "View From Above"

"View From Above"

oil

30" x 30"

I love looking deep into the water where the stems are revealed and the way the ripples reflect the bright blue sky. It was an interesting challenge to paint this with a view from above.

This Place Where We Live ~ "Three Sisters" - Poem

"Three Sisters"
oil
36" x 36"

There’s a legend of the lake that’s told

A story of sisters three

Who lived with their father long ago

A loving happy family

Surrounded by pines reaching high to the skies

A place to explore and roam

Where waters lap upon rocky shores

Rainy Lake they called their home

He loved his daughters and taught them well

Stay safe my saplings three

Look to the skies – she’ll show the way

And bring you back to me

That fateful morn, out they did go

Paddling this lake they loved so well

When caught in a storm they lost their way

Did fell deep into waters swell

The lake spirit knew them and their love of this land

Then thought of their father too

Gently gathered the saplings in her hands

Now three islands surrounded by blue

It is said when you travel there today

You can feel an aura of love

Three Sisters standing tall and proud

While eagles soar high above

Some see him paddling ‘round here still

Their loving father by their side

Casting flowers along these rocky shores

Where daughter’s spirits three abide


* This painting is now available in giclee print on paper or canvas. Please contact me for details*

 I would like to thank all who came out to the opening of "This Place Where We Live". It was a wonderful evening with many turning out to see what myself and fellow artist Wayne Yerxa have been up to this past year. A big thank you to our families and friends who have supported us in our life's work. We couldn't do this without you! We also received great support from B93 FM,  the Fort Frances Times and the Ontario Arts Council. Thank you!

The Ontario Arts Council is an agency of the Government of Ontario

This Place Where We Live ~ "Last Light - Seven Oaks"

"This Place Where We Live" opens today at the Fort Frances Museum where I will be exhibiting my new collection of oils.

"Last Light - Seven Oaks"
oil
36" x 36"

Working exclusively with oils over this past year has been an incredible journey with many challenges and struggles at times but also has been extremely satisfying. Working with oils present a whole new level of textures, richness of colour and glow. After almost 30 years working with watercolour I have found a new love. It has been a most gratifying process. I plan to post all of the images here over the next few weeks for those unable to view my new collection in person. Enjoy!

A Sneak Peek - This Place Where We Live ~ "Winter's Light"

"Winter's Light"

oil  

24" X 36"

Some of you may be aware that I am having an art exhibit in November. I have been working hard in the studio for this past year learning all that I can about the process of painting with oils. After 28 years working primarily with watercolours, I felt it was time for a new challenge. I have always appreciated the richness of colour and texture that can be achieved with oils and have decided it was time to give it a try. I have learned a lot and I know I am only scratching the surface but it is exciting. If you are interested in receiving more information about the show please sign up as a member of this blog and I will make sure to keep you posted.
Now back to the studio I go!

Life is a Dance ~ Poem

I have been reading through my journal from my last trip and found this entry I would like to share with you ~

I have just arrived to the small village of Portofino on the north western Italian coast.

As I look out across the harbour filled with reflections of sailboats shimmering liquid in the early morning light I too find myself reflecting on my reasons for coming here.

It has been said that there is no need to venture so far from home on a quest for reasons even I can barely put into words. Is it really that important to paint and write your way around this world of ours? Don’t you think you have enough on your plate already? Is it really necessary? What about your responsibilities at work and home? What about your family and friends who depend on you?

These are all very good questions.  I have considered them all very carefully and truly appreciate the sincerity with which they were asked.

The only thing I can say is that there is a force inside of me that continually shows me this direction. I have learned many things about myself while travelling, painting and writing and have come to the conclusion that this is what I am meant to do at this particular time in my life.

Finding the balance will be the ultimate challenge, and I do feel I am on the right path.

Life is a dance

One day you lean this way
the next day twirl around to the other
The rhythm of life will always push on
the gift of life will show us
a way to sing
   a way to breathe
a way to be
  a way to live
a way to flow
   a way to smile
as you make your way
round and round
this life full of wonder
this life with no bounds ~

As I search for my balance, may you also find yours.

Back in the real world

I have been back to reality now for a while and must admit I do miss my travelling feet. It was so nice to wake with a brush or pen in hand everyday and explore a new area of this wonderful world we live on.

Now the pen is directed to book work and filling out order forms for my store Northwoods Gallery & Gifts. This, I realize,  is a required element in my life as it allows me the opportunities of travel again in the future. I do hope one day to sell the store which will enable me to immerse myself in the arts of painting and writing, but for now I will be happy to squeeze minutes from my day to continue on with my art. Who knows what tomorrow brings, it is today I have and I will endeavor to make the best of it.

I've had many welcome me back to this side of the world and all are full of questions. I see the spark in their eyes as they ask me what it is like to see all of these magical places. Did I manage to get some good painting and writing done? What was my favorite place to visit? Would you do this again? Can I come and carry your brushes for you next trip? As I write this I am smiling wishing I could take everyone with me to show them firsthand this incredible world.

I am presently working on writing a book and my hope is through my paintings and writings others will see and experience what my eyes and heart have seen.

Lawren Harris wrote "Art is long, life is short. A picture can become for us a highway between a particular thing and a universal feeling.

My hope is that this highway be a long and interesting one for each of us to explore. I have many stories to share and will post them as time permits.

Now the studio awaits and my brushes are calling!

Hiking Adventure part 2 ~ Italy

Another half hour passed as I made my way along this mountain path....or should I say crawled my way along!  The path was narrow and the climb steep but the views were spectacular. Here is one of the many vistas I will one day put into paint. You can see Vernazza harbour about 1/3 down in this photo.

Here you can see how narrow the path is. This young girl literally went "out on a limb" to create a passing lane. You can't tell from this photo but the drop off was very very steep.  I was quite happy to stay on the path!

Finally I could see Vernazza harbour. This little fishing village was a sight for sore eyes! If you look carefully you will see a stone tower on the highest building along the waters edge. My next photo was taken from the top of it.  I still have about another half hour to hike ~ I am so glad I am almost there!

I made it! I am happy I did this hike but am I ever glad I can take the train back to 

Santa Margherita!!

Hiking Adventure part 1 ~ Italy

 After painting and writing my way around Santa Margherita for several days,  I asked many other travelers and towns people where they thought the most picturesque area would be for me to go

and paint. Many recommended I take the train to Monterosso, a small fishing village not too far away.  

And so my adventure begins.

They were right in saying how lovely this place was. It is an old medieval town with narrow streets and stone walls tucked into a small sandy cove.  

 I could find many things to paint and was sitting in the town square deciding what my subject would be when I noticed on the far side of the town there was a path with many people walking in both directions. I thought I'd better check it out to see what was so interesting. Knowing I was in for a bit of a hike I donned my hat, sunscreen, made sure I had a full bottle of water and set off.








It wasn't long when I realized I was in for a bit of a challenge as the wide flat path now turned into narrow stone stairs. I asked a young couple walking towards me where this leads to and they said the small town of Vernazza was the destination and it was about 1 1/2 hour hike. The day was still young and I felt the exercise would do me some good - especially after all of the pizza and pasta I have consumed!

Half an hour passed like molasses as I made my way around and over a mountain. I took a small break to take a picture of the village I just left. It seemed so far away now and could barely see the  small sandy cove from where my latest adventure began.  It was then I was thinking to myself that I could still turn around and go back to Monterosso but somehow that would mean defeat. I was not a quitter....yet nor was I an Olympian. The views were spectacular.....I forged ahead.                      ~To be continued~