Lydia ~ New Friends ~ Chios, Greece

Today was our first full day on the Greek island of Chios. We walked en masse from our hotel to the old town. After exploring together we separated until lunch to find something to sketch. 

Chios Stairs

I was floating through the narrow streets enjoying the light, sights and sounds that surrounded me. I found the perfect location. A quiet area protected with a little shade and a small step to sit on while I sketched a ruin staircase that was a wonder to behold.

After working for about 30 minutes, an old Greek woman came out of her home next door and visited a lady across the street. We smiled acknowledging each other. I liked her immediately. Her sparkling eyes and smile could light up the world. I found out her name was Lydia.

Lydia

Her friend Stella came out to see what I was sketching then she offered me a cold drink. Yes! Lydia then left for a few minutes returning with a pastry box filled with chocolate dipped cookies and insisted I take a couple. They were so very kind.

Me with my new friend Lydia

Lydia is 93 years young. Wonderful! We really connected...it was magical.

They left me to my drawing and then both returned a bit later. It was time for me to meet the group so I began to pack up. We hugged and I left.

When I returned to the hotel, I printed out her pictures and wrote a card to Lydia in English and had my guide translate it in Greek for me. I then walked back to give it to her. It was 8:30 and dark by the time I got there and was wondering if she would still be awake. I turned up the narrow street and found Lydia, Stella and her husband and another friend sitting outside visiting in the warm night air. I walked over to Lydia and gave her the card.

She didn’t recognize me at first then her eyes flew open wide and she gave me a big hug. When she opened the card and saw the pictures, she had tears in her eyes. She told me she would put them in her album and was so happy.

They invited me to join them for a visit so we sat outside for an hour laughing and smiling, really enjoying getting to know each other. I am hoping to have time for another visit before our group leaves for Athens. 

read here to see what happened on our next visit...  http://conniecuthbertson.blogspot.ca/2013/09/lydia-story-continues.html

We hugged and kissed like grandmother and granddaughter. 

I feel as though I have returned home here to Greece yet again….

Lesvos, Greece Adventure

Here I am in sunny Greece on the beautiful island of Lesvos. The scenery is very inspiring and the people are so friendly. Each day we are transported back in time to various ancient villages to explore and paint. I do love to combine history with art and it's a bonus to be making this journey with a bunch of like minded artsy people...and they're lots of fun too!

Ancient window with a view

Around every corner there are stone walls and stairs just begging to be explored. To see these old buildings and know many have been here for centuries is a wonder to behold....and they're still being used today! I love how they take pride preserving their culture and celebrate their history. 

First sunset ~ Lesvos, Greece

It's truly a gift to be here to experience this great adventure. I'm enjoying every single second I've been given and enjoy making the most of my time here. It's the only way to go through this life!!!

Heli Painting in the Bugaboos

Have you ever been somewhere or seen something and later wondered was it real? Did I actually see and experience this or am I just dreaming?

That is exactly how I feel after returning from my helicopter painting adventure in the Bugaboo Mountains in British Columbia.  Each day we were dropped off on different mountaintops to create works of art and to be inspired.

Here I am painting on top of the world!

What an incredible experience this has been. Not only was the setting perfect but we had the good privilege of having three extremely talented artists guide us in our work. Robert Genn, his daughter Sara Genn and Liz Wiltzen offered their expertise. Thank you!

Robert Genn painting demo

Robert is a modern day master and to watch him paint was truly a gift. His approach is strong and purposeful and his brushstrokes poetic.

When I close my eyes now I see mountains, glaciers and turquoise lakes but more vivid still in my memory is the feeling I had when there. Total and complete inner peace. A peace so pure and lasting I know it will be with me always.

This feeling is what I want to convey in my work as I paint my way along.....

On the mountaintop!

My wonderful artistic journey continues.......

I arrived yesterday to the beauty and splendour that is Banff, Alberta.

 Evening Light

This is the view from my hotel. Wonderful!! Banff is a beautiful town but very busy too. I am looking forward to the quiet I will experience out there on the remote mountaintops. Each day our group will fly via helicopter to different locations...a great way to get there. I do love to hike but know to get to these places would take me a lifetime on foot. But then again, it has taken me a lifetime to get here now...

I am connecting with a painting group later today to get acquainted then we are off to the Bugaboo Mountains by helicopter early in the morning. Our group is headed up by renowned Canadian artist Robert Genn. He is a great painter and I look forward to getting to know him and the others.

I will post my sketches and photos soon. Now to go out and explore along the Bow River...with my sketchbook and paints!

To Dream ~ Painting

"To Dream" 

acrylic on canvas 24" x 36"

This painting was inspired by the poem that I posted earlier today. This was the first time that I've written and then painted an image to go along with the writing. I really enjoyed the process and know I will be creating more work this way. I found it to be very challenging and rewarding too!

I've been working on this piece now for almost a month and loving every minute!

Now to get on with the next. I love this painting and writing life!!

To Dream ~ Poem

I go searching for peace 

at waters edge

like a moth to a flame
she draws me in

and I listen here

the ocean breeze moves through me
the waves pool around me as
I enter this rhythmic dance
here I am caught, mesmerized

and I wonder here

Within the waves my mind is freed

Sunlight shimmers its dazzling light

Receding tide carries me with her

to far off places of the mind

and I enter here

I raise a handful of this liquid light

it glistens now

through my fingers 

memories trickle down

and I imagine here

I wonder, will this water 

that now falls from my fingertips

make its way to far off shores

where only my mind can travel

My eyes lifted now

to the horizon of thought

this endless ever changing place

Where fantasies and memories flow

where times of past and days to come

keep tempo with the day at hand

and I explore me here

I visit often 
in this quiet place of mind

to contemplate, to meditate

breathe deeply, and to dream

 and I understand me here

When I look deep into the ocean

as I go searching 

for peace

at waters edge

I discover me here

For the past few months I have had this poem floating around in my mind and now that it is written I am working on a painting that reflects the words. Usually I do this in reverse. Paint first, then write so this is new to me and I am enjoying the challenge. The painting is almost complete and I will post it soon.

I love the fact that this creative energy for writing comes from the same place as it does for painting. I am always amazed how there is a never ending pool to draw from.

There is so much to learn about my art, about the world and also about myself. This Artistic Journey of mine is a wonderful adventure!

Grand Canyon Adventure Continues...

I've been happily painting away since my last great travelling adventure and have just completed my first studio piece of the Grand Canyon. I enjoyed the challenge and know there will be more to follow.

Transcendent Light ~ Grand Canyon

acrylic on canvas 20" x 16"

I have had 2 - 40" x 60" canvases just waiting for the right subject and I know now one will become my interpretation of this magnificent natural wonder.

On the way to Rainbow Bridge - Lake Powell

Here are some pictures taken on my boat tour to the Rainbow Bridge (a large sandstone arch) on Lake Powell. This was my last day in this area of Arizona and I'm so glad I spent it on the water. I look forward to capturing the spirit of this incredible area in paint!

The colours were delicate and soft in the early morning light and created a special beauty around every turn. The strong sandstone formations were a wonderful contrast creating imagery from another world.

Castle Rock, Lake Powell

This picture was taken quite a distance from the Rainbow Bridge. The snow capped mountain in the background added to the incredible beauty of this area.

It's hard to tell from these photos but the Rainbow Bridge spans more than 270 feet at the base and is 290 feet high, and is the world's largest natural bridge. The arch has been carved after years of water rushing through below from Navajo Mountain as it makes its way to the Colorado River. 

I do love to discover the natural beauty of this incredible world of ours!!

I'm off now to spend some quality time with my daughter and family in the Niagara Region of Southern Ontario where it is apple blossom time!! Photos to follow soon~