Greek Passage

15 x 11

watercolour

This is an image I painted a while back and wanted to share with you my experiences from the day I discovered it. 

The sun rises now on this small island of white and stone. The days are busy here on Mykonos so I’ve decided to explore these winding streets before the village awakes. The narrow roads are a labyrinth of white marked by many interesting colourful old doors. It was here I found this classic beauty worn, weathered and loved. It has been painted now many times and I imagine it has been cared for by fathers and grandfathers from many years passed.  

The door behind me opens now and an old woman wearing black comes out into the fresh morning air. I think she was surprised to see me there so early in the day. “Kalimera” she says as I return my “Good mornings”. She has come out to wash her front steps back to white as others inside clear the morning dishes. I hear the musical clinking and laughter inside, life being well lived in this small house. 

My new friend was curious as to why I was sketching this old door. I think she was trying to say she thought it needed some fresh paint. I tried to explain that I see its beauty just the way it was and then we both smiled and knew all was understood. She nodded and went on with her work, as I did with mine.  

I smile now as I realize this old door is also now forever a part of my life as I will always remember my Greek Passage back through time.

Journey To The Light ~ Poem

In Mornings Light

watercolour

30 x 22

A warm clear light surrounds her

As she wanders in this quiet place

Birdsong brings a smile

As gentle breezes whisper its morning melody

Her body sways to nature’s rhythm

As she moves along her life

Not even she knows where the path may lead

Only that the light will show the way

I am now in the airport awaiting my flight back to Italy and Greece! With a 7 hour layover I have some time to share a couple of paintings I completed a few months ago. 

My plan is to explore many small hilltop villages and hopefully find myself in that perfect quiet place. Like the figure above, my hope is to allow the day to unfold so that I may be free to live in the moment, painting and writing my way as I too will follow the light.

Live The Full Life

It has been said that you have to start somewhere. Whether it is painting a picture, learning something new or doing the laundry. You have to begin. The funny thing is once you start, things move along well and you wonder why it is you put things off  in the first place. It always feels great to get things done.

Procrastination is the sure way to living half a life. For some seasoned procrastinators, I think they are simply afraid of change. Afraid they will fail or perhaps learn they have wasted much of their life living in fear of the unknown. For some perhaps it is the idea of success.  The "What if" scenario. What if I do become successful, what then?

I think embracing change is the key to a happy fulfilled life. Change doesn't have to be big, I also believe it's never too late to make a change.

Recently I lost a dear friend, Bill. Over the years he shared many stories of his life and taught me many things. Bill was a businessman. A entrepreneur of work and of life. His life was varied and full of change. He really knew how to live and I am honoured to have known him.

My very dear friend and mentor, Gladys, has also been an incredible influence on me.  She taught me how to carve a path that would be the ultimate trip through this life. She challenges me with new ideas and ideals. We do learn so much from each other. Here are just a few conclusions we have come to.

Keep life simple.
Always enjoy what it is you are doing and have some fun in your day.
Always eat good food, not the junk food stuff.
A glass or two of wine is good for you. So is good chocolate.
Don't forget to smile at those you meet anywhere and everywhere. It feels great.
Always take time to sit quietly and reflect on your life.
Be grateful.
Keep moving.
Always look for the good in your day.
Look for opportunities to care for others around you. One day perhaps the favour will be returned.
Embrace change.
Laugh often

She has only 1 regret. She told me that she wished she'd taken the time to learn more. Learn more about history, culture, language, the world. We live in such a wonderful place. Understand and enjoy it!

Until 4 weeks ago she lived in her own apartment and now has picked up her roots and moved into a nursing home. I saw her today. She was smiling of course and telling me more stories of her life and travels. Amazing doesn't begin to describe. She is 103.

May you too have a "Gladys or Bill" along this path we call life. May you also be the "Gladys or Bill" for others around you. Encouraging, teaching, sharing a smile.

Now to get back into the studio - my brushes are calling!

"Venetian Passages" - Poem

"Venetian Passages" 
watercolour 
22" x 30"

Damaged ships were floated here

Under arches grand, such history

Of days long past, men sailed seas high

This place now filled with mystery

Through light filled arches and channels blue

Echoes of former glory rings

No longer used, an empty space

Now a place for wondering

Painting Retreat 2012

"Elba Reflections - Italy"

Water Colour 22" X 30"

I am now at a painting retreat with many artist friends in northern Wisconsin. This is not a workshop, but is a time to work on our own ideas, to stretch our art and minds. It is a week of growth.  A lot of paint has been thrown around...and I mean thrown!! More importantly, we have shared stories of our life and families, with much laughter too. I highly recommend you get together with others to share your ideas. You'll be amazed the things you'll learn. I have included a couple of paintings I've worked on this week. They are from locations in Italy. Although the snow is falling outside, I can feel the warm Italian sun upon my face as I paint and remember the wonderful time I had exploring the beautiful Italian countryside.
Enjoy ~

"Bell Tower - Italy"

Water Colour 22" X 30"

A New Year Begins....

Another page has turned ~ another year passed. As always at this time of year I reflect on where I have been and the direction I intend to take for the coming year as I continue on my Artistic Journey.                                                                                   
It has been quite a year filled with many adventures. In the spring my travels took me to countries my grandparent's families were from; Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy and Finland. Five weeks of writing, painting and personal discoveries. Pure bliss! I was also very fortunate to meet some relatives in Italy and here on this side of the world that I have never met before. What a joy to know I have more aunts, uncles and cousins! Life really is filled with many magical moments!                                                                                      
One of my goals this year is to combine some of these experiences through my paintings and poetry then compile them into book form. This I know is only the beginning and do realize it will take a great deal of time and effort to complete but I also know that only by starting can it ever be achieved.                                                        
I also worked throughout the year using oils to paint the landscape of this Northern Ontario region. A collection of 23 paintings, "This Place Where We Live" exhibit opened in November at the Fort Frances Museum. It was a challenge that I enjoyed immensely and look forward to exploring more in this medium.                                                       
I have also been asked to illustrate a children's book by a company from the U.K. This will be a wonderful challenge and I am especially excited to work on this now that I have 2 grandchildren. My little Jessie and Ben will be all the inspiration I need!  

                       
I realize that only by pushing myself in new directions artistically do I gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this life of art that I lead. I do feel blessed to be able to share with you my discoveries and am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout my career.                                                                       
The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another, and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it. (James M. Barrie)                                                                            

May you make your journey in this life be one that compares well to your dreams and always remember to enjoy the ride ~

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"