About "After The Rain ~ Florence"

I've been requested by the show committee to send in a short writing about my painting that has been accepted into the Red River Watercolor Society national show. I'd like to share that with you now.

"After The Rain ~ Florence"

The skies darkened and the rains came the moment I arrived in Florence.  Not to be deterred I pulled out my umbrella and headed into the beautiful, old, Italian streets.

The buildings had such beauty, such character, as the rain washed over them. The colours, rich and warm, intrigued me. I turned a corner and at the same moment I first saw the Duomo, the clouds parted and the sun shone through creating the most dazzling light. The colourful marble walls and sheer size mesmerized me but it was the reflections upon the old paving stones that took my breath away.

"After The Rain ~ Florence"

I've just received notice that my painting "After The Rain ~ Florence" was selected for inclusion into Red River Watercolor Society's 21st Annual National Juried Exhibition!

"After The Rain ~ Florence"

30" x 22"

original watercolour

The show dates are June 16th through July 26th, 2014 at the Hjemkomst Gallery in Moorehed MN. On June 17 nationally recognized artist and juror Michael Reardon will announce show winners during the awards reception.

What a great privilege it is to be selected for this prestigious show!

Spring Has Sprung....I Hope!

Here in Canada (and many other parts of the world) we've been waiting very impatiently for spring to finally arrive. This winter has been very long, cold and snowy and I thought what better way to think spring than to paint it. Although there are still a few snowbanks around I've decided the tulips must be up somewhere in the world!

"Springtime"

watercolour

15" x 22"

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. A time for giving thanks. May you have many things in your life to be grateful for. 

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter!

Exploring The Hills On Crete ~ Part 2

This next adventure took me further inland and higher up the mountain. It was larger than the last village and I noticed as I was driving up the hill that there were ruins below the main road so that was where I was headed. I find it interesting how instead of tearing down the old buildings they just kept building up the mountainside leaving their history in tack.  I do love sketching crumbling old walls and doors!

When I first got out of my car I saw 2 women walk by. I smiled and we said Kalimara. (good morning) Turning now to the left I began my descent in search of the ruins I first saw when approaching the village.

That's when it happened. Another gunshot went off! I couldn't believe it! Surely the people from the last village haven't found their way here!

The light cast delicate patterns through grape vines overhead and bounced between the old crumbling buildings. At every turn there was another beautiful sight to behold. The further down the hill I went, the more ancient the ruins became.  For me, this is inspiration at its finest!

After a short walk I found the perfect door to sketch. It had a single large plank of wood that was at least 30" wide hanging across the entry. The textures were wonderful! There was also a rusty old gate that caught my eye so I settled in and began to sketch.

Another bunch of gunshots sounded and I couldn't help but wonder just what was going on. Some sounded fairly close and others off in the distance. I concentrated on my sketches and tried to forget about it.

After about a half hour a woman walked by. She began speaking in Greek and all I could do was smile and say Kalimara. I showed her my drawings and paints and told her I was an artist from Canada. She smiled and left.  It's times like this when I wished I could speak many languages!

Shortly thereafter a man came along and asked me what I was doing. I explained to him that I was sketching and in broken English he asked me how long I'd be until I was finished. I told him I should be done in about 20 minutes. He then said I must walk back along this narrow road when I was ready to leave.  I nodded and he left me to my paints. Of course I would do as he asked out of respect. I was, after all, a stranger here and I could technically be trespassing.

When I was done sketching I packed up my supplies and started walking up the narrow road as requested. When I turned the last corner I could hear talking and laughter ahead. At first I wasn't sure where it was coming from but then, as I got closer, I noticed there was a group of people sitting in the shade under a canopy of grape vines.

Looking into the courtyard I recognized the man and woman from earlier smiling at me. He jumped up and invited me in to share lunch with them. I was in shock! Who does this?!!

At first I felt I would be intruding but then I realized they were waiting for me. That was why he wanted me to walk back down that particular road. I was overwhelmed and of course accepted their very generous offer.

They seated me at the head of the table, a place of honour, then introduced me to everyone. Sadly I can't recall any of their names but I do remember their relationships.

The first man to my left was my host's brother. To his left was their mother, who I was told had Alzheimer's. 

At the opposite end of the table was my host's son and to my right was his wife (the woman I'd met earlier) and my host holding their young daughter.

They began piling the food on my plate and the wine was poured. They explained each of the delicious dishes to me and also proudly stated the only thing they had to buy was flour; everything else they grew themselves. Incredible! There was yummy lamb stew, spanakopita (which was light flaky filo pastry triangles filled with spinach, onions and feta cheese) and other various vegetables. They also had a delicious humas with lots of yummy garlic. I've never eaten so well!

My host wondered if it was ok to ask me questions. Of course! Anything they wanted to know I would be happy to share!

The first thing they asked was how I felt about living in Canada, if I trusted my government and was happy how they ruled the country. I told them I love living in Canada and was happy for the most part how the government did their jobs. I also stated that no country in the world was without troubles too, not even Canada. There are good and bad people in powerful positions everywhere in the world but one must trust that when voting time came that the good ones were elected.

They also had questions about our healthcare system, safety and education. As I answered each question he translated for the rest of the family. I loved every second of our cultural exchange!

As we were talking I noticed their teenage son carefully reach over and lift a silver strand of hair off of grandma's black sweater, then gently pat her on the shoulder like nothing had happened. He kept on talking and laughing and I couldn't help but feel I've just witnessed something very special.

Apparently they had a cousin move to Canada from their village 12 years ago and every year he writes to tell them they should move to Canada because life was so much better. My host was the head of the family and made decisions for them all and he was wondering if he was making the right one for them by staying in Greece.

I said why would you leave here? You have everything you need to be happy. You have a family who love you, a good home, all the food you need and a good job. (he's a police officer) They really take care of each other and respect each other and I know for a fact this doesn't happen everywhere in the world, not even Canada.

As I said these words you could see the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders. He was so relieved and happy to know he was making the right decision for his family.

When we were done eating, their little girl was climbing all over me playing with my hat and having fun. I do love children!

I was introduced to the village priest and later met his 2 sons. He also spoke English and we talked for a while. Everyone was so friendly!

How wonderful it was to sit there in that beautiful courtyard with new friends sharing a delicious lunch and learning about each other's cultures! For me this is the best thing about travelling.

When the priest left another man stopped by. He was their friend and had just come in from a successful rabbit hunt as today was the season opener. So that's why I heard so many gunshots!!  Me and my crazy imagination!!

I'll be leaving soon on my next great adventure. I depart for Greece, Spain and Portugal later this month and will be posting more stories about my travels here in the coming weeks.

Thank you for being a part of my Artistic Journey!

Exploring The Hills On Crete ~ Part 1

More stories from my time exploring Crete, September 2013.....

While staying at a B & B in the small village of Xerocampos, I mentioned to the owners that I loved to explore old ruins and small hilltop villages to gather ideas for my paintings. They recommended a few for me so I packed my car and headed up into the hills.

A narrow dusty road brought me to my first village. It was very small and almost abandoned. As I pulled the car to the edge of the single lane road I noticed an elderly man watching me from behind a vine-covered gate. He obviously wasn’t accustomed to seeing many tourists here and I wanted to let him know what I was doing.

My knowledge of the Greek language is next to nil so I showed him my sketchbook and paints to help explain my intent. He nodded and waved his approval so off I went up, up, up, the narrow alleyways. Around the first corner a big dog came at me growling and barking wildly. Thank goodness he was tied up! I considered leaving right then but I thought I’d try to make it to the old church up on the top of this hill.

About 15 minutes into my hike I heard several gunshots but since I was almost to the church I decided to push on. Surely the villagers weren’t trying to scare me off!! Still, I did have an eerie feeling as I continued on.

I passed many abandoned houses with overgrown grape ivy, beautiful old doors and rusting iron gates.

One particular house had something extra special about it. The light filtered through overhead vines that covered a small terrace creating a magical atmosphere. A beautiful old wooden door with peeling layers of blue paint told me it had been abandoned for some time.Though it's now in ruins, I feel it is still a very special place. The open door was my unspoken invitation to explore further.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim interior light, the first thing I noticed was a plate rack on the wall. Broken ceramic pieces littered the floor and on a woven chair seat I noticed a dust covered woman's leather shoe.

It was a small open space and from what I could tell it had been vacant for several years. Some old torn bits of fabric littered the mantle and a few old rusty olive oil cans lay in the corner. I could see this space had been well cared for at one time but is now a forgotten jewel. 

What happened to the old woman? Where was her family? Was hers a hard life or one full of joy? I would like to have met her.

In another home close by I came across this abandoned loom. I imagined the beautiful textiles created here after countless hours sliding the shuttle back and forth. I was walking in a living museum and felt I have become a part of her history. The stories in my mind now have a place in what happened here so many years ago.

Another gunshot went off.  I was beginning to feel like I was in a movie and I was the crazy woman who wouldn't make the right choice and leave. Ok, now you know that I have a wild imagination! The sign of a true artist I'm told!

I finally made it to the small church. I went inside and found many beautifully painted wooden panels that are still in remarkably good condition. I can see this place has been well cared for.

Silver Icons were draped across the main panel. These silver pieces are used for prayer requests and the different symbols represent what it was the person was praying for. I love learning about different cultures and traditions.

This hand carved angel was painted on a thick wooden plank.

Another gunshot went off and I decided it was time to head back down the hill. Of course I took many more pictures along the way!

The dog and the old man were there to "greet me" again. I smiled and waved as I pulled away relieved to be leaving the sound of gunshot behind but also very glad I stopped to explore this small village.

I'll share more about my next hilltop adventure and reveal the answers to the gunshot mystery in my next post.

"Paint In" Memories

Last week I spent some valuable time with a very special group of artist friends. Karlyn Holman and Mary Rice, our gracious hosts, invite us to this "paint in" getaway each year to the remote northern area of Washburn, Wisconsin.

The paint in of 2014 was extra special as it marked 30 years since its inception. What a gift it is to be a part of this magical week!  Thank you!

The paintings posted here are ones I began last week. I still have some work to do on each of them and will post the completed images soon.

Astronomical Clock ~ Prague

watercolour

22" x 30"

During this time we all work on our own paintings and at the end of each day we have a group critique which is when the learning really begins. Listening to others describe their work and how they resolve their painting problems really helps us to think outside of our way of painting and learn new ideas.

St. Mark's Square ~ Venice

watercolour in progress

22" x 30"

Others also comment and since we all work in very different ways and in various mediums, we hear many interesting viewpoints which is a very valuable way to learn. I highly suggest you get a group together in your area and begin your own special learning and fun time!

Bugaboo Mountains

watercolour in progress

22" x 30"

Of course it wasn't all about working hard. When we were painting we were also talking about art and about life. This sharing brings us closer and forms a very special bond. We have become a painting family. Wonderful!

Duomo Reflections ~ Florence

watercolour in progress

30" x 22"

This was also the year we said goodbye to a very special and talented artist, Joyce Gow. Joyce has been a long time friend and part of the paint in for many many years. She loved to share her knowledge with others and she really knew the importance of living life with a smile, inside and out. Her laughter and wisdom will be missed and she will be remembered as not only a great artist, but also a great friend. I talked with Joyce a couple of days before she died. She was laughing and talking about how wonderful life is.

What a gift she was and now memories of her and her beautiful paintings will continue to shine on....

"Glacial Light"

"Glacial Light - Bugaboos" 

-work in progress-

acrylic on canvas

24" x 36"

Here is my latest attempt at capturing the magical spirit of the Bugaboo Mountains in British Columbia. I can't stop dreaming about this amazing place and have been forever changed by its beauty, 

its life force.

Painting up there on the mountaintop has awakened something deep within and I feel like I must keep exploring this place in paint until I have nothing left to say. Somehow I don't think that day will ever come and that's a good thing! 

Thank you Robert Genn for showing me the Bugaboos. If not for you I would never have experienced the wonder of these mountains!  I've learned so much from you through our time there and also from your Twice Weekly Newsletters on The Painter's Keys website.

http://painterskeys.com/

Now back to the easel I go...

Childhood Dreamer ~ Poem

Every once in a while I have words floating in my head and I must write them down. The following poem is the result of a childhood memory. I've also included some of my favourite photos of frosty crystal magic. Dream on....

Childhood Dreamer

Snowflakes fall in gentle rhythm

whirling twirling their way

across this frozen landscape 

like the children they do play

They float and glide their way to earth

in games of dance it seems

how I would like to be a part

of this magical crystal dream

When I was young so long ago

I'd dream of days like this

to take me far into the night

on tales of wondered bliss

Adventures I would have out there

in crystal flight of free

pretend to live among the stars

as I hovered o'er the sea

And then I grew and realized

some things cannot be true

there is a time for wandering 

but growing up now too

So for a time I did forget

and lived with grounded feet

I did what was expected

no more the child I used to be

And now my children's children see

these crystals in the air

I hear them talk of fabled lands

of magical places fair

I had forgotten but now I see

what was lost has now been found

I tell them it is good to dream

and to listen for the sound

What sound is that they ask eyes wide

I tell them quietly

keep dreaming dreams of far off lands

they will keep you company

There is a world outside it's true

but there is also one inside 

it's here you'll find what you will need

to be happy, free, alive

A place of wonder waits for you
where life's mysteries are found
visit often here inside your  heart
 where adventures do abound

So keep on dreaming dreams so fair

of crystal lands and snowflake stars

come here often, feel the calm

and all your dreams will bring you far

I invite you now to follow me 

look inward, you will see

all the childhood wonders wait for you

dreaming day and night, just be

And when the times are done for me

I'll smile as I take flight

discovering new lands so fair

on a crystal shining light

~~~

I wish you and all you love a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year too! 

Thank you for being a part of my Artistic Journey.

Prague Impressions

Prague has been on my list of places to explore for a few years now. I'm so very happy I was able to see this beautiful old city in September. From the moment I stepped out onto the cobbled streets I was totally captivated by its beauty. 

Early each morning I would make my way in the dark to Charles Bridge to photograph the sunrise. The first two days were overcast and raining but my diligence paid off with the arrival of beautiful sunlight on the last morning.

Charles Bridge, First Light - Prague

watercolour

30" x 22"

Narrow cobblestone streets were lined with beautiful old buildings at every turn. It was very busy in the main square but just a few blocks away I found myself in quiet narrow streets with beautiful filtered light. Perfect for sketching and writing! As always the light was what captivated me most...even on the cloudy days. The way it diffused the scene before me made me feel one with the image...like I was wrapped in a blanket of light. 

The Guardians - Prague

watercolour

22" x 30"

 I've been working on these paintings in my studio referring to memory, sketches and photos for information. Standing in the narrow streets as sculpted rooftops decorate the sky above with light pouring through golden windows was more than enough inspiration for me!! I knew instantly I would have to paint them.

There were many treasures to behold...it was hard not to have the look of a gawking tourist. 

Which I was!!

It's a city with a history that spans more than 1000 years with times of peace and conflict and has survived it all with a special grace. As I sift through the hundreds of photos I see many that will become paintings one day. A perfect way to spend the long winter ahead!

Capturing The Light

"Spirit Light - Bugaboos" is my first studio painting completed from my helicopter adventure to the Bugaboo Mountains. We had the good privilege of having three extremely talented artists guide us in our work. Canada's finest, Robert Genn, Sara Genn and Liz Wiltzen offered their expertise. What an honour and privilege it was to work along side these very special artists. Thank you!

When painting Spirit Light in my studio I felt I was transported back up there on the mountaintop. That is the magical part about painting. When creating, everything else falls away and I could again feel the cool misty mountain air on my face, hear the snow crunch beneath my feet...feeling one with nature. Pure magic!

"Spirit Light - Bugaboos

24" x 20"

acrylic on canvas

Here are a couple of sketches I've completed that will be used to create future paintings.

My goal as an artist is to have the viewer feel and experience the essence of the place, its spirit.

This is my hope. 

Paintings of Xerokampos and the Libyan Sea

Today I spent a few hours going through my sketchbooks and paintings I did last month. Every picture I looked at brought back so many wonderful memories. 

I thought I'd share a few with you here.

I completed these paintings on a beach in Xerkampos, Greece last month. The variety of blues in the water was both a challenge and a joy to paint. 

Xerokampos Beach

Acrylic on Linen

Rocky Shores

Acrylic on Linen

On my last day in Xerokampos they were expecting Beaufort 8 winds. Now that's windy! 

I think I saw Toto fly by in a basket!! 

Crashing Wave - Lybian Sea

Acrylic on Linen

In this painting I tried to capture the wild winds. In fact, the winds were so strong that I had to tape down my palette and sketch while I painted so they wouldn't blow away! 

What an artist will go through for the sake of painting on location!

In coming weeks I'll be creating more art from this trip as well as some from my incredible helicopter tour I had in the Bugaboo Mountains with Canada's finest artist, Robert Genn. It still feels like a dream when I think back to the beautiful vistas and experiences I had there. 

Looking through some of the photos I took on that trip made me realize just how fortunate I've been in my life. Not only have I had these amazing opportunities to paint in such exotic locations in the world, I've had the honour and privilege of painting with some of the world's finest artists who also just happen to be very fine and genuine people. 

Some say I've been lucky to have experienced the things I have in my life. Personally, I believe that by having faith and trusting that I'm in the right place at the right time and being open to the day, opportunities will unfold. 

Also, by surrounding myself with family and friends who believe and support me makes my life full and filled with wonder as I continue on my Artistic Journey....

"Sisters (Brothers) of Rethymnon"

The first time I saw these beautiful old doors in Old Town Rethymnon on the Greek Island of Crete the year was 2008. I was travelling with a group of artists searching for things to paint and couldn't resist this as my subject. During my time in Rethymnon I sketched only these doors. Each morning I would sit in the cool quiet narrow street to draw and paint these magical textures. A soft light filtered through the twisted vines overhead casting a rich warm light. It was magical.

Old Doors in Rethymnon

On the last morning I was there I could hear someone on the balcony above me. I looked up and saw an old woman wearing black smiling down at me. I waved to her and said Kalimera. (good morning) She returned my greeting and before long she was standing at my side watching me sketch. Soon after her brother and niece arrived. She asked him to translate a question for me. She wanted to know why would I paint these ugly old doors? Ugly?!! I think they are beautiful and full of life! She laughed and then asked if I could return the next morning as she would like to invite me for breakfast. How lovely! But then I remembered I was leaving very early the next day with the group and headed to another village and sadly had to decline. Her name was Ms. Kostas.  She had a wonderful smile.

My first sketches of "Sisters of Rethymnon" I completed when I first met Ms. Kostas - 2008

When I returned to Canada I painted a large canvas of these old doors. 

"Sisters of Rethymnon" 

48" x 36"

Original Acrylic

This is what I wrote about this very special place in 2008

Sisters of Rethymnon

I found these doors in Old Town Rethymnon on the Isle of Crete. As I sat and sketched them 

in the light of the early morning I could almost imagine all of the people who have 

passed by them for more than 100 years. 

There they have hung, one green and one blue, different yet the same. Just like sisters. 

On the last day I was there enjoying their beauty 

small children passed by on their way to school.  Some were curious to see my drawings; others caught up in their own world, laughing with their friends, not a care in the world. 

The way life should be for the child in all of us.

The following year I returned with a framed print and gave it to her. She gave me a big granny hug which was wonderful.

Ms. Kostas hug, 2009

Last year I was on a new adventure....the cancer variety. It was a time of great challenges and there were moments when I wondered if I would be able to make my way back to this incredible part of the world. 

I dreamed of returning to visit Ms. Kostas and to see the "Sisters" and also to explore more of this amazing world we live on. Dreaming big dreams helped pull me through the chemo. I kept telling myself I would make it back one day soon...and I did. I was able to visit this magical place a month ago. Thinking about it now I have to keep reminding myself that I wasn't still dreaming! 

Three very important things happened. 

Firstly, the doors and entire building had been renovated. I did a double take thinking I wasn't in the right place.

New "old" doors of Rethymnon - 2013

As you can see in this picture they did try to preserve some of their beauty by reusing the iron work above each door but they switched them. I wonder if I'm the only person in the world who knows this! The new stainless knobs and freshly painted wood pale in comparison to what originally compelled me to paint them. The beautiful tree and vines have also been cut down.

Secondly, Ms. Kostas didn't remember me. At first I was disappointed but then realized I do have new very short grey "chemo" hair since we had last seen each other. I also had to remind myself that it has been 4 years since we last met and her memory perhaps isn't the best. 

(I know my chemo brain memory sure isn't! :)

The third thing I learned about these doors is the history of how they came to be. 

On my last night in Rethymnon the rain poured down for a couple of hours just before I went out for dinner so I stayed at my hotel and sketched the doors again, the way they looked before. (I have completed so many drawings of these doors I could draw them from memory) The owner of this hotel saw my sketch and asked if I knew the true story about these doors. The only story I knew of them I had created 5 years ago!

And so the story goes about a father and his two sons....yes, they have nothing to do with sisters after all!

The history of these doors began during the time the Ottoman Turks occupied Crete in the late 1800's. 

An ageing father with two sons owned this building. Originally there was one door but to be fair to his sons, in 1907 he split the building down the middle and replaced the single door with two doors, 

one green and one blue, leaving half of the building to each of his sons.

When the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in1923 it was agreed that a general population exchange was held between the Turks and the Greeks and this family then had to move to Turkey and leave behind this building with the beautiful doors.

Last month, the owner of the hotel told me the grandson of one of the brothers visited with them at their hotel recently and had come specifically to see these doors. He was told stories about this place as a child and wanted to see it for himself. I would love to sit and talk to his family and learn more of their life! 

Who knows, perhaps one day I will!

I am now trying to make contact with the family to give them a print of the painting I did of this very special place.

I find it interesting to think that returning here to see these old doors and Ms. Kostas was such an important part of my cancer recovery. I have learned that one must dream big to keep the mind occupied in a positive light. It sure helped me through my chemo treatments. 

I also learned that even though things had changed so dramatically I was ok with this. That is life. Things change. The key to not getting bogged down and feeling disappointed is to embrace the change and be open to new opportunities. 

I'm so very happy I now know the whole story behind these doors. 

So you see, it was meant to be that I stay at this hotel and that the rains came that night so I could learn the story within the story of the Sisters (Brothers) of Rethymnon.

Returning to Crete

For the first part of my September adventure I was with a group of artists painting our way around the Greek islands of Lesvos and Chios ending in Athens. We trekked our way through ancient villages and old harbours with brushes and sketchbooks in hand and had a fantastic time!

Windmills - Chios, Greece

Chios, Greece - Night Reflections

Greece Ruins

Old Fishing Boat - Lesvos, Greece

On the 14th of September the rest of the group flew out of Athens and I headed to Crete on my own. I flew into the Chania airport (pronounced Hania) and took the bus downtown to connect with a later bus that would bring me to Rethymno, the old town I would be staying in for a few days.

When I saw they had lockers available at the bus station, I couldn't resist leaving my luggage to stroll again through the narrow streets and old harbour I first visited 5 years ago.

Below are pictures I took just a few weeks ago and the paintings I completed of them in 2008.

Narrow streets of Chania, Crete

A Walk Through Time - Original Watercolour 2008 

30" x 22"

It was surreal walking through images I had painted years before. What a magical experience!

Greek Boat - Chania Habour, Crete

Even my old boat was still there! It was a bit bedraggled but then again, who isn't after five years!

Boat of Pappous - Original Acrylic 2008

24" x 24"

I'm so glad I took the time to revisit this beautiful town. I would like to have stayed for a few days to paint and sketch here again, but it was time to move on. I wanted to return to Rethymno, an old town filled with winding narrow streets, incredible architecture and old doors with so much character.

It is the home of "Sister's of Rethymnon", a painting I did of two beautiful old green and blue doors and an old Greek woman named Ms. Kostas. I will talk more of that experience in my next post.