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"

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