Reading, Dreams, Oil and Art

I love to read, and try to never leave the house without a book or some essays in my bag. (I am into non-fiction.) Saves one from going mad while waiting for someone/thing, especially if there is a television blaring where one is waiting.

A while back, I became quite absorbed in an article about Peak Oil that I found online while researching homesteading. I was on an airplane of all places. This reading triggered the resurgence of a series of recurring, post-apocalyptic dreams that I have had since childhood. These events have deeply affected my recent work.

In my dreams, and now in person while working on site, beautiful lands and waters speak in colours and shapes as a reaction to what humans have done to them. It is where I derive some of the emotional reds and oranges, the sharp points, and dark gapes in my recent landscapes. I try not to personify my 'scapes, but I do paint what I see, and I see this more and more out in the field.

There is a meaningful environmental theme threading through in these new works that I'd like to explore. I can see this developing quite distinctly.

Quadra Isle, British Columbia

Just back from a painting trip out to Western Canada. I had the immense pleasure of meeting one of my fellow plein air painters from IPAP, Nanci Cook, and her husband Tracy, and staying at their fabulous B&B on Quadra Island. Highly recommended. They are both so helpful and welcoming. (Check it out here - www.firesignartanddesign.com ) Thank you, Nanci, for your warm hospitality, comfy bed, and yummy breakfasts. I enjoyed hanging out in your studio, too!

Oh, what a beauty is Quadra Isle. Green green greeeeen jewel of the Strait of Georgia. A delightful, natural location to paint! One can certainly channel Emily Carr there. Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park, a fascinating finger of land that juts out into the sea, was my favourite spot to work.

What is your summer ride?

Can't sleep.

Your Summer Ride is a Toyota Prius

Sure you're a little sensible and quite green But no one enjoys outdoors more than you do!

What's Your Summer Ride?

(No surprise here! But I'd way rather have an e-bike with extra batteries.)