"Nuthatch in the Walnut Tree"

Nuthatch in the Walnut Tree
11x14" mixed media on paper

Christmas is around the corner but on this dark and heavy November day my thoughts recall golden bright autumn days; of raking leaves under the walnut tree in the company of an inquisitive nuthatch: head cocked, black eyes shining, seemingly curious about my actions as I was his. 

ICON

"Icon"
11x14" mixed media on paper

This painting has been on my easel for such a long time, emerging, evolving, becoming, and speaking it’s own essence.

CORN RATTLE

"Corn Rattle"
11x14" mixed media on paper

The field corn is ready for harvest. Supple summer-green stalks have morphed into weather-faded, brown batons. On windy days the cornfield shakes and shimmies as an enormous percussive instrument, rattling with rustling dryness; an orchestral offering of plenty. 

MEADOW SWEETS

"Meadow Sweets"
11x14" mixed media on paper

The trees have begun to bloom with fall colours while the pastures and meadows begin to fade. I take a rustling walk, striding through dried seed pods, faded plant stalks, and dusty grasses, and spy candy bright colours. These meadow sweets stand out with a twinkling freshness: a constellation of Queen Anne’s lace, a dazzling shaft of goldenrod, purple asters with starry eyed centers, and alpine poppies still popping. I’m grateful the frosts have held off long enough for these late bloomers to have their day.

THE MOON and the HERON

"The Moon and the Heron"
11x14" mixed media on paper

I shall never tire of catching sight of a graceful Blue Heron. It graced our corner of the creek this autumn equinox when the moon was full and the waters sparkling, bestowing a sense of seasonal wonder and presence and peace.

PORCUPINE

"Porcupine"
11x14" mixed media on paper

On winter forest walks I have noticed piles of cedar debris lying at the foot of many trees. I was told if you look way up, you might be lucky enough to spot a porcupine. Sure enough, on this remembered occasion, I witnessed a prickly lunching and a scatter bunching from a porcupine munching on greens.

Isolation Series: "Crayfish"

"Crayfish"
11x14" mixed media on paper

In the summer I like to wade in the creek. In my search for old discarded bottles and jars, small fish join me, weaving in and out between my legs and feet. A more amusing creature is the crayfish, which oddly scuttles about backwards, seeking hiding spots in rocky crevices as my fingers reach into the depths. They do well to stay hidden, for many of the creatures that call the creek home dine on crayfish.

Isolation Series: "FROG"

"Frog"
11x14" mixed media on paper

One early warm spring day, I saw a frog hop from the waters at the shore of the creek and settle down in soft mud to sunbathe. Perhaps it had just emerged from a deep winter slumber beneath the cold waters. I watched frog wriggle itself comfortable, contemplated how this little amphibian is modified for living in two worlds - one below and one above - and pondered being adaptable, marvelled at being green.

"Wildflowers 2021"

SOLD "Summer Gold"
7"x7" mixed media on paper

                                                     

"Spring Pinks"
7"x7" mixed media on paper

                                                   

SOLD "Spring Whites"
6"x6" mixed media on paper

Every year is different when it comes to the blooming of the wildflowers. This summer yellow and gold seem to shout loudest. Earlier in the spring, pinks and whites were abundant in the back meadow. There's an unending supply of unpredictability and surprise in nature's artistry. There's an unending supply of inspiration too.

Petaling Around

"Petaling Around"
8x8" acrylic on cradled panel


I do like painting poppies!

Pink Clouds Red Poppies

Pink Clouds Red Poppies
8x8 acrylic on cradled panel

The poppies are blooming!

Yellow Dance

8x8" Acrylic on cradled panel

"Yellow Dance"

I have been away from social media for a time. Spring allows for outdoor creativity to flourish and that is indeed where much creative energy has been focused. The call to paint in the studio is ever present and attended to. With this painting I offer up a glimpse of spring and the sense of movement and joy nature brings to my soul.

 

Isolation Series: "The Gardener"

"The Gardener"
11x14" mixed media on paper

I know a man who tends the earth
the fruits and journey shares with all
a garden feast before us spreads
gestures a partaking call

Isolation Series 5x7" Cards

5x7" cards blank inside

Happy day; the first 18 reproduction images in 5x7" size are now available!
Each card features the story behind the image on the back of the card leaving the inside blank for you to write your own messages.
Cards sell for $5 each. Buy 5 and receive a 6th free. Buy 15 and receive 3 free, making a complete set.
Message me to purchase.

Isolation Series: "Sowing Circle"

"Sowing Circle"
11x14" mixed media on paper

We’ve come full circle. Mother Earth is poised to sow and replenish lands released from winter’s hard grip. The season of new life emerges.
This particular piece marks the number 100 in the Isolation Series.

Isolation Series: "Riding the Waves"

"Riding the Waves"
11x14" mixed media on paper

We’ve been navigating twelve months of pandemic rule, a journey of undulations: highs, lows, ups, downs, ins and outs; first wave, second wave, third wave...are we there yet?

Isolation Series: "Blustery Blues"

"Blustery Blues"
11x14" marker and ink on paper

March has been ushered in with a series of icy blasts. We tuck our heads in and carry on; one last winter riff blowing at our heels.

Isolation Series: "Snow Angel"

"Snow Angel"
11x14" marker and ink on paper

It is hard to believe just a few weeks ago we lined the frozen creek waters and banks with snow angels. Giddy as kids, we lay down in fresh snow and waved our arms and legs wide to leave angelic marks. Over time, as the sun gained power in radiating heat, the imprints of angels became more like scorched marks, especially on the creek’s icy surface. It was as if our body heat was trapped, slowly seeping into those snow rimmed undulations, penetrating the ice crust below, then pressing as a smooth glossy puddle right through to the waters beneath. A tea-stained glass window in the shape of an angel remained on that ice carpet for the longest time until blanketed and erased with fresh snow: small acts leaving deep impressions.

Isolation Series: Flowers to Cheer

"Flowers to Cheer"
11x14" mixed media on paper

A splash of colour to brighten the end of long winter waiting.

Isolation Series: "ICE FISHING"

"Ice Fishing"
11x14" mixed media on paper

To catch a fish in winter one has to be observant, 

willing to wait, comfortable with silence, 

resilient, and hopeful.

Isolation Series: "Good Morning, Doves."

"Good Morning, Doves."
11x14" mixed media on paper

I couldn’t resist a scribble of this trio perched on the deck rail, peering in at me one early, pearly morning: an observer being observed, clearly.

Isolation Series: "Sister Wind"

"Sister Wind"
11x14 mixed media on paper

Sister Wind has a variety of seasonal footwear: pointe shoes for spring, stilettos for autumn, and felted boots for winter, but I like it best when she shows up barefoot in summer breezes.

Isolation Series: "Ready, Set, Go!"

"Ready, Set, Go!"
11x14 mixed media on paper

Walking in winter sometimes feels like I’m gearing up for a race, literally and figuratively. Mostly I’m gearing up to win the battle of mind over matter. First comes the acknowledgement: “it’s time.” Then follows the preparation - the layering of years of “wisdom training”: snow pants, boots, coat, hat, mitts, scarf, lip balm, and sunglasses. Then finally, the first steps: out the door, down the walkway, and onto the route. My years of experience remind me: “you can do this; you enjoy this,” and then I’m off, filling my lungs with winter freshness and flooding my senses with joy.

Isolation Series: "The Houseplant"

"The Houseplant"
11x14" mixed media on paper

I have a collection of houseplants to keep a bit of growing-green colour in the house year round. This time of year the plants start to do spring things: forming buds and pushing up new shoots. I find it fascinating how their inner clocks know when it is time to wake up, and grow. I also find it encouraging because the plants know winter is on the wane and change is about to happen. This is cause for celebration, so I partied with some viral dots and rah-rah red: houseplant joie de vivre?

Isolation Series: "Pause for Thought"

"Pause for Thought"
11x14" marker and ink on paper

These are days for thinking, for reflection, and contemplation. I read the news, and after I’ve gotten over initial reactions, I have a good think. I remember how things used to be, note how things are presently, and wonder what the future will be like. This pandemic holding pattern lifestyle requires great patience and stamina, not to mention creative thinking. Some days are better than others. On challenging days I remind myself, hard times bring about soft things - eventually. Recollections of the good around me, despite things I don’t like, fan a flame of hope, a flickering reminder: I will get through this; we will get through this.

“Sorrow May last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” 

Isolation Series: Blue Dog

"Blue Dog"
11x14" mixed media on paper

A dog showed up on my drawing page today. I thought it should be black but it choose blue.

Isolation Series: Headline Headache

"Headline Headache"
11x14" mixed media collage on paper

When I read the news it makes my head ache,
The headline reporting is too hard to take.

Mandates and updates, all the rags shout:
Wash your hands!
Wear a mask!
Keep a distance when out!

Lockdowns and shutdowns and stay at home orders,
Sanctions, directions, and closures of borders.

New virus variants, vapid vaccine updates;
Unvarying announcements that I’ve come to hate.

I desperately wish for a great press release:
A news flash or newscast with good news and peace!

Isolation Series: Bus Stop Kisses

"Bus Stop Kisses"
11x14" marker and ink on paper

In this altered world of pandemic living blessings still appear in the ordinary. This week, children in our area were allowed to return to school. As I was driving past a school bus stop I observed a mother and child kiss goodbye. Not an unusual act to witness, but after so much wariness, isolation, and social distancing, I found it incredibly moving. That tender exchange between mother and child was a gifted glimpse of holiness in the ordinary.

#glendamosherart

Isolation Series: Blue Jay Day

"Blue Jay Day"
11x14 mixed media on paper

What a feast for colour-hungry eyes these bold blue birds provide. They flit from trail to tree and fence post to feeder, screeching greetings, teasing squirrels, and chasing one another: brash, brazen and beautiful. Blue Jays remind me of bright summer days to come, with unrestricted freedoms to follow.

#glendamosherart #isolationseries

Isolation Series: The Emphases of Red Snowshoes

 "Red Snowshoes"
11x14" mixed media on paper

We were given new shoes for Christmas, shoes for walking with ease in winter weather; shiny red snowshoes. We got to wear our new shoes for the first time after a heavy snowfall this past week. On that glorious white wonderland day we strapped our feet into our snowshoes and tromped about the back meadow, getting a feel for moving about. We used poles to assist our navigation of ascents and descents and turns. We unexpectedly encountered dear friends of like mind - and footwear, and together, ventured forth as a merry crew to “play” in the snow in our new shoes. Our confidence grew as our steps increased and we set off for wide-open spaces in which to make new marks. We got brave and ventured into forestland, “bushwhacking” a challenging terrain. Snow fell like a benediction on our heads, on our calls to one another, on our laughing and stepping together. We came home rosy cheeked, thoroughly soaked, hot, and so very happy. Yes, we were given new shoes for Christmas; snowshoes for walking with ease in a challenging season, shoes for making marks and memories to last. #glendamosherart

Isolation Series: Potting up Sunshine

"Potting up Sunshine"
11x14 mixed media on paper

I heard a Pantone colour specialist being interviewed on the radio. She announced two colour trends for 2021: “ultimate grey and illuminating yellow.” Special attention was given to the symbolic association when selecting these colours: one to anchor, or give a sense of foundation, and the other to provide light and life (hope). I was drawing at the time, overlapping line and shape when flowers and leaves appeared. The idea of being anchored, with hope above, around, and before me, brings great comfort. So I offer a bright pot of flowers to shine into your winter. May hope illuminate your day.

Isolation Series: Snow Peace

"Snow Peace"
11x14" mixed media on paper

Walking through the forest after a heavy snowfall is one of the most peaceful and beautiful winter pursuits for me. Row upon row of pines and firs stretch out, heaped in frosty blue and white stillness. My boots crunch along unmarked trails adding soft squeaks to wind whispers and chickadee song: “Peace, peace, peace, for today, and bright hope for tomorrow...”

Isolation Series: "Winter Birds"

"Winter Birds"
11x14" mixed media on paper

On mild winter days we often walk on trails that take us through local forests. On sunny days the trails are flush with cheery walkers grateful for a beautiful day and an opportunity for being “together “ whilst in isolation. Seeing so many folk on the trails reminds me of the winter birds that frequent our feeders. Lately redpolls, chickadees, and finches do the “dine and dash” outside our windows but it is also common to see larger birds such as waxwings, woodpeckers, and doves in their midst. Need brings all kinds of species together. Sunshine, fresh air and a sense of sharing safe fellowship makes it all the better.

Isolation Series: Hard News Hunker

"Hard News Hunker"
11x14 mixed media on paper

It is January 2021 and the world news lends to a sensation of living in an altered reality - still! Can it get any more preposterous? My heart is heavy for our US neighbours and for those suffering with government. Covid-19 hangs like a big old snowstorm, keeping us trapped until it blows out. It’s a long-winded maelstrom, to be sure. I look out my window on this brooding winter day and Eyeore’s morose voice pops into my head: “stuck again,” he moans, stating the obvious. Yes, we are stuck - again. Then I remember, in the A.A. Milne story all of Pooh’s friends rally to help free their stuck companion - to a satisfying end. And that leads me to think , wearily but hopefully, we’ll get sorted in the end also. It will take time, cooperation, humility, and hard work, and we’ll be talking about lessons learned for some time to come. 

Isolation Series: Snow & Ice

"Snow & Ice"
11x14 marker & ink on paper

Winter has altered my views of the creek. The banks and edges are transformed, rimmed with geometric shapes; icy slabs in shades of yellow-grey, mauve, and white. The water level is high, dangerously surging, mysteriously black and tea stained. It has frozen over completely just once, during a cold snap, when it’s roiling surface stilled and stretched to offer wildlife a smooth white highway for crossing. Paw prints dotted the surface then in assorted zigzags and sizes. Today I stand along the cold-weathered banks watching and listening to a percussive winter chorus of dry grass rattles and swishes, crow caw staccatos, bare branched knocking, and crinkly water acoustics. Snow falls with a whisper into this moment and I give thanks for the hard changes around me. There is beauty here.

Isolation Series: "NEW LENSES"

"New Lenses"
11x14" on paper

What a year! I look back on some of my reflections and drawings noting how much this strange year has affected me, my family, community and country. All this watching and waiting, separating and sanitizing, has given me “new lenses” for viewing what’s around me. Sometimes those lenses enhance and enrich my sight, other times they feel oddly uncomfortable and I’d rather not have to wear them. But I’m grateful the year ends with a glimmer of hope for 2021. Going forward, May we all find peace, hope, and grace in this pandemic journey: Eyes to see, ears to hear, words of life, and hands that offer peace. I wish you Health, hope and real hugs to look forward to. Happy New Year!