Winter Robin

"Winter Robin"
11x14" mixed media on paper

I first heard the robin in December and thought it couldn’t be. Then on a snowy day, perched on a branch outside my window the telltale red breast and dark head were spotted, confirming what my ears had heard. Winter Robin sat hunched and sunk into a puffed up parka-like presence. I marvelled at this out of season visitor and surmised all kinds of reasons it was here: lost, a late bloomer, injured? It was seen on and off through some of our coldest January days. Yesterday, robin was spotted flitting from branch to branch, stopping once to peer in the window as I peered out, seemingly hearty and hale, and flashing a bright eye. What a reminder of endurance and hope of things to come!

"Local Branch Exchange"

Local Branch Exchange
11x14" mixed media on paper

When the days are cold the Junco’s congregate around the outdoor feeders. It reminds me of water cooler exchanges at an office. I wonder, are they like most Canadians discussing the weather? Catching sight of them softens the frosty vista of a winter morning.

The Invitation

"The Invitation"
11x14" mixed media on paper

It's a new year, a new invitation.

Crow in a Beech Tree

"Crow in a Beech Tree"
11x14" mixed media on paper

It is January 2022 and in Ontario we are in another stage of lockdown. It is a depressing, hard reality. A recent sighting of a crow amidst the flapping yellow leaves of a beech tree led me to ponder the gift of unexpected colour contrasts in hard seasons, the tenacity of nature, and the symbolism of both crows and beeches. A beech tree is an ancient symbol of protection, associated with knowledge and wisdom, a keeper of lore. While a crow has many symbols, one that resonates with my observations is that of trickery. Crow is a trickster and a gossip, cannot keep a secret, will always sound the alarm, and is incredibly clever and resourceful. While it is associated with chaos it is also known as an innovator, and can bring about change. So I scribble and paint a crow amid the beech leaves and pray for continued protection, tenacity, wisdom, innovation, and change for the world that frees us from pandemic tyranny.

"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.