Fortitude and Dedication

My husband is in hospital after suffering a brain hemmorhage a month ago.  It has been a very scarey, exhausting time for me. 

I noticed a Canadian goose sitting on a nest on a rocky outcropping near the hospital and thought now that is dedication.  She sits during rainstorms, wind, hot sunshine and her perseverence really made me think.

She does what she has to do, her instinct to do her job is uppermost in her mind.
She gave me the courage to do what I must do....go in and visit with a loving heart and be brave for my children and grandchildren.    I think adversity brings out our strength and thankfully not called on to use very often.

GOLD LEAF COLLAGE

As you know, I really enjoy doing collages.  This one has gold embossing, parts of letters, stamps, music and rice papers.  

Bridge in Scotland

This is a bridge near Carrbridge in the Highlands.  I was on a trip to find out more of the area where my great, great grandparents came from.  It was a beautiful area and I was thrilled to find the church they attended and the gravestones.  This beautiful old bridge caught my eye and thought it would make a beautiful painting.  I hope I caught the essence of the area.

Poppies in Blue

Painting flowers is still my favourite thing to do...poppies are always an interesting subject with all the texture, shadows and lights. 

Venice Canal

This was painted on Frederix Watercolor Canvas..and it was a learning curve for me...  I recently watched Tom Lynch paint wonderful paintings on it and thought it would be interesting to try. 

This eliminates glass which is always good for hanging.  I guess I missed the fact that you had to wet the surface first and wipe it briskly with a rag.   I found the paint just bubbled on the surface and was very difficult to move.  It is easy to remove something you don't like .. wet it and it comes off... however, when i  tried to glaze it also moved the paint already down.

So, if you want to try this remember to wet it and rub it first.  I assume there is a sizing on it that has to be removed.

WAITING FOR THE SCHOOL BUS

I love the old handmade brick houses in Ontario.  This one is in Markdale, Ontario where my brother lives.  I always take lots of reference photos when I visit.  I put my "granddog" in the painting waiting for the kids to get off the school bus.

Enjoy.

Paris Collage

My granddaughter had a project on Paris and had to paint or collage a picture.. We spent yessterday afternoon looking through  travel magazines and came up with this collage.  It is bright and cheery but not sure she was convinced...she would rather do a regular painting.  So back to the drawing board :)