What is it about an Orchard?

Some keep the Sabbath going to the Church 

I keep it, staying at Home 

With a Bobolink for a Chorister 

And an Orchard, for a Dome

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice

I just wear my Wings 

And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton — sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman 

And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last 

I'm going, all along.

Emily Dickinson

April, Waiting for May

oil on canvas

30x36in, 2011

available

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happy Earth Day (sold)

I’ve made a conscious effort to curb my time on the computer (besides business) in lieu of spending more time on art making and to delve into some larger paintings. I enjoy working in the studio, taking time to contemplate the work, push myself, but more importantly be open and let things happen intuitively. Such a fine line (pun intended) to connect with that elusive balance. I also have a show so really need to work as much as time will allow.

This has been a good month for remaining inside the studio as our April has been cold, grey and rainy. I love that. I feel anticipation. April is pretty amazing and quite magic. For those of you who are complaining, look how hard April is working to bring us colour and life- lets give her a break!

I do admit that I’ve been distracted by the bird wars over nesting rites outside the studio. A grapevine ball is suspended on my porch near the door window and every year it is designated as prime nesting property. I am always a captive audience to the making of the nest. (once all the materials are delivered the lucky bird sits in the centre and uses it’s little body and back feet to shape and form, then the beak does the tucking in).

These bird diversions have slowed down my painting time a wee bit so nothing to show you yet. Instead, a few wee nests.

Cardinal

conte/graphite/charcoal

6x10in, 2008

HAPPY EARTH DAY

please tread lightly......

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plein air workshop

 'By the start of May, most trees are in full leaf, many Spring flowers are in bloom and the Earth is brimming with both plant and animal life taking advantage of the high sun levels and ever warmer temperatures.'  May Day

in the Orchard

1-day workshop

 Paint outside under the sun, accompanied by the songs of birds and the sweet heady smell of spring blossoms. If you are new to art-making, this is an opportunity to play with paint and hone your observation skills.

This workshop also includes an orchard picnic lunch with complimentary glass of Niagara Wine.

 

Saturday, May 7

10AM-4pm    $90

This workshop is now full

janyatesart@gmail.com

April outside

I was able to get out in the warm April air this week to whip up a few wee paintings.... 

I sat on a hill late in the day to paint the diptych below and was especially taken with the shifts in colour and texture of the distant escarpment -and beyond just a hint of the lake. The branches of the fruit trees are so red right now with buds-always amazing to me what difference a little bit of sun can do to revive and generate growth..

 April

oil on canvas

9x24in, 2011

available

Below is a wise old cherry tree that I view every day from our south windows. Her days of blooming and bearing fruit are expired but she does bear various broods of wildlife and for that reason she still stands. Generations of squirrels, birds and raccoons have her to thank for their continued presence-- I have her to thank for standing still to let me paint her..

 April

oil on canvas

9x12in, 2011

available

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old & at risk (sold)

Earlier today I posted an older plein air work that I had found while cleaning my studio but since have abandoned it – deeming it as forever unworthy:(

Still, in keeping with the flow of Spring Studio Cleanup, I found this encaustic painting tucked away. I always keep one work from every series- this one from ‘Food for Thought’.

A few years ago I was painting food cultivated and harvested from my garden or from the vineyards and orchards where I walk. The first painting is very significant to me. My daughter had left home for the first time and as Mothers know this letting go is heart wrenching to say the least -you just want to hold them close. The other two images are portraits of bartlet pears picked from the trees that you have seen in my previous posts.

All three are encaustic, and I am thinking of opening a separate blog for my encaustic works as, even though connected with my works in oil, they are separate..still thinking..

Departure
encaustic on canvas
8x10in, 2007

Pair
encaustic on panel
6x11in, 2007
sold

Found
encaustic on panel
8x10in, 2007
sold

*On another note I have become a fan of a truly significant artist, social activist and writer. I hope you will read Nicolas Wilton's note that articulates what ( I personally feel) it takes to attain truth in all great works of art —RISK.

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