recent paintings and news

recent paintings and news

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Desiderata: things that are yearned for (sold)


On the eve of a new year I always think of Max Ehrmann's (c.1920)
words of wisdom:


Desiderata


Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.



December (missing Guinn)
oil on canvas
30x36in, 2008, sold

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Solstice and change (sold)




This December, on the day before solstice, it was warm, misty and rainy, looking more like April in the Niagara Region.



April, Niagara Escarpment
cold wax/oil on canvas
16x20in, 2007, sold

last December we had a nice layer of snow.....



December, Remains of the Day
oil on canvas
14x36in, 2010
available


Climate change is affecting the world and can't be ignored-for too many reasons I won't go into here.

I am happy, however, that there will always be a solstice and that the days are now getting longer!

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

full circle


It takes a long time to grow young.
Pablo Picasso




My grandparents had a farm and when I was growing up it was where I would be. With a sense of adventure and imagination I’d wander their open fields of possibility in anticipation of what I might see. Even then I relished in being alone (excepting dogs) and loved the hidden feeling that the wild meadows provided.

And here I am more than forty years past yet only five miles from where it all began. wandering fields. with dogs. alone. I love it. But I can’t help wondering: are the field wanderings of my youth to blame for my ongoing obsession?

The location of the painting below is where I stop and meditate on daily walks and resonates with me on many levels.







December (greenbelt disaster)
Niagara Escarpment
mixed media on canvas
40x40in, 2011


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