the mean season

Everyone I know says Fall is their favourite time of the year. Personally I have a love-hate relationship; her dazzling beauty steals my heart yet, inevitably, her guise steals my light.

October

oil on canvas, 48x60in

copyright Jan Yates, 2014

available

 

October

The leaves were falling on all sides like the last illusions of youth under the tears of irremediable grief. A brood of chattering birds were chasing each other through the shrubberies, and playing games among the branches, like a knot of hiding schoolboys. Every landscape is, as it were, a state of the soul, and whoever penetrates into both is astonished to find how much likeness there is in each detail.

- Henri Frederic Amiel

October

oil on canvas, plein air, 16x20in

 copyright Jan Yates, 2013
available

ever lasting

Laura and her two brothers grew up on a peach farm and last month she approached me about a commission. Her parents ‘sadly had to recently sell the farm because it is too much work now for my Dad. They have lived there for over 40 years and will be moving after this last harvest.'

  ‘My Dad has said numerous times how he will miss the view of the peach trees, escarpment and sky from their back porch.’

As some may know, Niagara farmland is close to my heart, as is the story of the family farm, so I welcomed the idea of making this painting. 

It was to be presented as a surprise for their parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. 

It was held this past Sunday. I waited with baited breath, then, an email: ‘They Love It!’ 

 August

oil on panel

24x48in, 2014

intoxication

For me, orchards in bloom mark replenishment and awakening. 

Spring is the natural world re-born. It is an intoxicating time –magic, mysterious, over the top with life. I love it.

April, waiting for May, oil on panel, 30x40in, copyright Jan Yates, 2014, available