Artistic direction . . .

I've been finding all these little story telling vignettes within my abstract painting pieces lately.

They have really taken me by surprise as I paint them very free flowing, often turning the paper around as I go, so to find distinct shapes in the end result is quite serendipitous! 

Like this one, where there was a group of friends gathering.

"Even abstract shapes must have a likeness"

-Willem De Kooing-

"I am searching for abstract ways

of expressing reality,

abstract forms 

that will enlighten

my mystery"

-Eric Cantona-

And then there was this man ... making waves in his boat as he headed towards shore ... waving at his love waiting :-) 

"In every landscape

there should reside

jewels of abstract art

waiting to be discovered"

-Melissa Brown-

These are the images I'm seeing... perhaps you see something else ... I'd love to know! 

Have a wonderful day,

d x 

 "Nothing is more abstract

than reality"

-Giorgio Morandi-

Wearing many hats ...

It's finally cool enough to wear my Connor handmade wool hat which I am totally in love with!

I had done my research prior to purchase and chose Connor hats for more than just looks.

Their commitment to the environment, no single use plastics, cruelty free merino sheep wool and for every hat sold, 12 trees are planted to name a few. It even has a tiny little "secret pocket" inside the brim which appeals to the whimsical, quirky side of me ;-)

It's crushable and waterproof with a high UPF protection so I can tuck it in my bike basket and when I get to where I'm riding to, switch out my helmet for my hat!

"If a woman rebels against high heeled shoes,

she should take care to do it in a very smart hat"

-George Bernard Shaw-

Always at least one heart shaped stone waiting

Breathing in, I calm my body

Breathing out, I smile

Dwelling in this present moment

I know this is a wonderful moment 

4 wheels move the body

but

2 wheels move the soul

happy Sunday

d x 

 

Happy Thanksgiving weekend . . .

 *leaves changing colour * nights drawing in * fires * pumpkins * fall hikes * chunky sweaters * comfort food * baking * fall fairs * apple picking * long country drives*

 taking in all the beauty of Autum! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

d x

hOMe ...

"The inner walls of a home

are threaded with the textures

of one's soul,

a subtle weave of presences"

-John O'Donohue-

"Maybe

 the desire to make

 something beautiful

is the piece of God

that is inside 

each of us.

-Mary Oliver-

"Art pierces opaque subjectivity,

the not seeing of conventional life,

and discloses reality"

-Langdon Brow Gakey-

I am forever in awe of birds. Everything about them draws me in . . . from their song, feathers, nest building abilities. . .  their resilience. This past summer, we saw so many unusual birds in the garden who to our delight became familiar with our presence and in turn became very tame. A pair of yellow finch and trio of blue jays were very comfortable eating beside us as we had our morning coffee, and evening meal on the deck. What an absolute thrill to see birds this close up. 

Looking around my studio, I can see the influence they have on me and my art.  Canvas's of all shapes and sizes pay homage to them in one way or another. A nest * eggs * feathers * . . .  Pieces  of linen have needle punch nests and I have combined twigs and bark and found feathers . . . Beautiful quotes that mention Sparrows have  been handwritten on snippets of paint splattered paper from my art table ... words that touch my heart . . . 

"And she moves among the sparrows,

and she floats upon the breeze.

She moves among the flowers

she moves something deep inside of me"

-Nick Cave-

"Because nothing should be wasted

in a world

where Sparrows work hard

to prove there is enough"

-Gary Soto-

Happy Wednesday

d x 

Hello October . . .

Happy 1st day of October ... 

There was talk of a frost but thankfully that didn't happen. I have seeds to collect, and plants ( Coleus and Geraniums)  to take out of their baskets, re-pot and winter over.

The feeders have all been given a good scrub and getting ready for cooler weather feeding.

Along with the woodpeckers, we've had a pair of Flickers in the garden daily. They've provided endless entertainment as they twirl around the trees gathering bugs :-) 

Oak trees and Acorns - bliss!  I can never resist gathering acorns and will have bowls filled with them in no time.

The cosmos are still blooming in our garden ... lots to still cut a few for inside

The colours of Autumn take my breath away!

Outside decorating has been completed with the exception of our large wooden scarecrows that still sit in the attic ... they will come down this weekend. 

Hope you are enjoying this beautiful Autumn day!

Have a wonderful weekend.

D x