"Backroads"

"Backroads" was inspired by a rainy and foggy Monday. In this post I am attempting to show my progression of a piece. I started this piece at about 1:00 and finished it by about 6:00. Usually when a painting happens this quickly, I really like the piece, and it holds true for this one. They don't all happen this fast.

"Darksome" a noun, a dark color or shade, esp. in a painting.

This piece was inspired my trip to the BWCA this fall. When canoeing, I get a thrill out of a crossing in waves and big water, but I really love hugging the shore and getting glimpses into the deep woods and wondering. The darkish mystery of the woods reflected in waters underneath my boat intensify my curiosity. Wonder is an emotion that precipitates much of my work.

This piece was well received at the the Art on Main show at Alesci Gallery this past Friday and in fact sold almost immediately. The new owners agreed to let me keep it through the exhibit which I really appreciated.

"Without A Map"

I recently read a book by the award winning author Meredith Hall titled "Without A Map". I was captivated immediately and was unable to put the book down. I must first admit to literally picking this book by the cover. I read the title which attracted me "Without A Map"....I'm sure we've all felt like this at times. As an artist, probably even more so. So I decided to pull it off the library shelf and as I put the book in my hands, the cover revealed a gray moody scene of a road leading into a mysterious and foggy place, reminding me much of my work. I was drawn in and knew I must read this book.

"Without A Map" will piss you off, make you laugh and make you cry. It gets right to the heart of what it is to be a woman, our weaknesses and above all, our strengths.

At the back of the book and after the story has ended, Hall talks about a place very dear to her. As she describes the stark and haunting landscape and it's people, I got goose bumps as I realized she can only be talking about one place, a place I know too. Newfoundland.

I felt compelled to write to her. She said she didn't often have the time to respond to her e-mails, but my Newfoundland in the subject made her pay attention. She decided to peruse my website. This is what she wrote back to me:

“Wow. Wow. I spend a lot of time roaming around galleries and museums and sometimes—rarely—I have a powerful emotional response. I am stunned by your work. I love how subdued the light is, how fully you feel the harsh, wild, demanding beauty of Newfoundland. Maybe someday I will find a way to have one of your paintings on my wall. It would be an honor.
”Meredith Hall, Author, Without a Map

I am the one honored...this woman has lead a fascinating life.

Meredith's website:
http://meredithhall.org/