Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island

I just made a quick, three day road trip to Manitoulin Island. I love that place!
It is not far – yet so peaceful and refreshing. And at this time of year especially, before tourist season, the island is almost deserted – a terrific opportunity to indulge and immerse in the atmosphere of grass, water, trees and clean, bright air.

At the Auberge Inn, Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island

My friend Beverley and I stayed at the Auberge Inn, in Providence Bay – which I recommend highly! Hosts Nathalie and Alain were warm and friendly – and great cooks! – and the house and our room so cozy and comfortable.
Now I’m back in the studio, and totally inspired by my mini-adventure!

I'm Sending Birds to Watch Over You 2, 16" x 48" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at WallSpace Gallery, Ottawa

I'm Still Dreaming of Flight, 20" x 60" encaustic, oil and paper on wood panel SOLD

“I’m Still Dreaming of Flight” is a just-completed commissioned painting. The clients knew they wanted a piece 20″ x 60″, and when they visited my studio, spotted my very red painting “Map 30″ – which inspired them to become as excited about red as I have been lately. So I very happily indulged their request, with this quite red painting that continues to explore my favourite themes of journeying, navigation, maps and birds.

Me and "Navigation/Starlings & Stars", which was awarded Best in Show at the OSA's 139th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, "Darkness & Light"

I was absolutely thrilled to attend the reception of the Ontario Society of Artists 139th Annual Open Juried Exhibition last night, to learn my painting “Navigation/starlings & stars” (posted January 31) had been awarded Best in Show! This is the OSA’s 139th open juried show, and the title and theme of the show is “Darkness and Light”. With 300 some images to jury, I was delighted enough to have been one of the 39 artists selected…. but to have my work chosen as Best in Show…?! Well, I’m still reeling!
Please check out the show if you can…. the artwork is of spectacular calibre….. on until March 30, at the John B. Aird Gallery, 900 Bay Street, McDonald Block (at Wellesley). Gallery hours Monday to Friday, 10 to 6.

I'm Sending Birds to Watch Over You, 24" x 48" encaustic, oil and paper on panel SOLD

Washed Ashore, 40" x 48" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Petroff Gallery, Toronto

Notices to Mariners, 42" x 48" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Petroff Gallery, Toronto

Wandering Stars, 42" x 48" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at WallSpace Gallery, Ottawa

See the World Like a Bird, 12" x 12" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Petroff Gallery, Toronto

Watermusic, 12" x 12" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Wall Space Gallery, Ottawa

Lost in the Lakes, 12" x 12" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at WallSpace Gallery, Ottawa

Treasure Map, 12" x 12" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Petroff Gallery, Toronto

Waterline 2, 12" x 12" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Petroff Gallery, Toronto

Waterline, 20" x 60" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Petroff Gallery, Toronto

This Must Be the Place, 24" x 50" encaustic, oil and paper on panel, available at Petroff Gallery, Toronto

A shot of the booth set up, just before show opening

Another shot of the booth

To Away, 20" x 60" encaustic, oil and paper on panel SOLD

The Artist Project takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place, Toronto, March 1 to 4, 2012. Thursday March 1 is the opening night party, 7 to 10 pm. (admission $25, 19+). Friday 12 to 9 pm, Saturday 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday 11am to 6 pm, admission $14.  I am at Booth 713. I’m really looking forward to this show, and I hope to see you there!!

navigation/starlings & stars, 16" x 32" encaustic, oil and paper on panel SOLD

I am very proud to announce that “Navigation/starlings & stars” was accepted into the Ontario Society of Artist’s 139th annual open juried exhibition.
I created the painting to specifically fit with the exhibition theme and title of “Darkness & Light”, while still working with the concepts and images that interest me.
The exhibition takes place at the John B. Aird Gallery, March 6 to 30, 2012, with an opening reception on Thursday March 8, from 6 to 8 pm. The John B. Aird Gallery is at 900 Bay Street (at Wellesley), MacDonald Block, Toronto.

Small Craft Warning, 36" x 48" encaustic, oil and paper on wood

Surfacing #2, 30" x 30" encaustic, oil and paper on wood

“Small Craft Warning” and “Surfacing #2″, as well as “Surfacing #1″,  posted November 17th, are now at Earls Court Gallery in Hamilton. They will be part of the upcoming Artist’s Invitational show, January 12 to February 18, 2012.

Watershed, 30" x 70" encaustic, oil and paper on wood panel SOLD

“Watershed” is a tribute to Lake Ontario and specifically to the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper; in my view, a heroic organization. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, a Canadian charitable organization, works towards a swimmable, drinkable, fishable lake, and endeavors to protect and celebrate the Lake Ontario watershed.
When Mark presented the theme of “Heroes” I was delighted to arrive at this concept of combining the maps and symbols that I am currently obsessed with, along with the heroic efforts of working to heal and preserve this significant and beautiful body of water, which has been an influence on my life in so many ways. This painting juxtaposes a map-like representation of the lake and its related lakes and rivers, with symbols and abstracted areas of colour and texture, suggestive of the history, topography and navigation associated with the lake.
Part of my painting process is the search for a story; each piece suggests and reveals a story as I work, which in turn guides the direction of the piece. In the painted story of “Watershed”, the lake and its tributaries are the hero.