I wrote earlier about the rogue birdseed that fell into a crack in my driveway. The plant came up, it endured even though it was surrounded by asphalt. Then it grew 49 flower heads, it appears, just to show me that you can survive in tough conditions.
Amazingly beautiful! So, I memorialized it on canvas.
This plant really touched something in me. I guess, I just have a thing for those who not only survive… but who thrive.
Here she is:
Today, this blog reached 85,000 reads. I knew this would happen so I have been holding something back from all of you. The truth is, I wanted to mark this number by thanking you in a VERY special way.
In Canada the most famous group of artists are, without question, The Group of Seven. I first saw their work when I was a child in grade four. I was not from an artsy family, nor even from a family who visited galleries, museums or theatres. Still, one of our primary teachers was an Art lover and she arranged for us to see Art, with a capitol A. We had been to see an Andy Warhol‘s Soup exhibit at Agnes Etherington earlier in the year and so this was my second gallery trip with my class. This time we were at the McMichael Gallery and I remember looking up at the paintings by Lawren Harris with my child eyes; these works took my breath away. It was my first real “identification experience” with Art and it is a feeling that has never left me. Over the years, I have gained a huge appreciation for the entire Group of Seven. I LOVE these works they all take my breath now. Gallery visits to see these works are serious exercises in oxygen depravity and breathing for me. In my adult years, I think there is not a week gone by where I have not looked in on them in one form or another, be that a gallery, a book or the internet, they captured me totally.
About a year ago, I sat chatting with a girlfriend D who told me that she really likes my paintings. Can you imagine my absolute awe when in the next breath told me that she is the niece of Frank (Franz) Johnston? Then in the next she said her mom has many of his paintings; some of these she has loaned to galleries, the others she has hanging in her home. “WHAT?” I squealed like a little girl!
On her last trip home D, who is not really a fan of her uncle’s work (no kidding), took a photo with her cellphone of this painting because she thought I would like it. Of course I love it and would really want to see it up close and personal!
I asked and D has given me permission to share this image with you and as far as I know this is a world premier.
Franz Johnson: “Little House”
Thank you for reading and enjoy the view!
I worked on this painting over the past few days. It is a bit of a mystery as far as buildings go. A huge barn right downtown on Kingston’s waterfront. No one seems to know what the building’s purpose serves, how long it has been there… If you know something about it, I would love to know.
A few years ago I heard that a sail maker was housed there. But I am not sure if this is true.
I finished this 8×10 yesterday..
A recent painting of a place that means something to me. Happy 5 week old Birthday to this blog.
Tiny House Ontario 