On Sunday June 13th, the Qualicum Bay, Bowser area hosted a Garden Tour. Nine unique gardens were selected to be viewed and artists were selected to sit in the garden and paint for the day.
Not having much experience in "Outdoor Painting" (easier to say than en plein air), I decided to throw my hat in the ring. We were allowed to have a sneak preview of our selected garden beforehand, and even take photos. We could start our paintings in our studios, as long as we finished them in the garden. With camera in hand, I scoured every inch of the wondering paths, photographed numerous plant groupings and tried to entice the fish in the fish pond to pose for a picture.
I primed my canvas and worked on it for days, trying to come up with something fantastic.
On the morning of the Garden tour, I abandoned my previous canvas (now with many layers of ideas) started a new canvas and came up with a beautiful little painting.
"Ponderous", 8 x 10", acrylic
The paintings were then put on display at the Lighthouse Community Centre for a silent auction. The owners of the garden that I was painting in bought my painting. I hadn't even had time to get attached to it!!
I enjoyed the spontaneous energy that came forth that morning, as opposed to a planned approach to painting. After three hours the painting was complete, and I was off to the hall for strawberry shortcake!
What a wonderful day in Qualicum Bay!
Till Next Time ...
Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.
Susan
From our kitchen window we are fortunate to be able to look at the ocean and watch as the cruise ships head up to Alaska. We can see if the ocean is rough or calm, whether the tide is in or out ... and we always see the same two eagles sitting on top of the highest tree, having a good look around.
