Today, I am hoping to spend time working on and possibly coming close to finishing this painting.  It is of a fallen tree that has become a source of nourishment for new trees, and all sorts of creatures.  It is called a nurse log, and I have seen a few of them on my hikes.  I'm really enjoying mixing colours for this one.  I get an idea in my head of how I want this to look or feel and I'm excited when the colours come together.  I discovered that using raw umber (one of my favourites), and pthalo green (blue shade), I can come up with a really nice green.  I also mixed cad red and raw umber and came up with a nice earthy red.  I am going to start writing these mixes down so i can use them again.  

I was fortunate to spend this last weekend up at Sun Peaks which is a ski resort near Kamloops, BC.  There was a LOT of snow, and more to come.  I am one of those rare people who love snow and get excited about it's arrival.  I can't wait to start my next painting which will definitely have snow in it.  Today, on my morning hike I enjoyed being up in the bush in the snow and meandering through the snow covered trails and trees.  I am reminded again of how fortunate I am.

Often when I hike, I end up on the Jimmy Fox trail south of Signal Point.  Along this trail stands a beautiful old tree that is full of burls.  It is so twisted and knobbly that I am fascinated with it.  It is so big, that I cannot get my arms around it.  The burls are cause by old injuries... losing a branch.  I find that I can't stop looking at it or thinking about it.  It is lovely, and.... it is an old giant.  I think I have shown it the respect it has earned.  

"The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity"   Alberto Giacometti

I finished this painting yesterday.  A lot of love went into this one.  I am trying to think of a name.  A few suggestions have been "Northern Moss", "Fashion Show", and "Beauty" is also an idea.  I know it will come to me.  Today I am starting 2 new paintings.  I have the whole day ahead of me and can't wait to start.  It is snowing, and I will start my day with a hike as usual..... that is where I get my inspiration.  

Yesterday I worked for quite some time on this one.  The idea for it popped into my head a couple days ago while we were hiking in the bush.  A lot of trees  have moss growing on them and I was struck by the bright green that coated the branches of these trees.  The sun was shining through and they were just glowing.  
I love trees... I always have.  I remember as a child, building tree forts in the summer and just climbing and hanging out in our willow trees.  One of my favourite books as a child was "Miss Twiggly's Tree" .  It was a story about a woman who lived in a tree with her dog (named Puss), and a coloured TV.... "she did what she liked, and she liked what she did.... but when company came... Miss Twiggly hid".   Miss Twiggly eventually ended up saving the town when it rained and flooded.  It was a great story.  
     Anyways... I think my love of trees is reflected in a lot of my paintings.... this one in particular.  There is a lot of movement, texture and colour in these 2 beauties and I was lost in them for several hours.  Today.... I will add the beautiful moss.  Looking forward to it.  

Today I sold 2 paintings at the Gecko Tree.  That would make a total of 3, as one was sold before the show started.  It is really hard to describe how great it feels to be able to share what you create with other people and have them enjoy it.  To say that it is satisfying is an understatement.  It brings me so much joy. 

I have started on another painting today and can't wait to work on it tomorrow.  I think I am obsessed with trees and tree bark ( smile ).  The painting I'm working on now really focuses on trees, their bark and the moss that grows in bright green, on the sides of the trees.  Good luck sleeping tonight Liz.  

 The Gecko Tree in Williams Lake  is one of my favourite places and my husband and I often head there for breakfast on Saturday mornings.   The walls are adorned with works by various local artists.  For years, I have looked at the work displayed there and dreamed that one day perhaps my work could be on their walls.  Well..... today.... November 1, 2013, I am hanging 7 paintings on the hallowed walls of The Gecko Tree.  It honestly is a dream come true for me.  They will be on display and for sale until The Gecko closes for Christmas.  I am so excited, I could hardly sleep last night.  Please stop by and enjoy their excellent food, great atmosphere and my paintings.  :)