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Category Archives: Art
Perfect
There was an artist in the city of Kouroo who was disposed to strive after perfection. One day it came into his mind to make a staff. Having considered that in an imperfect work, time is an ingredient, but into a perfect work, time does not enter, he said to himself: It shall be perfect in all respects, though I should do nothing else in my life.
Henry David Thoreau
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Frank carries a staff with him on some of his walks. It was hardly crafted at all from a fallen branch in our forest sanctuary, being perfect in its natural form. It becomes more perfect all the time as Frank adds a natural patina from his handling of this tree, often admired by others he encounters on his walks.
We are perfect, and getting better all the time.
Happy Halloween to All
Halloween or Hallowe’en is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It initiates the triduum of Allhallowtide,the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers.Within Allhallowtide, the traditional focus of All Hallows’ Eve revolves around the theme of using “humor and ridicule to confront the power of death.”
Wikipedia
When is a Painting Done?
When is a Painting Done?
After thinking “Gracy’s Lagoon” was completed a few weeks ago, the birds have flown back to the easel for some touching up, along with the rocks…etc.
Seems like hanging it on the wall was an invitation to enjoy and examine, only to see things that might still be “improved.” And…back to the painting studio.
So, when is a painting really done? Some famous artists have carried their work around for years, like Leonardo and his “Mona Lisa” which he loved so much he carried it with him wherever he traveled. It could be that a friendship develops with some works and their creators. It could also be that the relationship is heightened when others show interest in a particular piece…making the artist more aware that others are looking at this work, so it better be as good as they can make it.
Perhaps, it is not until the work finally leaves the artist’s possession that the work is really completed.
WIP Update
As seen in the last post I was working on a new ocean painting.
Now almost done…I’m looking for a title. Calm and Peace have been suggested. Any other ideas?
I think everyone can use a bit of calm these days.
Frank
Gracy’s Lagoon
Frank thinks back, “Decades ago, I hiked down into the Feather River Canyon with my daughter Gracy to explore a hidden treasure I had discovered off the beaten path. You could hear it before you saw it…a thirty foot waterfall, flowing into a beautiful lagoon. Not too long after that visit, I began to do a painting of this magical place. Over the years, I’ve found opportunities to do a bit more work on the picture, including a couple of parrots known to travel the canyon…escapees from pet owners.
Today, it looks like I’ve got the finishing touches in place. And in honor of Gracy’s birthday today, here is the 48″W x 36″H acrylic on canvas…
Gracy’s Lagoon”:
Oh…yes, Happy Birthday Gracy!
From Dad, Mary and Ziggy
One at a Time
A bird in the forest perches on only one branch at a time. This is the wise persons’ practice.
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The Evening Grosbeaks Return (1:19)
The Evening Grosbeaks returned earlier this year than last, which was in March. It is great to see the gregarious flock come flying in. They are usually in a group of 6 or 8, playing with and feeding each other. During this visit they descended onto the maple trees to enjoy the whirligig seeds.
Sandcastles
We are like children building a sandcastle. We embellish it with beautiful shells, bits of driftwood, and pieces of coloured glass. The castle is ours, off-limits to others. Yet despite all our attachment, we know that the tide will inevitably come in and sweep the sandcastle away. The trick is to enjoy it fully but without clinging, and when the time comes, let it dissolve back into the sea.
Pema Chödrön
Live Your Dream…Along the Right Path
We all have the chance to live our dream. It means making a lot of right decisions, focused on the right path of attainable goals.
One of Frank’s patrons returned from a South Pacific sailing vacation and commissioned Frank to paint a new work. She wanted a composite scene from her memorable time with a friend. Frank painted the “Dream” in acrylic on a 30″ x 15″ stretched canvas.
Live your dream. Be inspired by it.
Just make sure it is realistic, and down the right path…and you know what is right.