What I drew today

Sketches: Friday, June 17, 2011

So, this is what I did today. I had every intention of painting "en plein aire" today, and even packed up my easel, paint, a canvas, snacks and water...I was ready to go. My intended destination was Clayton Falls, a gorgeous waterfall just past Bella Coola. I headed to town, leaving in the bright, warm sunshine, and the closer I got to the falls, the worse the weather was. I was dressed for hot sunny day, and by the time I got there it was cold and windy. Too cold to paint in what I was wearing. So, headed back up the valley towards home, and lo and behold, by the time I got back up here it was warm and sunny. (We have a few different eco-systems here in this valley) So I stopped by my friends, Holly and Fraser's hotel, The Bella Coola Mountain Lodge...formerly known as the Coast Mountain Lodge and also the Brockton Inn, and enjoyed sipping green tea, playing with their adorable cats, and sketching from their back deck in the glorious sunshine.

Another Magnolia

My Magnolia 6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

I know...another magnolia, but my tree is blooming, and I'm completely enamoured with it it right now. I love magnolia trees. I'm baffled by the huge blossoms, like some tropical flower. Their smell, so much like the sweetest tulips, and how the petals litter the ground like fragrant snow. I remember clearly the first time I saw one...I was probably already 12 or so, and had never seen anything like it. I don't think they grow in Quesnel.  I was in Kelowna, walking down my grandpa's street, and the neighbour had one that was blooming. I remember standing and staring...the neighbour probably thought I was off my rocker. :)

This one will be going on ebay Sunday, May 22, at around 6.

Bid Now

Bye for now.

Magnolia Flower

Magnolia in my sketchbook

Hi everyone. I finally felt like sketching today! The sun is out and brilliant, and it's hot and it finally feels like spring. I'm smiling!! Our magnolia tree looks absolutely magnificent right now, so I thought I'd take advantage of the sunny day to go outside and sketch it. 

It's black ballpoint and colored pencil, softened up with a bit of mineral spirits...