Cold Prairie Studio

Bit of a newsy chat from me today.

After the dry – often smoky – heat of summer, I feel revived by the gentle turn of seasons. My imagination is lit up, but in a similarly gentle way. It’s a nice break from those times when you feel there’s so much to do, you hardly know where to begin.

Coming up this week is the Humboldt Gallery Members Show & Sale. I’ve submitted two pieces to this year’s show which will run from September 26th – November 3rd, with a public reception scheduled for October 14th (watch my homepage for more details).

A local landmark, the Good Neighbour store underwent some changes to its face and profile this summer, so it seemed the right time to submit a piece of how it had been pre-reno, while it’s still fresh in our collective memory. Here’s a sneak peek:

Out and about, the mushrooms have been abundant in wooded places, and we’ve (the kids and I) taken a wander or two just to appreciate the fungi. Mushrooms have been the star of my summer sketchbook, though I remain more cautious when it comes to accurately identifying them.

It’s a season for gathering in. Besides slowly bringing in the garden, I’m also laying in source material for continuing art and illustration projects through the winter, which means taking lots of photos, collecting a few specimens, and visiting surrounding towns and places off the beaten track.

Inspired by the likes of Dorothy Knowles, Emily Carr, and a documentary I recently watched about Georgia O’Keefe, I’ve been exploring new ideas for taking my creative work outdoors. This has resulted in the creation of the outside studio (aka the secret studio, as dubbed by the kids) which is a makeshift space just out back and through the trees. It’s a collection of things pulled together – a screen shelter with some patio furniture inside, and a desk made from a couple sawhorses and an old closet door. It will only last as long as the weather permits…but that’s the point, really.

The secret studio sees occasional visits from family and pets. It has a view of the pond, the changing trees, the migrating birds, and of course the soundscape of nature and harvest machines. It’s all just enough peaceful distraction to make me lose track of time.

These afternoons go by so quickly.