Thinking From The End
When I begin a painting, I've already created it in my mind. The painting is complete and hanging on my wall. This is what imagination is. It's tapping into the universal mind, or spirit, and visualising what already exists in essence, and then bringing it into the physical plane.
When I begin a painting, I've already created it in my mind. The painting is complete and hanging on my wall.
This is what imagination is. It's tapping into the universal mind, or spirit, and visualising what already exists in essence, and then bringing it into the physical plane.
It's easy to understand this when you think of making dinner. You first think of what you want to eat. Perhaps you picture the entire meal laid out beautifully on the table, with candles and wine... you imagine if you are sharing the meal with someone... you imagine what it looks like on the table and on the plates; the smell of the food, the taste...
All of this happens in a flash when you think, "What should I make for dinner?"
Once you know what you want to create, you get out your recipe book, head off to the store for the ingredients, and then you make dinner. Within a few hours you are enjoying your creation!
It's the same when I paint. I create an image in my mind, perhaps as an idea that I want to express...
I'll picture the size and shape of the canvas, the colours, shapes and images that will express this idea and feeling that I want to create on canvas.
I keep the finished painting in mind, but of course, there are little surprises along the way... I let go of the outcome and allow it to unfold and come to life as it is meant to.
Like giving birth - when the baby is born there is joy and surprise, yet you also feel that you knew this person all along.... everything is exactly as it is meant to be.
Right now I have a few paintings in mind. They are there, just hanging in my mind, until I'm ready to give birth. This is the joy of creating; having a vision and then experiencing the coming into being...
Enchanted, 60" x 36", SOLD
What colour is your February?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve associated letters, numbers and words with colours. For example, the letter “A” is red (and so is the name Anne). Sometimes the word is coloured by the first letter, but not always. For example “F” is a dark green, but February is a light blue. I thought this was “normal” and that everyone’s words were colours. Until I was a little older and began asking others what colours their letters or words were…
Ever since I can remember, I’ve associated letters, numbers and words with colours. For example, the letter “A” is red (and so is the name Anne). Sometimes the word is coloured by the first letter, but not always. For example “F” is a dark green, but February is a light blue. I thought this was “normal” and that everyone’s words were colours. Until I was a little older and began asking others what colours their letters or words were…
I’d say, “What colour is your February?” And they’d look at me blankly.
A few years ago I discovered from a friend and fellow artist that it’s actually a “neurological condition” called synesthesia (which means “union of the senses”). Synesthesia can involve any of the senses but the most common is “seeing” letters and numbers as colours. This is called Grapheme-Colour Synesthesia. I also have Spatial Sequence Synesthesia (experiencing time, numbers and dates as if it's a on a giant clock outside of my body). The hypothesis is that in synesthetes, there is a cross-wiring in the brain so that neurons and synapses that are supposed to be contained in one sensory system, cross over to another system.
Apparently synesthesia is more common among artists. I know three other synesthetes and all are artists. I’m sure I know more, it’s just not something normally discussed (unless you are an artist!).
I’ve always loved playing with colour. As an artist it’s a big part of my expression. Perhaps synesthesia is like having another sense… a 6th sense… I can’t imagine not having this "condition". And it certainly adds to my world of colour…
I’d love to know… Are you a synesthete? What colour is your February?
Painting the Tree ~ Stage One
I made a little video showing the first stage of my painting process.
Each painting begins with a free-hand drawing on canvas. With pencil to canvas I get to know my painting...
I made a little video showing the first stage of my painting process.
Each painting begins with a free-hand drawing on canvas. With pencil to canvas I get to know my painting... The lines and character of the painting are now beginning to take shape. Once the drawing is complete I do an underpainting in grey as a tonal study...
Live Your Childhood Dreams
It’s a rainy, blustery day and I’m cozy warm in my studio…
Looking out my window at the Vancouver harbour, I remember that only a few years ago, this was my dream...
It’s a rainy, blustery day and I’m cozy warm in my studio…
Looking out my window at the Vancouver harbour, I remember that only a few years ago, this was my dream.
In fact, it wasn’t until I moved into this studio that I realised... I actually visualised this very space.
Well, the studio wasn’t built yet, but I did imagine it… I imagined the size, the location... And with windows facing the waterfront…
“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.”
Being an artist was really the only childhood dream I had.
And now, here I am... Living my dream.
“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.”
And, once again, here I am... Day-dreaming out my window… Thinking… Imagining….
(I always was a dreamer).
So I thought... It's time to start another dream...
So...... Beginning November 21st, I'll be launching the 21 Day Dream Journey.
This (FREE) 21 Day Dream Journey is a gentle, peaceful, yet powerful way to connect to your dreams and change your life.
When it's time to birth a new dream, idea or goal in life, you can use the Dream Journey Guide to become clear on your vision and take the steps needed to bring your dreams to life.
You can register now... (You'll also get your free PDF ~ 7 Steps from Ethereal to Real, part one of the Little Book of Big Dreams, so you can start creating your dreams today!).
Me, My Brush and I
I love nature. I need nature.
I was thinking this as I hummed along to myself, walking through the woods and listening to the sound of the wind through the tree tops and the multitude of birds singing… In that moment, nothing else really mattered...
Tree of Life, 36" x 60" oil on canvas Available at Art Junction Gallery, Whistler, B.C.
I love nature. I need nature.
I was thinking this as I hummed along to myself, walking through the woods and listening to the sound of the wind through the tree tops and the multitude of birds singing… In that moment, nothing else really mattered.
Art and nature have something very important in common. They both bring you into the present moment. Time stops.
It’s just me, the trees, the birds, the breeze…
Me, my brush and I.
Featured Product
Custom designed silk scarf from the painting Tree of Life
Rose and the Old Woman
The Old Woman took Rose deep into the forest where there stood an enormous tree. Under the tree, beneath the roots, was a door to a long, deep tunnel. In they went and down, down, down, until they came to a small clearing on the earthen floor...
(You can read the previous episode here)
Tree of Life - detail
The Old Woman took Rose deep into the forest where there stood an enormous tree. Under the tree, beneath the roots, was a door to a long, deep tunnel. In they went and down, down, down, until they came to a small clearing on the earthen floor. It was cold and barren with only the dimmest of light coming in from above. There was a small table with two chairs and two beds on either side of the room. In one corner was a large pot on a stove with bones and remnants of yesterday’s meal scattered about the floor.
The Old Woman ordered Rose to make dinner, then hobbled over to the smallest bed and went to sleep.
Every day while the Old Woman slept, Rose cooked and cleaned and plotted her escape. And at night when Rose lay sleeping, the Old Woman disappeared, returning each morning before dawn.
“Try to escape and I’ll catch you and eat you!” the Old Woman cackled, and so Rose did as she was told.
One day, when the Old Woman was fast asleep, Rose heard a small voice calling her name...
Forest of Dreams
Beginning a new dream is like walking into a forest without a clear path.
You have a destination in mind but you don't know what you will encounter along the way. You trust its unfoldment as you venture into the unknown...
In the Forest of Dreams anything is possible...
Beginning a new dream is like walking into a forest without a clear path.
You have a destination in mind but you don't know what you will encounter along the way. You trust its unfoldment as you venture into the unknown...
Like a fairy-tale forest, the path to your dreams is full of signs and symbols to guide you on your way.
You need only to dream, imagine, and have courage to step forward into the magical realm of creation.
'But have the courage to write whatever your dream is for yourself.' ~ May Sarton
In the Forest of Dreams, anything is possible...
My path.
I like to figure things out for myself, and it isn’t always the easy route...
I may have a destination in mind, but the path is not always clear.
Sometimes I get lost and have to retrace my steps... but then I just keep on going.
I’m driven by a sense of discovery and adventure.
I’ll say to myself ~ What if?...
'Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' ~ Emerson
I’m creating my own path... It is unique to me.
No, it isn’t always easy... but then, the greater the challenge, the greater the reward...
‘Your work is to discover your work, and then with all your heart, to give yourself up to it.’ ~ Gautama Buddha