Sunshine!!

It has been a great couple of days weather-wise in these parts; the sun has been good for the soul!

So a couple of things to update everyone on... I have finished my painting "The Bike Mechanic", and have it all framed and ready to go. This weekend I will build a crate, and then it heads south.

The next piece will be the same size, and will be a self portrait called "Preparing For An Epic". I'll be starting that one next week.

The second thing is that the woods are clear of snow! All the trails around here are accessable now, if not a little greasy! I put some time in, yesterday and today, up on Mt Greenlaw and Mt Chamcook. The trails all held up well through the winter, and are in near perfect condition. The time I put in on the bike this winter has paid off - all the climbs were comfortable middle-ringers!


Had an art opening tonight at Sunbury Shores for the teachers... I had 7 pieces displayed. We all walked down, as it was a beautiful evening.

That's all for now...
Slats

The Creative Process

My biggest struggle in life has always been balance. I know that I'm at my best when I have a nice mix of things going on. One huge piece of the "balance" puzzle for me is mountain biking. It stimulates me both physically, and visually. This helps me keep my mind clear refreshed and focused for my art.


This last week I was finally able to put in some decent miles on the trails, and boy, does that feel great! They are a bit soggy this time of year, and need a bit of clean-up, but the snow is finally gone. I'm hoping to get the riding group out soon, and will post some pictures when I do.

I had a nice visit from my cousin Stew this last week. He is an organic farmer from Southern Ontario, and we grew up together. I introduced him to Honey Beans Coffee, and took him on a tour of our area. His knowledge of "all things to do with food" was incredible. If you want to know about food - talk to a farmer... kind of makes sense, eh?



Anyway, I am almost done "The Bike Mechanic". I'll complete the painting tomorrow, and have already started to prepare the frame for it. It is a strong piece, and sets a good tone for this new series of paintings.



Thats all for now...
Slats

"The Bike Mechanic" Progress

I am making slow progress on this new painting.

I was hoping to be done my portrait of Ryan by now, but some things have come up.
The biggest time-stealer was the painting of a sign for a friend who is opening a new restaurant in town. Time was tight, so it couldn't wait.

What I have accomplished, I'm pleased with. It is a good solid start to this new direction in my work. ( All things mountain biking!!)

I have been back on the bike, but mostly on the road. There is still too much snow in the dark spots of the woods. All of the mountains are still covered on the north side, and the trails are pretty much impassable. The other day I tried to bust open a section of the rail line pass, north of Chamcook Mountain, and ended up doing a 5 mile hike-a-bike through knee deep slush... not nice!! It looks like the south side of the mountains are melted, however. I'm going to try to get up Mount Greenlaw in the morning. If I make it, I'll post some pictures.

Thats all for now!!
Slats

The Summer Studio

After a little bit of cabin fever, the temperatures have been warm enough to work in my studio on the ocean! I am always far more productive when working there.
I'm very excited about the new direction that I'm taking my line paintings in; so excited, in fact, that it is hard to sit still long enough to work on them! I can't wait for the trails around here to be rideable; I sure need to burn off some of this restless energy.
I haven't looked at this blog in a while, because I have been trying to come to terms with a death in my family. When my head is in a better place, I'll comment more on that. I would like to thank so many family and friends for being there for all of us through this time. We love you all and appreciate you all very much.
As for now, getting back to work has been the best thing for me. I'll post my progress here!
And just so you know Ryan (down there in sunny Tallahassee), you're my first subject matter.
Peace all
Slats