Weather (or not)

Some people tend to put a whole lot of weight in the effect of weather on mood and perhaps creativity. While there may be some truth to this assumption it’s worth looking further into the weather itself. Bear with me.

Warmer and sunnier climates provide people with more opportunity to do whatever they like whenever they like. Sounds like freedom to me. Without the restrictions placed on so many during the inclement seasons we tend to focus significantly less on those activities we cannot do.

Perhaps the awkward point I’m trying to make is that it’s the presence of opportunity that makes all the difference. I’ve been both highly motivated and lethargic during all the seasons throughout the year. A grey rainy day has little impact overall provided not a whole lot of weight is put into the opinions of “experts”.

But hey, we can all make up our own minds thanks to life experience.

Not a cheerful photo but at least it’s new!!

Sundown Today

Given another favourable day for outdoor art and the time was not wasted. Tomorrow should be similar before a colder front moves in but I can’t complain; originally it was thought that all this productivity would have to wait another 3-4 weeks. I’ll just take what I can get as it comes along.

Progress achieved by the end of today’s efforts.

Insanity!

Okay, perhaps the title is over the top and dramatic but today’s schedule so far has felt close to it.

After fulfilling duties this morning helping an older couple up came the idea of driving downtown on a quest for hidden art supplies not apparent to your average internet user. Hey, some of the best ideas can come out of wandering downtown.

Eventually wound up on Spadina Avenue which is famous for it’s vast selection of practically everything under the sun. Some items can’t be found anywhere else in the city! First stop was “The Collective” where they specialize in spray paint and related materials. If I can’t pour it or throw it I may as well as spray it. Next was “Gwartzman’s” an art supply store I first stepped into 40 years ago. Only minor changes have occurred in that time so it was certainly a trip to the past. They carry anything and everything art related but today I settled for more conventional materials.

Before heading out there was a storefront which read “House of Cannabis”. Needless to say the establishment needed further study purely for “research” purposes. Who would have thought research could be so expensive? To be frank, I believe in thoroughly understanding a subject to it was/is an intensive effort.

There are still a few hours of sunlight remaining to at least get a little painting done. A full day with the canvas is planned tomorrow. Fingers crossed that the warmer days stay with us!

Just a fraction of the many cans acquired during today’s travels.

Uh-oh!

Looks like I may have started something that could prove impossible to stop. The previous painting session has me obsessing about a nearly completed canvas and today I may have thought through the ideal steps. Now would be a good time to creatively step back just to be sure this direction is truly the best. After all, you can’t unring a bell.

The weather update today has been getting my hopes up that at least one day this weekend outdoor temperatures will be sufficient for more artistic efforts. Perhaps now would be the best time to practice guarded optimism.

Can’t seem to ease my concerns about the shortage of appropriate paint available on the market. I really should go through everything on hand for a proper perspective and to plan ahead if the need to adapt arises.

Until I’m once again creating something on canvas now would be as good a time as any to provide a sample of Amateur Photoshop.

Original photo taken in bright sunlight but adjusted to create a more evening feel.

Day 3 – Bah Humbug

Seems the tranquil dawn of the day was short-lived as soon the wind picked up and fast moving clouds took over. Before the painting day could start it was over. Sometimes the temperature is favourable but all the other variables fall apart. However, if I’m going to enjoy a couple of productive days this is an inconvenience I can roll with.

Between the rain storm and other non- painting difficulties production of anything wasn’t going to happen. When presented with moments like this I like to get things done that will make the next painting day even better. It can be creatively or productivity or both.

Sometimes you get to collect the eggs and other times you have to care for the chickens.

A Former Indoor Painting Setup

Live: From The Driveway!

That’s right, painting has officially started. While cooler this morning the weather cooperated enough to allow work to start about 90 minutes ago. Just a short post for now and a sample of what this season will bring!

Coming Near You… 01-2021

Grr…

Seems keeping an eye on the weather forecast during the days prior to outdoor painting has proven valuable once again.

The originally unseasonably warm temperatures scheduled for this afternoon have been downgraded considerably; roughly half of the estimate only 48 hours ago. If this proves to be the case then all outdoor artistic efforts will have to wait for Wednesday. Experience has show that cooler temperatures are not friendly to paint or it’s ability to adhere.

Even the best laid plans have to be adjusted and improvisation is needed. I’ll have to wait several more hours to see what unfolds and act accordingly. At least everything is prepared and thought through so there’s less chance of a rage post from this artist over the next day or so.

All will remain in a holding pattern until nature gives her approval to commence full speed.

Current Weather In Canada

60 – 2016

Here’s another piece from a bygone era. It’s occasionally helpful to look back briefly as we prepare for the future. Tuesday is when the warmer weather kicks in for two days and apprehension seems to be the primary force guiding me there. Supplies have to be placed ready for action and the weather forecast will be monitored to see which hours will work best.

60 – 2016

Musical Interlude

Relax, you won’t be subjected to any of my musical efforts. Those never seem to end well.

Instead enjoy this very recent photo of a nearby piano. It took a few tries but finally the effort may have paid off in the end.

Piano Waiting For Player

Is It Too Early?

I’ve been told that during a couple of days this coming week the weather should be unseasonably warm. For myself this temptation may be far too much to bear. Here it’s a waiting game until the full-time serious painting can resume but that effort isn’t scheduled to start for 6-8 weeks!

The development of imporved temperatures could mean the opportunity to plan and carry out the completion of a piece started originally during the tail end of 2020. Theoretically that would make this the first painting of 2021! Imagine the relief of all those on social media and here who are demanding I cease recycling works from previous years under the banner of “Retrospective”.

It’s worth mentioning that the series of artwork completed during 2020 was given the banner “Borne Of Pandemic” as it’s the threat of the virus and the obvious public struggles that played an influential role. It has been recently decided that everything completed during 2021 will have the new banner “Rise From Pandemic” to convey the slowly growing sense of optimism provided by medical breathroughs and the general public finally learning what basic precations are expected of them. That last point has been harder to learn for some than Grade 12 algebra.

In all likelyhood, if everything works out, I’ll be unable to resist temptation and get back to work for at least that limited time. It’s an opportuinity I’m simply unequiped to say no to. So armed with a well thought out strategy and a small mountain of existing supplies the chances of success are indeed favorable.

I’ll let you know the end result the day it’s completed.

In the mean time, allow me to revert to my ever popular “retrospective” works.

17 – 2020