Spring Cleaning

For The Bigger Jobs Sometimes You Need To Break Out The Serious Tools.

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St. Lawrence Market

Rising at dawn on a Saturday morning could mean only one thing: a trip to St. Lawrence Market. Few other reasons could stir me so early but the opportunity to shop for fresh food at this Toronto landmark. The farmer’s market feel to the place certainly beats the generic corporate warehouse-style place otherwise frequented.

Getting there early means less of a crowd getting there and moving about the vast selection of vendors. Missing breakfast to get there early meant I had an excuse to indulge in some of the delicious food there ready to be eaten. In past years I would have shown no restraint but lately the adoption of a calorie-reduced lifestyle has me being more selective. In the end I settled down for a quick “breakfast” of smoked salmon washed down with a double espresso.

The colours and selection can’t be beat and there were hours to take it all in. I’ve provided a few photos as a sample of all there is to offer.

It’s worth noting that amongst the flower vendors the sunflower seems to be incredibly popular and those buying seemed to agree.

Large tables both in the middle of the venue and lining the walls provided an abundance of produce.

Enough bunches of carrots and other vegetables to feed an army.

Fans of the Radish were not forgotten.

Flowers of virtually any kind are always nearby.

The meat counter; one of several where available is anything from bargain cuts to luxurious extremes. I settled for somewhere in the middle.

Sunday

With most of the day’s scheduled tasks and duties out of the way perhaps now would be a good time to settle into a comfortable chair and open a good book…

New Photo of Old Classics

As The Days Get Shorter

I’m not pleased at all now that gradually there’s less daylight with each passing day. We’ve had enough of a time with one seriously rough winter season already. The cold in conjunction with a global pandemic made it challenging for all.

Time to once again accept a constantly changing reality and make the most of what we have.

I’ll Take All The Sunlight We Can Get.

The Walk Home

After completing the evening’s task there’s a time that allows for thought and introspection; the walk home,

While the journey is relatively short it is a valued quiet time where anyone can feel a little more at peace and focus on whatever they choose. Occasionally stopping for a quick photograph is always within reason provided the subject sparks the imagination.

We all could likely make good use of a little more exercise as well so there’s the chance to do so by leaving the car at home in the first place.

So it’s safe to say that, along with everything else, I was able to have some time to myself for a little physical and mental well-being.

Photo taken this evening and stylized.

2nd Dose!

With yesterday’s administration of a 2nd vaccine shot it’s safe to say we’re doing our part in the recovery. Still living in a state of heightened quarantine due to ongoing caregiver duties but it’s all worth it.

Good to see some restrictions being cautiously lifted provided everyone conducts themselves in a responsible manner. Only time will tell.

Until news arrives to do otherwise the masks stay in place and basic distancing guidelines are the rule of the day. Such a minor inconvenience considering all the good it will do for so many in the long run.

The Buddy System In Common Practice. Vaccine Style.

Macro Practice

Heavier rain during recent days hasn’t helped the abstract painting efforts in the slightest but it has opened up opportunities to practice some iPhone photography skills.

This morning was a great chance to see how close I could get to a subject while remaining in focus. The results may be far from pro status but I’m a painter so we’ll have to settle with a rating of – passible.

Drops Left by the Evening Rain.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Everything todays seemed to fall into place just right so I was determined to make the most of it. Shortly after dawn saw hours dedicated to the all-important art pursuits which were carried out as far as I could take them at that stage.

Throughout the remainder of the day I could be found mowing the lawn, washing the car, taking care of laundry along with the regular obligations already in place. I’m almost sure there are other completed task which came and went but I’m not the kind to make lists of such things.

Usually each day starts with only a rough idea what may actually go on since procrastination is still one of my more dominant traits. Luckily things do fall into place and get done for the most part.

Took a couple minutes for creative photography and editing for my own amusement. Some would consider the subject matter questionable but sometimes testing boundaries can yield favourable results.

Hopefully after the sun sets I won’t be left with the usual feeling that not much was done with the day at all. We’ll find out shortly.

Bird Dropping on Windshield – Post Editing

That’s More Like It!

Fortunately yesterday’s unreasonable weather was short lived and now noticeably improved. Still slightly cold for my purposes but that’s scheduled to improve during the coming days do we’ll just have to be content with sunshine.

In a couple days painting should resume but the shortage of supplies has me concerned. We’re trying to gradually work back from the pandemic so I have to take my lumps just like everyone else.

Tried experimenting with different approaches and materials but the results just weren’t all that impressive. Once you work out a way to create something memorable it’s hard to settle for second best.

But they say patience has it’s rewards so I’ll have to simply work away at planning and taking the occasional photo.

A Saturday Morning Surprise!

Tree Roots

Time has been occupied with making use of all this terrific painting weather while still trying to keep up with other side pursuits and obligations. I’ve been wrestling with the idea of posting photos of works in progress but that all is similar to posting pics of a half-baked cake. It’s either finished or it’s not.

Here’s a photo taken yesterday during an excursion just as proof that on occasion I do actually lead a life outside the studio.

Tree Roots in Nature