Crossing over to the other side...an introspection on life

Crossing over...

"Bridge to Somewhere" oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, 6x6" $550.

... to the other side

Throughout the Fall months in the Northern Hemisphere, a noticeable change in the weather, color, and pace of life is evident. It takes me back to when I was in college. I recall my music history instructor had us study the late 60's album "Bookends" by Simon and Garfunkle.  It is a compilation of songs written about the seasons of life.  

Right now I am feeling as if Fall offers more than seasonal changes.  Lately, I have been practicing introspection as I move and look forward...and back at my life.  Spring:  do you see it in children?  They are blossoming beings, growing and learning day by day.  Summer:  a more relaxed, confident, and productive pace of life.   As we enter into Fall, a keen observation of the colors, temps, and a realization that winter is just around the corner...and over the bridge!  Whoa, the chill of Winter!

Where did the time go?  Fall truly gives us a keen introspective on time. Time is here. It is now, and it should be spent with intention.  How about you?  Do you contemplate the seasons? Do you know where you are in life?   Do tell!

Morning Crocus, 8x8

Morning Crocus, 8x8" Pastel  ©Brenda Boylan

Spring is pretty much here in the Great Northwest even though it's not official until March 21. Just yesterday, I saw some crocus peeking up from our garden and thought, "YEAH, plein air season is almost here!" Spring means it's time for the Plein Air Convention which has been designed to inspire all those artists to go outdoors. It is also the highlight of my year. This time around I have been honored to mentor as a field artist.  That means I will be out in the field painting with 700 other plein air artists, demonstrating my technique and visiting with curious onlookers. Now the question is, should I bring oil or my ever faithful pastels?

The piece above was from deep within the vault, created some eleven years ago or so when I first began painting with pastels in earnest. Sorry it is a bit blurry, but I don't have a good photo of it and has since been purchase by a collector. Whenever I see crocus, it is a reminder that spring is just...around... the...corner!

First Spring Stance, 5x9

"First Spring Stance" 5x9" Pastel on sanded paper

I admit, I am a fair weather painter!

That means I am a "whimp" when it comes to cold, wet, damp weather. On the other hand, I can stand the heat! Last year, I was out for 3 days in 103 degree temps plein air painting. I don't mind the heat, but the sun and my fair skin are not a good mix, so I am relegated to shady spots and umbrella wrestling.

Yesterday was a great day to go out to paint without an umbrella. Because Portland is mostly a damp place, it has been unseasonably dry for this time of year. Here is my take of a small park located in Beaverton just off of Murray Blvd. It was not a location that I'd have first picked, but after establishing a composition. it all worked out. Today it is back to raining, so I am in the studio for now...next to my heater!