I read about the most abominable events every morning – headlines only. Unfortunately, what I find is a world, mostly run by and ruined by rich selfish criminals.
I turn away from despair, seek comfort and connection, starting with the love of my life Maureen. She has an orange and then we have a very good cup of cappuccino. Then, breakfast essentials by local bakers Ben and Rob.
Together, we watch a mess of birds at our feeder, and I forget the headlines of the day.
Now you know why I have been painting birds for two years.
The Red Winged Blackbirds are one of the earliest and best signs that spring is not far away. That flash of red is like the warmth of the sun on a gardener’s face.
The Red Winged Triptych is a reminder that these guests almost never arrive alone. They come in groups and share the feeder with other birds.
The orioles are invited guests. I made hangers for oranges for them to eat. They also tell us that change is in the wind. We know they are here because they have a song that is all theirs and is very beautiful. Spring and all that comes with it, is our very favourite season in Lonsdale.
The Red Winged Sunrise painting is my way of blending the time of year and the arrival of our lovely visitors. This spring as most of you know, has been a long, drawn-out affair. We were white, then a clean light grey green followed by more white stuff. Sort of white. Then more shades of green leading into patches of despair and hope. Hope won and rain came. Buckets. With it came a very beautiful new green that overwhelms anyone trying to capture it on canvas. Happy green is not a color you can order up.
The painting aptly titled A Maureen Start has been a fine challenge. Watching someone you love enjoying a simple thing like a perfect mandarin orange is pure joy. The “what are we doing today?” chat is how we start. No music, no screen, just words and cappuccino — and the beautiful space between thoughts.
Red Belly Waiting is a painting that I started last year and just finished. The Red Belly Woodpecker comes to the trees and feeder all winter and then leaves as spring arrives. Another sign that spring is around the bend.
Some of the paintings are available at the studio. Prices from $5,000 to
$8000. Reach out if you are interested hh@harlanhouse.com.
Comments 14
Keep watching the birds Harland and not the Headlines…. I know what you mean.
This time of year I Have to see see things growing and have started tubers inside to be put outside the end of May. I have also started volunteering at a local greenhouse.
Lovely!
Hello Harlan!
Good to see your work, vibrant as ever!
your pals in the Ottawa Valley,
Peg and John
Lovely as ever, Harlan!
Great way to appreciate life Harlan and Maureen !
I will come soon to see you with Enzo… in the morning or after 4:00.
Take good care of each other.
You have pierced my heart with the beauty of these amazing works of art Harlan. Thank you for making my morning so bright and beautiful!
Beautiful !! Long way from selling suits at Bud Burks. Nice to see your work.
Gorgeous!
The orange – like Maureen – is beautiful in all ways.
Looking out at my lilac buds and remembering the glorious ones at your place, Harlan. I love the painting of the orange and reassurance that Maureen and you are doing well.
Beautiful birds make beautiful paintings
Thanks for sharing the beauty of birds – what would life be without them ?
Glad to see your red breasted woodpecker is ready to fly since Isabel and I last saw you.
Aren’t we lucky that colour makes us happy.
Bravo Harlan
Vibrant paintings, Harlan. You would have a field (& forest) day with our island woodpeckers. Thank you, Kathleen and Valdy
Great to see Harlan in this crazy world