Hopewell Rocks, 8×10, acrylic
In the early part of this decade, my husband and I had very little money for travel, so we took advantage of trips with his company to go to conferences and shows. I have seen some pretty interesting places in Canada and the U.S. as a result.
Every January, one particular conference would take us to a different city every year, across Canada. I missed Saskatoon this year, although the -49C temperatures that they experienced while my husband was there makes me think it was OK to miss that one! We have been to Ottawa and Niagara Falls, Ontario; Moncton, New Brunswick and Canmore, Alberta. My husband on his solo trips went to Quebec City, Quebec; St. John’s, Newfoundland and Vancouver, BC. This country in Winter is stunning and I would encourage anyone to try a trip when the snow is flying!
We both agree, however, that the best one was to Moncton, New Brunswick. We took the train from Ottawa and saw some stunning landscapes, enjoyed surprisingly good food on VIA rail and met and bonded with some exceptional people. The east coast of Canada is one of the finest breeding grounds for comedians and all around friendly people. We had an exceptional time that year!
The painting above is from this trip, as well as, the painting from the ‘More Painting with Filed Colour‘. The latter is from a photo I shot from the train very early in the morning on the trip out.
On the last day of our time in Moncton, we rented a car and drove down to see the Hopewell Rocks. This is a hugely famous attraction on the Bay of Fundy known for the highest tides in the world. In summer, this place is crawling with tourists. In January, the rocks and the water belonged entirely to us. That alone made the trip worthwhile and inspired the painting above, Hopewell Rocks.
We had to struggle down a snow covered stairwell to get down to the water. The day was crisp and cold, but the sun was out and the rocks were incredibly rich and rusty in colour. There was a quietness that I am certain cannot be found at any other time of year.
Who says January cannot be an excellent time to travel?
Lovely painting. Glad you’ve been able to take advantage of business trips! Niagara Falls is utterly amazing (& completely abandoned,) in Winter, too, but it also turns you into a human popsicle, depending on wind direction.
Added you to my blogroll, if you don’t mind…
This one is awesome!! Well, of course all your paintings are awesome!!
Love,
Linda
Michelle:
Very nice painting.
Yes traveling in the winter can be grand. I’m in Morro Bay, California at present and it’s in the 70’s! Certainly, a departure from my Montana winters! 🙂
I’ve never traveled Canada in winter. But from what I’ve seen in the spring and fall, it is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.
Lana – Thanks for adding me! 🙂
As for Niagara Falls, compared to where I am, it was balmy in January! We actually took the opportunity to go under the falls when they were frozen. That is quite a site, isn’t it?
Thanks,Linda! That means a lot coming from a talent such as yourself…. 🙂
Kinsey! – My husband loves where you are – he’d move there if he could! LOL! You’ll have to bring your camera up here some time…
I love hearing about the travels! I LOVE to travel. Tomorrow, I’m driving 11 hours north to visit my sister who’s going to be in Las Vegas. One day there and head back, just to be on the road. And after 40 years in Minnesota, I’m glad to just be looking at beautiful paintings like this, not actually living in them!
Thanks, Chris! 🙂
That is quite a drive! And beautiful from what I have heard…..
How clever of you Michelle to use the Hopewell Rocks to depict the hopelessness of Mankind. This painting is an exquisite metaphor for life. A lonely shadow of a small, insignificant man walking through life in a cold, unyielding and oppressive environment. At long last, I seem to have found someone who sees the world as I. Your work speaks to my inner self.
Hi Martin – I suppose you could interpret it in that way. I am glad you have found something powerful in it for yourself. If I can hope to do nothing else with my work, it is to touch another with such intensity!
I am not sure that I, personally, see it as hopeless, but rather as how small we are in the larger scheme of things. I prefer to look at it as what IS. Hopeful or hopeless is something each of us projects onto the landscape according to our world view and our mood. Landscapes can be a clever and subtle way to communicate that. An abandoned landscape is stripped of its preconceptions and can offer a clearer view into ourselves.
I am a lover of solitude and I find things reveal their beauty better in silence and in their abandonment.
As usual, your thoughts are going to inspire a post… I need the next couple of days to gather my thoughts and to find or create another image….
Good to see you are still coming to visit!
It takes a creative and imaginative mind to turn a business trip into your benefit… Reminds me that I need to travel more!!!
Deb – Even if you can just steal a few hours, the experience and what you remember can be completely transformed!
oh, this trip just sounds wonderful and I really like the painting. Gives such a sense of th grandeur of nature.
Thanks jafabrit! 🙂
This piece is just lovely, Michelle! I can see myself there, and feel the cold, experience the beauty of the place. I enjoy reading your story about this trip. You tell it in such a lovely way. I now want to visit that place. I don’t see this piece as hopeless or desolate, but as a place to just be.
I also LOVE to travel, and my husband Noel and I have travelled quite a bit in winter. It’s a great time, less crowds, less expensive, easier to see what we’ve come to see. How wonderful that you get some company trips. I can’t wait to travel again, and have a strong desire to spend my 50th birthday this November in Paris. I am working on making this one happen! 🙂
Kris;
Thank you!
50? No way!!
Paris is lovely, you will love it!
Just had to add my applause!! Your artwork is fabulous and your stories very interesting to read. I just wish I had your talent.
Thanks Sue! 🙂