Ashdown Ghost Town © Michelle Basic Hendry
This little collapsing log building is all that remains of the town that marked the crossroads for the Nipissing and Parry Sound Colonization roads. I took this picture on the last drive I took to find painting subjects earlier in July. About 20 minutes north of this site I found one of them and two others a good 30 minutes to the south. I have been hanging around the two colonization roads a lot in the last month or so and they have had tremendous influence on the final paintings for the show that is now, only 11 days away. I have gone grand with the smallest canvas being 24×30″ and the largest 30×40″. I have only one left to finish.
In the 3 weeks since that drive, I have avoided posting the finished paintings… and I think some of you are wondering what I have been doing!
I have been working like crazy, I am very excited about them. However, I want them to be seen live first. It was in these last few that I really understood what this show is all about. It has been hard to resist leaking them to the blog! Below is the ‘artist statement’:
The paintings for the show “Echoes” are inspired by the decaying rural landscape. Michelle examines the landscapes and structures of Muskoka and nearby regions looking at their transformation over time and the echoes of their pioneer past. Rather than commenting about change, the show’s intent is to depict the landscape as it is, how it has been touched through history and allow the viewer to draw their own conclusions. Each piece tells its own story of history and time.
I may allow one to slip over the next week – we’ll see…..
In the meantime, thank you to those of you who sent your prayers for my grandfather. None of the doctors can figure out how it is possible, but he is not only still with us, but he began to eat again a little after nothing for nearly three weeks. He is doing better than could ever have been expected or imagined and seems to be no longer in discomfort. It is indeed a summer of miracles…
Michelle,
What wonderful news about your grandfather! He must be a very strong man with a true desire to live.
I, too, am excited about your show. I can hardly contain myself as I wait to see your final products. I certainly hope that I am able to attend your show.
Great news for you Michelle. What a cool photo and story!
Love,Linda
Oh, I have goosebumps reading about your grandfather!! How awesome, Michelle!
Beautiful photo, will wait for the product!
martin – he is very strong! I hope you are able to come. It would be so nice to meet a blog friend!
Thanks, Linda!
Jean – it won’t be long now… 🙂
Glad to hear the good news about your grandfather. I hope he continues to improve! You must be getting very excited about the impending show, too. That’s a LOT of big paintings–I can IMAGINE all of the work you’ve been doing!
It is great news, eh?
As for the show I am a mix of excitement and nerves – and I have been going like crazy. Thank goodness there is only a week left – I am not sure if I could keep this pace any longer!