#2932 "On Golden Pond"

#2932 "On Golden Pond"
14 X 18 (inches) smooth panel.
Started 11:00 am Sunday, March 2nd, 2025

Sunset colours can be breathtaking. Sunrises are typically not as stunning. Wind, daytime heating and instability will mix dust and aerosols from the ground into a deeper layer of the atmosphere during the day. These constituents will scatter more light to the sunset eye. Such was the case on August 7th, 2024, at 8:26 pm.

A summer storm was approaching. High-level cirrus trailed behind the deformation zone, which was already to the east of the Luther Marsh. Altocumulus "dumplings" indicated that the warm air mass was on the unstable and convective side of average. The typical warm frontal pattern pictured in the accompanying graphic is more stable than the sunset I painted. 

The strong winds aloft with the jet stream were shaking the warm frontal surface like a bed sheet. Thicker cloud was concentrated in gravity bands associated with the upward shake of the sheet. The cloud was thinner, and the altocumulus was less numerous in the troughs of the gravity wave swells. 

The backlit clouds sparkled in the sunset light. Cirrus clouds, comprised of ice crystals, are not optically thick to the sunlight. Backlit altocumulus comprised of more opaque particles is optically thick enough to be slightly dark in its centre. The altocumulus "dumplings" are brighter on their edges where fewer cloud particles are located. The relatively small size of the altocumulus elements indicates that the cloud was on the high side for that class of cloud, perhaps around 15 thousand feet above ground level. A laser ceilometer would provide a definitive answer.

This photo was taken by my good friend Cam Lindsey whom I have known since 1985 when we moved to Schomberg, Ontario - right after the Barrie Tornado. Cameron had moved from Western Avenue in Schomberg to Windy Acres Farm south of the Luther Marsh.

This is the idyllic view across his farm pond at sunset. Everyone needs to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature and the weather. 

Three palettes were being used to keep the oils clean.
Winter weather prevailed outside.

For this and much more art, click on Pixels or go straight to the Collections. Here is the new Wet Paint 2024 Collection. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2025. 

Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,

Phil Chadwick 

#2931 "The Swirling Nature"

#2931 "The Swirling Nature" 
14 X 18 oils on smooth panel.
Started 11:00 am Saturday, March 1st, 2025

Where do the tenacles of the overhead virga and the weather of the warm conveyor belt end? Where do the trees, rock and water begin? Nature all swirl together and complement each other in the dance of creation. I wanted to use lots of oils and have fun... this may be a bit different, but that's OK.

These photos were taken by my good friend Cam Lindsey, whom I have known since 1985 when we moved to Schomberg, Ontario - right after the Barrie Tornado of Friday, May 31st. The locations would have only been paintable from a boat. An easel presents an unfathomable challenge in deep feet of water.

I have been with Cam to these swirling rock patterns several times. I was looking for fresh material to inspire me while the winter weather encouraged me to paint within the comforts of the Studio. Cam knows what stimulates my art, and I welcome the photos that do not require me to travel repeatedly to my favourite haunts. Georgian Bay is a special place, but quite a drive from the Singleton Sanctuary. 

The geology of the 30,000 Islands of the Parry Sound Archipelago is special. The rock formations are fascinating. The last ice age also left it mark. The region is full of the raw beauty of nature. 

The smooth panel has limited tooth to grab the oils. That is exactly what I was looking for to depict the power and beauty of the raw elements of nature. I wanted the brushstrokes to be raw, fresh, and few to depict the rough texture and emotion. 

The flagged pines were strongly backlit by the rising sun. I emphasized the colours of the morning light. I have an artistic licence to do so. 

Three palettes on the go to keep my colours clean. Nature can easily make mud. 

For this and much more art, click on Pixels or go straight to the Collections. Here is the new Wet Paint 2024 Collection. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2025. 

Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,

Phil Chadwick