#0609 "The Crossroads"

#0609 "The Crossroads"

16 X 20 (inches).
Started Monday, February 10th, 2003

I had some time on the morning of February 10th, 2003. The Chesapeake and I headed out once again to the fence on the south side of the neighbour's property. We came across a crisscross of bunny trails as well as some coyote tracks. Clearly, it was a major thoroughfare, and who survived the night was determined by which branch of the crossroads one took. 

I was really intrigued by the strong shadows trailing across the slope. There was a dense little thicket of young ash trees growing along that slope where the cattle could not get to them. These shadows were sporadic with the sun, but the colours were always there. The temperature was around minus 10 Celsius, but I was protected from the wind, so the conditions were comfortable. However, the paint froze. The titanium white changed into paste. It was great!

The Chesapeake chewed on some of the forest, trying to get another limb of a tree for me to throw. She had remembered our game from the previous painting trip. The location for "February Fence" was only about 100 metres further west. I concentrated on my painting, and the Chesapeake was left to amuse herself. She had her green tennis ball with her, and I did throw that a few times.

I loved that home! We planted trees and erected hundreds of Stevenson bluebird houses in that portion of King Township. Nature was welcomed back. My Dad planted a huge sack of black walnuts in 1999, and they should be significant trees by now, if only the current owners realize what they are... I could walk in his footsteps, following the trail of trees which were saplings when we had to move... Toronto was swallowing the area. There was constant pressure for development and highways that continues today. 

For this and much more art, click on Pixels or go straight to the Collections. Here is the new Wet Paint Collection. Thank you for reading, and stay well!

Warmest regards, and keep your paddle in the water,

Phil Chadwick