We live in a wonderful place called Amberwood Village, nestling close to shops and stores that are a part of Stittsville life, within the greater City of Ottawa. Upon driving through the entrance, you find winding streets in a parkland setting with multiple walking paths, a jewell of a golf course and a creek that wanders through wooded green space. Most days I use the trails for exercise and to watch for painting opportunities.

The painting shown here, Poole Creek Foot Bridge, is the result of numerous walks over the past three weeks along the Poole Creek pathway, close to our home. Stopping along the way, I take time to experience the moment - the ambiance of this magical place. The painting is a composite of my impressions of the creek in early spring run-off, the multi-shades of new growth and the trees and underbrush in full bud, all reminding me of the promise of another Spring. My senses heightened specially now, during this time of the pandemic, when we worry if things will ever return to normal.

Mother Nature, taken for granted far too often, is a constant we live by, even if each season brings uncertainties from one year to the next. It makes us realize that we play a small part in this universe and that we will be back to ‘normal’ – sooner if we each play our part.
 
Charlie
April 27, 2020

Just finished in my studio. Gift to Generations 24x30 acrylic depicting the feeling of early spring run-off that we are experiencing. I have plenty of time in my studio to not only paint but also re-evaluate my work: sorting, repainting and touching up. Each canvas that I pick up, invites recollections from past painting trips and the friends I painted with over the years. For a while the times and concerns of the outside world drift away. And with the respite comes renewed hope and longing for new adventure when these trials have passed, as I’m sure they will.
May everyone stay safe and healthy and be kind to your neighbours (at a distance).
Charlie