The last self portrait was about 6 months ago. I can see that this one was easier to do and seems more free and light in brushstrokes. This one was done using a photo. The next one in about six months will be using a mirror so it will give the feel of painting from life.
Jackie visited Manitoulin Island this summer. She is a special friend of Karen (see Friendship). We hiked and went swimming at Misery Bay Provincial Park. Along the way we stopped at the sweetest self serve take out where there was homemade baking, natural ointments, fresh vegetables and the like. Places like this supply local food and you put the money in a can. This requires trustworthiness and we have a chance to burnish this gem of the spirit.
NEMI Painterspace is is a weekly space where painters gather to hone their practice collectively. This is not class, but a chance to paint with others for mutual support and exchange of ideas. I started attending this small group of dedicated painters mid-Sep. It gives me a chance to get in brush miles and usually complete one painting a week. My last post and this one were created at the NEMI Painterspace.
These kittens are innocent, take a closer look, see the utmost focus in their eyes, they are killers. They have all the instincts to survive, their mother taught them well. They bless us every day with their pure spirit and at this time of year we are grateful for the work they do, killing mice.
If you get a chance to visit Manitoulin Island and take drive to the far western end you will find the small community of Meldrum Bay. It is a long drive as this is the largest freshwater island in the world, make sure you call ahead to make arrangements to stay at the lovely Meldrum Bay Inn . While there take a day trip to the Mississagi Strait Lighthouse where you can hike along the shore and find this exact spot. This painting does not really show the incredible beauty and isolation of this blessed spot.
Pam Jackson 