Full bloom over the fence

What difference two days can make! The crab apple trees in John's garden are in full bloom now attracting lots of buzzing bees as well as birds with the air permeated with their perfume.

Manitoba Legislature

While I was painting on the grounds of the legislature building a long possesion of military cadets marching by the front of the building adding to the drama of the site. It was around noon by the time I finished this painting and there was such one more picece of canvas left for me to paint.

Winnipeg Skyline

It was already early in the afternoon when I drove to the top of the public parking place. Standing on the top, the sweeping view of Winnipeg sky line sailed into my sight while the activity-teaming life of a big urban center unfolded under its feet. Against a strong gust of wind I set up my easel to paint trying to absorb visually and mentally as well what was spreading in front of me.

Provencher Bridge

After a quick snack, I found myself on the bank of Red River looking at this spectacular new bridge across the river under the brilliant spring sky. Well, I felt so excited standing there painting! After all is not it the same Red River mentioned in the song Red River Valley with these lyrics
"From this valley they say you are going,
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile.
For they say you are taking the sunshine,
That has brightened our pathway awhile.
So come sit by my side if you love me.
Do not hasten to bid me adieu.
Just remember the Red River Valley,
And the one that has loved you so true. "
Why it is that I could still remember the lyrics line by line? Back in the late 70s when China first opened its door to the outside world, for the first time in my life I first heard such beautiful tunes from a distant world after a generation of us grew up in the hay days of Communist China! I still remember the first time I heard it and rudimentary  awaking of something hidden deep in my heart.

Assiniboine River Bank

After a short lunch break, I came to the spot on the Assiniboine River right at the exit to the park to paint this view. While painting I heard a vehicle pulling up on the street and the driver saying hi to me. It happened to be a former client who had purchased paintings from me. It was such a delightful surprise to see her!

A view of Downtown Brandon

Today is the 22nd International Sketch crawl Day when people from all over the world gather in small groups to sketch whatever they see until they are totally exhausted, supposedly. I met a few friends at a downtown location at 9th street and Rosser Avenue at noon , and I did an oil sketch of 16"x20". It is quite windy and dusty. Yet, we really had fun for the day.

Shadows over the snow

The dazzling sunlight greeted my eyes when I pulled up the curtain after waking up and getting out of the bed. The light and color outside was so compelling that I just could not ignore them without setting up my easel again by the window. It was hard to believe that it was about 30 below with windchill outside!