Houston

After an enjoyable stop over at Wells, we proceeded towards Houston to paint the portion of the pipeline route between Burns Lake and the Morice River. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills and scattered lakes. A large wildfire had swept across the area leaving towering black sentinels as a reminder of the forces of nature that are constantly at play and out of our control.

Burnt Forest, Parrott Lake (8X10) oil on panel. G. Clark

The stochastic nature of wildfires leaves many stands of forest unburnt, creating a patchwork mosaic of colour across the landscape. This resulting variety of habitats creates a high level of biodiversity and helps support the rich abundance of wildlife in the area.

Aspen, Lower Parrott Lake (8X10) oil on panel. P. Corbett

The proposed pipeline route then heads west and enters the Morice River at Owen Flats. Just 2 days prior to our arrival at the flats, a man while out fishing was seriously mauled by a female grizzly bear. Once again, we are humbled by the forces of nature, for we do not dominate this landscape and must learn to live in harmony with the earth and respect the natural powers that our stronger than ourselves.

Owen Flats, Morice River (8X10) oil on panel. G. Clark

 Campsite at Aspen, Morice River (8X10) oil on panel. P. Corbett

Autumn Colours

We started our fall trip by stopping in at Wells to visit some friends and to begin painting the fall colours of the north. We were joined out in the field with friend and fellow artists David Harder. While Glenn and I happily painted away the fall colours, David completed one of his many landscape installations he has been creating around Wells this summer. His work reflects man's relationship with the land and are ephemeral in nature, allowing the elements to alter his work as they pass through time and are reclaimed back to the earth.

David J Harder and his piece "The Rook".

Taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and the great fall colours, we found ourselves atop of the Great Grey Whale on the painting platform soaking in the sun and the vistas. It just doesn't get any better than this.

Glenn in his "happy place" atop of the Great Grey Whale.

Swamps seem to be a recurring theme in our work. Elements of water reflecting the sky, strong vertical lines in a horizontally dominated landscape and the ecological value of these wetlands draws us to their beauty once again. While painting the swamp below, I heard a splashing sound just out of view. Slowly we see a black bear emerge from the dark shadows and swim across the swamp. Upon reaching the other side, the bear crawled out of the water and shook itself like a wet dog. Content now in the morning sun, the bear grazed upon the lush vegetation provided by the swamp and then slowly sauntered off into the forest with no regard for our presence. Once again, we are reminded as to why we must protect these habitats and continue our opposition to the Northern Gateway Pipeline proposal.

Black Bear Swamp (8x10) oil on panel. P. Corbett