Splendor In The Grass

Each day, early morning sunlight catches the tops of tall grasses outside the studio window. 

Everything else is still in dark shadows, as the sun slowly makes its way over the mesa, shining a spotlight on these thin blades. 

A gentle wind makes them sway back and forth against the shadow-dark backdrop. 

A spontaneous performance lasting only a few minutes, it completely mesmerizes me.  

“Splendor In The Grass”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Onyx

 Last night a friend in Canada had to put down Onyx, her beloved horse companion of 21+ years.

A freak accident lacerated Onyx's skin resulting in anaerobic bacteria rapidly infecting her body, eyes, brain and organs in a few days, despite state-of-the-art efforts of a remarkable team of compassionate veterinarians at the Caledon Equine Hospital.

Onyx was enveloped with healing thoughts and vibes from concerned friends across the continent, as my sister and our friend made the 3-hour round trip to the hospital each day to spend time with her.

Like other 4-legged family members, a horse is a treasured friend and inspiring teacher; however, with a horse, the relationship is more of a partnership.

Whether penning cattle in friendly competitions or out on the trails, Onyx was the embodiment
of unconditional love, trust, gentle persistence, intelligence and patience.

“Onyx”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Gray Fox

The positive aspects of living in a rural area far outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to the abundant and varied wildlife with whom we share the solitude. 

This petite, shy desert gray fox likes to eat berries from the juniper and manzanita bushes outside the studio window. 

It’s a real treat when s/he comes around at dawn or late afternoon/early evening dusk.  Once satiated on berries and bugs, s/he will often sit or lie under one of the trees for a spell, which is especially delightful to observe. 

Mostly silvery gray in color, with a shawl-like mane of russet red, Paul once saw her/him climb the cottonwood tree with the finesse of a cat! 

“Gray Fox”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 6” x 6”, Graphite.   ♥

Loon Squared

A day to just play and experiment in the studio! 

Inspired by squares painted in the background of yesterday’s wild turkeys, I wanted to continue with the theme. 

The Violet Interference paint I used over the Medium Magenta in the background is difficult to capture in a scan or photograph. 

The nature of interference paint is the overall sheen will shift slightly between opalescence and other tones within its complementary spectrum, depending on the lighting. 

Hat tip to the loon from one of my previous paintings ‘Upstream’.  Loving loons as I do, and having painted them numerous times, I decided to substitute a few squares for the spots on its back.  Perhaps, one day, I’ll paint an entire loon that way…however, today, just a portion...entirely for fun.  

“Loon Squared”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Wildly Thank-Full

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian family and friends! 

Today, and every day I’m filled with gratitude for the bounty of Mother Earth and the many gifts of friendship that extend beyond all borders. 

Like the wild turkeys which thrive in the forests of Ontario – feathers glistening with colours much bolder than those found on domestic turkeys – may you revel in your ‘wildness’. 

May your harvest be plentiful, may your joys be abundant; and, when you are faced with life’s sorrows, may you find resilience to hold them with balance and grace. 

“Wildly Thank-Full”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Sacred Datura

Sometimes I just need to stop...and smell the roses...or, in this case, the Datura. 

Native to the Southwest, several plants thrive on our property. Much like a Brugmansia, the huge white blossoms open in the evening; releasing a delicate fragrance to waft along the breeze, enticing moths to help with pollination. 

Like a moth drawn to the light, its soothing scent caught my attention early this morning and stopped me in my tracks. 

Revered for its medicinal qualities, many cultures respectfully engage it for vision quests and healing.  Symbolically, this member of the nightshade family is representative of “opening the doors of perception" to new, expanded experiences. 

My quick watercolor doesn’t begin to capture the essence of this sacred flower...it simply serves as a reminder to look beyond my present view of reality. 

“Sacred Datura”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 4” x 4”, Watercolor.  ♥ 

Blue Moon

The moon was very loud last night. 

In fact, it’s been loudly calling to me for the past two nights.  As the next ‘blue moon’ won’t occur until July 2015, it seems this one has a lot to say.

In honor of this special occasion, I pulled out our Ella Fitzgerald cds to hear her glorious Rodgers-Hart rendition of ‘Blue Moon’...and, another fave, Nanci Griffith’s  ‘Once In A Very Blue Moon’.   Contrary to these songs --  with lingering impressions that a blue moon is a time of longing – this current Blue Moon feels like a time of grand manifestation. 

It invites me to shed those layers that no longer serve...to embrace new opportunities that beckon...and, to dance with naked abandon in the early morning spotlight.  

What invitation does it extend to you? 

“Blue Moon”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.  ♥