A couple weeks ago I began to tackle this drawing. I fell in love with this photo when I came across it last year. It depicts a choir in Paraguay in the late 40's. Both my Oma and Opa were in this choir, and it is because of this choir that they met and fell in love. They toured all around their region. Music is important in my family, thanks to the influence of both my Oma and Opa.
My family recently enjoyed a wonderful week away at Long Point Park. Of all our friends who camped with us (7 other families), we were the only crazy ones who camp the 'old fashioned' way... with tents and cooking over the open fire! I enjoyed working on this drawing.. which is of a very special photo that my family treasures. I will be using this image for a new painting in my upcoming series.
Recently two of my watercolours were published in The Herald, which is a magazine of the Mennonite Brethren Church denomination.
Over the course of this lazy summer I have been preparing for my new series, which will be featured in an exhibition next May. The purpose of these sketch certainly isn't for accuracy, but rather a chance for me to think about colours and composition. For me, the new series I'm planning is about acknowledging and celebrating my family's heritage. Losing the older generation is a great loss to me, as it seems to be one less 'tie' I have to my history - a rich history that I value. I see that in some ways, the expression of my Mennonite roots are fading with each new generation. I realize this is to be expected, yet I'm still saddened by it. I'm thankful for the sacrifices my ancestors made. I'm thankful for the faith and values they upheld. I'm thankful for the way they valued family and social get-togethers and the importance of a wonderful home cooked meal!
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AuthorI live in Southern Ontario on a farm with my husband, Dennis, and our two daughters. Painting out of my studio on our farm allows me to stay close to my family and to be surrounded by the natural landscape that continues to influence my work. Archives
December 2018
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