Merry Christmas-Canadian Rockies

It's snowing in the mountains.
It is Christmas time.

The snow has been falling the past few days and we have had to shovel the driveway and sidewalk a few times. The Christmas lights on the stairs and deck on our house have a mantle of snow that gives a warm glow in the evening when the lights are on. When I look out the kitchen window I see the glow of our many neighbours lights.....each celebrating the season.

Christmas also means we are at the end of one year and the beginning of another. We and our friends have had a good year overall. There have been ups and downs for sure, but we all have much to be thankful for.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas with your family and friends, and that 2017 is a Happy and Healthy year for you. Also, where you can, please help those less fortunate than you.

Robert Krysak
December 24, 2016

Cascade Horizon-Canadian Rockies

I've been drawing/painting/creating since I was a kid. I think we are all artists in the beginning. Once we "Grow Up" we lose that spark of creativity and are concerned what people will "Think" of our work.

I find more and more in my art that I am trying to see things as a kid.....having a pure curiosity and interest in all things. When I came to the end of painting Cascade Horizon I mulled over how to do the trees. I love creating trees, making them look "Real" The kid inside me said paint them the way a kid would...hence some very triangular shapes with colour that are definitely trees.

Cascade Horizon
24" x 18"
Watercolour and ink on canvas
$400 SOLD

Cascade Horizon-Canadian Rockies

The mountains have bones and structure under their mantle, not unlike our own bodies. The bones support the mass of the mountain, and reach far down under the earth's surface. As I map out the lines that represent the bones of Cascade Horizon, I am able to look out my window to see the mountain bask in the early morning sunrise. It is cold outside......-20c and there is a crispness to the air.

In the next phase of the painting I add Sepia to show areas of solid rock not covered in snow. Depending on the light and the time of day the rock can change from New Gamboge to Burnt Umber and then Sepia.

Cascade Horizon-Canadian Rockies

I live in the town of Banff in the Canadian Rockies. On any given day you cannot help but gaze upward to the variouses faces of Cascade Mountain. It is a beautiful mountain, changing with the seasons and the time of day.

It's December now. Cold, wintery days with stunning sunrises and inky dark nights with dazzling stars. With Cascade Horizon I want to capture that time where day crosses to night, the warm light of the sun being snuffed out by the glacial coolness of nightfall.

I am on a journey of discovery with my painting these days. I'm never sure what will come off the brush but excited with each stroke as I discover the various colours in my pallette.

Raven Totem-Canadian Rockies

I always have mixed emotions when I finish a painting. There is satisfaction with what was a first a concept and then taking it to completion. But there is also a bit of sadness, as a painting becomes a friend that you relate to. Once completed you are still connected but your energy travels in other directions.

In painting the Raven I wanted to capture its freedom as it flew into the solar system. As it travels farther into the universe the front of the wings and body lighten in color. The tail and wingtips are still very dark as they cling to the warmth of the earth. The stars are bright and act as beacons. The Raven also has a star for its eye, another connection to the universe.

Raven Totem
24" x 18"
$450

Raven Totem-Canadian Rockies

With the addition of the dark sky and the stars the Raven is now launching itself into the cosmos. I wanted to capture the swirling, neverending vastness of space, of infinity. With each wing stroke the Raven reaches out and eventually becomes one with the universe. The final stage of the painting will be the Raven itself.

I am on a new journey in life and art, an exciting one. My friend Petra has this quote on her website from Joseph Campbell that sums it up:

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."

Raven Totem-Canadian Rockies

It's interesting.....as I add more colours to Raven Totem and the colour spreads to the wings, its as if the Raven gains speed on its flight into the universe. The next stage of the painting is the sky. I want to capture the different layers of light and dark, with the stars acting as beacons in the night.

On another note, I went for a walk in the forest yesterday. It was very cold...-24c, and each footstep in the snow had a loud, creaking sound. At one point I stopped to absorb the surrounding view of trees and mountains. A raven flew above me, its strong, purposeful wing strokes propelling it across the landscape. I have stored that image in my memory to help paint Raven Totem.

Raven Totem-Canadian Rockies

I am on an interesting journey painting Raven Totem. In one of my meditations I could envision the finished painting. As I put brush to canvas it is as if my brush is being directed by another energy other than mine.

The colors in flight build from New Gamboge to oranges and Alizarin red. As the Raven hits the universe, which is a mixture of Windsor blue, Antwerp blue and Sepia, it begins to lighten color. (These are colors to come) Painted with different layers of Sepia, the Raven is softer in color as its beak and wings approach the stars. The following tail and wingtips are deep, dark Sepia as they still hold on to the warmth of the earth.

Raven Totem-Canadian Rockies

As you begin to work with a painting you begin to build the foundation. After gazing at my rough draft for a while I realized I need to change the Ravens orientation so it is flying across the sky and not up in to the universe.

To capture the stars and the silhouette of the Raven I then apply a masking liquid that does not allow the paint to stick to it. When it is painted over then peeled off it will allow the white of the canvas to pop off the painting.

Raven Totem-Canadian Rockies

I have been on a personal journey the past while, very spiritual and fulfilling. As in any journey, we need the support of family and friends to help us along the way. Two friends of mine are a part of the Raven Totem journey. Pat Bavin(Bavin), is a very talented glass blower, painter and Shaman. Bavin has helped me open up my spiritual self to discover one of my animal totems....The Raven. Lyle Grisedale(Griz), is a photographer, guide and master in the kitchen. Griz has provided me with an image of a Raven in flight.

As I travel on this new journey, I have an image in my mind of a Raven in flight. The Raven is flying upwards, being released from the gravity of the earth. It leaves the warm hues of yellow, red and orange. As it ascends to the galaxy, it experiences cold, deep hues of blues, purples and black with highlights of bright stars.

I hope you enjoy the journey with Raven Totem

In The Forest-Canadian Rockies

I have just finished 3 busy months travelling, working with an Outdoor Sporting Goods brand. Lots of time on the highway, in airports, cities and hotels. Home in the mountains now, time to recharge.

When I awoke this morning it was snowing lightly, and I decided to go for a walk in the forest behind our home. The coyotes have been active in the area so I was hoping to catch a glimpse of them or even their tracks. As I walked along the trail the snow was gentling falling. There was no wind so the flakes came straight down landing on my nose and cheeks and tickling them. As I walked along flakes would land on my glasses.....first I could see the sharp outline of crystals, then they melted into oblong blobs of moisture.

I walked for around 40 minutes. As I worked my way thru the forest the snow accumulated on my toque and shoulders. Between my neck and shoulders was a gap or COL, with the snow piled high on either side.

In the forest. A time for releasing stress and gathering energy.

Bob Krysak

November Dusting-Canadian Rockies

It's the end of November in the Rockies. We live beside a wildlife corridor and there is a big, beautiful pine tree not too far from our house. I decided to put some Christmas lights on it, and after I put them up I wanted to put a couple of pieces of wood over the electric cords so the moisture would stay off them.

We had a dusting of snow the other day....it's been pretty dry for November. When I lifted up the 2 foot long log there was a beautiful array of leaves, grass, rock and earth. I am always amazed how some of the simplest things in nature can be the most compelling. I am fortunate to live in the mountains where nature is always sharing her secrets.

Three Sisters Awakening-Canadian Rockies

The mountains are an amazing place to exist. The energy between earth and sky is palpable, something that heightens the senses.

In Three Sisters Awakening I wanted to capture the changing colors of the sky, from the deep red alizarin crimson to the softness of new gamboge. The mountains went from ultramarine blue to Antwerp and cobalt blue, giving a strong, cool feeling. As the rock of the mountains flowed down to the earth and trees I used sepia, burnt umber and burnt sienna. The final colors were olive and turquoise green to represent the trees.

Like us the mountain and the earth have bones underneath their mantle. The black outlines represent the bones and structure that support this lofty landscape that flows down to the valley bottom and beyond.

Three Sisters Awakening-Mixed Watercolour and ink on canvas
10" x 8"
$100 SOLD

Three Sisters Awakening-Canadian Rockies

I have been on a personal journey the past couple of months. I met with a friend who is an accomplished artist but who is also training to be a Shaman. The time spent with him out on a hillside above a lake opened my eyes to the beauty around us. He helped me truly see how everything is all connected. The sky, mountains, trees, earth and water all form an amazing, intricate landscape of energy and life.

I have also been meditating more and have connected with my spirit guide. The energy, clarity and calmness I have experienced has been life changing.
My trainer/guide on this earth has been encouraging me to paint.....really paint . She has also encouraged my to let my spirit guide be a part of the journey with my painting.

Three Sisters Awakening is the beginning of the new path I am on. In the next while I will let the energy around me decide how this painting will form and evolve.

Thanksgiving-Canadian Rockies

Thanksgiving in the mountains.
It's Oct. 8th, Canadian Thanksgiving weekend is upon us. The temperature has been falling, we had new snow this week......it is a special time of year.

I spent the day organizing the wood pile in the light rain, moving dry wood to the front of the stack and getting new rounds ready to be split. We have company for dinner tomorrow, so I just finished making 2 pumpkin pies and put them in the oven.

I have a lot to be thankful for. 18 years this September I have been married to my best friend........I have a 14 year old son who brightens up my day...........I am now 14 years a graduate of cancer and I have great friends who add to my life with their friendship and their adventures.

On this weekend may you spend time with family and friends and enjoy the moment. Thank those around you that have helped to make your world special. And if you have a bit extra please give to those who are not as fortunate.

And thank you for following my blog. Enjoy the journey.
Bob

The Red Barn

The daughter of good friends of ours got married in the city this weekend. The reception was in a residential area at the community associations "Red Barn". As she and her partner are living off the land in Nova Scotia they wanted a rural family gathering feeling to their wedding and celebration. The table settings for dinner had old china plates with tea cups and saucers. Mason jars were filled with flowers and hand made soap was given to each person as a gift. It was a very special day with everyone pitching in to help create an awesome potluck celebration.
I'm not a big fan of store bought wrapping paper so I wrapped their gift from us in brown craft paper and created my rendition of "The Red Barn".

End of Summer-Canadian Rockies

We spent the weekend in the Invermere Valley SW of Banff helping some friends celebrate their birthdays. Weather was variable but we had lots of fun. One afternoon while everyone was out boating I decided to hang back and do some painting. The flowers were starting to fade as they prepare for the arrival of Fall. A group of color caught my eye and I decided to capture the flowers in watercolour as well with my Ipad paint program. Interesting to see how different the two images are while also being the same. It's the end of summer in many ways, need to capture the moments before Fall knocks on the door.

Burano, Italy-Canal

As I mentioned in an earlier post we were in Europe a few weeks ago. Our journey took us to Venice, one of the most amazing cities in the World!
While in Venice we took a 4 hour boat trip on the lagoon to the islands of Murano and Burano, the two most famous islands of Venice. Murano is noted for its lume glass working with its many glass factories. We stopped at one factory and watched a master create a glass plate and then a stallion from  red hot balls of molten glass.

On Burano we were intrigued by the many colours of the coloured houses that are reflected into the green waters of the channels. With lacemaking being the main craftmanship attraction, there are shops everywhere with elderly ladies embroidering lace pillows, shawls and curtains. The laughter of children, fisherman working from their traditional boats and the many outdoor patios gave the whole scene a holiday flavour.

The sketch above was created on my Ipad. I wanted to capture the colour and spirit of the island, a special destination of our trip.

Samoens, France-Haute-Savoie

We just returned from two weeks in Europe. The first week we spent in Samoens, France. We have friends from Banff who are living there for a year and they asked us to come and visit. The second week we spent in Verona, Italy and Venice, Italy. It is hard to express overall the magic that we experienced in Europe....it was a very special trip for all of us. In the next while I will post paintings I created along the journey as well as new ones created from the 600 photos I took.
This painting is just out of the town centre of Samoens, with Les Criou mountain towering over the town.

We had an incredible time here.......high alpine hiking, via ferrata, parapenting, wine, cheese, it was a great week. With our friends having lived here for almost a year they knew all the great spots to go to. We would bike to the boulangerie in the morning to get fresh croissants and bread, then later in the day go to the local butcher to get our evening meal and then to the fromagerie to pick up cheese. Its a good thing we were fairly active so we could work off all the great food we had.

Practice Makes Better-Canadian Rockies

I live in Banff, Alberta, and want to do some paintings of the local sites in our area. We have many unique buildings, mountains, trees and a very diverse climate. Trying to capture all the colors, elements and activities that go on every day takes practice. Not sure what the first painting will be but I'm enjoying being outside and capturing all that I see. Practice Makes Better ;)

California Dreaming-Grasslands

In an earlier post I mentioned I was in California working for a few weeks. Sometimes life is pretty hectic and there is not a chance to pull out the paints. The Ipad is a great substitution to quickly pull out of the pack and capture a feeling, colours and moods. This quick sketch was taken on the side of a trail where I was sitting looking across the valley at a local lake.

California Dreaming

As I mentioned in a previous blog I have been creating some images on my Ipad. Easy to carry, no water/paints/paper needed and a wide use of textures and colours. California dreaming.

Santa Rosa California-Back to the pencil-California Dreaming

As far back as I can remember I have always sketched with a pencil and paper. Very simple tools, easy to carry and get at. As time progressed I got into carving into wood with metal tools, creating images from copper sheets, silk screening onto different fabrics and painting with oils and watercolours.
Each medium was an adventure, a journey....but the one I keep coming back to is pencil and paper.
This past week I was in Sonoma County, California, at meetings, and as I work for an outdoor company, we were exploring the surrounding hillsides with one of our dealers. I had time to sit by a lake, the warm California breeze blowing thru the air....and I picked up my pencil and paper and enjoyed the moment.
California Dreaming

Sea of Cortez-Canadian Rockies Veiwpoint

The temperature is rising in the Rockies today......27c as a high. Being in the heat takes me back 4 weeks ago when we were at the Sea of Cortez in Loreto in the desert heat. It also makes me think of contrasts in our environment. A friend of ours is currently attempting to climb Mt. Logan, highest peak in Canada. The low there is -35c with a forecast of heavy snow.
I've been creating more on my Ipad. This sketch was completed after an afternoon standup paddle and before a snack of tortilla chips and guacamole washed down with a chilly mohito.

Sea of Cortez-My viewpoint from the Canadian Rockies

It's been two weeks since we have been back in the Rockies from our trip to Loreto on the Sea of Cortez. It has been raining on and off the past few days.....there is new snow on the upper slopes this morning. I am happy to see the moisture as it has been very dry the past few months.
As I look around the town I live in it is interesting how a lot of the buildings/structures fit in with the environment. Living in a National Park it is key that there is a symbiotic relationship between those that live here and the surrounding landscape. I found that the same in Loreto. The colours/hues of the resort we stayed at blended in with the surrounding parched hills and mountains. The striking contrast was the Sea of Cortez itself......bright splashes of blues and greens.
This painting was created after a walk in the surrounding hillsides after a soft desert rain.

Sea of Cortez-Ipad

On a recent trip to Loreto on the Sea of Cortez I made a point of trying to paint or sketch everyday. Sounds like an easy task but the days were filled with paddle boarding, kayaking, walking in the surrounding hills or just hanging with the family. I usually travel with my Ipad, and with a program called Sketchbook Pro and a stylus pen have created some sketches. It's a different medium that takes some experimentation to see how the different brushers and colors work, but its very easy to sit down and create a sketch in a very short time.
Sea of Cortez-Ipad was created on the deck of our condo with a warm sea breeze dancing in the air.

Isla Danzante-Sea of Cortez

The family and I spent the last week in Loreto, Mexico, halfway down the Baja peninsula on the Sea of Cortez. It was a magical week of kayaking, stand up paddling, hiking amongst the cacti, watching dolphins do their acrobatics, scorching hot days followed by nights with the stars dancing across the sky. Tasty guacamole, salsa, enchiladas were our staples, washed down with icy margaritas. I spent everyday thinking about the world we live in, meditating, painting and most important time with my family.
We are home now, spring is in the air and our bikes are calling us to ride.
Isla Danzante was painted on our second day in Mexico