May Showers and Bear-Canadian Rockies

It's a cool, grey and damp day in the mountains today. There is welcome moisture, as the forest has become tinder dry, and our world is covered in a yellow, pollen dust from the trees. Nature is giving the valley a cleanse, one that is sorely needed. The mountains are alive, there are May spring sounds, and the falling rain is refreshing. The low hanging cloud hugs the hidden towers of the surrounding peaks, and there is a glimpse of new snow on the upper ramparts.

As I walk along a favourite trail, the falling rain taps on the hood of my rain jacket. The leaves at my feet that were once tinder dry and crunch, are now wet and soft..........you have to watch your step so as not to slip on the trail. As I walk I take in deep breaths of the mountain air, and when I exhale a billowing cloud of vapour leaves my lips. It's 4 c this morning, hitting a high of 9 later in the day.

I find solace in the mountains, and actually prefer the clouded days as you are forced to focus at things close at hand.

The trail eventually blends in to a meadow, with only knee deep grass around me. I spin slowly in a circle, taking in everything that is around me. I am not alone. There, around 500 yards away, is a black bear. By its size I decide it's a male. It's winter coat is long and it looks large and healthy. A shiver goes up my spine, the excitement and wildness of it all washes over me. Bear looks at me for what seems a lifetime, then drops it's head to mow down the fragrant grass it is standing in.

I spend a minute more watching Bear. I then let out a loud "Whoop". While I enjoy being in Bears company, I do not want him to be comfortable in mine. His survival depends on keeping away from people in our park, which is already feeling like summertime as far as visitors go. Bear's ears perk up, he looks in my direction, then lumbers off into the forest.

Thank you Bear for sharing some time with me.

Robert Krysak

Spring Sale-Canadian Rockies

Colourful Cascade Locals 24"x30" Retail $325 Sale $195 Watercolour on Canvas

Castle Stars 24"x18" Retail $350 Sale $210 Watercolour on canvas 

Raven Totem 24"x18" Retail $350 Sale $210 Watercolour on Canvas

Cascade Stars 24"x12" Retail $250 Sale $150 Watercolour on Canvas

Assiniboine Stars 16"x16" Retail $225 Sale $135 Watercolour on Canvas

Indian Paintbrush 24"x18" Retail $195 Sale $115 Watercolour on Canvas SOLD

Castle Back Swamp 16"x12" Retail $145 Sale $85 Watercolour on Canvas

Vermilion Tarn 23.5"x17.5" Retail $225 Sale $135 Watercolour on Paper (Framed)SOLD

Rundle Reflections 13.5"x10.5" Retail $150 Sale $105 Watercolour on Paper (Framed)

Heading West 10"x14" Retail $140 Sale $95 Watercolour on Paper (Framed)SOLD

I was doing some Spring cleaning in my studio and realized it was time for a Spring sale. Showing here are some of pieces for sale. From the top down is the painting name, Retail price and sale price. You can email me at address above or the phone number above. 10% of proceeds will be donated to the YWCA Banff.
Robert Krysak

Mother's Day-Cave and Basin-Canadian Rockies

It's Mothers Day in the mountains. I woke up early and made breakfast for my wife and son. The three of us then went to The Cave and Basin and went for a stroll with our nephew, his wife and their 2 year old daughter.

There is a great interpretative walk that drops down to the marshland where there are birds, frogs, fish and............snakes. We saw a foot long Garter snake resting in the warm, spring sun. The boardwalk goes to a closed in viewing area where you can see birds out on the marsh. I took a quick photo thru one of the viewpoints, capturing Cascade Mountain off in the distance. In many places under the boardwalk is a warm, bubbling stream

When we got back to the start of the boardwalk we sat down to enjoy the sun. I took out my travel kit and did a quick sketch of Cascade.

When we got home, I went outside to our back deck to meditate. My Mom has been gone for half my life now, and in meditation I thanked her for all she did for me through my life. I also thanked my wife who has been an amazing bright light and compass for our son.

Happy Mother's Day to all.

Robert Krysak

Penzance-Blast from the Past

Penzance is a historic port on the south facing shores of Mount's Bay, and has one of the mildest climates in the UK. One of the striking things about the town is the abundance of palm trees and gardens full of sub-tropical plants. 

My In-Laws had a post card from Penzance that they loved. I'm not sure if they were ever there, but it was a special place for them. In 2007 they were going thru health challenges. I was going to be flying out to visit them and help around the house with my wife and son. A few days before the flight, I came across the post card and decided to create a painting for them. They loved it.

They were both very special people and both have passed on. When we were out for the celebration of my Mother-in-Law's life, I asked if we could take "Penzance" home as a remembrance of two great people in our lives.
The painting is in our home now, and brings back fond memories.

Robert Krysak

Bow River Ride-Canadian Rockies

I had to get outside today and burn some carbon. I spent 7 hours yesterday inside at an art show at the Alpine Club of Canada. While I did get out on to the deck I few times, I was mostly inside.

Midday today, after a few phone calls and working on the computer, the bike and the mountains were calling. I packed up a snack, my paint kit and some water and hit the road. Strava told me I rode 15.1 k, gained 125m and was riding for 1 hour 2 min. My soul told me it was great to be outside.

Sitting by the Bow River that flanks the golf course, I meditated, painted and enjoyed my surroundings. The gurgling of the river as it washed over rocks and logs, the chorus of spring birds singing and the soft breeze blowing thru the trees cleansed me.

Rain or shine, I need to get out every day, and enjoy this journey of living in the mountains.

Robert Krysak

Three Sisters Sketch-Canadian Rockies

I was at the Alpine Club of Canada open house Sunday, May 6th. There was a collection of artists showing their wares and mountain people visiting the clubhouse.

I always travel with my mini art kit. I stepped out onto the deck that has a commanding view of the valley and The Three Sisters. I did a quick sketch, less than 5 minutes, capturing the towering peaks and cobalt sky.

I love this time of year...sunny skies, the chorus of birds singing in the trees and many hours of daylight.

Happy Spring!

Robert Krysak

Alpine Club of Canada Open House-Canadian Rockies

The Alpine Club of Canada is having an Open House this Sunday, May 6th, from 10 am -3:30 pm.
The clubhouse is located in Canmore, on the side of a mountain slope overlooking the Bow Valley. The theme of the open house is Mountain Art, and features Artists and Food Vendors of the Rockies.

I will have a booth at the open house selling my cards, framed watercolours and watercolours on canvas. 20% of the sale of my work will be donated to the John Lauchlan Memorial Award. John and I went to the same High School in Calgary and were in art class together. Undisputably one of the top climbers in Canada, John was also a very talented artist. John was killed in an avalanche in 1982.

I look forward to talking to the mountain community about my work. As well, I will discuss what tools an artist needs while travelling in the back country, painting from the car and painting in the studio.

Robert Krysak