SPRAY LAKES-CANADIAN ROCKIES

Sunday, December 6, 8 of us in 4 cars drove to the Spray Lakes above Canmore. We heard the skating was good, so wanted to check it out. It was a beautiful, bluebird winter day, 5c with a light wind. 

While everyone skated, I sat in a camp chair in the snow, sipping on a cold beer. I brought with me 2 canvasses and a couple of felt pens. I wanted to capture the image and lines of the mountains on the canvas. Richard, a friend who was also not skating, sat beside me and we chatted as I drew some quick lines. I had also brought my 2 burner camp stove, fry pans, fondue and bread. As the skaters came back to basecamp, I fired up the stove and each person brought their plates forward with bread waiting for the tasty fondue that I poured over it. It was a very special afternoon, one that will stay with me for a long time.

Yesterday I was in my studio and looked at each canvas. I closed my eyes and again I could feel the warmth of the sun, feel the breeze across my face and smell the cheesy fondue as it bubbled in the pans.

Time to paint. The first sketch is called Spray Crystalline Lunch Spot and the second Spray Crystalline Air. I feel so fortunate to be able to create in these challenging times.
 

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 Creating a painting is a journey. While you enjoy the process, you never really know what the destination and final outcome will be. I begin working on the Chief's headdress, adding layers of feathers, and colour. When it is complete, I stand back and my eyes wander around the painting, looking for areas that need darker shades, and some added line definition. I realize I am finished. I sign my name.

Raven Over Sleeping Buffalo    24"x30"  $495

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 The fish are done. You have to learn when it is time to step back, put down the brush, and just look at your painting. You need to step out of being a creator to being an observer and know when it is time to move on to the next step. The trees are very important to this world, and so are their roots. I layer in the short, gnarly root system of the pines. The earth, while made up of decomposed grass, trees, and creatures, also contains rock. I sketch in Rundle rock in the soil, and surround each rock with the turquoise color from the lake. Without water there is nothing. The Chief beckons me, and I begin to lay down colours on his face and headdress.

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 As mentioned earlier, I've never painted fish before. It's an interesting journey trying something new. You have to believe in yourself, and realize not everyone is a fish expert, and hope those that are won't be too critical of your creations. As my brush dances over each trout and I analyze each photo on my computer, I gain an appreciation for these creatures that survive in cold, remote locations. My next area of focus will be the earth between the trees and the lake. The trees have roots, and the earth also contains rundle rock.  

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 I finish the trees, and my attention turns to the Lake Trout that are swimming in the cold Vermilion Lake waters. I have swum in this lake, only for a short time, as I flew out of the water after falling off my paddleboard. The bottom of the lake is thick, gooey mud. It has trapped many elk in its time as elk have tried to traverse across it in early Spring. I've never painted trout before, or any fish for that matter. I use reference images from the internet. I also use an image of a glass lake trout my friend Ryan Bavin has created. Google his name to see a master of glass at work. His Dad, Pat, is also a glassblower and a painter. He is also a Forest Therapy Guide and thru him, I have gained a new appreciation for the forest. The trout require many layers, and as one dries, I focus on the next one. In the background, I am listening to the Road Home FM. Great tunes to paint with as my brush continues to dance on the canvas at 12:15 am.

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 In the next phase with Raven Over Sleeping Buffalo, I lay down a layer of Burnt Umber to represent the earth, the dirt that supports the life of the trees. I then begin to paint in the trees, the guardians of the land that give us oxygen, shelter for many woodland creatures, and warmth in our fireplace. As I travel thru this stage of my life journey I realize more and more how important trees are to our existence. Especially to mine.

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 I put another layer of Sepia on the Buffalo. I'm debating whether to add in some green trees on its back to reflect the trees that are on the mountain in reality. I also add a few layers of Cobalt blue and a darker mix of blues to Mt. Rundle. My usual process of painting is to start from the top and work down. That means the Chief is next in line. I'm feeling I want to layer in the earth first that is between the trees and the lake. I'll then colour in the trees, do the fish and lastly the Cheif. He is a key part of the painting, so I want to make sure all revolves around him.

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 There are multiple layers in the hide of the buffalo. I first lay down a layer of raw umber, then with a fine bristle brush stroke in layers of sepia which a blackish brown. While I let these layers dry, I start thinking of colours for Mt. Rundle. One thing I need to remember is that the face of Rundle in my view has no sun on it, so it needs to be darker to give some contrast to all the brighter colours.

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

The dance with Raven Over Rundle begins to slow down. I take the time to really look at what I am painting, and try to interlock colours, image and thought together. I paint Raven in a dark black and add the same to parts to the towers of Mt. Rundle. I capture the rich purple of the sky and place it on the left peaks of the Fairholme Range. I sit and ponder on the next piece of the puzzle......Sleeping Buffalo.

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

It's interesting how the painting evolves before my eyes. As the sky dries, I do my first layer of Vermilion Lake. I then remove the masking on the Raven and around the mountains that is used to create a crisp, sharp line. Pondering on how to paint Sleeping Buffalo.........use browns like a buffalo, or greens to represent trees? Maybe both. The Chief will be an interesting journey to work on.

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

I began creating Raven Over Sleeping Buffalo mid April, 2020. April 21 I had a bike crash, with results being a compound fracture in my right elbow, nerve damage in my right arm/hand, concussion, bruised ribs, and spine damage. It has been a long road of recovery, with many more miles to travel.

I have looked at this canvas like an addict looking at a cigarette or an alcoholic at a bottle. I have wanted so much to paint, but I have been scared. For a while I couldn't hold a brush in my hand, nor control it. I have done small, quick 5 minute sketches, but that's all. 

I'm not sure what happened today. I was out in the fresh air, ravens overhead and a light snowfall tickling my nose as I walked thru the trees. I did a quick sketch outside and was pleased with putting pen/brush to paper. When I got home, Raven Over Sleeping Buffalo was calling me, and I went to my studio and began to paint. 

I always begin with the sky, as it sets the mood for the rest of the painting. I wanted to capture the darkening of the sky as it passes into night, the brightness of blues in midday, and the collision of colours in the early morn. As the sky dries my brush will wander down to the Vermilion Lake where I want to capture the cool glacial turquoise and green of the cold water.

ROBERT KRYSAK WATERCOLOUR CARDS FOR SALE-CANADIAN ROCKIES