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

Canadian Rockies Christmas 2015

Merry Christmas everyone!

It has been a while since I have posted to this blog. The past year I have been dealing with a shoulder injury that has limited my activity, especially painting.

3 weeks ago I had a complete shoulder replacement and am now on a speedy recovery. It is amazing how different the world looks when you are not in pain and can enjoy the moment.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Spend time with family and friends, and wherever you can help those that are less fortunate than us.

I am looking forward to 2016 and to life adventures and painting.

Bob

Canadian Rockies-Fairholme Range

2015
Happy New Year!
I am not a big fan of New Years resolutions, etc., but a few things come to mind that I would like to personally work on this New Year.

Be kinder, to others and self, listen more, talk less, get outside more....and most important, follow my heart.

I love to paint, to create, and to start the New Year with a new painting.

Enjoy this journey we call life.

Bob Krysak

     Fairholme Range
Watercolour on canvas
         24" x 12"
           $275

Canadian Rockies-Merry Christmas

It's -14c here in the Rockies today, the sky is a beautiful cobalt blue and Christmas Day is 10 days away. Having a young son who is on the doorstep of being a teenager I've realized it is not Christmas day that is so important but more the time before, during and after. The picking of the tree at the Scout hall, decorating it, putting up the Christmas lights, wrapping presents and placing under the tree, the Santa Claus Parade, the Christmas Train, singing Christmas Carols.......so many things to be thankful for. 

I also think of those less fortunate who struggle to put food on the table on a daily basis, who have no money for shelter and heat let alone presents. Every day is a challenge, with little time or energy for fun and celebration.

This Christmas Season until January 15, 2015, I will donate 40% of the sale of my paintings/cards to Santa's Anonymous and the Food Bank in Banff. If you have a chance, please donate in your home area to those that truly need it.

I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Bob Krysak