This simple little painting was born at a time when I most needed to paint. The winter of 2008, in its earliest days, was proving to be one of the harshest in years. The fact was that between December 15thand Christmas day we on the west coast experienced record cold spells and snow accumulations. At such times I need a diversion, something to take my eye away from the window. We of coastal living don’t have the infrastructure that others in Canada have. When such a weather event happens our home becomes our jail. Painting helps me pass the time.
Days before the weather had turned I’d been on the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. I was lucky enough to be the very first car on the ferry on this particular evening. It was a clear, cold evening and the setting sun created a golden aura wherever it touched its brilliant finger. Being the first car on the ferry, I’d been parked at the very bow of the vessel. I was able to sit in my car and watch the scenery and the sunset for the forty-minute crossing.
Just before we left the dock brightness caught my eye to my left. There on the port side of the ship was a weather worn cleat snuggly wrapped with a substantial rope. The setting sun’s brilliance was reflected not only on the metal cleat with its bright red marine paint; even the fibers of the rope reflected the glories of the last rays of that frigid day.
I photographed the image of the cleat and rope simply as a study, but when I got it home and onto the computer the composition and subject matter demanded that it be painted. It’s just a simple study of that which is coastal. Those of us who have lived in these environments for a time may take such things for granted. Happily though, on this golden sunset evening, I was in the right place at the right time to see the composition that would ultimately turn into my little painting called “Tied Off”
