TROUT LAKE
This painting was created in the depths of the Covid Pandemic of 2020/21. It was my first painting of 2021 and I found myself longing, dreaming, wishing and hoping. Like most people, as we endured the binding restrictions and protocols associated to this global affliction, it was easy to look to the future. “When this is over, I’m going to……”. We all had those thoughts.
For me, my wish list was relatively small. Of course, the usual dream of seeing family, friends and loved ones again was at the very top. But not far down on the list, for me, was the dream and commitment of a very simple thing. I just want to be in my canoe, on a lake, under the warm evening sun.
And that’s where the painting I call “Trout Lake” came to life. I took the photograph early in January, and the painting happened only a few weeks later. Trout Lake is a very small lake, right on the side of the road, just northwest of Sechelt. I’ve paddled on it for years. I’ve fished the lake, swam in it and picnicked beside it. So too, grandchildren have had their swims in Trout Lake, fished with me, or just stopped to enjoy its serenity as we’ve driven by. Somehow, that lake is what’s keeping my focus through these difficult isolated days of winter.
And so, I painted Trout Lake as a diversion. For me, the exercise was good medicine. And now, as I look at the image I’ve created, I can envision my canoe there against the far shore. It’s only a few months away, but it’s something to aim for. For me, Trout Lake is a commitment, a personal promise and dream for the not-too-distant future. High on my wish list for “when this is all over”, my painting of Trout Lake will help me get through the winter.