Susan Tooke at Long Branch Studios

Another challenge-- Learning the Flash program to animate segments of dance collaborating with Veronique MacKenzie and Lukas Pearse.  Off to Banff to do some serious studying.

Last summer, Richard and I were painting plein air on the South Shore.  Fabulous time and a breakthrough for me with my work.  Sitting high on the rocks at the Seaside Adjunct, the wind carrying the cries of the seals to us as we painted.

Today I put the final touches on the illustrations for my next book with Shauntay Grant and Nimbus Publishing called The City Speaks in Drums.  I have been working on this in one form or another since last July... a long haul, but I am happy with the illustrations.  Once again, I was working with members of our community on this book based in Halifax, following the adventures of two boys as they explore the city. Thanks to Dante and Chris, two very patient young men, and the stars of the book.

Richard Rudnicki and I share our painting studio.  It is a pleasure to be able to look up and see him deep in thought, working away at his latest painting.  Here he is painting an illustration for Groundwood's upcoming book on Viola Desmond.  We are lucky, in that this would not be possible with just anyone!  It is good to have a second eye ready to comment when needed.

Nude with Owl is roughly based on "Odalisque" by Ingres for the positioning of the model, painted from life. For the past five years, I have been practicing life drawing/painting and became interested in the nude as the subject for a series of paintings, deriving the settings from dreamscapes and local landmarks.  Several of my other paintings from this exploration are set in the Public Gardens. I am eager to get back into this work following completion of my last few illustrations for The City Speaks in Drums by Shauntay Grant.

My studio painting has lately been influenced by my interest in symbolism and dreams.  My dreams are particularly vivid, often threatening and anxious.  This is not completely a bad thing, as they are remarkable in themselves and the source of potential imagery.  The owl is a creature of the night, often known for wisdom, but also connected to the underworld and death. The penetrating stare of the owl. The eyes that can see into the depths of darkness. The head that can turn almost 360 degrees to follow and discover. The flight on silent wings. All of this in a creature full of mystery and primeval associations.

Now, for all of you who wonder how we manage to make ends meet, here is Richard working hard to supplement our income.  Well, actually, he is posing for  The City Speaks in Drums.  Great job, Richard!  We swooped down on the Public Gardens, and Richard demonstrated his technique learned from a quick lesson on Youtube.  We left in a flash right after hearing a child say "Look, Mom!  He's going to play the spoons!".  

It is harder than it looks, but Andrew manages to "whip air to the beat" with some advice from a passerby... another detail. Models are very sympathetic, lending their personalities to the creative process. Behind, sitting on the bench, a local celebrity helps support the pigeon population, wings mimic the flying dreadlocks.

Starting to post, and finding that people know, people recognize this fellow intent on his crossword outside the public library. I am interested in dissecting my paintings, finding small parts that become a passage unto themselves. Capturing the fleeting moment, holding it in your hand, in your mind's eye, then returning to it months later to examine it once again.