Buried in Snow & A Fishbowl

January 28th, 2009 by Michelle Basic Hendry

Snow Banks
This is the LOW part of the snow bank and the roof of my Jeep! © Michelle Basic Hendry

I thought I might share a photo or two from my snowbound house in Muskoka. I feel like I was mysteriously swept to Alaska this year. We have had over 12 feet fall so far and most of it is still on my front lawn! Even if spring comes on time, I expect it will take weeks for the snow to all melt! That is still over 2 months away here. I wonder if we’ll be able to see green by Easter?

House
My hawthorne tree is buried part way up the crown… © Michelle Basic Hendry

I am getting very close to the launch of the updated website and the Small Paintings blog. I am just working out some last bugs and I hope to be launching everything within a week. The hold-up is actually at the easel, not on the computer. I find painting under all this snow difficult (my studio is well under the snow level now so there is only artificial light). It is around this time that my mood and energy diminish a little and it takes a lot more effort to get things done. I am happy to report that I can actually notice a slight difference to the length of the day. If it is clear, you can see the sun is not down before 5 pm. Relief is on the way… eventually!

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Fishbowl
Fishbowl ©2005 Michelle Basic Hendry

Some years ago, I was asked to make a bowl to donate to a local children’s literacy fundraiser.

The bowl was intended to be used for soup on the night of the fundraiser so I decided to paint on a glass bowl with enamel paints. I had to find a bowl first. I needed to find something suitable to go into the oven in order to set the paints. It turned out I could find nothing clear – just this blue glass – perfect for a goldfish bowl!

Fishbowl
Fishbowl ©2005 Michelle Basic Hendry

Frankly – it’s a great way to apply a painter’s skills with a little humour and fun – and enamel paints for glass are baked on in your oven. They say they are dishwasher safe, but I’d prefer to hand wash my efforts! It is a great way to be creative or get the creative juices going on something functional. It might make you smile while eating soup or cereal on a cold blustery day like today!

Fishbowl
Fishbowl ©2005 Michelle Basic Hendry

Considering the weather today – I hope I am always the fish with the grin!

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Posted in Musings, Paintings

16 Responses

  1. Jennifer Rose

    that is a lot of snow! Hopefully it melts early so you can get some light in your studio

  2. Sarah Lynch

    Oh I am so with you! We don’t have quite as much snow down here in Niagara, but we probably have about three feet on the lawn and that is after a total thaw over Christmas. It is very hard to find motivation. I feel that I am all painted out with snowscapes.

  3. Rekha

    Hey nice pictures

  4. Trevor Linagrd

    Love the fish bowl Michelle.
    I hope you are keeping warm.
    That weather is scary. We dont get that sort of condition here.
    Best Regards

  5. Linda Blondheim

    Michelle,
    I can’t imagine what it’s like to live in that snow. I’m wearing shorts today.
    Love,
    Linda

  6. martin

    Oh My! How do you get out your door with snow like that? You must find it depressing when it starts to snow rather than enjoying the beauty of the fresh fallen snow. It keeps things looking so clean and crisp – like freshly washed white cotton sheets on blowing on a laundry line. Loved the fish bowl – what fun!

  7. Michelle

    Jennifer Rose – I hope so!!!

    Sarah – I am planning a couple more snow scenes, but that’s it. I seem to enjoy them more when the snow is gone.

    Thanks, Rekha.

    Trevor – I have heard you have had your share this year!

    Linda – Now I am feeling more miserable! I could end up at your door… :)

    Actually martin – you’re right – I do love the freshly fallen snow. I could just use a little less of it at a time! Your description is lovely.

  8. Lana Gramlich

    I absolutely ADORE that smiley goldfish! Thanks for the tip on enamel paints–that opens up a whole new world of possibilities!
    I sooooooo don’t envy you that snow, hon. *sympie hugs* It was sunny & 14C here today (what the locals call “cold.” ;)

  9. Debbie

    Hi Michelle,

    I hear you!! We have seen that much snow in Nova Scotia too. Right now we are inching our way around ice, ice and more ice! It is beautiful and shiny,but so dangerous. Aaahhh I am dreaming of green :)

  10. Michelle

    If you try the enamels, Lana -I would love to see the results! And thanks for the sympathy…. I’ll live.. I think! :)

    Debbie – I know you are getting the worst weather – at least we see the sun from time to time! We’ll dream of green together…

  11. kaslkaos

    Hilarious fish! I love fish. (watching them, not eating them).
    We are buried under snow too, so much of it and it keeps coming down. Luckilly I commandeered the living room window for my studio so I still get plenty of light.

  12. Michelle

    Ingrid – I had fun with that! I’d end up divorced if I brought my mess into the living room! LOL!

  13. Jean Levert Hood

    12 feet.. Feet???? an in Twelve Feet??
    I don’t think we had a day in January where the temperatures were below 60 degrees F.
    I love your little toothy smiling fish! Isn’t it great to just have fun with our art now and then!
    Stay warm,
    Jean

  14. Michelle

    Yup….
    Thanks, Jean! :D

  15. eddie

    Serious snow michelle…we had it here too!

    check out:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/rverspirit

    cheers eddie

    ps thanks for all the lovely comments!

  16. Michelle

    eddie – I have been watching the news, everyone has gotten hammered this year!

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About Artscapes – Musings on Art & Life

Michelle Basic Hendry is an award winning artist, photographer, graphic designer and sometime writer, in Muskoka, Ontario. Here, she hopes to share her art and inspiration.
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