19 Aug A TREAT FOR THE PALETTE

With all the amazing scenery that I had already experienced so far, what more could one ask for on an arctic journey? How about fresh arctic char, right out of the ocean and into the frying pan.

Billy’s efforts in setting his nets out the evening before in traditional Inuit fashion reaped a half a dozen huge beautiful char. Destined to feed his family, he kindly shared some with me for a delicious lunch and dinner on the land. With all that protein in me it was a productive day, as I used one of the 2 largest canvases that I brought with me on the trip, measuring 40″ x 24″. I didn”™t get terribly far on the piece as shortly after I had roughed it in, the fog moved in and hid my scene. But I had been gathering photographic reference throughout the process, so that I have what I need to continue work on it back in the studio. And last, as the day wore on, and we began planning our return trip to Qik, All the fog began to lift, revealing that landscape that had been eluding us since we came out. Surrounded by the mountain that I could clearly see, I painted a study for what will later become one of my largest paintings from the Canadian Arctic. I think I need to eat char more often.

The day ended in glassy calm waters as we boated for over 2 hours by the light of a clear and colourful skyline. With stars above, and chunks of ice here and there, Billy skillfully navigated us back to the community after midnight for my last night in town.