2013; Afghan War, 2014; Jasper, 2015; The Poet & Judge, 2016; Fire & Rain: Wildfires & Floods, 2017; Not a Bystander to Anger, Violence & Bullying, 2018; Status v Motion, Free Press, 2019; More Circles than Squares, Political, Social & Environmental, 2020; Freedom to Express, Listen, 2021; Misty Art, Humanity & Legacy, 2022; Abstracts of Light & Shadows, 2023; Listen to my Art beat.
2024, I'll Blend It Like Claude Monet Did, In 2025.
Crossroads to...
To Chaos...
To the crossroads again.
In Monet's world, where vision blurs, At a crossroads, colors clash in whirs; amidst the chaos of his sight, He painted dreams, a pure delight.
With cataract eyes, strokes ran wild, A realm of haze, yet so delighted, Through the murky lens, his art did rise, A symphony of soft disguise.
From 1912 to '22, his vision changed, his art anew. Surgery brought a brighter hue, but chaos shaped the world he drew.
This photo captures a storefront on White Avenue, in the heart of Old Strathcona, adorned with a white Christmas tree on the sidewalk. It’s striking to see this white building and festive display amidst a bustling neighborhood of color filled with bars, restaurants, clothing stores, and gift shops. The scene evokes the whimsical blur and unexpected contrasts reminiscent of Monet's later works, where his cataract-affected vision transformed his perception of light and colour.
I'll invite young, old and angry women to add paint to my canvases.
Observation: Due to hot, smoky summers, the rose gardens inside Violet King Henry Plaza have struggled this year and in past years.
2024: Can't See the Forest for the Weathring Crisis
The Rosehip Art Project: This community artwork, created on the backside of an untitled 2015 Edmonton River Valley forest painting over the summer of 2024, portrays the weakened beauty of the rose gardens inside Violet King Henry Plaza, contrasted by the Alberta Legislature in the background. The towering poles begin with a yellow star of false hope (left), followed by Religion, the King, and the Ruling Class of Capitalism's Almighty Dollar. Amidst the vibrant blooms and foliage, the title "Weathering Crisis" subtly underscores the social and environmental challenges faced by governments and all Albertans.
The 2024 backside is a poignant addition featuring my alter ego, cartoon character Fred Shadows, holding a picket sign that reads "HELP." Fred Shadows, created over 50 years ago, echoes the urgent plea for environmental and societal attention. This dual-sided artwork harmoniously blends past and present, highlighting the continuity of my artistic journey and the timeless call for awareness and action
Two men fighting on 104th Street and Jasper Avenue, reacting with racist words and anger expressed between a black man and red man. Several painters painted it on the Alberta Legislature grounds, and its story was shared to many next to the Alberta Premier office windows.
The Oilers' #McJesusJinx continues after an unfortunate incident where a fan directed homophobic slurs toward a visiting family from Florida wearing Panther jerseys. This occurred amidst a sea of Oilers fans during last spring's Game 6 of the Stanley Cup series.
Not A Bystander To Anger, Violence and Bullying.
Welcome to The Painter's World of Art and Activism. I'm Doug, a retired newspaper pressman passionate about painting and political cartoons. For over 11 years, I've channeled my creativity into promoting nonviolence and social change. Through my art, I explore the complexities of our world, from local politics to global conflicts, always with a message of love and resilience. My blog is a space where I share my journey, insights, and the stories behind my work. Whether it's a new painting inspired by the vibrant streets of Edmonton or a cartoon highlighting pressing social issues, you'll find it all here. Join me in celebrating the power of art to inspire, challenge, and create a better world for all.
Recent Quick-Drawn Conclusions
Since 2017, Alberta 29, 30th, and 31 Legislature.
Homefront News: New Cambridge Lofts, long-awaited elevator repairs begin.
Thank you, Marshall Smith, for your public service.
2019, MCA, Chicago, Virgil Abloh, Figures of Speech.
LISTEN Free Wear, T-shirts, Baseball Caps, Hoodies, Togues of Alberta
Initially, The Speakers Banned Speech & Wear, 2019-2021
Alberta 29, 30, 31, Legislature Sessions Continues.
The 31st Fall Session of the Alberta Legislature is set to begin on the last Monday in October and will run until the first Thursday in December 1. This year, the session will start on October 28, 2024. I'll be following the session in the public gallery following Bill 20, amongst other bills. Bill 20, also known as the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, introduces several changes to municipal election and governance rules in Alberta. Some key points include: Local Political Parties: The bill allows the creation of municipal political parties in Edmonton and Calgary as a pilot project. Voter Register: A permanent voter register is required to enhance election transparency. Tabulator Ban: Automated vote tabulator machines will be banned.
Cabinet Powers: The Alberta cabinet will have the power to dismiss councilors and mayors and repeal or amend local bylaws. These changes have sparked significant debate and concern among municipal leaders and councils. Thus far, I have not heard of any good reasons why we should not go forward with this bill, including from retiring Edmonton City Councillor Andrew Knack, who seems to be the loudest NDP proponent against Ric McIvor's Bill 20. I appreciate all political parties in Edmonton getting involved with the city council since the current council is top-heavy NDP, pushing thier one-sided socialist political policies on Edmontonians with hardly a voice representing Liberals and Conservatives. Citizen Doug's Free News.
Point of Order Fall Fasion Art Show & Tell and LISTEN/CUT-UP: Local political party colors of Orange and Reds are beginning to clash with Palestinian colours of Rage, Revolution, and Resistance. Local Communist designers of Red, it seems, is out of style for fall wear.
13 painters were invited to add paint between May to August 2024.
Beginning November, I will replicate the original painting with two additional pieces, each featuring some changes, including an added third Punjabi lady to the original two ladies at City Hall who inspired this project in May. I will gift the original to my sister and her husband. These two new paintings will be titled "A Crow's Nest and 3 Punjabi Ladies." The unique numbers 3 (3 Paintings) and 13 (Original Painters) hold special significance in Sikhism. The number 3 represents the Three Pillars of Sikhism: Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, and Vand Chakna. The number 13, pronounced "Tera" in Punjabi, means "Yours," symbolizing devotion to the Creator. These final pieces will conclude my 2024 Rosehip White Rose Art Project, themed around rosehips as an excellent source of Vitamin C and the seed of love.
On April 30, 2024, George Millar, an Irish painter, suggested I create a painting of two Punjabi ladies to celebrate the beginning of Asian Heritage Month in May. I started the painting on May 1, 2024, on the Alberta Legislature grounds, amidst the ongoing construction of a new reflection pool and fountain, scheduled to open on July 1, 2024, Canada Day. On August 12, more paint was added, bringing the total number of painters to eleven, ranging in age from 5 to 69, who contributed to the creation of “A Crow’s Nest & 2 Punjabi Ladies.”
Community painting projects like this one are exceptional. They bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. Each brushstroke adds a unique touch, reflecting the diverse perspectives of the participants. This collaborative effort results in a beautiful piece of art and strengthens the community's bonds. It’s a celebration of cultural heritage, creativity, and the coming together to create something meaningful.
Millwoods Sikh Temple
A Crow's Nest & 2 Punjabi Ladies, Cut-Up
Alberta Legislature Construction Site
On August 11, 2024, I returned to Millwoods, where I added several crows and a young woman added the 9th egg to represent 9 painters to the man's beard next to the 515 bus stop shelter and Sikh temple. The following day I returned to Violet King Henry Plaza and invited 2 more painters to add paint bringing the count to 11. Not pictured was a politician painter and a 5 year old boy painter with his parents watching as he added all the red to the backside bearded Sikh man.
Father and daughter become 12th and 13th painters.
Serendipity refers to the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. In the context of intuitive art, serendipity plays a significant role. Intuitive art is a creative process where the artist relies on their intuition and spontaneous impulses rather than a predetermined plan or technique.
How Serendipity and Intuitive Art Connect:
Embracing the Unexpected: Intuitive artists often welcome unexpected outcomes and happy accidents. These serendipitous moments can lead to unique and innovative artistic expressions.
Flow and Freedom: By letting go of rigid structures and allowing intuition to guide the creative process, artists can experience a sense of flow and freedom. This openness can result in serendipitous discoveries that enhance the artwork.
Healing and Self-Discovery: Intuitive art is not just about creating visually appealing pieces; it’s also a journey of self-discovery and healing. Serendipitous moments during the creative process can reveal deeper insights and emotions, contributing to personal growth.
Playfulness and Exploration: The serendipitous nature of intuitive art encourages a playful and exploratory approach. Artists can experiment with different materials, techniques, and ideas without fear of making mistakes, leading to unexpected and delightful results. Compiled by Microsoft Copilot.
Sketching with my new friends inside the AGA on Seniors Day was a delightful experience. They posed next to four Peter von Tiesenhausen paintings about wildfires, and I took a minute to sketch them both. I told them to come back in 20 minutes, and I would have my sketch completed. When they returned, we talked about art, and one lady shared her drawing on her phone, which she said made her happy when she felt sad. Sketching does this for me, too; it lifts my spirits on my off, depressing days. I gave my drawing to my new friends and wished them well on thier tour through the art gallery.
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