This will be the fourth year that I’ve contributed a painting to the Women’s Mid-Life Health Centre fund raising art auction. Dr. Vicki Holmes and her colleagues do a wonderful job of delivering mid-life women’s health services all year round; and the art auction committee delivers a lively annual event and an incredible selection of art.

This year’s auction is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th. If you’re in the Saskatoon area, be sure to check it out.

What you see here is a preview of my 2009 contribution: The Sun Seekers. It’s a bit of a departure from my usual style. Read on for the backstory to the painting….

“This philodendron greeted me in the Rusty Pelican in Red Deer, Alberta. I was hanging out in Red Deer for a week taking a watercolor painting class at the Red Deer Series Summer Arts Program in July of 2007.

The word, philodendron, when broken down into the original Greek words translates as having an affinity for, or being a friend of, (philo) trees (dendron).  Despite its treehugging nature, there were no trees in sight for this plant to climb.

That didn’t stop my buddy, Phil, from reaching for the sun that streamed in through the west facing windows during our early evening dinner.

I’m guessing Phil just might enjoy seeking the sun from your home or office.”