​Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published August 2016 in Nanaimo Magazine, Voyager Magazine & EyesOnBC Magazine

Begin anew! Sometimes one feels the need to shake off a stress and turn toward a more positive and creative realm. To do this, I find the best route is to become immersed in the mysteries of nature; to marvel at the structure of a flower, the flight of a bird, or the complexity of our living, breathing planet; or to contemplate the wonders of the universe. This brings me back to the only moment I know I have: this moment.
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Looking out my open window, I see that the sky is in perpetual motion. It is a constantly changing scene of various light and dark shapes, and of different shades of blue, white, mauve and gray. Each cloud is unique and changing right in front of my eyes. The wind is currently gently blowing from the southeast. Each cloud is moving at its own, individual speed. Nothing stays the same; not these clouds, not even the direction of the wind. This is all part of nature’s design. I inhale deeply and am grateful for the clean, fresh air and my new sense of joy. The diversity of natures' creations is amazing, even when it comes to clouds, and the peace that comes with this knowledge is calming.
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The effects of the world upon me have passed. All it takes is mindfulness to slow down and observe nature in action; to stop and live in the present moment. Taking my inspiration from the timelessness of the sky, I will paint these fleeting clouds, sharing my delight and wonder with others; so that others may rest immersed in a moment of time and begin anew!

Blog text and images by Patricia Banks​©​​
 
In Jasper, the weather was perfect for hiking and painting! The beauty of the Valley of the Five Lakes, is second to none! We enjoyed every moment of our nine kilometer hike through forests, over the boardwalk traversing the marshes between lakes, up the mountain sides, and through wonderful wildflower meadows. Sparkling like jewels in the light, the lakes, of clear emerald green and turquoise blue water, were a surreal vision!
 
Painting Maligne Canyon was an exciting challenge in linear perspective to capture the vertical sides and the water so far below. Maligne Canyon has been aptly described as "a cave with the roof collapsed." It is made of porous, soluble limestone. In some places the canyon is only about six feet wide at the rim, but it can be as deep as 180 feet. In many places, it is wider at the bottom where the river flows, than it is at the top. Maligne Canyon was a highlight and the trail easily accessible. We hiked five and a half kilometers of the trail from the Teahouse down to 5th Bridge, and back. We were delighted by many impressive waterfalls and cascades along the way.
 
My favorite trees, the high altitude, trembling aspens, delicately danced with the slightest whispers of the wind.