The intentional eye

Sometimes you go looking for art. Sometimes art finds you.

Last week, my wife and I strolled down to Oak Bay here in Greater Victoria. It was a brisk 30 minute walk, actually, from home to Oak Bay Avenue, followed by a stroll along the brightly lit street with stops in pleasantly crowded and cozy galleries.

We weren't shopping for art, having recently moved to a much smaller home - there's simply nowhere to put it. But looking at art is always (okay, usually) pleasant and there's something about seeing throngs of people in galleries that is uplifting.

On one corner a fellow was roasting chestnuts on an open fire. A barbeque, to be precise, but the warm paper bags of nuts certainly captured the spirit of the season.

Later in the week, on a bright blue sky day, we were strolling the ever-changing waterfront along Dallas Road, overlooking Juan de Fuca Straight. Local plein air artist Darlene Young was out, painting the scene as we walked by.

I couldn't resist comparing the emerging vision on her painting to the cliff scene ahead. Darlene creates a painting a day - an inspiring example of a working artist. Yes, art is work and the best artists find ways to commit to putting in the hours.

Check out the finished painting on Darlene's site (the painting for December 3, 2011) or at the DailyPaintWorks site.

Thanks to Darlene and the many artists represented in the galleries of Oak Bay for reminding us to keep our eyes open for art - to see intentionally.