Behind the Mask

 Live painting days are very full. I was blessed to be invited back to the Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation's Wall of Honour induction gala in Okotoks yesterday. Titled "Behind the Mask", the sold out celebration offered a hot stove panel discussion hosted by Dennis Beyak made up entirely of NHL goalies.

One of the ex-goalies that had committed to be part of the panel was John Garrett. Sadly, he died unexpectedly back in April. My task for the evening was to do a live tribute painting celebrating both his playing career and his prolific broadcasting footprint.

Organizers had given me several images that inspired the painting. My day started by spending several hours pre-sketching the composition on the canvas. I also laid down some paint in the neutral spaces. When I sat down and started painting at the Viking Rental Centre in Okotoks it was about 4 pm. I jumped into the mask on the left and the jersey in the middle. By the time guests started pouring in, they could tell where I was heading with the painting, but just enough to make it interesting.

Several guests near the front came over to share how much they enjoyed watching the process. 

"I was looking over your shoulder the whole night," said Gary Miller, the gentleman who ended up getting the high bid in the live auction.

I get into a zone at these live painting events where my subconscious takes over. While sketching things out, my brain - just below the surface - was figuring out a plan of attack to ensure completion in the right time. Without giving it a lot of thought, I jumped in and completed things just before the hot stove. 

Some subjects, like the Mark Messier's and Bryan Trottier's of the world, inspire a competitive auction. For others, like John Garrett, who was a good goaltender but not a superstar, it's a little more of a challenge to get the bids up.  As it turned out, the painting went for $2,000, which was where organizers hoped it would land. 

I'm proud of the painting and enjoyed the event tremendously. As it sat on the easel waiting for the live auction, I was able to find an empty seat at one of the tables and listen to the hot stove. It was one of the better ones I've seen over the past decade. Dennis did a brilliant job facilitating a great conversation.  

I pulled in at home in High River about 11 pm. The painting whent on the easel in my painting spot where I snapped this picture.

I went into the house where the dogs were faithfully waiting for me. I had a light dinner before calling it a night on a day that began shortly after 6 am. I'm doing finishing touches this morning and preparing the painting for delivery to Gary and his family later this week.