Robert Krysak Artworks

SIMPLICITY

2025-09-23T18:02:00.001-06:00

"Simple can be harder than complex...you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end, because once you get there, you can move mountains.” Steve Jobs It can be overwhelming working on an image. There can be so much clutter and detail, and you are not sure where to begin or end. I have found SIMPLICITY is best. Focus on what really catches your eye, what really matters. Wisdom I need to use more in my day-to-day life. Enjoy the journey

Practice, Practice Practice!

2025-09-05T12:05:00.000-06:00

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" (Picasso), and "To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow" (Kurt Vonnegut). “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” Michelangelo As we roll through September, I am starting to map out my plans for my art. I am putting the brakes on any new creations and spending more time on practicing techniques. At a loss right now for what to paint next, so until the idea arrives, spending time on improving my skill and understanding of what my brush, paints and canvas can create. Enjoy the journey.

RAVEN IN FLIGHT

2025-07-28T12:43:00.001-06:00

Another cold, wet day in the mountains. Looking out the patio door from my studio, I see a raven playing in the sky. Darting amongst the trees, it seems to be playing hide and seek with an invisible partner. An idea came to me of raven flying through a myriad of colours, textures and shades. I sketched out a raven I have used before onto a 12 x 16 canvas. I then use a black acrylic pen to colour it in. While it dries, I prep my palette of colours, adding water to the ones I will use. I also prep some pieces of parchment paper and plastic wrap. Using a variety of brushes, I begin to splash colour over the canvas……no real plan, just random strokes and layers of colour. To keep the paint wet, I use a spray bottle to keep everything moist. I then place a few pieces of parchment paper over the wet canvas. Over this I layer pieces of plastic wrap. On top of this I place a few books to weigh everything down. I let the plastic/parchment wrapped canvas dry for a few hours. I’m nervous taking the layers off………not sure what will be on the canvas. As each layer comes off, textures and colours dance before my eyes. Raven is flying through the colours, with purpose and direction. Raven in Flight is born. 12 x 16 $175 Enjoy the journey

ASSINIBOINE COLLAGE

2025-07-26T11:38:00.001-06:00

“Ring the bells that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack, a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in.” Leonard Cohen “Like a bird on the wire, Like a drunk in a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free.” Leonard Cohen I’ve been creating images/art for as long as I can remember. It seems I fall into patterns of the same thing……same colours, same style……..I’m trying to break free of my past habits and techniques. With a visit to Mt. Assiniboine still deep in my memory, I stepped up to a blank canvas today. Experimenting with texture and colours……. what ended up on the canvas was new to me. Assiniboine Collage. Zoom in to see all the textures/colours. Contact me if interested in purchase. 18”x 24” Watercolour on canvas. Enjoy the journey

JASPER FLOWERS

2025-07-24T21:36:00.001-06:00

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to decide to be happy.”Nightbirde This week marks one year since the terrible fires assaulted Jasper. Many lost their businesses and homes. Most who lost their homes have yet to move into new ones as they need to be built. While things must be hard for everyone there, I’m sending them love and energy so that they can have a bit of peace. So that they can rebuild. So they can somehow find a smile. The land is coming back, the grass is growing, the wildflowers are everywhere. This latest sketch is in honor and respect for everyone in Jasper. With the blossoming of flowers, I hope your happiness blossoms. Enjoy the journey.

ASSINIBOINE SUNBURST

2025-07-20T19:51:00.001-06:00

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” Vincent van Gogh “Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse A very cold, wet day in the mountains. I decide to create an image with lots of colour, and pressed into the colour some parchment paper, bubble wrap, plastic wrap and ziplock bag. I scrunch each up, then spread them out over the painted surface. I then put books on top to really press in the layers. After about 45 minutes, I peel off the layers. I now have this interesting textured surface. Stepping back, I imagine Mt. Assiniboine in the center of the image. I do a quick sketch with a light pen, then use a # 8 brush loaded with sepia. Assiniboine Sunburst is created. I’d be interested to hear if you like this image or not. For Sale-13" x 18" undframed on watercolour paper. $175 Enjoy the journey.

RAVEN OVER CASCADE

2025-07-09T16:16:00.001-06:00

Winged Emmisary “From the Realms beyond, Fire-Stealer, Trickster, Wolf-Friend, Raven, I call on your wisdom. Teach me your tricks of thought and memory. Lend me your eloquence To speak of the hidden mysteries. Help me use the tools around me to attain my goals, And if I do not find those tools, Teach me to craft them. Help me fly with agility to where I’m most needed. Guide me in the ways of the sentinel. Teach me to sing for love and To return to those places where it has lived before. I ask for your strength In the face of intimidation. I ask for your wings As I dive into darkness and return with knowledge. I ask for your magic Raven, I call on thee.” Unknown. Living in Banff is special. Mountains, water and a variety of animals. Raven is one of my spirit animals. Raven over Cascade 12” x 16” for sale $145 (No framing needed, ready for hanging). I also have this available in card format. Enjoy the journey.🙏

Reflection on Steve Jobs Last Words

2025-07-07T13:21:00.001-06:00

Final words from Steve Jobs: You will realize, your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. Whether you fly first or economy class, if the plane goes down - you go down with it... Therefore.. I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, have sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, .... That is true happiness!! Five Undeniable Facts of Life : 1. Don't educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be Happy. So when they grow up they will know the value of things not the price. 2. Best awarded words in London ... "Eat your food as your medicines. Otherwise you have to eat medicines as your food." 3. The One who loves you will never leave you for another because even if there are 100 reasons to give up he or she will find one reason to hold on. 4. There is a big difference between a human being and being human. Only a few really understand it. 5. You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, You have to manage! NOTE: If you just want to Walk Fast, Walk Alone! But if you want to Walk Far, Walk Together! Six Best Doctors in the World 1. Sunlight 2. Rest 3. Exercise 4. Diet 5. Self Confidence and 6. Friends Maintain them in all stages of Life and enjoy a healthy life. The past few weeks I have been thinking a lot about life. I’ve had conversations with younger and older people,have listened to many stories and dreams. I reflect back on Steve Jobs last words when he passed in 2011. Living a good life should be fairly simple, but we complicate it. Enjoy the journey

ASSINIBOINE IMAGES

2025-07-05T13:23:00.001-06:00

Mount Assiniboine, also known as Assiniboine Mountain, and the Matterhorn of the Rockies, is a pyramidal peak mountain on the Great Divide, on the British Columbia/Alberta border in Canada. At 3,618 m, it is the highest peak in the Southern Continental Ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Mount Assiniboine rises nearly 1,525 m above Lake Magog. I have been there many times and have created many images of the mountain. If of interest, I can create an image for your home and office. Enjoy the journey.

ASSINIBOINE ADVENTURE

2025-07-03T15:45:00.002-06:00

Genuine human friendship is on the basis of human affection, irrespective of your position. Therefore, the more you show concern about the welfare and rights of others, the more you are a genuine friend. The more you remain open and sincere, then ultimately more benefits will come to you. If you forget or do not bother about others, then eventually you will lose your own benefit. Dalai Lama We were so fortunate to spend 3 days in the backcountry at Assiniboine Lodge with our friends Claude, Annick, Andre, Dee and Geoffrey. We have all known each other for many years, and some of us started working together in the back country over 30 years ago. From hiking, painting, helping in the kitchen and teaching watercolour painting, it was a special trip. I was able to introduce a couple of people to Funto art supplies and watercolour. It was special to see their images evolve on the watercolour paper. If you are looking for a unique, special backcountry experience, check out assiniboinelodge.com Thank you to everyone there for a great trip. Enjoy the journey

Cascade Elk and Rundle Raven

2023-12-16T13:49:00.002-07:00

A while ago I had a couple of ideas on how to capture some of the local characters here in the Bow Valley, Elk and Raven. I put ideas to canvas, and now have these new images. I have also recreated these in to my greeting card collection.

Learning something new........charcoal

2023-03-20T19:31:00.002-06:00

I am on a year long, on-line drawing course. The Module I'm in right now is charcoal, something I've never tried before. Challenging, interesting.......I'm enjoying working with this new medium. Enjoy the journey.

Making a plan for the next Canvas

2023-03-17T15:59:00.001-06:00

Sometimes when you cook, you have a recipe......when you build a house, you have architectural plans to guide you. When I work on a new canvas, I first like to draw out the idea on paper. I then take the images and colour them in with pens to get an idea what look and feel I want for the canvas. The next step is to draw the image on canvas and start working with the brush. Enjoy the journey.

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER

2023-03-12T15:24:00.000-06:00

I am enjoying the journey with the online Draw Awesome course. As I become more confident with the pencils, I realize the world is at my fingertips for creating. In the next year we will be creating with pencil, charcoal, ink pens, pastel, watercolour, landscapes, animals and portraits. I will post on a regular basis, and each image is for sale. Enjoy the journey.

EYE SEE YOU

2023-03-05T17:54:00.001-07:00

Its been a great new challenge working with pencil. Years ago it was my main medium, so to be back with pencil in hand is like seeing an old friend again. This lesson was to draw 4 different eyes from photographs.......it was a challenge to capture the glimmer and light you see in peoples eyes. Enjoy the journey.

Draw Awesome Course

2023-02-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

I have signed up for a year long online course on drawing. We will use pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, ink and watercolour etc. This is my first lesson working with pencil and shadow. Enjoy the journey, Bob

My word for 2023 "MENTOR"

2023-01-31T15:26:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I was talking to one of my healers, and she asked what my "Word" of the year 2023 was. After some thought, my word is "Mentor" I want to help as many people as I can achieve their goals, reach their dreams, and enjoy this journey we are all on. The two paintings here are for a fund raiser for Wayne Wiltse from Pemberton/Whistler. Wayne was in a terrible car accident last year and is now in a wheel chair for life. The fund raiser is January 31st, 2023. Help if you can. Enjoy the journey. Robert Krysak

Happy New Year

2022-01-21T17:34:00.002-07:00

"We don't meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason." Unkown. Happy New Year. I was selling an artist easle, and met someone today who bought it. They are an aspiring artist with many talents. It's interesting how you sense in someone their energy, honesty and strength. They came in to my studio and we viewed some of my pieces, we talked of different art techniques and art in general. It was time well spent, and while I am happy the easel sold, the new connection with an artist is very cool. Enjoy the journey.

Christmas Canvas For Sale

2021-12-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

RAVEN OVER SLEEPING BUFFALO-24 X30 REG. $350 SALE $245

RAVEN TOTEM 18X24 REG $150 SALE $105

THREE SISTERS SPIRIT 10X24 REG $145 SALE $101

RAVEN OVER RUNDLE 8X10 REG $60 SALE $42

WINTER TREES 8X10 REG $60 SALE $42

RAVEN OVER SNOWY SISTERS 8 X10 REG $60 SALE $42

RUNDLE RAVEN 8X10 REG $60 SALE $42

THREE SISTERS RAVEN 8X10 REG $60 SALE $42

All images are watercolour on canvas and ready for hanging. I can accept etransfer, Visa and Mastercard. Please email me at alignmentsportsbanff@gmail.com or 403-760-9922

Merry Christmas and enjoy the journey

Three Sisters Final

2021-11-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters is finished. It's always interesting when you complete a project, whether it be a marathon, building of a structure in a yard.......finishing a painting (s). There is a mix of relief, sadness, and accomplishment when you cross the finish line

Though the painting part is complete, I still need to put a protective spray on the images, tape the side frame with archival tape, put hanging hooks on the back, package up, and ship it to the client in Ontario.

It's been an enjoyable journey........time to step away from the brush. I have elbow surgery this Friday to repair an area that has come out of alignment. I was in a bike crash in 2020 and have 24 screws in my elbow, and one of them is very unhappy.

To those from the US that follow my blog, Happy Thanksgiving.

To all of you.........Enjoy the journey.

Three Sisters

2021-11-23T18:54:00.003-07:00

"Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves". Henry David Thoreau

It's always a long journey when you are painting a big canvas. Sometimes I get lost, question my abilities, and the next step. I step back, take a deep breath, do some thinking then move forward and pick up the brush.

I finish layering in the sky, then start working on the rock on each peak. I want to capture the light, the cold, cool feel of the rock, and the deep colour of the earth. I then begin laying in a variety of trees.

Enjoy the journey.

Three Sisters

2021-11-22T08:38:00.001-07:00

I am working on a commission, a Triptych (3 canvas) of the Three Sisters. It's quite large, a total of 54" wide and 24" tall.

After I bolt the canvas together, I sketch in an outline of the mountains as well as some detail in the foreground. Once that is complete, I then use my masking liquid to separate the mountains from the sky.

I then begin to lay down my colours, letting each colour dry before I add the next one. As I let each colour dry I am working on some smaller canvas that I am selling at a local store.

Listening to Radio Paradise in the background.

Cascade Colourful Locals

2021-11-19T10:11:00.001-07:00

The paintings are finished. I layered with a fan brush sepia over the elk, coyote, and grizzly. Then with a fine black pen, I added some lines and detail on each animal. After dropping in the trees, and a bit more detailing on the mountain......I step back and I am finished.

The next step is to put a protective spray coating over the canvas, wrap the edges in black, acid-free tape, and put hooks on the back for hanging.

I begin planning my next commission which I will begin soon.

Enjoy the journey.

Cascade Colourful Locals

2021-11-14T15:38:00.001-07:00

It's snowing outside. We are expected to get 15-20 cms in the next few days. I am in my studio listening to Radio Paradise.

I take Yellow Ochre and shade in all the animals except the Raven, which is black. As I let each image dry, I begin planning the next stage of the Elk, Coyote, and Grizzly. I also think ahead to how many trees I will need.

Every once in a while I put all three images together and stand far back. My goal is to get a better perspective of the images. I purposely made the Grizzly smaller, as if it's off in the distance. The bull Elk is in the foreground, large and powerful. You can almost feel the energy radiating off it, especially this time of year in the rut.

Enjoy the journey.

Cascade Colourful Locals

2021-11-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

Though my studio is in a bit of chaos, it is sooooo good to be there. I've been in the city a lot this week for medical appointments due to a bike crash 18 months ago,.The poking, prodding, injections and kilometers have worn me down, but like a sunflower turning its face to the sun, I thrive in my studio.

I am working on a large commission right now, and it is an interesting journey. The image is so large, I need to step back many times and view the canvas (es) from afar. Many colours bounce off the brush......Winsor Blue, Cobalt Blue, French Ultramarine Blue, and Antwerp Blue make up the mountains, and I drop in Lamp Black for the Raven. Next is a bull elk, howling coyote, and grizzly bear.

The Road Home radio is playing in the background.

I love my space to create.

Enjoy the journey.