Friday at the Sicamous Red Barn

I happily joined the artists from the Brush and Palette Club in Sicamous for their weekly art time. The challenge was to draw a person's face from a magazine UPSIDE DOWN. We were shown the example in "Drawing From the Right Side Of The Brain" art book and then tried it out.

It may seem funny that as an artist, I don't like to draw, I like to paint! This was a wonderful exercise for me as just looking at the lines and shapes of the face upside down seemed to shut my critical brain down and it was just an enjoyable experience. I was really happy and surprised at the result when I finished and turned the picture and my drawing right side up, it was a lot better than I could of done right side up! I did not get the second one finished but the result was still recognizable.

Plein Air Painting Challenge, painting #3

As my time was running out and the noon deadline to have all paintings handed in, I used the paints on my palette and quickly laid down the shapes I saw in a completely different direction. This one had a small lake, tree groves and farmer's crops in view. This painting was really fun and with time running out there was no getting into any details. It was fresh and the sun reflected on the top left corner so the colour is off in the photo.

I was only allowed to put one painting in the judging so I put in the second one. I did not win the challenge but enjoyed the wonderful views, friends, being with like minded people, a delicious lunch and a fabulous day! I will certainly go again next year!! A big thank you to Reflections West Art and the Leighton Art Centre for all their hard work!

"Plein Air Painting Challenge, painting #3"

Oil on canvas board 12" x 9"

Painting #2 at the Plein Air Painting Challenge

On August 17, Debbie and I enjoyed the Plein Air Painting Challenge presented by Reflections West Art and Leighton Art Centre. As we had time to paint from 7am until noon, I worked on a second painting with a completely different view, just by picking up my easel and turning slightly. This view had the rolling hills, lit up wild grasses and flowers and a farm house in the background. The Leighton Centre also had a wood art instillation of thin tree trunks that intrigued me.

"Plein Air Painting Challenge, painting #2"

Oil on gesso board 12" x 12"

The farm house is in the middle of the picture, just barely visible. This is a picture of my painting in progress as well as my set up.

Plein Air Painting Challenge

My friend Debbie and I attended the Plein Air Painting Challenge presented by Reflections West Art and Leighton Art Centre at the Leighton Art Centre (just outside of Calgary) on Sunday. The motto was "Retreat . Create . Rejuvenate" and all three were covered well. The day started at 7am and the artists had until noon to paint. The sky was overcast and the mountains were barely in view. Below is the view and my first completed painting. When the sun did peak out, the grasses were alive with colour. I loved the rolling hill in the background so made it more dominate than what I saw. I will post the 2nd and 3rd paintings later.

"Leighton Art Centre Plein Air Painting Challenge, painting #1"

Oil on canvas board 9" x 12"

"Fergus 2" A Pet Portrait

"Fergus"

8" x 8" 1 1/2" gallery wrap canvas with

sides painted (framing not required)

$75

 This family pet is a real character and fun enough to paint a second time!

"Red Canoe"

This plein air painting was done at Gardom Lake, B.C. My husband Gord and friends Chris and Bruce were biking the Salmon Arm/Armstrong loop. I happily painted on site at Gardom Lake waiting for their arrival with cold drinks and fruit. The view, sounds of birds, calm water, no motor boats and kids happy sounds were a feast for my soul. Below is my set up with the final painting underneath it.

"Red Canoe"

12" x 9" Oil on board

Plein Air painting