Favourite 2015 Painting - Waiting For Playtime

It was interesting to review the paintings I had put on my blog in 2015, looking for growth, changes, colour choices and size. I was also looking for my favourite and was surprised by how many I really like, it was like trying to pick a favourite child. I liked the paintings for different reasons.

The ones I was really drawn to are the ones that I painted as gifts for specific people. While I paint I think about the person (and pets) and enjoy the whole process. My second grouping of favourites is when I paint "en plein air" or outdoors on location, all at one time. The sights, sounds, changing weather, sun and visitors passing by are all infused in the magic of the moment.

Interesting enough the painting below came out as my favorite. I have it on the wall at our cabin and because we spent the Christmas break out there, this painting commands space and attention while still being warm. Everything out there is in shades of grey and white with the low clouds and snow. This was also my largest painting of the year.

"Waiting For Playtime"

40" x 30" Oil on gallery wrap (painted 1 1/2" edges - framing not required)

"Waiting For PlayTime 2"

"Waiting For Playtime 2"

Oil on gallery wrap canvas (1 3/4" painted sides - frame not required)

40" x 30"
$1200
click on either painting for a larger view

This is one of my favourite paintings! I currently have it up in my dining room and enjoy it every time I go by. Summer and water are two of my favorite things and this painting captures them both, as well as the sense of warmth and play. This is one of the largest paintings I have done and am so happy with it.

Below is the first painting in acrylic from a reference photo showing more of the large dock system and the very small boat. I was really happy with it and found the wood panel I painted on showed the wood grooves which added to my interest. I liked it so much I wanted to paint it larger and in oil. My art friends (Debbie and Linda) suggested I make the small boat larger and leave out more of the large dock (they are sooooo art smart). I am enjoying the acrylic one in my art studio, reminders of summer with the long snowy winter looming ahead.

"Waiting For Playtime"

Acrylic on wood panel 15" x 16.5"

$250 framed in a brown frame painted to match the dock

A birthday present for Curtis

 

"Memory of Thailand"

Oil on canvas 16" x 20"

 

This painting is based on a photo that Curtis took on his travels in Thailand. I also painted a couple other paintings that I used his photos as a reference and offered those paintings to him to pick one as a birthday gift. He hasn't decided but I think this is the one.

 

It looked stunning in a large black frame.

 The other choices were "Panama Rest" previously on this blog and a painting of the San Francisco bridge that I haven't posted yet.

Panama Rest

"Panama Rest"

Oil on board 12" x 16"

click on painting for a larger view

This painting is based on a photo our son took while on vacation. I love the long boats and this one felt like the boat owner decided to have a siesta on the beach during the heat of the day. Actually, I was mentally putting myself there as I was painting!

This is a quick sketch Rick Berg did on oil sketch paper to help me understand how to get a curve in the boat as well as the water flow.


The Summer Office

The Summer Office - a gift

Oil on Board 13" x 10 1/2"

This painting is of Bruce sitting in his boat answering emails and phone calls. The water was peaceful after water skiing with Bruce, Brent and Sterling (aka "big head boys") last summer. Sterling snapped this picture with his phone for me from his deck. I loved everything about the picture and wanted to capture the still water, the reflections, the slant of the boat, Bruce, Sterling's dock and Sicamous in the distance. It is wonderful painting a scene you know so well. It brings back the event, people, sights and sounds, heartwarming really.

Click on picture for a larger view