Restful Summer Memories

I needed something that would be mellow to paint, something I could lose myself in, take a mental break from the clatter in my brain. I found it in this picture Sue Bingham  took  in Chase. It was a wonderful picture of a dock ladder, very calm water and mountains that feel like they are resting as well. Sue is generous with her art of picture taking and allows me to paint to my heart's content (a huge thank you!). I hope you find it peaceful, calm and inviting memories.

10.5" x 14" Water colour on 200lb paper

White double archival mat to fit 16"x20" frame $150

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Hiking in Palm Springs

This is a painting of the hills behind Palm Springs. The rocks tower over you in several places as you wind on a worn path with scrub brush and flowers. We started our hike just past the tennis club and wound our way up. The view of the city was breath taking and you could see for miles!

Hiking in Palm Springs

Water colour on  200lb paper 10"x14"

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Two water colour studies

These two water colour studies were done after watching a Sterling Edwards DVD. It was an interesting way to work and I like his teaching style. I will try some of my own photos next. I wasn't sure what I wanted to paint and in what media so the timing of this from the library was perfect. I like different things about each picture. I don't usually use Thalo colours, but it seemed to work in the first picture.

7" x 10.5" on 200lb water colour paper

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Plein Air at Forgetmenot Pond, Kananaskis

I took a one day plein air class with Peter Potapoff at Forgetmenot Pond in Kananaskis. It was a sunny but blustery windy day. We painted beside a stream and tried to paint something close and small (compared to the huge vista and views). It was really interesting and challenging in how quickly the acrylic paint dried on the board, palette and even brush in the sunny and windy outdoors.

As a visual learner Peter was kind enough to show me what he was explaining to meon my painting. I haven't decided if I am going to add more blue (from the sky) in the water reflections, but am considering it done right now. I will have to live with it for awhile. Standing outside painting with a drying palette filled with paint (ok for indoors), water bucket on the ground and hair blowing in my face was certainly a different painting challenge.

I learned a lot about what supplies to bring (and what to leave home!) and now have started a birthday/Christmas list. Peter is passionate about painting outdoors and shares his knowledge generously. He has classes through Calgary School of Art if anyone is interested.

Acrylic on Birch Board

10.5" x 13" framed in a metal (silver) frame

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This is our group with Peter on the left. You can see how windy it is by the wind pushing against my pants! I don't know how the guys did it, but I couldn't keep a hat on my head!