My Blog List

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Almost There


"Almost There"
Oil on board 16" x 20"
#20116015  $300 unframed

This scene interested me because it was so atmospheric. The boats weren't in my photo but certainly added a visual interest.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Fall Trees


"Fall Trees"
5" x 7" Oil on board
#20118015

I am still learning on the correct value to make things come forward and recede. I am in love with the fall colours but have to work from photos as the season is to short in Calgary and all the leaves blow off to quickly.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Under The Apple Tree - en plein air


"Under The Apple Tree"
En Plein Air - Oil on board 
10" x 8" $75 unframed
#20114015

I was looking for a shady place to paint outdoors (en plein air) this summer and found a perfect spot under our apple tree in Sicamous, B.C.. The view was a little awkward being so close and just above my head with the bright blue sky diminishing any details.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Alberta Culture Days - Fall Leighton View 2


This is the second painting I did at the Leighton Art Centre just outside of Calgary. It was a "Fall Paint-Out" for Alberta Culture Days. There were artists sprinkled all over the property and demo's were also held inside. It absolutely fills my soul being outside painting natures' beauty. All my senses are fully utilized.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Alberta Culture Days - Fall Leighton View 1



"Fall Leighton View 1"
En Plein Air Oil on board 12"x12"  $140 unframed

What a wonderful and varied day this was at the Leighton Centre just outside of Calgary. The Leighton Centre was celebrating Alberta Culture Days with a Fall Paint-Out. There was live music, en plein air painters as well as demos, talks and interactive art to enjoy. I managed a painting in the morning and one in the afternoon. The overcast lighting was challenging but I felt like I was in my element!


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

"Approaching"


"Approaching"
Oil on board  20" x 16"
$300 unframed
#20028115

This painting is based on a photo taken by our son, Curtis while he was working in the Antarctic. Their plane was flying low over the huge, many storied high icebergs. I loved the sense of depth as well as the view that humans are close but there are still boundaries to Mother Nature. This painting has been entered into "Earth Matters" art contest.


Thursday, October 1, 2015

Kacie, Keelie and Kalli - a pet portrait



This is a pet portrait that Lavona commissioned (thank you!). I loved their bright collars and the differences in each dog's face. The top painting was just about finished so I asked for input and made a couple of minor changes. They were unsure of the vibrant pink background so I toned it down but still kept some of the pink coming through. It was hard to find a neutral colour (with the dogs all being neutral) without washing them out. The final painting is below.



Kacie, Keelie and Kalli - sold
11" x 14" Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas with image over the sides and bottom.
#20101015
The response to the gifted painting "... to share with you the bride was so excited with my gift of the dane painting...she had tears in her eyes!  My son too was  thrilled and says.." wow" that looks exactly like her!!"
So grateful for the feedback, thanks Lavona!

Friday, September 25, 2015

Mia Moo - a pet portrait


"Mia Moo"    SOLD
9" x 9" Acrylic on gallery wrap (with painted sides)

This wonderful Great Dane was a commission that was going to be given as a gift. This beauty's attitude really came through in the photo I was given...what a great way to spend my birthday. It was fun using so many colours even though Mia Moo is black and white, I did not use black! I just love her name! I also worked on another commission that I will post later.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Purple Dance



Purple Dance
Plein Air Oil on canvas board 8" x 10"
$75 unframed      #20013915

Instead of a vista, this time I looked for something closer at hand. These flowers were in the arched gate entrance to the back yard in Sicamous. It felt strange setting up my easel in the driveway, but enjoyed the fact I didn't have to pack everything so far.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Sicamous Public Beach View

I found a shady spot under a very large tree next to the sandy public beach. The sky started out clear but quickly turned very smokey resulting in very pale muted background mountains and hills and a very flat view. It a very peaceful scene and as I was painting early in the morning, the beach was empty except for 1 family so very calm and peaceful as well. The view is just left of my easel with the channel marker for the boats going in and out of the channel.



Sicamous Public Beach View
8" x 10" Plein Air Oil on canvas board
$75 unframed   #20010915