Glacier County

The photo resource I used for this painting was taken by Doug Swinton of the Emigrant Pass area in Glacier County, Montana.

I loved the way the mountain stands almost protecting the calm and peaceful scene below. The photo still has the sheen of very wet oil paint. This is one of the larger paintings I have done, a great way to start a new year of painting.

"Glacier County 2"

20" x 30" Oil on board

#20008116

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)

Sicamous Colours (or lack of), last painting of 2015

This is the view towards the town of Sicamous this morning. It looks like I took it in black and white but that is the view in colour. The painting below was done last fall, quite a contrast! Wishing everyone a celebratory end to 2015 and a happy and healthy start to 2016!

"Sicamous Colours"

8" x 10" en plein air, oil on board

#20117015  $75 unframed

This is an evening view towards town that I painted outside on our deck last fall. I painted this with a brush and palette knife.

"Sam" a Christmas present of a pet portrait

This pet portrait is of a Greyhound called Sam. Sam's owner did not know I was trying to get a photo of Sam to paint and surprise her for a Christmas gift. I had to enlist Anna (co-worker) to try to get a photo from Lorena without her knowing what was going on. After a couple of tries, Lorena sent a photo of Sam's face. The bottom of the mouth was missing in the photo but it was a very intriguing and challenging foreshortened view. I was happy with the result and Lorena was extremely appreciative. Love it when my art work is appreciated.



"Sam" a pet portrait
Oil on board 14" x 11 framed Christmas gift

"Simon" - a Christmas present

This is a Christmas present I painted of "Simon" for Evan. Simon was a friendly and very large dog who loved the outdoors and people. This was painted quite large to give Simon the presence he embodied.  I love painting pets as I think of the dog and owner through the whole process. Simon passed away this fall, the world feels just a little smaller without him.

Hoping everyone enjoyed a Merry Christmas and to my artist friends...may your brushes be wet throughout the New Year!

"Simon"

Oil on board 20" x 16" - a framed gift.

Road Less Travelled

"Road Less Traveled"

6" x 8"

Oil on board

#20116015

I love this little painting. I am in open studio time with Doug Swinton. He painted a quick rough demo of this one to show me how to make a road recede. I painted this after his demo and was thrilled with how it turned out. I hope to do a larger version some time.

Highway View

"Highway View"

12" x 12" Oil on board

#20119015

I love, love, love the vivid colours in this one. I haven't worked in a square format for awhile and really enjoy it. I learned a lot painting on this one.

Orchard View

"Orchard View"

11" x 14"

Oil on board 

#20115015

This was a lesson in perspective and how to work with greens. I started thinking the orchard trees would be my focal point but ended up enjoying the tall trees more.

Prairie Home

"Prairie Home"

9" x 12" Oil on board

#20120015
 I love the feeling of this painting. This was painted last fall when my world felt like it was filled with warm colours. I realize I have a few paintings to post before the end of the year. I make a book of my blog for my own record and need to get a few more posted.

Susan Dorf workshop

I enjoyed a day of learning and sharing at a workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico taught by Susan Dorf. The one day workshop was called the "Artist's Journal Workshop 1". Michelle and I enjoyed the class with 9 other participants, a very full class. Susan had said that she was not going to critique anyone's work and appreciated if all artist's would refrain as well. It made for a quiet class but allowed less of the inner critic's voice. I wish this class had been offered when we first arrived so I could of started a journal of this holiday. Instead of dragging my painting materials on my next holiday I will take a sketch book, water colours and pens. I learned a lot and as always, just need to "do it".  Below are the exercises in my sketch book. Check out Susan's website and art at http://www.susandorf.com