Learning loose figure painting

 These small 8" x 6" paintings were done in Doug's class. I was trying to do a loose rendering from a photograph, minimizing detail. The first painting is done on a wet red iron oxide toned canvas board. I had the shadow of the shirt to gray/neutral so the brighter blue was added on top.

 The next one (to the right) was done using less detail again and more broad strokes to get the shapes. I found it very hard to make the face as dark as it was in the photo with the hat shading it.

This is try #3. Doug's suggestion was to continue what I had done in the other two but with less colours in the skin tone and less background. The background is loose and more a part of her rather than a separate "thing". I am much happier with this one as she feels like she is leaning back on her arms.
#20130018

Biking View

"Biking View"

9" x 12" Oil on canvas

#20122018

This little painting is of a beautiful view of the Spanish countryside. I painted it from a photo my husband or I took on a beautiful blue sky day while on a pedal bike trip. The memories this painting evoke are wonderful.

"On the road" sketching

These sketches were done while travelling between Sicamous B.C. and Calgary Alberta. It was a challenge in the bumpy car and the vehicles I was drawing were not in sight for long. It also helped pass the time as it was snowing and made my mind concentrate on something other than the slippery road and yes, I was NOT driving. My husband got us home safe and sound. You can see not all the ink (no pencil) sketches were completed but that was what I was expecting with the moving traffic.

Sketching at an art retreat

I was lucky to be invited to the first annual "Dody's Art For All" retreat at Mabel Lake B.C. MacKenzie Camp. We had a wonderful time with everyone working on their own art (quilting, drawing, painting) at their own speed. The quilter's had their machines humming and producing as early as 7 a.m. and well after midnight on most days. Due to the dim evening light (that's our excuse and we are sticking to it), the painters and drawers enjoyed visiting with each other sipping on wine. The weather did not co-operate for en plein air painting (outdoors on location) so I walked and took photo references as well as sketched daily in my book that I have taken travelling with me. It just has regular paper so paint can not be blended on the paper (which gives it a rough look).

Ink & water colour of a quilt pattern piece.

Tangled roots above ground

One of the quilter's tables

"Dody's Art For All" first annual retreat

 I was so excited to be invited to  "Dody's Art For All" first annual retreat at Mabel Lake's MacKenzie Camp. We were fed great food, painted and quilted to our heart's content and enjoyed wine in the evenings and each other's company.

It was mostly cloudy with quite a few periods of rain so the only day I could paint outside was working on this boat and view.

 Walking around when it wasn't raining, I took quite a few photo resources to paint indoors. One cabin had wonderful decorations scattered around their property including this tin bird, plant pots and sign. Loved all the treasures for the eyes.


The photo reference in the painting above was taken on the highway from Calgary to Sicamous, the colours seemed almost neon and layered (even the sky) in the early morning light.

 This is our happy artistic group with 4 quilters and the rest painters. "Dody's Art For All" is a group that meets weekly at the Red Barn Art Centre in Sicamous B.C. to work on whatever artistic endeavor they like. I also did a lot of sketching which I will post next.

To The Vista

"To The Vista"

Oil on board, framed  19" x 22"

#20102018

I painted this from a reference photo from one of our ladies hiking group's outings. We go on an annual hiking 3 day weekend in September and have a blast. Due to our difference in ages and abilities there are various routes each day to choose from. At the end of the day we share stories and photos as well as good food, loud laughter and wine. It is one of the "must do's" in my year.

Harvest Gold

I love the fall colours and peaceful feeling in this painting. The warm sun on the hay bales casting cool shadows. It feels like the work is done and it is time for rest.

"Harvest Gold"

16" x 20" Oil on canvas

#20017918

Spring Creek Falls

"Spring Creek Falls"

11" x 14"  Oil, framed

#20012918

This oil painting is for sale in Gallery One Fifty in Sicamous, B.C. until it's seasonal closing on September 15. I painted this based on a photo of Sicamous Creek that I had taken last summer. I was inspired to paint a water scene after taking an acrylic workshop with Graham Flatt. I enjoyed transferring what I had learnt using oil instead of acrylic and am happy with the result.

Early Morning Mist

This sweet little painting was inspired by the misty view on Mara Lake when I got up early to go dragon boat paddling. The lake was shimmering in places and still in others. With the smokey skies lifting a little, this view is a slice of heaven for me. If you are in Sicamous B.C.next summer, you will have to come out and give dragon boat paddling a try, breath taking in more ways than one! They welcome guests! This group of paddlers are so much fun, you get a good work out with a lot of laughing (join us after for coffee as well).

"Early Morning Mist"

8" x 10"  Oil on panel

#20005918

Deck View

 It is quite amazing what light will do. The photo on the left was taken indoors with the lights on, the one below was taken outside, even though the sun was being filtered through smokey skies from the province's forest fires.

I started drawing this out on location but the light was so dull it was quite uninteresting. This is the view of Mara Lake from Hyde Mountain Golf Course in Sicamous, B.C. This is one of my favourite views to paint en plein air.

The finished painting at the bottom can be viewed at Gallery One-Fifty in Sicamous B.C. until Sept 15.

"Deck View"

28" x 32" Oil on wood panel, framed

#20028818