Summer Festival

Summer Festival, 60x20 inches, oil

This time of year is so much fun!  Everyone is out celebrating life.  Enjoying the beautiful weather in the company of  hundreds or even thousands of people.  There is a feeling of joy and expectation in the air, as the mass of people move together toward the bright white tents, smells of tempting fried foods and perhaps even rides and a show or two. 

Rain Boots on the Beach - Sold

Rain Boots on the Beach, 20x16 oil

A month ago or so, I took my niece and her son to the beach.  This little guy loved playing with the water and sand, but his favourite thing was his rain boots.  As soon as he put those boots on there was no stopping him, literally.  The simple joys of being a toddler.

A Day in the Vineyards

A Day in the Vineyards, 12x9 oil

Last weekend I headed out to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a plein air painting workshop with Joseph Peller.  I had an amazing time!  The group and I were treated to some amazing food and wine, but the best part was our instructor, Joseph Peller.  Not only is he a wonderful teacher, but a very gracious host.  The first day we painted at Peller Estates Winery, with Joseph doing a demonstration in the morning, and the second day was at Hillebrand Winery.  What a wonderful way to spend a weekend! 

Strappy - Sold

Strappy, 8x8 oil

I was trying to think of what to write about these shoes, but they really speak for themselves.  They are absolutely gorgeous, but not mine.  They are my daughter's shoes.  Something to wear when a statement must be made.  You have to learn how to walk all over again when wearing these, (and have a strong back).  I have a similar pair, but the heels are half the height and twice the width. Actually, the only thing the same is that they are black and shiny sandals!

Pier 4, Hamilton - Sold

Pier 4, Hamilton, 8x8 oil

Yesterday I went to Pier 4 in Hamilton to paint.  Apparently the weather forecast said it was supposed to rain in the afternoon.  I headed out around noon, just as the clouds were heading in.  Luckily the looming grey clouds turned into fluffy white ones...perfect for my painting!

The Odd Couple - Sold

The Odd Couple, 12x12 oil

No matter how much I try to be organized, somehow every once in a while a sock will go missing.  I don't know how it happens but it's something that is guaranteed to happen.  When my daughters were little, they used to like to wear mismatching socks for the fun of it.  Seems like a good idea to me.

The Dilemma - Sold

The Dilemma, 24x20 oil

What do you do when you drop your favourite toy and the floor is soooo far away.  Watching little children figure out how to solve a problem can be quite amusing, at least until they become frustrated and start crying.

Sand Between the Toes - Sold

Sand Between the Toes, 8x8 oil

The other day, the day that was nice, warm and sunny, (unlike today), I went to the beach with my niece and her son.  Purely for research of course.  Camera in hand, I shot a zillion photos for reference.  My niece spent most of her time running after her 2 year old son.  After a couple of hours it wasn't only the toddler who was ready for a nap.

Favourite Flip-flops - Sold

Favourite Flip-flops, 8x8 oil



I like my flip-flops! I'd wear them everywhere if I could! I even knit a pair of socks with the big toe separated, (like mittens with a thumb), just so I could wear them in the cooler temperatures.

In this painting, I challenged myself with the shadow stripes coming across the flip-flops. I like that it creates a graphic playful painting.

May Paintings 2013

May Paintings 2013
by Helen Griffiths

Creating a collage of the paintings done each month is a great idea.  It helps me to reflect on my choices made on subject matter, colours etc., as well as making me accountable for my time.  I used to wonder why I was always so busy but didn't have much to show for it by the end of the month.  Now I find I am creating goals and arranging my time accordingly.  Years ago when I used to work freelance, I was organised and had my time predetermined by the jobs ahead of me.  The difference now is that I'm creating the jobs, I am the boss of me!  :)