A Quiet Day

A Quiet Day, 12x9 oil

Painting the boats in a marina can be like a lottery.   The constant fear that your subject matter will basically float away.  Strangely enough, on this amazingly beautiful day, all boats stayed put, at least the ones that I was painting.

I love being around water and boats, with the constant breeze and movement of the water.  It can be a bit mesmerizing at times.  I really had to pay attention while painting this...so much detail!  This was painted at the marina in Bronte on a beautiful June day, a couple of weeks ago.

Yarning Too - Sold

Yarning Too, 12x12 oil

This painting was a commissioned piece.  I had painted a similarly themed painting a few years ago, but had sold it earlier this year.  The fun thing about painting something that was previously done is that I get to play with the idea all over again.

Yarning for Food, 12x12 oil

Daydreaming - Sold

Daydreaming, 12x9 oil

Yesterday afternoon I painted along Lake Ontario, in Bronte.  It was a hot muggy day, but surprisingly cool by the lake.  In fact, it was so cool I had to wear a jacket.

As the afternoon went on and I was finishing this painting, a couple sail boats appeared on the lake.  I've had only a few opportunities to go sailing on days like this.  Pure and simple joy!  The carefree feeling of letting all thoughts go, and just living in the moment.  Wouldn't it be nice if every moment was like that!  Sailing through life, sounds wonderful!

Hmmm, back to reality now.

A May Morning, Spencer Smith Park

A May Morning, Spencer Smith Park, 10x8 oil

Thursday morning last week, I managed to get out to Spencer Smith Park to paint.  What a beautiful day!  While I was painting a couple of people stopped by to have a look and chat.  One person had two dogs with her.  One of her dogs obviously had an interest in art.  I hadn't pet the dog or give him any notice, but he had decided to stay.  He lay down beside me contentedly.  I believe he thought he had reached his destination, or perhaps he thought I would include him in my painting.

Nesting - Sold

Nesting, 24x12 oil

Happy Victoria Day!  Finally, the long weekend in May has arrived!  In Canadian terms it is the beginning of summer!  It doesn't matter that the temperature is barely over ten degrees C., and many of us still haven't switched our winter tires for the summer ones.  This is THE weekend!  Winter coats and sweaters get packed away in preparation for the hot summer days.  The temperature doesn't matter, the long weekend has arrived, we are ready!  Mother nature has guaranteed us that our plants will survive until the fall,  (or more specifically there will be no more frost).  It's the weekend that a lot of Canadians travel north to cottage country in preparation for the hot summer days ahead. I remember heading up to a friend's cottage on this long weekend, (in my college days), and all of us were spread out along the lake in our bathing suits, hoping to rid ourselves of our pale pallor, trying to stay out of the biting wind and ignoring the fact that we were covered in goose bumps from the cold.  This is probably my favourite long weekend of the year!  It was the thought of these rituals that inspired me to paint 'Nesting'.  I love the ritual of 'spring cleaning'; getting rid of the old worn items, packing away the winter clothes, and opening the windows to let in the fresh crisp spring air.

Spring Arrival - Sold

Spring Arrival, 6x8 oil

When the bulbs in the gardens bloom, there is a sense of promise that warmer weather is on it's way; but when the shrubs and trees start blooming, we know that that time has arrived.  Walking outside wearing a sweater or light jacket, and seeing the bright green buds opening on the trees... makes my eyes water and itch and my nose becomes a faucet, as the allergies take hold... I mean... makes me glad that winter is over and I can now pack my winter gear away, for at least a couple of months.  As I start thinking about cleaning up the garden and planting vegetables and perhaps something new in the flower bed.  Then it becomes a race to get the gardening done before the weather gets too hot, and my desire for a lush and beautiful garden wanes as do the plants in the summer heat.

Tomorrow evening is the opening reception for the '2nd Annual Oakville Artists Spring Show and Sale'.  The reception is Friday May 9th, 7-10 pm, free admission and a cash bar.  Saturday it will start at 10 am and close at 4 pm.  It's going to be a good show with 25 artists.   There will be no show on Sunday, since we will all be enjoying Mother's Day.

Something Blue

Something Blue, 6x8 oil

A couple of weekends ago I went to a vintage marketplace in Hamilton.  What a treasure trove of wonderful (and not so wonderful), stuff.  You really had to have a good look to find the good stuff...which is half the fun.  I think, just because it's from the past doesn't make it wonderful.  Some of the clothes were quite hideous and in bad condition, and there were some well worn boots and shoes, among the gems.  I was lucky to find this set of pink cups.  They were sort of hidden behind another display, as if the owner didn't really want to sell them, but were certainly priced to sell.  I totally fell in love with them.

By the way, if you're wondering, that is a robin's egg, not an Easter chocolate, (as my husband thought as soon as he saw the painting).

The Back Stairs

The Back Stairs, 8x10 oil

I'm a bit behind in posting my paintings.  There just isn't enough time in a day!  This is a plein air painting that I did on April 21, in Hamilton.  Painted on one of those beautiful spring days, that you wish every day would be like.

Speaking of plein air paintings... I found out yesterday that I sold another painting from the store/gallery, Art Etc., (in the Burlington Art Centre).  It was a plein air painting of the Oakville Marina, painted last summer.

I would also like to thank the people who supported me, (and the school),  by bidding on and purchasing the paintings that I submitted in the Dundas Valley School of Art annual spring auction.  I submitted four paintings, and all of them sold!

Nothing in the Pantry - Sold

Nothing in the Pantry, 12x18 oil

How unlikely would it be to find a chipmunk in the cupboard?  I've always thought chipmunks were fairly timid little creatures, but the last time I went for a hike they were everywhere.  They were acting more like squirrels than chipmunks.  A few years ago we were renovating our house, (not done yet), and before our home was clad in siding, we had a few squirrels taking the opportunity to venture in and try to make a nest.  I have yet to see a chipmunk indoors, except for in my imagination.

Zorro

Zorro, 8x8 oil

Here is my final and favourite of the 8x8 horse paintings.  I couldn't resist painting this one.  I love the foreshortening of the neck and the huge nose of the horse.  I smile every time I look at it.

In the future, (sometime), I would love to do larger paintings of horses.  It would be a lot of fun to head out to a farm with my paints and camera and spend time with these amazing creatures.  It's really hard to do them justice on a small canvas like this. 

The Work Horse

The Work Horse, 8x8 oil

Seeing the strength and beauty of a horse hard at work, alongside a bustling street of shoppers and sightseers, makes me wonder why we chose the car over the horse.  The answer is obvious, but just imagine how life would be if all the garages were stables.  The air would certainly be cleaner and we would have beautiful gardens with all the fertilizer available...just a thought.        

Elsewhere

Elsewhere, 8x10 oil

This week's model was Norah.  She's an excellent model, whom I've had the pleasure of painting a few times.  This painting resembles her, but isn't an exact representation.  I really liked painting the beautiful red coat and the way her somber expression is in such contrast to it. 

It's officially spring now, yay!  It's been such a long, cold winter.  We even had rain instead of snow the other day.  I don't doubt that it will snow again, so my snow tires will stay a little longer on my car.  I am really, really looking forward to getting outside with my painting gear soon, without having to worry about frostbitten toes and fingers! Happy spring!

Kim - Sold

 

Once in a while, not quite often enough, I paint with a group on Tuesday evenings.  A model is hired and we paint portraits.  Painting people is something I enjoy probably the most out of all subject matter.  I can't say why, but I'm guessing it's because I really like a good challenge.  Kim Koren is a local singer/songwriter with an amazing voice and beautiful songs.  It was a pleasure to have her as a model.

Living in Paradise

Living in Paradise, 20x16 oil

A painting of one of the vast array of wildlife that I have been lucky to see while visiting Cootes Paradise.  I am thrilled to say that this painting has been selected to be in the upcoming juried show and auction at McMaster University called 'Naturally Connected'.   It's to create support and awareness for the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System. 

"Naturally Connected" McMaster Art Exhibit and Auction

March 21, 22 and 23

Togo Salmon Hall

McMaster University

for more information visit the 'upcoming events' page at:

www.cootestoescarpment.ca

Running Errands - Sold

Running Errands, 20x16 oil

I can't believe this winter!  All this snow!  In the past I've painted a few landscapes with snow, but this is my first cityscape with snow.  I chose to paint the pretty town of Dundas, although snow makes everything look nice.  The blanket of white hides everything below until a path is made.  The sound of the tires on the road becomes muted, at least until the heat from the cars melts the snow and turns it to a dirty slush, (that's the part I don't like).  My mind is starting to think about those beautiful warm days, when boots and warm jackets are a thing of the past; when the days are long, and all you have to worry about is ... sunscreen and mosquito repellent, (oh well, nothing is perfect).  Looking outside, the snow has been falling all afternoon, I'm wondering will spring arrive by the calendar date, or does 'mother nature' have another plan.  On the bright side, maybe I can get a few more snow paintings done before it all melts away.

Bottomless - Sold

Bottomless, 8x8 oil

I recently purchased a really nice set of cups and saucers. I had put them aside while I was working on a larger painting.  Even though that painting isn't quite done, (hopefully it will be by the end of today), I decided to paint this while it was in my head.  I have a lot of plans for these cups, (that sounds strange).  I can't believe that February is coming to a close soon.  This month has flown by.

Last weekend I went to The Artist Project in Toronto.  I have been visiting this annual show for the past few years.  It's an excellent show, and the quality of art is generally top notch.  The one thing I have learned from visiting amazing art shows is to trust myself and to keep moving forward!  When I come home I can't wait to paint!  As far as shows locally, I have been finding out about group shows, as my peers are sending out invitations regularly, but clearly I have not been invited to be part of.  This only makes me stronger and forces me to work harder to find my own way in this dog eat dog world of art where everyone is vying for attention. 

A Cold Day

A Cold Day, 7x5 oil

On Monday this week I went out to paint at Hidden Valley Park, here in Burlington.  The temperature was -8 C.  I really didn't want to head outside to paint, but the sun was beckoning me and out I went.  I found myself trudging through knee deep snow, only to find the lace on my boot had caught on some twigs and instead of keeping out the snow I was scooping it up into my now gaping boot.  Well with my pant leg soaking wet I stood in the snow and painted as fast as I could before I became too cold.  I lasted an hour and a half, (not bad). 

Friday February 7 was the big art auction at the Burlington Art Centre.  What a fun and exciting evening!  I had never been to any kind of live auction before.  The experience was a little nerve racking since I really didn't know what kind of reaction my artwork would have.  There was an excellent show of people, with the gallery absolutely packed, (over 350 people).  To my relief, the auctioneer was wonderful; friendly and comical.  Happily my painting did sell, with a little competition between a couple of interested buyers, which made it even nicer. 

Making Tracks - Sold

Making Tracks, 7x5 oil

I went painting 'en plein air' yesterday.  It was a beautiful day.  The snow had a crisp top layer that crumbled in chunks as I walked through it.  Unless you were a small animal, the stream nearby was not safe to cross.  I saw some small tracks across it but was too far away to get a good view, (wish I had my camera with me!)   I heard a couple of guys walking along the path with a dog further down the stream.  Clearly one had tried to cross the stream.  He was soon shouting that he had a soaker and that the water had gone over the top of his boot.  Live and learn. 

30 Paintings in 30 Days

Here they all are together!  Wow!  I love seeing them all together. 

It's hard to believe the challenge is over!  I have to thank Leslie Saeta for her daily motivation, and for creating this challenge.  I don't think I would do this challenge otherwise.  Besides forcing me to create a regular painting schedule, doing this challenge forces me to paint efficiently.  My aim is to get it right the first time so that I'm not wasting time making corrections on my painting, (pretty much like plein air painting).  It was a fun month, a lot of hard work and I'm ready to get on with whatever challenges and goals I have for this year!

Sandcastles

Sandcastles, 8x8 oil

Here is my final painting, #30!  This is a painting of my youngest daughter when she was about four years old. 

Looking through old photos of when my children were little made me wonder if I would be able to paint them, and do a half decent job, compared to painting from life.  Well I am pleased with the results!  It probably helps that I have done a lot of life drawing and people painting.  It would be hard to get a child to stay still for any length of time anyway, especially if it were on a beach!

I am happy to say the challenge is over.  I really have enjoyed this month; it got me back into a regular painting routine.  I am super happy with my paintings; a few need to be finished and some need to be photographed again, but they really look great!  Some of the paintings are sold and the rest will be hung in my studio.  Tomorrow I'll post a collage of all the paintings together.  There are a few larger canvases in my studio waiting for me to 'throw' some paint on them, and they won't be done in a day!!!

Joy

Joy, 8x8 oil

The title of this painting describes my feelings about this being my 29th painting of the month!  I went to the garden store today instead of the grocery store to pick up my subject matter.  I've been avoiding going there because I thought that when I walk in, I will have an overwhelming sense to want winter to be over.  Surprisingly enough, I didn't feel that way at all.  Today was such a beautiful sunny winter day, cold yes, (but I was prepared for that), and I had a skip in my step knowing that I will have this weekend free!!!  To make the day even better, I bought this plant and a really nice pot and it was practically free.  Apparently I had collected a lot of points and today was my lucky day!  I even signed up for some Saturday classes on various garden related topics.  Tomorrow will be my last painting for the challenge, and then I will be free!  Well not really, but I will then have the freedom to take more than a day to finish a painting.

Party Time! - Sold

Party Time!, 4x4 oil

Party Time! I will certainly be celebrating when this challenge is over!  Here is painting #26.  When I started out this challenge, I thought creating rules for myself will give me guidelines to help choose what to paint everyday.  It was a great idea!  It also forced me to paint things that sometimes I would avoid.  Today is candy day.  I've painted chocolates in foil and translucent gummi worms but today I'm painting lollipops just because I have them.  This has been a really fun challenge!  I will be looking forward to having next weekend off though. 

A Little Rain

A Little Rain, 8x10 oil

Painting 25, 'A Little Rain', is a painting of one of my daughters when she was just a little girl.  She was posing for me while I was drawing a sketch of her.  I'm glad I thought to take a photo, although I have altered and edited a few things for the painting.  I can definitely see this painting in a larger format.

For Rent - Sold

For Rent, 12x24 oil

For my 24th painting I decided to go a little whimsical.  Today is a landscape day, but there was no way I was going out to paint with -15 degrees, (Celsius) and the wind chill making it feel much colder.  I had one image in mind but as I was searching through my photos I found this one from a few years ago.  I believe it was day very similar to today.

Sunshine - Sold

Sunshine, 5x7 oil

Well I'm running a little late today, but here it is, still day 23!  I love Gerberas.  I love how fresh and perfect they are.  I actually changed the pot for a cup, but because of my lack of time today, didn't have time to paint the whole thing.  I'll have to save that for another painting.  As winter prevails, I am progressively being surrounded by flowers.  I have now completed 4 flower paintings; one more to go next week.  It's starting to feel a bit like spring, at least in my studio. 

Raspberry Red - Sold

Raspberry Red, 4x4 oil

Painting #22 I called 'Raspberry Red' although for the artists I should call it 'Permanent Rose, Cadmium Red'.  This painting can be disturbing, especially to moms of daughters out there.  I don't know how many items became stained with spilled nail polish in my house over the years!  :)

My fourth 'round glass' painting.  I have no idea what to paint as my last one next week.  There's always the wine glass or jar, but I'm trying to think on a smaller scale.  I find small items look great enlarged on a small canvas.  I would love to hear your ideas!

A Little Something Extra - Sold

A Little Something Extra, 5x7 oil

Well here is painting #21.  Nine more to go!  I can't believe the challenge will be over in nine days!  Some days, keeping up with this challenge is harder than other days, especially when there are other commitments to be taken care of, but I do love to paint!  Once I get started on a painting there is nothing else I would rather be doing.

The Getaway - Sold

The Getaway, 4x4 oil

Painting #20, gummi worms, an insane subject matter to paint.  The candy practically glows when light flows through it.  I thought it would be a nice little challenge, but it drove me mad!  Perhaps it's just my state of mind today; I don't know, (I never have liked Mondays).  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the painting on the computer screen.  I think I will have to tackle a few more little paintings of translucent items, but not on a Monday! 

Shopping in Kensington - Sold

Shopping in Kensington, 12x12 oil

Painting #19! Wow that was fun!  It was nice to paint something a little larger. I'm going to leave this one for a bit before I decide if it's done.  I think there is still a bit to do on another day. 

I love Kensington Market in Toronto.  There is something for everyone there.  A couple of years ago I painted on location there, ('Army Surplus, 10x8 oil, below), as well as taking tons of photos.

A View From Above

A View from Above, 5x7 oil

'A View from Above', painting #18, is a view of Burlington and Lake Ontario from north Burlington.  Burlington slopes down to the lake from the Escarpment.  It was a beautiful afternoon yesterday, so I decided to head outdoors to paint.  The lake seemed to be glowing this gorgeous blue colour and the sun was shining, making the snow glitter.  I was glad to get out of my studio for a while, and I am also a day ahead in my paintings!

Below is a photo of my view, just as the sun was disappearing behind the clouds, (my painting is almost done). 



Mum's the Word - Sold

Mum's the Word, 7x5 oil

Here is my 17th painting!  I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items, and knowing that I had to paint flowers next, thought I would just pick up something there.  The problem was everything looked a little tired.  Maybe it's the wrong day of the week.  The only flowers that looked fresh and strong were the chrysanthemums of course.  They're always available and come in so many colours and varieties.  Better yet, I decided to pick up a potted 'mum'; then I can put it in my garden in the spring, (hopefully it'll survive until then).

Going Marbles - Sold

Going Marbles, 4x4 oil

Here is painting #16.  My personal challenge, for these 30 paintings, (besides getting back into a regular working schedule in my studio), is to stick to a general list of subject matter for every six paintings.  My list goes something like this:  portraits, candy, household items with food, round glass items, flowers and landscape.  The interpretation is fairly loose, but it keeps me exercising my painting and observation skills.  Now I just have to find time to get to the gym to exercise everything else!

Tearless

Tearless, 6x12 oil

Finally it's the halfway point of the 30 day challenge!  Here is painting #15.  What a great invention, a tearless onion chopper.  The label, (or what's left of it), says it can chop all sorts of different vegetables and foods, such as nuts, and ... liver?  Hmmm.  This is another item in my treasure chest of old kitchen items.  

One at a Time

One at a Time, 4x4 oil

Painting #14 I had to open this box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, just for this painting.  I've had it hidden in the back of our 'candy drawer' because I know that once it's opened they will go fast, (not all by me)!  Think I should go to the gym ;)

Washing Up - Sold

Washing Up, 8x8 oil

Painting #13, is a study for a larger painting that I'd like to do.  I have a few gems from the Royal Winter Fair.  The nice thing about working from photos is that I can edit what I put in my painting and move things around as I please.

By the time this month is over, I will have a long list of larger paintings that I would like to do.  The problem will be deciding what to do first.

Clear Idea - Sold

Clear Idea, 4x4 oil

Painting #10 is here.  I love the look of clear light bulbs when they're turned on as well as when they're off, but soon they'll be a thing of the past.  A good thing when it comes to saving energy, but I will miss their warm glow, (not the hydro bill they come with). 

Looks like I'm getting behind here!  I'm trying to get too much done in a day.  I picked up a few more 4x4 canvases today, so hopefully I'll be able to get back on track.

A Dose of Calm - Sold

A Dose of Calm, 7x5

Here is painting #9.  This morning while sitting at the table drinking my tea, I was thinking about what to paint today.  I always feel so peaceful at this time of day.  I knew that I'll be busy for the rest of the day and I wanted to capture that feeling of quiet calmness.  I couldn't quite finish the painting before I had to leave.  I probably had about another 30 minutes of painting time left to do, but alas here it is, finished, and on the 9th day still.

100g of Sweetness - Sold

100g of Sweetness, 6x6 oil

Painting #8 is finally here.  It is yet another holiday 'leftover'!  I am amazed how many sweet things there are during the festive season.  It's not too obvious when there are people around all the time, but wow, when everyone is back into their regular schedules then I look around and wonder where it all came from!  Well I guess I'll have to blame Santa!

A Moment Alone - Sold

A Moment Alone, 8x8 oil, (not complete)

Day 7 and painting #7.  Last fall I went to the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair, in Toronto, with my friend, (the one in the painting).  This horse, also a friend of hers, was in a few competitions.  I am not a horse person.  I really know nothing about them.  Sitting there watching the competitions with the riders and these magnificent beasts is pleasure enough for me.  Sitting there with my good friend and getting a play by play of what was happening and why was like entering a whole new world.  What a pleasure! 
There are a few small things need to be done in this painting, but I will get to it another day...

Below is the completed painting:

A Moment Alone, 8x8 oil

The Queen's Head - Sold

The Queen's Head, 10x8 oil

Here is painting #6.  Last November I started this painting outside of 'The Queen's Head', downtown Burlington.  You can't tell, but it was a very cold day.  I had to finish it at home.  I've always had intensions of adding people to the painting so I did that today.  Now I think the painting is complete!

January Bloom - Sold

January Bloom, 4x4 oil

Painting #5 is a pink Geranium.  Last fall I brought a bunch of potted plants inside the house, to see if they would survive through the winter.  I've tried this before, but the air is so dry in the winter you really have to be checking the plants daily to see if they need water.  By Christmas time they are usually long forgotten and barely alive.  Well somehow my Geranium has survived with lush green leaves and is actually in bloom, (just a few flowers).  What a pleasant surprise! 

The Ornament - Sold

The Ornament, 4x4 oil

Today was the day to de-Christmas the house.  The tree has been dropping needles at an ever increasing speed, and the ends of it's branches have started to curl.  I guess all good things must come to an end eventually, sigh.  Before I knew it, half the day had gone by and I had not even thought about what to paint today.  What an obvious choice to make but to celebrate Christmas past with a painting of an ornament, (or three).

A Big Kiss - Sold

A Big Kiss, 4x4 oil

January 2nd and here is painting #2.  It may be a small canvas, but the 'kiss' is larger than life!  So the holiday festivities are over now and we have all sorts of goodies left over.  What better thing to do but to paint them ... that is before they get chopped up and thrown into banana bread and other baked goods. 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2014!  The beginning of a new year is so exciting and full of best intentions.  What will this year bring?  Some things are out of our control of course, but creating goals and working hard to achieve them gives us at least a direction and path to follow. 

Starting the year off with a painting a day helps me to get back into a regular painting schedule, forcing me to think about what direction I want to take with my art.  I am posting this painting as my first of 30.  It's a portrait of my niece's daughter and was a painted as a Christmas gift in December.