Studying an Apple - Sold

Studying an Apple, 8x8 oil

Day 24, doing my homework! A study of an apple. Apples are everywhere suddenly. I love making apple pies and crumbles! Finding the right apple is the key though. My favourite for cooking are Spys. They taste wonderful when baked and hold their shape well. They're usually one of the last apples of the season, but are worth the wait.

Gifted - Sold

Painting #23!!! Seven more to go! This little monkey looks like he's had lots of fun. 

Gifted, 8x8 oil

Wow, this painting took me a little longer than I thought it would have.  There's a surprising amount of detail packing into such a small space, but it was certainly fun to paint!

Something Special

Something Special, 8x8 oil

Well, here's painting #22.  September is certainly a month of birthdays.  Just off the top of my head I can think of five people that have their birthday in September.  If you're one of them, Happy Birthday to you! 
It's getting near to the end of the 30 day challenge.  I have to say, it's been tough going over the last few days.  Trying to fit a painting in every day and carry on with everything else as well isn't easy.  I won't be sad when this month is over, but it is good to have a little push like this every once in a while.

Smartie Pants - Sold

Smartie Pants, 6x6 oil

Day 21, and counting.  These guys have been hanging around, (literally), waiting to get into one of my paintings, so I relented and allowed them to have a painting all to themselves, (except for the Smarties of course).  This painting will sit nicely beside the last two paintings.  I will have to reshoot the photo I see, but not today.

Off the Wagon - Sold

Off the Wagon, 6x6 oil

Day 20, woohoo! Today was another really busy day, so here I am again just before midnight posting today's painting.  It sits nicely beside yesterday's painting, being the back end of the little wagon.

A Heavy Load - Sold

A Heavy Load, 6x6 oil

Day 19, just in time I hope! I was barely able to get this done in time, but here it is painting number 19.  It was a busy day today! Time for bed.

Out of Stone

Out of Stone, 8x8 oil

Day 18, and counting!  Okay, I'm ready for a break! 18 paintings in 18 days.  It doesn't quite have the same ring to it as 30 paintings in 30 days! Wow, 12 more paintings in the next 12 days...hmmm, I hope I can do it. 
I believe these little plants are called 'hens and chicks'.  The biggest one cut off at the top of the painting would be the hen, and it has all these little 'chicks' growing out from it.  I had them in a pot all summer and have just moved them into my garden for the winter.  They are perennials so they should survive the winter!

The Gates of Dundurn

The Gates of Dundurn, 8x8 oil

Day 17, a plein air painting, done on the grounds of Dundurn Castle.  I love painting outdoors!  Usually when I plan to paint outside in the afternoon, I would get busy in the morning on whatever I'm working on, and by the time I should be leaving I have talked myself out of going, or have completely forgotten about it.  When I do follow through and get out there, I think 'why don't I do this every day'.  I guess it's kind of like going to the gym.

The Garden Wall

The Garden Wall, 8x8 oil

Day 16 is a little different from what I've been painting.  Fairly neutral in colour compared to all the bright and vibrant colours, but with the goal of creating more of a textural looking painting.  It was a test in painting the various stone surfaces for sure, but I am pleased with the results!  This is part of the wall of my raised garden, (that's supposed to keep the rabbits out).  It does create a pleasant place to sit, and one of my dogs loves to stand on it to get a better view of the backyard, (so it does serve a purpose, just not the one intended).

Chives in Bloom - Sold

Chives in Bloom, 8x8 oil

Day 15, half way there! Only 15 more to go!  Running behind again though.  It took me a long time decide on my composition, I guess because I'm pretty tired today.  As soon as I saw the chives blooming again this season, I knew I wanted to paint them.

Helping Oneself - Sold

Helping Oneself, 12x12 oil

Day 14, a little larger than usual.  My plan for this challenge was to try and not go smaller than 8x8 inches for my canvas size, but some days it's just not possible.  Well today I went larger, yay!  It took longer of course, and hopefully I'll be able to get a couple more larger ones done in the next two weeks!  I think it's called time management!

Taking a Moment - Sold

Taking a Moment, 6x6 oil

Day 13 of the 30 day challenge!  Almost half way there.  A lot of crazy stuff goes on every day in the world, and sometimes in our lives.  Once in a while we just need to let it all go and breathe.  When I can, I go to a yoga/tai chi class.  I love the part when it's all finished and we're told to just relax, let it all go and breathe.  How often does someone tell you that?  Happy Friday 13 :)

Sketch of Cuttings

Sketch of Cuttings, 6x6 casein on cradled hardboard

Day 12 is something a little different.  A couple of months ago I purchased a few tubes of casein paints, (milk based paint).  I was busy getting ready for a show and didn't have time to give them a try.  What a better opportunity than now!  I set up my still life and got started, immediately realizing I hadn't purchased white paint!  I was really looking forward to trying these paints so I decided to use the cadmium yellow light to lighten the colours and add the dabs of white where needed by wiping away to the gessoed surface below.  I'm happy with the results!  The paint seems to dry lighter than when wet, (which was fine in this case, without white paint). 

An Acorn - Sold

An Acorn, 6x6 oil

Day 9 already!  I'm really enjoying this challenge of painting 30 in 30.  Carrying one thing on from one painting to the next is certainly a bit tricky, but it gives me a place to start when thinking of the next image. 
I collected a few acorns, and have had them sitting here trying to figure out how to incorporate them into a painting.  Finally, a white cloth, almost as good as a blank canvas!

Cookies & Cream - Sold

Cookies & Cream, 6x6 oil

Day 7, an all time favourite, cookies and cream.  I was doing so well with my timing all week, but started to let it slip yesterday, (and I slept in today as well), so here it is, today's painting.  I tried to paint from life, (like the rest of the paintings I've done on this challenge), but unfortunately, the ice cream started to melt.  The hazards of painting ice cream.

New Box of Crayons - Sold

New Box of Crayons, 8x8 oil



Day 6, Who needs video games when you have a new box of crayons!  All those colours, and with pointed tips too!  You colour with every crayon in the box.  You try not to use one crayon too much so that you don't have to tear the wrapper.  There's always the first crayon, (your favourite colour no doubt), that you use the most, the one that warms up in your hand and snaps in half.  It's almost a relief!  That's when the box is really ready to be used to it's full potential!  I never had to choose between video games or crayons when I was a kid.  It was crayons on used paper shopping bags for me.

On the Edge - Sold

On the Edge, 8x8 oil

Day 5 already!  I'm always amazed how long it takes to set up a still life.  When setting it up, I go back and forth so many times checking the view, rearranging, checking again until it looks perfect to me.  I think I enjoy the set up, almost as much as I like painting it! 

The Tea Party - Sold

The Tea Party, 6x6 oil

Day 4, The Tea Party... I tend to paint a lot of tea cups, but I'm really more of a coffee person.  To call this painting The Coffee Party doesn't sound quite as nice though.  I have my Earl Grey tea first thing in the morning, and caffeine-free herbal tea in the evening, the rest of the day it's coffee for me.  Oddly enough, most people that I know who are tea drinkers will not drink coffee at all.   Curious!

A New Day - Sold

A New Day, 8x8 oil

Day 3, A New Day, a new year for many starting school today.  There's so much excitement on the first day of school.  Making new friends.  Writing or drawing on the first page of a new notebook.  Dare I say it, by the end of the week that new feeling will be replaced with homework. 
Happy first day of school to my eldest daughter, a new teacher, having just graduated from University and starting to teach grade 4 French Immersion today!  Her students will be lucky to have such a wonderful person as their teacher.

August Paintings, 2013

August Paintings 2013
by Helen Griffiths

Mostly plein air, except one, here are my August paintings.  Just so you know, they aren't in proportion to each other, but this was the nicest layout. 

The End of the Road

The End of the Road, 10x8 oil

Yesterday, late afternoon I went out to paint.  It's a wonderful time to be painting outside.  Everything becomes richer in colour as the sun gets lower in the sky.  This is a pretty spot to paint, at the end of Spring Garden Road by the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario.  It's the home of all sorts of birds.  As I was painting, two blue herons landed on the path but quickly headed on, not even enough time to grab my camera unfortunately.  In the water to the left there was an assortment of waterfowl, ducks, geese and swans.  I did manage to get the seagull as it so kindly sat and posed for me. (Can you see it?)
I believe this is my last posting for August as I am gearing up for doing '30 Paintings in 30 Days' in September.  It's a wonderful challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta.  If you visit her blog you'll be able to see all the artists doing this challenge.  I'll be posting my paintings here as well as on her blog.

Dancer's Feet - Sold

Dancer's Feet, 8x8 oil

The agony of the feet!  Dancing certainly takes it's toll on the feet.  Probably the hardest working part of a dancer's body. 
Another foot painting to add to my collection.  This one will be added to the Footnotes Show on Spring Garden Rd in Burlington until September 18.

Oakville Harbour - Sold

Oakville Harbour, 10x8 oil

Oakville Harbour Marina, on a beautiful August day.  This may look like a quiet summer day at the marina, but in reality there was a constant flow of boats moving in and out of the marina as I painted.  Most of this painting was done on location, but I did the final touches when I got home.  There is so much to paint at a marina that it's hard to decide what to choose.  I'll have to come back again for sure!

Hot Summer Day, Bronte Beach

Hot Summer Day, Bronte Beach, 10x8 oil

It's days like this we dream about on those cold gray winter days.  I painted this about a week ago on location in Bronte.  It was such a beautiful day I actually painted two paintings in the same location, but facing the opposite direction.  Behind me is the Oakville Harbour Marina.  I'll post that one next time.

July Paintings 2013

Well we're now a week into the 8th month of the year.  Four months until Christmas?  Wow, I can't believe it!  I don't know if it's just the Canadian in me, but I'm already looking forward to the cooler autumn days, with pumpkins and scarecrows everywhere, and rolls of hay scattered on the farmer's fields.  Maybe it's because the sunflowers are in bloom and the tall stalks of corn remind me that there is only a month or so left of summer.  Hmmm, I better get out there and paint!

In September I'll be participating in the "Painting a Day Challenge", (like I did in January this year).  I've got to get prepared, maybe plan a weekly theme.  I'm not sure how I should approach it yet.  I found in January, each painting I did brought ideas for my next painting.  However I approach it, I definitely need to clean my studio and get organised before I start the challenge.

Water's Edge

Water's Edge, 20x16 oil

There's nothing like walking on the beach at the end of the day, with the sun setting and the shadows going on forever.  You can see a few sailboats as they head into shore, and although you may not be on vacation, you feel as though you are enjoying a little bit of paradise so close to home.

Footnotes Reception

The reception for my ongoing show, Footnotes, was not only successful, but a lot of fun! Despite the soaring temperature, the gallery was full of people.  It was truly a family affair with Andy, my husband playing his tunes outside under the tent while my daughters were serving wine to friends and family.  A huge thank you to Teresa Seaton for inviting me into her gallery!

Full Stop - Sold

Full Stop, 8x8 oil

Skateboarding could be a theme for an entire series of paintings.  At the moment though, this will be the last skateboarding painting, and probably the last painting to add to my upcoming show starting this Thursday.  I'm really enjoying this foot theme though, (there are so many possibilities), so this won't be the last 'foot' painting! 

Need for Speed - Sold

Need for Speed, 24x12 oil

Sometimes walking just isn't an option, especially when you have a set of wheels! Being able to get to your destination with a breeze in your face is the ideal way to travel on a sizzling hot summer day.  I have never tried skateboarding, but it looks like a great way to travel.  You don't have to find a parking spot for it or worry about locking it up, you just pick it up and carry it.

After the Recital - Sold

After the Recital, 12x12 oil

I love to see the items that create the art, especially for dance. When seen during the performance, the costume and shoes become part of the dancer, transforming her into something imagined.  After the recital, these items seem to be ghosts of their former self.  Unanimated, seemingly to be waiting for the next magical time when they will dance again.

June Paintings 2013

June Paintings 2013

Happy July!  Happy Canada Day!
I'm looking forward to another month of painting and my upcoming show, 'Footnotes'. The opening reception will be on July 18. I'll post the invitation soon.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy the festivities!

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!  :)

Planning Ahead - Sold

Planning Ahead, 6x6 oil

The season of abundance has begun.  Every year I fill my garden with beans, tomatoes and lettuce.  This year I added broccoli and jalapeno peppers.  I love being able to go out to the garden and pick what I need.  My main competition is the rabbits.  We built a raised garden to keep them away...it worked for a while.  The larger rabbits figured it out and one day I saw one sitting there in the middle of my garden.  Luckily our dogs love being outside, so my garden is protected by them a lot of the time.  We did have a cherry tree, but we were never able to get to the cherries before the birds did.  Luckily, we can buy freshly picked fruits and vegetables as well as baked and canned goods from local farmer's markets.

Tipsy Cherries - Sold

Tipsy Cherries, 6x6 oil

My plan for this month was to not paint food, but I set up this still life and started painting it before I realised that I was painting food.  I was attracted to the deep rich red of the fruit and the long stems.  I think I have a few cherry paintings ahead of me.

Ed #2

Ed #2, 8x8 oil

 Last Thursday evening we were setting up for the show that was on Friday night. We also had Ed the model posing for us again. By the time I had finished hanging all my paintings, I had an hour to paint. Talk about speed painting! Luckily it was Ed, he is such a good model! He even managed to hold a smile, which is extremely hard to do!

The show on Friday evening was a lot of fun! We had a constant stream of people coming in (despite the rain), and my husband Andy enjoyed playing his songs for us!

Thriving - Sold

Thriving 18x18 oil

Yes, I painted a picture of the dandelion. This is one of many that I spent removing from my garden one Saturday afternoon not too long ago. As I was carefully trying to remove the whole plant, including the root, I was wondering what is it about these plants we dislike so much. Dandelions just grow without any effort on our part. Why don't we just fill our lawns with them and forget about trying to grow the ever elusive grass, that needs so much maintenance and care year after year.

Upper Gamma Portrait Painters Show, Hamilton Art Crawl

This week I have been preparing for Friday May 10 Art Crawl in Hamilton.  This is the first show this group is putting on, so it's pretty exciting!  I've been digging up some of my older paintings from about four years ago. I'm surprised how many I have!  Of course they're not all worthy of being in the show, in fact some belong in a bonfire.
We decided to call ourselves the 'Upper Gamma Painters' because we're on the third floor (Upper) and the sign on the building is 'Vasco da Gamma...'.  My husband will be playing some music on and off during the evening as well.  You can see him pictured above with the guitar. 
The address of the show is:
175 James St N, Hamilton, Ontario, 3rd floor, (near Acclamation Bistro).
The show runs all evening, 7 - 11 pm.

The Only Path

The Only Path, 12x9, oil

It was a perfect day today to be outside painting.  By the time I arrived at my painting location, it was mid-afternoon and the sun was shining brightly.  On days like this everything looks beautiful, and it's so hard to decide what to paint.  I love this view of the winding pathway with the shadows of the trees crisscrossing along the way.

February Blues

February Blues, 36x48 oil

This is a painting from a couple of years ago, that has never left my studio.  One of my first larger sized pieces.  I love this painting.  It was originally painted 'en plein air', (8x10 inches), on Valentines day.  I called it February Blues because of the beautiful blue colours of the shadows, sky and the frozen lake in the background.  I also love this painting because it brings back memories of when I was painting the small sketch outdoors; my husband was texting me about our plans for the evening, being Valentines Day.  I smile every time I look at this painting :)

Ed

Ed, 8x8 oil

The model last night for my portrait painting group was Ed.  He's a professional model that I've painted many times over the years.  He is such an excellent model!  It's quite funny, I've recognized him in paintings in various art shows that I've been to as well.  Unfortunately I only had a couple of hours to paint this otherwise I would have liked to do a larger full figure painting.

April Paintings 2013

April Paintings 2013

Happy May Day!  Magnolias are in bloom! 

Well here are my paintings for April.  I haven't been as productive as the first few months of the year, although I have a lot ideas in the works, with each week being a theme.   I'm not sure if I can work that way but I'm going to give it a try for a bit and see how it goes.