Smile - Sold

Smile, 6x6 oil

This old Brownie Bullet camera was what my parents used to take photos of my sisters and I when we were babies.  All black and white photos of course.  When I was in my mid teens I asked if I could have the camera.  I loved it, and took photos with this camera until I couldn't get the film for it anymore.  

Unplugged - Sold

Unplugged, 8x24 oil

I had absolutely no idea what I was going to paint today.  I started to play with this iron.  One of the things I find interesting about it is the cloth covered wire, so, it made sense to make that the feature in the painting.

Here is an 'I remember when' story:  This iron was my mom's way back when I was a kid.  When I was about 14 years old I was ironing something with it.  I noticed some of the wires were exposed, where the cord attaches to the iron at it's base.  Well there must have been a loose connection and the wire sparked, the material of the ironing board caught on fire.  I calmly unplugged the iron and stamped out the flame with it.  When I was sure the fire was completely out I went upstairs to tell my parents that I think it's time to get a new iron, and told them what had happened.  I have never ever, in my whole life, seen my father move so fast, as he ran downstairs to the basement, (despite my assurances that I took care of it).  My mom got a new iron, and my dad replaced the wire of this old iron and kept it as a spare.

Three for Me - Sold

Three for Me, 6x8 oil

My theme for the challenge this month is 'things in my studio'.  I have a little box of these incredibly stale macaron cookies.  Not a great thing to say if I was selling cookies.  Luckily you can't taste a painting.  The ones in my painting look as fresh as the day I brought them home.

I'm not Here - Sold

I'm not Here, 12x12 oil

On this Friday the 13th, I chose to paint this classic black phone.  I was texting with my daughter this morning, a method we often use to communicate.  We can carry on a text conversation while doing other things.  I would type a note in between brush strokes, while she is in class doing what ever she's doing there, probably painting too, since she's in art college.  Quite a different way of communicating than when this old black phone was new.      

The Budding Artist

The Budding Artist, 6x8 oil

Well here is painting number 12!  I've noticed something that needs work in this painting but I'm posting it anyway.  Can you see what it is?  A work in progress.

Hand-me-downs - Sold

Hand-me-downs, 12x12 oil

Anyone with an older sibling will know the term 'hand-me-down' quite well.  I was always getting my sisters skates, and my younger sister got mine.   It made perfect sense.  In fact when I finally did get my own brand new pair of skates, I found them extremely uncomfortable, they hadn't been worn in by my sister first.

Marbles and Glass Jars - Sold

Marbles and Glass Jars, 10x12 oil

I thoroughly enjoyed creating this painting, but it took so much longer than I had planned.  This is painting number 10.

Pile of Pegs - Sold

Pile of Pegs, 6x6 oil

Here is my ninth painting.  Yes, I have clothes pegs in my studio.  I think I've used these clothes pegs more as props in paintings than for their intended purpose of holding clothes on a line outside.

First Cup of the Day

First Cup of the Day, 12x24 oil

Here is my eighth painting for the challenge.  I don't know why I chose to paint this one larger; probably because I had just finished three little 4x4 inch canvases and couldn't manage the thought of doing another small one.  As I was putting this still life together I was drawn to the combination of blues and greens.  Together they seem to create a serene feeling.  Exactly how I want to feel first thing in the morning.

Apples - Sold

Apples, 4x4 oil

Here is my third and final little apple painting.  Placing the apples on the white background seems to emphasize the crispy freshness of the apples.  Although there are really only two apples.  I used the apple in the first painting for this one, cut in half.  Here are the three paintings together:  

Crisp and Sweet MacIntosh Apples

Crisp and Sweet - Sold

Crisp and Sweet, 4x4 oil

As I started this second apple painting, I placed the 'MacIntosh' painting to the right of my canvas so that the shadow will line up.  Now the two paintings can sit beside each other as the apples are sitting on the table in my studio.

MacIntosh - Sold

MacIntosh, 4x4 oil

This MacIntosh apple has made a few appearances in my recent paintings.  The MacIntosh apple is my favourite apple of all, but only when it's freshly picked.  If you've ever had one you'll know how crisp, sweet and refreshing they are.  Once they've been around for more than a couple of weeks though, they become soft on the inside and the skin gets tougher.  I guess it's time to make apple fritters with this one.

Under the Dome

Under the Dome, 12x6 oil

'Items in my studio' is my theme for this month.  Choosing items that can be combined to make an interesting composition and story is tricky, but a lot of fun.     

Ribbons and Things

Ribbons and Things, 9x12 oil

In my studio I have a wonderful collection of random cups, some with saucers some without.  If the cups aren't being used for props in a painting then they're being used to store ribbons and other small things in them.  

Wiggle Waggle - Sold

Wiggle Waggle, 6x6 oil

I love how well used this child's pull toy is.  I've had it for about a year, but it had disappeared in the depths of my studio; among other items I've collected and plan to paint some day..., (I think I may have just decided on my theme for the month).

Market Day

Market Day, 24x24 oil

Happy New Year! 

I am looking forward to 2017.  My studio is clean and organized and ready to get messy all over again.  There are a few projects that are already underway, and I'm preparing to teach watercolour classes starting in a couple of weeks, at the Royal Botanical Gardens.  

I am planning to do a painting a day this month (as I have done every January since 2013), but I'm running a little late so it won't be exactly a painting a day.   

Thank you for following my artistic journey.  I wish you a happy and creative new year!   

The Bounty - Sold

The Bounty, 24x20 oil

What do you do with so many apples?  Make applesauce of course.  Actually, if you're creative in the kitchen you can make all sorts of things.  Recently I've discovered some amazing chutneys, that go really well with  meatloaf or pork chops.  Unfortunately, although I would love to, I have not made any.  When I have well ripened fruit I tend to make cakes or breads with them, or my husband throws them into smoothies.

Measuring Up - Sold

Measuring Up, 16x16 oil

Apples, apples and more apples.  I have so many apples in my fridge at the moment; I better start baking.  Good thing Christmas is just around the corner.

One a Day

One a Day, 24x30 oil

December is here already!  I'm looking forward to Christmas and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it.  I've hung my final show of the year, (contented sigh), at the Good Earth Wine and Food Co., (goodearthwineandfoodco.com).  I've been so busy getting ready for the show that I haven't had the luxury to just sit here at my computer and write my blog.

I am super pleased with this painting, 'One a Day'.  Every time I look at it I smile.  Shiny, fresh beautiful apples, just washed, sitting on a tea towel, so simple. but says so much.  It stirs up wonderful memories of picking apples as a child, or my mom's fantastic apple pies.  

Fresh Ingredients - Sold

Fresh Ingredients, 20x24 oil

Just a thought...I wonder how many people would become vegetarian if they had to catch and kill their own meat?

Season of Sprouts

Season of Sprouts, 24x12 oil

This past Saturday was our last day to pick up our farm shares.  I'm going to miss this weekly visit to the market.  Over the last few months it has become a bit of a tradition to stop at the market, pick up our veggies, perhaps some honey and maybe some flowers or other items we may need, then head down the street to browse the shops with the final destination being the coffee shop.  A nice way start the weekend.    

Then There were Five - Sold

Then There were Five, 12x6 oil

A special treat!  I love the brightly coloured macaron cookies!  They're not only fun to paint, but each colour is a different flavour, combined with a complimentary favoured creme in the middle.   It's hard to just have one.  

Food for Thought - Sold

Food for Thought, 12x12 oil

The gorgeous red-orange colour of a ripe persimmon makes the fruit look so tempting.  According to old folklore, almanac.com the seed can tell you what kind of winter it will be, Predicting Weather Using a...

Passion for Persimmons - Sold

Passion for Persimmons, 12x6 oil

Last weekend was the Burlington Studio Tour.  We couldn't ask for a better weekend!  The weather was amazing, so many people attended the tour.  Thank you :)  ...and now if my house could stay this clean until Christmas that would be perfect!

Many of you were asking about upcoming shows.  I have two more shows coming up this year, one is at a private function in Guelph on November 23, and the other is at the Good Earth Food and Wine Co. in Beamsville, where my art will be up for the month of December.
  

Feathered Friends - Sold

Feathered Friends, 20x16 oil

Sometimes you just need a little help from some friends.

Please Hang Up and Try Your Call Again - Sold

Please Hang Up and Try Your Call Again, 24x12 oil

Happy November...already!  These past few weeks have been crazy!  It's nice to be busy, but being TOO busy is not any fun.  It's all about balance right?  

Here is my latest painting, (I love that old black phone!), just in time for the studio tour.  November 5 & 6 is the annual Burlington Studio Tour, artinaction.ca.   This is my 5th year in the tour and it looks like it's going to be a great weekend.  I will be in my own studio, along with a stained glass artist, Siobhan Lynch, and a printmaker, Alison Sawatzky.  

Away - Sold

Away, 12x12 oil

Here is my final painting of this series.   The beautiful twist of this oak leaf reminds me of how dramatic and extreme nature can be.

Here they are all together:

Found Fading Away

Fading - Sold

Fading, 12x12 oil

Here we are gradually moving into the colder part of the year.  Some of the trees have started to change colour now.  In my house, this means the front hall gets filled with toe covering shoes and boots.  Sweaters and jackets fill the hooks and there are muddy dog paw prints leaving trails around the house.  Other than the dirty floors, I love this time of year!          

Found - Sold

Found, 12x12 oil

The other day, when I was out for a walk, I collected a few items to add to my Thanksgiving decor.  Of course, looking at the beauty of the fading leaves inspired me to do a series of paintings.  Here is the first.

Pumpkin Season

Pumpkin Season, 12x12 oil

Before the Pie, 12x12 oil

Thanksgiving is here already in Canada.  Before I cook up these little pie pumpkins, I thought I should paint them.

Erica at Home - Sold

Erica at Home, 18x24 oil

I've known Erica for many years.  She and my daughter have been friends since childhood.  When I stopped by her home I took tons of photos, trying to get a sense of who she is, now that she is all grown up.  It was no surprise to me though, how relaxed and at ease she became when I asked her to play piano, something she has done most of her life.  

The Kids - Sold

The Kids, 18x12 oil

A friend of mine really wanted a painting done of her family.  Time was running out for me to get paintings done in time for the 'Painted Faces' show.  To save time she asked if she could take photos of her kids and send them to me.   Although I prefer to take my own reference photos, because of time restraints I said sure.  I had her take a million photos at different angles and positions.  This way I was able to pick and choose poses and put them together in a composition that I liked.  I am pleased with the results and managed to get the painting done in time for the show.

If you want to catch the show, it's on until October 5, 2016: 

In the Studio - Sold

In the Studio, 16x20 oil

Most people that I know have a passion for something.  The lucky ones even get to make a career out of it.  This is a portrait of a friend of mine, Teresa Seaton.  There are many ways I could have described her in a portrait, but they all would have included her art somehow.  She is a stained glass artist.  This is not a painting of what she does for a living, it is of who she is, teresaseaton.ca .

Fancy Dress

Fancy Dress, 12x36 oil

There is nothing more fun than the world of make believe.  Dressing up and pretending the  impossible.

Erica - Sold

Erica, 16x16 oil

I've been so busy painting that I haven't had time to take photos until today.  Erica is one of the paintings that will be in the upcoming portrait show starting tomorrow evening.   I've only just finished this painting today, so it's going to be tricky to get the wire on the back.  It'll probably stay wet for another day or two; the only downfall of oils.  

Daydreams and Butterflies

Daydreams and Butterflies, 12x18 oil

This is a painting of a wonderful little girl I met during one of my recent shows.  Somehow, even at such a young age,  she exudes personality.  

  

The Old Houses of ile aux Marins - Sold

The Old Houses of ile aux Marins, 10x8 oil

I've just spent the last couple of weeks on holiday with my husband.  We drove across eastern Canada and flew over to St Pierre et Miquelon from Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Luckily we have family in St Pierre who are always willing to give us a tour around the island.  We took the boat from St Pierre to ile aux Marins a few times as well, where I managed to squeeze in time to paint.  We were extremely lucky with the weather having only a couple of the typical maritime foggy, rainy days.   I only wish we could have stayed longer.       

Call Waiting - Sold

Call Waiting, 12x12 oil

I know some people still use the old phones, although I'm not sure if the old dial system would still work.  I found this one in an antique shop.

Day Trip - Lost

Day Trip, 24x12 oil

Hitching a ride on a paper airplane!  As I was drinking my coffee on the back porch, watching the birds fly here and there, this is what I imagined could happen.

Last weekend I took this painting, (not quite dry), to show and sell at the Guelph Art on the Street Show.  It was carefully placed on top of the boxes in the car for the hour long drive.  It was a gorgeous day...not too hot, a nice breeze blowing, the sun shining... perfect.   There were a lot of people enjoying the day, and purchasing art.   I could not have asked for a more perfect day.  In fact some one had offered to purchase this painting but was trying to haggle with me to lower the price, hmmm.  While packing up at the end of the day I had placed this painting on the roof of the car to keep it out of harms way.  I'm sure it was dry to touch by then, but didn't want to chance it.   After unpacking the car and putting some things away I realized that I didn't have this painting!!!  The last place seen was on top of the car.  Can you believe it?  I knew better than to put the painting on the car but was tired when packing up and completely forgot about it.   I don't know how far we traveled before it flew off the car, but I doubt it would have survived without being damaged.  

Live and learn.

Safe Crossing - Sold

Safe Crossing, 12x24 oil

Why did the chicken cross the road?

I'm sure that chicken had his reasons why, what really matters is that he did it safely :)

Still Brewing - Sold

Still Brewing, 8x8 oil

Recently, while sitting on my back porch, I realized just how many different kinds of birds visit the feeder on a regular basis.  This little guy I believe is a nuthatch.   It reminds me of a woodpecker the way it walks up and down the tree trunk, but is much smaller.  

Sherman Falls

Sherman Falls, 12x9 oil

This was painted at Sherman Falls about a month ago.  It'll be one of the paintings on show at the Dundas Museum, (dundasmuseum.ca), at the end of July, through the month of August.  The group that I paint with on Monday afternoons has been around for quite a number of years.  The participants have changed over the years and has every level of painter, from beginner to master level.  The fun part about having an annual show together is seeing the other artists' work, and the different approaches to similar scenes.    

Friend or Foe

Friend or Foe, 12x12 oil

A dandelion and a wasp, inspired by my painting 'Bee's Breakfast'.  I was going to put the wasp into 'Bee's Breakfast', but then I would have had to come up with another title.  I like that it has it's own painting now.  I think dandelions and wasps are probably in the same category of being unappreciated.  

The First Day of Summer

The First Day of Summer, 16x8 oil

I love the changes and beauty that every season has to offer, but there is something about the long hot days of summer that I find irresistible. This was painted on Monday June 20, the longest and hottest (so far), day of the year!   Painted on location on Valley Inn Rd, near the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario.   Happy Summer Solstice!

After a Day in (the Country) Burlington - Sold

After a Day in (the Country) Burlington, 24x24 oil

It's amazing how wildlife has adapted to the urban setting.  My dogs have been sprayed by skunks more times than I dare to say.  They have chased many rabbits out of the backyard and have had a few encounters with groundhogs and possums.  This painting started out as most paintings do, an idea.  The idea was then submitted to the upcoming show called  'Urban and Rural'.  I love combining images that don't always seem to belong together, as in this one, a skunk smelling a bouquet of flowers.  This painting is in the current show at the Art Gallery of Burlington which is on until September 5.

One Egg at a Time - Sold

One Egg at a Time, 16x16 oil

When I was planning this painting I was feeling overwhelmed with daily timelines and looming deadlines, realizing that it can all be dealt with 'one egg at a time', (making a list also helps).