The Extended Conversation - Sold

The Extended Conversation, 24x36 oil

Did you need to use the phone?  Almost everyone I know now has their own personal phone.  I remember when the one phone in the house was a constant source of frustration, especially when you were waiting for a call.  

Parked - Sold

Parked, 18x36 oil

Spring is here! (in some parts of Canada).  I've noticed my garden has started to wake up, but I haven't seen very many bicycles on the roads yet.

Two Eggs

Two Eggs, 14x14 oil

What did you have for breakfast?

Unmaking - Sold

Unmaking, oil 36x30 

Currently I am working towards a show I'm having in May.  I think it'll be called 'Signs of Life'.  At least that's my theme that I always seem to be painting about.  It's about what we leave behind when we leave a room.  Those small things that most of us may be completely unaware of, or perhaps just don't care to think about.  The unmade bed, the orange peel left on the table, cup on the floor by the chair etc.  I chose the month of May because of Mother's Day.  As any mother would know,  these small things are what become the unmaking of a house, (or is it the making of a home, I'm not sure).  The show will be in May at the Fireside Lounge, Art Gallery of Burlington.  I'm hoping to have an opening reception, but I won't know the date until April sometime.  

Watercolour Paintings

The past few weeks have been busy ones.  I have three paintings on the go, I've just finished teaching beginner watercolour and intermediate botanical watercolour classes and I'm just getting over a cold, (I could have done without catching the cold).  I loved teaching the classes.  I know that some of the beginner students had never painted in their lives and really struggled, but in the end they were creating their own paintings.  Above are a few samples of watercolour paintings I did to use as demonstrations in the classes.  

January Paintings

This first month of 2017 has been a busy one!  I attempted to do a painting a day, the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge, but I didn't quite make it.  So here is my collage of 23 paintings in 30 days. 

The paintings with a red dot have been sold.  

Botanical Berries

Botanical Berries, 6x6 oil

These red berries tend to be found in flower arrangements quite often.  I picked them up specifically to use as reference in the watercolour painting class that I'm teaching.  In fact, my studio has all sorts of flowers in it at the moment...all for research purposes of course.  I was looking at a book containing botanical paintings of the past, and they all seem to have pale tea coloured backgrounds, probably because the paper that the paintings were on dulled over time.

Dressing the Table - Sold

Dressing the Table, 6x12 oil

This painting was mostly done a while back, but needed a few minor tweaks.  I really like the looseness of the brush strokes.

Pack o'Pears - Sold

Pack o'Pears, 10x8 oil

Yes, my theme this month is 'things in my studio'.  No, these pears are not normally in my studio, although they were in my studio while I was painting them.  I'm bending the rules a bit, but I really felt like painting these pears.

Milk, Cream or Soy

Milk, Cream or Soy, 12x6 oil

I am posting this painting, but I think I will eventually work on it a little bit more.  I'm thinking of perhaps adding a flower, or a spoon, (needs more thought).  I'd say this is a work in progress.

One of a Kind

One of a Kind, 8x8 oil

It doesn't matter how many flowers I paint, I find it amazing that even within the same plant there is something unique and different about each flower.

On the Menu Today - Sold

On the Menu Today, 9x12 oil

Since my theme this month is 'things in my studio', I thought painting these acorns with this dessert bowl would make an interesting combination.

I've noticed that my paintings have been getting fairly tight, so with this one and yesterday's painting I've tried to force myself to be looser by using a larger brush and painting the impression of what I see rather than worrying about exact details.

Crazy Skates

Crazy Skates, 12x6 oil

These are an old pair of roller skates that I had as a child.  I call them crazy skates because although I loved them, they also terrified me.  They have no brakes!  I learned to skate by keeping one hand on a wall while carefully rolling one foot in front of the other.  Eventually I was skating up and down the sidewalk, with no disastrous mishaps.  When my kids were ready to learn to roller skate they had the whole ensemble:  roller blades with brakes, wrist and knee protectors as well as helmets.  A different world!  

Good Morning - Sold

Good Morning, 6x8 oil

Although it isn't morning anymore, the way this flower is leaning and reaching for the light makes me think of a bright sunny morning, especially on a dreary day such as today.  This is painting number 17 of this month.

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: