Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Holiday sketches + Goodbye Mr. Colville

My Hopewell Cape painting is *almost* finished. Just a little left on the sky. I will show you tomorrow! In the meantime, I thought I'd share a couple quick sketches I did when we were camping. The operative word being quick. I left all my paints at home but brought a sketch pad and a medium black marker. Below are my favourite two.
Also - when we were away I got news of Alex Colville's passing. He lived in Nova Scotia (where we were when I heard). The local paper ran a good story on his career. His work is breathtaking and his was the first art book I ever owned! Please check out his website here. Another thing I greatly admire about him... he had a deep love affair with his wife and muse of 70 years, Rhoda Colville. She passed away about 6 1/2 months ago. Rest in peace 
The rocks by the sea in Port Joli, Nova Scotia. My favourite sketch. My husband and kids were playing in the water, examining jellyfish and other marvels while I drew.
This sketch is a little wonky, but I like it because a) it's a box of Corn Pops on the picnic table (the one time a year the kids get to pick their poison...lol) and
b) there was a big tree right behind the table which is part of the joy/charm of camping, oui?



Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Hopewell Cape: work in progress

Isn't it a wonderful name? Hopewell Cape. This is a new piece I began today. It is derived from a photo I took at Hopewell Cape, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world. It's quite a stunning landscape.
I also worked on the abstract I posted yesterday... getting there...getting there....

Monday, July 29, 2013

Work in progress

Hi everyone! I'm back from holidays. We went camping in the Canadian east coast (New Brunswick & Nova Scotia) and then came home through the States, spending a few days in the Adirondack mountains. I'm happy, rested and refreshed : ) The outdoors: wood smoke, pine air....mmm!
Anyway, it's back to work. Today I began this painting. Right now I'm at the point where I need to stare at it a bit and I'm not sure which direction I'm going to take it. There are a couple chunks of this piece I'm really interested in - not sure if I should paint out what's around them or not? Decisions!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Cedar clump study and Mount Baker WIP

This is a study I did on location. The mosquitoes were nasty so I painted through my bug jacket hood screen. I had to slather my hands with bug spray and they still got bit. Not one of the finer bits I enjoy about plein air painting but I can still say it was a beautiful spot.
"Cedar clump" 9"x12" / acrylic on gessoed masonite / $165
Below is a painting my son did yesterday. It is from a photo his aunt took of Mount Baker in Washington at sunset. He is still toying with the colour of the sun hitting the mountain but personally I wouldn't change it! We all have to follow our own vision though.
Mount Baker Sunset / 6"x8" / acrylic on archival canvas board

Monday, July 8, 2013

Closer

When I am with you, the only place I want to be is closer. ~ author unknown
So, romance is alive and well : ) My daughter went to Paris last week and her boyfriend brought her this beautiful bouquet of roses. It's a beautiful thing to treat people with tenderness and care!
"Romance" / acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas / 10"x10" / $185
(detail)

Sunday, July 7, 2013

The Alberta Flood Rose Project

As many of you will be sadly aware, Alberta has suffered some disastrous floods. The devastation is overwhelming. I painted this rose for the Alberta Flood Rose Project with all proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross.
4"x4" / oil on panel