Helwig Studio

The Apple Challenge

2012-02-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

In my beginner classes one of the first things we do is paint apples.   Basically this is painting spheres.   Learning how to paint those shapes is an important lesson.   It gets them to handle the paint and learn about using proper brush sizes for the work.   I have my students work in black and white at first so that they learn about value--something that is so important in painting.   We can also talk about art history. Rene Magritte painted apples-but liked to put them in a slightly different contexts. So we see his apples in the sky, large apples in small rooms as well as apple headed people.   You might wonder what he was up to.

Magritte liked to remind us that when we paint it is an illusion. It is a painting, not the actual object.   This happens in literature as well. We are asked to believe the world that is created within that piece of literature. So we don't question Quidditch matches, strange powers and creatures within the Harry Potter series. Those things exist within the confines of the story and so we believe them.

Within a painting we are also challenged to believe certain things.   Some people judge skill in a painting by how much the artist is able to re-create a photo. " He's good--it looks just like the photo!" But a painting is not a photo. It is a painting.   The surface doesn't need to be perfectly smooth like a photograph. The subject matter itself doesn't even need to be realistic.   As it is a painting the artist challenges us to accept the visual world that he or she has created.   Now that doesn't mean that we need to say anything goes in art. As in literature we can judge the merits of a piece of art. But this judgement should not be limited to how realistic the piece of work is.

Roses

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's post talked about painting roses.   I know that something in all painting, not only in flower portraits, edges are important. In acrylic painting there are about four different ways to achieve edge variation.

The first is the most obvious--its wet into wet. This means that you need to use a lot of paint on your brush.   When using a lot of paint, you give yourself a greater opportunity for blending.   You can add products to acrylics to extend their "open time", that means the time that they stay wet and usable.   A drop of retarder on your paint works well.   However, I don't personally use it.    Retarder does contain some nasty chemicals so make sure that you are using good studio practice. ( the usual rules- wash your hands before handling food, no food in the studio, it's a good idea to wear gloves.....)

The second method of altering edges in acrylic is through dry brush. That's when you use very little paint on your dry paintbrush.   By scumbling across the surface of the painting, you can create a soft edge.    I use dry brushing a lot as you can create lovely passages where what is layered underneath peeks though.

The third method of addressing edges is to paint in layers. Most acrylics are not completely opaque
You can also use medium to create more transparent layering of colour. When painting the next layer just don't match up your edges perfectly. That will create a blurring. If you look at the rose painting above you can see this happening in the bent petal closest to you.

The fourth method is to create a controlled wet into wet situation with your medium.    Many people are confused about what Acrylic Medium is. Just think about medium as colourless paint. It is the acrylic paint before they add pigment.   So it can be used at any time to extend your paint.    If you paint an area over with the medium ( remember it will dry clear in the future) and then paint into it you now can blend again.   It reduces the surface tension and allows you to work like it was wet.

A rose is a rose

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Roses come to us packed full of meaning.    We all know that because of the increased price of roses around Valentine's Day.   I remember a lady in yoga who worked at a flower shop. She once had a customer come in and ask, "When does the gouging begin?" He was referring to the increased price of a rose at Valentine season.   This increase of course is related to supply and demand.

Roses of different colours are to symbolize different things.   A red rose shows passionate love. A soft pink rose indicates a softer love, that the person you are giving it to is your sweetheart.

I find roses impossible to paint. So I thought I should give myself a challenge.   There is a painter, who's work I've gotten to know on line, is a master of painting roses.   His name is Qiang Huang. That is one of the great things about the internet--it can serve to inspire you.    His paintings of roses are beautiful and lead me to try once more.   I think I'm getting better.

I paint in acrylics which means that I have to approach edges differently than oil painters.   This is not good or bad, it just means that I need to realize what my choice of materials can do.   I know a lot of people who say that painting in acrylics means hard edges, but they would be wrong. I wanted a soft look to this rose, that's what some of their beauty is about.

When is it done?

2012-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

The other day I was asked which pictures were in more of a state of being done.   This I thought was a fair question.   An interviewer once asked Jackson Pollock when he knew a picture was complete. His reply was, " When do you know you're done making love?"    Perhaps an esoteric answer, but then perhaps he meant it has more to do with an intuitive sense.

I like when my work is a little on the raw side. I'm not interested in producing photo like images. I was trained to do that in Commercial art school, but for me I just don't feel that my paintings like that have a lot of soul. For others they are interested in photo realism and I don't hate them for that.   In art making we must all find our muse and what excites and motivates us to head to the studio. We need to find our own voice. Yet I know myself, and I know that is not my path.

So I actually like it when my paintings are a little unfinished. I like to hold back a bit and not refine them too much.

So back to the question. How do I know they are done?   To be honest often I don't know, especially at first. I have to live with them a bit.    I have a gallery space set up at home where I hang work.   When I go into that room I come across the paintings. This encounter helps me form an opinion. At times it pops into my head what the work needs. Other times I have a feeling that it is complete.    Again though, to be honest with you, there have been paintings returned from the gallery that end up being repainted.   Such a simple question.   If I was being honest I would say I'm not always sure when it is done.

THe Birds

2012-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm making my own spring.    Its not that we've even have had much of a winter. Ok, there was that one cold week, but I do miss the birdsong.

I've found that people have affinity to certain birds.   You can get them talking about their love of chickadees, robins, blackbirds or ravens.   My mom is a birder and I have great memories sitting at her house watching who comes to the feeder to eat. Our feeder is a little less visible from the house, but I do know we have resident nuthatches.

For my residency I've decided to make a bird a day for when I'm there.   So far that means 25.    I'll continue to work on them. They are needle felted-which is like doing sculpture with wool.   It always amazes me that you can take something soft like wool roving and turn it into a shape.

Thanks

2012-02-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all those who came and visited me last night at Art Central. I had a lot of great conversations and even managed a few paintings. There was a time I needed complete silence so I could concentrate on a painting, but I think now my skills are better. Also I do a lot of demonstrations for my classes and so I guess I'm just better at painting in public. You have to accept that it is a work in progress and it might not be done in the time span you have set aside. I had three starts last night. Two of them need more paint on them. But then that one--it might be done. (I'll post it here sometime in the future.) We talked about ( including other things) art making, skies, Ukulele playing, felting, people's love of certain birds, that cold snap we had, and Stone hedge. Also thanks to the CAAF for the opportunity to share my work and for the use of their studio space.

I'm still at Art Central for another month and that means one more First Thursday. I'll let you know what I'm doing and how I'm spending my residency time.

Ornithomancy At Art Central's First Thursday

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm at Art Central in Downtown Calgary Today for First Thursday.

Birds are important as harbingers of better weather. It is thought that birds pick their mate near Valentine’s Day, or at least that is what some of the legends say. Another really interesting tradition is ornithomancy- the ancient Greek practice of reading omens from birds. Supposedly, the first bird that an unmarried woman sees on Valentine’s Day is an omen of the type of man she will wed.

If you see a woodpecker it is an omen that no marriage will take place. Goldfinches or yellow birds mean that you will end up with a wealthy fellow. The more yellow the bird, the richer he will be. Canaries indicate doctors; robins show Men in uniforms. Turkeys indicate environmentalists. Home loving men will be pigeons. Quick-witted businessmen are magpies while those with a spiritual leaning will be blackbirds. Sparrows show farmers while swans show someone who will partner for life. Bluebirds will make you smile. Ducks are linked to those guys who will give you a stable relationship. If you see a crow you should walk away from a current relationship.

I was looking up chickadees and couldn’t find what type of man they indicate. However, in other cultures the chickadee is considered a smart bird because he has a thinking cap on. Also it was linked to truth and honesty. I haven’t made all of the birds listed but if you are missing them, like I am, you can take one of mine home with you. I’ll be selling them for $25 dollars each at Art Central today . I'll be there from about one to nine. (ANOTHER SHAMELESS ART PLUG) Spring is coming—Right? I have birds in my ficus tree by the window. Maybe they'll bring others to them.

First THursday tomorrow at Art Central!

2012-02-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a residency for CAAF at Art Central. They have given me a studio for the months of January and Feb. I'm there tomorrow at First Thursday to show what I've done so far!!

One of the things I'm working on is a Sky Series. I've somehow gotten away from doing them--I don't know why. My friend Barb, a fantastic painter, recently gave me a book called Inside the Painter's Studio by Joe Fig. Its an interesting read for artists as it involves how artists work and their studio spaces. Some advice that Inka Essenhigh gives to other artists is to do what is easy for you. It is such simple advice. I think we sometimes try to over complicate things. I've been pushing, and still will probably will push and try to improve my art making, but this hit home. I love skies--I should follow my bliss and just paint more of them. They come easily to me.

I also am trying to paint roses. This is difficult.   I find that their complexity means that I often tighten up. So I did a whole bunch of them. I even am starting to like the results.   Some of those will be on sale tomorrow in case you want to buy your sweetheart flowers that last.

And so for my residency so far that it what I've been doing--something easy and something hard.

For each day at my residency I have also been making a bird out of felt. I taught myself how to needle felt. So far I have 24 birds. I'll continue to do this for the next month also.    There is a belief that bird's pick their mates in the middle of Feb and for this reason are often seen as symbols for love at Valentine's Day. I'll talk about bird omens tomorrow.

Leighton Centre

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of the things I like about going out to the Leighton Centre , which is situated on 80 acres of magnificent foothills landscape just 15 km southwest of Calgary, is the trip out there. That drive is a transition between city life, and all the cares and worries associated with it, to a day as an artist painting in the country. These barns are a well known landmark on the way to the centre. Other artists and I have joked that really we should have a show about different artist's interpretation of them.

This painting is about the Legacy that the Leighton Centre offers. A.C. Leighton was a Railway artist, hired by CP rail to capture some of the beautify out west. They they used the images as promotional material to advertise to tourists. He is also an important figure in developing the art scene out west with the creation of the Banff Centre of arts and ACAD. When I stand and look out on that scenery I feel connected to generations of artists who have seen and painted there. I've met many great painters and enjoy trying once again to capture the magic of that place.

Whether it's home from a lecture, an art show or a paint in, another favorite part of my journey is the way home. I've spent a day in the country refueled by old and new friendships of kindred spirits and artists. This is a view that I've painted a few times. It is looking back towards the city and away from the Leighton Centre.

I always end up focusing on the sky, as that's what always has interested me. I head back to the studio to face alone the challenges of my own practice and art work.

Sky Paintings

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

I blocked this one in. It needs a bit more development, which means more paint. So far I was pleased though. I've vowed to create more sky paintings in the new Year so you will see more of these.

Roses

2012-01-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

I have trouble painting roses. I love them, but they are so complex. Today, after braving the cold walk to the LRT I thought I deserve a prize. And so, to keep myself away from the yummy Banana Bread at the coffee shop, I headed upstairs to buy a rose. They have beautiful ones there with crazy long stems. This is the second painting that I did, the first one is still on the studio floor. I can say that I really don't hate this one. I'm hoping to continue my practice.

Trusting the Process

2012-01-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

I've been down painting in the studio and have been struggling. This is a common thing. I often tell my students to relax, as that it is part of the creative process; but that doesn't mean that I take my own advice.

Lately two artist friends, encouraged me to reread Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Thanks for that Barb and Ingrid. I really needed to read those thoughts once again.

With this painting I've realized that I need to trust my own processes, not to second guess it. The first painting was my first stab at it. In it I was concerned about getting the imagery right--as a result the painting got tight. I then re-gessoed it (with clear gesso. That way I can see what's underneath but have a surface with a bit of grit in it) and simply put more paint on the surface. I'm happier with the result, but still am not wholly satisfied. That is something that I need to accept about myself. I am rarely completely happy with the results of my painting. But I need to remind myself--more paint and bigger brushes! That's a mantra that one of my students said in one of my classes. I need to remember that. What keeps me going into the studio is to see where the next painting will lead me, where I end up at the end of all this.

I know that what really matters is the work. I need to do more and find the answers in that.

trees

2012-01-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

I'm heading down to Art Central again today. I'll post what I'm working on later. Today's agenda includes looking at what I painted the other day to see if it needs revision.

It's always interesting to walk into the studio and see what's what. Sometimes there are pleasant surprises--I do find that I need distance from my work. Other times I can see more clearly what needs to happen in a piece of work. As the studio is away from me I haven't been able to duck in for a peek.

My CAAF St(art) Residency

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Monday was my first day of my residency at CAAF St(art). Well, actually it was Sunday when Pat helped me move in with my easel and some larger canvases.

Getting to the studio was a bit of an adventure today. As the C train I was malfunctioning, there was a burnt smell and a lot of smoke on the platform, we had to disembark and catch the new train. The other usual commuters took it all in stride.

The studio is in the D loop in the basement of Art Central. My first task today was to set up the easel and arrange the room. This is not a large studio, so it needs to organized. As I'm working here I'm thinking about my studio at home. It also needs to be reorganized. Working here will give me a chance to do that. Now that the easel and some larger canvases are here, I can rearrange things there.

With the easel set up I was eager to start. My first group of paintings are for the Leighton Centre. They are advertising a competition and the due date is fast approaching. I want to do three paintings for them. Today's painting was the anchor for the series. It is about Legacy. One of the most important parts of the Leighton Centre is the legacy that it gives artists. When I look out at the view I feel linked to all of those other artists. How many have painted that view?

I wanted to capture the depth of the mountains. For this contrast the foreground became very important. This picture blurs out the background a bit, the middle ground also needs a bit of definition--I still think I have a bit of work to do on this one, but it was a great start.

I'll keep you updated on my residency and the paintings that are done there.

Back to Basics

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

A while back Faye came to visit the studio. Her comment was that she loves my skies. I then realized that I've drifted away from painting them. That meant that I did a lovely custom painting for her And so, as one of many New Year's resolutions, I vow to paint more of those lovely Prairie Skies this year.

This is another one with my new palette. I can get a lot more of those rich purples! This painting is a 20 x 24 inch one on stretched canvas. I entered it in the Stampede Auction. Hopefully it will be juried in.

Classes

2012-01-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

I am happy to be teaching an acrylic Beginner's class at Wildflower on Wednesday night. It is really exciting to initiate people into painting. If you are just getting back into acrylics, or are brand new to the medium this is the class for you. you can register for it here at the Wildflower site. There are also two abstract classes that hopefully will run-they need a few more people . One is on Wednesday morning,the other is on Tuesday night. More information about those classes can be found again on the Wildflower site. This is fun class for those just starting out. I like to give that class a historical base so you'll learn about some of my favorite abstract artists. There's a lot of experimentation with materials in this class. I've had a great time teaching it and have met a lot of really interesting people.

If you have a bit more experience and want an acrylic Methods class there is also a custom class for more advanced painting techniques. You won't find that one in a catalogue--you just need to email Susannah and tell her you are interested in the Acrylic Boot Camp Class. Her email is Susanah.Windrum@calgary.ca

I'll also be teaching kid's classes on Wednesday night and Saturdays. Calgary has two art centres. It seems like a well kept secret--it really shouldn't be as the teaching there is excellent. You can register for a class at Wildflower by contacting them on this link.

I also am pleased to announce that I have an art Residency at Art Central for January and March. This St(art) residency is sponsored by the CAAF. I pick up the keys to the studio next Sunday. I'm excited to head out of my studio for a couple of months and meet some new people. I'll post more about what's happening and the project I'm doing there.

new pigments

2012-01-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

I've been reading about the difference between organic and inorganic pigments.    I had thought that the natural colours I used were organic and thus better.   I was mistaken. The connotation of organic is that is natural and from the earth. But the terms organic and inorganic mean different things when you are talking about food, and when you are talking about paint hues. The oxides and traditional palettes like ochre and sienna, cadmium, cobalt and titanium are actually inorganic pigments.   They were at first naturally mined and then synthetically manufactured. The other colours, the Phtalo Blues, Pyrrole Oranges and Quinacridone Violet are organic pigments. That means those colours are synthetically produced through complex carbon-containing chemistry. ( I should of asked my Chemist brother about this years ago). Golden has excellent information on this. The synthetic colours, when mixed, produce a new hue of a higher chroma.

So this has impacted my art making.   The inorganic pigments when mixed create more greyed tones. There is nothing wrong with this, at times you want a more neutral colour in your painting. Yet I'm experimenting with a new palette, of mostly organic hues and am finding that this gives me a wider range of colour options. Above is a painting that uses both palettes. At first I painted it in a more traditional colour palette. Its been sitting around the studio for a while as I wasn't happy with it. The addition of the purple and bright blue near the horizon really zazzed it up--those were both organic colours.

I've made a new colour wheel for myself and am now seeing what this new palette will do for me.    All these years of painting and I'm still learning!

Coneflowers

2012-01-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

I've painted coneflowers as far back as I can remember. They grew in the fields and coulees behind my parent's house. In fact my mom as a collection of several coneflower paintings.

This is one that I did for the Stampede Show. I just finished my application and sent it off yesterday. I'll let you know how that goes. I was encouraged by a few people to enter the auction and am thankful for their encouragement.

Its been a great Christmas. I'm almost ready to take the tree down and get back into the grove of things. I mean one can only handle so much sleeping in, staying up late, reading, lounging....... It was good to have a break as I'll be busy soon.

I'm teaching at Wildflower again.   I am happy to be teaching an acrylic Beginner's class on Wednesday night. It is really exciting to initiate people into painting. If you are just getting back into acrylics, or are brand new to the medium this is the class for you. you can register for it here at the Wildflower site. There are also two abstract classes that hopefully will run-they need a few more people . One is on Wednesday morning,the other is on Tuesday night. More information about those classes can be found again on the Wildflower site. This is fun class for those just starting out. I like to give that class a historical base so you'll learn about some of my favorite abstract artists. There's a lot of experimentation with materials in this class. I've had a great time teaching it and have met a lot of really interesting people.

If you have a bit more experience and want an acrylic Methods class there is also a custom class for more advanced painting techniques. You won't find that one in a catalogue--you just need to email Susannah and tell her you are interested in the Acrylic Boot Camp Class. Her email is Susanah.Windrum@calgary.ca

   I'll also be teaching kid's classes on Wednesday night and Saturdays.    Calgary has two art centres. It seems like a well kept secret--it really shouldn't be as the teaching there is excellent.   You can register for a class at Wildflower by contacting them on this link.

I also am pleased to announce that I have an art Residency at Art Central for January and March. This St(art) residency is sponsored by the CAAF.   I pick up the keys to the studio next Sunday. I'm excited to head out of my studio for a couple of months and meet some new people. I'll post more about what's happening and the project I'm doing there.

Wildflower Art Sale and Show On this Sunday

2011-12-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

A Christmas tradition in Norway is to feed the birds from the store of the best wheat. If a lot of birds eat this wheat, then people believe it will be a good year for growing crops. When I was researching the significance of bird decorations at Christmas time, I found this little fact. My grandmother was Norwegian and although I don't remember her talking about this tradition I do remember how Grandma Helen fed the birds in winter time.

She used an old enamel pan filled with Barley that had been brought into town by Fred. ( My step grandfather). I remember that old pan because it had a beautiful blue rim and cabbage roses painted on it. She always had hordes of birds feeding on her back step--we're talking about hundreds of birds here-- but most were Sparrows. I once asked if it bothered her that only common birds came to eat. That's when she told me it was good luck because there were so many of them. Besides, sparrows were God's birds because they were mentioned in the bible. She then went on to quote, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." I can remember her slow smile--something she didn't do a lot of. I think that verse gave her a lot of comfort. I wish now that I had known about the Norwegian tradition of feeding the birds. I wonder if it was something she had done as a child in Norway.

Birds have another significance at Christmas time. In the past, on Christmas Day, hunters would go out into the woods and shoot as many birds as they could find. In the 1900s this practice changed so that an annual Christmas Bird Count, where a bird census replaced the killing of birds. The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary keeps this tradition alive in Calgary.

I've been felting these birds as Christmas decorations to be sold at the Wildflower Art Sale which is in Calgary tomorrow. They are all hand crafted so each one is a unique piece of art. I'm hoping that they will bring wishes of prosperity and peaceful creative solutions to what lies ahead of you in the upcoming year.

The sale is at the Wildflower Art Centre, 3363 Spruce Dr. S.W. from ten to 4. There are other great things for you to look at! There will be paintings, some fantastic clay, as well as jewelry and fiber arts. Besides this beats shopping at the mall as we'll feed you cookies and you can have a coffee too. The artists will be at this sale so you can ask questions. Trust me artists love to talk about their work.

Moreover, if you haven't had a chance to visit the art centre this is a great time to do that as well. I really do think they are the City of Calgary's best kept secret. And really the City of Calgry art centres are amazing. Come check us out!

Space limited for Acrylic Boot Camp Class

2011-12-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

Custom Acrylic Class

As a response to my students I am willing to offer a custom class this next term—Winter . If you are interested in registering for this class you will need to contact Susannah Windrum at Wildflower Art Centre. There needs to be at least six people for the class to run. The cost of the program is dependent on the number of people who register. The more who are in the class, the cheaper it will be for you. You will be responsible for your own supplies.

The phone number there is 403-249-3773

Her email address is Susanah.Windrum@calgary.ca

Here is a description of the class.

Custom Acrylic Class

AKA………

Acrylic Boot Camp

Everyone says that Acrylics are a versatile medium, yet seldom do we see the effects of this. In this class we will explore in depth acrylic painting methods. The following topics will be covered:

1. painting on several substructures including wood, collaged surfaces, paper, gessoed canvas, raw canvas and perhaps metal

2. Getting to know the chemistry of our paint and tools that are used for paint application

3. Learning different methods and means of blocking in a painting

4. exploring the four different methods of achieving edges with acrylic paint

5. colour mixing and using various harmonies and colour contrasts in which to enhance style concerns in painting

6. the importance of value in paintings

7. experimental applications of acrylic paint including image transfers, resists and Multi media work

8. What are mediums anyways? How to use mediums with acrylic paint and experimentation with various types of mediums in order to reach a better understanding of their function and application.

Emphasis will be about developing a personal style. As a result students will be responsible for the choice of their own subject matter. The class will be taught in a workshop format where as the assignment given will be presented in a problem solving manner.

Students will be responsible for their own supplies. This will be a Eight week course that will run in the evenings.

New dog portrait

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

You can see this new portrait at the Wildflower Instructor show this Sunday at the Wildflower Art Centre from 10 to 4. I hope you come out and visit us!

Acrylic Boot Camp Class--register now as spots are limited.

2011-11-30T06:33:00.000-08:00

Fair's fair--cat portraits

2011-11-29T14:36:00.000-08:00

My little Jazz cat is now 13 years old. She is still pretty spry--although she really does hate the new cat and dog. In fact the vet has suggested pheromones so that she isn't so stressed out. They seem to be working and its been a lot more mellow in the Helwig household. Jazz has lovely eyes and that's what I started with in this portrait.

Felted birds

2011-11-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged for a while so you might think that I've taken a break. I have painted a bit, but am also making these lovely felted birds. They will be for sale at the Wildflower Art Sale held this Sunday. They have been a lot of fun to do. Each bird is a combination of dry and wet felting. I've taught myself how to do needle felting. I'll post a few more pictures of different birds in the next couple of days.

Dog Commissions

2011-11-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I really love doing is painting portraits of pups. This is one that is just off of the easel--I've just sent it to the owner to see what he thinks. I really like the soulful eyes on this pup!

If you want a painting of a special pet before Christmas there's still time to commission one!

2011-11-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with back-lit trees. This painting is available at the Calyx Show in Edmonton this weekend. If you are in town it would be great to see you there!

Also please check out the new issue of Arabella magazine. You can see if you can find my paintings in the spread on Alicat Galleries!

Bob

2011-10-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

Last week Bob Reimer died, and our art community at Northmount and Wildflower Art Centres are still in shock. It was sudden and because of that I think we're all still in disbelief. Bob was the ceramic tech at The Northmount Pleasant Art Centre who willingly shared his knowledge with others. He liked to laugh. He loved his kids and grandkids and talked about them often. He had a big heart, and has left us all too soon.

Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art

2011-10-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

This painting is featured in the silent auction of Red Wine, Blue Cheese and Green Art Gala.

There is a strong natural affinity between the arts and the environment. This is especially true in Calgary, where many artists draw inspiration from the incredible natural environment around them. Art and design have unique abilities to engage, inspire and move people toward a more sustainable world. This gala is a celebration of local sustainability - a celebration of the connection between art and the environment, showcasing environmentally-themed work by local artists and supporting the great work Green Calgary does to help Calgarians live sustainably.

Green Calgary presents our premiere Red Wine, Blue Cheese, Green Art fundraising gala being held on November 3, 2011. Join us at the Hotel Arts for an evening brimming with fun, creative and thought-provoking elements including locally sourced organic menu, live and silent art auctions, and renowned musical and theatrical talent, all presented in an environmentally inspiring way. I'll be attendance and hope to see you there!

Painting in Arabella Magazine

2011-10-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

The new issue of Arabella http://www.arabelladesign.com/

has hit the new stands. There's an article in it about one of my favorite Galleries--Alicat Gallery in Bragg Creek and the painting above is included in the article! I'm tickled. There are other paintings included there too. Of course I counted, so I can tell you there are eight in the article. You can see the painting in person at the Alicat Gallery in Bragg Creek.

Starry Nights

2011-10-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today I'm packaging up this painting to send to Jasper. On Saturday the Mountain Galleries are Part of the Dark Sky Festival -STARRY STARRY NIGHT, October 21st to 24th. Jasper is celebrating the the fact that they have been awarded the designation of the World's Largest Dark Sky Preserve.

This painting will be part of the exhibition at Mountain Galleries - the opening night of this festival from 10PM to 12am. I'm told that there will be an astronomer present.

I won't be able to attend this great party, I love Jasper at this time of year, but if you are looking for something to do it sounds like it will be a lot of fun.

2011-10-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

When I lived up north I often saw the Northern Lights. They were usually snapping across the sky on those really cold nights. This painting is from the reminiscing I've been doing of that place.

More Snow--Shadows

2011-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

The shadows falling through the trees captivated me in this picture. When I paint I think about what the intent of each painting is. This keeps me focused on what I try to achieve. In this one I liked the sense of mystery set up by the long shadows. The warm tones in behind the trees also interested me. I remember seeing many scenes like this when I lived up in Northern Alberta. I wanted to capture the essence of that place.

Snow

2011-09-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

I'm painting snow.

One of the galleries that I deal with requested snow paintings for an upcoming promotion. I like the challenge and so have been focusing on snow in the studio.

What's great about painting pictures of snow is that it grants you the opportunity for contrast. You use Light vs Dark contrasts. Warm vs Cool, Saturated Colour vs Neutral. That means you can really make the painting sing.

I do feel like I'm tempting fate though. I better go out and start to enjoy that fall weather. The wind is quickly blowing all those leaves down, so I better hurry.

Dog portrait Border Collies

2011-09-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

What can you say about Border Collies? I had one friend once who admitted that she cried when she went to sheep dog trials. What moved her was the unfailing dedication those dogs have to work and their masters. My friends have a lovely border collie who is one of the smartest dogs around. She even knows all the names of her toys.

If you want to see the dog portraits in person you can visit them at Atomic Dog in Bowness Calgary or The Animal Oasis -Dog Spa and Social Club in Varsity. If you are interested in commissioning a portrait of your dog please do not hesitate to give me shout.

New Dog Paintings

2011-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy in the studio lately. This is one of the newest dog paintings that I've done. Orders for Christmas are starting to come in.   If you have a dog portrait in mind I would suggest that you order it sooner than later.   I would hate to disappoint anyone who has ordered one.

I was asked what my turn around time for these paintings were. That really depends on what else is happening.   When I'm preparing for a show I have to spend more time framing and getting my inventory ready.    Also the art muses play a part in this. Some of the paintings fall together rather quickly. Others, like the painting I'm working on of my own dog, seem to be a bit of a fight.   I won't let the paintings go until I'm satisfied by them.

One of my dog paintings recently placed in the top 5 in Animal Impressionism in the American Art Awards.   You can see the link on the sidebar for that. I also have been painting memorial works for those who have lost their companions. I feel honoured to do that. Hopefully it helps a little in the grieving process.

I've enjoying painting these pet portraits. I'm hoping to have some cats to show you soon!

Pathways at NoseHill

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is yet another snow picture. I've posted it so you can tell me what you think. It might still need a bit of refinement.

When it first snows up at Nosehill you see these snowy paths everywhere. The dusting of snow seems to change the landscape.

This is just fresh off of the easel. I think I'll take a break from these now and focus on some other subjects.

Forrest and Snow

2011-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

This painting is of Nose Hill. Its a great place to go for a snowy walk. The snow isn't here yet I know but it will soon arrive.

I'm hoping to get out to do some fall painting this week. I'll post those seasonal ones as soon as I can.

Snow

2011-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, there are frost warnings and the smell of snow in the air. We mights as well prepare ourselves -snow is on its way. I'm working on this series as a request from a client.

I always find that I have to live with a painting for a while before I decide if its done. That's where I'm at with this one. We'll see. Tomorrow I have another one to post for you.

Revisiting

2011-09-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

This is a 30 x 30 painting that has been around the studio for a while. I had it up in my home gallery and received a lot of comments on it. People seemed to like it, but no one was crazy over it. I've been looking at it for a long time. Last week I finally decided what to do with it. Sometimes it takes me a while to figure out if a painting is really done.

I decided that the viewer's eyes needed more reason to go into the back of the painting so I used zinc white, Indian yellow and a palette knife to splash a few more hits of light back there. Of course this then meant that I needed to tone down the little snow covered island in the middle ground. It was acting like a stop. Next I glazed a lighter tone of white and blue around the main trees in order to give them more definition. I also added more medium values in the trees--they were looking too much like a silhouette. The final touch was to add a hit of light to the foreground and to the reflected ice surface.

Now, I think its done.

Plein air Painting

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

It has been cold and rainy the last few days, so I thought I would post another piece from the summer. IT was a hazy day that day too--but with a little more light.

In this piece I limited my palette, only working with a few colours, in order to create a calmer painting. I did add a splash of red as I thought it was getting too monochromatic.

For my advanced level painting students I sometimes assign an all green painting to them. Greens are hard colours to control. Its important to modify them--I find that orange, yellow, blue and purple are good. This is a great exercise to do--It helps you realize how far you can push the paint.

In my last post I discussed how these windbreaks keep creeping into my work. ITs not really planned--it just seems that I am very attracted to them.

Another Side of the Road Painting

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is another painting that I did on the side of the road between Calgary and Cochrane. It contains two reoccuring themes in my work. One of those is the attraction I have to wind breaks, the others to fields.

As a prairie girl those are parts of the architecture of my youth. I spent a lot of time running up and down the coulee hills. Other than trees that grow in river bottoms, the trees you see on the prairie landscape are in rows. It always amazed me that these trees survived. I mean the pioneers that planted them are long gone. Also to survive as a prairie tree you had to be tough. You needed to content with the severe environment-- 40 below in the winter, wind, drought in the summer. It's a difficult place to grow--I mean there are few trees that naturally seed themselves and thrive on the bald plains.

I think aesthetically I liked them as well. There is a lot of horizonal lines on the prairie. Those vertical lines added interest and focus.

The marks left in this field lead us up the trees. I placed the trees high on the picture plane so that it would look like they were the destination.

Plein air piece

2011-09-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

We were out at the Bearspaw Market, on the way between Calgary and Cochraine, last week buying BC peaches. My husband has bought an ice cream maker and is now experimenting on how to create the perfect ice cream.   This was a view that I saw on our way back to the car.   I went back a few days later to paint it.

Finding a good plein air spot can be a daunting task.   Some painters drive around for hours trying to find the best spot.    I can remember when I was younger, and maybe a bit more spry or determined, my friend Barb and I would go out. We were hard core. That meant a willingness to pee in farmer's fields, painting in storm conditions, and even one incident where we tied out easels to fence posts.   What can I say--the wind gets bad here quite often.

We now paint in more reasonable situations.   It's a bonus if a bathroom is close by.   I do sometimes go out in foggy or cloudy weather, but for shorter time periods. I've learnt that first thing in the morning and about 6 at night are premium painting times. You minds as well head into a pub for a nosh and drink in those mid day times when the sun flattens everything out anyways.

Blue Skies Are Shining on Me

2011-09-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

I've just acquired a piano! So music and songs are on my mind lately.    I've been working on remembering how to do those scales and am working on a Bach piece. Its been a long time since I've played piano but it feels good to stretch and try something new and challenging.   That also happens in my painting--I like to stretch my painting skills as well.

I teach abstract painting at the Wildflower Art Centre. In fact the next session will be on Tuesdays and I've heard the class is nearly full.   I want my students to realize that there is more to abstract than they think. Many initially take the class as they think they won't have to draw, and that anything that they produce is okay ---as there is no way to judge abstracts. Of course both of these assumptions are incorrect.

Firstly drawing is the manipulation of line and space on paper ( or the surface that you are working on). To become good at drawing means that you become good at controlling those elements.   Abstract artists draw as well.    I think that what we need to realize about abstract work is that there is intent in it.   I cringe when I hear of teachers just letting people or children fling paint without understanding the context in which that was done. ( Jackson Pollock actually put a lot of thought in how he approached his paintings) If you wish to do abstract work you have an obligation to understand what has gone before--what the thought behind it is.    I have a lot of fun with my abstract art students--afterall we do get to experiment with the materials--but I hope to give them the understanding of the intent of some famous abstract painters.   I hope that in the end they have a better appreciation of the process of painting.

So I do a bit of research and a lot of reading in order to organize the curriculum. As a result I've noticed, as others have, that there are definitely abstract characteristics creeping into my work.    I'm working on this last series which is leaning a bit more that way. I've dropped off the horizons.   Now that means I'm painting air.   It has always been about the skies for me anyways.

I'm still working on my painting concerns.   By that I mean the manipulation of edges, colour contrasts( warm vs cool, saturated vs neutral) and the use of layers of paint. I also find with these that I want to keep a freshness and energy in them.

This painting is 30 x 30 inches, acrylic on stretched canvas.

Another winner!

2011-09-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

This painting placed 6th in the Impressionist Landscape Category of the American Painting contest. Yes, that means that two paintings of mine were winners. This painting is now sold and hanging in a young couple's home. IT's a big one 3 x 4 feet.

I was out today to do a little plein air work as the weather is beautiful! I'll try to take some pictures and post it tomorrow.

In the Top Five!!!

2011-09-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

I just was informed that the above painting placed in the top 5 in the American Art Award- impressionist animal category.

That makes me happy. Barkley is a great pup and should also enjoy the honours. I hope Mindy and George give the old man a little scritch for me.

I am hoping to paint more of these pups soon. There's one drawn out for a client on my easel right now. I've been out of commission a bit because of a little accident. Lets just say the paper cutter won and my finger lost. The stitches are out now and it's healing well. It's okay to get the fingers mucky and wet again.

That also makes me happy.

Creativity and risk taking

2011-08-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants to be creative. Although the definition of creativity differs from person to person. In being creative you take risks. You try new things. You stretch the boundaries. And in doing that you also are at risk of failing. As adults we don't like to fail. We don't give ourselves permission to not be good at something. We must succeed.

This was a painting that was hanging around the studio. It was okay, but only okay. So I decided to destroy it and then resurrect it once more. The first destructive stage was to cover the entire thing with a transparent red wash. That meant that even the bits I liked were partly obscured. Then the next thing was to repaint it. At times I had a spray bottle in hand and let the drips show. I am happier with this piece, although it still might not be completed.

I'm designing a course on creativity for this fall. Keep checking in on this blog and I'll announce when it will be running.

I have been teaching a lot lately and so haven't blogged as much. This week I'm at Wildflower for the first part of the week. Maybe I'll post some of the great work the kids are creating.

Painting at White Swan

2011-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Often when I look at my plein air paintings they seem like little post cards from where I've been. This painting was done on a day where we had a lot of fun. The forestry road in was gravel. At times the road narrowed to only allow one way traffic. Pat commented that from the passenger side the drop was straight down. We read the cautionary signs that stated if we saw a logging truck we were to give it right of way. After winding up and down the road we reached the Lussier Hotsprings. These are natural pools beside the river. The top pond is the hottest, while the others closer to the river are cooled by the river. After contemplating that these hotsprings were used by native people for hundreds and hundreds of years, and trying out each pool, we drove further down the road to Alce or Moose Lake. That's were we had a picnic lunch and I painted this little gem. Of course, to top off the day on the way back to the cabin we had to stop for Ice Cream. This painting reminds me of that perfect summer day.

at Dusk

2011-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm teaching an adult drawing and painting class at Wildflower Art Centre right now. I've shared the class as I was away for the first two weeks. The portion that I am teaching is painting. I think its a very challenging class as they learn how to do watercolour and then acrylic--- all in 4 classes. We've been discussing value. It took me a long time to understand that painting is really about that. I used to think it was about colour, but if the value of the colours are not varied then the painting is not going to work. In this painting the values are closer to each other in order to indicate dusk. I love this time of evening --the light and long shadows. However I don't like painting then. It's a real challenge! The light also affects the colours of your palette as well. However, I like this study. I think it might be one that I make bigger in the studio.

Plein air at Windermere Creek

2011-08-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

When I painted this mountain I was very aware of atmospheric perspective. When in the field it is easy to make the colours too bright. The mountain needed to be lighter, in order for it to appear in the distance. My rule of thumb is to paint them a lot lighter than I think it should be. Then when you see the painting indoors it seems to be better. In plein air work the strong outside light means that often there is less contrast in the paintings. It is something you need to adjust and play with.

Tangled Wood

2011-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

9 x 12 Acrylic on Gesso Board

Tangled. One of the things that drew me to this image was the tangled nature of the woods. There is a lot going on there. To paint it you need to simplify and prioritize. The lean of one tree on the left seemed to animate the scene. I also liked the different hues of greens and thought that might be challenging to paint.

This painting depends a lot on contrast. I've used light and dark contrast in it to move your eye around. I also needed to add emphasis to the tree so I used warm and cool contrast. Most of the greens, although green generally considered a cool colour, has warm tones in it. The trunks are also warm. So that meant that I needed to keep those other elements in the background on the cool side-- I used Pthalo Blue to help out with that.

Plein air at WIndermere Creek

2011-08-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

In the next few days I'll post paintings from my recent Windermere, BC trip. This tree was in front of the cabin that we rented at Windermere Creek. The BnB was beautiful!

I spent a lot of time on our front porch looking at this tree. This painting was done in the morning light so the tree was divided between light and dark. I also liked the direction and gestures of the branches and tried to indicate a few of them as well.

This is a 9 x 12 painting done on Gesso Board.

Vacation

2011-08-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a week's vacation with my husband. It was partly a working vacation so I'll post the paintings that I did in there.

Felt good to relax and get away!

More inspiration

2011-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hope For Humanity Rose

This is a rosebush in front of my mailbox. The poor thing almost didn't make it back this spring. It was a hard winter for it so it isn't as bushy as it has been. I'm just glad that its blooming once more.

Today is our anniversary. Love ya , Pat!

inspiration

2011-08-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

My garden is full and overgrown right now. One of my ongoing summer projects is to get out with the camera and photograph the flowers. I use these images to make cards. Moreover I really like looking at them when the icy winter is around us. You know, those days when you think it will never be green again. But then the summer winds blow and for a few glorious months we see an abundance of flowers and green. These day lilies were refuges. I found them in front of someone's house with a note advertising that they were looking for a new home. This is the first year they have bloomed so well.

cloud study

2011-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is a quick cloud study on a 9 x 12 board. I've posted it here although I think I will probably go back into it. I like some of it, but the whole think isn't yet singing to me. When faced with a painting like this it is important to be ruthless. That means that everything is open to revision and change; event the parts you like. Otherwise you choke when painting it. I think that the middle ground needs some softening in this piece, and a darker value needs to be introduced. The sky will also get a wash of some warm tone. I'll post it when I'm through mucking around with it.

Stand Alone

2011-08-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

This 9 x 12 plein air painting was completed at Nose Hill. Often when I am teaching adult painting classes we talk about the intent of the painting. What was the thing which drew you to the scene in the first place. For this view I liked how the one group of trees stood apart from the others. I liked the contrast it had to the dark stand behind it. When painting it seems I can't escape metaphors. Maybe this is how I think. The landscape is never just about the land. I'm looking for deeper reasons and connections. The act of painting itself is a meditation for me. It is a way that I can understand the world around me.

When I paint, once I've reflected on the intent I wish to capture I need to then think about how to do that. Drama doesn't come in a tube, ( use high drama number 5). But a lot of this piece was about value--setting a light value against the darker value. Also I made sure those shadows were warm so that the green tree stand popped out a bit.

Skywatcher series. Painting two

2011-08-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

These skies have been a lot of fun to do. I think of them as abstractions. What I really enjoy about them is that I'm still focusing on what I want to do in a painting. I'm experimenting with edges, colour temperature, and value.

This is yesterday's patched canvas. Any guesses to where the patch was applied?

opps!

2011-08-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

From time to time I end up hurting canvases. I don't mean to do it, but bashing them around as I do sometimes something is bound to get hurt! This is a canvas that I've been texturing and collaging things to. On the other side, you can't see it here. We'll I overdid it a bit and punched a hole in the canvas.

I thought this was a good time then to talk about how to fix tears and holes. Lucky for me the other side of this work is pretty textured so the repair doesn't even show. What you need to use is acrylic gel medium. Cut a piece of canvas that is larger than the area you want to repair. You need to brush on a even coat both on the canvas patch, and the canvas to be repaired. Then apply the patch and evenly and firmly brush over the entire piece. It is important that you force out all air bubbles--they will give you grief later on if you don't.

Tomorrow I'll post the painting on the right side. You can see if I did a good job and hunt for the area that I patched.

creative Clay Creations for six to 8 year olds

2011-07-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

I've just finished teaching clay to six to 8 year olds at the City of Calgary's Wildflower art centre. Thought I would share some of the great work that they did. We made bird puppets, coil bowls, leaf bowls and various sculptures. It was a lot of fun and I was very pleased with all that they made. It was also amazing to see all of the work that they managed to create in a nine day course! Some of these pieces have been selected for the City's Children Show next Spring. I'll keep you posted about that. Its now time to get back at my own work and take a break from teaching. I'll be back there in August though. I'll be teaching an Arts Combo class to 7 to 10 year olds as well as the painting portion of the Adult Draw and Paint class that runs on Tuesday and Thursday nights. You can find out more information about these classes here.

New Tree

2011-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I had a request to make some of the smaller studies of blossoms into bigger paintings. This is 24 x 30 inches, acrylic on stretched canvas.

We had pink trees like this when I grew up in Lethbridge. They were planted in honour of the Canada's Centennial. So the whole block would look magical until the wind came up and blew away all the blooms.

In Calgary this year it seemed to be a long, long winter. But once again when the crab apple trees started blooming it was again magical. This brief moment always reminds me of other brief pleasures.

Hope you enjoy this painting. I think its going out to Alicat Gallery in Bragg Creek.

Skywatcher series

2011-07-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note as I'm supposed to go teach clay to kids at Wildflower. This is the beginning of a new series for me. I'll blog more about it later, but I wanted to share it with you. ITs interesting painting air.

Old trees

2011-07-20T05:00:00.001-07:00

“If you look closely at a tree you’ll notice its knobs and dead branches, just like our bodies. What we learn is that beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully.” Matthew Fox

9 x 12 Acrylic painting on clay board. Plein air painting from Nose Hill, Calgary

Plein air

2011-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been heading up to Nose Hill first thing in the mornings to get some plein air in. Its a great time to try to capture the light before everything gets flat and faded. I'm also teaching this summer so this are quick trips up the hill.

This is a motif that has been haunting me for a while. That often occurs over time--they keep reappearing in my work. I need to paint more of these rows of trees--of prairie wind blocks.

When I was a kid in the backseat of the car I can remember seeing these rows for miles. Often the man-planted trees are the only ones you'll see, unless you are a river bottom. I find it interesting that these trees remain although those who have planted them are long gone. There is also something about their ordered rows. That was a necessity, so that the homesteaders could find a bit of reprieve from the relentless wind. It seems such an optimistic act in an overwhelming landscape.

Prairie trees are not pretty. In fact they look a little scraggly and bent, especially when you compare them to trees you might find out east. The wind has shaped them; the drought and dry conditions has stunted them. I find this beautiful. They grow despite the odds against them.

This painting is 9 x 12, acrylic on gesso board. Its from Nosehill, off of one of the 14th street exits.

beautiful things

2011-07-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

As artists we are visual people. We can't help it. We're the ones looking at the colour and shape of things. We're the dreamers who are gazing at the sky, trying to count the different number of blues that we see there. I think its important to surround ourselves with beauty, with things that inspire and delight us. For me this becomes a daily meditation on what I think beauty is. It is developing an aesthetic for myself. I love the cinnabar patina of this cabinet. Its from the Chinese region of Q'inghai San ti Gui. The abstract is my own. The vase is from Mindy Andrews, a potter from Calgary. Her porcelain is so graceful.

This can be working in the garden and noticing those peonies that Nora gave me. Its the first year where they have stopped pouting and are finally blooming.

When I look at them I'm thinking of how I would paint the structure of the flower, how to capture what I like about it.

There are so many breath taking beautiful things in our life--if we take the time to notice and appreciate them.

Available Artworks

2011-07-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've been at the easel. In fact, that's the main reason that I haven't posted lately. I have a lot of paintings hanging around the studio. I thought I would share them with you today.

Tip Your Hat

2011-07-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! ITs Stampede time in Calgary--which means the city goes a little bit crazy.

On Wednesday, July 13th, at noon sharp on Stephen Avenue Mall, there will be a hat Auction. You can find them at the corner of 2nd Street SW, in front of the ATB! The money raised will go to help the homeless in our city. All of the hats have been donated by Smithbuilt Hats ( a Calgary institution) and painted by artists--both amateur and professional.

The hats have been posted online at http://tmccalgary.wordpress.com/ . It is rumoured that Mayor Nenshi has agreed to come (schedule providing) and model a hat during the auction! All hats are paired in lots of two. A minimum bid on each lot is $25 and bidding will start at $100 for each lot. If you want a unique art hat for the Stampede this is where to get one.

My Hat is named Cowboy Camouflage. It's a signed piece ( just look inside of the hat). Hopefully the blue skies will reappear. (If not I did make my hat waterproof by using gesso, acrylic and then a varnish on it. ) This is your chance to buy a Helwig Original!

To see all the hats for sale, click on this TIP YOUR HAT link.

Elbow Falls

2011-07-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

In this painting I wanted to place the viewer in the falls--- about to go over. The water is glacier fed and really is that turquoise. This painting is now at Alicat Gallery in Bragg Creek.

This is a painting on Board, 24 x 24 inches. When you paint on wood you should prepare the board so that the integrity of the paint is not effected. I use GAC 100 to coat the wood. On Golden's site they have the specs listed. That's a great place to go and learn more about your paint.

Gathering Storm

2011-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

This painting is 24 x 30 inches. I need to thank Fay for this one. Her husband and her recently commissioned me to paint a picture for them. She told me that when ever she saw my paintings she could immediately recognize them because of the big beautiful skies. That comment made me realize that I haven't been painting skies lately. I've decided I need to do more of them this summer.

Fay's painting, the one she ended up with, is also of skies. I've posted it previously. She is now enjoying it I hope. I can't wait to see how it will look when it has been framed.

Crab Apple Blosson Time in Calgary

2011-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is another study of spring in Calgary. It reminds me of the crab apples trees we had in front of the house where I grew up. The apples would ferment right on the trees. Later on birds would imbibe them and then fly around drunk, sometimes crashing into windows. They were pretty, but messy trees. This painting is 12 x 9 on gesso board.

farewell

2011-06-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day at the Jewish Academy. The decision not to return was a difficult one. I wish all of my colleagues there well and I know I will miss the kids.

My hope is that this new direction will be granting me more painting time! I'll still be working at the City Centres in Calgary. Today's painting is dedicated to them!

Heading to Leighton's. 22 x 30 inch. Acrylic on Canvas

Spring time

2011-06-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

I was out painting apple trees recently and I can tell you it was so good to get out into the sun. This is a larger studio piece that I did from my studies. The blossoms are gone now--it was just a short glorious show.

This painting is 24 x 36 inches. Acrylic on Canvas.

I really like the series of spring trees that Vincent Van Gogh painted. I've been looking at a coffee table sized book of some of his work.

Big Sky Country

2011-06-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

This is from a reference that I took while driving out to the Leighton Centre. I like the huddle of trees on the horizon. We've seen a lot of Prairie clouds and rain lately. Hope the sun will shine again!

New Dog

2011-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

I must admit that I am having a howling good time painting these pups. This one is quite the lady!

commission

2011-06-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

I don't usually like doing commissions. I remember one where they wanted to add a guy riding on a John Deer Tractor into the painting. I have nothing against John Deers, in fact it was the family tractor of the Schlachters, my grandfather. But it just didn't go with what I was doing. There have been other requests that sometimes make me think that the person requesting really should just take a class or two. I now rarely do commissions, but this was an easy one. They saw the smaller sketch I had done and just wanted it bigger. It was something I had been planning to do anyways. Besides, if they don't take it I can market it elsewhere.

I did try to keep the aspect ratio close to the original 9 x 12. It went together quite quickly. I've been working on more sky paintings. I'll post them here soon.

Still working on this one

2011-06-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

This painting has been under a lot of revisions. In fact, on the last one I used the video camera to tape what was happening. Now, I need to figure how how to download the clip into I movie. When I do I'll post that as well. That might have to be a summer project though,when I have a bit more time.

I still don't think this is done. Before the issue was in the back mountains, but now I like them. Next I think I need to give some attention to the trees in the foreground. If its not one thing its another.

quick study

2011-06-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

This was a quick study on Nose Hill. It had to be quick--you can see what's rolling in. I was trying to capture the drama and all those layers in the sky. The colour also needed to range from that light pink to the first greens of the tree and then the "drama queen" blue. I managed to pack up my paints before the storm hit.

2011-06-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

This is a format I sometimes use for my prairie paintings. It goes against what you would expect. With all those horizontal lines on the prairie you don't think it would work on a vertical format.
But then I get to paint more sky, and I love sky.

big skies

2011-06-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

I'm returning to big skies. This is a medium sized painting. I' m doing a series of skies for the gallery. Today I'm in the studio working on a commission. I heard it might rain. That might make it a bit easier to stay inside.

glorirous day for painting

2011-06-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today felt like the first warm day we've had. I think there might of been others, but today was glorious. A perfect day to go out and paint.

I did this one by the local Starbucks first thing this morning.

More Kid's Art Work The Need for Sculpture in an Art Program

2011-05-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is another example of some of my student's art work.

In this piece the students were given junk.   Yes, empty plastic containers, sticks, paper cups, cones, tubes.   Basically things that we would usually throw away. This could be thought of as a recycling project.

I encouraged them to go beyond the form.    This gal did a great job of that. She cut up different materials, and used paper to pad and soften the shape. When setting up the armature for paper mache the secret is to use lots of masking tape. And I mean a lot of tape.   If the structure doesn't hold together at first, the paper mache layer will make sure that it falls apart.

At one time everyone used wall paper paste to create paper mache. It still is one of the best things to use, although it is getting harder to find. I know that the lovely ladies at Wildflower Art Centre did a little experiment and found out that white glue, watered down to a one to one ratio, worked well.   You can use newsprint, or even recyled newspapers for the strips of paper. Make sure that you criss cross the layers to create a stronger bond.

I find that if you use paper towel as the final layer you end up with a great final product.   Encourage the kids to "pet the surface" so that they end up with a smooth- paint-able surface.

I don't think sculpture is being taught a lot in our schools.   People complain that it is too difficult to store, its too intrusive--it takes up too much time and space.    But I feel it is important in many of our student's learning.   IT enables them to create in a 3D mode. Some kids and people think this way. It gives them a chance to shine and explore their ideas. If taught well, it also encourages creative problem solving and use of materials.

In the last couple of months I've been doing a few 3D projects with students.   We've made cars out of cardboard boxes.   I had another group create Alberta Historical Dioramas. Some of them I think might turn into stage designers and lighting specialists.   I've also worked on a recycling project with old plastic containers- we turned them into baskets. And, as you see at the top of the page, we've used paper mache as well.

Do you fix plein air work inside?

2011-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm going to put my two cents worth in the debate. Do you fix plein air work inside or not?

Some purists would say no. The work has to remain totally as a response to what you saw and felt at that moment.

I don't agree with that. I think in the end, as artists, we should be interested in making good art. I find that at times you need to adjust and edit the image you started outside. Sometimes the light is strong. That will effect the way you paint. You think you are achieving subtlety, but in fact the colours are too harsh. That's what I feel about this piece. I need to push some of the tones in the middle ground back a bit, as well as to pull up some of the foreground in this painting.

We need to be true to the final work. This painting will not be viewed outside, but rather will be looked at under house conditions. I then need to be aware of that.

There is a lot I like about this piece, but I want it to be a bit more refined. That's what I'll attempt to do to it in the studio.

This week I'm getting work ready for the Leighton Centre's Art Show, May 28 and 29th.

This is one of the paintings featured.

Spring on the Bow River

12 x 16 inches

$640

Acrylic on Hardboard

The first Green of the Year-

2011-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Nosehill’s First Green

9 x 12 inches

$500

Acrylic on Aquaboard

On the week of May 8^th, 2011 it happened. The buds finally popped showing us the first green of spring. Wasn’t it a long cold winter? I celebrated by going up to Nosehill and painting.

This painting is on Aquaboard, which is a product by Amperstand. It is archival, which means the support is PH balanced. I think it’s important to use artist quality materials—so this painting will stand the test of time.

I've made a few changes in my life lately. One of which means that I am looking for a new job. One that will support my art and need to create and paint. One that lets me continue to mentor and teach others, but gives me time to paint and explore in my studio. It seems fitting this is all happening in the springtime.

Of Note—

----Sgraffito is a technique where the top layer of paint is scratched to reveal a colour beneath. The word is from the Italian work word “sgraffire” meaning (literally) "to scratch". Can you see the use of Sgraffito in this piece? I was lucky enough to make my way up to Nose Hill last week. I painted a few times, and even was able to go for a long walk with two of my Clay art buddies. I feel pretty fortunate to have Nosehill so close. I do feel that it is a spiritual place. Somewhere I can think and revamp. Somewhere that I can feed my soul for a bit.

I think if I lived elsewhere I would miss the change in the seasons. There is beauty and quiet in the snow. But when those green buds start popping that quiet is overtaken with the need for renewal and rebirth. It is now time to grow.

These paintings are at the Leighton's Art show May 28th and 29th.

Leighton Art Show May 28 and 29th

2011-05-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Bow with Barb

12 x 9 inches

$500

Acrylic on Aqua Board

This was a painting from the first plein air trip I took this season. There still was snow, but it was warm. The painting was done alongside the Bow River in Canmore, Alberta.

As we were painting an Osprey was fishing. He even managed to pull out a few good-sized fish.

I like the colours that you see in the bushes- the alizarin and oranges really stand out against the greys. It’s important to use those neutrals in a painting. They act as a foil to the colours that you use.

Of Note

-- Ospreys are found on all continents except Antarctica. They have an opposable toe that can face forward or backward. When an Osprey catches a fish, its feet and toes are positioned with two toes on either side of the fish, one foot ahead of the other. The head of the fish faces forward in a streamlined position for transport through the air.

Mountain Study

10 x 8 inches

$400

Acrylic on Pastel Board

This is a study I did while on a recent plein air trip out at Canmore. Often when painting I set up challenges for myself. This time I wanted to create a gesture that evoked the mood of the mountains.

I think that when doing a painting like this, what you leave out is as important as what you put in.

The pastel board is a new support for me. It is made by Ampersand and is archival. The board had a neutral tone on it and you can see the brown colour near the painting’s bottom.

Of Note-

--Many painters think that if you work in acrylic you can not alter the edges in the painting. I have found a couple of ways in which to soften those edges. One is to work wet into wet. Secondly you can dry-brush the edges. Thirdly, you can paint in layers with the ghost of an edge showing in each layer.

All of the above methods were used in this painting.

These paintings will be on sale at the Leighton Centre on May 28 and 29th.

Leighton Art Show May 28 and 29th

2011-05-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

Chinook

9 x 12

$640

Acrylic on Board

I painted this on a cold wintery day, in the anticipation of a Chinook. I was hoping to conquer one up. I must say it didn’t work and we ended up with a long cold winter.

I started painting when I was fourteen years old. I went out into the coulees by my home in Lethbridge. I thought all painters did that--I mean painted outside. It seems a romantic thing to do.

That was over thirty years ago. I still find enough inspiration in those prairie skies to keep me going for another thirty years.

Of Note

-- Alexander Mackenzie referred to the Chinook as a “perfect hurricane”, and in 1877, David Thompson stated that the temperature rose as much by heading west as it did by traveling south.

Peony

12 x 9

$640

Acrylic on Board

In this composition I wanted to zoom in on the flowers. I placed them in a diagonal line to add some energy to the composition.

Often you will find artists working on a series. This helps add focus to your work. The depth of field is limited in this painting. I wanted to focus more on brushstrokes in this work.

Of Note

-- Flowers have different symbolic meanings. The peony is the traditional floral symbol of China. It is also the 12^th wedding anniversary flower. They represent riches, honour, prosperity and are omens of good fortune and a happy marriage.

http://www.leightoncentre.org/

Leighton Art Show May 28 and 29th

2011-05-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Darling Daffodils

11 x 14 inches

$580

Acrylic on Canvas

These daffodils were given to me as a birthday present. Daffodils traditionally do represent Friendship, so it was a lovely gift.

Of course I needed to paint them.

Yellows are hard colours to maintain in a painting. I actually think I first started understanding how to use them when Mom first taught me how to quilt: we made a charm quilt together. That means that you gather up over 100 different fabric scraps and then you put them together. The star pattern that we picked was arranged so that each star was completed in a local colour. The yellow pieces went together the slowest. Some yellows seem harsh when placed together.

This was a joyful painting to do. Those daffodils are really an exuberant flower.

Of Note:

--The Victorians thought daffodils were the symbols of regard

--Prince Charles is annually given one daffodil to act as a form of rent for the land on the Isles of Scilly.

Blessings

12 x 16

$640

Acrylic on Archival acid free Canvas Panel

A favorite subject of mine- the Peony. Few other garden plants go back in history as far as the Peony. In China it has been cultivated for over 4000 years. Once held in high esteem, in ancient times the plant was used for medicinal purposes. Some think the origins of the plant’s name are from Paian, the physician of the Greek gods. The legend is that with peony roots he healed Hades, the god of the underworld. The Peony is mentioned again and again in the herbals of Greek and Roman times. In the Middle Ages

Peonies were used to ward off evil spirits.

One of the challenges in this painting was to create the lighter petals without resorting to the use of white. Adding white, which is called a tint, often cools the hue. I wanted it to remain warm and not to appear too pinky.

The solution I came up with was to apply gesso to where I wanted the petals lighter. I used dry-brushing techniques to soften the edges of these petals. When that was dry I glazed in a coat of alizarin paint. I still have the warmness I wanted, but the colour is more saturated.

Of Note:

--in acrylic paints there are many types of mediums. A good way to think of these mediums is colourless paint. I used a glazing medium, which is like the other mediums but has a bit of retarder in it to make the paint open longer.

--a glaze is when you add a bit of paint to more medium, the result is a transparent layer of paint.

These paintings are available at the Leighton Art Centre on May 28 and 29th.

Leighton Clothesline Show May 28, 29th

2011-05-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Spring on the Bow River

12 x 16 inches

$640

Acrylic on Hardboard

This painting is from a Plein air trip I went on in May of 2011.

Plein air is from a French term “en Plein Air” which means in the open air.

The art world of Europe , before the 19^th century, was dominated by the salons and academies and painting methods, materials and subject matter were taught and practiced according to tried and true formulas. Enter an English painter John Constable. His radical idea was to forget formulas, find the truth in nature and trust your own vision. He created sketches outdoors and then returned to the studio to work them up into full size paintings.

Plein air practice really started at the end of the 19^th century. Until then, we didn’t have the luxury of mass produced paints. When metal tubes were invented, it allowed paint to be marketed to the general public. There was more interest in going out to paint.

I find that one of the hardest things to do is to adapt the colour palette to outside lighting. Although the painting is completed outside, it is after all viewed under inside lighting conditions.

Of Note

--A tip for those acrylic painters…

when painting under colder conditions you can warm up your brushes and paint by using warm water. I usually pack a thermos of hot water along for this reason. Besides, it’s also handy for a refreshing cup of Earl Grey tea as well.

Renewal and Hope

12 x 16 inches

$640

Acrylic on Hardboard

I can’t get away from Metaphor. You think that you are just painting the landscape and then it creeps into your work. I find that the longer I work motifs keep returning time and time again into my work. On a subconscious level your work is always autobiographical, a record of your thoughts.

This was a plein air piece that I painted in May on Nose Hill. The leaves were just starting to break out. What seemed dead and inactive is waiting to spring forth.

Its time for new thoughts, renewal. Hope.

Of Note

- I often go through the painting a few times. The painting has to work as a whole so the subsequent revisions of the work need to address the entire surface. If you are a painter, don’t be afraid of going through an ugly duckling phase. Sometimes that needs to happen to reach the final stage. Have faith! This painting was one that was painted in layers. It didn’t start working until the final one.

These paintings are available for sale at the Leighton Art Centre from May 28th to May 29th.

Leighton Art Show May 28th, May 29th

2011-05-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Painting with Ingrid

18 x 24 inches

$1130

Acrylic on Canvas

So there we were. Ingrid had invited us to her studio. I felt lucky to be in that great space. The studio lights were warm, the conversation free flowing. It seems all the better because of the cold snowy day outside.

In my painting practice I work between painting from life and using photo references. I also do smaller paintings, and then large 3 x 4 feet paintings. I think that you do need to exercise those seeing muscles and so it is really important to set up something and really look at it.

I wanted this painting to have atmosphere. The table edge is then only implied. The orange colours, which are dominant in the oranges, need to be repeated. I also wanted to focus on edges and paint application.

Of Note

--I recently had a conversation with another artist about the use of palette knives. She thought that the palette knife, when used, should be used through out the painting. I disagree. In order to create variety I will reach for a palette knife in order to achieve a different mark. I find that I’ll reach for what ever tool it takes to achieve the result I want. As a result I use brushes and palette knives all in the same painting.

Diva

12 x 9 inches

$500

Acrylic on Hardboard

In this painting I was attracted to the red peony. It was the diva of the picture. Although it seems to take centre stage—you will notice that it is off to the side a bit. That makes for a more interesting composition.

When painting this red flower I pulled out my entire range of reds. I used cadmium, which is more towards the orange side. In fact, I used Cadmium Orange as well. I went the other way on the red spectrum and reached for Alizarin as well. I then also used magenta and violet to enhance those colours. The richness of this painting is due to the Analogous colours used.

Of Note:

--Hardboard is an inexpensive support to use. I like the way the paint “sits up “ on it. It is important to prepare the surface correctly though. I have some older hardboard paintings , they are now 20 years old, where the lighter colours have darkened. To prep hardboard you should seal the surface with GAC 100. The Golden website has lots of technical information on this product. I know of other professional artists who use carpenter’s glue as well.

These Paintings will be on Sale at the Leighton Center on May 28 and 29th http://www.leightoncentre.org/

Leighton Art Show May 28 and 29th

2011-05-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

In the next week I want to post the paintings that will be shown at the Leighton Art Show next week. For each painting I've written a little review of what I was thinking, and the process used. I'll include that, as well as the prices of these pieces.

There's two paintings a day so enjoy!

Beyond

9 x 12 inches

Acrylic on Canvas

$500

One of the things I get to do is to initiate new painters into the craft of painting. This painting started as a class demonstration about value. The first step is to create a monochromatic painting using black, white and grey.

I have recently become to appreciate how important value is in our work. If the value is working, the colours fall into line.

The first coat of this painting is in fact a black and white value painting. This is an old method of painting called grisaille. This French word loosely translated, means gray tones. The Old Masters called it "dead coloring" which means that colors were not used during the initial painting process of creating the gray tone under painting. In fact often the apprentices would do the first monochromatic layer of the paintings. This was because the black paint ( made from lamp soot) and white paint ( made from milk) were cheap . The coloured paint was expensive and often the pigments were rare and difficult to attain. The master then would finish the work by applying thin layers of colour over the black and white layers.

The process of grisaille (grɪʼzaɪ, -ʼzeɪl) is achieved much faster when using acrylics due to their quick drying time. I also have adapted a more modern approach to this method by using glazes as well as thicker passages of paint.

Of Note

-- when glazing with acrylic paint you use a medium.

--I like to create the monochromatic value painting with white and black gesso.

Home Free

12 x 16 inches

$640

Acrylic on Canvas

These are the coulees where I first learnt to paint down south by Lethbridge.

As a child I spent a lot of time on those coulee hills. We would take a dog and go for long nature walks. I remember sitting on the side of a hill and watching a fox and her kits. We hauled out flower identification books and tried to name as many flowers as we could. I mostly forget those names now, but one of my favorites is a Smooth Bearded Blue-tongue. I haven’t seen one growing in the coulees for years. I took out my sketch book and sat on cactus. This is also where I first learnt to paint. I remember looking and counting the number of blues in the sky.

This is still my favorite place to paint. The wind and sun made me learn how to paint fast. They were good teachers.

Of Note

-- Acrylic paints have changed a lot since I started back then. They now are a medium unto their own. I love the versatility and results I get with them. The love affair started way back then when I was a kid on a coulee hill.

The Greening of the Glen--Plein air

2011-05-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Good News! Nose Hill has hints of green! This is always my favorite time of year. The green-gold you see when the trees first open is unlike any other colour. It shimmers. It holds faith in that the summer is on its way.

I don't know about you, but the winter seemed long and hard this year. I can't wait for more greening to happen.

This painting is a 9 x 12 one that was painted up at Nose Hill this week. It will be available for sale at the Leighton Centre's Clothesline Festival art show on the 28th of May.

The first Green of the Year

2011-05-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to make my way up to Nose Hill this week to paint. I feel pretty fortunate to have Nosehill so close. I do feel that it is a spiritual place. Somewhere I can think and revamp. Somewhere that I can feed my soul for a bit.

I'll be taking paintings out to the Leighton Centre for the Clothesline Festival and Art Show on the 29th of May. This is one of the paintings that will be on sale there.

Plein Air Piece

2011-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

In this little painting on panel, I wanted to quickly try to capture the essence of the mountains in front of me. I also wanted to focus on creating different edges in the painting.

Many acrylic painters don't think that you can achieve different edges with acrylic paint, but they are wrong.

One way is to work wet into wet. If you work fast enough, you are able to soften edges. Of course, you can rework an area by first painting a glazing medium onto it, and then add the paint while the medium is still wet.

Another method is to use dry brushing techniques. That means that you have very little paint on a dry brush. By scumbling the paint over the surface, you can soften edges.

You can also achieve edge variety by painting in layers. The second and subsequent layers should end at various places. The ghost of edges underneath the painting can add interest and variety to the edges you create.

I am getting 15 paintings ready for the Leighton Centre's Sunset Soiree and Clothesline Art Festival on May 28th to 29th. This one will probably be there.

Children's art

2011-05-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

One of the things I do is teach art to Children.   I really enjoy their take on things. This is something I've been reflecting on a lot lately because I'm not returning to my school gig this year. I'm thankful for the time I've had there, but feel it is time for a change.   What I'll miss most is teaching those children. But I know I'll be teaching elsewhere.

When you give art supplies to kids they are never at a loss for ideas.   If you guide them, their creativity just takes off.   Adult learners aren't like that. They are more intimidated.   They are more concerned about the outcome--the product of their artwork.   Children are more about the process.   In this way they are true art makers.

The above owl was created by one of my students.   We looked at Inuit prints for our inspiration. I love his take on this subject.   The sun is indicated by the dot behind the owl.   The patterns and colours used compliment the owl figure exactly. Its a great piece.

At the Triangle Art Gallery is a Children's Show called Primary Colours.   It includes children's work from both the art centres in Calgary. If you have time over your lunch time you should go check it out.

Plein Air --reconnection

2011-05-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about reconnection for me. I was on a pleinair trip in the Mountains.

First it was to reconnect with old friends-- Shirley Chinnek and Barb Fyvie.   It was good to be out with them talking about art.   I meet Shirley a few years back on an artist's retreat that I organized.    In a few words--she is a dynamo!   It is hard to keep up with Shirley and as always she was eager to get working. Shirley is a dedicated artist, who's work is shown at Canada House Gallery. Barb and I have been painting buddies for years.   We met years ago when we both were judges at The 'Invent An Alien Event" hosted by the Calgary Science Centre.   When we used to go out painting we didn't talk at all-- we were serious artists. Now you can't shut us up.    Barb has moved away from Calgary so I don't see here as much as I want to.    You can find her work at Edge Gallery in Canmore.    I spend so much time alone in the studio; it was good to get out and spend some time with them.

Also after a long hard winter in the studio it was about reconnecting to the landscape.    I can tell in my own work when it is time to go outside and look more closely at stuff.   It gives me new ideas and reintroduces variety into my work.    The plein air work keeps the studio work fresh.    I start thinking about light and form again.   It also establishes empathy between myself and the landscape.   I am working within it, and feel more for it.   It isn't as removed.

As an artist I think it is important to have both plein air work and studio work. The plein air introduces me to concepts that I want to explore in my studio pieces. The studio pieces let me go deeper.

On my walk last night I noticed that the trees are on the verge of budding out. I love that spring green. I need to set aside a bit of time this week to go out painting.   I'm also getting some work ready for a show at the Leighton Centre.   I'll tell you more about that in future posts. I also share what I'm working on from the weekend paint out, watch for that in future posts.

Heliwg self portrait

2011-04-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

I've been reading about Vincent Van Gogh recently.    The author claimed that Vincent did so many self portraits as to check with in about his mental state.    I don't think this is true.   Why do artists do self portraits then?

I think one of the obvious reasons is for the challenge of it. We know ourselves, so it becomes an intellectual exercise to try to capture that. When you are doing a commissioned portrait you have the sitter to please. However with a self portrait you are freer. There isn't someone looking over your shoulder trying to see if you have captured a pleasing image. You can try out new ideas without the pressure of a patron.

Also, and probably the most obvious, the subject matter is readily available. If we return to Vincent's case there were many times that he just could not afford to pay sitter fees.   During his lifetime he only sold one painting.   His brother Theo supported him, so money was always tight. When he couldn't find someone to sit for him, he would go and paint landscapes. It would follow that he could also do self portraits as that subject matter was readily available. Also for Vincent his painting style was quite avant garde for his time.   These are not pretty portraits.   If you see Van Gogh's paintings in context to what others were doing, his style would seem a bit rough by comparison.   It is that uniqueness and style that is so attractive to us now. But he really was a painter before his time.

I haven't painted a self portrait for years. I must say the inspiration for this one was from one of my friends. She had to do one for a class she recently took.   I started the painting in colour, but quickly found it too garish.   So I veiled it with a gesso float. That's when you take gesso, medium and a bit of water. You paint this over the painting--it makes a transparent veil on the painting.   I had thought to under paint in value and then add colour.   Yet I was happy with the results that I decided to leave it this way.

Susan's pup revisted

2011-04-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Often I revisit paintings. I find that I am happiest when I get to live with them awhile.   This is my friend Susan's pup.    I had sent her an image down below and she was pleased with it.   However, the other day I was uploading these portraits to a slide show, you can see it on the left of this message, and I thought the thumbnail of this picture was lacking.    It didn't really seem to have a distinct light source.   Also the palette colours were so limited.    I know that Susan loves green, so I thought I should add some of that to this painting.

The first thing I did was to mix up a glaze of Phtalo blue and put the right hand side of pup's face in the shade.   I am notoriously bad for not cleaning my brushes properly. In this case that meant that I had some Quin violet on the brush. That is the purplish colour you see on the left side of the pup's face.   I then threw in the background-- Golden's Green Gold mixed with the Phtalo and also with some Cadium Yellow.    The background colours need to be in the fur as well. If not the figure of the dog would seem cut out from the back.    Using a rigger I then lifted out some high lights, using white with a bit of Cad Yellow in it.   I figured this would increase the warm vs cool contrast in the work and also add a bit of sun kissed fur. You might also notice that the background graduation has changed. The lighter side is now on the left--that's really where the light source is coming from.   Its a subtle thing--but it now suggests where the light is coming from.

I just emailed Susan the new picture.    I hope she approves of the changes.    But in the end artists really work for themselves.   I feel better about this painting.

Thinking, thinking, thinking

2011-04-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Often on my blog I'll post pictures of partially completed paintings.    This is one such painting.   At times I receive comments that question why I'm continuing.   Why not stop at this stage.

A lot of what happens in my paintings goes on inside my head.   A few years ago I would be satisfied with this painting so far.   But now I'm more interested in pushing it.    I have developed a different aesthetic. What pleased me in the past no longer satisfies me.   I think that if this wasn't true I would be bored.   How I see and look is changing.   I have new goals to strive for.

Many of the tones in this painting are similar in value and colour saturation.    Its good to start here, but I would like the colour to sing a bit more. The neutrals are a good place to start, but now I need to introduce more of the divas. Colour needs the neutrals.    Its a foil to their brightness. Because they are sitting next to those plain Jane colours, they seem even more vibrant. A painting without the neutrals might have wow factor on the first day you see it, but won't have staying power.

The sky in this painting is competing with the busy growth of the trees. It needs to be silenced a bit.    I'll post what happens next in this piece.   I'm not sure where its going yet.   Stay tuned.

Susan's Pup

2011-04-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

I must admit that I'm having a great time doing these paintings.   This is one of Susan's pup.   Its a memorial painting I think.

Our pets inspire us.   On those cold ugly days when we are feeling a little beat up by the world they are there waiting to see us.   Happy and with tails wagging they greet us at the door. Its all about unconditional love.

A friend once told me that the reason dogs live such short lives is because they've got it right.    Us humans need more time to figure it out.

I'm sending out pamplets today to reach a wider audience-- I really do want to do more of these paintings.

If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait give me a call.   I'd love to do it for you.

Birthday Flowers

2011-04-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

This was a painting that I did on my birthday a couple of weeks ago. I worked all day at school, but decided that I wanted to start the year off right. I had a good time doing it, but still haven't decided if its done or not. I might play around with the background.

You might notice that there has been a common theme on the blog as of late---that uncertainly if the work is done or not. I think that's because I'm working larger. Also my work is now layered and so it takes me a bit of time to decide about he work. There are parts of the above painting that work quite well, but it seems disjointed. I think I could bring more focus and unity to the work. It will take a bit of thinking time. When I decide what to do I'll post it again.

2011-04-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

This painting is a 40 x 40 inch one. I'm doing it as a request from one of my galleries. I find in these bigger pieces that often it takes more than one go at it. I don't mind the layout of this painting, but I do find some of the passages a little weak. There needs to be more happening in some of those areas. I'll post again when I take another go at it.

another pup

2011-04-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

This is a portrait of MoJo Black pups are hard to paint I've discovered. Of course they can't be completely black as then there wouldn't be any definition. So different warm and cool colours need to be introduced. The good thing about this pup portraits is that I'm not interested in doing them highly realistic. I'm more interested in capturing the essence of the pup.

Poor Mojo looks so sad.