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Posts from the ‘Inspiration’ Category

Boy in the Meadow

Boy in the Meadow 8″ x 8″

The boy in this meadow is my son. This is how the meadow looks in the spring with lupines and buttercups blooming. It’s full of birds, insects and frogs, which makes it one of his favourite places.

I had some trouble with this painting. It is an overcast day and the lighting is very flat. I am used to adding dimension with highlights and shadows, but in this picture they are very subtle. I’m not sure I succeeded with this painting – something to keep working on I guess.

Yellow Hills

Yellow Hills 18″ x 24″

I was in Alberta this summer and had some time to appreciate the landscape. From the top of the one of the gentle rolling hills, you can see forever – so different from the view here in Vancouver. In the background you can see the Rochfort Bridge Trestle, one of the longest wooden train trestles in North America.

Grandma’s House

Grandma's House 8"x8"

Grandma’s House 8″ x 8″

This is a little painting of my Grandma’s house, which I have painted before. My style has changed quite a bit since the first one. I’m not sure who took this photo or how it got into my files, but thanks to the family member who shared it.

This painting is available as a print on Etsy.

Rusty

Rusty 14" x 11"

Rusty 14″ x 11″

I don’t seem to have a solid direction with my painting right now, so here is another horse. When I don’t know what I want to do next, it is important that I keep something on the easel. Sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike rarely works. It doesn’t really matter what I’m painting, I just have to keep at it and hopefully some ideas will emerge. Painting a bit of this and a bit of that is my plan for now.

Green Eyes

Green Eyes 11" x 14"

Green Eyes 11″ x 14″

I’ve always liked drawing and painting cats. I’ve gotten to know a few regulars while walking through my neighbourhood. This painting was inspired by a friendly cat named Patrick who likes to get underfoot as you walk down his block.

Evening Ride

Evening Ride 18" x 24"

Evening Ride 18″ x 24″

This scene reminds me of another time on this path, when my daughter’s horse took off at a full gallop until they were out of sight. She managed to do a u-turn and brought him back, still going at full speed. As he turned a sharp corner, she decided it was a good time to let herself fall off, as he was heading for the street. Everything turned out fine – no major injuries and the silly horse got home safely.

 

Lily Leaves

Lily Leaves  11" x 14"

Lily Leaves 11″ x 14″

Walking around the neighbourhood, I see so many beautiful flowers. When it comes to painting though, I wanted to focus on the leaves. It’s interesting how there seems to be a pattern within the tangle. They’re all trying to grow as high as they can before drooping down. All doing their best to maximize on their sun exposure. Not an easy thing this year, with our cold, late spring.

I have added a bunch of prints to my Etsy site. Have a look!

Buttercup

Buttercup 16" x 16"

Buttercup 16″ x 16″

I went a little abstract with the background. Not sure if I like it…

Ginger

Ginger 8" x 8"

Ginger 8″ x 8″

If I name a chicken after you (accidentally or on purpose), please don’t be offended. It doesn’t mean that you look or act or remind me of a chicken. Actually I find most of them to be quite beautiful. On the other hand, if you would like one of these chickens to have your name, please let me know!

This one’s for sale on Etsy.

Barn at Southlands Farm

Barn at Southlands Farm 24" x 36"

Barn at Southlands Farm 24″ x 36″

It’s unusual to see this barn without a bunch of kids out front and people wandering around. Southlands Heritage Farm is a community farm, open to the public – a great place if you need a break from the city, without leaving the city.