Oct 6
We spent a week in the Okanagan this summer. Our routine involved lots of swimming (unavoidable with kids) and lots of wineries – we just went for the scenery. Okay, maybe we tasted a little bit. The landscape included lots of farms, fields, fences, old buildings and ideas!
Oct 4
For me, the act of painting is rewarding in itself and I need no additional incentive. I can happily lock myself away and spend hours working alone. However I have found an additional, unexpected reward that comes from painting. It gives me the opportunity to connect with interesting and talented people who I wouldn’t otherwise meet. It’s exciting when someone likes a painting enough to let me know, and even better if they decide to take one home.
Speaking of talented people, I recently delivered a painting to Jennifer Hill. We connected online a while back, after she saw some of my paintings in a coffee shop. It was great to finally meet her. I am now a regular visitor to her blog, foodess.com. If you want to find delicious recipes and amazing photos you have to take a look (and prepare to get hungry).
Sep 17
Tangled Trees 8 x 10
When a painting isn’t going well it can be extremely frustrating. More frustrating than missing the bus or listening to the kids fight or misplacing my phone. I get slightly obsessed with fixing the problem, and sometimes resort to painting out entire sections and redoing them. I guess I can chalk it up to learning and it is probably good for me.
Should I admit when a painting has been difficult? If I admit that I am not satisfied with my work, does that mean that others might try to pick out the problems? With respect to the painting above, I will say nothing and you can make up your own mind.
International 18 x 14
This tractor reminds me of the one that my grandad used to give me rides on when I was a kid. I’m not sure if his was an International – I think it might have been a Case. For you mechanical types out there, please don’t look too closely at the inner workings. I’ve only approximated the bits and pieces of the motor. I was not going for accuracy as much as for capturing the character of this well-used machine.
This painting will be included in my upcoming show at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre (The Cultch) at 1895 Venables Street. The opening is on September 5, 6pm-8pm. Please stop by if you are in the neighbourhood.
Jul 31
Winter Tracks 8″ x 10″
Recently, someone who has never seen my work asked me what style my paintings are. I should know how to answer that, but I was at a loss. I don’t know the answer. I know what I paint and why I paint it, but I don’t know what my style is called. It occurred to me that I should have a short prepared statement that I can rattle off when needed, so I am giving it some thought. These are the first words that come to mind: design, pattern, bold colour, light vs. shadow, simplified. I will keep thinking. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Wisteria & Shadows 18″x14″
It has been a while since I have posted any new work. That is because there hasn’t been any. I have been thinking and planning and dreaming about what I would like to paint, but I don’t seem to find time to do it. I really cannot complain though because my free time has been spent with my family, hanging out at the beach, park or pool. Anyone who lives in Vancouver knows that when the sun comes out you have to soak it up. It could unexpectedly transform into grey drizzle at any moment.
The down side is that I do lose my painting momentum. This painting took so long to complete, that I lost my enthusiasm half way through. I am happy to be moving on to something else and have decided to do some tiny paintings – that I can actually finish. I was in such a hurry to be done with the painting above, that I didn’t even sign it. Oops!
Jun 23
Sketch of me painting – By Cynthia Thom
I just had to share this beautiful birthday card that I received from my friend and fellow artist, Cynthia Thom. Although she has never seen the elevator in my home town of Mayerthorpe, she has captured it just right – complete with the railcars in the front. You can have a look at my elevator paintings here and here.
Jun 14
September Maple 18 x 14
This painting has been done for a couple of weeks, however computer problems have kept me out of touch for a while.
It is an interesting experience to have your computer die. After the first feelings of frustration and panic, I realized that eliminating all of the fiddling around I do on the computer would free up a bit more painting time. I have not yet recovered my data, which means that I do not have access to my source files – several years worth of photos that I use for ideas and inspiration. So I found myself digging through my desk and found a very old file of printed photos that had once interested me. They have given me some new ideas and shifted my direction slightly. I am also anxious to get out and take some new photos – inspiration is everywhere!
(By the way, when I talk of reference photos, they are all my own pics, taken by me).
May 26
Spanish Banks Fall 18″x14″
I am always happy to paint a tree. If I am at a loss for something to paint, or if I am undecided, a tree can be an excellent subject. They are available in an endless variety of sizes, colours, shapes and positions. I am lucky to live in a city that has so many beautiful trees. This huge maple is one that I pass by frequently in Jericho Park and I’ve painted it before as a tiny painting.
Slowing Down 9″ x 12″
Here is the second yield sign painting. Like the previous one, it is a scene from Mayerthorpe – the Alberta town where I grew up. I always wonder what people think of me photographing their houses and then painting them. I admit that I feel very self-conscious about pointing the camera at private residences, but I do it all the time.
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