Feb 18
Old Barn 18" x 14"
This barn stood on the acreage where I grew up. This was the run-down, worn-out condition of the barn when I was a kid, so I am sure that it no longer stands. I used two faded, old photos as source material.
Although some parts of the painting were challenging, I had fun remembering the many hours I spent playing and exploring in this yard and surrounding forest. And remembering the various animals – horses, pigs and barn cats – that lived inside.
Feb 5
Lupines, Jericho Park 10" x 8"
I had a bit of trouble with this painting but after sitting with it for a week, I don’t mind it so much. I often struggle with paintings where both the foreground and background are full of complicated shapes. I had to keep reminding myself to simplify and not to paint every leaf and blade of grass.
These lupines grow in a wild field in Jericho Park. In June, it is a lovely sea of purple and you can hear a steady buzz of happy bees.
White Horse - Tiny Painting, 3" x 3"
I would love to be running through a sunny field of flowers right now. During my run today, I experienced snow, hail, rain and wind. Is anyone else as ready for summer as I am? I guess I will just keep painting it until it arrives.
Jan 24
The Red Steps - 14" x 11"
My children and I walked by this house many times in the summer, on the way to a near-by playground. Actually, it is part of a row of townhouses. I imagine it must be fairly old, but I always admire how well-kept it is. The shutters, the siding, the flower pots, the garden and, of course, the red steps all looking their best in the hot afternoon sun.
Too often I see character houses such as these with development signs out front, soon to be demolished. If you see a strange woman rushing around the neighbourhood taking photos of old houses, it’s probably just me.
Low Tide 8" x 8"
I recently did a painting similar to this one at a smaller size (see it here). That painting was posted on Etsy, which gave rise to a message from a new client with a request to do a customized painting, as a gift for her mother.
The image reminded my client, Carrie, of the landscape where she grew up. She asked me if I would consider adding a hawk to the image, and explained the meaning behind it:
my grandma died when my mom was 5 or so. Whenever she sees a hawk, she feels like it is her mom keeping an eye on her and letting her know everything is o.k. Consequently, I now think of my mom when I see a hawk.
Knowing that this painting had a personal meaning to someone else made it extra special to work on. I hope Carrie and her mom enjoy this painting as much I enjoyed working on it.
Jan 14
Here are a couple more small paintings – 3” x 3”.
I gave away lots of little paintings for Christmas and I can’t seem to stop doing them. They do make perfect gifts!
Cat Nap 3" x 3"
As I painted this little cat, I kept thinking that I need to put more animals into my artwork. When I was younger, I drew only animals – cats and horses were my favourites. Below you’ll see a glimpse into my sketchbook from 1998. That seems like such a long time ago, yet I can still remember working on these drawings. Somehow my passion for filling up sketchbooks with animals has evolved into my obsession with capturing beautiful little scenes around me. If, in 13 years, I look back on the artwork I did today, I wonder what I will think. I wonder where it will take me?
Dec 3
North on Vine Street 8" x 8"
Now that it has sold, I can show you my submission to the Anonymous Show put on by the North Vancouver Arts Council. This is a street scene from my neighbourhood (although the house has now been painted red).
I would love to find out who chose my painting. Here is a look at the entire show:
Anonymous Show - North Vancouver. And there is my painting.
When I work on tiny paintings, I often do 2 or 3 at the same time. I have found that there is a large time investment for one, but to do an additional one or two does not add that much time to the process. For instance, if 1 tiny painting takes 2 hours to complete, I can probably finish a set of 3 in 2.5 to 3 hours. Of course, each painting does not come out the same. They share the same general colours and composition, but I try not to be too picky about making all the details match. Each one is truly an original. Can you spot the differences?
Low Tide - two 3" x 3" acrylic paintings
Snowed In - 3" x 3"
Walk in the Park - 3" x 3"
With all this cold rainy weather there’s not much to do but stay in and paint. Fine by me. These two tiny paintings are for sale on my Etsy page.
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