acrylic painting | Maxine Wolodko Artwork

Nov 16

Three Chickens

Chickens – triptych 10″ x 30″

Chickens are such funny little animals, yet they always look so serious. They can also be frightening. Just ask my brother who was once traumatized by our Grandma’s rooster. He learned that roosters can run faster than little boys and he didn’t escape without a scratch or two.

In other news:
I have several paintings on display at the Port Moody Art Centre until the end of December. I had a great time at the opening last night and met so many nice people. A big thank you to the organizers, staff and fellow artists at the Port Moody Art Centre.

Fun at the Port Moody Art Centre.

Nov 8

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Tiny Gifts

Tiny Paintings 3″ x 3″

‘Tis the season again for tiny paintings. It’s fun to do these 3″ x 3″ canvases any time, but they are very handy to have around during the Christmas season. In the next few weeks I will be focused on cranking out lots of these. If you think anyone on your Christmas list might like one, please get in touch!

Oct 16

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A Friendly Face

It’s hard to resist a friendly face like this. We made friends instantly.

Oct 6

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Change of Scenery

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!

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Sep 3

International

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

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What’s My Style?

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.

Jul 28

Summer slow down

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 14

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An Unexpected Problem

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 19

Slowing Down

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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May 5

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Yield

This is the first of two paintings I’m working on that prominently feature a yield sign. As I’ve worked on these I have been thinking and wondering – what is it about the yield signs? Why do I feel compelled to paint them?? I love the splash of red, but it’s more than that. I am not drawn to stop signs in quite the same way. I do, however, have the same attraction to power lines and light poles – they make a painting more interesting somehow.

Yield sign #2 should be completed next week.

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