acrylic painting | Maxine Wolodko Artwork

Oct 10

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker 8″ x 8″ Available on Etsy.

When I look at the paintings I’ve completed over the past year or so, I notice a trend. I seem to be going back to the subject matter that I loved throughout my childhood and teens. Horses, pets, birds and wildlife. It hasn’t been intentional. They are fun, and one leads to the next until I have a series of animals.

It’s fun to compare the new to the old. This is a sketch from many years ago.

Sep 27

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.

Sep 18

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.

Sep 1

Grandma’s House

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.

Aug 23

Rusty

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.

Aug 2

Green Eyes

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.

Jul 19

Evening Ride

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.

May 16

Lily Leaves

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!

Apr 28