Victoria Falls Study

 

Acrylic, small 12 x 16
A study for a large 4 x 5 ft canvas. This is Victoria Falls above Lake O'hara in Yoho National Park,BC.

Untitled Tangle Falls

acrylic 24 x 24

There was a Friday night reception, an art talk/tour by the hotel historian, a Mountain Gallery presentation/slide show and a demo for the guests who signed up for the spa/art package during my stay as the artist in residence.

I did a short demonstration of the techniques I use for my animals, and then started a demo of Tangle Falls. I usually start my paintings with the palette knife in a very loose,painterly and abstract way,before I start to refine and add detail. The guests had a hard time seeing where I was going until, I rushed the demo a little, and added some lights of the waterfall. I promised I would post the final painting on my blog without naming it. The guests wanted to have that privilege. Below is where I ended my demo.

Creek Surprize

'Creek Surprize' acrylic,30 x 15 inches

Walking along fenland trail in Banff, the sun lights up the dogwood with brilliant shades of red. I took a lot of artistic liberties in making the dogwood bushes have red leaves, But it was the mood and the contrast I was most interested in capturing..

More from my Banff Residency

acrylic 24 x 28 'Almost Melted,Lake Louise.

Dogwood At Vermillion, acrylic 20 x 24

Light Along Echo Creek

acrylic 24 x 24

My first piece painted at the Fairmont Banff Springs residency,in conjunction with Mountain Galleries. Monday I painted in the extra display area close to the gallery and had real good traffic flow and a lot of questions. ( I sold a painting that day)

 Having never stayed at the hotel,it was an incredible  experience, and I felt quite special. I managed to get lost several times, with all the staircases,stone walls,halls and entries, it really was like a maze.It was fun to explore. It was nice to try the different restaurants...my favorite being the Italian 'Castello'. Although they were all so good! So much for the diet.

The spa was one of the biggest surprises for me. I didn't realize how huge it was! Two levels containing three waterfall pools,large mineral pool, inside and an outside hot tubs,steam and sauna rooms and private treatment rooms. A unisex lounge with wonderful views and comfy couches and loungers.Magazines,flavored water, snacks and a food menu. A woman's only lounge,hair salon and make-up/accessories shop. And of course the men's and ladies huge change/shower/locker rooms with robes and slippers and all the spa quality shampoos/conditioners and gels.

My room was awesome! You walk in to a small foyer with closet,ahead is the living room area with a computer area,couch and chairs,fireplace, TV and two large windows both with incredible views. To the right was a large bathroom with two sinks. Just beyond was the bedroom, with two queens,dresser, TV and another large window with another breathtaking view. It was real nice having two rooms and not feeling like you were living in your bedroom.














This is what I woke up to each morning.First one is the view from the living room and then the view of Rundle from the bedroom.

Off to Banff

'Look Me In The Eye' acrylic 12 x 12

For a week, I'm Queen of the Castle in the mountains. I'm off to Banff for an artist in residence program at Banff Springs Hotel. A week great food a relaxing suite,soothing spa, an artist cocktail reception, a presentation with demo and painting to my hearts content all week. Oh and just a note to save the date for my solo show with the opening APRIL 6TH...I'll have more news on that later

I'm taking this little fellow with me along with 5 other canvases of bears completed in various stages to demo and show my process. I'll be painting landscapes throughout the week at various locations around the hotel. So, if you are in town, come find me!

Glassy Echo Creek

This mornings effort. acrylic 30 x 30

Echo Creek 2

 





















acrylic 24 x 24

I'm having a good day! Two paintings that I'm quite pleased with...I like the direction I'm going.What a difference a day makes.I think as artists, we all go through this dichotomy. I see now that I need a few adjustments to both paintings,but over all a very productive day.

Echo Creek In Banff

acrylic 24 x 16 inches.

This one came together quite nicely and quickly too. I'm liking the feeling and will be doing more along this line. 95% done with a palette knife and some glazing with a rag.

After struggling a bit with my other two, I thought I'd introduce some water and take an inspirational look at two of my favorite artists. Studying their work always get my creative juices flowing. They reminded me be to be more carefree,keep it fresh and stop before I got boggled down with detail.   Lynn Boggess website and Tibor Nagy website. If either one gave workshops I'd be there in a heartbeat.

Red Osier

acrylic 16 x 24

It took me awhile to find the name of these brilliant shrubs...Red Osier Dogwood. Wonderful red color in the winter, contrasting with the snow. From deep Burgundy to bright cad red light depending on the reflecting sunlight. I love these bushes. These last two paintings on the other hand, have been a  bit of a challenge.....I'll need to paint several more before I'm satisfied and feel more comfortable.

Sparkle When You Walk

acrylic 24 x 24

Just one of many I hope to paint from my wonderful trip to Banff in February. A balmy 6 degrees and I walked Policeman's creek in Canmore,Fenland creek loop in Banff, and the awesome sunrise over Mt. Rundle at the Vermilion lakes.I took around 900 photos and found many plein air spots I'd like to try.
Hmmmm...will have to re photograph this one...just doesn't do the justice to the painting.