Thursday, February 27, 2014

Wooded Chroma












Acrylic 30 x 60 inches. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to tackle this one or how it would turnout. It was referenced from my walk along the Johnston Creek in Banff National Park. I was really drawn but all the colors in the under brush when the light hit it and the brilliant blues flickering through all the branches ( which stuck and clung to my hair). And the trees were amazing! I added more texture and there is a ton of layers. ( hard to see in the photo.) I still might play around with this one.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Along The Bank Of Vermillion












Acrylic 20 x 40 inches. This one was referenced from a recent walk along Vermillion Lakes in Banff. I love the warm colors against the cool snow and the spot of light. Below is my original reference photo along with the enhanced one.



Monday, February 24, 2014

Blazing Athabasca


















This 4 ft x 5 ft painting is a slightly different vantage point from other Athabasca Falls paintings I have done...not to mention the largest! I managed to get some wonderful shots the last time I was in Jasper...you really can see the rainbow colors. A spectacular waterfall!

 Here are a couple of my process shots...a simple drawing, blocking in and covering the white, palette knife rocks and a lot of brush, rag and knife for the water. I decided to takeout the foreground rocks...there were also trees in the photo....just trying to simplify and keep the focus on the water.







Saturday, February 22, 2014

The Roar Behind



















This is a large 4 ft x 5 ft painting based on a favorite smaller painting of mine. The gallery loves big paintings and is always hinting " that would make a lovely larger one". I keep meaning to, but never seem to get around to it. So I think I'll pick out a few more of my favorites and see how they translate into larger paintings. ( trying to keep the freshness and passion). Here also are a few process pictures.










Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Branching Out






















Acrylic 16 x 24, 'Branching Out'
I had a lot of fun experimenting with this one. I wasn't sure where I was going with it other than I wanted a warmer palette and not so much bold reds. I wanted a more abstract feel...one of the main reasons I like to get up close and personal with my subject matter...less 'postcardy.' There was a lot of negative painting, allowing me to sit and relax my back. ( I do love a chair with wheels that I can push back and observe )

Monday, February 17, 2014

Yes, I Did Two Paintings, Today









Yes, I did two paintings today. Some days I can't even do one. For such a small painting ( 12 x 18) this one turned out a little tighter than I would have liked. I was going to add trees and a warm foreground but I thought it would look way too busy and takeaway from the mountain. ( I just hinted instead.) Good decision, I think.

Cascading Moment






















 Today's effort, acrylic 24 x 24. "Cascading Moment"

 I wanted to play with my neutrals and also create a warmer atmosphere. Lately, maybe because it's Winter, my palette has been very blue, cool, and high key. I am also trying to stop before I get too detailed and fussy...you know the 'better to be 20% unfinished rather than 2% over worked', rule. This painting is 85% palette knife.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Magic Falls Study






















This is a small 12 x 16 study for a larger painting. It was reference from a small waterfall taken from The Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler. It was just an unnamed cascade on the side of the rails...it really could be a closeup of any small waterfall. I didn't want it to be a recognizable falls, I liked the abstract qualities, shapes and the blue shadows. This came together rather quickly...1 1/2 hrs.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Golden Threads


Acrylic 12 x 24,

My morning effort. I still want to explore the references I took while in Banff during my residency, seeing as I took hundreds of photos. I have two busy weekends coming up where I won't be able to paint at all. The deadline is fast approaching for the FCA Calgary Chapter show submissions and the Leighton Center Members show ( which I almost forgot about...again), so that's what I'm concentrating on for the next few days.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Commission Frustrations

















acrylic, 40 x 56 inches,
I felt a little rushed doing this commission.I had very little information about the clients desire, other than they wanted one based on a previous much smaller painting. I don't like to copy my own paintings and I like to have total artistic freedom, so I was a little frustrated and under a deadline. Was it the reds, the mood, the mountain, the season, my style, the mood? I really needed to know what was important to them so I could get a feel and try to inject some passion into the work. And, I wasn't convinced it would work on such a large scale. But, it's done now and I'm quite happy with it....I hope the clients are happy with it as well.

Below is the painting it is based on

My Little Treasures

I've started a collection of little 6 x 6 inch paintings. I thought I'd share with you. Most of these were bought online, and although I was a little hesitant, I've been very pleased with the service, shipping and quality of the works...and very reasonable and affordable prices. I am hoping to have a whole wall of these little gems.

'It's A Snap' and 'Reserved Parking' by Oregon Artist Nora Bergman                                                                                                               
























'Chrysanthemums On The Shelf' and 'Leisure' by  Massachusetts Artist Lisa Daria















'Point and Shoot', and 'Yesterdays News' by Calgary artist and friend Donna MacDonald





















'A Slice of Refreshment', by Artist Faith Te from the Philippines













'Split Shells' and 'Sugar' by Russian artist Elena Katsyua