Illustrious Athabasca

acrylic 48 x 48

A commissioned piece from a couple in Ohio.They had bought a large painting of mine while on vacation, and have it hanging in their living room. After viewing their holiday photos they decided to commission me for another painting. The photo of Athabasca Falls held great memories of the beauty they experienced in the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper. I was only too happy to paint it for them. I hope they like it.

Entanglement

'Entanglement' acrylic 18 x 24

I did another revisit of an old painting (probably it's fifth time). I left this one alone because the stretcher frame is slightly warped. If get it framed, will it correct/solve the problem? If I think the painting is worth the effort,I will just get it re stretched.

Efflorescent

Acrylic 24 x 30

Having some fun experimenting and playing...its good for the soul.And it's something a little different for me,floral and abstract. Unfortunately it doesn't photograph too well...tons of transparent layers and textures.And, yes I have drips! I don't think I'm quite done with this one yet.

I was trying correlate some of the things I learned in the Brian Ateyo workshop ( I'm doing another one in June) and think about my submission into the Leighton Art Centre which is asking for works that are large, contemporary,abstract and/or modern.

By Moffat Falls

acrylic 18 x 24

This was not easy. The reference was from a photo by Paul Duffy. He graciously allowed to paint it, although I hardly did his beautiful photo justice and took many liberties. Thanks Paul! ( he doesn't have a website, but you can view his photos on    facebook photos     Moffat Falls is near Williams Lake BC.

The colors were a little different for me and my canvas was toned with a wash of Alizarin Crimson instead of my usual red iron oxide.

Bank Of The Creek

Acrylic 20 x 40 inches

Again this was referenced from the same photo as my other Fitzsimmons creek  ( Whistler) paintings. It really could be anywhere though, so I hesitate to tie it down by putting the name 'Fitzsimmons' in the title.

FCA Calgary Demo

both acrylic 16 x 24 inches,

I was asked to do a demo for the Calgary Branch of the Federation Of Canadian Artists at our last meeting. It was a great exercise, to help handle my nerves and gain more experience at doing this sort of thing. Only having an hour, and with my style of painting, it was impossible to complete one...but I did start two.As an intuitive and spontaneous painter,it was difficult for me to get 'in the zone' while having 30 people watch and ask questions.And even though I was not happy with the results, it was an exhilarating challenge and I think my method and painting process was evident. I worked another 4 hours in my studio to complete the two paintings..

Vitality

acrylic 36 x 48 inches

It took awhile to finish this one.I really wanted to capture the translucent quality of the water. I used a lot of transparent layers and veils...there must be a trick to doing this. Although the reference photo was of Fitzsimmons Creek,in Whistler and under a bridge....it really is nondescript and could be located anywhere.

Shannon Falls Study

acrylic 15 x 30
I really thought this one would come together much easier but I struggled with tone and color. I'm doing a demo on Tues for the FCA Calgary chapter and was going to paint one similar to this. I may have to rethink that. Based on Shannon Falls ...I took many liberties.

Parente's Chase Creek Falls

Parente's Chase Creek Falls
acrylic 18 x 24 inches

Sometimes you come across a photo that's not your own but it really moves or 'speaks' to you. Such was the case when I first saw the photo of Chase Creek Falls by Fred Parente. I really wanted to paint it and he was kind enough to respond to me quickly.  So thank-you Fred Parente. Now you know the reason for my title. His Blog  Fred Parente

I see a few minor changes I need to make though.

Under The Bridge

'Under The Bridge', acrylic 18 x 36

In Whistler, BC. Fitzsimmons creek running through the town. The weather was nice as I walked along the creek and under the bridge to the other side.I shot tons of reference material. ( although from my perspective this could be any river/stream anywhere.) This one is my test run before I tackle my more 'up close' approach and larger canvas tomorrow.

Winter At Fitzsimmons Creek,Wistler

acrylic 12 x 24

This was referenced from a trip to Whistler last winter. We also visited in the summer. It's so full of life and beauty...so much to do and see, no matter the season. Expect more paintings of Whistler ( the gallery desperately needs stock...most of my work is in Alberta). Hopefully we'll visit again in 2013.

New Years Painting

First painting of the new year. Acrylic 18 x 36 inches.
I'm not quite finished with this one...it needs a little refining and a few more details. Happy New Year everyone. I know I'm looking forward to a very productive and creative year.