Athabasca Foliage

Large 36 x 60 acrylic.
While painting the background waterfalls, I debated adding the front foliage as I liked the simplicity of all the water in front, and worried that I would lose the harmony and it would look disjointed. Finally I decided no pain no gain as I could always paint another. And instead of the typical green foliage I decided to add some punch. Totally opposite from the reference photo, I cooled the background and warmed the foreground.
reference photo:

Athabasca Stretch Video

large acrylic 36 x 60 inches
Now that I'm back in my studio and fresh from my visit to Jasper, I had to paint another Athabasca Falls! A big one. I took a bunch of stills with the intention of showing my process but instead of uploading 14 photos, I though I'd try my hand at a video. I hope you can open it. ( * update; Had to upload it from You Tube to be able to insert it here)  In my haste to make it, I'm sure you will forgive any grammar mistakes.

Back In The Saddle

acrylic 36 x 18 inches

Finally I'm in my studio trying to get into a rhythm. After a bit of an hiatus it's tough to get back in a routine and be disciplined. I did do a bit of plein air painting, some of which I was quite proud of and some not so much, but it was nice to get out.

This particular painting is a little different for me, and I wanted to try something different. I did use my trusty palette knife, but not as much, and did a lot more glazing...it has a little softer feel and I pushed the composition.
Reference photo below is from one of my walks along Bow River, and found  a calm offshoot pool of water. I debated about adding the fallen branches as pointers but felt it didn't need it.

Still Life Play

'Pub Present', acrylic 24 x 48 inches ( Click to see full view )
This was referenced from a flower arrangement some lucky girl received at our local pub. I loved the way the flowers were back lit with the light from the door shinning through. I managed to capture an image on my Iphone and adjust it a bit. I'm a little out of my comfort zone, but I really wanted to play and try some different things. ( I worked on a figure painting as well...but I'm not ready to show you that ) reference photo below:

Gus and The Victoria Gallery Paint In

I'm back from Victoria and had a fabulously relaxing time. This is 'Gus', apparently a regular visitor to the hotels' 2nd floor lounge. He sits on the sill, tapping the window to get your attention. Of course the staff do not encourage feeding him but they will turn a blind eye. He kept us amused and I couldn't help giving him some bread.

It was also a pleasant t surprise to be in town the same time as the  TD Victoria Art Gallery had their annual paint-In. 35,000 visitors and over 180 artists lined Moss street.  Entertainment, food and tons of demos, it was a nice way to spend the day. A few of the artists I knew and/or recognized. Liza Riehl, Deborah Tilby and Nicholas Pearce to name a few.

It was also nice to visit some of my favorite galleries ( Avenue, Madrona, Red, and the West End ), and of course a Victoria visit is not complete without a trip to Fisherman's wharf for some Fish and chips!

Stampede Is Finished For Another Year

'Naughty', 20 x 16 inches

Long days and a lot of work! Was it worth it? Yes, definitely. You cannot put a price on contacts and friendships. I could not have done it without the help of Mountain Galleries. Many Thanks to Wendy, John, Ben and Katlin who  put in a lot of hours tending my booth, not to mention the set up, take down, framing, marketing, delivering etc. And to Aimee who did a lot of work behind the scenes. I met a lot of my collectors for the first time, made new ones and developed many friendships. I had a wonderful partner in stone sculptor Loretta Kyle and would be honored to share a booth with her anytime. It was awesome to absorb my self in all the art and get to know many of the artists! I'm looking forward to next year!

It was also fun to paint on the spot and had sold three of them before the paint was dry! Another highlight was the Art Auction where I managed to win the 'Artists Choice' Award. Such and honor!  I meant to take more photos, but these will have to do. Yahoo!

It's Not All About Selling

Starting day 3 of 10 at the Calgary Stampede (  that's not including the set up or Stir-Up), and I'm still standing. The days go by very quickly, and for me, it's not all about the selling, although that is certainly a bonus. The camaraderie, meeting fellow artists and mingling with the public is very exhilarating and you can feel the energy. Even if I don't sell anything else, I know down the road, the payoff will be huge. I have a great team in Mountain Galleries behind me, and it takes the pressure off myself to sell. I can enjoy talking about my work and allow people to watch me in action. I am also sharing a booth with the talented Loretta Kyle and her husband Randy, who are both very sweet and helpful. There is a lot of 'down time', where I can socialize, view art and get some painting done.

Here I am with artist Sheila Warren and fellow Stampede Studio artist Shannon Ford. My roomy Loretta and my workspace.

Loretta Kyle and Linda Wilder At Stampede

Well, the booth is almost complete with the move in of my 'Roomy' Loretta Kyle. Check out her stone work here. Our space is bright and clean. It looks good. Make sure to come and join us this Stampede week in the BMO Center, Western Art Show in the Western Oasis.

Move In Day

Well today is the day I move into my Artist Studio at the Calgary Stampede Western Art Show. Most of my paintings are loaded in my vehicle and ready to go. The Stir-Up  ( pre- show for collectors, buyers, friends and family)  is on Wednesday and will an exciting evening with over 2000 guests.  here is a video showing the setup of the Western Oasis  video

  I just finished this little guy, acrylic 18 x 18 inches

Ewe'll Be In My Dreams

More Sheep! 'Ewe's Running Away' 20 x 40 inches and 'Shearly Ewe Jest" 36 x 36.
I'm not sure I'm done with these two yet but pretty close. I am done painting any more animals for a bit...but will be working on some small ones ( bears, roosters and cows) during my stint at Stampede.  A a couple of small landscapes and I'm done! Just in time for my company to arrive and set up on Monday!

Backward Glance

I can't believe how fast this little fellow came together. Acrylic 12 x 12.

It's almost crunch time and I'm scrambling to get all my paintings finished. I've been working really hard, putting in a lot of hours, and hopefully it will all pay off. I'm excited about my upcoming booth at Stampede and proud of the work I will be showing. I'm looking forward to chatting with people about my work, and seeing public reactions, as I don't often have that opportunity. Usually my painting go from my basement studio to the gallery...never to be heard of again ( until they sell :) ). If I sell any at Stampede that will be a bonus, if not Mountain Galleries will be happy they have tons more inventory. I'm also very thankful Mountain Galleries will be there to help and support me! They are handling promotions, selling, packing, framing, deliveries, setup and take-down...I don't think I could do it without them!

The Mooody Two's

Back to the animals. I have more cows, a bear and more sheep on the way.

I started the cows in River Rock and wasn't having a very good time with them. A few suggestions from friends and Brian, made them a little better but when I got home, I knew they had to change. They needed some punch and more contrast. Even though the color was close to the actual animals, it wasn't working for a painting. The painting below is how I left it at River Rock...but believe me it was worse. 'The Mooody Two's',acrylic 24 x 24

The bear just needed some details worked on. ( I borrowed a pose from a white spirit bear and made him a black bear) 'Smokey Bear', acrylic 20 x 30

Metamorphosis

Do you remember this painting? It sure has gone through a lot of changes. I thought I was done with it but something was really bothering me. I couldn't explain it.

 I'm trying to workout my cool/warm dominance in my paintings. Too much half and half. I've also noticed lately that I have a tendency towards blue. Stepping out of my studio, going to River Rock and watching Brian Atyeo's magic,  rejuvenated me to be bolder and loosen up.

This painting was too blue, too rocky and too boring...even after I added the red it was still too timid. I'm still not sure I'm done with it but I'm really liking whats happening!

River Rock Two

Here are two more landscapes I started at River Rock. A very productive but exhausting few days. I'm not used to painting all day and well into the late evening ( 3 or 4 broken hours is usually my limit), but I couldn't resist the artistic energy flowing through the rooms! Very motivating!

'I'm Head Over Heals", acrylic 48 x 24 and 'Athabasca Rush', acrylic 32 x 42.. I'm also including a couple of paintings Brian worked on. I am now the proud owner of the 'Salt Shack With Moon', painting.

River Rock

Acrylic, Creek-side Blaze, 24 x 30
A last minute decision, but I had a great couple of days in River Rock and managed to get get a lot of work done, during Brian Atyeo's Open Studio. It was so nice to see the Whistler girls again, and meet new friends. Lots of cows, horses, deer, and a magnificent Great Gray owl. Peaceful yet intense. I tweaked these landscapes when I got back to my studio. More to show and tell later.