Artist in Residence

Painting at the Parkside Hotel

I recently had the pleasure of being the Artist in Residence at the Parkside Hotel in Victoria BC, Canada. I painted each day in the most beautiful studio ever, the lobby of the hotel, with floor to ceiling (three floors) windows, Koi ponds with a bridge and exotic tropical gardens and waterfalls. How lucky was I? 

I'm best known for my still life work, so although that is what I'm painting in the photo, I mostly painted west coast scenes,which was a lovely change of pace. I had a large gallery space just adjacent to where I was painting, which unfortunately didn't photograph well, so I don't have photos of that. Painting still life pieces from life requires choosing the objects and setting the scene with a single light source, as well as a lot a close observation and working on depicting form, volume, the drama of light and shadow - the reality. Painting land and seascapes allowed more freedom of creativity, combining photo reference, changing colours and basically having a whole of fun! Below is one of the paintings I completed. It was a combination of photos adding the water flowing down the sand to the shoreline, and I also played with colour and enhanced the reflections. I was pretty happy with the result.

Coastal Reflections  Acrylic  12 x 12

Artist in Residence

Oak Bay Artists Spring Studio Tour

Tour Brochure and Map available HERE.

Enjoy an afternoon walking, biking or riding the lovely streets of Oak Bay, as you visit the studios of Oak Bay Artists. I have developed a new studio which will be open to visitors. My Camino de Santiago series entitled "One Million Steps" is growing, (see below) and some new still life paintings also await. If you're in the area I hope you can drop by and say hi!

On 'The Way'   Oil   12 x 16

Oak Bay Artists Spring Studio Tour

Asian Themed Still Life

Eastern Elegance II  18 x 24  Oil

I love the Asian aesthetic and have painted many paintings with Asian inspired objects. Living on the west coast there is a lot of Asian influence and it's easy to find beautiful props in thrift shops or consignment stores. 

This was the first painting I did in my new studio inside my house, which I was still busy trying to figure out. I now have great lighting in the room, so I can easily paint at night time if I want to. The bulbs I purchased are Satco LED A19, 15.5W, and 5000K which provides full spectrum light. I can easily see the colours on my palette as well as on my canvas. Because I paint from life and try to have only one light source, I set up my still life in a black shadow box, with a spot light trained on the set up. I then taped some wide sheets of Aluminium foil attached to each other as one, from the ceiling, blocking the room lighting from hitting the still life set up. The shiny side is turned away from me, which is working, but I may change this to a dark fabric. I also have black out fabric curtains to avoid sunlight coming in when painting a still life, as I have a south facing studio. It's heaven to not have to set up and break down all the time, and to have all my reference books, magazines, props and painting materials all in one place!! What is the best thing in your studio that you're really happy with? 

Asian Themed Still Life

Old Stone and Cats

Siesta  Acrylic   SOLD

Here's another painting inspired by my walk across the north of Spain, on the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. I loved the old stone buildings that had stood for hundreds of years and been repaired many times with plaster. I also loved the hundreds of cats along the route, draped in the sunshine snoozing.

I really enjoyed painting this one. What was interesting, was that capturing the feel of the old stone required painting in the stones and then taking a palette knife and covering over some of them. Like stone repair with plaster. Sounds weird, but that's what really made the effect of old stone.

Old Stone and Cats

Painting the Drama of Light and Shadow

I recently taught a painting class called "Painting the Drama of Light and Shadow". A study of the time honoured method of Chiaroscuro. They were a terrific group of ladies, with a lot of talent! They were also hard workers who pushed themselves onto the next painting with enthusiasm. Here is a great group shot on the last night with a variety of different images. Some are complete and some are still in progress, but all are looking might fine!

Rita is working on her value underpainting, which is almost complete and she will be ready to start adding colour.

Catriona is painting liliacs, and learning to give the impression of clusters of flowers through value and texture.

Anita is enhancing her pears, which really glowed, through the application of multiple layers of transparent colour. They were good enough to eat!

I always enjoy teaching at Monterey Centre in Oak Bay and plan to be back next Fall with a fuller roster of classes. I hope to see there!

Painting the Drama of Light and Shadow

Oak Bay Artists Fall Studio Tour

Strawberries and Cream  Oil  8 x 10

Autumn Glow  Oil  8 x 8

Take Me Home  Oil  24 x 30

Welcome to my Studio! If you are in the Victoria BC, Canada area, my studio will be open Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th, from 12:00 noon to 4:30 pm both days. A studio tour is an excellent way to get to know the artist behind the art that you love. It`s an opportunity to learn about the artists inspiration and process, as well as some little stories about the painting (there are always little stories). There are many fine artists in the Oak Bay Artists Fall Studio Tour, exhibiting paintings, ceramics, fabric art, sculpture, wood craft, paper casting, and art cards. So gather your friends or family, and walk, bike or drive the studio tour! For an online Tour Map: www.oakbayartists.com

Oak Bay Artists Fall Studio Tour

30th Annual TD Art Gallery Paint-In

 Strawberries in a Jar

Cut Glass and Strawberries

10 blocks of Art. 30 years of fun!

Join us for THE art party of the year! Over 170 artists will demonstrate technique and engage with the public on Moss St. I will be demonstrating Painting the Effect of Glass. Be sure to stop by and say hi! I do not yet know my location but will let you know as soon as I do. Enjoy fabulous art, live music and great food and beverage from local vendors. All ages are welcome.

11 am - 4 pm Artists on Moss St.

10 am - 6 pm Gallery Open

6 pm - 9 pm Family-Friendly Beer Garden

Moss St. Victoria BC, Canada

See you at the Paint-In!

30th Annual TD Art Gallery Paint-In

A big thank you to all of the 35,000 art lovers who came out in droves to enjoy seeing local artists creating their art, along Moss St. in Victoria. Thanks also to my great helpers Liz and Pat and to my host house, (the home I was positioned in front of). You were all so helpful and especially the homeowners on Moss, who came to rescue with first aid! It was such a fun day visiting with lots of friends and meeting new friends who enjoyed my art.

Whether looking North or looking South, the crowd was thick and very friendly and enthusiastic!

This year there was a record 200 artists gracing the street and demonstrating their art form! Every art form you can think of was represented on Moss St. this past Saturday.

TD Art Gallery Paint-In

I'm looking forward to the TD Art Gallery Paint-In this Saturday July 16th, from 11:00 - 4:00 on Moss St., in Victoria BC. Over 35,000 art lovers roam the street viewing 120 artists demonstrating their art forms en plein air. If you are in Victoria, I will be located at Oxford St. and Moss St. and would love you to stop by and say hi! Below are a few of the small works I will be showing at the event. 

TD Art Gallery Paint-In

Porcelain and Pears

Porcelain and Pears   Oil   8 x 10  SOLD

This is another piece from my Eastern Aesthetic series of blue and white porcelain. It was a small work that I painted for my Studio Tour.  It was a popular piece over that weekend, and ended up going to new home. The lovely couple who bought it have taken painting classes from me, so I was very happy that it went to a good home with people I know and enjoy. Our paintings are almost like our pets! 

Porcelain and Pears

TD Art Gallery Paint In and Small Works Show

Bowl of Cherries  Oil  8 x 8  Available at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria's Summer Small Works Show

This past weekend was the Annual TD Art Gallery Paint In, the years biggest and most exciting art event in Victoria BC, Canada. This one day event covers about 1 kilometer of street, filled with artists on both sides, showing and demonstrating their work. About 140 artists were out painting, sculpting, creating pottery, mosaics and printmaking to name a few. This year I did not apply and loved being part of the public! I was able to visit all my friends, have a chat, enjoy the art and thread my way through the crowd. About 30,000 people took in the show. Below are some of my friends with their beautiful art and the last photo is the amazing throng of art enthusiasts.

Sandy Terry

Wendy Oppelt

Sharlene Stushnov - Lee

...and the AMAZING crowd!!! Victoria loves it's art!

TD Art Gallery Paint In and Small Works Show

Still Life with Pears

Where's the Brie?  8 x 8  Oil  -  Available at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Hello everyone! Yes, it's been quite a while since I posted. I'm at a very busy time in my life and I'm choosing what I can fit into each day, so unfortunately posting hasn't made the list lately, but let's see how I do over the next while. I have to say I've missed all of you supportive artists out there, and especially seeing what all of you have been producing. There is so much talent and beautiful artwork on your blogs. I especially want to thank Hilda Muxo who has kindly checked in on me more than once, to make sure everything was okay and to say she missed me. How special is that when we've never formally met?!

This small painting is one of three juried into the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria's Summer Small Works Show. There are over 80 local artists showing in all genre's and styles. It's always a wonderful show well supported by the art lovers of  Victoria.

My husband just retired, and to celebrate we are going on a two month trip including Hong Kong, Australia and Indonesia. I'm just in the process of trying to decide what to take for creating art while I'm there. Because we're going to be moving around and flying quite a bit, I'm thinking ink and watercolour in a sketch pad. I haven't done ink and watercolour in hmmm.....more than 30 years!! But that medium used to be one of my favourite means of artistic expression, so I think I'll try it out.

Still Life with Pears

Breezy Bay Farm

Breezy Bay Farm     Acrylic    24 x 36   $975

He everyone, it's been a few weeks since I last posted. I've been really busy getting ready for the Oak Bay Artists Fall Studio Tour, coming up this weekend November 15 and 16, 12:00 - 4:30pm. If you're in the area, be sure to drop to by and say hi! For an online tour brochure click here.

This past August my husband and I visited Saturna Island, a jewel of an island in the Salish Sea just a short ferry ride from Victoria, BC where we live. We stayed at a B&B called the Breezy Bay, pictured above. It's a working farm and the farmhouse we stayed in is the original family home from 1889. We just loved sitting on the big wrap around porch at the end of the afternoon, looking out over the orchard and vegetable garden, and watching the cows, geese, and osprey. Every day when we returned from our daily adventures we came upon this view of the farm, and on the third day, I said "Stop the car!". I just had get some reference material to remember this fantastic view.

I paint mainly still life, and although I love a landscape or architectural piece to switch things up a bit, all this green was a challenge! I find green is a particularly hard colour to mix accurately. 

I'm currently reading a book on the origins of paint, called Color - A Natural History of the Palette, by Victoria Findlay. It's a fascinating read with so many interesting stories to help you work any cocktail party with style! In the 1700's newly invented green paints and dyes became all the rage. Everything from clothing to furniture and wallpaper were done up in green. But unfortunately the green contained arsenic and it was a full 100 years of using arsenic filled green, before a researcher Henry Carr, spoke out, outlining deaths and illnesses as a result of the colour green, particularly in wallpapers. Carr pointed out that just two or three grains of arsenic would destroy the life of a healthy man, and that the country was producing 4,809 tons in one year. Most listeners were shocked and agreed with his call for an investigation. Then a Dr. Thudichum stood up and suggested that Carr was being alarmist. He said his eyes rejoiced at the beautiful bright arsenical paper, and when he looked at the abominable grays and hideous browns and dreadful yellows made without arsenic he could not help thinking that green is what he would like to see on his walls! 

Although we don't have arsenic in our modern paints, (I don't think), it's good to remember that you don't want to hold your paint brush in your mouth, or dry sand paints as there is still the possibility of health risks involved with paint. I remember years ago when I painted in watercolours, everyone in the class ended their painting session by putting their paintbrush in their mouths to bring it to a perfect point - until the instructor suggested that it wasn't best idea, and that Van Gogh, and Whistler could attest to that. :-) 

Breezy Bay Farm

Oak Bay Artist Fall Studio Tour 2014

It's almost that time again already! The artists are pretty busy painting, framing, firing and all sorts of other artistic activities. If you're in the area myself and all the other artists would love you to drop by and check out our latest works. Below is the poster for the tour featuring my friend Joanie's paper casting art cards. There is something for every art lover and every art lover's budget, from art cards, to paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and more.  Hope to see you!

Oak Bay Artist Fall Studio Tour 2014

Contemporary Still Life - The Golden Hour

The Golden Hour   Acrylic   30 x 30

Here is my second piece that I am honoured to have had selected into the prestigious regional annual show, The Sidney Fine Art Show. 

When selecting props and designing this painting, I had in mind the opulence and beauty of the still life paintings of the Dutch Masters. In 'The Golden Hour' I wanted to create a contemporary setting of opulence with draped damask, silver, glass, fruit and flowers. Inspired by Jan Davidsz de Heem, I discretely added some (what I consider attractive) insects, and one of the most beautiful subtleties from that time period, the reflection of a French pane window in the highlight of the vase. I usually paint in contrasting colours but opted for an analagous palette and some brighter contemporary lighting.

I attended the Opening Gala last night and so enjoyed seeing all my artist friends and viewing all the outstanding art on exhibit. It was truly a wonderful evening. 

The Sidney Fine Art Show is on October 17,18, and 19 at the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney BC. If you are in the area it will be a fantastic way to spend a rainy afternoon this weekend, or Saturday night is Meet the Artists and Local Samplings Night. As you view the art and chat with the artists, you can also enjoy samplings from our local wineries and cider makers. How great is that? Hope to see you there!

Contemporary Still Life - The Golden Hour

Still Life in Acrylic - The Sifter

The Sifter   Acrylic  11 x 14  SOLD

Available at the Sidney Fine Art Show

I have a collection of vintage goods along the tops of my cupboards in the kitchen. Some of the items are from my family and some were collected from various places over time. I've been eyeing the sifter for some time and decided one morning to create a still life with it. I remember as a child watching my mother bake and she always used a sifter for the flour. So this is a memory of baking day, way back when. This painting entitled 'The Sifter' is showing this upcoming weekend at, The Sidney Fine Art Show, October 17, 18, and 19, at the Mary Winspear Center, in Sydney BC. This is a regional juried show and an annual arts highlight of Southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. I'm really happy and honoured to have two pieces in the show. I'll post the second one later this week.

I've been painting mostly in acrylics for the last few months, as I'm teaching a painting class in acrylics. Over the summer I took a workshop with a fantastic artist, Janice Robertson,and learned how to properly use Glazing Fluid. This medium has opened up a whole new world of possibilities in acrylics for me. I glazed the pears and some of the shadows on the tea towel, but most of all I glazed the heck out of the sifter! I love how I was able to create such soft edged reflections in the metal. It's my new favourite medium!

Still Life in Acrylic - The Sifter

Cherries!

Paint a Cherry, Eat a Cherry   Oil   8 x 8  SOLD

This is the demo piece I painted from life during this Summer's TD Art Gallery Paint In. Several people passing by or stopping to watch, commented on my ability to refrain from popping a cherry in my mouth as I painted. It was the standing joke of the day, so I felt the name should reflect the humor.

I've just taken down my solo show in the Oak Bay Marina Restaurant, and hung another downstairs at the Marina Coffee House. It's such a busy, fun location and with our wonderful Autumn weather, a great place to sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy the view.

The Oak Bay Artists Society has a group show that I'm participating in, at the Community Arts Council Gallery, at Cedar Hill Recreation Center. If you live in the area, drop by and enjoy the shows! You may even find something you'd love to take home with you!

Cherries!

Paint in the Park

I recently participated in a fund raiser for the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria. A group of Victoria's artists came out and painted en plein air in the park behind the CAC and offered their paintings up for auction with the proceeds going to the CAC. It was a really fun and rather challenging day, as I hadn't painted en plein air for a long time. It's quite humbling to go out in the great outdoors, and try to edit the scene down to an 8 x 8 canvas. My first piece was the only one I was happy with - a painting of McCrae House, which is a bit like a still life. The second was a landscape which was so bad I wanted to throw it like a frisbee as far away as possible, but I don't pollute, so instead I threw it face down on the grass under my easel so no one could see it! Below are some of the scenes and my auctioned painting.

This is the one painting that I was pleased with from my day, and it sold! This is McCrae House, an historical house on the park grounds behind the Community Arts Council. I went into the shade of a big tree, and sat my painting on a compost box in order shoot the picture. It has a bit of glare but you can get the idea.

There are some lovely Garry Oak groves in the park, with paths leading through and on to the golf course. The CAC staff came around regularly in golf carts offering us chairs, cold bottled water, and transporting people who wanted to view the paintings in progress out around the park.

I loved the light glowing warm through the trees here, but didn't select this view to paint. I may paint it in the future.

And here's a view of the golf course with a row of tall elm trees. I thought with a few compositional adjustments, this could have been a nice painting.

Paint in the Park

Art Critic Review & Paint in the Park

Lemons and Lace II

I'm very excited to announce that today a review of my artwork appeared in the Victoria Times Colonist Newspaper. To view the article click here.

Paint in the Park

Also, many of Victoria's well known plein air artists will be gathering on Saturday September 13th for a Paint in the Park fund raising event for the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria. The artists will all be assigned a position along the beautiful Cedar Hill Park & Trail behind the Cedar Hill Recreation Center. We will be painting from 11:00 to 4:00pm and during that time,  completed paintings will be picked up regularly and exhibited, ready for the silent auction. You can also walk the path and get a sneak preview of the pieces being painted. Starting at 5pm a wine reception and silent auction will take place, with the paintings starting under $50 and increasing in $5 increments with each bid. It's the perfect opportunity to collect a small piece or two by leading Victoria artists, have a fun afternoon with your friends, and at the same time help raise money for the Community Arts Council, which works tirelessly on a volunteer basis, to support the artists of Victoria. Hope to see you there!

Art Critic Review & Paint in the Park

Bowker Creek Art Show & Sale

Yesterday, August 10th, was the 10th Annual Bowker Creek Art Show & Sale in Oak Bay, Victoria, BC. It was a beautiful warm sunny day, with no wind! When you live on an island, no wind is a blessing. The art enthusiasts came out in droves and helped celebrate the arts in many forms. From paintings to pottery, stained glass to wood turning, sculpture to photography, the 35 artists demonstrated their art forms and interacted with the public. As you can see from the photos below Bowker Creek is a wonderful venue for an art show, with huge leaf canopies creating cool shade, and lovely dappled light along the banks of the creek. 

Thanks to everyone who came out and showed so much enthusiasm for the arts, and great interest in the process of our art making. Thanks also to those who participated in the public art piece. It was a lot of fun seeing people making their mark for the first time ever.

Many thanks to all the artists who volunteered to make this event such a success. Everyone involved helped in some way to make the day happen, and as Joanie says, "It takes a village...". 

Bowker Creek Art Show & Sale