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!