Helliwell Walks, Golden Green

Helliwell Walks, Golden Greem, 30 x 30 ", oil on canvas

I was please with the clouds in this piece and the overall colour scheme so evocative of spring.

Neighbourhood, Pathways

Neighbourhood, Pathways, 24" x 24". oil on canvas
I wonder what is beyond that gate?  Like following Alice in Wonderland.......down the rabbit hole!

There is an element of that in most of these Neighbourhood pieces i am beginning to notice.  Not something i set about deliberately, just seeing what is happening.  The magic of making of art and the discoveries that come about from painting is what keeps me hooked..

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk Garden

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk Garden, 14" x 18", oil on canvas
I have a sign on my studio that says "KEEP IT LOOSE" reminding me not to get all tight and overworked.  This piece i feel i was successful in following my own orders.  (what is the magic trick I wonder?) ..i think i will label it "loosely precise".  Its the elusive thing that keeps me hooked on painting, (well among others)
I was going to keep this blog for my mini paintings, but they have kind of gone by the wayside as i am rather under the gun with upcoming show.  But am painting fast, so its almost like daily painting.

Neighbourhood, Iris Garden 2

Neighbourhood, Iris Garden 2, 11" x 14" oil on canvas
Ahhhhh back to the easel after a holiday break from painting, and a trip north to visit family and friends.  Thinking about the balance between doing the same thing everyday with the intention of improvement, like in the case of daily painters who paint and post everyday, and how while it seems like a good idea, i notice that whenever i take a break and come back to it, my painting somehow benefits.   It seems the same with other things, ie" a daily excersize routine, when does something good for you becomes in need of a "refresher"?, a new approach, something added or changed.?  What is the difference between habit and skill I wonder?  With painting, and maybe other things in life, good habits are a good foundation but must be examined regularly.  well so much for thoughtful musings..the weather beckons! sunshine!

Neighbourhood, Hedge

Neighbourhood, Hedge, 5" x 7", oil on panel, $100.00 + 10 s/h
I remember attempting this subject matter 20 years or so ago.  I wandered around Vancouver taking photos (pre-digital) and (pre-photoshop) of hedges, and houses, and gates etc.  And so its not entirely new to me, but resurfacing many years later.  Not sure why entirely, i think i just like the juxtoposition of natural and architectural form, and by such tight cropping really focusing in, neither taking prominence.

Golden Meadow

Golden Meadow, 30" x 60", acrylic on canvas, SOLD

I am posting some older pieces as my painting activity has stopped for the time, while i ready for my show opening Friday.  The garden pieces i painted sometime ago seem to be of interest lately.  I am also doing a smaller version of this as a commission.

Cowslips, San Juan

Cow Slips, San Juan
40 x 40, oil on canvas,  I am rather pleased with this painting.  It is kind of stylized, and painterly at the same time.  I have not really painted rock/bluffs before, so getting the colour right was a challenge.  Its really the same mix more or less i use for sand, grey, portrait pink, teeny bit of umber, and yellow.   I have a fond memory of a day spent in this place a few years ago, on San Juan Island, the light was so beautiful and hazy.  I remember it from 3 years ago. ( too bad my memory doesnt include more practical things) !

Two Daisy's

Two Daisy's, 6" x 6" oil on panel, SOLD

A return to a familiar theme of flowers gardens against the sky.  My favorite gardens are wild and kind of messy and energetic.  I am working on too many paintings at the moment for my tiny studio space!  which will only intensify as the season moves along..hmm sort of like a garden. 

Garden by the Blue Sea

Garden by the Blue Sea, 6" x 6" oil on panel
I was struck by the intense stripe of blue in the back ground. 

Show Hornby Community Hall

"Soft Sky and Garden"

"Soft Sky and Garden"

48" x 60" 2008

This painting is another "redo" It came back from the gallery and i could see where it could be improved. It was like painting a new painting with most of the work already done.! Wish they were all like that at ..

"Perfect Tangle"

"Perfect Tangle"

2007

25" x 65"

Another of my artist garden series...i wonder if my garden will be as paintable this year as i have not done a thing with it accept a bit of weeding