Bonnie Heather's Art Blog

My student's amazing painting...

2012-02-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Wednesday morning is special. It's the day I have a couple ladies come to my home for a time of fellowship and painting. It's nothing formal, I just help them past any obstacles they encounter while we paint. I feel a little guilty charging them, since I have so much fun, but they insist that I'm teaching them lots of new things. Below is the latest painting by L. Enns. She is improving by leaps and bounds. This painting is wonderful don't you agree?

Amazing

by L.Enns

The two accepted pieces...

2012-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Here are the two paintings that were accepted in the Brew Gallery show in Vernon.

"Only Joy"

"A Gift of Love"

Brew Gallery: ROUGE! Opening Reception THURSDAY FEB 9th

2012-02-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is where I'll be next Thursday! Please come if you're in the area. I'll have my two paintings on display.

Brew Gallery: ROUGE! Opening Reception THURSDAY FEB 9th: The Brew Gallery is transformed with a celebration of 'ROUGE! and all it's multi-faceted incarnations. Love, emotion, fire and life exhibition!

I'm on schedule...

2012-01-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

Four and a half of 32

The top panel is deep aqua marine blue with a black tree line at the bottom

Hi everyone, I've had some quality painting time this past week. In order to have my BIG painting ready for Art Walk, I need to finish four squares a month. So far I'm on schedule even though I quit for a while to complete a painting for Valentine's day. I used my new painting for my profile picture on face book and for the rest of you, I'll post it here in a couple days. Stay tuned...

I hope everyone is enjoying the season.

Hugs to all.

Drawing practice...

2012-01-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

I mentioned before that I've resumed my lessons on drawing. It's a struggle. Sometimes I think my perception is just plain out of whack. I notice this all the time in my painting whenever I use a grid to check. There is always one line that just doesn't line up like I thought it would. Sigh...

They say practice makes perfect but sometimes I have my doubts. In the meantime, I'm working on a self portrait... I didn't want to draw someone else because the final drawing would probably hurt their feelings. I will keep drawing a few times a week but the most of my time will be spent putting paint to canvas and enjoying this wonderful life. Have a great day, everyone.

Self portrait practice

a long way from being finished

Boy, is it cold outside...

2012-01-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Brrrr... Our area is in a deep-freeze. This is a great reason to stay home and paint. Below are the first three panels toward the BIG one. The top panel will be almost straight Ultra Marine Blue that's been darkened a bit. I didn't show it because I ran out of that colour just before it was done. If it warms up and I venture outside, I'll go to the store and pick up some more paint. Then I'll post the whole first side of the 4 foot x 8 foot painting.

Meanwhile I've also been working on a large painting of some Black-eyed Susan's. They're one of my favourite flowers. The trouble I'm having with this project is that I wanted to make it a little abstract with very pale colours.... I couldn't do it. So now I'm busy painting over all the flowers in a more realistic colour...not exact but far from abstract. I guess I'm an impressionist at heart. I'll post it soon... I hope.

Have a great week.

Zip...

2012-01-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

Zip... this week is gone. Wow. The first half of January was great. I finished the second panel in my BIG painting and started number three. I'm back on track with my drawing practice and I'm planning my next art challenge.

This week I held a birthday lunch for my brother, Art, who turned 48. He is such a great guy, I love making a fuss over him. The cake I made him was like a chocolate eclair in a pan. Oh my goodness, it was delicious. I sure would have like some of Myra's coffee to go with it.

I spent a lot of time experimenting with another painting I started last fall. Nothing has worked yet to bring it out of it's dull boring state but I'll give you a peek at it next week and maybe ask for your help. For now, I'll just add a photo of the second panel and get back to the 30 more to go.

panel #2

30 to go

One down...31 to go...

2012-01-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm working on a eight foot painting, one square foot at a time. The first of 32 square foot panels is below. If I can't finish it maybe I can sell each piece as an abstract. :)

One foot square

This is my photo reference for the complete painting. I'm hoping to keep up a schedule of one square a week. Oh why do I do this to myself... :D

The first painting finished in 2012.

2012-01-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

Oh the fun... I've already finished a painting that I put aside last fall because I had other priorities. It was nice working on this bright colourful fall scene and even more exciting to see it finished.

12"x12"x1.5" galley wrapped canvas with painted edges

oil

no title yet

My art class started up again and it reminded me how much I enjoy having other artists come to my home. It's a great time of fellowship and painting together.

Last year I painted a 6'x4' piece, one square foot at a time. This year I'm going to tackle a 4'x8' the same way. The size is intimidating but I can do it... I hope. I'm almost finished the first square which I'll show you on my next post. In the meantime, enjoy all your new beginnings.

Hugs.

Goals for 20012.

2012-01-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

I love the start of the new year. I deliberately slack off in December, partly to enjoy the holidays but mostly so that by January I'm itching to get back painting. By the first, I have new paintings planned, canvas bought to last for several months and all sorts of ideas for my students to try on Wednesday mornings.

The fact that my sales doubled this year is very motivating but nervousness sets in quickly. Can I do it again or will this year be a dud? I take a deep breath and remind myself... I do it for the pleasure of it, sales are just a bonus.

I always build some kind of self improvement into my new schedule. This year I've returned to my books on drawing that I started working through last January. I kept it up until May before it got dropped in the rush of busyness. I can see by this first practice drawing that my skills have rusted since then... but I will persist.

It's supposed to be an onion.

The new year begins!

2011-12-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

I know... I've been slack at posting...but it has been the holidays :)

There have been numerous parties and a couple of gallery receptions and just the fun of family around at this great time of year. Those are my excuses and I love them.

Below is the last of the paintings that I did in front of the congregation. It was done on Christmas Eve so I had more time to paint since there was a lot more worship time than normal. Doing these quick paintings in front of a crowd has been great fun. I hope I get a chance to do it again.

I hope you have a wonderful 2012 that is filled to overflowing with great joy.

The theme was love...

2011-12-22T16:29:00.001-08:00

Christmas seems to be coming together. One more painting to do on Christmas eve then the celebration.

Another Sunday quick paint. Jesus died for us. What awesome love. This is more Easter than Christmas but I painted what came to mind when I thought about love. All my other paintings will have to wait for the new year.

Are you as busy as I am?

2011-12-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

Are you as busy as I am? Time is whizzing by... only five days left! My unfinished paintings have been stored away 'til the new year and all my supplies taken out of the diningroom. The tree is up and decorated but the Christmas village is still in the box. I haven't bought the turkey yet but I've managed to bake several dozen cookies of three different varieties.

The best part about all this busyness is that I'm quite relaxed and enjoying the whole Christmas adventure this year. I think painting in church during worship time has added a new excitement to this holiday. I spend time all week long, thinking about what I can paint that best represents, to me, the theme of the service. I should spend this much time reflecting on the service all year round. But alas, without the added incentive, my mind doth wander.

The theme for this painting was light.

Another quick painting

2011-12-10T08:48:00.001-08:00

The picture below is the one I painted quickly at church last Sunday. I had four songs during which I could paint at the beginning of the service. Then I sat down and realized I had the wing coming out of the top of his back, almost like it was pinned on. Fortunately there was a song at the end when I could get up and fix it.

It was a beautiful experience being able to paint with a live band while they lead worship. I get really nervous in workshops because people see what I'm painting but this is completely different. I feel bold and energized. It doesn't even matter how the painting turns out because I'm enjoying myself so much.

I'm glad I can do this again for three more weeks.

A poem for my painting

2011-12-03T10:26:00.001-08:00

The person who bought my Triptych presented me with a poem she wrote. It's a beautiful piece of writing that tells what the painting "Ribbon of Life" means to her. I feel very honoured.

She also invited me to a party at her home and introduced me like I was a celebrity. Wow.

Here's her poem:

Ribbon of life unravels

hues-textures-miles

snag

Road Block-Darkness

somewhere snatches of light

hopeful brightness emerging

edged with receding blood

healing

cut ribbon seeks uniting

somewhere bleeding continues

ribbon of life uplifting

lighting the way ahead

future

is in our hands

somewhere road block melts

by Estelle

Painting can be Worship

2011-11-29T11:07:00.001-08:00

I was asked if I would paint, at the front of our church, during worship. Yikes! I said okay, and they told me the theme of the service would be "Joy" and to paint what brings me joy. That would be pansies of course. I just have to look at them and I smile. Unfortunately, the person organizing the event, called the night before the service and said they had made a mistake and the theme would be "Hope" not "Joy".

I love change, but I'm not good at painting something I haven't given a lot thought to and I'm definitely not a painting-a-day artist. Hmmm... Pansies are one of the first garden flowers for sale in the spring. To me they say that winter is over and the warm summer breezes will soon be here. I think that Pansies are a perfect symbol of hope. I'm not sure if anyone else caught that but it didn't matter. I had a wonderful time painting to the awesome worship music coming from the band on stage and I look forward to doing it every Sunday of advent.

My ten minute Pansy. I posted it at a distance so you see what the congregation saw and not the sloppy details up close. 16"x20"acrylic on stretched canvas.

Lake Country Art Gallery: Current Exhibition - Annual Under 100 Show and Sal...

2011-11-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Lake Country Art Gallery: Current Exhibition - Annual Under 100 Show and Sal...:

This is a really neat show. I have seven Pansy paintings available for $65.00 each. Meet me there and I'll buy you a coffee.

I'm so excited!

2011-11-21T09:36:00.001-08:00

Things are starting to get busy. It's that time of year. I love the energy that starts to build before Christmas. There are craft sales going on all over the place. It's so much fun wandering around all the pretty booths with their hand crafted items. I always try to drag my family along so I can suggest what I'd like for Christmas. With it being so long until the 25th of Dec. I often forget what I hinted for and have such wonderful surprises when the day comes.

I also want to announce that I sold another big painting. I've been calling it "Life's Journey" but the collector asked if she could rename it "The Ribbon of Life". Of course I agreed even though the other name is written on the back.

"Ribbon of Life"

Tryptic 60"x 20" on gallery wrapped canvas

My goal has always been to increase my yearly sales by 5 to 10%. The sale of this painting brings this years sales to double that of last year. I'm so excited I could burst!

It's not a painting.

2011-11-14T09:36:00.001-08:00

Oatmeal Bread

I know, it's not a painting but I like to think of it as a work of art. Now that the pansies have been delivered and I don't have any shows booked for a while (besides the virtual kind), I thought I'd ignore my painting schedule and do some baking. I'll still be painting but not as often until the new year when I'll get back on track and be more productive. Fortunately, I'll still have my classes every Wednesday morning. Even though I'm teaching, it's a fun time and I actually get some quality painting time in as well.

I haven't baked any cupcakes for Myra yet but it's on my schedule.

Lots of Pansies

2011-11-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

The "Under 100 Show" is fast approaching. I hoped to have eight pansies available but seven will have to do. I love seeing them all laid out together...they look so colourful. In my photo you will notice a pair of Red Shoes. They are in honour of Myra and her "Red Shoe Day" series of paintings. Go look at her blog and enjoy her amazing imagination and her colourful chairs.

PS. I know I said seven pansies. One of the above is a gift to a Special Niece who has shown exceptional courage in the past year.

Pansy #12

2011-10-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

P.S. This is just a little update to this post... This Pansy is #12... That's the last of my personal challenge for my flower box series. Hmmm what to do next? Chairs like Myra or cups like Janett Marie? Maybe I'll keep doing pansies until the new year...

Don't you love it when things go well and you accomplish everything you planned? It's been one of those weeks for me. I finished my Pansy, faded the background in my big Black-eyed Susan painting, started a batch of peach wine and cleaned the chandelier lights in the hallway. I even went canoeing and hope to go again in November...just to say I did. :)

Here's the latest pansy. As usual it is 6"x6"x1.5" on gallery wrapped canvas. It will be included in the juried, "Under 100" show that I, happily, was accepted into.

The difference in colour

2011-10-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Fall in British Columbia is different than it is in Ontario, where I grew up. The fall colours here are deep green with brillant yellows. At first I missed the reds and oranges that I was used to back east but eventually I grew to appreciate the unique fall beauty of the West. The picture above is from my living room window. I love this view even though the trees have taken over my glimpse of the lake.

I feel extra blessed though when I look out my kitchen window and see the view below. The resort I live in has planted maple trees along it's streets. I now have red and orange leaves right outside my door just like it is back east. The photo doesn't show it well but take my word for it... the colours are rich and beautiful.

I hope if you have autumn where you are that it is filled with abundant beauty and joy.

My VIP mention for this post is the Art Biz blog. It's a great blog to help to help with your questions about promoting your art.

It's a beautiful day in the Okanagan Valley

2011-10-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today the sun is shining and the temperature is sitting at 20 degrees in the shade. It feels like it's my last chance to tuck in the garden and tidy up outside before retiring to the indoors for the long cold winter. Did I mention, I'm not a winter person. I love autumn sweaters and kicking my way through fallen leaves but I do not enjoy winter boots and icy sidewalks. Soooo... today I will go for a walk, wash my outside windows, fill the bird feeders and enjoy life to the fullest. I may even paint another pansy.

This is a small palette knife painting I did to demonstrate using impasto medium during my painting class. I painted a dark glaze over top and then rubbed it off in the center. Not too great a painting but lots of fun to create.

VIP mention for today is Potter's Addict. It's a wonderful place to create and buy some awesome pottery. The place is run by a great artist with a great name... why not drop by and visit another Bonnie. Tell her I sent you. :)

Thanksgiving is over-time to get back to painting...

2011-10-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Our Canadian Thanksgiving is over and now to lose those pounds that remind me how good it was. I really do love turkey and all the trimmings. :)

I didn't accomplish a lot of painting this week but I did finish another pansy. I painted this one before and since it sold I decided to try again. I'm really pleased with how it turned out this time. Sorry the photo has so much shine, it's a rainy day so I didn't have enough natural light and had to use a flash. This one won't be put in a juried competition so I'm not taking to time to make the photo perfect. It's the same as the rest: 6"x6" on gallery wrapped canvas. I painted it using water soluble oils.

I'm looking forward to my class tomorrow. I think there is a distinct possibility that my students will create better paintings than I do... I'm glad to have them in my art group.

My VIP mention today is Michael Godfrey. He paints scenes that I love. Awesome artist.

It's a good time to paint flowers.

2011-10-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

The fall rains have come to the Okanagan Valley. By this time of year we're usually quite happy here to have the hills and trees watered. I love our desert climate but not to the point where everything is on the verge of becoming a wild fire. That said, I'll spend my time painting indoors and praise God for the rain.

I finished another pansy. This one is those little ones I call johnny-jump-ups. Aren't they cute!?

My VIP mention for today isn't a specific artist but a really interesting blog about art/artists. It's called Making a Mark. Go visit them.

Back to routine, and it feels good...

2011-09-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I'm diligently working at my pansy collection, hoping to be ready for the Christmas shows. Here's the one I'm working on. These are those cute little ones that come back to us every spring.

It's amazing how a change in background colour can make a difference. Take a peek at my last blog post to see the difference in the one below. I think I'll buy some of these for my garden next year... so unique.

My VIP mention today is another blogger who doesn't post often but when he does, it's really interesting. Go see Larry Kassell's art blog.

A painting in process and one that sold...

2011-09-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. It's so nice to be back to a routine. My next pansy is well under way. My art class has gessoed three canvas's: one smooth, one textured and one sculpted and I'm making progress on the painting of some black-eyed Susans (I'll post a picture after I make some more progress).

This orange pansy is a unique colour but it doesn't have the happy face the others do. It's much brighter in the painting. Still a bit to do.

Another painting that sold at Art Walk.

My VIP mention for this week is by Leo the Toucan... yep, you read right. He writes a great blog about Martine Alison's art. The original is in french and the translation isn't perfect but I'm sure you will still enjoy.

My latest pansy.

2011-09-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

September has always been the month when I get back on track. The lazy days of summer are over and it's time to get reorganized. This year I thought I might have to wait until October. It's the 19th and I'm just getting back on a schedule today.

Did it ever feel good to get in a morning of painting and drawing practice. I finally finished a pansy I started a couple months back (except for my signature) and reviewed my drawing lessons to remember what it was I had learned in the spring. This afternoon I'll prepare for the painting lesson I'll teach on
Wednesday morning and review what's needed to enter the "Under 100" show that's coming up at our local gallery.

6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

$65.00

I want to mention a special guest who stopped by my booth during Art Walk. Dennis Weber is an amazing artist but I think his real passion is playing the flute. When he stopped by my spot during the show, I noticed he had his flutes with him. I was so pleased when he offered to sit a play a while.

Lessons anyone?

2011-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

I decided to go for it. It's been three years since I taught adults painting, but I've been convinced to do it again. It's always nerve racking for me but I believe we should give back to our community and since painting is what I do... deep breath... I can do this. There will be a get together at my home on Wednesday morning at 9:30 to get organized and find out what everyone wants to learn. Classes will start the week after. I've decided to supply all the materials for the first four lessons to give students the chance to learn about water soluble oils before they go out and spend money on paints, etc..

Art Walk is over for another year and, like always, I'm pumped for the coming year. I'll post pictures over the next few days of paintings that sold. Hope you're having a great Sept..

"Winter's Rest"

SOLD

My VIP mention for today is an artist friend of mine who calls her blog, Amo Vitam. It's a fantastic blog that I love to read, She's thinking of quitting her blog, which would be a shame, so go take a look at some of her past blogs. Maybe she'll reconsider.

Tomorrow is Art Walk.

2011-09-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

I think I gear my painting for Art Walk for the whole year. Will it suit the show? Will anyone like it? It's almost a relief to know it's finally here and I'm ready. Hope I can sleep tonight.

My four foot by six foot painting is finally finished and ready to ship to the new owner. I know you have seen it many times over the last few months but I can't help but show you the finished piece.

My VIP mention for today is Jackie. She is an old friend from Ontario who is an awesome artist and a great encourager.

Fundraiser for Carol Marine

2011-09-06T17:10:00.001-07:00

I just read this terrible news and thought I'd send along this notice. Carol's blog has been an inspiration to many of us. I hope you can help in this time of crisis.

Art Walk

2011-09-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted lately. It's been hectic around here with lots of out-of-town family coming to visit. What a treat it has been.

I did take quick minutes here and there to read some of your blogs. Some of you are so productive but I was glad to see many like myself who took time out to enjoy the warm weather. My prayers go out to all you bloggers in Texas. Stay safe and may you have rain really soon.

Art Walk is this weekend! I'm so excited! I love this event. 300 artists and over 7000 visitors.

My Vip mention this week is Nancy Goldman. I especially like her oils. Go look.

Art Auction.

2011-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

House of Rose Winery

The Art Auction Fundraiser is on Saturday, September 3rd! Fabulous local artists, with minimum bids as low as $5.00 AND all proceeds to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and Critter Aid (where their pets go while they are in the shelter). With free wine tastings, complimentary appetizers and the opportunity to purchase affordable art from local artists. Help House of Rose and these talented local artists raise funds for the Kelowna Women’s Shelter. Appies at 12, auction at 1 pm - 2270 Garner Rd.

I put this painting into the auction...please support this cause by bidding on a piece of local art.

It's sold!

2011-08-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't finished my big painting yet but it's already sold! This will be the second piece bought by this collector. I'm doing a happy dance. Thanks for all the encouragement. I appreciate you readers soooo much.

My VIP mention for today is Robert Genn. He has an extremely popular news letter that I highly recommend. Below is a quote from his last letter that I really agree with.

Wow, where did the time go?

2011-08-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying this summer so much I didn't notice the time was passing. I've taken time to read some of my favourite blogs and I've been doing a lot of painting BUT two weeks! The only thing that makes it so I don't feel too guilty is the fact that many of you have taken time to relax as well. This beautiful warm weather is so inviting, I just want to be outside enjoying it.

My blog will probably suffer for another couple of weeks. We don't live close to many of our relatives so when they can make it for a visit, we try to give them all of our time. Three sets of them plan on visiting before the end of summer. Could prove to be very busy and exciting.

My big picture is coming along very well. I'm down to the fixing stage. Unfortunately, with this style of picture, there's a lot. I have a lot of areas where I have to bring the sky down and the leaves up.

On the floor of the living room.

My VIP mention for this post is Myra...drawn to paper . I've mentioned Myra many times before because of her interesting blog posts and beautiful ballerina paintings. I have to warn you though, her site is addicting.

Don't forget to enjoy the good weather. 'Til next time.

Yikes! Art Walk is just around the corner.

2011-08-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

I was quite pleased with myself... I had enough new paintings to enter Art Walk without having to rush in August like I usually do. Well,,, that was the plan. One of those new paintings is my 6' by 4' picture of the boardwalk heading into the trees. It's not done. It should be... I scheduled my time well and it should have been complete by the first of the month. BUT I went camping for two weeks and have spent the rest of the time trying to get over the head injury I received at the art show on June 4th. Two months and I'm still complaining and getting very little done. sigh....

There is one month left before the show... can I do it? Oh, I hope so. Prayer appreciated.

Here it sits.... waiting for me. Soon...

VIP mention today is for my friend Valerie Roger's. What an awesome artist. Go look.

Big show this weekend!

2011-07-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I'm back from vacation and all excited about my show this Sat. and Sun. I'm so pleased to be one of five artists that will be exhibiting on the long weekend. Click on the poster below for more details.

Thanks everyone who wished me well on my camping trip. The weather was not the best (the worst since 1976) but we enjoy ourselves and kept warm by the campfire. I never dug out the paints or my drawing supplies, that I took along, but I did take lots of pictures, especially of the many dramatic cloud formations that swiftly came and went. Now that we're home the weather has turned nice...maybe we'll go again after the show.

My VIP mention for today is Hilda Muxo Klinger. I really can't make up my mind what I enjoy more, her oil paintings or her pastels. They are both beautiful...go see.

Camping...

2011-07-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

The view from our camp site.

We're going again. The weather isn't predicted to be perfect, but it'll be warm. I have my novels ready, my fishing pole packed and my bathing suit washed and ready. This time we hope to camp for two weeks. A lot of my friends can't imagine living in a tent that long but it's the living outside that's the real attraction. I love the way my skin feels after a day or two and I really enjoy the freedom from house work. I know I still have to cook, but it's all done on one burner or over the camp fire, and doing dishes is so much more enjoyable when it's done outside.

View from inside our tent.

Decisions... decisions...

2011-07-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I want to paint something new... but I can't because I have to get the big one I'm working on finished in time for Art Walk. Summer's are not very productive for me... I'm not complaining because it's my time to be laid back. I love summer and after working for the last few years, I now want to enjoy every minute of the wonderful Okanagan weather. I live in a resort condo and I can hear children playing a game of street hockey, birds singing and the gurgle of my water fountain on the deck. The outdoors is calling but I'm a studio painter through and through and I must complete my goals. Sigh...

I'm smiling to myself. What a wonderful dilemma. After many years of serious life altering choices and decisions that needed my attention, I now can sit back and blog about my choice to paint or go outside and read a book... life is good.

6'x4' oil on 24 squares of stretched canvas

My VIP mention for today is Hilda Muxo Klinger. Even though Hilda has some wonderful pastel paintings, I'm drawn to her lovely oil paintings the most... go have a look.

I love my blogging buddies.

2011-07-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

Look what Myra did! She honoured me by putting my painting in her painting of a really glorious chair. Couldn't you just sit there for hours... drinking coffee of course... like the one below by JanettMarie :D.

Happy CANADA Day!!!

Win one of my paintings.

2011-06-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful week of camping. Unfortunately, my camera's battery died after three pictures and I didn't get around to painting anything. It was a great time of canoeing, swimming and relaxing. I read several romantic suspense novels and ate way too much.

Just before I left to go camping, I delivered a painting to "House of Rose Winery" for their charity auction. The silent auction will last all summer and the proceeds go to our local Woman's shelter. If you get the chance, drive out to the vineyard and taste some wine, have a picnic on site and bid on some of the wonderful local art.

"Deep In the Forest"

11"x14" Oil on stretched canvas

Win this painting by bidding on it at the House of Rose Winery, Kelowna BC

My VIP mention for this post is Trudy Gomez. She has the most wonderful paintings made with acrylic washes. I love all her vibrant paintings.

Gone camping.

2011-06-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. I'm away on a camping trip in central British Columbia. The scenery is amazing and I want to paint everything I see. I probably won't be back online for a week or so, if the weather stays good. I'll be missing you and will write again as soon as I get back. Hugs.

Triptych Show

2011-06-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

First I want to thanks everyone for their kind comments. The headaches have eased off and my neck now allows me to look around. I will get back to painting this week and hopefully accomplish my monthly goals.

The reception at the Little Straw Vineyard was delightful. No sales unfortunately, but a really nice time visiting with some very talented artists. I'm one of the blessed artists who gets to have her husband accompany her on all these fun events.

The next really important one is coming up on Friday. Robert Genn will be there! I have followed his twice weekly newsletters for a couple years and enjoy them soooo much. Hmmm... I think I'll make him my VIP mention for this post.

2011-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

My booth at The Garden Party in Kelowna

Hi everyone. As promised, I've attached two pictures of last weekends event. It was beautiful weather during the whole show.

This week I haven't been able to paint due to my tumble from the above chair on Saturday. I will sure appreciate painting when I get back to it. I did deliver a large collection of my art to the Little Straw Vineyard for that two week show. The reception is today, from 4 to 6. I'm hoping I can make it and if you happen to live in the area.... please come over. There will be fine art, music, food and wine tasting.

My VIP selection today is JanettMarie's blog. Please visit and see her awesome fun art.

Hope you're enjoying the summer.

This show runs for two weeks.

2011-06-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. The show on the weekend turned out great except for me falling off my tall director's chair and hitting my head on the metal fence post. Good thing I have a hard head. I'll show some pictures of the event soon but today I want to announce my show that starts today. It runs for two weeks and it's a chance to taste some great wine as well as see some neat art. The top painting on the poster is mine.

My VIP mention today is someone I've mentioned many times. She has one of the most interesting blogs on the net. May I introduce...... MYRA ANDERSON.

Are you mobile ready?

2011-06-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Are you mobile ready? They say that's how most people will be looking at our sites. I'm not ready but I'm working at it. I'm slowly changing my web pages so they are only 600 pixels wide and my paintings take up more of the page. I hope this helps. It seems to on my husband's iPad. I notice the print on this blog is pretty small but easy for him to expand on the ipad but I'm curious about the smart phones... can they even read my blog if I put the QR code on my flyers?

My question for you today is: Have you tried the different templates offered by blogger, to see which ones show up the best on the new phones? If you have and you figured it out...please let me know.

Thanks,

Bonnie Heather

You're invited to a Garden Party

2011-05-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have two shows coming up in a week; the first, on a weekend is outside, and the other a two week one at a winery. I didn't realize I had so many, not quite finished pieces of art. Some haven't had the wire attached to the backs, some need varnished and a lot are missing the labels for the backs. I'm soooo glad I decided to start preparing a week in advance. I will be ready on time... I will be ready on time.. I will be ready on time.

My VIP mention today is Carol Blackburn from Maine in the US. Carol's water colours always bring a smile to my day. They are fresh and cheery. Go look.

So many photos to choose from...

2011-05-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Recently an artist friend, Cindy Wietzel and her friend Robbie Graham started a page on Facebook where people can add photos that other artists may use for reference material. It's a wonderful site! The only problem I have is that I can't decide what picture to use... so many choices... so little time.

The page is called: Artist reference photos. I highly recommend you Like the page.

Cindy Wietzel

http://senatt.sasktelwebhosting.com/cindy/artist.html

Time to choose something new.... :)

2011-05-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Goals are important to me. I accomplish a lot more when I have them. With my painting it's especially important since it's a challenge with back problems. The desire is there but sadly the flesh is weak. Determination to meet set goals is one of the biggest factors contributing to the fact that I do accomplish something. Besides completing a pansy each month, I'm committed to adding a minimum of four finished panels to my large painting each month before starting any new pieces. Oh, how I itch to start something new.

Even though it's been a hectic month, I've fulfilled this months must-do's. Now to choose the next subject... :D.

This is a picture of the last two panels I painted for the 6'x4' piece I'm working on. Where did that large leaf come from? There's no sign of the rest of the plant in the reference photo. Guess I'm not finished after all... taking photos always make me more work.... ;)

My VIP mention for this post is an artist from Whales whose work I'm positive you will enjoy. Besides creating wonderful art he tells great stories that always inspire me. Thanks Ralph.

Pansy #7 is finished.

2011-05-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

I love it when I complete a painting. It means I have another piece for sale, AND I have something new to post to my blog,,, that's the most exciting.

Today I get to post #7 in my Flower Box Series. As you can see, it's of a very pretty white pansy.

6"x6" oil on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas

$100.00 with painted sides (no frame required)

Free shipping in Canada and US

I've been reading about how it's important to have our blog/name mentioned as often as possible on the web so the search engines can find us. On my blog I have a gadget that lists all the wonderful people who comment on my posts. I also have several other gadgets that show the artists I follow and those who follow me. I hope all this helps get their name out there into cyber space. Now, I'm going to add to that by mentioning one of my followers blogs at the end of each of my blog posts and posting their link.

So with that in mind, here is my first VIP mention:

This person has an excellent blog where she discusses Art History. Her painting challenges add a fun touch as well. A great blog to visit: Tapestry of Art Through Time

From: Fine Art Views

2011-05-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

I seldom copy from another people's write ups but this one is such good advise I couldn't resist. This newsletter is one of my favourites. Enjoy.

Put the Fire Out

by Keith Bond

This article is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

A forest fire was blazing out of control. Many acres had burned and the fire was continuing to grow. Firefighters were called in from across the nation to help battle the blaze. They were spread out around the perimeter of the fire, trying to contain it. But to no avail. As hard as they worked, they simply could not make any progress.

Finally, the Fire Chief realized why. All of these brave men and women were fighting this fire. But there commission was not to fight it, but rather to put the fire out. This simple change of focus made all the difference. And it prompted a change of tactics.

Instead of being spread all around the perimeter, the Fire Chief concentrated the effort to one area at a time. With much more man-power and a concerted effort in a smaller area, they were soon able to contain that portion of the fire. They then moved on; working together to contain the next area. And so on until the entire fire was completely contained.

There is a parallel with your art.

Let’s let the fire represent the areas which need improvement – both with art itself and with your business. If you are like me, there are plenty of areas in which you need to improve. It is a lifelong endeavor – that is, if you wish to continue growing as an artist.

Some of the areas might include: proficiency with your medium, color theory, drawing, composition / design, value relationships, texture, mood, harmony, rhythm, meaning, etc. Some of the business tasks that need improvement might be: organization, bookwork, marketing, writing, talking about your art, following-up with clients, managing time, maintaining your website, etc.

Throughout my career I have frequently identified areas which I need to work on. Much like the firefighters, I concentrate my efforts on one thing at a time – seeing value relationships, for example – until I feel that I have that fundamental “contained.” I then moved on to something like color theory or composition. By focusing on one thing at a time, I make quicker progress. Whenever I attempt containing too many fronts at a time, I struggle and get frustrated. Little progress is made.

When a fire is contained, it is not extinguished yet. It is still burning within the containment line. That line serves as a barrier around the circumference to prevent it from spreading in unwanted directions. Once it is entirely contained, the fire crews can then work within the containment lines to control the blaze.

Likewise, some level of “containment” in art and business principles does not mean that you have “put the fire out”. Mastery of all there is to learn – to totally extinguish the fire – takes more than a lifetime.

Although I have reached a certain level of proficiency in several of the principles of art, I find myself returning to them over and over. There is always more to learn – more work to be done. I may have contained the fire, now I need to work on controlling it.

And I hope I never put the fire out.

Best Wishes,
Keith Bond

----------------------------------------------
This article appears courtesy of FineArtViews by FASO Artist Websites,
a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).

This article originally appeared at:
http://faso.com/fineartviews/30732/put-the-fire-out

For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://faso.com/art-marketing-newsletter

-----------------------------------------------

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

I went for coffee yesterday with two wonderful local artists. It's so much fun being able to talk about your favourite subject without it being boring for the other people in the group. At least I hope it wasn't.... hmmmm,,, I think I may have done most of the talking. I'll have to work on my listening skills.

We also toured the Lake Country Art Gallery and looked at the amazing work done by the young folks in our area. Wow, their talent and imagination amazes me.

Today, I will be heading to downtown Kelowna to attend a Cat Art show with other friends. I can't wait. After all the fun I had painting "Smudge" I'm eager to see how another artist has captured other felines.

I don't have any paintings to post today but I wanted to wish all you Mother's out there...

Happy Mother's Day

The Big Painting

2011-05-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

I was going to save this painting for an unveiling at our famous Artwalk in September BUT it's such a big project that I have very little left to show on my blog even though I'm painting on most days. SO... I executed my female right and changed my mind and decided to show it as it develops.

This painting is six feet high and four feet wide. It is composed of twenty-four twelve inch square panels and I try to complete four panels a month. I have a choice: hundreds of leaves or lots of boards. I am enjoying watching the scene develop but I need to switch to other paintings to keep from getting bored. Have I mentioned I like change? :)

Sorry the picture is a bit out of shape but I'm not tall enough to take a proper picture of it spread out on the floor.

I hope you have a great day.

Cat Portrait Finished.

2011-05-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

"Smudge"

8"x10"oil on aluminum art panel

Smudge is completed. He's a fine looking bengal cat and he posed so nice for his portrait.

I hope to do more commissioned portraits even though the stress level increases dramatically when someone is expecting... well I'm never sure what they expect but I do obsess a bit about it. Commissions are definitely an example of me stepping out of my comfort zone but it does feel good to create a unique and lasting keepsake for people. I'll paint a portrait this size for $250.00 if you happen to know anyone who would like one. (person or pet)

Hoping you have a great day and if you're Canadian, don't forget to vote.

JanettMarie Did It!

2011-04-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

JanettMarie just finished posting her ONE HUNDREDTH apple painting. Now it's time to party and to congratulate her on this huge accomplishment and her Great BIG apple.

We've been planning a virtual party for her and now we can all attend. (Just read my last post for information). Even if you can't bring a dish for the virtual potluck, come on over to her site and join the fun... and leave her a message. See you there.

This cake was filled with cherries, not apple, since I can't eat cooked apple. We are having a great time eating it and toasting JanettMarie.

Are you ready to party!

2011-04-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

I was away from the computer for a few days and almost missed it. Janettmarie posted apple #99 yesterday. The party will begin as soon as she posts #100. All you have to do to attend is

1. post a photo of what you would take to the party if it was in real time instead of virtual.

2. include a link to JanettMarie's site

and

3. post a comment on her site to let her know you are attending the party.

I have to finish my cake so I'll leave you now. Hope to see you at the party.

I have the coffee ready to go with the cake I plan to take. :)

the art of the dance is like chocolate: it's been a year but . . . here it is again . . . ...

2011-04-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist sharing this:

the art of the dance is like chocolate: it's been a year but . . . here it is again . . . ...: "featuring some daily painters we know and inspired by the apple lady janettmarie!"

What happened to the time?

2011-04-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Boy, time sure does slip by quickly. I've been painting daily but still don't have anything completed to show you. My cat painting is almost done, I finished two more panels on my 4'x6' piece and I started a big daisy painting.

Unfortunately I had to paint over my new one that'll be a garden scene with a bunch of daisies. I really want to to make this painting subdued but I'm having trouble getting the subtle background colours in place. While I love the challenge, I don't like quitting and starting over... sigh.

I'm also trying to come up with something to take to the virtual party for JanettMarie as mentioned in my last post. I have a hunch I will have to take a photo instead of a delicious painting like I planned. Keep an eye on her blog so you know when to attend :).

Hugh

It was my husbands birthday yesterday so I thought I'd share the small 5"x7" portrait I did of him last year. He fills my life with so much joy.

Can you attend the party?

2011-04-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

That's right, I've heard there's going to be a party for JanettMarie. She has been working hard to create 100 apple paintings and she is almost done. After an accomplishment of this magnitude I think it only right to throw a party.... a virtual party that is.

Here's how we are going to do it: When JanettMarie finishes her 100 paintings we will all celebrate by posting a congratulations message to her, with a link to her blog, on our own blogs. Along with the message we will also post a photo or painting of what we would have taken to the potluck if we could have attended in person. I'm leaning toward cheesecake.

It's a great reason to celebrate and help promote a fellow blogger.

ps. don't forget to leave her a comment to let her know, so she/we can go to your blog and see what you brought to the (virtual) party.

One of my older paintings, just to remind everyone it's spring.

April's Pansy Painting

2011-04-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

Pansy #6 in my Flower Box Series

6"x6"x1.5" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I'm not sure if this one is finished. It will have to sit where I can look at it for a few days so I can decide if it needs more work. The photo isn't too good.

I finished another 12" panel for my big painting and splurged on a 2'x3' wrapped canvas. I gave it a base coat of pale yellow and have it sitting in the living room across from my recliner so I can visualize how I want to paint it. I love a fresh new canvas and all the possibilities it offers. It's great being an artist.

Paintings on the go....

2011-04-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Once again I don't have anything finished that I can show you. So again I'll just post whats on the drying table. As you can see there's this month's pansy, it's pink and it will have a purple center. The twelve inch square is one of the twenty four panels that will make up my large landscape painting and the cat is a painting I'm doing for a neighbour. So much fun...

2011-03-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

This latest painting may convince me to return to landscapes. I really enjoyed painting this one. The photo is from last summer while we canoed on a small lake near Chase, British Columbia. It was fairly early and the sun was peeking through the trees of the small island we paddled around. Sigh... can't wait to go again.

11"x14" oil on stretched canvas

' Guess I should just enjoy the wonderful spring weather I waited so long for. I think I'll go work on #6 pansy. Have a wonderful day.

Artists Beware of these Red Flags in Contracts

2011-03-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I think this is important enough to post to my blog.

Artists Beware of these Red Flags in Contracts

2011-03-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I finished my pansy for March. It's #5 in my flower box series.

6'x6"x1.5" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

$100.00 or $78.00 for multiples

I delivered "Half Time" to the New Moon Gallery and thoroughly enjoyed looking around. What a wonderful place to pick up a unique piece of art.

I just have to tell you...

2011-03-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Usually it takes me three or four days to post again but I received an acceptance letter in the mail from the Federation of Canadian Artists in Vancouver. I'm so excited. The Cherry Blossoms picture I posted two days ago was chosen for the Haiku Inspirations show in May. That's three juried competitions I've been accepted at this year. Oh, my head is swelling.... lol

Thanks to all you wonderful blogging buddies for your comments. I probably wouldn't have even entered without your encouragement.

I still have to name it....?

"Something Jazzy"

2011-03-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

It's Spring!!!! Yippeeee....

2011-03-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know my title is slightly immature but I can't help it. I love spring time. The pussy willows are out and the robins are bobbin' and I can't help but smile. I changed my blog background to fit the season and I'm posting my painting of Cherry Blossoms. I hope this post puts a spring in your step. (so bad, I know. lol)

I was accepted in the juried show.."Something Jazzy"

2011-03-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

The sun has been shining most of the week and the only snow in sight is in the hills. I can't wait for the ice to break up on small Duck Lake in front of our condo. I'm hoping to see spring flowers blooming any day now. It's tempting to do a series on them, just so I could put them all over the place from March 'til May.... hmmm... maybe next year.

This year I'm focusing on my pansy, flower box collection. I should have a new one to post really soon. It's good to be back to routine, especially painting. Yesterday I worked on three different painting projects and practiced drawing my nose. lol, that sounds funny.

I just received word that my Half Time painting was accepted in the Juried competition at the New Moon Gallery in West Bank, BC.. I'm very pleased to be represented in the show called: Something Jazzy.

12"x12"x1.5" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Buy it at the New Moon Gallery for $250.00

2011-03-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I posted but I have an excellent excuse; I was busy celebrating my birthday and my anniversary. Somehow, between friends visiting, going to RV shows, shopping for my birthday gift (unfortunately not an RV) and eating way too much, I didn't accomplish anything art related.

Now the vacation is over and I'm back at it. Mostly I'm working on my 4'x6' composite painting. I've decided not to post pictures of my progress so that I can have an unveiling someplace special when it's done. I'm working on panel #5 today... 19 to go..sigh.

I made a slideshow of several photos to paint someday and we have it playing on the TV like a screen saver. When I see the pictures I can hardly wait to finish what I'm doing in order paint the next one... maybe I should stop watching and give my full attention to the three I'm working on.

Mary Sheehan Winn asked me to show the colour charts I've been working on for the Mastering Color course. I only do one page a week so progress is slow but here's what I've do so far.

Lots on the go but nothing done.

2011-03-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

I have a 6"x6" pansy, a 11"x14" landscape and my 4'x6' painting that seems to be all leaves, on the go, but nothing finished to show you on this blog post.

The Mastering Color course I'm taking, has me mixing all my colours of paint. This gives me a greater appreciation for what the paint will do but it sure does leave me with a lot of brushes to clean. The colour charts I have afterwards make it worth while though... a lot less mixing time needed now.

My drawing courses have been more reading and looking at pictures then actual drawing. This week coming, I can see a lot of work scheduled in the practice department.

The picture I've posted is one I painted back when I used acrylics, about seven years ago. A limited edition giclee of it will be auctioned at the Willow Park Youth Missions Auction on Sunday night at seven. I hope they have a good turn out.

Hope I see you at the reception! The Gallery puts on a nice spread.

2011-03-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

Two paintings accepted in the Lake Country Art Gallery Show.

2011-03-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

YES! I had two pieces accepted into the next show at the Lake Country Art Gallery. I entered my two white flowers, the one with thick paint and the one with thin paint, mentioned in previous blogs. I love being in shows near home because it's sort of proof to the locals that I wasn't exaggerating when I claimed I was an artist when they asked what I do. Actually, they probably believed me and it's just myself I'm trying to convince. :]

Attached is my latest drawing practice lesson. Have a good week.

2011-02-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

This painting is called "Half Time". I often have trouble naming my paintings but this one claimed it's name and I felt I had very little to say about it. It's painted on 12"x12"x1.5" gallery wrapped canvas which seems to suit it. I'm finding I like my landscapes and portraits to have frames but flowers, abstracts and objects look better on gallery wraps. Just my opinion at the moment, of course I'm quite fickle and that may change by this time next year.

Hope you're having a wonderful day.

Drawing a Goose.

2011-02-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my drawing practice again. Since Myra asked for some information on what I'm learning I decided to post some pictures as I worked through the last drawing.

The picture above shows how I tried to decide on the basic shapes I could see, as well as where those shapes lined up with other parts of the object.

Next I changed those shapes to further represent the goose.

And finally I shaded in the values with my retractable pencil with #2 lead and blended with my tortillon. Truth be told, I went back and forth many times with the kneadable eraser and the pencil trying to get it right.

This is so much fun.... I think.

Fourth Pansy painting!

2011-02-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. It's 8 am here on the west side of Canada and I keep wanting to wish you all a good morning. Since that only works for a small percentage of you... I'll resist. Today I'm adding #4 in my "Flower Box" series of pansies. Hope you like it.

6"x6"x1.5" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

$100.00 or $78.00 for multiples.

Another practice drawing.

2011-02-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining today and I noticed a couple plants, outside on my deck, are sprouting. A flock of ducks are eating something on the patch of lawn out back that doesn't have any snow. I even varnished four paintings outside. Hmmm... maybe we should start the barbecue.

I hope it's spring-like where you are too. Here's another my practice drawings from Your Artist Brain by Carl Purcell:

Dreaming of Spring.

2011-02-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner... I hope. I live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley and one of the first fruit trees to blossom is the cherry. It's so beautiful around here at that time. Oh how I long for that time of year. There are fields of pretty pink and white blooms surrounded by more fields of that fresh spring green that promises more flowers when the cherries drop their delicate petals and the other fruit trees begin their show. My painting today is a reminder that spring is getting close.

Cherry Blossoms

11"x14" original oil on Stretched Canvas

Drawing an egg isn't easy.

2011-02-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Yesterday's drawing lesson was to draw an egg. This is really starting to stretch my ability. I keep telling myself all this fun torture will improve my painting and... I think, I believe myself? Anyway, here's my finished project. Sorry for the poor quality photo...just one of those days.

I'm really close to finishing a couple paintings so I'll have something with colour to post very soon.

No room for big paintings.

2011-02-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

It's been five days since my last post. I guess it's true that time flies when you're having fun. I've started my fourth pansy, plus two other paintings meant for specific shows I hope to get juried into.

The project I'm enjoying most is a painting that will be four foot by six foot when it's done. The interesting part about it is that it's painted on one foot square canvases that will be put together when it's finished. I will undercoat and paint each panel separately so that the finished painting shows slight differences on each panel. I've been wanting to paint a big picture for a long time but I paint in my diningroom so space is limited. My inspiration came from Jeff Cohen but I'm doing a few things different. I'm undercoating as I go and drawing with paint, one canvas panel at a time. Jeff draws his complicated scenes in detail in the beginning and then paints his square tiles one at a time. I am not nearly as good as Jeff but maybe someday...

Since I haven't finished any paintings, I'm posting one of my drawing practice pictures. It was just practice, therefore it isn't finished to where it would be if I planned on keeping it. The goal was to use lines to figure out the size and position of different elements. The tin is old and bent.

I hope you have a great day.

Drawing practice

2011-02-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

I mentioned before that I'm working through some drawing courses. Today's was "how to draw LIFELIKE PORTRAITS from PHOTOGRAPHS" by LEE HAMMOND. I love painting but drawing has always been something I couldn't get a handle on.

I've included today's practice drawing. This is the first time I've actually had to draw anything. Up until now the books have just instructed what I would have to do. Today I had to do it. Yikes. Although it was a lot of fun, and I'm pleased how it went, I can see where I have lots to learn. Lots of fun though...

2B lead pencil on bristol

Pansy #3 completed

2011-02-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

I'm having trouble thinking up a name for this pansy, so I think I'll just call it #3 in my series "Flower Boxes". They'll all be 6"x 6"x 1.5" oil on gallery wrapped canvas with sides that match the painting. My goal is to paint twelve of them. I know that's not many compared to JanettMarie's 100 apples but it's a start. Have a great day everyone.

$100.00 each or $78.00 each for multiples

The paint's thin.

2011-01-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

8"x8"x1.5" original oil on gallery wrapped canvas

$125.00 plus shipping

Available at Lake Country Art Gallery

I painted yesterday's post and this one, alternately, at the same time. I'm not sure why I used a different technique on them except that the flowers seemed to call for it. I like the results but they don't really go together as a set, as much as I hoped when I started.

Hope you have a great day.

The paint's thick.

2011-01-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining and the snow is melting. I can't help but smile. Spring is just around the corner...(don't say what you're thinking). I know this is Canada, but I can dream.

I'm getting a lot of painting in lately and it feels really good. Today I'm posting the white daisy I finally finished. It didn't take long to paint but I was busy with several others and it got neglected so today is it's day to be featured on my blog. It's main appeal for me is that I painted it with thick paint that is hard to capture in a photo.

original oil on 8"x8"x1.5"gallery wrapped canvas

$125.00 plus shipping

Monday's are great.

2011-01-24T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's Monday. This is the day I focus on me. Doesn't that sound selfish? I consider it decadent. I usually have a leisurely bubble bath, do my nails and deep condition my hair. I'll spend some time painting something that's in the easy fun stage and this afternoon I'll lean back in my recliner and watch a painting workshop from Artists network TV. On and off all day I'll be reading artist blogs and admiring the wonderful work of my fellow bloggers. I live the good life.

I haven't finished anything in the last few days so I'll give you a peek at the stuff on the drying table. I have three that are in the final stages so they will be posted soon. Enjoy your Monday, it's a good day

2011-01-21T16:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's post talked about the drawing I was planning to do...note the word planning. I didn't get anything drawn. I read the section, prepared the material needed and then it was time to head out.

This was the day my celebrity portrait was presented. Most of our area's top political leaders were present, as well as a large group of folks I volunteer with. It was nerve wracking to say the least. The accolades were many and I came away happy. Will I try something like that again...not likely. I love doing portraits but the ones that will be displayed in a public forum, like this one of Beryl Itani our local super volunteer, will have to be commissioned. No more second guessing about whether it's wanted or not. Glad that's over with... well almost. I'm now hearing reports that I was on tv and in the papers. Yikes!

Today my drawing lesson is from "Anatomy and Figure Drawing" by Viv Foster. So far it's just reading so I can relax for another day. Hope you can too.

Drawing lessons...

2011-01-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

I mentioned at the first of the year that one of my goals for the year was to learn to draw. My friend Myra has been practicing and has become an expert at drawing ballerinas. I, on the other hand, have not drawn a thing.

I am doing something though. For one hour a day/four days a week, I'm SLOWLY working my way through some art courses. Three of them concentrate on drawing. So far I'm simply learning what I don't know and how hard it is to do what I thought I did know. (does that make sense?)

Today is Thursday and I'm on page 36 in Carl Purcell's book: Your Artist's Brain. I have to draw a picture of a pear and a can with some dried weeds. I could be at this for a while. sigh.

Reading blogs...

2011-01-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, I confess... I've been spending my time reading blogs instead of writing one. It's your fault. If you didn't write such interesting blogs, I'd... well you get the idea. I did take a couple days off painting to recoup from a diverticulitis attack. Not a lot of pain this time but no energy. It's over and I'm back at the easel. Yeh!

The picture below is basically finished. I played around with the palette knife on the trees. A bit messy but fun to do. I'll sign it when it's dryer and probably add a dab or two of paint as I watch it dry. I'm hoping to paint it larger but I'm a little nervous it won't turn out. Just because I painted it once doesn't mean I can do it again.

8"x10" oil on canvas art board

Have a great week everyone.

My Flower Boxes

2011-01-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

Frilly Yellow Pansy

6"x6"x 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas

Sides painted

$100.00 or $78.00 for multiples

I love my little pansies. They're painted with Winsor-Newton and Van Gogh water soluble oils. Two painted so far; ten to go. I think of them as my winter flower boxes. I hope you enjoy this touch of spring from my easel.

Myra asked:

2011-01-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

My blogging buddy Myra at The Art of Dancing is like Chocolate, asked me to add my pansy to her pot...so I did. I think our art goes together rather well... don't you think?

I'm enjoying my water soluble oil paints.

2011-01-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

The water soluble oils are working out well. The worst of the smell comes when I open my wet pallet each morning, but I solved any problem that might have caused by pointing the humidifier (portable one on my counter) so it blows over the pallet and away from me. I further compensated for the odor by storing the wet paintings in the guest bathroom on a little table over the furnace air vent. I also ensure that I throw out any paper towels I use while painting each day instead of throwing them in the garbage can under my table, like I used to do. Now I notice very little smell. P.S. I use walnut oil to make fat washes.

I'm really enjoying painting with these paints. They're soft and smooth but thick enough that they leave a nice texture on the painting. I really like the cleanup time. It's so quick. I have a bar of pure soap beside my sink and within a couple rinses they're clean.

As far as taking so long to dry, that hasn't been a problem. I'm enjoying having several paintings on the go and several choices as to what I should paint when I start. I can paint something detailed or continue with some underpainting.

Life is good... Happy painting everyone.

Two of the unfinished paintings in the drying room.

Both 8"x8"x1.5", oil on gallery wrapped canvas.

How do I feel about losing my job?

2011-01-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Myra asked how I felt about losing my job: I love it. I was trying to figure out how and when to quit without letting my boss down. Now I'm keeping to a new home schedule that has me painting a minimum of an hour a day (that's lots for me) and an hour of painting lessons. Then there's all the other time I spend deciding what to paint, reading blogs and just plain dreaming about painting. Being retired is wonderful!

Here's an update on the frilly pansy I'm working on:

My goal is to paint twelve different pansies. They are such a happy flower don't you think? Great to paint this time of year.

So much fun.

2011-01-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

A New Year Begins.

I love new beginnings. This year is exceptionally exciting because the store I manage has closed it's doors and I have more time to paint and to study how to improve my art. I always start a new daily schedule this time of year and this year I have an almost completely blank calendar to build on. So much time to have fun.

Today was busy with taking down the last of the Christmas decorations and catching up on some of the chores I couldn't get to when I was working everyday. I did squeeze in some painting on my yellow pansy though, so it was a very successful day. I look forward to a great year of painting and blogging.

Below are the two paintings I am working on.

8"x8" daisy and 6"x6" frilly pansy

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

Gazebo at our home park.

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful encouraging blogging buddies.

Myra painted me.

2010-12-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

I wonder if Myra knew I was dreaming of walking on the beach? She's very perceptive. I did get my feet wet today but it was in the slushy snow, not the warm Caribbean water that filled my thoughts and Myra's most excellent painting.

The shopping is done, the gifts are wrapped and it's time for hot chocolate and catching up with my blogging buddies.

Hugs from me.

Fat over Lean

2010-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Fat over Lean; a habit I have to get used to. I may have painted my purple daisy wrong.

The principle of painting 'fat over lean' in oil painting is a rule one should follow to reduce the risk of an oil painting cracking. 'Fat over lean' has to do with the varying drying times of oil pigments (which can vary from a couple of days to a month) and ensuring that upper layers of paint don't dry faster than lower ones.

I did my usual. When I had the basic painting finished, I decided to glaze the background to help bring the pansy forward. I did this by thinning some pale green mix with some walnut oil. Now is this mixture fat or lean? I think it depends on whether walnut oil is fat enough. I'd appreciate any advise.

"White Face Pansy"

Oil, 6" x 6" on high quality deep canvas panel.

$78.00

Only seven days left.

2010-12-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

Yikes! So many things I want to accomplish in the next seven days. I've made my list and it's not really so bad. The problem is that I don't feel like doing them. The electric fireplace and the Christmas tree look so nice and my recliner is so comfortable... I'm so blessed.

Okay, okay... I'll get moving. I'd love to start another painting but I'll resist; it's more important to dust in preparation for my expected guests. I have to leave in an hour to retrieve my paintings from Little Straw Vineyard before they close for the season. I appreciate the wonderful venue they provided for my art and look forward to having my paintings there another year.

I realize that the painting I've included isn't much to look at, at this stage, but I need to let it dry a bit before proceeding. So far I'm really enjoying my water soluble oils. I can see that in the new year when I post to my blog I may have to have two pictures per blog... one I've just started and another that is just finished. Hmmm.... sounds like a resolution.... that means I'll do it for at least a week ;) .

6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

A new way of painting.

2010-12-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

The painting area was all set up with my new water soluble paints and I had a couple of little canvases base-coated and dry.... but I didn't really know where to go from there. I've been using Genesis oils for a few years but I knew I was using them more like an acrylic than an oil. Since my wonderful husband gave me three months of Artist Network TV for an early Christmas gift, I eagerly watched some videos on painting with oils. Boy, did I learn a lot.

#1... hold the brush like a sword. Whoa. Was that ever going to be hard to get used to. I love bold loose brush strokes in a painting like JanettMarie achieves, but could never quite manage to do it. This worked!!! Here is my first attempt.

#2... the paint takes d-a-y-s to dry. Thus this pansy still needs its yellow center and my signature.

6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

A value scale.

2010-12-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

My last blog showed my studio all set up with new paints and a clean pallet. Oh, how I itched to start a painting but I resisted and started working on my Mastering Color course that I bought online. Today I just painted a nine value scale so I'd have one that went with my new paints, and the practice doesn't hurt either. When it's dry I'll put it under the glass on my pallet.

I'm a fan of online training (downloaded stuff). I get to work at my pace which is s-l-o-w, and it fits my introverted personality as well. Oh, I'd love to be a recluse but alas it's not to be.

My nine value scale

All set up and ready to start.

2010-12-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in my last blog that I was switching from Genesis to water soluble oils. I'm also moving back to the diningroom to paint, now that our condo isn't listed anymore. Having all my stuff right out in the middle of everything isn't very pretty but it's brighter and right under my nose so I'm more inclined to get to it. Fortunately I have a very patient husband who encourages all my inclinations.

A few years ago Hugh built me this hide-away drawer that pulls out from under the counter that divides the kitchen from the diningroom. The first drawer pulls out 32", then the drawer under that pulls out another 22" and then another drawer pulls out the front giving me another 16" to store things. When needed the whole thing can be pushed in and hidden away under the cupboard.

This post is dedicated to my friend, Myra who is always asking to see my studio.

I'm so excited...not!

2010-12-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited....someone wants to buy all my art...NOT! I received another email scam. I don't know about you but I get annoyed when I get those phishing type emails that are too good to be true. I'm not worried about getting taken advantage of because I'm very cautious and aware but I do get angry when I see them because I know there a many people out there that do fall for these scams. These trusting but vulnerable folks don't deserve to be taken advantage of. Grrrr...

Well, that's my rant for this week over with.

Now on to better things. My pallet is empty and my Genesis paints are put away for the winter. The fumes from drying the paint has affected my lungs and I can no longer handle it, especially with the windows all closed for the winter. I did love painting with them but drying them was a pain, literally. I've decided to try water soluble oils. I'm quite excited to try them out. If you use them at all please let me know what you think. How do I keep the smells to a minimum?