I can't sleep...

It's after midnight.  It's rare to find me up this time of night.  I've been putting up with a case of vertigo for a month now and finally decided to follow the directions to cure it which include staying upright for one to three nights after doing the ear turning procedure.  Since I'm not one to fall asleep in a recliner this is going to prove difficult I think.  

I've had the time to visit some blogs and I varnished a large picture that I recently got back from a private show.  I played some computer games and read some lesson notes.....  I'm beginning to think maybe I should stay up later every night.  Unfortunately I'm usually too bushed to do anything worthwhile.  Not that reading (my usual evening pastime) isn't worthwhile, it just doesn't shorten my to do list which always seems to be too long.

I decided to include a picture of my booth a the Art Walk show I was in recently.  Myra had asked me to take some pictures of the event but most of them didn't turn out.  Take note of the awesome high director style chair my sweet husband bought me for the show.  With it I could sit and visit with folks without looking up and then having a wave of vertigo send me for a loop.  It's a great chair.

The first painting I sold is the one I hid down beside my chair because I didn't really like it.  Go figure?!

We were allowed ten paintings in the show.

It's after midnight.  It's rare to find me up this time of night.  I've been putting up with a case of vertigo for a month now and finally decided to follow the directions to cure it which include staying upright for one to three nights after doing the ear turning procedure.  Since I'm not one to fall to sleep in a recliner this is going to prove difficult I think.  

I've had the time to visit some blogs and I varnished a large picture that I recently got back from a private show.  I played some computer games and read some lesson notes.....  I'm beginning to think maybe I should stay up later every night.  Unfortunately I'm usually too bushed to do anything worthwhile.  Not that reading (my usual evening pastime) isn't worthwhile, it just doesn't shorten my to do list which always seems to be too long.

I decided to include a picture of my booth a the Art Walk show I was in recently.  Myra had asked me to take some pictures of the event but most of them didn't turn out.  Take note of the awesome high director style chair my sweet husband bought me for the show.  With it I could sit and visit with folks without looking up and then having a wave of vertigo send me for a loop.  It's a great chair.

The first painting I sold is the one I hid down beside my chair because I didn't really like it.  Go figure?!

We were allowed ten paintings in the show.

Can't wait to shop!

I can't wait to go shopping.  My list is long.  I want a couple odd shaped canvases, some mediums to go with my new water soluble set of paints and of course...some new brushes.  I'm not sure, but I think I may like shopping for art supplies as much as I like painting.

Unfortunately, shopping will have to wait a few days but that's okay because I still have a small pile of 5"x7" boards to paint on and of course there are always a few disasters that I can paint over if I get stuck.

Today I'm playing with a little one.  After working on big paintings, it's always fun to see the fast progress with a small one. 

Not finished yet.

Hope you're having a great day,

Bonnie Heather

Originals are back in style.

I manage a store that sells prints of fine art and digital giclee's. They both sell well and the business supports the owner and the staff.  I've noticed a change lately though.  More people are looking for originals, especially oil paintings.  I do my best to promote the reproductions in the store but I'm pleased to hear that originals are back in style.

My art career is experiencing the same change.  Suddenly I'm receiving more invitations to exhibit my work in prestigious venues and my art is starting to sell regularly instead of the couple spurts a year like in the recent past.  

My reasoning for this might be off the wall, but I think it's because of the massive amount of reproductions on the market.  Suddenly, having an original is special again and something that gives one pride of ownership.  What ever the reason is, I'm glad. 

The painting that I never quite finished for Art Walk, is on my wall.  I won't say it's done because I know myself well enough to admit I'll probably tweak it until it moves to a new home.   Hmmm I already see I need to darken a shadow... 

It's that time again.

The ends of the tree branches are turning yellow and there are one or two transplanted maples in our park that have turned deep red.  It's that time again; the time to take off the sandals and put on some socks. 

I used to hate to see the end of summer but realized my attitude was ruining a good thing. Now I see the coloured leaves and ripe apples still on the branches, and see the beauty of this wonderful season we call autumn.  The cool air makes a walk in the woods a pleasure.  No bugs, no heat (which is a good thing, I remind myself), just quiet reflection. I say quiet because the tourists are gone and our walking trails are now  only occupied by the occasional local accompanied by their choice of companion - a best friend, either canine or human.  

I think about the people who have no home to live in and what it must be like to look ahead to the approaching cold weather.  Sigh....   I guess I'll have to work on my attitude some more.  I still prefer summer. :)

Take a moment to breathe...

I'm just sitting.  It's been a while.  I'm not complaining, just relishing the moment.  Life has been hectic and I keep thinking it will slow down sometime soon.  I look hopefully at my calendar and realize that soon isn't in the next week or two.  So.... I'll sit here for a few moments and talk with my faithful encouragers, my blogging buddies.

I do try to paint for fifteen minutes each morning before leaving for work and sometimes I get some done in the evening... but not often.  Night time and I don't get along.  My body complains and generally refuses to do anything more strenuous than sit on the couch.  I never did like to argue so I sit...

Wishing you a wonderful evening,

Bonnie Heather

"Art Walk", what an awesome event!

It's over for 2010 but the encouragement from it will keep me going for another year.  Thousands of people stopped and looked at MY art - hard to imagine. I have to head out to work but I'm posting my paintings that SOLD!!!.

No painting today BUT...

Hi friends, as the title says, there was no time to paint today.  I did get set up for Art Walk though.  I was especially pleased to get assigned a wall area so I could plug in some lights to shine on my work.  If you're in the middle of one of the gyms, like I was last year, you have no power and have to use battery powered lights or go without. 

You might have noticed the word BUT in my title?  The But is very exciting news.  My painting: Peaceful Place, sold at the Little Straw Winery.  YES!!!

Art Walk set up day.

I'm heading into work but wanted to post my progress from yesterday.  After work, is my scheduled time to set up for the show but I'll still have a few hours on Friday to paint before the show starts at 9am on Saturday.  I wish all my artist friends could attend Art Walk here.  It's two days where seven to eight thousand art lovers walk past your art.

Still painting...

Hi folks.  Another really busy day so I'll just post my progress.  I can't see a lot of difference but it's all in the little details.  Hope you have an awesome day.

Time is running out...

I had a great time at our pot luck, block party last night. The food was wonderful and the music and singing were a lot of fun. This annual fall get together is always a little sad because we all know that within a month or two, half the group will make the annual trek to the south; some to Mexico, most to Arizona and California.  While they're away the street gets soooo quiet.  The only snow birds left around are the stellar jays.

I am painting....some.  I've attached a picture of my progress and after I get back from my appointments today I'll try to add some more paint.  I go through this every year before Art Walk.  This mad rush to finish one more painting for the show.  Okay, I'll admit it.  I like the excitement.  Can I create something new and fresh for the show? The crowds are so thick during the show there are many times when there is no place for the artist to stand. It's the place were I get those coveted red dots that signify the paintings are sold.  Will I get one this year?  Oh, I do hope so.  Does it really matter....no....but.... :)

I can do it.... I can do it...

I mentioned in my last post that I doubted I'd I finish my boy and pigeon painting by the weekend and my great blogging friends rallied and sent me lots of encouraging comments.  What an inspiration this blog has become for me. I recommend blogging as the single best way to help any artist to stay motivated.

 I'm still doubtful I can complete the painting, but I'll give it a shot.  With that in mind, I'll keep this post short and go paint.

Here's my painting so far:

Little Straw reception was great.

The artist reception at the Little Straw Winery was wonderful.  The place was packed.  There was live music and non-stop food.  I have been part of small receptions in the past but this was the best.  I felt honoured to be included in the company of Ken Cochrane and Linda Lovisa.  They are such fine artists.

I had an interesting visit with the owner of the winery as he told me how he came to the area many years ago and struggled to purchase the wonderful piece of land that looks over Lake Okanagan.  We bought a bottle of the most amazing white wine to bring home and celebrate.

Next on the agenda is Art Walk, next weekend.  It lasts for two days and usually has 7 to 8 thousand people go through.  My painting of the little boy feeding the pigeons was to be in it BUT I don't think it's going to make it.  Not much time left.... we'll see.  Maybe I'll post my progress each day and that will force me to keep at it. :)

'Til tomorrow....

Please come to the reception.

If you live anywhere nearby, please come out to the reception on Saturday between 3:30 and 5:30. There'll be tapas and wine tasting and lots of interesting art to look at.  Hope to see you there.