Church alerts on the road to Charlottetown

Road Trip, PEI - oil on panel, 12x16 inches

While in Prince Edward Island, I started this painting after a road trip we took to Charlottetown... then it sat on the shelf for 6 weeks.  I may get a tweaking, yet. Can you feel my delight in that bucholic landscape? Sometimes it's difficult not to let my imagination take over completely, but I do work at grounding my thoughts as best I can with the principles of 'light on form'.  
In PEI, there are a lot of churches dotting the landscape.  As we drove along, Susan would spot them first and call out: " Church alert! "  Some were well worth a slow down to view the particular architectural features; many were quite unique.

Speaking of bucholic landscapes...I just got back from a few days in Victoria, and my oh my, the colour there at this time of year is spectacular; golden autumn light creeps into every nook and cranny of the landscape, both rural and urban.  I didn't sketch while there, but did take a few pics of the trees. Of course the pictures don't do them justice at all, as my photography skills lack the ability to capture the brilliance.

last class today!...hello BC!

Six weeks has flown by. My 'Time to Paint' thursday classes wrap today. It's been  an enjoyable adventure, teaching from the studio. I will definatly run it again during a winter session, although as yet I'm not too sure of the dates.  I'll post them on my website when I confirm that.
The only thing about running a teaching session, is that I find that I seem to paint less myself during the time the session runs for. I'm not quite sure why that is, because I'm only teaching 1 day a week, but it seems that all 'other stuff' gets scheduled in on the other days! life! ha ha ha.  Here's my set up for my demo today, which I hope to keep to 10 min each for the watercolour version and the oil. wish me luck! ha ha.
I'm off to Victoria BC tomorrow morning for a quick trip with the inlaws.  Really looking forward to a few days away with Dave and catching up with the west coast contingent! 
I'm posting progress on my Halifax harbour painting, I'm dying to get at it and finish, hopefully when I get back from BC.! At least I wont have any worries about it being too wet to work on! ha.

birthday bambino

...what else about me does Google know?

Switched on the computer this morning and Google was there as usual, but different...I have to admit, it's just a little creepy, I'm sure it's all meant to be very friendly, but it makes one wonder...what else do they know? Hovering over the image I received a little message: 'Happy Birthday Sally!' ...cute... but it sort of creeped me out.
I am completely spoiled!  Dave bought me an ipad for my birthday! I was at Holly's on the weekend, and we were using their ipad to chat with my daughter Rachel via 'facetime'.  He said my face was 'priceless'  ...it's what gave him the idea. I am totally delighted!!  So nifty! Looking forward to giving it lots of use...and it is a white. I like white.

Friday was road trip day. Bonnie and I delivered new paintings to Gallery Perth.  Sarah came too, and then we did lunch afterwards. Always a pleasure, time with artist gal pals.  A very agreeable jaunt...autumn leaves glorious above the Canadian shield rocks as we drove through the Westport area.  Gallery Perth will be launching their new show A Change of Art on November 10th with an opening reception between 2-5pm.  I have 4 pieces in the show!

Quick post before classes

Autumn in the Islands 1 and 2 - oil on wood

Good morning! Cup of tea by my side, thought I'd while away the time before my class starts this morning with a little blog update. Yesterday I got cracking and did the prep needed for today, (it's all about atmospheric perspective today)so it feels relaxing to not be rushing around this morning. 
Weren't we just blessed with fantastic weather for our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend!?  We spent nearly the whole time out of doors, and gosh it was lovely! I was lucky this year, only did some veggies and bought the bird, but Jeff cooked the turkey in his outdoor deep fryer this year...it was delish! and quite the event too. 

Winter Cabins 1 and 2 - oil on wood

I didn't get much time to work on my Halifax harbour painting, though I did get a little...but not ready just yet to post it...so thought I'd show you some more mini blocks which I've been doing to prepare stock for November shows.

Winter in the Islands - oil on wood - 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches

My dad's partner Diana passed away, and the funeral is this weekend.  Sad that he will not have her in his life anymore for company, but she is in a better place.  She was not well for the last number of months.

It's Kingston Prize time again!

This afternoon Sarah Hunter and I volunteered to sit at the door for the Kingston Prize 2013 exhibit in Gananoque.  

This is ALWAYS a spectacular show, and really worth a drive out to see it.  We are so lucky to host this amazing national portrait competition in a town so close to Kingston.  It's open to anybody who wants to enter and lots do...I think this year there were about 400 entries from across Canada!  30 finalists from these entries are chosen for the exhibition, and they all compete for the $20,000 prize.  There are also two honourable mention prizes worth $2000 each, and a peoples choice prize of $1000.  The prizes are awarded at the end of the show.

 

detail of Sarah Sniderman's 'Algonquin Bride'

I was impressed.  Some spoke to me more than others.  I loved Sarah Sniderhan's 'Algonquin Bride' for it's quiet contemplative dialogue of subject and setting; a self portrait in an iconic Canadian landscape. 

 

Momcilo Simic's - 'Twelve'

Sarah loved Momcilo Simic's 'Twelve', an exquisite example of contemporary Canadian portraiture, painted with the technical excellence of an old master...one could almost mistake that face for a Holbein, Ingres or Vermeer.

Marina Dieul's - 'Bacchante 3'

I loved Marina Dieul's 'Bacchante 3' .  A contemporary trempe l'oeil masterpiece,  featuring a mythological child(Marina's daughter is the model) peeking out of a burled wood tunnel at what one can only guess is a strange new world.  Will she venture forth, or will she stay in her cocoon?...the viewer wonders...

Denis Nadeau's - Saltimbanka - le doute

A Klimt-like harlequin portrait twinkles from it's corner...why there is gold glitter in that paint! But it is not tacky as one might expect irridescent paint to be; it sings!  Denis Nadeau from Drummondville Quebec has beautifully orchestrated dramatic harmony between the harlequin's costume and her background.

I could go on...there were so many portraits that I thought, amazing.  You can view the 30 finalists online, but it doesn't do them justice.  You really HAVE to see them in their glory...glowing and spotlit in their dramatic temporary home in the Firehall Theatre in Gananoque.  The show is open everyday except Mondays from 12 noon to 8pm until October 20th.  Go see it! You wont be disappointed!

changing seasons

cottage minis series - oil on wood - 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch

September sure flew by, October seems to be doing the same!  I am painting the mini blocks again, although not the beach-house series,  cottage themes with autumn and winter in mind. I am going to be participating in the Thousand Islands Art Show and Sale on Nov 16 and 17th,, and a few community shows in November too.  These mini blocks are quite popular at the shows, likely to do with the small size and price point, but it's been fun painting them again. 

Painting in my sleep

start of Halifax harbour - oil on canvas - 24 x 18"

Perculating ideas for some new paintings this last week has found me combing over my resource material and doing lots of thumbnail sketches. I was finding it difficult to zero in on exactly how I wanted to approach it.  I guess I knew that I didn't want an impressionistic literal harbour view. I think what I was after was 'the feeling' of this glorious harbour.  So last night I went to bed with my head swimming with possibilities.  I think I painted all night in my dreams!  This morning I began blocking it in on the canvas, and I'm happy with where it's heading so far.
I couldn't care less about accuracy; rather, I'm looking for iconic structures, things that make it memorable and unique.  So perspective gets shifted to include things that I feel are important... definately both bridges, pier 21, signal hill, ships and ferry's, St. Georges Island with the lighthouse...oh...ahem...and the Radisson! ha ha!(my daughter Rachel is sales manager there!)  So...how to cram it all in and convince the viewer that they are looking at Halifax, when co-ordinates dont line up?....well, possibly it will work if I show it to them viewed through my Sallyscope ;-)  heh heh.  update to come...

Humming along

Things are humming along in my 'Time to Paint' classes. Yesterday we focused on colour theory a bit, and I gave a watercolour demo before the gang began their own paintings...Brenda, from the afternoon class took this picture, but also seemed to think my shoes needed a picture too!!...heh heh...funny girl. 

Kathleen, one of our class members from the morning session brought a yummy apple crisp freshly made and still warm, we shared it during coffee break, which was a special treat, and the afternoon class was very happy to share what was left for their break too!

Dunes - oil on panel - 8"x 6"

Here's another little plein air painting I did from the dunes and sand near the beach when I was in PEI mid September. 
I love September, it's  full of new changes to experience.  When my girls were growing up, the 'back to school' season always charged my batteries to begin my own new learning curve by signing up for classes of some sort or another.  This year, visiting PEI to paint, and starting teaching from my studio, were my 'new experiences' that have brought a happy change to my life.  O yes indeedy... I'm grateful.

Thursday classes

values study

Last Thursday I began teaching my 'Time to Paint' classes.  I was delighted to welcome each of the members who arrived; some were new to me and others I've met or taught before.  Both the morning and afternoon sessions consist of members who have differing levels of ability, but I didn't feel that was a problem. 

watercolour - Farm Sky

I began with a discussion on values with 2 short demos in transparent and opaque mediums; there was a 3 value study exercise, then each moved on to a painting of their chosen subject matter.  The purpose of the exercise was to help separate tones/values in the minds eye, and apply it when painting...at least that's the theory.  Learning to see this way and applying it are often a life long pursuit for many painters. 

oil - Farm Sky

Tomorrow's Thursday classes will center around colour theory, and I'm hoping to do a 1/2 hour watercolour demo with it. There isn't time to demo both mediums in one session, and still allow plenty of time for members to paint,  (after all that's what it's all about!)  so I've decided that each week I'll change my medium for demos.  Next week I'll work in an opaque medium. 

Teaching from my own home studio has a lot of advantages for me, the main one is that I do not have to pack up and lug my equipment back and forth to a classroom setting!  I'm lovin that. 

Saturday jurying

John Climenhage

The Belleville Artists Association had asked me a few months back to be a member of the jury for their annual fall show, and I accepted with pleasure. This past Saturday was the day, along with Peterborough artist John Climenhage. 
Being part of a jury is both interesting and exciting.  It's interesting because it gives me a great opportunity to ask myself what contributes to good art, while all the while making me sit up and take notice of each artists individual journey.  It's exciting because it's a privilege to get to view each members best efforts before the show opens.  
If I had any apprehensions at all going in, it was only that I had not yet met the other juror, and I hoped if our views conflicted, we would still be able to work effectively to reach agreement.  I needn't have worried.  As John said..." the works speak for themselves". 

another one from the cliff...PEI

The Belleville Artists Association members that I met during my visit were a very professional and delightful group. A light lunch was enjoyed with the BAA volunteers before the session started to welcome and familiarize us before we got to the task at hand.  It was a long process, and I was very tired afterwards, but I did feel good about which works were chosen for the awards. 

cottage studio on the cliff

cottage at Cape Wolfe, PEI

 This is our cottage that we rented for the week in PEI.  You can see how cl!!ose it is to the cliff.  When we were down at the wharf buying some fish from the fishing boats, one of the fishermen was chatting to Susan, and when he heard which cottage we were staying in, he said: "What, you mean that cottage hasn't fallen into the sea yet?" ha ha ha!  It is pretty close to the edge, about only 6 feet away actually.  
These little plein air studies were done on the deck, which is covered in some parts, which was a good thing because the rain and fog rolls in quickly when it has a mind to; which is often.   I used the palette knife quite a bit in these studies.   The sand in PEI is very  red...red oxide to be precise...its because of the iron in the soil...which happens to be very good for growing potatoes, the islands primary crop.  The red sand mixes with the sea water near shore creating unusual colours in the water.
I have to say I've come away from this trip discovering something new about my painting practice...and that is, I get less of a thrill out of recording what's in front of me as I do from inventing.  O yes, I love the sound of the birds and the wind and sun in my nostrils, that's the part of plein air I love, but does is really satisfy my desire to create...?  not as much. I love painting in the studio, when I have time to consider  inventing my own colours, forms and ideas. 

Sunset after a day of rain...

After a full day painting indoors because of pouring rain on our first day of our PEI painting adventure, we started to feel a slight touch of cabin fever. We all agreed the best cure would be a little jaunt out to experience a PEI lobster dinner!

Sunset After Rain, Cape Wolfe, PEI - oil on panel 16"X12"

Sally, Sherry, Lorraine, Susan

The west coast of the island is remote, but spectacular, and as we crested a hill we were greeted by such a vista, I thought I was in Ireland for a minute, or somewhere equally as green and gorgeous!  The sun came out chasing away the rain clouds, the red cliffs and beaches stretched into a golden evening sunset.  I was so struck by the magic that the setting sun created on the light of the landscape, and the next day painted from memory, what was in my mind's eye.  The Wind and Reef restaurant at the most northerly tip of the island, was where we ended up, and we enjoyed a fabulous meal that capped off our first day perfectly!

Prince Edward Island roadie

watercolour 30 x 22" sold

oil on canvas 40" x 30"  sold

Road trip!  Woohoo!!   Prince Edward Island is one of the prettiest corners of Canada, so I didn't really have to think about it much back in June when my friend Sherry suggested a painting trip there in September.  We're renting a cottage at Cape Wolfe...at the western end of the island overlooking the top end of the Northumberland Strait.  Hoping for good outdoor painting weather, but actually we dont really care...it will just be awesome to have a whole week to concentrate on painting whatever moves us.  Here's two commissions I've recently finished...one oil and one watercolour.

Fear of Failure

'Promise' - watercolour - sold

Bad words!  It comes to all artists, but it is one thing we can control.  When we're children we find love and acceptance by pleasing parents, teachers, friends...then later in life you find yourself painting... friends and family begin to notice and give praise...you paint to get into some shows...that acceptance always feels so good doesn't it?  That's human nature.  But those feelings of acceptance wane after time and true happiness in painting goes deeper.   
Love and respect yourself first. Try and explore what's right for you... thrill yourself with new discoveries... let yourself dive into the abyss of the unknown...you might 'thunder in'(my hubby's old paratrooper expression for when your chute doesn't open) dreadfully....or you might get to a new level of understanding, and do something that really rocks your boat!  That is success in painting.  Rocking your own boat.  My mother always told me "Don't give your energy to people who make you feel bad"...turns out it's valid advice about painting for others expectations as well.(the ones who don't paint)
When you're learning painting, you have to give up the fear of failure...I mean really, why would you want to hold onto it anyway?  It's a mean girl. It makes you feel bad, like you cant do anything.  Listen to your heart.  It wants you to come out and play.  
...On another note, I'm delighted to report that my Thursday morning and afternoon Time to Paint classes are now nearly full.  One place left in each of them. 

the arbor that Dave built

We have a new garden arbor on the side of our house this weekend, thanks to Dave. While I was at the art and craft show, he was sending me photo updates of its progress...we used to have an old structure in the space, but it wasn't serving it's purpose very well(too narrow) so he recreated this one with seating and open latticework on the sides. I LOVE IT!! It is a south facing position, so it will be a wonderful spot to sit in the spring sunshine with a cuppa, and ponder the garden's inspirations. 

Mr. Lincoln in my garden August 24, 2013

Today I'll plant a clematis on one side and I think maybe even a new climbing rose on the other. It feels already like we're into fall, even though it's still August.  Our yard is covered in fallen leaves, although I think it's more due to the drought we had for 2 weeks than any cold snap, but the nights have been getting cooler. 
This morning my artist friend Bonnie Brooks is taking some of her art to Quinns of Tweed, and asked me to go along for the ride. woohoo! ...art friend+art gallery+road trip=my idea of a good time!
 

 

40x30 commission work and Kaleidoscope

I'm working on a commission, a larger version of a painting I did a few years back.  Today I got a lot of the body colour done, and it is beginning to come together; adjusting of tones in some areas will be needed, but at the moment I cant see just what it needs...been a long day of painting. I have yet to add the seagulls too.  Working with the larger brushes is a refreshing freedom compared to the small mini's I've been fiddling around with over the past few months, though the vigorous blending and moving the paint around with them is a strain on my right arm(the one that had tennis elbow a couple of years back; it healed but still acts up when I over use it). 
 
This Sunday in beautiful Bloomfield, Prince Edward County, is the Kaleidoscope craft and design show, from 10am-4pm.  I'm going to be participating in it, and I will focus on showing my paintings.  I will also bring some of my craft and designs along too.  It's the last show of the summer for me; I cant believe how fast August has flown...been so busy there's hardly been any time for blog posts...heh heh...well somehow I think life will go on! Here's an image from last years Kaleidoscope in the big red barn at Fields on West Lake.

cottage minis and o what a weekend

This Saturday (Aug 17th) is a little festival called MusicWestport.  A festival of music, yes; but also Spring Street in Westport will feature artisan tents and I'll be in one. Westport is one of my favourite villages just 45 min north of Kingston.  It's cottage country, so these new little 'cottage minis' will be coming with me, and I'll be painting some on site too.  This year has been an experiment. I signed up to participate in lots of art shows on weekends; taking The Gallery at the Porch Door to events instead of waiting for the public to come here... it's worked well, networking a wider reach of clientelle, although occasionally it inconveniences customers who might plan on popping into the gallery on weekends. However in those cases usually a suitable time can be arranged easily by contacting me.


Well were we surprised!!  this past weekend was Dave and my 35th wedding anniversary.  Our three daughters all arrived to celebrate with us Friday night, giving us an incredible scrapbook they had compiled of photos and notes from a variety of friends and family who Holly had contacted months ago to contribute.  It was such a beautiful present, not to mention a great deal of effort.  Then after they presented the scrapbook they informed us that the next day was going to be a huge party, here at the house!  Well what a party it was!  Many friends(some from the past)and family showed up, and of course there was a bolo tournament(because that is just what we do!! ha ha) and food and campfires (yes 2!)at night. The young people all camped outside around the yard, and the older gen slept inside. Even the porch gallery was pressed into service and became a bedroom for the night!  What a time we had. We are so moved and grateful for our wonderful daughters and their crazy plans...what fun!

boathouse minis

My garden and life in general have been taking precedence to my painting this past week.  We had an absolutely wonderful long weekend, gorgeous weather, no real commitments, except Dave and I had some puttering and jobs around the house and garden...but we love that. We intersperse them with a capuccino on the deck, or a beer or a martini in the late afternoon. In the evening we have been challenging each other to games of Crokinole.  Usually Dave wins, but I can give him a run for his money! ha!  Yesterday I did get going again on painting some mini blocks (tiny oil paintings)to feed my desire to paint...boathouses, and dreamin of the coast, what else? ha.  
Another exciting thing for me is that I had a call from a client to ask for a commission...and guess what...she wants a larger version of Everything About It, But Nothing in Particular ...I'm really happy to oblige, as I love painting landscapes of the coast!

birds eye views

I love birds eye view perspectives. Many past works have featured landscapes, townscapes viewed from above. I especially like it when the view is from only a few stories above...creating a dollhouse, miniature world version things.  I was digging in my studio drawers this week and came across this watercolour which I did in 2001, when I lived in Point Lonsdale, Australia...at the time I was interested in recording the fun things that our life there included...which was the Ripview Swim Classic....so it's very illustrative...but one thing I noticed is that it also has that same 'from above' perspective.  

Anyways, lately I've been perculating ideas to do a painting of Halifax harbour, to add to this birds eye view fetish of mine. 
 John Hartman's wonderful contemporary abstract aerial versions of cities, are marvelous and inspiring; he does big scale paintings that have such power.  
 
But what I'm interested in doing is something on a smaller scale, perhaps even a little friendly(?)...but short of getting up in a balloon above the harbour, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to get much of a resource to use other than my own imagination...which is fine...but also a scary too. For now I'm sketching out thumbnails, ideas to see if I can work up something, then get enough courage to pull out a canvas and begin!  stay tuned.

Finishing touches

Just spent a wonderful weekend rekindling old friendships with our friend's Mary & Mark.  They live near Hamilton, Ontario.  Mary inspires me with her great party hosting skills! We were invited to join their annual spaghetti dinner, and met lots of lovely people who are good friends of theirs and we shared the meal delightfully under some awnings and by candlelight in their backyard.  The weather was perfect! Stupidly I forgot to take pictures of the outdoor setup, but here's one of the flowers, and other supplies all ready to be moved out onto the large dining table under the stars.  On Saturday we took in a pub meal and the beautiful quaint town of Niagara on the Lake, and that is ALWAYS a joy.

When I got home today i put the finishing touches on my chair for the Breast Cancer Action Furniture Revival Art Auction.  I finished it in the palest blue with orange, yellow and cornflower blue accents.  I decided to give it a name, "Cottage Dreams" which I painted on the edge of the seat under the main image.  The back features gradated colours of sky and water.  I was going to add some fish motif's but thought it would be overkill.  The quote 'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication' by Leonardo DaVinci always come to my mind when I am unsure about adding embellishments...and usually the simple idea wins.