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.

SCA 45th exhibition...I'm in!

Here's the official announcement of the Society of Canadian Artists 45th exhibit, which my painting, 'Colours of Evening' was accepted into.  The show's in Montreal.  Although I'm unable to make if for the official opening reception, I am thinking of taking the train in to Montreal perhaps on Aug 19 for an over-nighter... take in a few galleries, and at the same time see the SCA show.  If there is a pal out there who'd like to go along, share a room...just send me an email. It's always more of an adventure with a friend!

Aug 14/13 - Aug 25/13 SCA 45th Open Annual National Exhibition & Competition Location: Tudor Hall, 5th floor Ogilvys 1307 St. Catherine Street, W. Montreal

Awards
Best in Show $1000, 2nd place $750, 5 additional Awards of Merit of $500 each
Official Opening and Reception - Aug 17th 2013 12noon – 3pm
Tudor Hall Hours (5th Floor)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10am to 6pm 
Thursday, Friday 10am to 9pm 
Saturday 10am to 5pm 
Sunday noon to 5pm

Breast Cancer Action Kingston furniture revival art auction

A few weeks ago I met a volunteer and cancer survivor, Mary, who asked if I would consider working on a donated piece of furniture for a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Action Kingston.  They would supply the furniture item...Well....it's easy to say yes ...my own mother passed away from a recurred breast cancer in 1992. I was in! 

Last weekend my friend Sherry Pringle invited us to her beautiful cottage in the Thousand Islands, and while there I was thinking about this project, and wondering what to paint...it was obvious from my surroundings, that a cottage theme set in the Thousand Islands would make a great subject for the theme of the piece...I mean who cant use a funky little folk art handpainted chair for their cottage?  After all ...the whole idea is to make it appealing so folks might bid on it; hence raising the desired funds for the cause.

Yesterday I painted the main part on the seat.  I plan to collage a map of the islands on part of the back, and the rest will be finished in a pale blue paint with some funky coloured bits on the spindles.  I'll post again when its fully finished. Quite a pleasure doing this:)

Starlight # 2

oil on canvas - 24" x 24"

Starlight # 2 is a larger version of a smaller study(8x8 wood panel) done a few months ago. This one is on canvas; consequently there's a number of differences from the original study.  Brushwork behaves differently on canvas than wood panel.  Colours blend more. There is more scope for mood.  I like how on the larger version, you get to 'look around' more...wonder about what's hiding in the shadows...oh - look...some fireflies are playing there.  
This one is definately one for the dreamscape file folder!  

I'm not completely sure that I will call it Starlight # 2.  Sounds kind of boring.  I'd like something more original; but definitely want to avoid whimsical overtones in the title, because it already is so blatantly that....don't want to push it completely over the edge. 

This weekend is the ' Fantasy in the Forest' art show. Jamie Brick runs this 2 day show; this year featuring 22 artists, and taking place in a new woodland setting not far from Perth Road Village.  The forecast is for clouds on Saturday but sun on Sunday.  I'm in this show for the first time this year and plan to bring mostly my dreamscapes , mini painted blocks and handmade items from my Gallery at the Porch Door.

Late Summer

Late Summer - oil on canvas - 24x24 inches

Working with so much green is a challenge. Green is a tricky colour to get right in nature.  The breeze blowing the first of the leaves about the yard suggested late summer, so....I used lots of orange in the greens too.  The subject is loosely based on our yard.

birdyhouse and great weekend

 This is the birdhouse that Holly chose for me from an artisan at Art Among The Ruins.   I love it...it's hard to see in the vid, but it has such whimsey, twigs and branches attached to it, and the colourful stains on the wood allow the woodgrain to be seen nicely too.  I loved the different styles of them that she made.  Holly bought a blue one for herself.

We just finished  a  lovely summer weekend full of family and fun.  My daughter Holly and I, left Dave and Jeff to install a new front door at their house on Saturday morning while she and I set off to look for a wedding dress! 
 
She is getting married next July, and being an organized sort of person, now was as good a time as any to begin the search.  She found one! And it's so lovely, she's delighted and so am I...we didn't expect it would be so easy!  

After the door was in and secured, we enjoyed a marvelous smoked bbq before setting out for an evening of fun and frolic at Ottawa Blues Fest, and that was a treat.  The Dixie Chicks were headlining that night; Dave and Jeff love their music.  I liked the tunes and the electric fiddle especially:)

me at the Dixie Chicks at Ottawa Blues fest

I slept in on Sunday, and woke up to find Holly and Jeff cleaning and detailing Dave's truck! oh my goodness... can you get any more generous than that?  

Sunday afternoon we met up with Dave's sisters and brothers families for a summer get-together, which was so wonderful to catch up with some of the gang. 

poppies

Poppies - 2 1/2" x 3"  oil on wood blocks

Hovering skies of rainclouds today, I'm kind of hoping they open up for a while and water my garden! I did go around and water it late yesterday afternoon, but a good soak would help...I mean...if it's going to hover and be cloudy...might as well do the deed!  heh.
We're off to take in Ottawa Blues Fest on Saturday with Holly and Jeff, which I'm looking forward to; there's a whole line-up of performers at least a mile long. The Dixie Chicks play while we're there, funny, as I didn't think they did blues...but guess we'll find out.  Dave and Jeff love their music so all good!
I've been doing some flowers on the mini blocks...poppies, yesterday.  A little change from the landscapes... building my inventory for a couple of weekend artisan fairs; these little guys are popular at them.

getting going

From time to time my painting goes through periods where I just feel stuck...same old subjects, no real inspiration driving my work.  It's hard to get going again when i go through periods like that.  So June went by and I didn't work on any larger paintings at all...just fiddled around painting the minis , which is fun, but can also be a diversion in a way.  Chatting with an artist friend about this, we agreed that the best way to beat it is to stop procrastinating, and just begin painting. Sometimes easier said than done. But yesterday morning, I did just that, stopped procrastinating and began... it feels good, so we'll see where it goes from here.

I read a quote by Jasper Johns recently. It goes something like this: " to be an artist you have to be willing to give up everything; especially the desire to be a good artist".  

Trading Pieces

I have admired the works of JT Winik for years.  She's a painter living in Kingston, though she travels a lot, living for a time each year in Spain, the Netherlands or Mexico.   Her work is mostly figurative, sensitive, moody, and often has an intangible dreamlike quality.  When I used to work at the frame shop, I would love it when a client would brought in one of her works for framing, so I could have the chance to enjoy her painting up close; see the brushwork, the surface textures...all the stuff us artists are so interested in. 
SO... you can imagine my complete and utter surprise;  how over the moon I was when recently she contacted me, and asked if I would consider an artists trade for one of MY paintings!! Well, um...let me think... YES!! 
We did the switcheroo yesterday...and how good did that feel?  Well we both commented and said that it felt like Xmas on the Canada Day weekend! 
'The Woman in Red' now resides on the wall in my living room right next to my great grandfathers paintings which I inherited, and cherish so much.  She looks like she belongs there, doesn't she?  Her presence speaks to me of innocence and  a child like inner beauty.

My painting, 'Morning Rush' now hangs on  JoAnna's wall where she "can look at it each morning upon awakening and each night before sleep". 

It's quite wonderful to be able to make each other happy just by the act of painting and sharing it, isn't it?

art lovers soiree

  Thursday night was an opening reception for two new exhibitions at the AEAC.  A great activity for a sultry summer evening, I thought...so headed on down to join in the soiree... I wasn't disappointed.
One of the exhibitions was Shayne Dark's new sculptural exhibit: Critical Mass. That's Shayne in the suit in front of the red root sculptures.  I absolutely love this artists powerful pieces formed from nature;  re-imagined.  They create a sense of wonder   A hanging sculpture created from a multitude of apple bores brought to mind some sort of an organic pile of heart muscles, sculls, cow udders...one can only guess...it's that quality of seeing new things as you look at it that makes it amazing. 

The other exhibition, 'Deja, Deja, Visitee' featured  paintings, knitted landscapes, and a video installation. Mike Bayne, Jocelyn Purdie and Maayke Schurer were featured artists.  Whoops, sorry I didn't get any pictures of that exhibition!... but the works were really interesting. 
A great night out with Kingston's art enthusiasts!

 

What good is art? the value of creative thinking...

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