Torture..

I'm currently working on a drawing for a new painting. It is based on a line of bikes and a scooter that were in a courtyard in Prague. I thought all the wheels overlapping would make something different for a painting. Well! It probably will if I survive it. The drawing is a real challenge and painting it may very well be more so. I always think it is funny when people say "Oh, you paint - that must be so relaxing!" Actually, painting is work if you are thinking about what you want to achieve. I think this painting will definitely be one that I will work on for a bit at a time - and paint other things in between - or it just might prove to be a new form of artistic torture.

Art Visions 2008

Currently, there is an exhibit in Kelowna in two side-by-side galleries - Hambleton Galleries and Art Ark Gallery called Art Visions 2008. Organized by the Central Okanagan Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists it is a juried show that was open to all other FCA members. Apparently the competition was stiff - so I was really pleased to have "Windows" accepted. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the opening - which must have been a very nice event. The show continues to November 6th.

art avenue- Federation of Canadian Artists Publication

The September/October 2008 edition of "art avenue" (volume 8) shows a photo of my painting "Birches-Winter" from the Canvas Unbound III show of May 20-June 3 at the Federation Gallery. This is the painting that I blogged about on May 16th and it is nice to see it in the magazine. If you want a copy, you can pick one up at the Federation Gallery on Granville Island.

Right now,the birch is still covered in leaves. Most of them are still green, with only a few turning yellow. I think it must be be because we had rain in August. It looks like a slow Autumn. I could still be raking leaves in December! A curtain of mostly green doesn't strike me as something I want to paint- but, maybe, when the leaves turn to gold and thin out- we'll see...

Albert

I've recently returned home from two weeks in the Czech Republic and one week in Rome. I am planning paintings based on this change of scenery. So far, I haven't picked up a brush as I was distressed at how thin and listless Albert the cat was. I made a veterinarian's appointment and a number of tests were done and x-rays taken. Poor Albert had cancer. He was a wonderful cat, very loving and full of personality and ideas as to how he wanted things to be. He was also very handsome with fluffy black fur and long white whiskers. I painted his portrait a few years back and it was hung for a show in Richmond Art Gallery. I held him in my arms so he would know he was loved while he was put to sleep. I wanted to be supportive for him as he had been so loving over the years. Albert is much missed.

Here's a new one to look at

Well, better late than never and all that sort of thing- finally got the photos together and now there is a new gallery added to the website. It is a total "mixed bag" of various directions I'm exploring. "Apple Grid" is 16 of the 6x6 apple paintings - sixteen different varieties. One of the apples has a bite out of it - but- not shown- there is an alternate apple (unmunched) that could be hung in the grid - or beside it! "Reading" and "Teatime"are two very recent paintings done "En plein aire"- outside painted on the spot. In this case, the "spot" was Tanya's garden. It is an interesting challenge to paint quickly enough to get it "done" before the model's time is up. The time pressure can actually prompt a lively painting. "#7 Plane " is one of the series of tool paintings. Earlier ones include "Compass" and "Chisel".They are all "mixed media" as I have involved bits of collage with construction plans and drawings in conte as well as acrylic paint. These are inspired by my Dad's old tools - with so much more character than modern offerings from the hardware store. There will probably be more tools painted in the future. "Early Snow" is also mixed media with built-up texture as well as many bits of collage. "Evening- Steveston Landing" is the latest in what seems to be an ongoing look at Steveston Landing at various times. I probably like it best when the lights come on and add to the reflections. Positioning of boats and the height of the tide make for changes in the scene. In this latest version, I was interested in the magical feeling of lights reflecting in the water. For something entirely different, take a look at "Gelato". This was pure fun - can you tell that I like ice cream?

Home for Eva

Last night's opening for "Oil and Water" saw a good turnout for a varied show - varied in subject, media, sizes and styles. I was pleased to see a red dot (sold) on my painting of the Eva but I don't know who bought it. Once, at a talk, I was asked if I regretted selling a painting - "letting it go", so to speak. I answered - and still feel- that for me it is completing the creative circle. I get enjoyment from the idea, working it out and creating the painting. Then, when it is completed, to have someone else enjoy it adds to my enjoyment. I can see, if you are an amateur, that you might want to keep what you see as your "best" work if you afraid you won't be able to make one as good again. But, for me, it is the process that is important and I love to think of other people enjoying the "product". When I know the name of the person who has bought a painting, I like to send a thank-you note and tell the owner a little bit about how the painting came to be. In California, it is the law that artists are to be told who the buyer is. Here, it varies, with privacy laws sometimes used as the explanation of why the artist is not told who has their painting. Some of the nicest things I have been told about my paintings are from their owners who have said things like "I enjoy it every time I go through the entry hall." to "Every time I look at it, I see something else." That's the best payment of all!

"Oil & Water"

The juried show "Oil & Water" will open this Thursday, July 24 in the Kiwanis Longhouse Centre for the Arts in Tsawwassen. The reception starts at 6:30 pm and closes at 9:00 pm and the award presentations run from 7:30 pm. There will be refreshments- guaranteed good as Margreth is in charge. I have two pieces in this show. One is of the "Eva" - the fishboat that is in Finn Slough. It is captured half in warm sunlight and half in shadow. "Early Snow" is the other painting- inspired by a snowfall that came before all the leaves were off the birch. It was an interesting mix of golden leaves, dark twigs and clumps of snow. As I worked on it, I decided that such a complex of shapes needed a more complex approach, so I built up texture and worked in bits of collage to create an interesting and complex surface. There are many colour variations. At times, it almost felt like a jig-saw puzzle! Take a close look at the surface and see what you think. I will be at the reception and also "sitting" the show one day - time to be announced when I know. I hope to see you there!
The address is 18th Avenue and 56th Street - Tsawwassen's main street- right near the arena. ( 1710 - 56th Street) and the show is sponsored by the South Delta Artist's Guild. Further information at www.deltaartguild.org