I just got the news that this mixed media collage painting has gone to a new home.

In the past few months my abstract works have been selling which makes me very happy. I have been working on representational themes lately to be able to offer some variety in my shows. I live in a rural setting and most people around here don't 'get' abstracts.

Just goes to show you that perseverance does pay off!!!!!!!!

New Homes

This summer has seen the artworks above all go to new homes which is a very happy and validating experience for me.

My plan is now to concentrate on creating larger pieces for another solo show, hopefully, in a year or so. I will continue to exhibit in one gallery, one boutique gallery and a few group shows.

I'm feeling the need for time to reflect, daydream and to learn some more painting methods. Working larger will also be a challenge, mostly because of my relatively small workspace, but, I am very thankful for my 'room of my own' - my little 'studio'.

Ready for 'Variety'

Tomorrow I am going to Francesco's Coffee Company in Ottawa to hang a solo show for the month of August. This is my first solo art show for a long time and I managed to create a few new pieces of mixed media paintings on canvas for something new to exhibit along with a varied collection of drypoints, etchings, collagraphs, linocuts, collages and mixed media works on paper.

It has been a struggle to get this show together because of the broken ankle and severe eczema on my hands. The ankle has healed, unfortunately, not the eczema, although it is a wee bit better lately.

It will be good to see the works hanging collectively in one place and get feedback and ideas from onlookers. One always hopes for a few paintings to go to new homes - we'll see how that goes.

The photo attached to this post is of 'Three Sunflowers', my latest and largest to date at 24" x 30". Larger canvases are waiting for inspiration.

Cloning

I've just finished varnishing this painting which is a semi-replica of a previous one. The first painting, 24" x 12", goes very nicely in my newly renovated guest bathroom so I decided to do another one in the same vein on a 24" x 18" canvas that I had.

It's not easy to do the same thing twice! There are subtle differences such as 9 leaves in the first one and 7 in the second and the border treatment is a different technique. It was a challenge and I'm happy with the results.

Now on to another sunflower painting which will be on a 24" x 30" canvas in a landscape format.

Today is Day 14 of my 6 to 8 weeks in a non-walking cast for a broken ankle. Since I can't get out, I have decided to do as many paintings as I can. It's keeping me occupied and very happy!

Silver Lining

I have been neglecting my blog entries lately and today is the day to get back to it.

On April 25, 2010 we welcomed our first grandchild, Michael Steno Assaf, into this world. It's been a great few weeks and I can't believe he will be one month old next week.

Needless to say, creating artwork took a backseat for a while.

Then, just when I was getting my gardening near completion for the start of the summer, I broke my ankle and am now confined pretty much to my house with a non-weight bearing cast and hopping about on crutches. I'm told that this will be the case for 4 weeks and, hopefully, not one minute more.

The good side of this scenario, now that my arm muscles and hopping leg are beginning to not ache as much, is that I can paint all I want! I am working on one of three unfinished pieces and hopefully by the end of next week will be starting another new one.

This cloud does have a silver lining! I will post pictures when the works are ready.

Birthday Present

I am happy to have had my two Canada Geese prints juried into the 2010 International Miniature Print Exhibition and am looking forward to seeing the show at the opening vernissage this evening. The link to the online gallery is: www.2010internationalminiprintexhibition.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday to Me!

Painting Again

Finally, after months of indecision, brooding and lethargy I finished a painting that was started last fall. It feels very good to finish and I actually like the results. It is the third in the sunflower theme consisting of two mixed media paintings and one linocut. There are orchids blooming in my living room and blank canvases in the basement - I feel an orchid series coming on!

It seems like I always have bouts of creativity that come in fits and starts - that's just the way I am and I've decided not to worry but just accept it. Sometimes I actually lay awake at night worrying about what I'm doing wrong or what I should be painting to be more successful in the sales department. I'm giving myself a lecture here - Just Do It - whatever 'it' is at that moment and who cares if anyone else likes it. As long as I'm happy and I see that my artwork is improving, that's all that really matters. That's my story and I'm sticking with it!

Sunflower #2

I should be getting things organized to go away on holidays but couldn't resist picking away at this piece of lino one more time. It was my first attempt and after modifying it, this is the second run through the press. I like the relief method but will not be using lino again. It warps when you wash the ink off and is difficult to flatten again completely. I bought a piece of stuff called 'true cut lino' and 'speedy carve' for my next attempts. I also found the Speedball block printing ink not very satisfying to work with and much prefer the Akua Intaglio ink. This is all very trial and error. Another thing I found a bit frustrating to use was a barren to transfer the ink. Maybe it's just me not putting enough ink on the plate first. I really like the crisp, graphic look of the black and white run through the press.

Now I really must get back to finding summer clothes that fit to pack etc. I have put the cover on my press and tidied up my printing space - back at it in a month!

Good Day

Finally, after two months of house renovations, packing, sanding, painting, unpacking and cleaning I got a day to myself to get some artwork done!

I have wanted to do some linoleum prints for some time but couldn't quite grasp the process. This is the year for the Third International Miniature Print Exhibition at the Ottawa School of Art and I am hoping to get two prints done to submit for jury. This one still needs a few tweaks and tomorrow I will start a second.

I am exhausted after working for about 7 hours on this one today but very happy to be working at my art again. I have one more day to work on the second plate and then will be getting organized to go on vacation for a few weeks.

It will be nice to be in the sun and sand and relax!