Celebration

I am mourning the loss of a very dear friend who has left this world suddenly and way too soon.
We shared a mutual love of gardening, nature and art and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her beautiful smile,  sparkling personality, kindness and compassion.

I am titling this new painting "Celebration".  It is a joyous, colourful piece and it is a tribute to my wonderful friend and her sunny disposition and outlook on life.

Determination

Today's writing is about determination.  This painting was started many months ago and had to wait to be finished until I had recovered firstly from the Christmas season; secondly from a concussion; thirdly from a frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tear and lastly from an incredibly hot few months which left my brain pretty much fried as far as any creative impulses were concerned.

My injuries have healed and the weather has cooled off resulting in a welcome spurt of energy yesterday and today.  This one is now as finished as it's going to be.  A coat of varnish remains to be added and then the final touch which is a float frame with a natural clear finish and black interior.

Many times I have wanted to get out the gesso and start over completely.  There is something to be said for sticking with something until it tells you to stop.  Working on an abstract painting with no pre-planning is like doing a difficult puzzle.The spark of accomplishment feels good and I'm now looking forward to the next challenge.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

30" x 30"

12" x 12"

Well my plan of posting more often has melted - my last post was almost 2 months ago - My Bad!!
My excuse is TOO HOT!  So far this summer I have been spending most of my time trying to stay cool and keep my plants alive watering constantly.  We are lucky to be living on a very large river and are able to pump river water for irrigation AND jump in to cool off.

The oppressive heat and humidity has taken it's toll on my brain and any creative thoughts have been very few and far between.  Yesterday I had a day to myself and in the cooler temperature I did manage to get a first layer done for a 30" x 30" collage piece. It's not talking to me yet but at least it has been started.  The smaller one at 12" x 12" is almost finished - just needs some more contrast and oomph!

It feels good to be creating again and I am hoping to get a day or two this week to continue.  I am working on getting my own "oomph" back too!!!

Perseverance

This painting is the third one in a little series of small test paintings for a new technique to add to my collage works.  All three were done on board and then matted and framed at 8" x 10" and this one at 10" x 12".

 I am happy with the outcome and am now working on two canvases at 12" x 12".  There will be more to come in progressively larger sizes.  The first one is done but I will wait and post them both up together.

It is getting easier for me to stick to a series for a while.  I've always gotten a little bored with the concept of the same theme but I am enjoying exploring an idea for a bit longer each time. 

The end result of a cohesive showing of works is a good reward for sticking it out!

Stages of Carey's Painting

I am finally finished this painting which is 36" x 24" on gallery canvas. It came to me completely spontaneously and was quite a challenge to complete. I painted it for my son Carey's new house and it will be in the kitchen on a rusty red wall surrounded by cherry wood cupboards and gleaming oak floors. It will add a lot of colour and interest and hopefully be a good conversation piece.

I have included photos of my process, starting with applying gesso to an old painting. Each step was a surprise as I didn't have any idea where it was going. I just took my time and let the painting speak to me and evolve.

Renewal

It's a beautiful warm day, birds are singing, grass is turning green. I love spring! It's the renewal thing.

This painting is the first in a new series of collages that I am naming Windows of Opportunity.
Partly for the obvious window-like image and also for the renewal theme.