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Memories of Addo National Park
Last year we had the wonderful opportunity to travel to South Africa. And what would a trip to SA be without going on a safari? We were very fortunate to be able to go to Addo Elephant National Park and spend a couple of days there. I think this needs experience needs to be captured in a series of painting – both with poured watercolour and large oils. Safari We were so excited to be on safari in an open jeep that for the first few hours we did not even mind the rain! We knew South Africa had been in a long draught so we would not dare to…
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Striking Visitor
Almost always when I am working on a painting the title just comes to me. They literally name themselves. This painting was no exception however, I did’t feel right about using it. It took me a long time to come up with Striking Visitor. Yet, that is exactly the type of title I wanted. Draws attention to the pileated woodpecker and sound a bit regal or impressive. When you are fortunate enough to see one – it is is a big deal. They stop you in your tracks. The winding painting process This painting was a long time in the making. I started it. Paused to work on a large…
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A nice story
I love a nice story. And I have one to share with you. Awhile back I offered to donate a pet portrait as a fundraiser for a group (Red Head Strays helping cats strut) that works tirelessly to rescue and foster cats. I thought I would have completed the painting in January,but Mother Nature had other ideas. I think you know the story. Snow. Rain. Flash freezing. Flash flooding! inside my studio unfortunately. And of course, pretty sure you know how this went – the basement and studio mess as a result. Back to the story Once upon a time there were two little girls who liked to swing on…
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Nut Case
Once upon a rainy day this Eastern Grey Squirrel was perched on our deck railing under our bird feeders. Happy and proud. Perching just for me. Earlier we had decided we wanted to feed the blue jays…but the squirrels had a different idea. Omigoodness the melie Blue jays tend to loudly announce their arrival. Shrieking in their arrival. The are squirrels aggressively willing to defend their stash. There were a number of interesting clashes of wit and will that provided us with endless entertainment. This fella was perched just for me. At least that is my story and I am sticking with it! Concrete dust and other distractions The painting…
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Fetching Fun and a bit of trouble
So I got myself into a bit of trouble with this one Knowing that oil and water don’t mix – right? And the hazards of painting when slightly exhausted. Change of pace I thought I would get started painting this little 8 x 10” oil. It presented a rather nice diversion from the large white lilac waiting over my shoulder. I organized may paint. Squeezed out the right amount of luscious oil paint. Then I proceeded to paint. With this type of painting I generally start with the background first. That way the fur that is blowing in the wind is on top of the background paint rather than blocked…
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Early wrap to this years challenge
Although this challenge is still ongoing, I am quite done for this year. I managed to complete 17 paintings since it began, but you see a surprise early arrival had me packing up my bags and flying off to Calgary! My beautiful new grandson Henry was born a few weeks early! And so I said to heck with the challenge and hopped on the first available flight. And I do have a few more on the easel waiting for my return. This is the fifth time that I have participated in a 30 Day Challenge. You can see my previous efforts here. With each challenge I like to have a…
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Week 3 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge
I have learned so much with this challenge. It was not enough to commit to a painting a day – I felt the need to add a layer of complexity by adding in a medium that I feel that I am just beginning to understand. I am an oil painter that needs to allow for dry time for glazing. Alla prima is really maybe not my thing – but feel i have been successful with my attempt. Day 11 – Lunch on the Bar The photo does not do this painting justine. The feathers on the bird are quire detailed. What I am finding is that it is difficult to…
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Week 2 of the 30 Day Challenge
Still keeping up with the challenge having completed 11 paintings in 11 days I am having so much fun with all of these. Mussel shells and corvids are some of my long time favourite things to paint. I think I may have a few more ravens in my system. Thinking I am going to venture into watercolours this coming week. Day 6 – Fundy Blues I It almost always comes back to mussel shells for me. I have previously painted them as poured watercolours in a full sheet format. Three different versions. And honestly, there were three of my all time favourite poured painting. And I have painted them…
