New Work

Shannon Falls, 36"x24", acrylic

I have been struggling along on this one for a few days and I am still not sure if I am happy with it. I have had a photo for awhile that I have wanted to paint, mainly because of the white shape of the falls. However the rest of the image is very dark. When my husband was at the falls during the Olympics he took another shot, this time the background was completely in mist and very light in value. I liked the contrast but neither image really gave me enough information. I am liking the direction of this better than my first attempt which had the rocks a darker value. The foreground was not clearly separated from the middle and background and I lost the depth that I feel it needs.  This one seems to give it more atmospheric perspective. I will post an update if I work on it some more. It is hard sometimes to know when to stop fiddling. I really prefer a somewhat spontaneous painterly look. When I start reaching for smaller brushes and getting into too much detail I am usually in trouble. I will often say at a class if you are in trouble pick up a larger brush.

Glazing

Longbeach Surf, 30"x40", acrylic

I brought this painting home from a gallery and had another long look. I felt that it seemed a little blah, and I needed to warm it up. I decided to glaze the foreground with transparent red oxide and a little nickel azo gold. It seemed to bring some life back into the rocks. When an area is not working is does not always need a complete repainting. Glazes can add a degree of sophistication and sublety to the work. I find it works especially well if an area has become chalky because of too much white in the mix.  You can brighten, tone down and grey areas, all with glazes. The horizon looks a little curved but that is my photography.

SFCA Designation

Hi. Yesterday was a great day. I heard that I had been accepted as a senior member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. This gives me an SFCA signature status. I am very honoured to have attained this and I now feel I have to work really hard to live up to it. The process involves having a history of being accepted into juried shows and then submitting images plus originals to be juried by the board of governors (SFCA'S) You need a majority of votes to then be accepted. I have been a member of the Federation for about 17 years. I took their foundation courses and have been exposed to some inspiring instructors.  Over the years I have taken workshops and participated in some wonderful events. It has allowed me to make connections with other artists and to grow my skills and confidence. If you would like to know more, their website is http://www.artists.ca/

New Painting

Squamish Riverbed, 24"x36", acrylic

This was inspired by a day trip to Squamish last fall. The warm fall colours against the cooler neutrals in the mountains and surrounding dry riverbed were what I wanted to emphasize. I first painted the mountain in more detail, but it was a distraction. I try to think what is this painting about, is it the mountain, the foreground, the fall colours? It cannot be about everything. I try to simplify the supporting cast and play up the star character. In this case the trees. What do you think?

Latest Painting

Rainforest Trail, 24"x30", acrylic

I have just finished this painting. I am attracted to images that draw the viewer in, and trails seem to do that for me. I also always find this subject a challenge. So much to simplify, so many greens to control and values to plan. This is part of a boardwalk trail that leads to the beach, in the rainforest around Tofino. I can hear the seagulls and the waves crashing, and the air smells so fresh.