Spring is Here

Burst of Blossom, 30x36", acrylic

I have not had much time to paint this week. Spring is definitely here in Vancouver so I thought I would post this image from a few years ago. It has always been one of my favourite paintings. I wanted to capture the feel of the blossoms bursting out. I had fun pushing the pinks and yellows. Today I have time to paint and I am really looking forward to it. I have been thinking about making my landscapes a little more contemporary. Maybe bolder colours and patterns, maybe more surface texture. I like to try new things it keeps me on my toes.

New Work

Creekside, 30x30", acrylic

I live in an area that is basically surrounded by dykes. This is a little creek that runs close to a path that is a very popular dyke walk. I wanted to express the wild overgrown feel surrounding this subject. I also like to try and capture a sense of movement, maybe the wind is catching the grasses and leaves. The blue of the water seemed to be  a nice complement to the oranges. Let me know what you think.

New Work

Feeling Blue, 30"x30", acrylic

I just took this one out to the http://www.birthplaceofbcgallery.com/ . The windblown trees and the shapes of rocks and waves are always an inspiration to me. I grew up by the seaside in England and I think my heart is close to the ocean. I love the smell and sounds of the waves and gulls. I like to say that I don't need to be in it or on it but I like to be by the water. I don't often put people in my work. I like to look at a painting and imagine that I have discovered it, a quiet place for me to explore.

New Painting

Walk through the Rainforest, 36x36", acrylic

I wanted to paint something loose and strong. I started this one by just making some gestural marks with a paper towel dipped in paint. I felt that it gave the painting a more energetic start that I really enjoyed. I wanted to maintain that energy throughout. I tried not to refine everything too much. When I look at nature I like the overgrown rugged nature of it. We have walked these boardwalk trails through the rainforest around Tofino for many years. Lots of climbing stairs and then finally going down toward the beach. It is such a magical place.

New Painting

View to Howe Sound, 24"x30", acrylic

This is another reworking of an older piece. I am much happier with this. It has a lot of paint on the canvas and I like the textural feel as the paint builds up. Making a clear value difference between the foreground, middle and background helps to create a sense of depth and pulls the viewer in. I wanted to capture the silvery light on the water, from one of the many viewpoints looking over Howe Sound.