Golden Glory

Golden Glory

Oil on Board

10 x 8

This is the last of the paintings from my Red Deer painting trip.  This was inspired by all the amazing flowers at Ellis Bird Farm - I was drawn to the strength of the upright yellow stalks against the incredible blue sky!

Hilltop Farm

Hilltop Farm

Oil on Board

10 x 8

This is another painting from my trip, completed at Ellis Bird Farm near Blackfalds, Alberta.  My focus for this painting were those amazing clouds which reminded me of exclamation marks in the sky.  I tried to keep the farm and trees loosely painted as well, concentrating on the play of light and shadow.

Canola and Clover

Canola and Clover

Oil on Canvas

14 x 11

I thoroughly enjoyed painting this scene outside of historic Markerville in central Alberta.  The contrast between the yellow canola and the rich violet of the clover was irresistible!  I really had to rush the final touches of the painting due to a rapidly approaching storm, but in the end that was great, as it kept me from overworking the painting.

Morning Moss

Morning Moss

Oil on Board

8 x 10

This painting was completed on the first day of my painting excursion at Red Deer College with David More.  I have known Dave for 20 years, and he ever ceases to push and inspire me.  This painting was done in a wooded area of the river valley, with the morning sun illuminating the moss-coated deadfall.  This painting appears to change depending on the lighting conditions under which it is viewed - sometimes the moss appears to glow, while at other times, the hints of violet in the underbrush vibrate.

Sand Dollar

Sand Dollar

Oil on Canvas

20 x 24

I figured I should finally post this painting from my Sylvan Lake painting trip that I had showed in progress earlier. The sand dollar was a challenge, as it was so white, and kept coming across like a cutout. Some careful shadows gave it form eventually. I am very happy with how this particular painting turned out - I always enjoy painting these ones too! I have two more to complete in this series at this scale, each with different focal points.

Approaching Storm

Approaching Storm

oil on canvas

5 x 10

I love Alberta in the summertime! There is just something about that incredible expanse of sky and the stunning color of canola in the fields which seem to be intensified by the blue/grey of the stormy sky.  We have certainly had our share of unstable weather this year, which has led to some amazing skies!

Annual Painting Trip

Once again, I enjoyed a fantastic painting trip to Sylvan Lake with my friend and business partner, Tammy Watt. Our annual trip is a time of renewal creatively - we begin with a morning run, paint until we are exhausted, and kick back with a nice glass of wine. I began a new series of work for an exhibition next year - this time with an ocean theme.  This is the first piece in the series in progress.  Because of its size, this "daily" was painted over two days.

Another Stop Along the Way

Another Stop Along the Way
Oil on Canvas
24 x 24

This painting will be presented in the Calgary show "How the Arts Impact My Life" in May. This exhibition by artists, art teachers, and students has been put together to raise awareness of the importance of art in education. All of the pieces will be available for purchase, with the proceeds going to the children's charity, Dreams Take Flight. My youngest daughter will also be exhibiting in this province-wide exhibition.

Brown Egg Shells

Brown Egg Shells
Oil on Canvas Paper
2.5 x 3.5

This little daily was a lot of fun to complete. I love the color of the shells, and couldn't resist painting them one more time!

Brown Eggs

Brown Eggs

5 x 10

oil on canvas

I enjoyed reproducing the unique, rich color of the eggshells. I kept the composition simple to focus on the eggshells themselves. They also made for a tasty snack after I finished painting!

Tomato Pincushion

Tomato Pincushion

oil on board

7 x 5

I've been wanting to paint this one for a while - I always liked the tomato pincushion. It seemed like everyone's mom had one, and when I moved out on my own and had my own sewing kit - I had to have one too!

We Shall Be Changed

We Shall Be Changed

Oil on Canvas

22 x 28

This painting is not a "true" daily, in terms of what I have been posting, as it was completed over two days. This was created for the Visual Arts Ministry exhibition for our church to celebrate Easter. This was the first time that all members were to paint the same thing - every piece of art had to include the image of the cross. This exhibition will be on display from March through May. The photo is not the best, as it was freshly varnished, so a little bit of glare is evident.