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.

X Box

X Box

Oil on Canvas

3 x 3

Finally get to post this little daily! I had to keep this one top secret, as it was a stocking stuffer painted for my daughter's boyfriend. Not a subject I would normally tackle, but a fun little painting, anyway. He loved it!

Those Special Wooden Ornaments

Wooden Ornaments

Oil on Board

5 x 7

I photographed this one wet, so it is not a great photo, but I wanted to get it posted for Christmas day. These ornaments I purchased as a teenager and have hung them on my tree every year since I first moved away from home. I can't help but smile as I place them on the tree, as so many wonderful memories go along with them. The children all know the wooden horse is my favourite - they hear it EVERY year!

Glass Ornament

Glass Ornament

Oil on Board

5 x 7

This is the second in the Christmas still life dailies...I have to admit-I am really enjoying these. This is an ornament I purchased for my husband a few years back, as he loves glass ornaments on the Christmas tree. The classic ornaments remind him of his childhood tree. I owned very few, so we have been slowly building our collection.

Jingle Bell Christmas

Jingle Bell Christmas

Oil on Canvas Paper

3.5 x 2.5

I thought it would be fun to tackle a couple of Christmas subjects...so much to choose from this time of year. Had lots of fun with the little plaid ribbon in this little one!

Garlic Pickles - Mom's Recipe

Garlic Pickles - Mom's Recipe

Oil on Board

5 x 7

I love homemade garlic pickles! I also loved painting them! The glass, as always, was a challenge for me, but I am very happy with the variety of colors in the pickles themselves.

Berries

Berries

Oil on Canvas

6 x 6

The leaves in the background of this painting were a challenge as I tried to keep them loose and just push the paint around. Enjoyed the experience anyway, as my daughter painted her first oil painting at the same time - it was a great way to spend the day. A lot of glare on the surface of this one - hopefully I can get a better photo of it another day.

Peanut Butter Kisses

Peanut Butter Kisses

Oil on Canvas Paper

3.5 x 2.5

This little painting was lots of fun. I really enjoy painting the wrappers on the candies...tedious, but rewarding when you manage to pull it off! These little dailies in this size have been excellent for days when I don't have a lot of time, or am lacking energy - I still feel like I got something done, because I "finished" something!

Caramel Log and Peanut Butter Kisses

Caramel Log and Peanut Butter Kisses

Oil on Board

5 x 7

Here's another blast from the past memory from my childhood. I often think of peanut butter kisses at Christmas - even though they aren't a traditional Christmas candy, the parcel from home never arrived without peanut butter kisses!