Snow and Cold but Oh So Sunny!

Finally, something to share! I've been back for a few days now, it's still winter, my studio is still messy, but I have finished a piece or two. These pics were taken outside very quickly in full sun so there is a bit of glare. It was just too ccold for me to take a lot of time to set the shot up. They're both done in acrylics on box frames and will be finished off in beeswax. And once again I've been influenced by the work of Canadian artist Jean Paul Lemieux.



This one is called "Beyond The Trees" and is 20 x 16 inches.



If you've followed my blog or been to my website you'll know I love painting women in hats.

And before I dash back to work, this is Jenna. Even in her thick Malamute coat, she would really rather be in the house than outside,unless of course she's on the pulling end of the leash...hmmm...which reminds me, almost time to walk the dog.

Will Be Back In My Little Studio Soon!

Well, too many days have passed since I last posted. Family responsibilities have taken me away from my paints for a bit...but I do expect to be back in my quiet little studio soon.

A Windy Sunday Night

Sunday night, the wind is blowing and I'm ready for a cup of tea and my book. We never seem to get around to buying proper book shelves, so our books seem to be constantly moving...from beside the bed to the closet, to the window seat...sometimes taking a break in in the basement, but more often than not they're lent to a friend or given to our daughter...she has bookshelves. And sometimes when I'm at her house, I browse through her shelves, pick up a book that interests me and realize, that it's my book or at least was mine. We are book lovers. I'm reading two books right now, "Love in the Time of Cholera," and "The Lion, the Fox and The Eagle." I'm not sure which one I'll reach for first tonight...

And I painted this weekend. I finished two new pieces, a Frida and a Nun, both with crows and both on box frames, finished with beeswax.



Title: Is it Luck?



Title: Forever

A Little William Morris

I’ve always loved the work of the Pre- Raphaelites, and lately I’ve been particularly fascinated by the fabric and wallpaper designs of William Morris. I had planned to search out some fabric remnants and wall paper ends to start work on some collage pieces. But, as I looked at the snow coming down again today, I just couldn’t bring myself to dig the car out and slip and slide my way on any excursion that wasn’t completely necessary. So, instead I decided to paint a “William Morris”, well at least inspired by. It’s a sort of take on his “Orange Tree”. Over the next few weeks I hope to incorporate the Morris designs into my figurative pieces.



I also finished another Madonna, this one is done on a rustic piece of wood, plenty of texture and finished off with gold leaf on the halo. The robes and pose are inspired by a Virgin and Child masterpiece by Duccio di Buoninsegna.

Applications and Spring Promises

Where have I been?

I've been at my desk for the last few days filling out applications and writing cheques! These are the busy days of trying to figure out a reasonable and workable show schedule for the forthcoming year. All the artisans "on the circuit" have their favourite shows and festivals. Some allow strictly wall art, some welcome just about every medium including body care, candy, chutney and jewelry. Some festivals are all about the music with a little art on the side. And every show has it's own specific set of requirements for the application process. I think it's safe to say all require a cheque and basic "tombstone" information. But after that I have to make sure I have my glasses on and read the fine print very carefully.

Naturally, all juries want to see sample of the work. Some are satisfied with a link to my website, others want only photos of a specific number and size, some accept a CD. And then they might want an artist statement, a CV, a description of the process involved in the work, and a picture or detailed description of my display.

And then come the weeks and months of waiting. Will I be juried in or receive the dreaded, "thank you for your application...we regret...and we hope you'll try again next year." Even with happy, satisfied collectors all over the world, it happens...I've been turned down. So, your ego at the door and carry on!

But in the midst of all this I got back to my paints and completed another angel on a box frame.



It was snowy and cold when I finished this one, I was dreaming of spring and called it; "I'll Promise Spring."

Box Frames Snow Storms and Another Angel Painting

It seems the groundhogs are in agreement. Punxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie are both predicting six more weeks of winter. We had another storm of grand, snowy proportions yesterday, and I suspect the famous rodents are excellent prognosticators and we can expect to need our woolies for some time to come!

But as always, my work goes on, rain, shine, snow and all weather in between. I've just moments ago finished a commission piece destined for the UK. The collector requested a box frame rather than canvas and I am so happy that she did. Hubby had an excuse to buy his new air nailer and I now have a stack of box frames ready for gesso and paint. He used 1 1/2 in x 1/2 in wood for the frame, the painting surface is cut the same size as the outside dimensions of the frame, nailed down and smoothed and sanded. I don't actually mind them a bit "rustic" as I use a lot of texture in many of my paintings anyway.



It seems hard to believe, but I'm also beginning to build inventory for my first (so far at least) show of 2008. So if you're in the Ottawa area, mark your calender, ORIGINALS The Spring Craft Sale takes place April 17th to 20th, 2008 at the Ottawa Civic Centre, Lansdowne Park.