Feathers and Glitter

For the next couple of weeks, it's all about getting ready for Originals Spring Show. I'm still working on the collection of small format paintings on 5 x 7 inch canvas board. Here are a couple more I've finished this week.



This one is called Arianna. She's got dramatic blue eyeshadow with all kinds of sparkly glitter.




This one is called Alina, yes I'm working my way through the "A"s. She's very glittery and is topped off with a Swarovski crystal and real feather on her head band. And I discovered today that even all cleaned and dyed these feathers are irresistible to both the dog and the cat!

Forgotten Keys and Understated Sparkle

Today I experienced one of those random acts of kindness that are just so special. It was small in the grand scheme of things, but a perfect gesture. I am a "multi tasker". Most of the time I'm pretty accomplished, particularly when it comes to combining dog walking, grooming, exercise getting and postal pickup and delivery. Doggie knows at a fairly predictable time in the day, I will wash my brushes and exchange my slippers for boots and get her leash from the closet. It is naturally her favourite time of the day, so there is much Malamute howling and general excitement. It has been a snowy winter but finally, mercifully, the snow is beginning to melt. As welcome as this sign of spring is, it is undoubtedly the dirtiest time of year for the big dog owner. After much trial and error, I've discovered that the mush and slush that accumulates on her long coat, brushes out nicely if first rubbed with snow followed by a brisk raking.

So today was really no different as I struggled to grip the leash, the letters and the dog brush while I locked the door and get going. But, twenty minutes later, I realized that my hands seemed much too free and it was my keys that were missing. Yep, I had locked the door and left them in the lock! As I hurried home, it was easy to imagine a stolen car, ransacked home...plus all the embarrassment knowing that I had done a really dumb thing. And this is where I get to the random act of kindness. While I was out, I had received a postal delivery and there tucked safely and discretely behind the packages were the house keys. Thank you kind postal employee! You made my day!

And oh yeah, this is what I was painting today before I headed out on my little adventure.



It's called "Understated Sparkle" and is another in my growing collection of party girls. And she has lots of sparkle, glitter on her eyelids and little swarovski crystals on her ear rings and necklace.

Spring Easter Christmas...where do the hours go?

With my first show, Originals Spring Show , just around the corner I'm spending even longer hours than usual in my studio. Once the huge snow drift in front of my window has melted, my little room will be flooded with light, especially in the afternoon. But for now, I'm still in the shadow of the snow mountain. I'm using it again tonight as a backdrop for my latest collection of little paintings. These little guys are painted on 4 x 6 in canvas panels and have little embellishments like glitter or Swarovksi crystals. Hmm...they'll make great stocking stuffers...what am I doing??? - still not dug out from the winter of 2007/2008 and already thinking about next Christmas!

Infinite Variety

Yes, it's already 7:00 pm and no I didn't jot anything down for my blog before this moment...but I did tidy up my studio a wee bit, and I did paint today. I started a new angel and a Madonna on this Palm Sunday and I finished a Frida. I haven't painted many Frida pieces yet this year. This one is very folky, very sweet.



I called this one "Infinite Variety", a coupling of words I found in the introduction by Carlos Fuentes to "The Diary of Frida Kahlo". It's a marvelous introduction to her journal.

A Bit of A Vixen, A bit of a Vamp

Every day I promise myself that I'm going to set aside a few minutes early in the day, at an hour that I'm more likely to be able to put two words together to write in my blog. And here it is again, the sun in low in the sky; I'm tired and ready for the couch and, yep, I haven't written a thing in my blog. But as I've said before, I'm much more a painter than a writer, so I'll at least post a couple of new pieces. And don't forget, you can find lots more of my work, new and old at my website.





The first piece started out as another in my series of Flapper girls. As I worked, she became a bit more goth, a little bit scary. I used acrylics and gold leaf on wood. I like the texture of the wood. I called her "Vara (the Vixen)".



This one is also painted on wood, and is definitely a vamp! I called her Astrid...I love that name.

Angels and Snow

Can you believe it? The city just got the sidewalks cleared yesterday and it's snowing AGAIN! And it's still cold, but spring will come. With snow in the air and spring on my mind, it seemed like a good day to pare things down and paint some good old fashioned folk angels. As much as I love detail in a piece, there's something so sweet about country inspired figures. They're rustic and look simple, but sometimes it takes me longer "not to paint" things than to paint them...if you know what I mean.


So after a long day in the studio, there's a host of angels growing on my window sill.

The Collection Grows

The collection of girls continues to grow.

Party Girls

Women, women and more women! I started out this week painting a couple of Flappers and it was just so much fun, the crowd of gals is growing! Some of them are flirty, some are winsome and every one is just a little bit different. I've been posting them on my website almost before the paint is dry!



Speaking of paint drying...I have another one on my easel I'd like to finish tonight so better get at it!

Snow and Flappers!

The Toronto Star is reporting that 52 centimetres of snow fell yesterday here in Ottawa. It just fell and fell and this is how it looked when we woke up this morning.



And finally, the sun shone and I was able to get some decent shots of my recent paintings. So, here's Adelaide, the first in a series of funky fun, party girls.



She's a bit of a flapper I think, with her black bobbed hair and long red beads.

Ribbons, Pearls and More Snow

Earlier this week, in the midst of snow, snow and more snow, I decided it was time to take a few chances. Over the past few years my work has become more serious, more spiritual. Maybe it’s this endless winter, but it seems time to have a bit more fun with my art. So, I got to work with crystals, ribbons and pearls. I think it may even be time for feathers, fabric and more glitter…but we’ll see. These creative leaps are not always as easy on the canvas as they are in words.

Although it’s snowing much too hard to take a shot of these latest paintings outside, I’ve lined a few new pieces on the window sill. (And yes, that is a giant snow drift behind.) These little ladies were great fun to paint. And I'm not sure if you can see in the shot, but I've incorporated a bit of glitter, some ribbons and pearls.



And yes, we're in the midst of yet another storm...

How ManyMore Days Until Spring?

Last night I realized that I have paintings hung on just about every bit of wall space; they're tucked behind every door in our house, upstairs and downstairs. Even though I need plenty of inventory for Originals Spring Show and the shows that follow, I decided to spend a few hours listing these finished pieced on my various gallery sites. You can link to my galleries on the side bar on the right to get an idea of prices and sizes of my available pieces.

So, I had a few less hours available to paint today. I did finish a commission for a truly lovely collector. But since the piece is a surprise for a loved one, I won't be posting it for a while. I will share a spring inspired work in progess...perfect therapy on a day when another 27 centimetres of snow fell...and only weeks until it is officially spring!

Lady Bugs and Hearts On A String

As I sat at the computer this morning, wishing for the promise of spring instead of the threat of yet another snowstorm a ladybug shot over my head and landed amongst my paints and brushes! Where did this little miracle of nature come from on a cold and wintry day? I couldn’t send her outside, like I do in summer, so I just had to hope that she’ll find a way to survive until spring…



I spent most of the day on a commission. It’s not quite ready, but maybe tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s here’s another little romantic folk girl.
Even if Valentines Day is past,hearts never really go out of style. These hearts are on a string held by a sweet faced girl. Perfect for a romantic girl of any age!



Title: On A String
Size: 12 x 36 x 1 1/2 in
30 x 92 x 4 cm
Medium: Acrylic, wood, beeswax
Date: 2008


*All Image Rights Reserved © Wendy Ryan*

Good Night Jeff

I often think about the miraculous gift of the senses...how much I love good food, how smell is so tangled up with taste, how touch informs our every move, without sight, I couldn't be an artist...but hearing, how I would miss the music that fills my days as I paint if I lost the gift of hearing.

So today has been a sad day, the news that jazz blues guitarist Jeff Healy had passed away at just 41. As I spoke with a friend and fellow fan tonight she said how it seemed like his music had just always been there. He was respected not only as one of the greatest blues guitarists, but also for his wonderful spirit. He will be missed by so many...Good Night Jeff.

But before I turn out the lights, I will share a new piece, a sort of medieval princess...pale and romantic.



Title: Mysterious Magic
Size: 12 x 24 x 1 1/2 in
Medium: Acrylic, Wood, Liquid Gold

*All image rights reserved © Wendy Ryan*

Winter Snow and Easter Promise

As I look over the drift of snow before my window, it's hard to believe that both Easter and spring are around the corner! Perhaps in response, I've painted a sweet angel and her little bunny to bring us all the heavenly promise of renewal.



I've used a box frame again, so it really doesn't need to be framed. It's a bit of a rustic look but nicely suits the subject. I've used a traditional folk pairing of deep wine and blue and I've finished it off with a light beeswax finish, giving it a vintage look and feel.

Title: Heavenly Hoppy
Size: 16 x 20 x 1 1/2 in
40 x 50 x 4 cm
Medium: Acrylic, wood, beeswax
Date: 2008

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.