Memories...

This is my first time at the Sundre Art Show. I've heard wonderful things about it, mostly about the quality of work that is exhibited and that it attracts people from different places. (BTW, you still have time to stop by: West Country Centre, Sundre. April 27 and 28, from 1:00- 5:00 pm)

Though this is the year that I purposed to expand in the exposure of my Art work, is the making memories process in this Art journey one that I don't want to miss.

Visiting with Babara Rivers, an incredible and talented artist and person was one of my highlights of today's first day at the Sundre Show. How can you  keep a straight face when chatting with her? Though we don't see each other often, every time we do we chat about everything, Art, life, kids, Art, business, what inspires us, etc. We feel free to express our thoughts without the pressure of wanting to please each other. I know I can ask her: what do you think about this piece, knowing that I will get the good, the bad or the ugly, whatever it may be, but always with the: "this is only a suggestion, what about this...?" Iron sharpens iron! Barbara is one of the several talented people that I have now the privilege of calling friends.

I must say that one of my favourite memories from today, will be the one when as Nick and the kids came to visit at the show, Alessa touched Barb's arm ever so gently and we all had a "Magic moment" as Barb may say. After giggles, nervous ones, because we couldn't contain the power of cuteness and love that a simple touch from a two year old can have, we teared up a bit and I remembered what Art truly is about: the memories that are captured by strokes, colours, textures... our experiences, what matters to us; and as we share them with others in shows and exhibits, we hope that others can experience a bit of what we want to communicate allowing the viewers and buyers add a new memory and/or meaning to that piece. That's of course, only one of the reasons why Art is so valuable.
What gives value to the Art pieces that you have at home or in your work place?  Keep making incredible memories along your journey!

(From left to right: Barbara Rivers, Osi Cruz-Lahtinen & Alessa Lahtinen)

Big and small...

Little Bloom (6 x 6)

Have you noticed how every is somehow connected?
We might think that what we observe or experience are unique (and they are in a certain way) but they are connected and they are part of a bigger picture always.
When working on "Fall berries" I noticed that though I couldn't make justice to what I experienced and absorbed through my eyes I could focus in one of the leaves that made the whole more interesting and unique.
I experienced the same with these 2 new pieces: In Bloom and Little bloom.
At the beginning the size of the canvas was what in a sense limited me- after Fall Berries, all other canvases seem small :)

In Bloom (10 x 20)

Then, I realized that it was not so much the restriction of range of motion,
but the thought that truly, trying to replicate every single one of the beautiful blooms (the leaves and branches that inspired me and attracted me on a rainy day of spring) would need more detail than what I wanted to add to my work.
That made me think that sometimes, we, or I least I, can get overwhelmed when seeing the big picture, which it's beautiful, grandiose, affecting all of our senses and just... WOW!
This is why I also made the Little Bloom and Little Berries. Without any intent to bring balance, or sanity to my thinking process. I painted them more as a statement, that there is always a big picture for everything, accompanied by the small version, that allows us to focus on the detail, and making everything whole.
However you see and experience life, enjoy the big and small picture. Both are remarkable in their own ways and give fullness to our lives.

Fresh out of the oven...well, easel

Happy New Year!... Yes, I know it's already March but this is the first blog of the year!

What have I been doing so far? Having fun with my kids and getting back into the habit of going to the studio again.
At the beginning of the year I went to one of the Art Club lessons and it was awesome, I'll need to try the abstract tips that I learned, so much fun to be had doing Art. Because it was my first night of the year getting back to my painting, I didn't think the portrait of my son looked accurate. The portrait looked nice, but I kept on having the feeling that the handsome boy on the canvas was not my son.
A few weeks later I went to a Portrait class with Michael Downs, thanks to the invitation I received from one of my WVANA friends  Boy, did Michael ever had us drawing fast! I had never had my hand hurting because of fast drawing. Thanks to that lesson I was able to finish one of my personal projects: The portraits of my little ones!   I started this project last year, so my kids are now almost a year an a half older.  I think these will be some of the pieces that I'll cherish the most though.
While doing their portraits I remembered what I learned in the class, but most importantly I tried to focus or portraying some of the features and characteristics that distinguish them as individuals. For Alessa I chose the eyes, she has such depth. You can truly get lost in her loving look, yet, you will be able to understand her discontent if she is not pleased with something... all in her eyes. For Leonardo I chose his eyes and mouth. He has always expressed himself more through laughter and facial expressions. It's funny to still have him make a friendly or funny expression as soon as he sees the camera.
Now that I finished that project I am ready to continue experimenting and improving the skills that I have so far. So... stay tuned to see the new pieces I just finished in this past 24 hrs.
Keep the creativity going!