Alberta Skies #4

Have you ever seen the sky and thought, "Is this real?"... Something like that happened in November last year. The reflection of the colours on the fence of our backyard was so intense I had to go out and see what was happening. A canopy of intense colours covered the sky and I did what many did that day: took a photo (You gotta love the day we live in) After posting it on social media I continued to contemplate and Alberta Skies #4 is my take on it.

What I love the most about it is that the words "The heavens declare the Glory of God..." had been in my mind the whole day... May you get to enjoy the random, rare, phenomenal views we are given to enjoy and cause owe in us.

Look up!

Alberta Skies #3

Now this is not a pastel tone at all… and it’s a different palette than the one I am used to.

Why the change? Because “the Sky made me do it” … literally! 

This series is great for me because truly there are many variables in everything: the colours, the tones, the light, the mood, the lines, the shadows, the vibrancy of hues, the feeling that they evoke. The great thing about this, is that this time I didn’t get to overthink it, I only painted according to the photo I recently took and tried my best to remember the feelings of peace and awe that it inspired in me. Not sure if those are the feelings this will evoke in you, but one thing I know, I hope you are moved to go outside and stop missing out the moments you can create with your loved ones as you share a sunset or two together. Perhaps this can also be one of your new habits that your loved ones will cherish the most when they think of you.

Feel free to comment below your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you!

Alberta Skies #2

     Continuing the series of Alberta Skies, here is #2.

Why the change of palette? Why the pastel tones?

1.   Why not?   &   2. Sometimes painting what we see without creative liberty is a great way to get out of your own rut

     When in comes to creativity, there is always room to growth… when it comes to life, there is always room for growth… It is only if we decide to step outside of the boxes we have created for ourselves that we grow. Personally, the pastels tones took me back to the 80’s and some of my first professional colour drawings and paintings. They also took me back to the “Aha” moment when I realized I couldn’t get rid of the “Art” bug, I just needed to experiment with textures and media. Perhaps that is why I chose pastel tones again… as a symbol of “Reset” or perhaps because after years of painting I am not afraid of trying “on purpose” what once I came across by accident.

    May you give yourself the permission to get out of the boxes you’ve created yourself so you can experience a bigger life or at least a different media.

Alberta Skies #1

This Year’s #WVANAArtWalk2016 theme is “Alberta the Strong” as there have been many changes in our economy, politics, culture and society. It is so easy to focus on the things that are changing “for the worse” and forget that we are the ones that create or allow those changes according to the level of involvement or leadership we take... just a thought...
As artists, we want to focus on the amazing things that make this Province a Strong one, which, when you think about it… are many!

One of the things that are incredible about the place we live is its Sky, so I started with that. Though it is not the only element in my mind, it is one that all can see and appreciate. Interestingly, our weather has been changing as well, so the array of colours and movement in the sky has been unbelievable. In the next 4 weeks you’ll get to see the first 4 of these growing collection. When will I be done with these series or how many will I work on?... How do you stop? When do you say: “Enough”…  Which reminds me, that as many Skyscapes there are, there are also opportunities to make Alberta Strong…er!

Enjoy!

Experimental 1 & 2

This was fun… though not what I expected… Sometimes things don’t work out as well as they do in your mind- a principle to be remembered for Art or Life. Sometimes there are great surprises, and sometimes like in this case, the result is a little bit dull, however I found it necessary because it taught me "what not to do" and it gave me ideas to make things work better. Isn’t that the purpose of experimenting? Thankfully no one was harmed in the process, hence, I think of it as success! 

May you give yourself the opportunity to experiment, without harming anyone (including yourself) so you continue to learn, grow and have more creative ideas that lead you to success…

Winter Travels

It’s funny how suddenly I realized that though I live in Canada, I really haven’t painted the “Winter” scenery much, I guess I am more attracted to colour though I find really calming and soothing the white landscapes that we get to enjoy most of the year.

Here is one of my favourite views when travelling home, I think a series of the Winter season is brewing in my mind, I’ll share whatever comes out of it in due time. In the meantime, enjoy every season and travel around…

"Vines"

Texture and colour… how do you know when it’s too much? You don’t… at least not when you are experimenting and working on the details of the whole composition.

In this piece I wanted to experiment and work the idea that I had in mind… I changed the colours so many times you could scrape layer after layer in this piece. Why did I decide to leave it monochromatic? Because less is more… at least for this piece. The texture and movement of the vines don’t need anything else to add to the effect, if only it were so easy to realize when in life less is more…

Whether as an experiment or a challenge, try something new and decide that the essence of who you are and the purpose for which you are doing it don’t need anything else added to, because by it self, what you are doing is great, it’s more than enough… in the same way that you are more than enough…

"Plein Air"

Plein Air: Olds Wetlands and Slacks Slough 

Plein Air at Olds College Wetlands

When it comes to “Creativity” what is one of the things that inspires you? Perhaps a specific song, an activity, smells that trigger great memories or…

Plein Air at Slacks Slough

One of the things that triggers my creativity is travelling, visiting new places or re-visiting places in different seasons with different people. Though I had already done a Plein Air at the Olds College Wetlands, I had not experienced going on a “Plein Air” with my two little ones. The three of us chose the “Right spot” and sat down on the grass… there is something about experiencing totally the place where you are.

Here are 2 of the paintings that came out of visiting the Olds College and Slacks Slough in Red Deer with them, I hope you give yourself the opportunity to re-visit the places that may seem known to you with the people you love, in a different season and perhaps with an empty canvas and your painting supplies so you can enjoy them in a different way. 

Happy Plein Air painting…