Eat Drink Paint

The new "Bus!"

2012-01-30T18:59:00.001-05:00

Well, thanks everyone for your comments, insight and humour regarding my bus painting. There were a few people who suggested I could probably fix it without repainting the entire piece (optimists!) but I decided the practice would serve me well. So I whipped out a new panel (with the other painting out of sight) and began again. I made a few different decisions but I think on the whole it's a stronger painting. Do you? It's not a 100% bang on but it's closer.
6" x 6" / oil on archival canvas

"Bus!" + oh boy...

2012-01-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

So I was all happy with my bus...and then my husband walked in and said: Can I say something without you taking offense?
Me (feeling slight offense that he would think my ego so fragile...lol): Yes!
Him: Your bus is not quite right. The snout is painted like you're looking at it straight on but you can see the side of the bus.
Me: Hmm. Damn. How did I not notice that! Perhaps the bus had been in a collision and the frame was bent? Or...I'm painting it for a 2 year-old. I don't think she'll notice? Ahh...no. I just had to face facts. I got my perspective wrong. And it's a darn shame I didn't catch it in the drawing stage!
I also got an email from a fellow blogger friend pointing it out to me in a very nice way (which I totally appreciated it! It can't be all glitter and sunshine). So although there are things I like about this piece, I am re-doing it. I will keep you posted!

"Bus!" work in progress + a sketch

2012-01-26T19:18:00.000-05:00

This is for my youngest niece who is currently enthralled with buses. I don't usually draw vehicles (stayed away from them because all the precise bits scared me) but if it's buses she likes, a bus I paint! Tomorrow I'll finish the windshield, road and sky. Wish me luck. I would hate to mess it up now.

Speaking of vehicles, I had to bring ours in for the Drive Clean test for license renewal. Across the street is a nice market so I had a cookie + coffee and did a sketch to pass the time. Now that I've made up my mind to regularly sketch, I cart my book around and I'm finding lots of opportunities to pull it out and do a quick study. Happy Thursday.

Lunch

2012-01-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

As in the the butterfly's lunch - I'm not interested in snacking on Monarchs ; ) I remember when my daughter was young - 3 or 4 - she loved observing butterflies on flowers and pieces of fruit and would always point out the proboscis. She had learned about it from one of her books. It was such a great word to come out of a little mouth! I was thinking about that when I painted this today.
8" x 10" / acrylic on stretched canvas / $165

Scribbling...and DoodleArt!

2012-01-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

So today was one of those hectic days where I didn't have time to go to my studio and paint. We've all experienced those days, yes? : ) But my day was not an artistic loss - I have something very cool to share! A while back I found a hip blog called The Scribble Project, brainchild of Lisa Currie. Lisa designs templates that you print and then let loose on, and then send them to her to post on her blog. Fun. And it's open to everyone: no age, geographical or artistic requirements. Reminds me a bit of DoodleArt back in the day (although did you hear they're been re-issued (heart pounding)?! I gave a couple of them as presents last month! More on that in a minute). Anyway, I printed out a scribble page this morning, shoved it in my sketchbook and then pulled it out when I was waiting for my son to finish his music lessons. Problem is I kinda want to do one every day : )

Note on DoodleArt for those that remember the original: markers are way superior. Still over 60 hours of doodling fun ; ) Hey - I just checked out their website and saw that they were a Canadian company. I'd be interested in hearing from my American readers if they were available in the States as well. If this is the first time you've heard about them, hop over to their website and order. You can thank me later : )

Wings - SOLD

2012-01-23T21:18:00.001-05:00

How about a nice shot of colour on a January day? I remember being enchanted with monarchs as a child - wings like miniature stained glass windows! Honestly I still get a little thrill when I see them : )

6"x6" / oil on archival panel / SOLD

34th World Wide SketchCrawl - Urban Sketchers

2012-01-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the 34th World Wide SketchCrawl founded by Enrico Casarosa. My friend (and fellow artist) Brenda and I met in Jordan Village to take part in the occassion (we still have to upload to the site). I know some artists in the blogosphere have regular sketching get-togethers and I've always thought that sounded so cool! Well...it was! I had a lot of fun sketching with Brenda. We met at Zooma Zooma Cafe and spent a few hours drawing. The staff were good to us and didn't give us the hairy eyeball for staying in their café for 3.5 hours ; ) We tipped them well : ) So here's my afternoon's work:

My lunch. A lobster/shrimp salad on a croissant with salad.

A fellow diner perusing the menu. Brenda brought her watercolours so I had fun adding some colour. My favourite part of this one was the flower on the table.

View of Cave Spring Cellars across the street.

An old gas pump now part of the decor.

Brenda and I at the end of the day. Thanks for driving out to sketch with me Brenda! It made it all the more enjoyable : )

Provence hills

2012-01-19T21:39:00.000-05:00

Another painting from the south of France. This was from the viewpoint looking down from the medieval hilltop village of Crestet. The fields resembled an earthy patchwork quilt. This is oil on Terraskin.

Another painting from Crestet

2012-01-18T15:59:00.000-05:00

Here's the second one. The coulours here are more amped up than reality - I was playing around. I hope to do another painting in the next week that is a more careful "finished" painting as opposed to these coloured painting sketches. You learn something with every piece though! This is acrylic on Terraskin.

Painting in Crestet

2012-01-17T19:29:00.000-05:00

So this is a painting "sketch" I did in the medieval village of Crestet, France. I was working quickly - there are things I would have done differently (!), but that's the nature of it. After I finished this piece I did two other sketches and painted them this week. All were painted on TerraSkin, a paper made from stone that I found out about from my friend Victoria. It was great to travel with since space was at a premium. It's definitley a product to check out.

painting sketch in medieval Crestet

Me painting in a little slice of heaven

Sketching!

2012-01-16T20:16:00.000-05:00

Pages from my sketchbook. One thing I plan to do a lot more of in 2012 is get back to sketching! Here are my initial offerings. I don't know how many of you follow Urban Sketchers but it is incredibly inspiring. I just read that this Saturday is their 34th Worldwide Sketch Crawl. Sadly there are none happening in my area but check it out - there are sketchers from cities across the globe!

Art in France: The Louvre (part II) 2011-12

2012-01-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

This will be my last post from my trip to France. I have many more pictures but you get the idea ; ) I heard a quote that if you spent a minute looking at each piece in the Louvre it would take about 25 days of 24-hour perusing. That'd be a great way to spend 25 days.

Maria Duglioli Barberini by Giuliano Finelli, 1626, detail

Exquisite! This bust stopped me in my tracks. How was marble carved that intricately in the 1600s? The lace is exquisite and the more you look at it the more you're in awe. Even the string between the pearls is realized.

Maria Duglioli Barberini by Giuliano Finelli, 1626, marble

I just thought this painting was so unusual. It was painted in the 1400s and the way the figure in the sky is painted seemed modern to me - almost like something out of a comic book. From what I could make out on the plaque, this painting depicts Blessed Ranieri delivering the poor detained in a prison in Florence, who had written to him asking for help. The notation reads: Stefano di Giovanni dit Sassetta. Connu à Sienne en 1426-Sienne, 1450.

Psyché ranimée par le baiser de l'Amour, Antonio Canova, marble, 1757-1822 (Psyche revived by the kiss of love)

And I had to include this. Horrible shot. It was the closest I've come to feeling crushed. I mean literally, not emotionally. The crowds were just ridiculous at the moment we were in this part of the Louvre. This is the second time I've seen Mona Lisa. The first was considerably more pleasant. It is beautiful to be sure but I left with mixed emotions. Something to behold, but worthy of ALL this fame? Later in the gift shop I purchased the (excellent) book: How to talk to children about art by Francoise Barbe-Gall and this is what she had to say when asked "Was the painting famous in Leonardo's time?"

"Yes. It was very famous. Everything about it was new: the pyramid composition, the idea of showing the subject in a realistic environment, the way the subject is linked to the landscape, the use of light and shade (chiaroscuro), the sensastion of capturing a moment in Mona Lisa's smile. These were not just technical innovations: they showed a new way of looking at the world. An apparently unexceptional woman became a symbol of the whole of humanity, captured for eternity in one moment between a passing light and a shade that holds her secrets."

Art in France: The Louvre! 2011-12

2012-01-12T21:18:00.000-05:00

The Louvre (insert deep sigh). Wow. So much art history in one glorious building it is mind-blowing. This time we spent most of our time viewing sculptures and I have to say I was LOVIN' them! More than the paintings (gasp). I took a lot of pictures and so will post them over a couple of days. You're not allowed flash photography so I did the best I could under the circumstances. I was just thrilled we were allowed to take pictures. Last summer when I was vistiting the National Gallery in Ottawa it was forbidden. The Louvre allows it, Ottawa doesn't? Oh well...

Without further ado!

Winged Victory of Samothrace, 2nd century BC, marble

This was my favourite piece. The craftsmanship is out-of-this-world. If you look at the belly area - you can see the sheer fabric laying over the skin - all marble. Remarkable. It all looks so light but it is massive, heavy marble. A feat.

Aphrodite accroupie dite <>, 1-11 century AD, marble
I copied the above notation from the plaque. I photogrpahed this from behind because I found this little perfect hand so intriguing. I think the plaque says that it was the remains of the carving of Eros (cupid) attached to the back. It was discovered in the ruins of Palais des Miroirs, à Saint-Romain en Gal, Isère, France.

Venus de Milo, 2nd century BC

There was a crowd around Venus and after taking the above shot I stood back and took in the crowd, taking in Venus. Right in front of me someone was capturing the moment on an iPad. I loved the juxtaposition of ancient and modern.

A wonderfully carved bust. The plaque read:

Collection Borghèse. Antinoüs Mondragone. Marble. Vers 130 apres J.C. Italy.

Art in France: Architecture, 2011-12

2012-01-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

Detail, Eiffel tower (the sky really was that colour)

Detail, Gate (photo courtesy of my daughter Jade)

Sacre Coeur, Paris

Arc de Triomphe, Paris

Archway, (photo courtesy of Jade)

Church detail

One of thousands of gargoyles

Carved domed ceiling, Temple d'amour, Versailles

Art in France: Street Life, 2011-12

2012-01-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

I may be stretching it a bit with this post (the rest of the posts this week will be art from the Louvre, architecture and some of my sketches) but I think sometimes when you're visiting a new place, you're just so taken with the different sights that all you see is beauty.

By the way - one thing I forgot to mention in yesterday's post was that in the shot of the hot chocolate spoons, you'll notice the spoons on the left have a plastic vile inserted into the chocolate. They're filled with rum and Grand Marnier!

Souvenirs (photo courtesy of my daughter Jade)

Flower market at Aix-en-Provence

Ahhh...

Cheese shop window

Paris litter ; ) (this one also taken by my daughter)

Art in France: Culinary, 2011-12

2012-01-08T18:54:00.001-05:00

Chocolate painted Santa, Chocolaterie du Crestet

Hot Chocolate Spoons, Chocolaterie du Crestet (and I can speak from first-hand experience that these were delicious!)

Fruit Jellies, Chocolaterie du Crestet. Look at that colour and sparkle!

Nougat, Chocolaterie du Crestet. It was delicious and the textures and colours remind me of a Klimt painting.

Chocolate Bark encrusted with lavender, crystallized violet and rose petals, tea leaves, ginger, nuts, Carribean hot pepper and caramel. We bought a bunch of bark for Christmas and New Year's Eve. YUM! Chocolaterie du Crestet.

Yves-Robert Tolleron, Chocolaterie du Crestet. A generous, talented man!

Cheese. Gorgeous, yes? Aix-en-provence.

Look at these salts! What a palette. Aix-en-provence.

Maille mustards, Dijon. There was also spring green mustard. Seriously! How pretty! The wall in this shop kind of reminded me of a colourful Louise Nevelson.

Home from France!

2012-01-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

Eiffel Tower, December 2011

We're home! France was fantastic and she showed us such a good time! Beauty everywhere you turned. I saw fabulous art and design in so many facets of life: food, architecture, treasures at the Louvre...as well as photographing street life. I've decided to take this week to share a sampling of what I experienced and saw. Because art, design and beauty are everywhere! I'll also post a few sketches I did, and although I don't normally paint from photographs, I may give it a whirl with some that I took in France. I just loved what I saw and if I can capture it successfully in a painting, then...yay!
Also, I am happy to announce the winner of the St. Nicholas Collection quiz I posted in December: Chris Murray! Thanks for playing everyone, and Chris, I'll contact you to send you your gift ; )
Cheers everyone! Happy to be back blogging ; )

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.10

2011-12-22T21:28:00.001-05:00

Nicholas in Vienna by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

There's a line from a Christmas song I loved as a child that went:

~~~I don't know if you believe in Christmas,

or if you have presents underneath the Christmas tree,

but if you believe in love, that will be more than enough

For you to come and celebrate with me.~~~

Because for as much pressure as everyone feels, it's really not about presents. And I know the commercialization gets quite crass. So just take a deep breath, treasure those you love and keep them close and count your blessings. I wish all of you warmth in your heart, tenderness in spirit, peace and love. Merry Christmas.

If you're new to this interactive exhibit/game I'm running, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift ; ) If anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the tenth of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.9

2011-12-21T17:18:00.001-05:00

Ceci n'est pas Père Noël by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

This one has a bit of a double joke painted in. And when you know the artist's work, you see it : )) I'll take this moment to wish everyone some peace and joy heading into the next number of days. Go forth with love...

If you're new to this interactive exhibit/game I'm running, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift ; ) If anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the ninth of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.8

2011-12-20T21:14:00.001-05:00

Nick at Auvers by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

I'm pretty sure this is the easiest one to guess. And lots of fun to paint. Ho ho ho.

If you're new to this interactive exhibit/game I'm running, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift ; ) If anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the eighth of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.7

2011-12-19T16:00:00.010-05:00

De stijl van Santa by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

Now before the skeptic in you thinks this is completely random, fear not! Can you see St. Nick? His boots are indicated by the black blocks, that's his gold belt buckle, red coat and hat (with a gold jingle bell) and his green sack of toys.

p.s. just a note to say that I'm leaving for a very special trip this evening. We're heading to... France! Baguettes. Cheese. Wine. Oh la la! Oh yes...and ART (heart pounding, pulse racing : )! I won't be posting while away but I have pre-posted a few entries. And I will draw the winner when we return so keep entering : ) Until then, keep well my friends! See you in January. I'll try and get some good photos of all things artistic and French to share in the New Year : )

If you're new to this interactive exhibit/game I'm running, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift ; ) If anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the seventh of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.6

2011-12-18T11:05:00.000-05:00

Nick in Tahiti by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

Number 6!

If you're new to this interactive exhibit/game I'm running, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift ; ) If anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the sixth of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.5

2011-12-17T16:01:00.001-05:00

St. Nick by Klee Wyck by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

Hmm...if you're stuck on this one, a little googling might help, eh? Painting No.5 of 10.

If you're new to this interactive exhibit/game I'm running, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift ; ) If anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the fifth of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.4

2011-12-16T16:35:00.001-05:00

Santa's feminine side? by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

Painting No.4 of 10. This one makes me laugh : )

If you're new to this, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift. It's fun. And if anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the fourth of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.3

2011-12-15T15:00:00.001-05:00

Superstar Santa by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

Painting No.3. Okay my dear viewers: this one is easy-peasy and it was fun to create. I spread acrylic gel on to a photocopied image and pressed it down on painted canvas. When it dried I took a sponge and gently rubbed to wash away the paper. What was left was the greyish image you see on the painting. Then I went in with solid colour and painted the hat, sleeve and glasses. It was the quickest way with the supplies I had on hand to figure out how to mimic the artists process.

If you're new to this, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift. It's fun. And if anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the third of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.2

2011-12-14T16:26:00.000-05:00

Nick in drip by Kim Rempel / acrylic on canvas

Good work everyone - you were correct! Since many of you playing along are fellow artists some of these will come easier to you - but I do have a couple toughies up my sleeve ; )

If you're new to this, the blurb below explains it all. Join at any time!

This painting is from a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift. It's fun. And if anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up! I thought it would be fun to play online. This is the second of ten. The title holds a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

The St. Nicholas Collection ~ No.1 - SOLD

2011-12-13T21:16:00.003-05:00

Christmas Dream by Kim Rempel / acrylic

Other years around the Christmas season I have sporadically posted some of these paintings from a series I did years ago but I have decided that leading up to Christmas I'd post the lot. I am taking some time off for the holidays as things are getting busy and there are a few fun things in store (more on that later : )
This was a series on how I imagined modern masters would have portrayed St. Nicholas had they been commissioned to paint his portrait. When I exhibit this series I run it as an interactive show. I have a sheet that people can fill out with the titles running down one side and the painters down another. Viewers are invited to guess which artist inspired each piece. One winner is drawn from all correct answers and they receive a gift. It's a lot of fun. And if anyone is ever interested in showing it, email me and we'll set it up!
Perhaps we can play along online! This is the first one of ten. The title's hold a clue. You can answer back in the "Comments" section and I will draw one winner from everyone who correctly answers all ten. And I will send a gift, cause hey - it's a Christmas game! Feel free to tell your friends and have them play along!

Artists: Vincent vanGogh, Andy Warhol, Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, Emily Carr, Frieda Kahlo, Paul Gauguin, Jackson Pollock, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian

Work in progress

2011-12-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

What I worked on at Lauries today. This was our last studio day of the year. Thanks so much Laurie. You were inspiring and a wealth of knowledge (not to mention a great source of amusement ; ) I learned a ton. This was another painting on top of an old painting. Right near the end of the day I went a little too crazy with the pattern on her "dress". I am going to paint some of it out tomorrow to reveal a bit more of the flesh. It was a bit better that way.

All is bright - SOLD

2011-12-09T16:36:00.001-05:00

Today another wine bottle offering. These are so much fun to paint. A challenge - but that's what keeps things interesting!
6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / SOLD

The more the merrier - SOLD

2011-12-07T21:37:00.001-05:00

How's this for some colourful snap! Gotta love that cad red.
So thanks for your comments yesterday regarding the antique ornaments painting. I think the one thing I have to do is add a cast shadow from the box onto the table. Then I'll put my brush down. I swear : )
6"x6" / oil on archival panel / SOLD

Antique ornaments

2011-12-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

So here is the (almost) final piece. The stages to get here are shown below. As you can see I completely covered anything that was left of the original painting. Yesterday I was toying with the idea of keeping the greenery from the landscape painting in the top section but decided it needed a more graphic approach. I also changed the lettering on the box around. The box had been sitting in the turned over lid, hence the type was upside down but it confused enough people who were looking at it that I thought I'd better change it. I hope I made the right decisions but it's always a bit of a guessing game! This painting is acrylic and I think is about 18"x24".

Antique ornaments, work in progress

2011-12-05T22:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry - these photos are from my phone. It's pretty old in cell-phone years and the pics are poor. I was painting with Laurie and we were back at Southworks. I spied a box of old ornaments and set to work painting them on an old landscape. I did get further than I've shown but the pictures are crummy. I'm going to continue working on it tomorrow and will post a nice, sharp photo of my progress.

A painter's table, work in progress

2011-11-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

This is another reclaimed canvas, but I'm almost out of them ; ) You can see in the first picture I've sketched in my drawing, and so on down the line. It's on top of a still life. Plan on finishing it tomorrow.

Still life - done!

2011-11-29T19:47:00.000-05:00

Finished! This was a ton of fun to paint. Below is a detail in close-up. Now...what to call it?!

acrylic on canvas / 24"x36"

Still life - almost done...

2011-11-28T20:03:00.001-05:00

Above and below: details of my favourite parts

Today was another studio day at Laurie's. I carried on with my reclaiming old canvasses series and this is what happened today! I still have a bit more work to do on it which I'll try and get completed tomorrow. But I'm really happy! Let me take you through the process:

Do you remember when I posted this one? Ugh. Well anyway, this is what I started with, but I tipped it on its side.

Next I sketched in my drawing with willow charcoal (I know it's probably hard to see and a little confusing). I love that stuff! Then I began painting the corner of the table.

This is what it looked like the next time I took a picture. Almost done!

ARTLOVE: Katalin

2011-11-27T22:39:00.000-05:00

He's stealin' my heart / 12"x12"

Give us peace

Stars in her eyes

Secret whispers

Winter song / watercolour / 5"x7"

Well, the market went well! A huge thanks to my family and friends who came out, kept me company, brought me drinks etc... It's so nice to have good friends, yes? (heart)
One of the artists at the market was my friend Katalin. She came to Canada from Hungary in 2000 and I met her a few years later. I really love her work. It has an old-world charm that and her pieces have so much character. LOVE. She has a blog that she posts to when she can but she's pretty busy right now. Aside from her painting, she works full time, has children, and is expecting!! (yay!)I thought I'd post some of her work here and I invite you to check out/follow her blog to see more of what she does. Gorgeous work Katalin!

A perfect day at the Market!

2011-11-26T18:00:00.002-05:00

Sharky rain boots / October, 2010

A perfect day at the Christmas HandMade Market!! Don't let the forecast of rain scare you away tomorrow. We'll all be there under one big tent with our wares; food to fill your belly; and wine, coffee and cider to ward off the chill! 11-4, The Good Earth, Beamsville, ON

6"x6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Come one, Come all!! Tomorrow is the Market!

2011-11-25T16:00:00.000-05:00

Unless you are reading this through the email feed, then...TODAY is the Market! : ) Saturday and Sunday, 11-4pm, free admission. Great food, wine, and ART!!! And so much more. You can see the various vendors and the menu here. Wanna get a head start on your shopping? Come on out! Gifts for everyone on your list.
And just a note about the lack of posts this week. Monday I came down with a rotten head cold so painting kind of suffered. But I'm on the mend and ready to go for tomorrow!

Untitled

2011-11-22T18:24:00.000-05:00

acrylic / 24"x24"

~detail~

So this is the painting I was speaking about yesterday. I was painting over an apple tree I'd done and my initial intention was to cover the greater part of the canvas. As the pose drew to a close, I ran out of time and this is what I'd completed. So I had to leave it. But what I thought was cool was that - by luck - the model's pose, the composition I began, and the shape of the tree in the former painting all converged into one unified painting. The tree looks like it's cradlelling the figure! And the sunlight and leaves are dappled through the flesh. I thought of calling it "Nesting" but I'm open as always to any clever suggestions (Barbara?; ). To me it also conjures up memories of climbing trees, and of how happy and peaceful you feel there.

Gesture/figure drawing

2011-11-21T20:39:00.000-05:00

Today at Laurie's we had a model. It's been so long I thought every drawing was going to look like a mutant but I must say - it was great fun. We started off with 30 second poses (above).

Next we jumped to one minute...

And then...how many minutes was this? Can't recall - I'll blame it on my cold. But anyway, after that we had an extended pose for about an hour and I did a painting. Because it was dark when I got home I couldn't get a good photo (yada, yad, yada) but I will post one tomorrow. It turned out pretty cool - a figure painting over one of my old landscapes. Anyway - till then - ciao!

ARTLOVE: Kurt Lightner

2011-11-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

Untitled by Kurt Lightner, acrylic on panel, 66"x84", 2010

Untitled by Kurt Lightner, acrylic on panel, 55"x72", 2010

Untitled by Kurt Lightner, acrylic on panel, 12"x16", 2010

So one of the great things about the internet is discovering something completely by chance. I was doing a search for art t-shirts (looking for some clever ones that pertain to the profession) when it lead me to site Today in Art which showcased the work of Kurt Lightner. LOVE!! I really don't know much about him other than what his website says. He was born in Ohio and lives and works in New York City. And man, can he paint. Totally thrilling!

More mini canvasses + an invitation

2011-11-19T19:38:00.000-05:00

These will be for sale at The HandMade Christmas Market Nov.26th+27th at The Good Earth, Beamsville, ON (11-4). Luxury Hand-Spun Fibres, Artisan Wood Products and Time Pieces, Fresh Seasonal Arrangements, Leather Goods, Natural Bath + Body Products, Jewellery, Hand Bound Books, Pottery, Hand-Sewn Bags + Accessories, Preserves, Designer Clothing, Home Decor, Estate Honey, Food + Wine, and of course, Original Art! In addition to the mini paintings above, I will also have a huge selection of my 6"x6" daily paintings on sale for $75. A fantastic selection!! Paintings of everything from food to wine to toys to flowers to a trouble light ; )

Mini originals

2011-11-17T20:41:00.000-05:00

Today I worked on more mini paintings for the HandMade Christmas Market, November 26th+27th at The Good Earth. Above are "Bust II", "Hansa Yellow" and "Linseed Oil". These are about 2.25"x3.5". I found a few mini easles that look so cool with them! They can also be hung on the wall or used as fridge magnets. These three are acrylic.

Pitcher with pears

2011-11-16T19:46:00.001-05:00

Long-time readers of my blog (and with good memories : ) may remember what canvas I re-purposed this from. This one changed a number of times. I've posted photos of two previous incarnations below and the way it last looked can just be described the vase on an all white background. I brought this to paint over on Monday (studio time with Laurie) because it had always felt a bit isolated and staid to me. However, when I looked at it on the easel I really liked what was going on with the flowers and didn't want to cover them. An artist next to me was painting a set-up of fruit, a milk pitcher and a candlestick. I looked at it and wondered if I could incorporate my flowers into that setting and have it look integrated and complete. And here is the result.

p.s. I'm not really keen on the title. If anyone's got a better idea, I'm all ears!

acrylic on canvas / 24" x 24"

Melmac and sugar

2011-11-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

So this is another in my series of re-purposing old paintings. I had begun a rough painting of a memory of my Mom from the 60s wearing a pink skirt, jacket and tinted hosiery (think Jackie O.) In behind I had started to rough in our wall paper from that time. It was white with a red velvet design. (Mom has flair). Anyway, it wasn't going anywhere and so I thought I'd paint over it. It was my second painting yesterday and I was tired and couldn't settle on a still life set-up. I aksed Laurie if she could whip something up and I told her I really loved her melmac cup and her Corningware sugar pourer. She grabbed an apple, plopped it in the cup and set in on a Redpath apron. And it was on a formica table to boot! Well! It was perfect. It really made me think of a time gone by and suddenly the painting that I had begun of my Mom seemed like the perfect pairing. I included Laurie's coffee maker (on the right) and a bowl. I was going to paint in the background but ended up leaving the pink (which was my Mom's skirt) and the little red velvet loops that were the beginning of the wallpaper design. Sometimes you just love a painting right of the bat and that's how I feel about this one : )
This painting is acrylic on canvas and I think it's 16x20. I'll measure it in the morning.

Winsor blue

2011-11-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

Never used it until the last couple of years and now I can't get enough of it : )
6"x6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Cheers!

2011-11-13T14:42:00.000-05:00

These are bottles from The Good Earth. The one on the right is their rosé which I enjoyed this summer. I am so seduced by the colour of that rosé! So much fun to paint. By the way, I will be at The HandMade Christmas Market at The Good Earth November 26+27th, 11-4pm (yep. promoting it again : ) Mark it on your calendars! The perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done. And you'll be supporting local artisans. It's about as far as you can get from the "big box" experience ; ) Oh, and did I mention that you can shop while strolling around with wine or coffee or hot apple cider? And delectable food aromas are wafting about? AND it's free admission? Yep - that's what I'm talking about ; )

6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Up and away

2011-11-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

I actually did another 6"x6" today but by the time I got home it was too dark to photograph it. So after months of needing a real break from painting small, it seems I'm able to enjoy it again. Maybe I was just a bit burned out.
Anyway, I decided to pull another one from the vault. This is a larger acrylic - 24"x30" - that I did a few years back. Sometimes you tuck things away and don't look at them for a while and then it's a pleasant surprise to make their acquaintance again. That's how I feel about this tree ; )

Friday vino

2011-11-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

I painted a small one today! It's been a long time!! So here it is - a bottle of vino. Happy Friday!
6" x 6" / oil on panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Evergreen + the Christmas HandMade Market!!

2011-11-10T20:15:00.001-05:00

I painted this at my last Good Earth "Eat.Drink.Paint" event. It began as my demo and then I was able to work on it later in the day. I forgot to post it. So...I'm not sure about it! Maybe I'll use it as one of my "underpaintings" for my next still life. Or not. ?

And exciting news! November 26+27 I will be at the Christmas HandMade Market at The Good Earth. Last years event was so festive and, well...all around wonderful that you'll really want to come if you're within manageable driving distance. Here's a short video from last year so you can get a flavour of the weekend. I highly recommend it! And hey - you could probably finish a good chunk of your holiday shopping!

acrylic on canvas / 12"x12"

New website up and running!

2011-11-09T21:16:00.002-05:00

Wallace Mountain, Yukon / acrylic / 20"x24"

And loaded with work! I'd love it if you could take a minute to check it out ; ) A huge thank you to James who worked so hard on it for me. The best part about this site is that I will be able to upload new work on my own, so it is current! My work is divided into the following categories: Landscape, Still Life, Figure, The St. Nicholas Collection, Others, Collage, and Photos. These are all larger paintings. My 6"x6" daily paintings remain dedicated to this blog.

Back in the day

2011-11-08T17:43:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was my class with Laurie Wonfor Nolan. We went on a field trip to Southworks Antique Mall. It was my first time being there and I'm a little bit in love...lol. We were free to roam the place, set-up wherever we wished and PAINT! How cool is that? Southworks is Canada's largest antique mall and everywhere you look is a treasure. I opted to paint this oven. I was attracted to it immediately and think it was the black and white thing again. The tea towel, black enamel trim, vent holes etc... it was just really interesting.

acrylic on canvas / 16"x20"

Oak at sunset

2011-11-06T18:11:00.000-05:00

When I was cleaning my studio this past week I hung up a bunch of pieces that had been stacked in piles against the wall. I unearthed a few I'd forgotten about. These paintings are of the same oak tree. The top painting (at sunset) was the first one I did. It's 12" square. I loved the tree so much that the following week I went back to paint it again but this time I brought a large canvas (I can't remember exactly - maybe 36" square?) It now resides in Amsterdam (Cheers Michel & Sonia!). Again I notice how the first time round I was very detailed. I find sometimes when I'm really trying to understand a subject I often paint it this way, and then the second time I have the info stored in my brain and I can just go.

Studio Table - Done!

2011-11-05T13:04:00.000-04:00

Okay - I'm finished! I had a lot of fun with this piece. There was a lot going on. The challenge was to keep everything loose as I continued to work away. I had a reader ask me why I had painted this - what did I want this grouping of things to say - I don't know! I really was just painting a corner of my table. A small piece of my daily environment. It's a warm and comfortable bit of happy clutter.

Still life...work in progress

2011-11-03T17:46:00.000-04:00

So this is how it's currently looking. I've resolved the issues I was having on the left by adding a tree figurine and extending the branches. Next comes re-working the background (again) and fixing up a few things on the cupboard. Liking it though! I worked and re-worked the problem as I was falling asleep the past couple of nights. It seems to be the best time for me to figure out art problems!

"Take a kid to work" day=CLEAN STUDIO!!

2011-11-02T22:04:00.002-04:00

Today I had the good fortune of having one of my wonderful nephews come to my studio for "Take a kid to work" day. As I was pondering what we would do together a picture of my dreadfully messy studio popped into my head. *Bingo!* We would start the day with a clean-up followed by a reward of plein air painting in the afternoon. As we neared noon, Jake saw how much we still had to do and he kindly told me we didn't need to paint, we could continue cleaning. Seriously?

Awesome!

So clean we did. You may remember this picture I posted the other day:

First we cleared everything out, filling up another room.

Which then looked like this (and you're seeing the good side! lol):

Then, onto cleaning the floors. That's a serious shine!

Next we began hanging art. That took a looong time.

Jake had a great idea to hang my mini's in a gap between paintings. I love it! They look so cute there ; )

You can see baseboards!

And a clean floor ; )

Ta-da!! I can't tell you how good it feels to have so much of the art hanging instead of stacked in piles leaning against the walls.

And he even gave me flowers. A good day.

Thank you Jake for being so helpful! I REALLY appreciated it! Can you skip school tomorrow? ; )

My monster quilt

2011-11-01T22:01:00.000-04:00

Today I began re-working the Moose painting from yesterday but ended up being needed elsewhere...plans shifted! So I decided to post a picture of my monster quilt I got back from the quilter's the other day.

This quilt began around 2007 when I decided to transfer the monster drawings my kids were making into stitchery/quilt squares. I enlarged their drawings on the photocopier so that they were roughly the same size. Then when it came time to choose fabric I stayed true to the colour schemes they had chosen. I wanted to keep their vision through the process as much as possible. I love how kids draw. It's so fresh, pure and unself-conscious.

There are two people I want to thank:

1. My dear friend Iris H. made a piece of stitchery from one of her children's drawings (probably 30 years ago?) and it was one of the most poignant and charming things I've seen! Maybe I can photograph it sometime and post it on the blog. There's a cool story behind it. Anyway - that was my inspiration. Thanks Iris - you have the coolest things ; )

The second person is Donna B. - a creative quilter who has been extremely helpful: first in teaching me how to embroider and hand stitch and then by sewing together my squares. She'll also be finishing it for me. If it weren't for Donna the squares would still be stacked in a pile on my closet shelf. Thanks Donna!

So I just love looking at it! It's a great memory from a period of their childhoods and it makes me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy ; )

Work in progress

2011-10-31T21:28:00.000-04:00

Today was studio day at Laurie Wonfor Nolan's. An extra treat on Halloween ; ) I began by painting over this piece I started a few years ago when I was in Arizona. My favourite part so far? The cloth on the left! So I had laid in the coral background just before I finished up for the day and it's not working yet. I need to do some compositional work on the left side of the piece, alter the colour and value etc... Still thinking about the colour for the back - maybe something much lighter/neutral? Anyway, just have to think on it for a while! I can feel it coming together!

Studio table - work in progress

2011-10-30T23:22:00.000-04:00

This is my progress from the other day. I'm happy with how this is shaping up though there's still more to do. Sorry for the photo quality - I was in a rush and it shows!

ARTLOVE: Crystal Cook

2011-10-27T20:53:00.000-04:00

Today's ARTLOVE is a little different - I'm highlighting the work of an artist I actually know! Well, Crystal and I have never met in person but we chat. And she is a kindred spirit. And she is AWESOME. She is at the top-of-her-game as an artist (wait till you scroll down and see her work!) but she is also an equally gifted writer. Her posts are a double treat because first you are visually mesmerized, and then you read what she wrote and you feel:

1. happy (huzzah!)

2. encouraged (she's a great motivator)

3. pumped! (has you believing you're going to paint your best piece tomorrow!)

4. warm (well, you know, she writes about family life, art, motivation...stuff I'm kind of interested in : )

and best of all she always makes me smile. And you can't underate a genuine daily smile.

If you don't know Crystal's blog, you must check it out here. And her website is here.

And now...to her paintings!

Self Portrait of My Soul / gouache / 10"x14"

I found out Crystal likes Kathe Kollwitz as much as I do. And I think Kathe Kollwitz would have been proud of this piece. Look at that fierce look in Crystal's eyes! Protection, man!

Daily Escape / watercolour / 6"x6"

You think she just does portraits? Au contraire! Look at the reflections in the tea, and on the table - and at the awesome little wolf. This one blew me away.

Sparkle / watercolour / 7"x9"

One of my favourites. Perfect.

Sketch

Snap! She can draw like no one's business!

Hope / watercolour / 7"x9"

Warm, rich colour. Crystal makes skin glow.

Pensive / watercolour / 10"x14"

Another one of my faves. So much mood in this piece. I feel like I know this young woman. Perfectly suited palette.

Joy, unrestrained / watercolour / 10"x14"

Well, how can this not fill you with love and joy? Just crazy.

A-Punk, self portrait / watercolour / 8"x10"

She makes it look easy. Look at that SKIN!

Intensity / watercolour / 10"x14"

Solid.

Bundled Up / watercolour / 7"x9"

Textures, expression, composition. Love.

I also want to give Crystal a heartfelt thank you for the interview she did of me on her blog. They were interesting (and quirky) questions that really made me think. And the lightning round was completely fun ; )

Studio table - work in progress

2011-10-26T17:46:00.000-04:00

detail: Studio table, work in progress

Studio table so far...

drawing

my set-up

My mess! Holy smokes. I really need to spend a day cleaning but all I want to do is paint ; )

Thank you for your title suggestions on yesterday's painting. They made me laugh. You're a creative bunch out there in blogland. Three of my favourites were:

The Chair Moves In

Chairs Matter Too

(thank you Barabara Muir - you were on a roll - I love it! Those two in particular really made me laugh)

The Ruby Chair - Wish I Were There

(from my friend Elisabeth who pointed out it even rhymes...lol ; ))

So the piece today is a section of my studio table. Yep. I'm even showing you my painting space. You know I must feel very comfortable with you to share the messy bits : ) That's okay - it will act as a "before" picture and you'll be extra wowed when I post the "after".

Something a little weird...

2011-10-25T20:43:00.000-04:00

A bit of a story here but bear with me:

I had a half hour or so left yesterday and decided to paint Laurie's terrific little red chair again. So overtop an old canvas it went. I had the chair painted, and was going to quickly lay in a ground, background, and rectangular shape down the left, and was pondering it over when Laurie walked by and said: Leave it!

And I laughed and said: It's a little weird! To which she replied: Yes, it was. And we laughed and looked at it a bit. Then we got silly and she said it brought to mind Mona Lisa - how she always felt the landscape had been kind of artifically plopped in behind her (sorry Laurie - I'm really paraphrasing here!), and that this chair was kind of like that. Then I laughed and said (with the way I had indicated the graphic rectangular shapes to be painted) that if I'd turned the chair in profile it would be like Whistler's Mother! LOL!! (art humour? overtired?)

Someone else said it could be an ad for moving to the country ; )

So, yes, it's odd and quirky and weird, but for now I'm leaving it! Can anyone think of a title, now knowing the back story? Something different from Mona Lisa's Chair? ; ) Although, that's kind of growing on me.

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

Arrangement in Grey and Black: The Artist's Mother by James McNeill Whistler.

Studio sink

2011-10-24T18:04:00.000-04:00

Today was my studio day with Laurie Wonfor Nolan. Yay! It really makes me love Mondays ; ) So today I painted her sink. Ever since I walked into her studio I have admired her sink. It reminds me of art school. And today it had these fabulous tea towels hanging over it. In keeping with my resurrecting old canvasses and painting over them, this one used to be this peach tree demo:

So I think I put it to good use! I'm really loving this one.

Studio sink: 12" x 16" / acrylic on canvas

Chagall at the AGO!

2011-10-23T20:15:00.000-04:00

Marc Chagall, Dance, 1950‐52 (La danse, 1950‐52), oil on canvas, 238.0 x 176.0 cm. Collection of the MNAM, Centre Pompidou, Paris © Adagp/Centre Pompidou, Mnam‐CCi / Dist.RMN Marc Chagall.

Outside the Art Gallery of Toronto

Today my husband and I went to see the Chagall exhibit at the Art Gallery of Toronto: "Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde. Masterpieces from the Collection of the Centre Pompidou, Paris." Great! Chagall's pieces glowed. The gallery blurbs were excellent and enticing. I wanted to know so much more about ChagalI so I bought a book and will start delving through it. He had quite a life. "The Dance" was my favourite piece there, although his "Double Portrait with Wine Glass" was pretty special too. My husband's pick was "The Forge" by Vladimir Baranov-Rossiné (hard to find a decent image online for that one). I just loved the floating people, fiddles, goats and peasants. He was very inspiring.

Plein Air Painting at The Good Earth!

2011-10-22T14:43:00.001-04:00

Sculpture by Floyd Elzinga

Paint!!

The crew ; )

Yesterday was the last Eat.Drink.Paint. day at The Good Earth. I will miss having a gourmet lunch with wine when I'm out painting on my own ; ) Thanks Nicolette and staff (Michael the chef!) for being such great hosts and everyone who took classes over the last few months. I loved it! And I loved seeing what everyone created! I think we're going to try and cook up some fun for a session or two in winter. I'll keep you posted!

Vintage party shoes

2011-10-20T16:59:00.000-04:00

It feels like it's been forever since I did a 6x6. Here's today's offering: my vintage 50s sparkling shoes.
6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Mini paintings so far...

2011-10-19T17:48:00.001-04:00

Today I worked on more mini paintings for the HandMade Market I'll be participating in at the end of November. I talked about this in an earlier post. I wanted to have some art for sale at a smaller price point but because I want to keep everything original - thus not making prints - I decided to paint mini original canvasses. So here they are!

PLUS...there are still a few more openings for the outdoor painting with lunch and wine at The Good Earth THIS Friday (the 21st). Email me if you're interested. It's a fun day!

2.25" x 3.25" / oil on stretched canvas

Laurie's studio

2011-10-18T18:28:00.000-04:00

Piece two from yesterday. This was painted over a failed landscape from a couple weeks ago. There are a few more things I want to refine but for the most part it's done.

16" x 20" / acrylic

Self-portrait

2011-10-17T20:47:00.000-04:00

Self portrait, painted over a plein air demo from July, below.

Today I had my painting class with Laurie Wonfor Nolan - I *love* them. It's a great group of artists and the atmosphere is creative, stimulating and energetic. It reminds me of being back in school. It's fascinating what others around you are creating. So in keeping with my theme for these classes of experimenting with painting over used "junk" canvasses and incorporating bits of the old in with the new, I did this self-portrait. It is painted over a quick demo I did in July of hollyhocks.

I had a mirror set up on the easel beside my canvas and the mirror was old, and half of the reflective finish had worn off. In its place was clear glass. A very interesting thing to work with. Before I had painted in too much of the background I decided the hollyhocks and sky would stay. I think it's cool due to the fact that the self-portrait is merged with a plein air painting (as that's what I've been doing for years : )

I did a second piece today and will post it tomorrow.

11" x 14" / acrylic on canvas

I think I'm done

2011-10-16T21:21:00.000-04:00

After many hours, this is what it looks like now. And I think I'll leave it. The thing I left alone right from the beginning was the cabin, and I think it's still the best part. At least I knew what *not* to mess with ; ) I took these photos a split second apart, in the same location, but the colour is a bit off. The grass on the top one is reading too dark and solid yet the sky on the bottom photo is too pale. Really it's a mix between the two. Sometimes I liked something I'd painted over and then couldn't get it back. But, heck, all in the name of learning. The only part I'm not sure if I should paint out/over is the line of trees. Thinking about that. But I do enjoy looking at it.
So, onto a new piece tomorrow!
12"x24" / acrylic on canvas

the work today...

2011-10-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

Okay! I have to make a few big changes tomorrow. First I need to tone down that gold! Yikes. Also need to shift that bright green line behind the house and work on simplifying that front field. Now that I compare it to yesterday, I think I liked the simplified colour blocks. Might go back to that tomorrow. This is a real learning piece.

Work in progress

2011-10-13T20:07:00.000-04:00

This is what it looks like today (a close-up). It went through a number of colour changes and will go through a bunch tomorrow. It's interesting to see it with different colour schemes.

12" x 24" / acrylic

Just getting started...

2011-10-12T21:07:00.000-04:00

I didn't have much time today and so I'm showing the bit I got done. I am painting over a canvas that initially I'd began a tree painting on - not that any will be showing through - just to explain what you're looking at. This is still extremely preliminary, in fact right now I'm leaning to a golden sky so we'll see what happens tomorrow!
12" x 24" / acrylic

Muskoka woods

2011-10-10T22:41:00.000-04:00

This weekend I was in Muskoka and it was spectacular! The colours were out in full force and everywhere you turned was a riot of colour and contrasts. It was hard to settle on what to paint because the views were overwhelming. Big thanks to my girlfriend who tirelessly drove me around to check out various painting spots - one more beautiful than the next - because she wanted me to find my perfect spot and not settle ; ) So I came upon this tree - and that was it. I'd found what we'd traipsed all over looking for. I was thinking I was only half done but when my family saw it they said I should stop. So I'll think it over.

16" x 20" / acrylic

Iced!

2011-10-06T18:04:00.001-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving weekend! In our neck of the woods they're calling for spectacular weather - beautiful! I'm taking the weekend off to just hang out with family & friends, bask in the sun, be thankful and eat ; )

6"x 6" / oil on panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Paint sketch

2011-10-05T21:26:00.000-04:00

This is a paint "sketch". The other day I drove around for a while looking for a spot to paint, set-up and 20 mintues in it began to rain. Love it when that happens ; ) So I made a few hurried marks to kind of finish off the sketch and went for cover. Looking at it with fresh eyes I see the green strip in the field too closely mimics the direction of the cloud streak, and I didn't choose the best spot for my horizon line. But, it is what it is. You learn a lot from the pieces you don't like, eh?

On another note I just wanted to mention how sad I felt to hear of Steve Jobs' passing. He had a creative, razor sharp, beautiful mind. I've worked on Apple computers since the 80s and am a diehard fan. What a vision. Rest in Peace.

Branches in April

2011-10-04T22:12:00.001-04:00

So yesterday I was talking about painting over junk paintings. And it brought to mind one of my favourites that I did like that a number of years ago. This used to be a dreadful swamp/woods painting. It was one of those you stack in your studio backwards because it's so embarrassing - you know what I mean? Anyhow, one day I was going out to paint a peach tree and I sketched in the branches and then started painting in sky. To my delight, when I stood back and looked, a beautiful thing was happening. The darks from the old painting were making this cool web-like layer. *chills* (in a good way) It's one I've never been able to sell because of what it reminds me of: Keep going. I could never have achieved this had I painted fresh on a new canvas. Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE new canvasses - a clean slate. I'm going to continue loving them. But I'm no longer hasty in gessoing over the bad ones. They may be the groundwork for something good.

Hidden goddess

2011-10-03T20:35:00.000-04:00

Hidden goddess / 8"x10" / acrylic on canvas

Today I began studio/instruction class with Laurie Wonfor Nolan. Love it! A whole day to work with a great group of talented artists... *heaven!* On the way to her studio I was trying to think what I could paint for a series over the course of these sessions but drew a blank. I spent a good deal of time working on a still life and with half an hour left realized it was a lost cause, flipped my canvas on it's side and began painting a new still life over top. When Laurie came by she thought I should just leave it (as you see it now). She talked about it working as a painting, that it didn't need to be completely logical to read well and my homework is to study Matisse and Cezanne (the kind of homework I like : ) So there is a good chunk of the previous painting showing through underneath - and I really like it. Also I hit upon what I will do for my series. I have a raft of old painted canvasses and will be using them as a ground for new still life pieces, playing with perspective and abstraction.

More rough sketches for book illustrations

2011-10-02T10:12:00.000-04:00

I spent a number of hours yesterday sketching roughs for my book. Here are two of them. I tried to pump up the darkness/contrast for online viewing but this was as good as it got. Hopefully this week I will be able to actually do a finished watercolour of one. I know these will look odd because you don't know the story but it does all make sense (and is kind of funny ; ) And thanks for the comments from my last post!

Also: There are 4 spots left for October's Outdoor Painting Day at The Good Earth, Friday, October 14th. It's all about fall colour! This will be the last painting day of the year. Let's celebrate autumn, paint, eat, and share a glass of wine! Class runs from 10-4, cost is $80.To sign up call The Good Earth at 905-563-6333.

Rough sketches for book illustrations

2011-09-30T16:54:00.000-04:00

This one and the one below are the two that I painted years ago as samples. I'll keep posting my progress!

I began my blog in 2009 and for the first time am truly having a bit of a "small works" painting block. I just want to be painting larger when I paint, and want to spend time drawing. So instead of worrying about it I have just decided to go with it. After all, painting larger is still painting, and I have wanted to hone my drawing chops for a while. Have been neglecting that. All this brings me to today's work. I did a post in January about a children's story I'd written and done a few sample illustrations for. I decided to get down to work and get drawin'!! Here are a few sketches I worked on today. Sorry the one is so pale. Pencil on tracing paper (valuable for multiple re-works).

ART LOVE: Pollard Birches by Vincent van Gogh

2011-09-29T11:02:00.001-04:00

by Vincent van Gogh, 1884, pen-and-ink and graphite heightened with opaque watercolor on wove paper, 151/2 x 213/8. Collection Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

I came across this drawing in the book I got: Vincent van Gogh: A Self-Portrait in Art and Letters edited by H. Anna Suh. This book is large (about 10.5" x 13") and has gorgeous reproductions (although not such a fan of the cover). van Gogh's letters are reproduced in image form and also translated to English. Seeing his original letters - most often with exquisite sketches embedded in them - is a real treat. You almost feel like you're going through his mail, quite personal, and just seeing his path through his artistic struggles - it's so interesting. Anyway, back to this particular drawing: it stopped me in my tracks and I think I stared at it for a good 5 mintues. To me it's one of the most beautiful sketches in the world. Especially for a tree girl.

p.s. I re-worked my cupcake and the new version is now posted. The height and curve of the stem, along with the cast shadow were not sitting right with me. I feel better now ; )

Chocolate sprinkle cupcake

2011-09-27T18:19:00.001-04:00

Back to a small one today. I was feeling the need to paint a cupcake. 'Cause some days you just want to paint cupcakes, yes? Much easier than trying to figure what to do with that tree from yesterday! (btw, thanx for your feedback)

6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 flat (includes free shipping worldwide)

Experimentation and wood supports

2011-09-26T20:16:00.000-04:00

Today I went at a large canvas that used to be a tree in a snowscape. I'd painted it a few years back and although some people liked it, I felt it was too stiff and modeled and didn't fit in with my other work. I re-worked it numerous times hoping something cool would emerge but...nada. This is what came of it today so it will probably get gessoed over tomorrow. Sometimes after you re-work so much it just feels tired and wrecked. I feel like there is a new painting waiting somewhere in that canvas, ready to come out.
Beneath the pictures are photos of the wood canvas box support I mentioned the other day. Kelley asked me what the heck I was talking about - I think I could have come up with a better description - so here they are : )

the latest...

2011-09-25T20:23:00.001-04:00

So thanks for all your feedback. I've been painting away and this is how it looks presently. After seeing in on the screen I'm thinking I may need to lighten that patch of field on the left, midway. The first thing you want to do is create a good picture. The second concern is if the painting needs work - not to loose the spontaneity, the freshness of the original piece. I find the more I labour over something the quicker I can kill it, you know? So back at it tomorrow - but just a bit.

And thanks to Susan who in a note pointed out to me that she saw 3 similar fields of green to the left. Yup! Hello! I find our eyes are so interesting. I'm all for standing back and squinting and turning a piece upside down and all that jazz...and I DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT! Isn't that weird? Now it's all I can see from that previous post!

"Free" and opinions requested!

2011-09-22T17:34:00.001-04:00

- detail -

- as it stands now -

- indicating what I need to figure out -

Post-script: Okay - I had just hit "publish" and then decided to show you what I was trying to figure out. I circled it with black. I think the two dark green shapes are too similar and to fix that up I am deciding whether to lighten/change the colour of the shape in the background or mix up the colours in the 3-section field (also circled). I think they need alterning anyhow... That's the only part of the piece that's bothering me: that 3-section field. Any critiques completely welcome!

Today was very similar to yesterday in that I went back to a clunky piece from spring that I couldn't stand to look at any more, and had at it. It felt good to simplify and just block stuff out. Actually I'm really digging the part I cropped off for the "detail" shot. Kind of wish that was my painting! But I really do like this one - just needs a few colour tweaks. In real life the sky has more interesting things going on/tonal shifts but somehow it was missed in translation.

Having a hard time doing my small works this week. Why? Not sure. I just want to work larger. And experiment. Work really large actually...maybe on the weekend. This is painted on the same wood box support as yesterdays. I believe it is 24" square.

New work

2011-09-21T16:32:00.002-04:00

acrylic, 24" x 24"

~Detail~

I spent today working on a landscape I'd painted months ago. It was never finished and I was just waiting for a day till I felt I knew what to do with it. It's painted on a wood canvas box and so I've sanded it down a few times, glazed it, and generally just had a great time deconstructing it. I find you can't get too precious about things - if it doesn't feel right, take a swing at it!

Some acorns and a bird

2011-09-20T17:54:00.000-04:00

You know how they say if you have to explain a joke it isn't funny? Well, if you have to point out what a painting is....you get the idea! lol I received this elegant little cement bird sculpture from my son today and I absolutely love it! The head is nestled in and you can really "feel" it. I tired to paint it but...hmm. I figured I'd better post a photo of said sculpture.

I had enough time to do a quickie of some acorns my kids picked up on the weekend. This was just loose and bold and very fast. I squinted and got down some values and quick shapes. Fun though!

Making mini's

2011-09-19T20:26:00.000-04:00

When I first began this blog I occassionally painted mini paintings. Really mini canvasses on stretcher frames: 2.25" x 3.25". When I began painting on Raymar's archival canvas boards (after a workshop with Carol Marine) I made a complete switch. Fast forward to last weekend at the Handmade Market. I've been thinking for a while that it would be nice to offer an item for sale that wasn't as costly as my paintings...but what? Last Christmas I made about 30 handmade cards that were reproductions from a few of my paintings but because I'm a stickler about keeping things original and not making prints/giclees etc... I thought I'd better nix the card idea as well.

Then, on Saturday, something a jeweller said to me flipped a switch and I realized I could make a number of original mini-paintings to offer for sale! This may be just what I need for people who linger at my table, liking my art, but are looking for a smaller price point. And it will still be completely original art! So today I raided the kitchen for subject matter and did a number of these mini canvasses. I'm going to work on these between now and the Christmas market and see how it goes. I'll keep you posted!

Scenes from Eat.Drink.Paint at The Good Earth!

2011-09-19T20:23:00.000-04:00

Gathering in the morning to talk art!

Ahh! A nice, LARGE canvas!!!

Nice day at the office, eh?

The gang minus two (who unfortunately had to leave before the end-of-the-day photo!)

Friday was another great day : ) I was blown away with the quality of the work - and especially proud of the brave souls who came with no prior experience and just dove in! Some sketched, some painted, all took in the beauty of their surroundings and enjoyed the day : ) I've posted a few of the photos here but you can check out my Facebook page (Eat Drink Paint) to see the rest. Thank you to those who came out (and extra hugs to my father and sister who signed on for the day). I enjoyed hanging out with all of you and learning/painting/experiencing together - oh yes - and I would be remiss if I didn't mention eating and drinking together too! (wait - that sounds bad - it was just one glass of wine...lol)

Uh oh...

2011-09-18T22:29:00.000-04:00

I went to the book shop to buy Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, and I came home with...art books! In case you can't read the titles I got books on Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams, Maurice Sendak and two on Vincent van Gogh (dreamy sigh). Now I can't wait to curl up and begin reading. How lucky to have that kind of reading for work!

It was a busy weekend - the market was great and I've got lots of pictures from the plein air class on Friday. I will post them tomorrow. Lots of fun.

p.s. I did end up finding Alias Grace at the second book store. And it was the only book I walked out with ; )

Beamsville field

2011-09-15T20:27:00.000-04:00

Today I was out painting at The Good Earth prepping for my class tomorrow. Fall has arrived, baby! Whoa, was it fresh! And a little windy. And I loved every minute. The hot, humid air is gone and it's time to pull out the fuzzy socks and hot drinks. This painting is acrylic, 11" x 14".

HandMade Market this Friday and Saturday at 13th Street Winery!

2011-09-15T20:22:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow the HandMade Market begins at 13th Street Winery. It runs for 2 days: Friday from 3-9pm and Saturday from 11-5pm. Admission is free and all are WELCOME! There will be a delicious fall-inspired $5 menu, wine, chocolates, natural bath and body products, concrete castings and garden art, hand-sewn bags, designer clothing, jewellery, and of course - original small works by yours truly ; ) All my daily paintings will be on sale for a flat $75 and I will also have a few copies of my book ($25) available! What a LOVELY way to spend a fall weekend!
Tomorrow I will also be having a plein air class at The Good Earth and I can't wait! It's always a lovely way to spend a day. Since the class goes till 4:00 and I am supposed to be at the Market for 3:00, my awesome husband has offered to set-up my table and man my booth for me till I get there! Thanks honey!
13th Street Winery is located at 1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines.

Garden garlic

2011-09-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

Not from my garden, 'cause I don't have one of those ; ) But I bought a bunch of them at a stand and we used them for making our dill pickles a few weeks back. Making pickles is suprisingly easy but can feel overwhelming. That's why they're best done with people you like hanging out with ; ) We stuffed our jars with lots of chili peppers, dill and garlic.
6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping)

Carving II

2011-09-13T17:39:00.000-04:00

He's baaaack! This is the bust I painted here. I just love this cheap little find I picked up for a buck. I sense a series coming on...

6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (free shipping included)

Paintings up!

2011-09-13T17:12:00.000-04:00

The Framing and Art Centre has hung some of my larger plein air paintings along with a number of my framed daily pieces. Thank you! Speaking of my larger works, my new website will be up and running soon - hopefully a week or so. I'll be sure to announce it when it's complete!

PB & J

2011-09-12T18:26:00.001-04:00

A classic! I saw this jar of red currant jam in the fridge and it needed to be painted.

6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Market grapes

2011-09-11T11:27:00.000-04:00

So named because that's how my kids differentiate local grapes from grocery store imports. These are the ones we buy now at the local fruit stands. There's always an enthusiastic call of "Market Grapes!" when they first see them. How are they different? Very small - and a sweet, tangy flavour..delicious!

Upcoming events: Friday will be the next plein air painting day at The Good Earth. Our theme is "The Noble Grape". It's going to be a great day!

Friday and Saturday I will be at the Fall Handmade Market being held at 13th Street Winery. You can find pictures of the winery and the different vendors by clicking the link. 13th Street Winery is not actually located on 13th Street ('cause they like to be tricky like that...lol). It is located at 1776 Fourth Ave., St. Catharines. Stop on by! All my daily paintings will be on sale for $75.

6"x6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Coffee tumble

2011-09-09T17:17:00.000-04:00

This one had some challenges: ellipses, curves, foreshortening, metal, ceramic and glass. A good workout!
6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Hot stuff

2011-09-07T17:25:00.000-04:00

I really enjoy the variety of colour in these peppers. It's all about careful observation. Go with the colour you see, not what you assume it should be. After painting these on Monday with a bit of an electric vibe I decided to lay them on white and and let the peppers be the soul star of the show.
6" x 6" / oil on archival panel / $100 (includes free shipping worldwide)

Announcing my new book!

2011-09-06T12:26:00.003-04:00

Kim Rempel ~ small works by Kim Rempel | Make Your Own Book

I've been hard at work compiling my first book of small works and now
it is ready to share! Inside you'll find many of my favourite pieces since
I began daily painting in the summer of 2009. I created this book
through Blurb.com and am very happy with the result ; )
*update since original post* I've had a few people inquire
as to what type of book this is: an e-book, paper etc... It is
a 54 page, softcover, full-colour book. Books can be ordered directly
from Blurb. They print it, take your payment and ship it to your address.
The best way to view is to click on the book icon
on the sidebar of my blog, or to go to Blurb.com and enter my name in
the search window. I had a lot of fun putting it together and I hope you
enjoy it! Hey - you may want to make one of your own!!