Beaded Vest and a break (not a rest)

Finally, I am not scurrying to paint or pack art stuff. I am making an effort to clean house, weed gardens, glean junk. I tackled our bedroom today, top to bottom and even cleaned the windows (outside no less). Now I am running up some new curtains to coordinate with the bedspread. Phew, tonight, I'm going to work on myself in the big bath tub.

This beaded vest was on display on aboriginal day. I believe it is Ktunaxa, the first nation's of the Kootenies.

Fernie Arts Station

Fernie is hugely lucky that they have a strong arts culture and a terrific old train station that hosts their art events. This is a photo of me at my reception thursday night.

Beverly and Bonita----SOLD

I had a great time at my reception at Fernie and must thank Janice Edwards for her kindness and help. A very well recognized regional painter purchased" the girls" which is VERY flattering! Yippeee!!

Off to Fernie

I am off to Fernie for an art show and reception today. I will try to extend the selling streak. Wish me luck! And thanks, everyone for all the support.

Two Deer SOLD

OK, I'm going to quit bragging but after so much famine, I was exulting in the feast. I hope this may give hope to other painters who are going through a dry time.

I love playing with molding paste, stamps and texture. The horizontal strips at the bottom are left over from another project and are a bit more textured in real life. The deer are our little brother and sister from the backyard.

Our provincial government has pretty much cut ALL funding to all art revenues as if the creative people aren't already suffering from the recession. I find this a very short-sighted view when statistics have backed up the fact that the arts generates economic spending! If we lose our local art councils because they cannot afford to stay open, where will the emerging artists (like me) be able to show their work and move their way up through the creative ladder? Sigh.

Mavis and Morley SOLD

I almost hate to see this one go...it is one of my favorites. Oh well, I can paint more.

LLoyd and Lou-Ellen SOLD

Suddenly, a spate of sales!

The Crossing--SOLD

This was a painting generated by the site "Different Strokes from Different Folks". I cannot take credit for the composition but it generated a lot of interest and the darn thing finally sold.

Island Pond--SOLD

Yippee! Top Marks to Black Star Gallery for selling a painting.

SOLD!

Yes, Jinx deserves his kitty treats for being a most successful model. This painting is sold and a new cat painting is in the works.

Alex Powers

I am working my way through Alex Powers "Painting People in Watercolor". Great book, new ideas. He is a master at techniques I am only beginning to explore. He also validates "breaking the rules". I honestly get heck from some people (painter's included) but I am learning to ignore them better and more often.

The allure of blank canvases

I needed something to do Sunday while waiting for visitors to show up that would keep my outside and give me something to do. Voila!

Cloudy with a chance of frustration (and fear!)

After a whirlwind couple of week, with art events and company, I am finally catcing my breath. I have worked darn hard this summer with little financial success. My writer friend insists the making of the work is still important. I hope she is right.

Oh well, the best way I know to get over visitor post partem and artist wobblies is...house cleaning! Dust buffaloes beware!!

Columbia Basin tour second and last day

The alphabet.

guest book.

I like Sally in her still life.

Exit under the maple leaf.

First half of Columbia Basin Tour

Going into the studio.
I like the light in here.

Even though it is still a bit dim.


Paintings and well worn stuff. This day is done, and I am off to the dump.

Art Reception

After a relaxing time spent at the rustic and sulphury Lussier Hot Springs, my daughter Haley, her boyfriend Klawdee and me, all got dressed up for my art opening at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. There was a good turnout and the gallery looked fabulous loaded with everyone's art.

More fun than a Barbie doll

I spent one afternoon dressing Robin, my grand-daughter, in my heritage costumes and taking photos of her. We had great fun.

The Big Push

Here's what I have been working towards all year.

Hope Diptych side one

This is a painting I started as a demo at Pynelogs gallery on thursday.

Pulling a Tom Sawyer

I have been busy cleaning and decorating my outbuilding for the Columbia Basin tour. I had the good fortune to have family show up and volunteer to help. Randi painted.

And Alan painted

And wonderful Robin painted (she instigated the painting melee).

The walls and various body parts all got painted!

Angel?

This is a little sketch I did a couple of years ago a la Robert Burridge. I would like to explore this kind of thing in the fall....when things calm down.

I have family visting and I am enjoying their company.

Columbia Valley Arts Tour

Columbia VAlley arts tour was Sunday. We set up in the rain. The weather looked very threatening for most of the day, but the rain held off. The organizers of the event did their usual fantastic job.

Little Miss Sunshine

This little girl had a lemonade stand last summer. I was impressed with the outfit she chose.

I sent her and the "forest nymph" off to Arts on the Edge. It is a juried show in Kimberley that has a decent amount of prize money. I might get lucky.