"Oval" Due

I grew up in a small town of about 1300 people. Winter was a very fun time for us. We would go cross country skiing, skating, and sledding. Our dads would clean off the snow in the yard and make an outdoor rink. That is where I learned to skate, in my own backyard with the neighbourhood kids. 

We had a rink which was available certain times and we did use it, but there was something about skating outdoors, especially on a cool clear night with everyone in the neighbourhood. There was a sense of community, it was fun. 

Unfortunately, I haven't been skating in 20 years and finally bought skates two years ago. I haven't had a chance to use them. Not really motivated until recently...

There is a excitement building in Halifax, NS right now. We are hosting the 2011 Canada Winter Games beginning on February 11, 2011.  Facilities have been built and preparations have been in the works for a while.

Speed skating is one of the many sports that will be featured here.  A large "temporary" skating oval was constructed outside on the Halifax Commons for speed skating. The idea was that the oval would be used for the games and then removed when they were over.  Before Christmas, the oval was open to the public and it became extremely popular. People could come, borrow skates and use the oval free of charge. Many people of all ages who haven't skated in years or ever, have been coming to the oval.  Whether it is nostalgia, a love of skating, or curiosity it is drawing hundreds of skaters daily. (Most likely more!)

Due to the oval's popularity, people in Halifax have come together and decided that this was something that Halifax needed. The thought of tearing it down after spending so much money, isn't sitting well with a lot of people and hence the "Save the Oval" campaign was born. 

A real sense of community has been brought to the area that is exciting. I am excited. I really want the opportunity to go skating on the oval. I also want that opportunity to continue past the games. 

I think it is time to take my skates off the hook and what better place to break them in then on something that is so full of community spirit.

Waiting - 6 x 8 - Oil on Panel

The Pink Bear

I have been busy taking care of my 8 month old. She is growing fast and on the move. One day while I put her down for her nap, I noticed the sun shining on the toys that had been left out. I decided that I needed to paint the scene and took a reference photo.

The pink bear was a gift from her big sister who also has one and has been a favourite in our house.

This is the result.

"Naptime" 2011 Oil on Canvas 10 X 12 

I had a lot of fun doing this painting.

Easy like Sunday... afternoon

So today was a lovely quiet Sunday afternoon. My daughter loves to draw and wanted us to draw together. So we did. I decided that it was time to practice my life drawing. I chose the same medium she did, Crayola Pipsqueak markers on paper.  I did a study of peppers and we had a lot of fun.

"Peppers"  2011 Crayola Pipsqueak Markers

My daughter won't let me post hers as it is a gift for someone! ;-)

Visual Arts Nova Scotia - Paris Salon Exhibition

I am excited to be participating in an upcoming exhibit in Dartmouth, NS at The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing. This is a regional exhibition and sale put on by the Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville and Fall River area VANS Group. It opens on February 3 and runs until February 27, 2011.

I have submitted two pieces, one to be hung initially and then half way through the exhibit, it will be refreshed with a new piece. The artwork will be hung in the Paris Salon Style with the larger pieces at the top. There are 50 artists participating and the variety of work will be fantastic. There will be new artists like myself as well as established artists.  There will also be other activities such as artist talks and demonstrations.

If you are in the area, the opening reception is February 3 from 7-9 p.m.

I have been experimenting with colour and light. I have also been thinking lately about "balance" and taking time to rest when needed, which has inspired the two pieces I have entered in this show. My paintings look at the simplicity of rest areas in public places, such as parks, that offer us that time for reflection or whatever we want to make of it. 

Here is one of my submissions.

Respite - Oil on canvas - 2010

The Virtual Paintout - Boston, MA

Well, this month The Virtual Paintout went to Boston, MA, USA. It is a city I would definitely love to visit. Reminds me a bit of Halifax, NS.

If you haven't yet visited the website, I would highly recommend it. Seeing the variety of work is so interesting.

I did find it challenging to explore the city and try to decide what to paint. In the end I was inspired by the seemingly quietness of the park by a busy street.

Charles Street, Boston MA, USA
Canvas Panel 6 X 8

I wonder where we'll go in February?

A Nice End to a Great Year

Happy New Year!

What a fantastic year 2010 was; a  new baby, a birthday milestone, and pursuing art again.

A nice end to the year was participating in the 57th Student, Staff, Faculty and Alumni Exhibition at the Dalhousie University Art Gallery. The exhibit opened on December 9 and closed December 19th. It was a really neat exhibit and I am really glad I had the opportunity to participate.  Unfortunately, I only found out about the exhibit a couple of weeks before so I did not have time to complete any new work. Here are my three submissions.

Summer Break, Oil on Masonite Tile, 6 X 6

Summer Fun, Oil on Canvas, 5 X 7

Gypsy Dreaming, Oil on Canvas Panel 8 X 10

It was a great exhibition with works from a very diverse group of artists.

I am really looking forward to painting more in the new year, and already have many ideas for new work!