Nova Voce, the Provincial Men's Choir, is a fantastic choir in  Nova Scotia. They perform around the province and if you have the opportunity, you must go see them. My Aunt Lynn is their very talented accompanist and also Gladys' sister.

They are planning a fundraiser on February 25, 2012 and I have been asked to donate a painting for their silent auction. The painting I did last year was a big inspiration for my subsequent work.

I had a bit of difficulty with this painting. I started it and did not like the direction I was going. Instead of getting frustrated, I turned the partially painted canvas upside down and a picture started to emerge.

This is the result...

In the Distance - 12 x 12 - Oil/Acrylic on Canvas

Nocturne

This new painting was inspired by the wonderful Nocturne Art at Night Festival that happens in Halifax, NS in October. After a fantastic night, wandering the streets of Halifax and taking in many of the exhibits, one of the highlights was the ferry ride back to Dartmouth. Live music and the moon reflecting on the water was a perfect way to end the evening.

Nocturne - Oil and Acrylic on Canvas - 20 X 24

 Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that 2012 is here. I took a break from painting in the month of December, I wanted to spend as much time as I could with my children for the holidays.

I am ready to start a new year with lots of new ideas, lessons learned, and new inspirations! Until I can post my first painting of 2012, here are two bright little paintings I did at the end of 2011.

I hope they add a little colour to your day.

Red Bowl - 4 x 4 Acrylic on Canvas

Blue Bowl - 4 x 4 - Acrylic on Canvas

Oh Christmas Tree...

A big part of Christmas for me is the tree. Always has been. It doesn't have to be real, or big, or perfectly rounded. It is the decorations that are important. Many have been given to me. They don't match, some are hand made by my children. Others tell stories, such as the one armed toy soldier or the pig fairy that make me giggle every time I see them.

Though I admire the perfectly decorated tree, with the theme ornaments placed just so, that is not my tree. My tree represents my family, my friends,  and Christmas past.

I get that sentimentality from my mother Gladys. I remember the many handmade and store bought ornaments that adorned our tree at home and I know each had meaning for her. I remember one particular Christmas she came home from shopping, excited by store bought ornaments she had found. She bought them at an after Christmas sale and had to wait until the next year to hang them on the tree.

I am so fortunate to be able to hang them on my tree now.

Happy Holidays

Adsum Mystery Art Show and Sale 2011

Last night I attended the Adsum for Women & Children Mystery Art Show and Sale. Every year this event is held at FRED Salon, Cafe, and Gallery in support of Adsum for Women & Children.  Numerous artists donate art to the show. The identity of the artist is not on the piece and is only revealed when it is purchased. I participated last year but was unable to go.

What a wonderful event! The art was amazing, and it was neat to see people lined up to buy the art. New, emerging, and established artists participated. The work was beautiful and inspiring. The piece I submitted sold and I was fortunate to meet the lovely couple that purchased it.

Submerged - 12 x 12 - Acrylic on Canvas

My piece at FRED 

Getting Real

Since I have started painting a year and a half ago, I have been exploring various techniques and styles. I am still trying to find one that really speaks to me. I do see a style emerging, though I don't think it is completely obvious, yet.

I decided that I really needed a challenge that was different than what I have been doing, just to help me solve problems of depth, perspective, and movement.

I chose to do a painting based on a photograph I took this summer while on vacation. I enjoyed doing this painting even though there were numerous problems to solve. I also had to ask myself a lot of questions as the picture was emerging on the canvas such as: "Do I want it to be a real representation of the photo?",  "Do I want it to be loose, relaxed?"

I think I ended up settling somewhere in between, leaning toward the realism side.

I am pleased with how it turn out and subsequently learned a great deal; however I am not sure if there will be many more like it.


Liscombe Falls, Nova Scotia...

Liscombe Falls, NS - Acrylic on Canvas - 12 X 12

First Pet Portrait

We have a new addition to our family.

There are no cats or dogs in our house as my husband and I are both allergic, so our pet options are limited.

My daughter has been asking for a fish for quite awhile now, and received a goldfish for her birthday. She was thrilled and has been taking very good care of her fish named Enigo Montoya.

I am happy to report that he has been in our care for a month now and is doing very well.

Our new pet has inspired me to do my first pet portrait...

Acrylic on Canvas - 8 X 8