It has been awhile since I have blogged! So much has happened since October, it is hard to know where to begin.

2013 promises to be an eventful year!  I have taking on a big challenge. I started running last March with the goal of running 5 km without stopping. I used to run years ago and was able to accomplish that but babies, time, and lack of motivation kept me from getting back to it. I finally decided this was right time. In April, I achieved that goal and I remember how excited I was. It was SO hard for me to get there, but I did. Since then I have participated in two 5 km runs, one 10 km run, and a 7 km run.

I have recently committed to a taking on a new challenge. I have decided to run a 1/2 marathon (21 km) in April, in Edinburgh Scotland with the Team in Training Program with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My challenge is to raise $6000 to fight blood cancer.

Cancer has affected my life by taking my mother Gladys at the young age of 40. It is still affecting those I care about.

What does this have to do with my art? Well, all proceeds from the sale of my art until the end of April is going to this cause.

I am so appreciative of those who have bought my artwork, and commissioned paintings to raise money for a cause that is important to me.

Thank for all of the support!

Pet Portrait (Commission) - Acrylic on Canvas -  8 x 10

'74 Impala  (Commission) - Acrylic on Canvas - 16 x 20

Reflections, Resilience & Recovery - 14th Annual Mosaic for Mental Health

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week.

It is a week about building awareness and reducing the stigma that surrounds mental illness. There are many events happening this week in Halifax/Dartmouth where you can learn more about mental illness and the work that is being done.

Take some time to become more aware, whether you go to an event, do a little research, or talk to someone.

The Canadian Mental Health Association annual art show, the 14th Annual Mosaic for Mental Health, occurs next week. It opens October 11, 2012 at the Craig Gallery in Dartmouth, NS and runs until October 28th, 2012. Artists donate a piece of art, typically 6 inches by 6 inches and they are sold in support of CMHA for $25.00 each. The display of art is fantastic with a wide range of styles.

The theme of the show this year is "Reflections, Resilience & Recovery" and I tried to convey the theme in the two pieces of art that I submitted.

Artist - Kerry Lynn Fraser

"Walk a mile..." - Artist - Kerry Lynn Fraser

Go and show your support for the great work they do and buy some original art!

I See Red

I am excited to have a painting in the upcoming fall show for the DVAS.

Stop by if you are in the area!

It has been thirty years ago today that Gladys, my Mom, passed away.

In some ways it seems like so long ago, fleeting impressions of a life that had an impact on that 12 year old girl. In other ways the details are vivid, like I am still there.

Though I only had her for a short time, her influence, her attitude, her dreams and her challenges continue to have an influence on me. I see her in myself, my sister, my aunt, my niece, and my daughters.

Miss you Mom.

Artist - Gladys

Nova Scotia Sunsets

I haven't had the opportunity to complete any new works this summer so I thought I would share some of my sunset photos I took while camping in my home province of Nova Scotia.

Brule Point, Nova Scotia

Brule Point, Nova Scotia

Brule Point, Nova Scotia

Five Islands, Nova Scotia

Five Islands, Nova Scotia

Wearable Art

I love jewelry, I love making things, so recently I have started making hand painted original pendants or "Wearable Art".  I love combining the various colours. Each piece is a tiny little painting that you can wear.

Here are a few of my favourites. 

Inspired

Inspiration for me comes from many places. As the title of my blog suggests, my mother Gladys has been a big part of my adult life even though she was never physically a part of it. She was a beautiful caring person, that tried to do the best she could for the children and youth she worked with. Her dedication to her career, and the passion she put into it, left a very big impression on me and subsequently my future career choice.

I have been fortunate to be able to work in the field of Mental Health. I have learned so much from the clients I work with, their families, and my colleagues. They are the inspiration for the painting below, "Foundations".

Foundations - Acrylic on Canvas

I also recently completed a new painting that was inspired by the support and generosity of my coworkers who make it a pleasure to go in to work everyday.

Bundled Beauty - Oil on Canvas 16 x 20

2nd Twitter Art Exhibit - Moss Norway

I am excited to be able to participate in the 2nd Twitter Art Exhibit in Moss, Norway. Last year, when I initially started painting I participated in the first Twitter Art Exhibit. It was a great experience and I met many talented artists online.

David Sandum is a fantastic artist on Twitter from Moss, Norway who has organized this exhibit to raise funds for The Women's Crisis Center in Moss where abused women and children can get help. Artists from all over the world who are connected via twitter submit orignal art. The art is the size of a post card and represents an individual tweet. Around 300 artists are participating and it will be fun to see the variety of art and artists represented from around the world.

This year my submission was inspired by beautiful pink tulips that I received as a gift from my friends. The title of the painting was influenced by the subject but also by popular culture. (See if you can guess from where!)

"A Study In Pink"
 Acrylic on watercolour board - 4 x 6

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

It is hard to believe that it is almost the middle of October already! This week is turning out to be a busy week.  Thursday, October 13th is the opening for the Mosaic for Mental Health, such a great cause and a fun evening.

On Saturday, I have been asked to be a part of a special feature of Women Artists "Women and Paint" and "Women Write and Sing" at the Maryvale Moon Cafe and Art in Dartmouth NS. There are three visual artists, myself included, that will give an artist talk for the first hour. The next few hours will be filled with wonderful music from numerous singer/songwriters. It should be a great afternoon.

Here is a new piece I just completed that I will be showing on Saturday. I will discuss the inspiration behind the painting during the artist talk. This painting has been in my head for many years and I finally decided to put it on canvas.

Purple Tree - Acrylic on canvas - 16 X 20

I am also attending the Nocturne Halifax - Art at Night on Saturday.  I am really looking forward to going and seeing all of the wonderful exhibits in Halifax and Dartmouth. It promises to be an awesome time.

Hope to see you!

The 13th Annual Mosaic for Mental Health

The 13th Annual Mosaic for Mental Health is here again. It is a fundraiser that happens annually to support the Canadian Mental Health Association, Halifax - Dartmouth Branch. This year is my second time submitting artwork.

The art is completed by a variety of artists of all levels on 6 x 6 masonite tiles. All tiles are $25.00. The exhibition opens on October 13th and ends on October 30th, 2011. It is hosted by the The Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth,  NS.

I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years, volunteered, and have also utilized mental health services, so this cause is very important to me. 

Please come out and support the great work CMHA does.

Reflections - Acrylic on 6 x 6 Masonite Tile

Beauty in the Blues - Acrylic on 6 x 6 Masonite Tile

Hope to see you there!

Maryvale Moon Cafe and Art

Have I said it before? Twitter is a wonderful place. I have learned of so many wonderful opportunities. I have met great people both online and in real life. The local twitter scene is full of interesting people including talented artists, musicians, and writers.

A few weeks ago I went to Maryvale Moon Cafe and Art to listen to a wonderful local singer songwriter. I had a great time and loved the atmosphere, it also gave me the opportunity to try a new local business that focuses on great food, art, and music.

I am happy to report that my art is now hanging alongside several other local artists in the cafe.

Maryvale Moon Cafe and Art

My artwork

Beautiful Artwork by other local artists

Art vs. Craft Halifax

It is so wonderful to have something to work toward. It seems since I have started painting, there has been an event, a show, something around the corner.

This Saturday I am participating in another art and craft show at the Halifax Forum called Art vs. Craft. If you are in the area, check it out. There will be around 40 vendors and lots of variety.

Here are some of the paintings I will be selling.

"Serenity" and " Solitude" Acrylic on Canvas - 6 X 6

" Rhythm" Acrylic on Canvas - 6 X 6

"Blue Moon" Acrylic on textured gesso watercolour board

Urban Lights

The lights at night continue to be a magical time and an inspiration for me, particularly the reflections on the water. I wanted to continue with the theme of the harbour at night and did another painting for my Night Harbour Series.  This painting has a different feel, more vibrant perhaps. It is also my largest painting yet, measuring 18 x 24.

Urban Lights
18 X 24 - Oil on Canvas

I don't think I am done with this series yet...