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!

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

"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