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...

Willow Tree Art Gallery

I can't believe it has been almost a year since I started painting. If you have been following my posts, you know that it's been a busy year for a newbie like myself. I am finding that the most important thing I have learned is to believe in your own talent, no matter what.

The next important thing I have learned is to put yourself out there. (Not always easy to do, but if you don't then what?)

Today I dropped off six paintings to Willow Tree Art Gallery in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. A lovely gallery, about 45 minutes from Halifax. It is open on the weekends, 12-5 pm or by appointment. I am thrilled to be a part of this lovely little gallery with a wonderful variety of work. Kevin Cameron is the owner and a talented artist.

If you are in the area, drop by and have a look.

"Tulip" and "Foggy Night" - Willow Tree Art Gallery

"Birthday Bouquet" and "Daisy" - Willow Tree Art Gallery

"Harbour View" - Willow Tree Art Gallery

"New Morning" - Willow Tree Art Gallery