I have been experimenting with backdrops of fabric for my still life paintings lately. I'm really enjoying the look and have started collecting interesting scarves and remnants to use for future paintings. I like the neutral palette of this scarf with the strong colors of the roses and limes. Painting the design was fun as I didn't get too literal with it- just painted the gist of what I could see.This painting will go the Granville Fine Arts Gallery in Vancouver for the group show in November.
Lime and Roses, 24 x 30" acrylic.

I recently finished this painting. It's of Thormanby Island, one of my favorite places on the planet. Looking at this image takes me right back to the feeling of being there. I think the shape of the canvas adds to the strength of this painting- it's 24 x 48". The painting will be going to my Vancouver gallery, Granville Fine Arts, for their upcoming group show, which opens Nov 18th.

Yesterday was the first annual plein air paint-out at Apple Day near Fort Langley. Apple Day takes place to celebrate the 100 year old heritage apple trees that grow on the Houston Trail, alongside the Fraser River. We had a group of about 15 artists come out to paint together. Here's a picture of some of us at the end of the day. We'll do it again next year- the first Saturday in October. Let me know if you want to be on the list of contacts.

After my struggles with the last painting, this one just fell off the brush. The gods of art are capricious and constantly testing us. Anyway, don't ya just need red every now and then?- I sure do. "Red Mountain Sky" 24 x 30"

This morning I went into the studio and took another look at this painting. I asked my self what kind of critique I would give if it was done by one of my students. Lots came up: colors too garish, foreground grasses too busy, composition needs tweaking and focal point needs more work. I spent the day reworking this painting and I am much happier with it.
Early Winter Bog 24 x 36" acrylic

This painting was quite a slog. I spent a few long days on it and felt I had done all I could do. I wasn't particularly happy with it, but I wanted to be done and move on to the next painting. I photographed it at the end of the day and locked the studio.

Here's a few shots from the wonderful week long workshop that we just attended on Gabriola island. As you can see, I was so relaxed I fell asleep on a rock. Painting on location is challenging for me, but so much fun. If you want to go next year, it will be happening in September and my guy, Alan will be one of the instructors. Check out www.artists.ca for info.