Citrus Stripes

"Citrus Stripes" 30 x 30" acrylic

I painted these tulips a few years ago from a slightly different arrangement. It was always one of my favourite florals so I decided to revisit the image. I went bigger this time and the painting seems to have more impact on the larger scale.
It seems like the stripes would be hard to paint but really, you just have to go for it. Any irregularities just make it look more believable- at least that's what I tell myself.

I never get tired of painting roses. I found a wholesale nursery near my house that sells seconds for cheap so now I can indulge in beautiful bouquets whenever I want. These ones were a combination of white and the palest pink. I love the way the light influences their colours.

"Catching the Light"   24 x 30" acrylic

"Solace"  24 x 48" acrylic

It's rare that I paint something that I'm perfectly happy with. My reach is always a little beyond my grasp. But this one comes pretty close. It is an image that I just love, of a place that never fails to be magical for me. After a lot of ups and downs in my life this year, I am naming this painting, "Solace" because that's what this place is for me.

I will be entering this painting in the annual Spillsbury Medal show at the Federation Gallery in Vancouver. The show opens on December 6th, and it's always a beautiful show to see, as the signature members of the FCA put forth their best work. It will also be the Christmas party for the FCA so come by if you are in the area.

  

Here's a few pictures from our show opening last Tuesday night. Thanks to all that braved the horrible weather to come and see the show. It was wonderful to see everyone's efforts on the walls and I am proud to count these talented women as my friends. The show is up for the rest of the week if you want to check it out. Much of the show is on line at www.artists.ca. Federation Gallery, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

Blue Cow

Blue Cow, 9 x 12" acrylic

Here's another small painting that will be in the Oct 30th show. I painted it this summer when I was up in Sorrento. The reference photo was taken in Sorrento too. I was driving around with my friend Gaye Adams, looking for subject matter when we came across this girl, posing and beautifully backlit. It's one of my favourite paintings in the show.

Speaking of the show, I have now seen Gaye's paintings and also my sister, Suzanne Northcott's paintings. There is some really beautiful work going into this show. I can't wait to see what Jean, Liz and Sarah have come up with. Come join us for a glass of wine if you can.

little guys

These are little 8 x 10" oils. I painted them a while ago, both of them in pretty conventional colours. Yesterday I took another look at them and decided to play with the colour a bit. I didn't look at any reference, just kept trying different colour ideas until I liked what I see. I think they are both a lot more fun than they were originally.

These paintings will be going to the Federation Gallery in Vancouver for my group show. I plan to have between 10 and 12 new pieces in the show. The opening is Tuesday, Oct 30th, 6:00 to 9:00- everyone welcome, so pop in if you are interested.

Grandma's Beach 24 x 36" acrylic

I finally put the last touches on this today, although tomorrow I might find something else to change on it. I came so close to giving up on it a couple of times. Nothing came easy on this one. Alan came in the studio and told me to lose the rock on the right side of the foreground. I don't always listen to him but this time I think he was right.

This painting was a lesson on hanging in there, but also in putting something aside. I completed three other paintings while this one was in progress. Yesterday another new one was going sideways so I decided to spend some time on this and now it's done. I might even like it!