Plien Air paintings

I painted these little field studies from life this morning at Derby Reach Park near Fort Langley. They are both 8 x 10 ".

I have lots to learn about painting plien air but I have learned to keep it very simple for now. It' definitely a great exercise to help sharpen the paintings skills and I hope to get out and paint in the great outdoors a lot more this summer.

Here's a few photos from my recent trip to Thormanby Island. I came home with about 350 images so more island paintings will be coming up. The weather was perfect and my friends Pete and Jeannie were kind enough to take me around in their boat so I could get some shots from the water.

Recent news:

I have a photo spread of my paintings in Avalon magazine.It's available at Chapters, among other places, if you want to have a look. Avalon is a gorgeous magazine, full of art, photography, travel, architecture and fashion.

Registration is now open for my fall weekly classes. www.artists.ca for info or check my website.

This painting did not come easy. I loved the beginning but kind of lost my way in the middle. Consulted with my genius sister who made a few color and value suggestions, and now I'm pretty happy with it.
"Sanctuary" 24 x 48" acrylic.

Here's how I spent my birthday- doing my favorite thing- walking around a beautiful place with dogs and some of my dearest women friends. We were at Pitt Lake in Pitt Meadows.

The light was not great for photos but I did get a few good shots. Will go back when it's sunny- it is a gorgeous location for subject matter.

Just finished this piece- the second Cheakamus Trial one. I started it while up at Whistler last week.
It was a busy weekend with Alan's birthday, Father's day and the opening of Alan's solo show here in Fort Langley.
"Cheakamus Trial II" 20 x 30" acrylic

Class reunion at Whistler

Just back from my class reunion at Lianne's beautiful home at Whistler. It was really fun to paint with the group. We went for a 2 hour hike on the morning of the second day.
All my favorite things in one place- creative friends, dogs, great food and a spectacular natural setting
Thank you, Lianne, for making it happen!

Just finished this guy. Good timing because I'm taking it to Whistler tomorrow. The image is the Cheakamus trail in Whistler so I'll probably be walking there in the next couple of days.
I'm going for a reunion with some of my students- we will paint, eat and probably watch the hockey game- go Canucks!

CheakamusTrail 20 x 30" acrylic