Here's our little gang at the Western art show at the Calgary Stampede. Alan and Rick McDiarmid shared a booth, and Diane and I went along as support staff. It was 10 long days and a unique experience to say the least. Best parts for me were getting to know the other artists and viewing some the of incredible diversity of artistic talent represented there. I came home feeling inspired and anxious to get going in the studio. I took a day to drive through the Kananaskis region of Alberta, so am working on a piece based on pictures I took that day. The mountain scenery was spectacular.

Early Moon - Tofino

Early Moon - Tofino   24 x 30" acrylic

Just finished this one. I'm exploring working with a bit more limited palette and keeping the shapes more graphic. Also having a lot of fun with texture and brushmarks- especially in the sky. This painting will be going off to the Adele Campbell Gallery in Whistler soon.

White on White

White on White- Parrot Tulips

I've been wanting to do a white on white painting for a while. When my friend, Jeannie, gave me these beautiful parrot tulips, I knew they had to be painted. Here's a couple of the early stages, plus the finished piece.

A Blustery Day

  "A Blustery Day" 30 x 40" acrylic

The Peninsula Gallery in Sidney, Vancouver Island, has new owners, so they are celebrating the new beginning with the "Rebirth Show", opening on June 7th. I am looking forward to working with Jonathan and Vivian, and Alan and I both plan to attend the show. Come see us if you're in the area. The piece above is my contribution towards the show.

Sunny Bouquet 30 x 24" acrylic

Just finished this painting this morning. I tried many different treatments for the background, including various leaf patterns and polka dots. Once I put the stripes in, the painting just seemed to come together.

 I have a still life workshop coming up in Victoria in June, so I've been thinking about creative possibilities. Backgrounds can be really fun for a realist painter like me because you can make up anything you can imagine. In the reference photo, there was a window behind the flowers with a view of the garden. It would have been way too busy to have included all that.

If you're interested in the Victoria workshop, details can be found on my website: janicerobertson.ca

Anticipation

"Anticipation" 24 x 36" acrylic

For me, a perfect day often includes nature and sunshine. I like the way the sea sparkles in the distance, beckoning the observer forward. I'm hoping this painting imparts a feeling of joy and anticipation, the same feeling I get from being in a place such as this.

After the Rain

"After the Rain- Tofino" 24 x 36" acrylic

Here's my first painting from the Tofino trip. It will be in the catalogue for the Painters at Painters event in Campbell River in May. I am teaching an acrylic workshop in Campbell River right after Painters, so check my website or email me if you want more information.