 Recently Lauren Kannwischer from the Calgary Guardian reached out for a little interview & it's now available online at www.calgaryguardian.com. I am so very grateful for the support I receive as a female artist in Alberta.
 I recently received an Olive Passport Traveler's Notebook and brass fountain pen and have been intrigued as I have wanted to simplify my travel supplies even more than they have been. I've also been thinking about reducing my cell phone use & would like to incorporate many things into one:
 On Friday, I attended the Amazing Airdrie Women's Awards for which I had created another award for a local female-run business...this time it was Ambition Performing Arts. This one was so fun to paint. I wanted an image that represented Ambition Performing Arts' slogan, "This is where you belong" and the first line that I read online, "Imagine your child walking into a room filled with smiling faces," while also incorporating the colour red from their website (red symbolizes love, energy & good fortune). I also included purple to represent my friend Sherry, who owns AirdrieLIFE magazine and puts on this wonderful event every year.
 I've painted Mount Rundle a number of times, but typically in a square format. This time, I decided to create a more vertical orientation and now I'm trying to decide a few things....
1. Do I like the shapes and colours that I have incorporated into the mountain? 2. Do I want to incorporate embroidery? If so, do I want to add recognizable shapes (ie. embroidered trees at the bottom) or quilting-like patterns? I know I want to push the contrast a bit further, maybe by incorporating more of that vibrant pink in the sky and also in the mountain forms. Other than that, I think I might live with this for a bit and see how I feel. 
It is always such a privilege for me to paint several members of a family...and this one is pretty special as they are good friends and have been collectors of my work for many years. It's been a special privilege to paint several generations of women from this wonderful family. Now, I think, all of my commissions are complete and I can focus on the 'Women of the West' once again...especially as I only have one exam to write and no more coursework until May. Then it's only 6 more university classes until I've completed my English degree - the end is in sight.
 One of the local businesses that I always support is the Airdrie Public Library. This year, their fundraiser is an auction of mini paintings, which is so fun. Anyone can stop by to pick up a 4x4 inch canvas to paint before April 28 to contribute to their Tiny Art Show. The online auction will take place May 19-31 and the in-person silent auction will take place at the Tiny Bubbles Gala on May 31. As usual, I painted a cozy chair & book...two of my favourite things. :)
 One of my husband's co-workers had purchased one of the canoes I hung in his office as an Anniversary gift for her husband so I had to balance things out with another. I'm often surprised at where or when my paintings are purchased, especially since my goal with these was just to brighten up my husband's office. I decided that it would be nice to add another red one to replace the last. I do enjoy painting these small 8x10 pieces as I usually get to watch something that I enjoy...this time it was S.A.S. Rogue Heroes, my youngest daughter's recommendation.   The cedar waxwings are back! These birds only showed up in our yard for the first time during the pandemic and now they re-visit every year. I really love their caramel colour & eye masks. And I'm always attracted to those bright red tips on some of their wings and they are a joy to watch, especially since they travel in such a large group.
Our bird book says: With thin, lisping cries, flocks of Cedar Waxwings descend on berry-laden trees and hedges, to flutter among the branches as they feast. These birds are sociable at all seasons, and it is rare to see just one waxwing. Occasionally a line of waxwings perched on a branch will pass a berry back and forth, from bill to bill, until one of them swallows it. I think these guys may head out to the Leighton Art Centre.  As part of #the100dayproject I decided to treat myself to the online Field Notes workshop by Rae Missigman. I was able to use supplies from around the house, from an old book that was falling apart to printer paper, file folders & ribbons to a shopping bag, parchment paper & masking tape and, of course, art supplies. The workshop is lovely & easy to follow and I can't wait to fill these pages now that spring is here!
 I think I'm finally over my creative block with the 'Women of the West' series. I had struggled with pushing past my fear of making a mistake and decided to paint the backgrounds a mottled solid colour...this way when they're exhibited, it might look like a quilt. I also decided to add their names to their portraits as I want people to know who they are without reading anything else. Names are important. I had considered using different fonts and different colours, but, in the end, chose to use my own handwriting along with a dip pen and Dr. PH Martin Pen White Ink and I'm so happy with the results. I've tried so many different whites and different pens, but I am so pleased with this as it looks vintage and contemporary all at the same time. Once these have cured well, I will protect them with a coat of Dorlands Wax. Can't wait to start painting more inspiring women.   |
|
