How Long?

Lately, among a few members of our church, we have been discussing the need for clean water in many communities in Africa. How Long is a painting that was inspired by these conversations and dreams of providing fresh water to those who don't have access to this basic necessity. How long before people in Africa and other parts of our world can enjoy this commodity that we take for granted here in North America?

September Gold

September Gold is my third painting in a series of four mini butterfly paintings that I want to do. Unlike the other two paintings, I have not painted a larger version of September Gold. I have found while painting this series that I begin to notice detail as I paint that I never noticed while just looking at the photo and definitely did not notice while taking the original picture! I find that it is these small details that end up making the painting work. More than that however, it is the small details that make me appreciate the beauty of the butterfly a lot more and ultimately the creativity of its Creator.

Fall Colours

Fall Colours is a small study in preparation for Fall Reflections. The beauty and abundance of the fall colours make fall a very inspiring time of year for me. While hiking in Gatineau, Quebec this past fall, the contrast between the riotous fall colours, the evergreens, the birch trees and the blue sky really attracted my eye. In Fall Colours I tried to capture that contrast.

Fall Reflections - SOLD

Fall Reflections is a scene which I painted from memory of Meech Lake in Gatineau, Quebec. My husband and I had gone on a hike this fall and the reflections of the fall colours on the water intrigued me. In order to paint this scene I used one of my painting books to learn how to get the effect of reflections on the water and ripples on a calm surface. One of my frustrations right now with painting is not being part of a class or group where I can get some constructive criticism about my paintings so that I can improve. Since being part of a class at this time is not really an option, I would welcome any constructive comments here on my blog.

Fisher Woman

Fisher Woman was copied from one of my painting books. One day I sat down and decided that I wanted to try to paint something without first drawing it which I normally do. I was quite impressed with the results. It was also an exercise in mixing and using warm and cool colours. The more I paint the more I realize how much there is to know about the medium, technique, colour theory etc. However, I also question how much I should just rely on my own intuition and how much I should set out to learn. I feel that reading my painting books can be both inspiring and frustrating.

Woman in Her Garden

Woman in Her Garden was inspired by a photograph of an old Romanian woman in her garden shown by a missionary visiting our church. It was on the drawing board for about a year. Even now I toy with the idea a naming it The Unfinished Painting. It is one of those cases that I am not sure if it is finished or that I am just too afraid of ruining it by working on it further. Any comments one way or the other?