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Yes, I will totally redo a painting.
Redoing Paintings: A Creative Exploration Redesigning or redoing paintings can be a rewarding and transformative experience for artists. Whether you’re looking to refresh an old piece or explore a new direction, here are some strategies to consider: 1. Assess the Original Work 2. Gather Inspiration 3. Experiment with Techniques 4. Modify the Color Palette 5. Change…
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Imagining the Possibilities
A crucial part of plein air painting is selection. When faced with all that visual information, it can be daunting to nail down what is to be kept and what is to be ignored. Scope creep is real. I study the scene for composition and all the primary questions of line, darkest dark, lightest line, temperature…
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A New Year and I Am Excited
A light frosting of white covers the faded colours of the landscape, the days are like inchworms, lengthening slowly and the Christmas season will be but a memory. I am not rushed to clear my home of reds and greens. I love being surrounded by familiar decorations and my favourite is a vintage ornament which once…
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Selling Plein Air Paintings. Yes or No?
Sept 12, 2023 What do I do with all my plein air paintings? I have the oil paintings stashed on a shelf and the pastels are in a scrapbook. Every now and then, I take them out and see if I am inspired to create a studio piece from the information recorded. I have never added…
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What Makes you Feel Most Alive?
Aug 15 2023 Why are we drawn to certain colours, smells, sounds and places? Imagine your ideal space. Is it wandering along a path in a scent-filled garden with vibrant blooms. Or standing upon a high peak with all the drama at your feet and the fresh air in your lungs? Or is it escaping into…
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When The Student is Ready, The Teacher Will Appear
June 4 2023 I truly believe that I can hear the same lesson multiple times over multiple years and then suddenly it becomes clear. Has that happened to you? My good painting friend, Helen Shideler and I have discussed endlessly about an internal hunger to improve our painting skills, both technically and artistically. It is what…
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The Eyes Have It
Anyone who paints en plein air will attest that there is no substitute for painting from life. Cameras are tools, not creators nor visionaries. I experienced a reality check on the limitations of using my camera. The weather has changed – no more parkas, gloves and snow boots. The ice is out of the rivers and…
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My Walls Are Empty
Mar 24 2023 And they are off! I have sent off my latest works to my local gallery. It is great to see them hanging on their walls. And that makes room for me to work on my next pieces. Depths of Teal and Foamy Shallows 30” x 15” Oil Dancing Light at Split Rock 30” x…
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Less is More: the Story of Competition
Mar 12 2023 Recently I joined an online program The Art Journey, with TJ (Tim) Cunningham. It includes: Monday Paint-a-Longs, Monthly Focus Workshops, Friday Critiques as well as an established landscape course. I wanted something that could push me a bit further. I opted for TJ’s program because of the content and because I was impressed with his…
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We Are Shaking Things Up Feb 18 2023
February 18, 2023 When not painting in my studio, I am often painting en plein air with my good friend Helen Shideler. This winter, we were determined to get out as much as possible. I will be soooo glad when we don’t have to stuff ourselves into snow pants and parkas. Do you know what it feels like…
