Cultivate Life - St. Albert Mural Mosaic

It has been a true honour to be part of such a beautiful mural and to have my art, along with over 140 other artist's work, on permanent display in down town St. Albert.

Be sure to check out the mural mosaic website to see the panels up close, along with the name of the artist.....I have two panels, how fast can you find them?

http://www.muralmosaic.com/cultivatelife.html

Kona

In September of 2006 one of my dearest friends Keri, decided to take a oil painting class.  Because we had talked about taking some sort of class together at some point in time, when she told me about this I jumped on the band wagon....even though oil painting sounded kind of boring. :)  As you can probably figure out, my view on oil painting has changed......... significantly :)

Since I have started painting I have only given a couple of paintings away as gifts.  I feel that art is such a personal choice I am reluctant to give something to someone and have them feel obligated to hang it in their home for the next 20 years (or a least when I show up for a visit ;).  I have given a painting to my step mom (you know parents, it doesn't matter what you paint, they will always hang it on the wall or post it to the fridge).  Another painting I gave for a gift was to my late sister in law Pat and my brother law Bob for their 40th anniversary.  I felt good about doing this because Bob is also an artist and Pat was very much into art and was always giving me advice. I felt that if I was going to give a painting to anyone  they would probably appreciate it the most.

Now that I have been painting for a little while longer I am feeling braver about giving a painting as a gift.  So, for Keri's birthday I surprised her with a painting of her dog.  I took this photo of Kona when she was a puppy with the intent of painting it for Keri's birthday and hoping I could keep it a surprise.

I also have a confession to make..........it's not oil......I tried my hand at acrylic......I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and I wanted to know if it would make me paint any faster.  The jury is still out regarding the medium, but my speed was definitely faster, so I may have to try this medium again.

I am very happy to give my friend, who got me started in painting, my very first acrylic painting.  Happy Birthday Keri!!..............and thanks!

Original Acrylic
10" x 14"
Private Collection

                                                        Original Photo Reference

Rachel - Beyond the Monochromatic

Finishing a painting gives me great satisfaction....but to know when I am finished is another matter entirely.  I am most satisfied with a painting when I give it time to rest.  I hang it on a wall in my studio so I can look at it often.  Usually, within a few days to a couple weeks I can tell if I need to work on it some more.  Once I have added a touch here or there I like set it aside where I can't see it.  After a bit of time I bring it out and have another look.  This gives me a whole new perspective on things and I usually see things I didn't realize before.  At this point I will adjust what needs to be adjusted, but at some point I have to commit to letting it be done.

The painting I am doing of my niece Rachel is almost done. She still has to critique it; once she has done that I will make any adjustments she wants and then I will let it rest.  The commitment of letting it be done is hard to come by, but eventually it does.

Original Oil
14" x 18"

New Year's Eve at Seven Hills - Mural Mosaic - 2nd Panel

Every New Year's Eve the City of St. Albert puts on a fireworks display at our local tobogganing hill, Seven Hills.  Despite the cold weather, it's one of those types of traditions that if you want to get a parking spot you better arrive real early. It's also one of those traditions that if you sit in your nice warm car you really don't benefit from the whole experience of 15 minutes of fireworks in the Great White North.

Mural Mosaic # 24 -Cultivate Life - St. Albert Mural Mosaic
http://www.muralmosaic.com/cultivatelife.html
Original Oil
12" x 12" on wood panel
Original Photo Reference - Graham Roth, St. Albert, AB
http://www.grahamrothphotography.blogspot.ca/

Swathing A Path

I started this painting back in 2008 and put it aside until just recently.  It's taken me a long time to get this one done.  When I was first drawn to the photos my niece Kim took of her husband and daughter, I thought it would be a quick, fun painting to do.  For some reason though, I had a brain cramp when it came to painting the rows of wheat while I was working on the monochromatic.  Again, putting this aside like I did my previous painting of Amethyst Lake in the Tonquin Valley, has allowed me to learn enough in the past few years to be able to take on this challenge.  I find it ironic though, as hard as it was for me to get passed the stumbling block of the rows of wheat in 2008, grasses and things like that are one of my favourite things to paint.

Original Oil
28" x 22"
For Sale
Original Photo References - Kimberly Collis, Vulcan, AB
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-C-Photographics/143642594932

Amethyst Lake in the Tonquin Valley

I almost gave up on this painting.  I started it at the end of 2008 while I was still attending the occasional art instruction.  While I was working on the monochromatic I was also struggling with the prospect of leaving the security of the art studio where I first learned to paint.  When I finally left the studio I put the painting away and even at one point thought of throwing it out.  I hadn't progressed very far and it was becoming frustrating; it wasn't making sense to me.  About a month ago I decided to give it another try and I'm really glad I did.  Sometimes, you just have to walk away from a painting until you are ready to take on the challenge once again.

The reference photo for this painting was taken by a good friend of mine, Vivian McKay. Viv and her family had just gotten back from a trip to the Tonquin Valley near Jasper, AB when she showed me her photograph.  They had spent a few days with their friends and owners of a back country lodge.  I thought the photo was quite beautiful with the row boat on Amethyst Lake and part of the Rampart Mountain Range in the background.  I really wanted to try painting a mountain scene and not having anything suitable in my own collection of photos, this one was perfect. When I first saw the photo I had to do a double take because I had assumed the mountains were quite close, but in reality they were quite a distance away.

What an ideal place to visit.  Many years ago my husband won a trip to the lodge and took my dad with him.  Because the lodge is so remote it is only accessible by foot or horseback. They had a fantastic time fishing and relaxing in the great outdoors.  Pristine water, crisp fresh air and the sounds of nature surrounding them; you really couldn't ask for anything better.

For more information on how you can visit this beautiful area in the Alberta rockies visit:
http://www.tonquinadventures.com/

Original Oil
20" x 30"
SOLD
Original Photo Reference Vivian McKay, St. Albert

Olivia (Untitled) - The Monochromatic

Monochromatic:

mon.o.chro.mat.ic (mon-uh-kroh-mat-ik) - adjective

1.  of or having one colour
2.  of, pertaining to, or having tones of one colour

When I was first learning how to paint I was taught the methods of the old masters.  At the time I started taking my weekly 3 hour lesson I wasn't sure who the old masters were.  I remember painting my first couple of paintings and I wanted to be done the monochromatic part so bad; I could hardly wait to get the colour on.  As my patience, or lack of, got the best of me I remember asking my instructor a number of times if I was done, and she very patiently told me....not quite.  So I kept working and working on the monochromatics.

What I have learned over the past 5 years is that you can't rush this step, it is the most important part of the painting process.  If you get this part done right, the rest of the painting should come together easily, but if you don't get this part right....well, lets just say, there are many, many layers of paint on some of my first paintings, and that's not because I was layering the pigment, I was fixing my mistakes!  A lot of practise and a lot of patience has brought me to a place where I can really appreciate those old master's technique.....who ever they were.  ;)

So, is the monochromatic done?................not quite.


Original Oil
18" x 24"
Original Photo Reference by Jen Brunner, Red Deer

Sunflower Shade

We all need a little shade, once in awhile.

Original Oil
8" x 10" Gallery Wrapped
For Sale
Photo reference taken at Sunflower Gardens - St. Albert, Alberta (they make the best pickled green beans)

Olivia (untitled)

Portraits and children, there is something that is just magical about capturing a child on canvas.  Happy, sad, excited....whatever their emotions are at the moment, whether they are caught off guard, or posed, capturing those emotions, to be able to paint that in oil... that is what art is all about for me.

I love the photo I am using for reference for this painting.  The first time I saw the photo it grabbed a hold of my heart and made me laugh.  This was Olivia's first time at the pool with Grandma.  The expression on her face is just too cute.  I really do wonder what this 14 month old was thinking when Grandma was trying to convince her to go into the pool.

This first stage of the painting is the monochromatic, stay tuned to see the progression of finished monochromatic to finished full colour painting.

Original Oil
18" x 24"
Original Photo Reference by Jen Brunner, Red Deer

Sunset Wake

When I was taking painting lessons I remember my instructor telling the students that every artist should paint at least one sunset. I liked that idea, and when I came across the reference photo for this painting I knew I had found the painting I needed to paint.

My cousin Paul is really good with a camera and has taken some wonderful shots.  When I started actively looking for photos to paint I came across some of his on Facebook.  The one I used for reference for this painting was one of my favourites.  The colours were gorgeous; it was like looking at liquid fire, with only the breaking of the wake to cool the ocean.  The photo was taken in the Queen Charlotte Sound area in BC. The fact it was taken from the stern of a boat with the wake breaking the water was something that really appealed to me.  It was so great of Paul to let me paint this and I’m pretty sure I will be coming across a few more that will capture my interest, after all, Paul lives in one of the most beautiful areas of Canada and has the perfect opportunity to take some great photos.

Paul is a great guy, easy going, lots of fun and very kind.  Besides taking great photos, Paul loves to fish.........perhaps that’s an understatement.  He moved out to Vancouver Island a few years ago and has his own sailboat “El Sueno” and his best friend Tubby to keep him company out on the ocean.  He charters salmon and halibut fishing trips for the locals and tourists, and when he’s not out on the ocean he’s working at various marinas repairing docks and boats.

Besides looking forward to seeing more of Paul's wonderful photos, I am looking forward to a ride in his sail boat; maybe even a little fishing.

Every artist should paint a sunset.  This one's mine….thanks Paul.

Original Oil

30” x 36” Gallery Wrapped

SOLD

Reference Photo by Paul Pudwell, Sooke, BC

The Ball Player

As long as I can remember my Dad has always loved baseball.  As long as I can remember he has always played baseball; he even played the game into his seventy's.  It was just recently that he reluctantly decided to give up the game and watch from the sidelines.  When I asked him why, he told me it was because he just wasn't as fast a runner as he used to be.  I admire my Dad for the dedication he has shown for playing the game he has loved all his life, and he may not run as fast as he used to, but he can still hit the ball.

In my late teens, before my husband and I got married, we played in a local merchant team with some of the staff from the company my husband worked for. It was always a good time playing with the "Home All" bunch.  Lots of good ribbing and baseball lingo flew through the air at each other, along with the baseball.  I remember my Dad coming to watch many of those games and it wouldn't have matter if the game was for fun or if we were in the major leagues; my Dad was always out there cheering and giving the umpire a few hints on how to call the game.

I came across an old grainy picture taken in 1958 of my Dad sitting on a large rock in his baseball uniform. I remember seeing this photo when I was a young child as I rummaged through the picture box.  I always loved this photo and being partial to painting in black and white I decided to take it upon myself to paint this for him.

The day I planned on unveiling the painting and showing it to my Dad was the first day of my first solo show. I could picture him getting all choked up and being totally thrilled over it. I showed the painting to a couple friends who knew my dad and they recognized him right away. When it was time to show my Dad the painting I felt quite emotional and knew this was going to be really special. As I barely held it together I took him over to the painting and showed it to him. I knew he would be really happy to see himself immortalized in oil paint, especially in his ball uniform. After all this, the waiting, the anticipation, the excitement, my Dad looked at the painting and his first remarks where: “Who’s that? Is that Bob?”

Needless to say, the painting hangs in my studio waiting for Bob to claim it!

Original Oil

18” x 24”

Framed

For Sale - possibly

Steeee....llaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Stella – The Perfect Name for the Perfect Puppy!

If you ever had a dog you will understand how important these wonderful animals become to your family. They are not just a pet, but an individual family member. We have been blessed with two wonderful dogs. Skyler, a Doberman Pincher, our first dog who died 8 years ago, and Stella, who will be 5 on February 15.

Everyone always said, don’t buy a dog from a pet store. We even preached that tune until one day my oldest son Graham and I went up to our local pet store to have a look at some of the puppies. My daughter and I had previous seen a cute ball of fur and thought Graham should have a look to see if he liked the breed. It was a Maltese cross of some sort, cute as a button. We had a look, but decided we would keep looking for the breed we wanted; then we would contact a breeder, just as we did for our first dog. Just as we were going to leave we looked into another window that had been previously empty at my last visit, and we saw her. She was so little, 5 lbs and so cute, she was a cross between a Miniature Pincher and a Shih Tzu and had the markings, fur, and snout of a miniature pincher, but she had those big eyes and curly tail of a Shih Tzu; we were hooked. She was busy playing with her siblings and as they got tired she sat down and literally just fell over sound asleep. We knew right then that she was the one for us. A staff member took her out of her pen to let us hold her, wow, what an adorable dog. We went home to get my other two children and talk to my husband. Sure enough, someone else wanted to buy her while we were gone, but luckily I put down a deposit for her…she was going to be ours!

My son Braden and daughter Christina and I went back up to the store to get her. Both of my kids fell in love with her immediately and we proceeded to make the purchase and buy all the necessary equipment, foods, toys and paraphernalia. What a great day this was!! And that thing about not buying from a pet store….I would make an exception this time, for this particular pet store.

When we got her home our puppy was excited and nervous, we were all just as excited. We decided we needed to name her. Oh course my kids didn't like my choices of names and came up with a few of their own. One name both my boys thought of individually was “Stella”. I didn't really like it at first and thought we could come up with something better. A few minutes later my daughter came running home with some of the neighbours to show them our puppy, including Brenda, one of the mom’s. We asked Brenda what we should name the puppy; we did not mention any of our choices, and the first name Brenda mentioned was……”Stella”. What a coincidence....or was it?  This had to be our puppy's name and it was perfect!

Original Oil
10" x 10" Gallery Wrapped

Mural Mosaic - Cultivate Life - St.Albert Mural Mosaic - St.Albert Cardinals - The Catcher

St. Albert Cardinals - The Catcher

The Making of Panel #120

Cultivating life in St. Albert can mean many things to many people. To me it’s about the life my family has enjoyed in this wonderful city. When I became one of the artists who are participating on the Mural Mosaic – Cultivating Life – St. Albert, I had so many things I could have painted, but what stood out in my mind were the years that my son Braden spent playing baseball with SAMBA (St. Albert Minor Baseball Association).

There’s something about baseball that speaks to me and my family. Maybe because it’s a game I played myself as a young person or maybe it’s because we lived in St. Louis and got to enjoy many of the Cardinal games in person, or maybe it’s because of my son Braden’s love for the game. What ever the reason, it was an important part of our life. When we lived in St. Louis, Braden started playing ball in grade 2. When we moved back to St. Albert he continued to play for many years. From the age of 11 to 16 he played on a St. Albert Cardinals AAA team.

As a family we spent many enjoyable hours down at the ball diamonds watching Braden and his teams. Many friendships were made and we have many memories to cherish.

Braden loved baseball and played many positions very well, but catcher was one of his favourites.

   Finished Panel - St. Albert Cardinals - The Catcher        Original Panel #120   

Wanna Play?

Little girls and baseball.  Even in her party clothes its fun to get a game going......do you wanna play?

Wanna Play?

Original Oil

24" x 36"

Framed

For Sale

People's Choice Winner - 2nd Place - St. Albert Painters' Guild Fall 2011 Fall Show and Sale

Sunkissed Poppies

Summer mornings are my favorite time to take a walk. The bright sunshine and deep shadows bring out the brilliance of the flowers in the gardens along the way.  Everyday there is a new delight in what mother nature and avid gardeners have planted and grown right before you eyes.  Poppies, delicate but strong, fiery oranges to excite the senses, sunkissed to always remind you of those summer days.  

Original Oil

16" x 20"

For Sale

Alberta Spirit - ACACA Provincial Award Winners Show

Come and join me for the opening of The Alberta Spirit Art Show

Friday, September 9, 2011 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at VAAA Gallery – Harcourt House – 10215 – 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta.


Alberta Spirit (Provincial Award Winners Show) runs from August 25 to October 1, 2011.
http://www.acaca.ab.ca/ab_wide_2011.html

Alberta Wide Show - Red Deer Museum - Now until August 6

"Summer Sweetness" (in above photo - bottom right), "Welcome to Las Vegas" (winner of the Northern Zone - Intermediate Category and the Alberta Wide Show - Jean Stephenson Award) and "My Ride" will be on display at the Red Deer Museum from June 19 to August 6, 2011 for the Alberta Wide Show.  Read all about the show in the Red Deer Advocate - link below!

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/entertainment/Juried_show_first_rate_after_26_years_124366649.html

"Welcome to Las Vegas" - A Winner Times Two!!

A couple years ago my sister in law Pat, told me to join the ACACA (Alberta Community Arts Clubs Association).  I didn't know anything about it at the time, but she thought it was a really good association, one that I might enjoy belonging to.  I joined the ACACA this past February and  I'm so glad I took her advice!

The ACACA was founded in 1968 under the direction of Professor Harry Wohlfarth from the Faculty of Extention at the University of Alberta.  Not only does the ACACA wish to foster and maintain art instruction and to develop an interest in art and culture in our Alberta communities, it also aims at uniting, serving and networking artists throughout the province.  The ACACA is divided into three zones in Alberta and has a non juried art show for each zone every year.  At each Zone Show awards are presented in 6 categories along with  a Juror's Choice Award. During the Zone Shows all the painting are juried; those selected are sent to Red Deer to be juried a second time for the Alberta Wide Art Show.  The Alberta Wide Art Show gives out 11 awards.  Any of the winners from the Zone Shows or the Albert Wide Show then go on to Edmonton be be in the Provincial Award Winner's Show, which is held from August 15 to October 1 at the Visual Art Alberta Gallery (VAAA).  

I am thrilled to tell you that "Welcome to Las Vegas" won the Intermediate Award at the Northern Zone show and then, along with "My Ride" and "Summer Sweetness", was juried into the Alberta Wide Show.  "Welcome to Las Vegas" won the Jean Stephenson Award at the Alberta Wide Show!

My three paintings can be seen at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, Discovery Room, 4525 - 47A Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta from June 19th to August 7th, 2011.  The Opening is on Sunday, June 19 from 2pm to 4pm.  The museum is open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12:00am to 4:30pm.  The cost is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors and children, children under 5 are free.  The Opening day is free to the general public.

Welcome to Las Vegas will also be at the Provincial Award Winner's Show in Edmonton.....more info to come later.

For more information about ACACA please visit their web site at http://www.acaca.ab.ca/

Let Me Sea

Let Me Sea - it's finally finished!!  What a journey....hope you enjoy the story, at the end you can see the progress of the painting at each stage.

To me, paintings are stories; each one is unique and special. The story doesn’t always have to be the same to each and every viewer of the painting. Actually, most art will tell a different story to each viewer, but let me tell you the story of how I came to paint this painting….

In 1996 my family moved from Canada to St. Louis, MO due to a transfer with my husband’s job. We were so blessed to move into the most incredible neighbourhood with wonderful neighbours. This being our third move, in as many years, we took it upon ourselves to get to know everyone quite quickly….having small children definitely was a helpful.

One of our neighbours was George and Marsha who had two girls, Kara and Laura. George and my husband Bernie struck up an easy friendship and we enjoyed George’s nightly visits on his walk around the cul-de-sac. George, Bernie and my boys spent many evenings at the high school football games and George along with other neighbours were always game to sit with us on our driveway for a lovely fire in our portable fire pit….even though it was sweltering hot outside. George, Marsha and the girls were very welcoming to us by opening their home and making us feel like part of the family. Christmas Eve was always more fun when we spent it with them and of course I will never forget the 2000 Superbowl when the Rams won! I think my poor ears are still recovering from that! Kara, in her early 20’s, was a lovely person to spend time with. She was always easy going and fun. I could tell she had a really good relationship with her family; she was always so kind to my kids and we had lots of laughs and fun with her and her family.

We haven’t been back to St. Louis for a few years but we keep in touch with George and Marsha. Kara and I keep tabs on each other on Facebook and I am enjoying hearing about and looking at the pictures of her boys as they are growing up. Although, there are times that I long to be back in St. Louis, Canada is home. The experience we had living in St. Louis and the people who came into our life, especially Kara and her family, have brought a richness, an understanding and a joy into my family's life that I will be forever grateful for.

Kara and Michael have a great life in Arnold, Missouri where they moved to shortly before getting married in September 2003. Not long after settling into married life they celebrated the birth of their first son, Kyle. Then in 2007, younger sibling Drew came along and the family was complete.

Kyle is much like his mom, easy going, sweet and personable. His grade one teacher describes him as a “sweet kid in class”. He is a young environmentalist very concerned about saving the earth. It’s not unlike him to pick trash off of the ground and bring it home to put into the garbage. He has a kind heart and a soft touch for animals, especially if he notices a sign about a missing animal.

Like most families, not all the children have the same personality type. When Drew came along life got a little bit more interesting. While Kyle is cautious, Drew is fearless and sure of himself. His fearlessness has already gotten him a few stitches! He may be a little bit stubborn, but he knows what he wants and is ready to get it. But he is also a very sweet kid and looks up to his big brother; wanting to do everything like him.

Like all dedicated parents, Michael and Kara work hard to provide for their family. Michael’s family owns a lighting business in St. Louis that has been in his family for over 100 years. Michael is the 4th generation to work in the business and he manages the Drafting Department, while Kara takes care of the office work. Work, school, activities for the boys all contribute to their hectic and busy life, so when a vacation comes up it is a welcome interruption.

When Kara was a teenager her parents George and Marsha and her sister Laura, would drive the 12 hours from St. Louis to the Gulf Shores in Alabama. This was her favourite place to vacation. The smell of the salt air, the sugar white sand, the pristine blue water and beautiful sea oats made this a very magical place. Kara fell in love with the Gulf Shores a long time ago, not only for it’s beauty, but also because it was place of love and romance for a young teenage Kara. It was a place close to her heart, a place she wanted the people she loves the most to experience. What better place to take Michael and their two sons these many years later!

Michael had lived on the west coast in San Diego before they got married and he had never been to the Gulf Shores. The previous vacations that they took were short vacations to Chicago, Texas and Cincinnati. When Kara had mentioned she wanted them to go to the Gulf Shores, Michael was at first reluctant to want to go, but Kara convinced him, and as it turned out it was a magical place

Michael and Kara’s family took their first vacation to the Gulf Shores in Alabama in June of 2009. They loved to stay at the Gulf Shore Plantation Resort. Not only is it a safe gated place for their young family to have a great time; there are many pools and activities to keep their family engaged. An added bonus for Michael was that the coffee shop served Starbucks!

The day always started with a much anticipated morning walk along the beach looking for sea shells. What a wonderful experience walking along the sand, watching the sea gulls and listening to their calls, while the boys hunted for their treasures. Breakfast and back to the beach for the morning was their normal routine. The boys could always be found playing in the sand and Kyle also loved to body surf. When they weren’t at the beach, or in one of the pools or hot tubs, you could find the family playing putt-putt, visiting Alligator Alley and doing various other activities throughout the day. One of Kyle’s favourite things to do was to go on a ferry boat from Dauplin Island to the condo they were staying at. Although, he was pretty worried about the whole ordeal the first time they got on the ferry, he soon realized it was pretty cool to cross the ocean this way. Evening was a special time that was spent down at the beach watching the sunset. The temperature was cooler, the breeze refreshing and the sand a joy to walk in. On some evenings it was fun to hunt for crab by moonlight.

As with all vacations the week went by quite fast and before they realized it, it was time to head for home. But luckily, Michael always had his camera at the ready and took many beautiful pictures…..memories to last a life time. Capturing the memories as your children grow is such an important part of family life; capturing the special moments of a vacation is undeniably precious. Luckily, Kyle and Drew’s parents both like to take lots of photos, but Michael was the primary photographer on this first trip to the Gulf Shores. Not everyone has a photographer’s eye, but Michael is one of those lucky people who can take a picture and it will turn out well, almost every time. Never having taken any photography classes I’d say he is a natural.

After the family got back from their trip to Gulf Shores in June of 2009 Michael and Kara received an email in August from the condo management team stating that they were having a photo contest at the Gulf Shores Plantation Resort. Michael had taken many photos and a lot of them turned out pretty good, so he decided to submit a few photos to the contest. Not expecting to win and then thinking the contest was over, it came as a total surprise when Michael received an email and found out his photo was the winning entry. Kara was very emotional and Kyle was so excited to tell everyone that “I won that!” The prize was three free nights at the beautiful Plantation Resort and a gift basket of beach goodies. They had to take the vacation between October and December 2009 but they asked if they could take it in the summer of 2010 and that was okay with the Plantation Resort management.

Three free nights, what a prize! But it just wasn’t going to be long enough, so Michael and Kara booked a few more days to make it a longer and a more memorable vacation. They were so excited and so looking forward to the summer trip. But as fate would have it, a little oil leak happened in the Gulf, which turned out to be a big oil leak. Although, very nervous about going to the Gulf while this was happening, they were bound and determined to make the best of things, no matter what they found when they got there.

The memories of the Gulf Shores white sandy beaches, sea oats, pristine water and seas gulls where still fresh in the minds of Michael, Kara, Kyle and Drew. Would the Gulf Shore be changed? Would there be dead sea life on the beaches and the water slicked with oil? These were questions on the parent’s minds as they packed for their vacation. When they got to the Plantation Resort they were pleasantly surprised that things were not as bad as an imagination or the media can conjurer up, at least not in the area that they were at. Yes, there were some tar balls and some trash from the sea covered in oil on the beach, but everything still smelled and looked the same and thankfully there wasn’t any dead sea life to have to explain to the boys.

Vacation life returned to the routine that they had established the previous June. Walks to the beach in the morning and evening, playing in the surf, hunting for sea treasures and all the wonderful activities the resort and surrounding area had to offer. On one particular morning they found out that Drew had a pretty good knack at predicting the weather and unfortunately Kara and Michael didn’t take his advice. Drew demanded that he was allowed to wear his light weight jacket down to the beach that day. The parents didn’t think that was necessary but gave into his demand and off they went. Within 20 minutes the family was running back to the covered pool as they were getting pelted with rain. They were all soaked to the bone…..except Drew!

Winning a photo contest, getting a free vacation and then having to content with an oil spill in the Gulf Shores seems like a mixed bag of emotions; but Michael and Kara’s family dealt with it all; the thrill of winning and the worry of a vacation ruined. But things turned out just fine. Tar balls and a bit of oily garbage on the beach doesn’t seem as bad to deal with as what could have been. The beach was still good to walk on most days and it was interesting for the boys to watch the clean up boats in the ocean. Then there were also the pools back at the resort to play in and friends to make and spend time with. Kyle being an outgoing sort of fellow had no trouble making friends and enjoyed spending time with a little boy named Jake from Mississippi. They would play in the pool together daily and spend their lunch time together. Kyle and Jake had fun together but what Kyle remembers the most is the southern accent of his new friend.

On the last night of the second vacation Kara remembers how special the night was; the warm breeze, the salty air. As both her and Kyle looked out over the ocean and realized that the next day they would be going home, it was an emotional moment for both mother and son. As the tears welded up in their eyes they could only hope for more of these very special moments to build memories of a life time.

Everyone fell in love with this beautiful place even with a little oil on the beach. Michael was so impressed with it all, that he hopes one day they will be able to retire there. But for now, this young family has said good bye to the Gulf Shores and is back at home. Back to work, back to school and scouts, back to their hobbies and activities, back to being a very busy family looking forward to their next vacation.

                                The Finished Painting!

Original Oil - 22" x 28"

Framed

Sold

Some Comments - Thank you so much for leaving such wonderful comments....Memory


YOU are sooo talented! Can't wait to hear your work is in big name galleries- I know it will be there....You should be very proud of yourself. Merry Christmas to your family!
Mirella Esposito
December 13, 2010 1:23 PM

Anonymous said...
Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also….
January 31, 2011 12:07 AM

JB said...
Fascinating to follow...
November 14, 2010 3:24 PM

CTV Edmonton's Broadcast of Articulture 2011

Being involved in Articulture 2011 at St.Albert Place in St. Albert, Albert from April 7 to the 10th, 2011 was very exciting.  CTV Edmonton's Graham Neil covered the opening reception.  I am thrilled that 2 out of my 4 paintings received some air time along with other St. Albert area artists and their art.

Alberta Bouquet -LT GOVERNOR Of ALBERTA ARTS AWARDS Mural Mosaic

This YouTube Video shows each individual tile involved in the Mural Mosaic - ALBERTA BOUQUET - can you see mine.....I'll give you a hint...it's in the blue/green tone and it's a beach scene....

I feel very fortunate as an artist to live in St. Albert.  We have a very rich artist community and part of our community are two of our most well known artists, Lewis Lavoie and Phil Alain. I have had the privilege along with my fellow guild members to participate in their latest Mural Mosaic creation. Over 120 Alberta artists ranging from children to seniors and from amateur artists to professional artists helped create ALBERTA BOUQUET for the Lt Governor Generals Arts awards.

This beautiful mural mosaic was unveiled on the evening of Tuesday, April 5th at a private Mural Mosaic unveiling. The mural will be presented at the Lt. Governor General Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 9th.  The painting will be disassembled and each tile and a copy of the painting will be presented to each dignitary at this special event.  They will receive, as Lewis Lavoie termed a "Limited Edition Original".


This beautiful piece of art is a Mural Mosaic made of many small individual tiles that are pieces of art within themselves.  Each artist was allowed to paint at least one tile during a 2 hour session.  That was a little bit nerve wracking on my part, never having done this before and having nothing for reference.  But I found it to be a wonderful experience, and I am in awe of the talent of these two wonderful artists.  For more information on Lewis and Phil or the Mural Mosaics please visit  http://www.muralmosaic.com/  or http://www.philalain.com/

Getting a little press never hurts!  http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20110406/SAG0307/304069994

ArtiCulture



Summer Sweetness



Welcome to Las Vegas!



St. Albert is hosting the 2001 Lieutenant Governor Awards

from April 7th to the 10th.  Part of the celebration will be the



Northfork of the Nooksack



ArtiCulture Exhibition that will take place at St. Albert Place.

Opening reception starts at 5:00pm on Thursday, April 7th.

Please come and see my four pieces of art that have been selected to be shown in the exhibition.  I feel very honored and very excited to have had my art chosen along side other artist who live, work and play in St. Albert.



Ice Time



Rosalie

If you have been following my blog or know much about me, you will know that portraits are one of my favorite things to paint. I seem to gravitate towards kids, but I love portraits in general. There is something about capturing a person on canvas that I really enjoy. When I am finished the painting and get a chance to show the portrait to the person or the person's family I am painting, I love the reaction. I have had people cry when they see their painting, I have had people stare at the painting in shock, but what ever the initial reaction, I always have had very positive feedback. I don't really think people expect the painting to actually look like them, and when they see that it does, it always seems to be a surprise to them in one way or another.

Rosalie is a portrait of one of my dearest friends. Initially I had asked Rose and her daughter Karlen to be my models for a two person portrait, but after taking many pictures of them and being quite happy with a number of them, I came across the one of Rose looking off to the side. I knew that this painting had to be painted. I am still planning on painting Rose and Karlen together, but somethings a photo grabs me and I can't let it go until I have painted it.

Rose is one of the most beautiful people I know, not just on the outside, but also on the inside. She is gracious and warm, kind, insightful and understanding. She is a very generous person with a wonderful sense of humor. She has two great kids and a wonderful husband and I feel very thankful she is part of my life and also very thankful that she trusted me enough to capture her on canvas.

Rosalie
Original Oil
16" x 20" Framed
Sold

The Steer

A portrait can be of anything, a person, a flower, an animal; I wanted to paint a cow.  When I started looking for a photo of a cow I came across a great photo taken by Jessica Elenbaas.  I had already decided to paint one of her horse Getter, but I couldn't get the steer photo out of my head.  She again graciously gave me her permission to paint the photo and I decided to leave it in black and white. 
It was challenging painting the steer, it is a lot different from the horse and of course entirely different from people.  The challenging part was to know if I could actually captured the steer.  Not being a farm girl, and not being around farm animals, that is where the challenge lies. When I showed the painting to Jessica's husband Ben I needed him to give me a critique, after all he is a farmer and this was his steer.  He was very helpful and seemed to genuinely like the painting.  I then showed it to my good friend Shannon, who also is a farmer and she gave me the thumbs up.  So, with two people who know their cattle giving me good reviews, I now feel confident that I captured "The Steer".

Original Oil
15" x 30"
Gallery Wrapped
For Sale
Original photo reference by Jessica Elenbaas - Lynden, WA, USA
People's Choice Winner - 1st Place - St. Albert Painters' Guild Spring 2011 Show and Sale

Memory's - A One Woman Art Show and Sale - A Success!

I am thrilled to tell you that my first solo show was a success.  The attendance and response to  my art was amazing!  Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the show, in person, or in spirit.  I feel very blessed.

Boats at Portsoy II

Boats at Portsoy was always going to be a painting in colour, but when I first started the monochromatic in 2008 and was then encouraged to enter it into the Gamblin Torrit Grey competition, and then it won an honorable mention award, it stayed black and white.

This is the coloured version, done as an entirely new painting.

Boats at Portsoy II

Original Oil

20" x 30"

Framed

Sold
People's Choice Winner - 1st Place - St. Albert Painters' Guild Fall 2011 Show and Sale

Catching a Ray

Sunflowers - what is it about sunflowers that we just love?  They make you feel like no matter what, everything is good with the world.  They never look sad or unhappy; they always make you smile.  They follow the sun, they feed the birds, they look great in a bouquet, they look great in the garden. They are a flower with character. 

Original Oil in Black and White

20" x 20"

Gallery Wrapped

For Sale

Clouds Over Canola

I have always loved the bright yellow canola fields in Alberta. It was sure sign that summer was truly here.  No matter where you drive out into the country side you will come across these wonderfully brilliant fields of yellow. I especially love to look at them when the storm clouds start to roll in.

Summers in Albert.......they are short, they are sweet, and we long for them all winter long.

Clouds Over Canola

Original Oil

30" x 40"

Framed

SOLD