This was a large project (42X172), that took a lot of planning, and a lot of measuring, to be sure that everything would line up properly when it is installed. Am feeling a bit sad that its so close to completion, so may as well start a new one.
Sometimes I’ll modify the design or colours slightly until the painting has the feeling I want. The reference photo had green hills and a cloudy grey blue sky. The mountains had no snow on them and their shapes weren’t varied, there weren’t any bodies of water either. I designed everything the way I wanted it to be rather than the way it looked.
Have decided that these two work well together, and am ready to get started on the third and final piece.
This pastel was created for an invitational pastel exhibition at the Old School House gallery in Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island. For more information re this exhibition, google “pastelbyinvite”. Dan Gray is a fine artist/pastellist who called to invite me to participate in this show. Thank you Dan. My piece is 11X14, framed, and the retail price is $750.
The painting on the right,below, was done as part of a pair. It’s partner piece was was sold separately and I was asked to do another painting that would complement the one on the right. It’s a different view of Laryx Lake.
After taking a second look at this piece, I decided to modify the sky, giving it the feeling of a sunrise.
After completing the pair of cattail paintings I decided to continue working with acrylics. This new 48X48 was completed today, and I know what I’m starting next, a tall vertical.
Originally started a s a pair, the first cattail painting was delivered in time for the show. The second was completed this week and delivered toay, April 24th. Am enjoying doing these acrlyics and have almost finished a new 48X48 floral, more to follow.
After reading Robert Genn’s letter about “basket lists”, I decided to browse through some photos of different types of subjects. I found several references of cattails, and decided to give them a try in acrylics. With all of the layering,glazing, and negative painting I realized how much fun they are. The last acrylics I did were in 2001. This one is a 36X36 acrylic on canvas and will be available at the exhibition.
In the midst of painting for the show at Stephen Lowe gallery, I was asked to do another painting of Lake Minnewanka.
As it is a favorite composition I enjoyed creating a new version, with a small island on the left which balances the dark shadows on the right.
