Creative Passion

Members' Show KAG

2011-12-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

My entry "Dark Secrets" for Members' Show at Kelowna Art Gallery, show will run till Jan 15, 2012. Painting is in acrylics on wooden panels, 24" x 28", is a diptych.

New works

2011-12-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

"Flamenco Break", right, mixed media on canvas, 20"x20"

"Comfortable in Herself", right, mixed media on canvas, 6" x 6"

"Taking a Break", right, mixed media on wooden panel, 8" x 10"

4th Okanagan Erotic Art Show

2011-08-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

"Demons in her Head", 16" x 16", Mixed Media on Canvas, $ 500. " Her desert folks may accuse her of harbouring 'demons' in her head, yet she wonders, 'When will the viagra kick in?'

"Surrender to Night", 24" x 24", collage on canvas, $ 720
"Every sip allures her deeper into the pleasure of the Night, she lets her hair down ....... straps slip off her shoulders ......

"Cheers Okanagan"

2011-02-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

4th Okanagan Arts Awards took place at the Community Theatre in Kelowna on 23 Feb, 2011.

15 recipients received the bronze trophies "Cheers

Okanagan".

The 3 stages of the trophy starting with the initial design I did in pencil, progressed to clay and the final bronze. The experience of watching it emerge as the finished bronze was akin to watching one's child graduate.

Under 100, lake Country Public Art Gallery

2010-12-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

Some of my entries for the very successful "Under 100" fundraiser for the Lake Country Public Art Gallery. All paintings are under 100 sq inches and under $ 100. Show concludes on 20 dec.

Our Precious Soil

2010-12-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

"Marks in Dirt", 16" x 16", part of an exhibit at Delta Grand in connection with a week long conference on Sustainability.

November Show RCA

2010-12-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

Paper pulp relief "Ancient Deities" on of my entries for the november 13 and 14 at the Rotary Centre.

Okanagan Erotic Art Show 2010

2010-12-11T19:36:00.001-08:00

15 october, Ex Nihilo Winery, Lake Country was packed with art lovers and artists for this years Okanagan Erotic Art Show, "Seduce Me". Hats off to Julia for the fabulous show........ girls ready to paint the town RED? Why not, was the Erotic Show, with no prior planning, Julia, Anjy and yours' truly turned up red and black.

My entry for the show (above), "Alluring Rendezvous"

Members' Show Kelowna Art Gallery

2010-12-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

Show goes on till Jan 9, 2011.
My entry, "Looking Back" (sold), 12" x 24", done in collage on canvas, covered with resin varnish.

Okanagan Arts Awards Launch

2010-10-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

October 7 Arts Council of Central Okanagan unveiled 3 finalist marquettes at the Kelowna Art Gallery.

"Cheers Okanagan" was declaired the winner. It will be done in bronze and awarded to the recipients on feb 24, 2011.

Some info about my design ........
An artist’s palette, Okanagan sun, wine glass, rolling hills & mountains, lake & streams are the main elements in my design.
The fluted base represents the performing arts as well as the captivating, undulating landscape of the region.
Symbolic rendering of mountains in the centre and water at the base of the design, moving diagonally, stands for the many disciplines of art forms …… surging, mingling and moving forward with ever flowing creativity.
Wine glass represents not only the economy of the region but nature’s bounties in the form of large variety of fruits. The top of the wine glass angled to create harmony in the design. I incorporated the universal symbol for visual arts, artist’s palette, with the mouth of the wine glass. The Okanagan sun, emerging from the opening in the palette energizing life in general and the collective creativity of the region.

ArtWalk Lake Country

2010-09-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

A weekend full of creative buzz is what the Artwalk is all about, soooo much to see and share.

Apart from my "Stick Figures", I had some of my current figurative paintings, the 2 here, a collage on canvas, "Changing" 12" x 12" and "Oh, the Summer Days", pastels on canvas. The resin varnish poured on the canvases eliminated the need for these 2 woeks to go behind glass... very exciting for me as I am passionate about both these mediums, enjoy.

At the "Almost Famous", Vernon BC

2010-09-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

Yours truly dressed in support of her Gauguin entry

Almost Famous, fundraiser

2010-07-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Fundraiser for Vertigo Art Gallery, Vernon, BC ia an exciting affair. This year's contribution from is "Gauguin in the Okanagan", acrylic on canvas, 20" x24". Gala auction evening will be held on August 21, 2010.

Livessence Show at RCA

2010-07-28T21:46:00.001-07:00

"Serenity", acrylic on canvas, 36" x 12"

"Contemplating", acrylic on canvas, 36" x 12"

"Summer2", triptych, acrylic on canvas, 8" x 18"

Starting 2 August, 2010, Livessence will show members' work at the RCA for the entire month. Above are 3 of my entries out of a total of 23 I will be showing.

Fundraiser, Fire Museum

2010-07-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

My helmet to the fundraiser for Kelowna Fire Department. Helmets will be auctioned off soon, check them out at www.firemuseum.ca

Stick Figures

2010-07-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

July 17 & 18 was the themed show, Stick Figures, for Livessence at the RCA, Kelowna. 2 of my enteries out of the 5 that were part of the display of about 30 paintings. Was an enjoyable challenge to create figures with simplicity of the mind.

Okanagan Art Works interview

2010-07-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Liz Burnett's online art magazine Okanagan Art Works (free to subscribe) is a fine product of her passion. Full of info from cover to cover due to her hard work and long hours.
July issue has my interview starting on page 46, enjoy......
http://issuu.com/s2sartworks/docs/july_2010

2 Solo Shows, Personas y Tierra, Caballos, July 2-11, 2010

2010-06-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

I will be teaming up with Dianne Schnieders for the show on July 2, 2010........all are welcome to join us for wine, cheeses and more yummies. Dianne's Caballos (horses) are in watercolours and very artistically rendered. I will have Personas y Tierra (people and landscapes) in acrylics and other mediums. The Gallery, Peachland, is on Hwy 97S, open 7 days a week has a stunning view of the Okanagan Lake from ground zero.

Pleine Aire at Ex Nihilo Winery

2010-06-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Spectacular views from the vineyard of Ex Nihilo Winery in Lake Country were painted in acrylics and pastels......... perfect setting for Pleine Aire in the beautiful Okanagan, a thrilling experience, no doubt.

Art Show, Sonora Ridge, Osoyoos

2010-05-29T10:48:00.001-07:00

If you have not seen the Sonora Ridge development, you certainly are missing something unique. Tastefully decorated show home by Colleen Lintell were the venue for the gala affair for the may long weekend. Wine tasting, Mercedez Kelwona, art show and the show homes made it worth all the untiring efforts of the Lintells.

77 paintings in total were on display, I had 8 pieces..........."Reaching for the Sky" (sold), "Poise" and "Fall" are some from that display.

Summer Gallery Peachland

2010-04-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

5 paintings (including the 2 above) were selected for the summer show at Peachland Gallery, 6030 Hwy 97S. 15 painters and 3 potters are showing their creations.....great news......gallery is open 7 days a week, 1030 - 1730, May 1 till Sept 30. After hours visit is possible too, just call Ruth 250 767 3387 to make an appointment.

"Seduce Me", Okanagan Erotic Art Show, 2010

2010-04-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

My acrylic painting (right) is juried into this year's Okanagan Erotic Art Show, theme is "Seduce Me".
"Alluring Rendezvous", is a play of seductive, naughty fantacies of both genders of our times.
Who wants to dispute females dont find men in uniforms a turn on? What about plaid skirts, fishnets and red high heels for men? Well, what do I know? I am a good little girl (?)

"Still Here", Vertigo Gallery, Vernon, April 2010

2010-04-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

"Figure in Red" was juried into the members' show of North Okanagan Arts Council held at Veritgo Gallery in picturesque Vernon, well then the entire Oknanagan is a piece of heaven.

"U8 Event", Sopa Gallery, Kelowna, April 2010

2010-04-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

3 Collage entries, of yours' truly, for the very successful art show which included 352 works of about 80 artists.

"Sculpture Partners with Abstract", March 2010, Lake Country Art Gallery

2010-04-17T22:40:00.001-07:00

16 entries out of a total of 55 submissions were juried into the show. "After the Fire" made it into the show, rendered in mixed media, the south slopes of Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park were my inspiration.

Lake Country Art Trip, 21 feb, 2010

2010-02-27T23:02:00.000-08:00

Where does Gordon think he is going?

All smiles at the Lake Country Coffee House

Lake Country visit, 21 feb, 2010

2010-02-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

On a cloudy sunday afternoon 17 creative souls ventured north to see Reta's show at the quaint Lake Country Coffee House. Drive was short and sweet, bits of blue sky seen far in the distance was a sign we would make it to Okanagan Centre to capture images for our paintings. Coffee was yummy and Reta was a gracious hostess. Her enjoyable paintings reflect the gentle soul she is. Housed in the same building is Lake Country Art Gallery displaying a fine range of paintings and photographs.

Art Show

2010-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

Enjoy 19 works in acrylics, mixed media, pastels, graphite and collage on Level 2 of Kelowna Library. Show runs till end of febuary, 2010.

Art Show

2009-12-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

ARTIST'S STATEMENT
When I witness sunlight cascading over a face, it strikes a chord within my soul and renders me restless with excitement …… hence, I paint.
It is a specific moment in time captivates my imagination is the driving force that compels me to paint. Needless to say, most of my subjects are captured by numerous clicks of my camera in as many different angles as possible, before being rendered on the easle.
Due to my fascination with the multidimensional aspect of the human face and body, I paint in a variety of mediums although Pastels are the medium of preference.
Often enjoying "explosion" of colours, I find working with a limited palette equally thrilling.
Truly a labour of passion.

Show will be on display from 5 Jan till 28 Feb, 2010.

Collage Workshop

2009-12-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

Workshop was held at the Rotary Centre on 19 & 20 dec with very exciting pieces being created. Sandra looks pleased as she washes her tools as her vibrant collage sits on the counter.

Catherine ready to sign her 2nd collage in 2 days, both so interestingly different and striking.

Alicia almost done with her monochromatic collage figure. The wonderful result removed all apprehensions Alicia had at attempting this workshop

Art Show

2009-11-29T09:10:00.000-08:00

24 paintings in acrylics, water colours, collage, mixed media and pastels are on display at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna. Paintings are displayed in the Atrium and Mezzanine.
In addition to the paintings greeting cards (blank inside), wall and desk calenders (12 pages) featuring my landscapes are on sale.

BC, Mi Paradiso ..... Art Show

2009-11-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

This show is my humble tribute to the stunning landscapes of British Columbia. Being a portait/figurative artist all my life, the beauty that surrounds me here compelled me to paint it, hence my first landscape show.

Livessence Unlimited

2009-10-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Show will be held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna, from october 26 till november 15, 2009.

"Comfort" (left), is one of my 11 entries for the show. Done in collage from a life study, it is 34" x 13.5", $ 500.

Pleine Aire Okanagan, Oyama

2009-09-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

(Top, left to right, Kristine, Doreen, her Mom and Gayle. Centre, Gayle is pleased with her thumb nail sketches and Kristine bathes her paper in Kalamalka Lake).

(Group observing, left, setting up and demo in progress, right)

Sept 19 started off as a grey wet day and didnt look very promising for the planned Pleine Aire session in the beautiful setting of Kaloya Park in Oyama. As the time approached for our painting session weather improved dramatically and we were blessed with a perfect day, thanks for your prayers Carol-Ann.

Visit to The Barn Gallery in it's true country setting to view original Okanagan Art was a befitting end to our day.

ArtWalk 2009

2009-09-21T08:29:00.001-07:00

A great display for Livessence, we had a very capable team .... 14 artists participated with a total of 64 paintings. Sales were better this year. "Collage Figure 2", (top left) was the piece I sold.

Saturday, 12 sept was a delightful evening as some members enjoyed a Mediterranean ambiance and meal at Greek House restaurant in Winfield (top centre).

Experimental Water Colours, Vernon

2009-08-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Elaine Turner (left to right), delighted instructor, Karen Wilkinson, Gail Hall and Mary-Eileen Johnson enjoying yummy lunch.

Duck Lake (top right) just beyond Kelowna Airport, one of the many beautiful sights I encountered (and was able to photograph) each morning on my way into stunning North Okanagan via Lake Country.

Five morning workshop of "Experimental Water Colours" concluded in Vernon (VCAC) yesturday. It has been a very productive session due to dedication and enthusiasm of the students, quality of works was superb. Well done girls, hope to see your works in shows soon.

At Gala & Auction - "Almost Famous"

2009-08-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

Last evening Vertigo Art Gallery, Vernon, BC, was packed with art lovers and donating artists. Wine, yummy appies, live harp music, boas, hats, wigs, exotic outfits, highly witty celebrity auctioneer truly made the event a memorable one. Many thanks to Judith, staff and volunteers. Pics above, view of gallery, with mi amiga Irene, with Carol-Ann and Kristine and my donation piece "Ode to Van Gogh from the Okanagan".
Thanks to Carol-Ann for her generosity as she outbid her opposition at the auction for "Ode to ..........".

Well done Kristine for finishing the triathlone earlier in Kelowna and for your beautiful rendition of a Monet.

ArtWalk 2009 entries

2009-08-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

"Again" (left), "Blue Trio", acrylics on canvas, 18" x 14", $ 420 (each). "Toil" (top right), pastels, 21.5" x 14.5", $ 400.
The above paintings are from my studies of extremely hardworking and highly talented Ballet Kelowna dancers and Artistic Director.

"En Pleine Aire, Tina", (left), "En Pleine Aire, Sandra", wet pastels, 21.5" x 14.5", $ 400 (each). Sommer 2009 is proving to be a productive season for "Pleine Aire Okanagan" weekend workshops. My passion for figures in sunshine was too tempting while watching Tina and Sandra engrossed in painting the beauty of Okanagan summer, I had to paint them.

Pleine Aire Okanagan - Bertram Park, 15 aug

2009-08-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Palette knives, mixing sand in acrylics, monoprinting ............ inspite of the intermittent rain on 15 august Pleine Aire at Bertram Park in Kelowna. Due to the rapidly changing weather conditions, true essence of Pleine Aire in Alla Prima were successfully achieved to the delight of the artists and those who stopped by to admire. Sandra indulged in monoprinting on 3 canvases, rain drops created interesting watercolour-like effect.

Mi Rancho

2009-08-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Wet pastels, 20" x 15"

Afternoon of 2 august, 2009, while we drove down Loon Lake Road, (southeast of Merritt), literally in the middle of nowhere was this mesmerizing abandoned ranch. Am sure, most of us have experienced places/locations that completely enthrall our entire beings. Well, this ranch did it me, it's charm and bewitching setting made me so restless, I just had to paint. Still very much spellbound. Truely a very special place .... surrounded by birch trees it is overlooking a pond, which may have been a larger body of water in years gone by. What a wonderful retreat for an artist for summer (after some fixing up with loving care).

BC, Mi Paradiso", cards

2009-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

$ 25 for the pack of six cards & envelops. Cards are 5.5" x 4.75", glossy finish.

"Real Canada" for me is British Columbia's stunning landscapes and the immense variety of flora and fauna, it is truly Paradise for me.
The 6 original paintings were rendered in pastels.
Top left (anti clockwise), "Fall in the Park", "Lavender Farm, Kelowna", "Oaks in Fall", "Early Morning", "Birch Trees" and "Japanese Maple".

Kalamalka Lake, Oyama.

2009-08-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

"Kalamalka Lake, Oyama" - 20" x 15"

August 1, 2009 Pleine Aire session in the picturesque setting of Kaloya Park at Oyama on shores of Kalamalka Lake. Rendered in wet pastels during the hot afternoon ........ smoke from the BC forest fires was another challenge we were able to face bravely.

The 3rd Annual "Almost Famous" Exhibition & Auction

2009-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

My entry "Ode to Van Gogh from the Okanagan" , acrylics on canvas, for this fundraiser in Vernon, BC. I am sure Van Gogh would have equally enjoyed painting the captivating Okanagan as much as he did the french countryside.

Exhibition Run: August 4th to August 22nd, 2009.Almost Famous Full Regalia Gala: Saturday, August 22nd - 7 to 10pm It's a full regalia gala, so bring out your boas, your berets, your ball gowns and dust off your snakeskin cowboy boots for a tongue-in-cheek (in)formal occasion!Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased in advance at Gallery Vertigo. Limited number available, so please purchase yours early to avoid disappointment Auction: Starts at precisely 8pm, August 22nd

Pleine Aire Okanagan - Westkelowna, 11 july,2009.

2009-07-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Mother & daughter team .....Kathy and Olivia ...."Glad we are under the trees, phew, the Okanagan summer sun is merciless".

Sandra creating magic .........."there, that does it......... the final touch".

Kathy discovers ....... "Using palette knife as easy icing a cake? Sure is".

Delighted Olivia....... "Aha, I surprized myself yet again".

Carol-Ann ponders .......... "mmm, good use of my new Pastels".

Juried pastel show, Tacoma, WA, USA.

2009-07-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

"Ushi", wet Pastel on printmaking, was accepted for 23rd International Open Exhibit for Northwest Pastel Society in Washington.
I immensely enjoy using chalk pastels on wet Stonehenge Printmaking paper ... the challenge to work quickly while paper is wet is thrilling. Greatest advantage of this technique is ..... no fixative needed once dry as the the pigments adhere to paper and are no longer dusty.

Pleine Aire Okanagan....Boats and Lake

2009-07-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Tina Schnellert busy capturing 3 boats.

Braving the high temps of Okanagan summer afternoon ...... equiped with easles, acrylic paints, canvases, water, palettes and an enthusiasm to capture the magic of Pleine Aire, artists set up by the Yatch Club. Curious sun lovers, all ages, stopped periodically to admire the works in progress.
Before (pleasantly surprized) Tina signed her wet painting, it was purchased by a lady visiting Kelwona from east coast. Well done Tina.

Sandra Bradshaw all smiles with her vibrant and innovative rendition of Okanagan Lake and boats, great painting.

Pleine Aire Okanagan

2009-06-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

10 enthusiastic painters participated in the first of series "Pleine Aire Okanagan" in the picture perfect setting of Knox Mountain Park in the glorious summer afternoon in Kelowna, BC. After a demo in Pastels, the artists ventured into painting outdoors, for some of them, it was their first ever experience. Emphasis of workshop was to be able to pick out elements/ settings/ compositions and to render them in 2D with special attention to keep paintings loose and fun.

DESERT ROSE, SUPPRESSED DESIRES

2009-05-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

DESERT ROSE, SUPPRESSED DESIRES
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, 23.5" X 15.5", $ 400.00

RAW WHISPERS is the theme for 2nd Annual Okanagan Erotic Art Exhibition to be held at A Woodside Design Gallery, 1561 Pandosy St.Kelowna, BC, (250) 862-3817
www.awoodsidedesign.com

Show opens on June 4, 2009, 6 pm to 10 pm...... come and mingle with artists exhibiting in this juried show and eavesdrop on "Raw Whispers" of their images. Paintings remain on exhibit for the entire month of June.

My entry for the show........
"DESERT ROSE, SUPPRESSED DESIRES" .............If only the walls could walls could speak in the oil rich desert kingdoms, her needs, wants and desires might be heard.

ART SHOW

2009-03-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

STARTING APRIL 1, 2009, RECEPTION AT 1730-2030, I WILL DISPLAY 9 ACRYLICS ON CANVAS FROM MY "REFLECTIONS" SERIES.

THE PAINTINGS WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH.

A DIFFERENT TWIST TO LANDSCAPE PAINTING OF THE BEAUTIFUL OKANAGAN AND A FEW FIGURES..... CAPTURED AS REFLECTIONS IN WINDOWS, WATER, MIRROR ETC.

Spring courses info on YouTube

2009-03-18T22:26:00.001-07:00

A peek on YouTube what Iwill be teaching at Vernon Community Arts Centre here in beautiful Okanagan this spring........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfLaua0SMk

Universal Cosmic Consciousness??? Spooky.....

2009-02-24T09:15:00.001-08:00

"Sails"

(Reflections Series)

acrylic on canvas, diptych, 24" x 36"

This painting has a bizarre and a spooky story behind it and still sends chills down my spine.
Last June, on a beautifully sunny morning, I made my way to Kelowna Library Parkade to drive back home. On the spur of the moment, I decided to walk around the waterfront area in hopes of capturing some images for my personal collection of the fabulous Okanagan summer. I clicked away pics of flowers, the lake, boats as I leisurely walked amoung joyful kelownites and visitors, some jogging, walking, cycling .... simply taking in the ambience. Suddenly, the reflection of the prominent landmark, Sails(sculpture) in the windows across the street, caught my attention. Needless to say, I took several photographs from different angles.

Later that evening as I went through the pics, I decided to crop one of the reflections of the Sails and started my painting. As I am not a night time painter.... I put down the base coat on the preliminary sketch on the 2 canvases, went to bed.

Behold, next morning's paper had what seemed like my painting on the front page ........ I was totally baffled. For a moment I didnt know if I was dreaming or was it for real, it really shook me. After getting hold of myself, I wrote to the editor with my original image and the cropped one for my painting. He was equally amazed and thought I had the photographer, Gary Nylander, in my photograph. Gary was out at the waterfront on an assignment the day before. He checked the time we both took our pics.... mine was about 20 minutes prior to his. Imagine, 2 total strangers, photograph the same image, same day, nearly the same time and crop it up to uncanny close format.

I guess, both of us tapped into the Universal Consciousness at the same time and got the exactly the same inspiration.

This was the second time for me to create an art form from "my own imagination" and a totally unknown person to me, does something so similar that it outweighs odds for coincidence. "Hundreth Monkey"experiment valid? I certainly think so.

April 2009 Show

2009-02-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

"RCA Window"

(from "Reflections Series")

acrylic on canvas, 18" x 36"

Show opens on April 1, 2009 at WOODSIDE DESIGN GALLERY, 1561 PANDOSY ST. KELOWNA, B.C. CANADA.

I will be showing some works from my "Reflections Series" along with Rita Diebolt .

I have long been fascinated by the distortion of images on smooth, reflective surfaces ....windows, sunshades, water, mirrors, metals and whatever else that teases my imagination .......... hence this body of works.

Okanagan Arts Award

2009-02-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

Grand finale to an extremely enjoyable Valentine's weekend.

To my utter surprize, my name was called out as the winner for Art Educator for the second annual Okanagan Arts Awards 2009, held last evening in Lake Country, British Columbia, Canada.

These awards are organized and administered by the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan and has ten categories ........music, theatre, dance, literary arts, visual arts, media arts, design, art educator, support of the arts and lifetime achievement.

All those involved put in a tremendous effort to make it an evening to remember. The foyer was beautifully decorated with the Valentine's theme in mind...wine, appies, chocolates and live music on the harp. The award ceremony entertainment included music, poetry, dance and comedy.......well done Arts Council of the Central Okanagan.

I am humbled by this recognition and grateful to Marina Garrison for nominating me, Jennifer Burrows and Linda Heinrich for their letters of support. As an art educator and an artist, it is my students' accomplishments that enrich me and make sharing my knowledge, an immense joy.

Passionate Flamenco 2

2008-12-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

Wet Pastels on Printmaking Paper

29" x 22"

$ 400

I hear her heels on the wooden floor, skirt flowing, her posture very commanding.......... all that makes Flamenco dance such a passionate display of body language.

Passionate Flamenco 1

2008-12-31T12:18:00.000-08:00

Wet Pastels on Printmaking Paper

19" x 22"

$ 400

Having watched my first ever live Flamenco performance on stage a couple of months ago here in Kelwona, I just had to paint. Did a couple as the holiday season is not keeping me busy with my art classes.

Palette for both is the same as both were painted simultaneously. I had my hands full due to the limited time one has with this technique. The test runs prior to starting the painting is such a great help as colours appear significantly dark on wet paper. For both these paintings I used my favourite Stonehenge Printmaking paper, this time beige in colour. As I use my fingers to blend the creamy paste of dissolving pastels, needless to say, finger nails looked terrible, but it was all worth it. Cleaning pastels off hands is relatively easy.....only takes soap and water

Emerald

2008-11-25T08:15:00.001-08:00

Pastels on Canson Paper

26" x 19"

$450

Study from life done a few days ago (22 nov, 2008) during Evergreen, a fundraiser for the Rotart Centre for the Arts in Kelwona, BC. The entire Rotary Centre was buzzing with activities, band playing, wine tasting, auction of paintings and gift packages and much much more. Five of us were busy sketching Emerald as she elegantly posed draped in sheer green fabric. This one of my studies from that evening...... it was a joy to capture light cascading her flaming red hair.

Hidden Exposure

2008-10-17T21:30:00.001-07:00

Pastels, 26" x 19", NFS,

Collection of GG

Magical Myra Canyon viewed from underneath trestle # 12. One of the very few landscapes I have painted and what an utter joy it was, for many reasons. The location is very close to my heart as it is a special getaway. Although just 20 minutes away, Myra Canyon is worlds apart with it's majestic beauty and encompassing serenity. Ravaged by the 2003 firestorm, the trestles are magnificently restored now. What a mammoth task and a job very well done. Fortunately I had the pleasure of visiting Myra canyon prior to the fires during my short visit to Canada and with so many trips since then, am still mesmerized by it.

Orange Nude

2008-10-17T20:51:00.001-07:00

Pastels, 26" x 19"

$500

Done from a life study. As much as I enjoy working in wide spectrum of colours, limited palette is equally appealing to me. Since the entire surface is so warm, I added one of my favourite colours, ultramarine blue as a colour surprise.

Painting and Seasonal Disorder

2008-10-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us here in beautiful southern British Columbia.
Leaves are changing colours into fiery hues, temperature has dropped dramatically and we are getting less sunlight with cloudy skies and shorter days.
My first winter here, 2004/2005, I noticed something strange about my behaviour. Four or five days without any sunshine, I was a different person, reduced to tears for no apparent reason and a loss of my go-go attitude. Well it must the adjustment process for a new immigrant, I would tell myself and braved on.
Next winter same scenario. Zainab, my daughter had no issues at all with the lack of sunshine. It is then I discussed my sorry state of feeling so low when I talked to friends and aquantences that I discovered seasonal disorder. Having lived most of my life in the tropics, I had no clue of it, thought I had had enough sun for the rest of my life after being in the Arabian desert for more than a decade prior to my move to Canada.
I discovered my solution to seasonal disorder, works great, lists my spirits and ever so simple. I check the weather, if we are heading for a cloudy few days, I start a new painting, sometimes more than one. Painting process for me is so involving and intense that it remains the focal point of my day to day dealings, I am not even aware of the weather. Fortunately here in Kelowna, overcast periods dont last long......... in about a few days the sun is shining again and I end up with new work(s).
Creativity is indeed a gift, delights the soul under every condition.

Myra Canyon - Limitless Temptations

2008-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas, 14" x 18"

This painting goes on display on 24 oct, 2008, at Kelowna Art Gallery's 4th Annual Members' Show.

Drawn to the magestic beauty of Myra Canyon, each visit is has been as soul satisfying as the first one for me.
This is a painting within a painting, reflecting the touching vastness that encompasses me inside and outside with no bounderies or borders.
The serene cool hues in the reflections are sharply contrasted with the warm colours in the rest of painting. For obvious reasons, this was painted from a photograph. As with all my paintings, once the topic is selected the next step is the colour scheme. This could be triggered by a random thought, sound, sight, emotion or a long thought process - major players of the palette are rounded up.
Due to my affinity with pastels approach to this painting is similar to that of pastel painting allowing a lot of the base coat to remain untouched. To keep the focus of the painting in the panoramic reflections, including the photographer, treatment of reflections is detailed as opposed to the remainder of painting.

Helen

2008-10-11T21:24:00.001-07:00

Pastel on Canson paper, 17" x 22"

NFS

This pastel was selected as a finalist for the Open International Portrait Competition in Toronto in 2003 organized by Portrait Society of Canada.

What a thrill it was to get the notification of the selection. I was still living in the United Arab Emirates and was asked to attend the conference with my entry.

I could write a book about my frustrating ordeal for obtaining a visit visa to Canada. I made three trips to Abu Dhabi, the capital city about 250 km away. Although it was spring season, point to remember is, it was the Arabian desert, temps in high 30s.

Each trip to the Canadian embassy made me more anxious as the date for the conference/exhibition got closer and all my travel plans depended on the visa. Finally, I made it to Toronto, my first ever trip on my own, right in the middle of peak of SARS outbreak. The conference was at Art gallery of Ontario in the heart of Chinatown. I braved it all. My adventurous spirit got me to Kelowna for 10 fabulous days once the show was over. I simply fell in love and made up my mind, if I ever move, Kelowna will be home. The following year, 2004, I made the big move, infact, tomorrow, 12 october will be 4 years for me in Kelwona. I am glad I made the move, perhaps the happiest time of my life.

Pepsi Dude

2008-10-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

Acrylic paints on life size fibreglass camel.

Pepsi Dude is one of the 4 camels I painted in Dubai in 2004 for Camel Caravan, a public art project. As the name suggests it was sponsored by Pepsi.

What a memorable experience it is for me to be part of the Camel Caravan. We painted our camels in an air conditioned tent in a park during the harsh summer of the Arabian desert. The organizers, Patricia and Ken Palmer went to great lengths to make the artists very comfortable taking care of our need for meals, coffee, soda, snacks, water, you name it. Up and down ladders, paint splatters in hair and skin, listening to music was the norm, sometimes the day would be as long as 15 hours. There were deadlines to be met as the camels went for auction.

Pepsi Dude was a joy to do, in his jeans and tie-n-dye T-shirt. His bandana and sunglasses put a smile on faces of all that viewed him. Please dont miss his tattoos, Zainab, my daughter had to guide me as to the designs which were "in" as opposed to some random patterns I had in mind.

After the Show

2008-10-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Collage on matt board, 21.5" x 31.5"
$ 950

Today I was informed, "After the Show" was accepted for the show Art Visions 2008.
This show is being organized by the Central Okanagan Chapter of Federation of Canadian Artists.
More than 325 images were submitted out of which 50 were juried for the show starting on 25 oct, 2008.

Dorothy

2008-10-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Chalk Pastels on wet Stonehenge paper,

14" x 21"

$ 300, SOLD

(Dorothy purchased this painting earlier this morning, 7th oct).

This is one of the 3 studies from life I did of Dorothy about four days ago at the Rotary Centre for the Arts here in Kelowna, BC, Canada.

We are a group of painters who get together with a different model for each session and paint in mediums of our choice. As we are passionate about portraiture, anyone is welcome to sit for our 2.5 hour session. There is an interesting display of some of these portraits at the Rotary Centre showing the individual styles of each artist.

Resting

2008-10-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Chalk Pastels on wet Stonehenge paper, 14" x 19.5"

$ 300

Grey tinted, wet Stonehenge printmaking paper used as a surface for this pastel study of model from life. As she gently leaned away from me, overhead lights caught the top of her head, I just had to throw in the orange, the colourist in me couldnt hold back. Flat strokes of white pastel in the background were used to add to the serene mood.

Cats 1

2008-10-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Pastels, 17.5" x 23.5", NFS,

Collection of Dee

A life study of model done up as a character from "Cats" musical. She lay on the platform allowing me to explore this unusual angle for a head study, done on the very enjoyable craft paper.

Flamenco Passion

2008-10-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

Mixed Media, 11" x 15",

Commission

When lorely Griffiths commissioned me to do this painting, her only requirements were, size and the theme of Flamenco.

This mixed media is on watercolour paper, started with a wet-into-wet wash of watercolour, once dried, chalk pastels used for finishing. Choice of vibrant reds and sweeping strokes in this montage composition were used to convey the passion of Flamenco.

By the Window

2008-10-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Collage with found paper, 16" x 22"

$ 1,300.

An exercise in patience, is how I describe this experience.

The model again, is Gwyneth, as she sat by her livingroom window.

There is no paint or pastels used in this work, the entire painting was rendered by meticulously sticking pieces of paper on watercolour board. Most of the paper is from magazines and a bit of handmade paper is also used.

Once the initial drawing was done on the watercolour board, the labourous task of getting the right colour in the correct value was undertaken. My worktable looked like a paper shredder dump. With fingers covered with layers of glue, was frustrating and comical at times, as I went about bulding up the image. For some of the smaller pieces of paper on the face, particularly the eyes and spectacles, I had to resort to using a pair of tweezers.

Braving the Desert

2008-10-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Pastels on Canson paper, 18" x 24"

NFS

Rendered in a limited palette. Application of pastels move from very heavy to lose, allowing untouched paper to work into the portrait.

I took a lot of breaks while doing this painting as I didnt want to overwork. I simply walked away from it from time to time and as with most of my works, was done standing at my easle. This eliminates the tendency to fuss over unnecessary details.

Silverado and Friend

2008-09-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Mixed Media on watercolour paper, 21" x 30.5"

$500.00

A loose base of water colours were allowed to dry before the image was sketched in with willow charcoal. I had so much fun with chalk pastels to play with certain areas of the composition, leaving some of the watercolour to show through.

Silverado's life are her horses. It was such a pleasure to take my first Trail ride in april this year at her ranch, Mandy and Me, tucked away in a picturesque valley in Westside.

One Look.........

2008-09-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Pastels, 18.5" x 26", NFS

Done in minimalistic technique with a lot of paper left untouched. An attempt to capture the intense piercing gaze of the model as his head turned towards his right shoulder.

Is part of my private collection.

Seated Figure

2008-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Mixed Media, 11.5" x 27"

From a life drawing study, rendered in water colours, charcoal and soft pastels. Transition from heavy on the top of the painting, to very pale hues towards the lower portion was a deliberate effort to play with the serene mood of the model.

Jazzy Pat

2008-09-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Chalk Pastels on (wet) Printmaking paper

22" x 28"

sold

A limited palette study of young and talented Pat ... so lost in his Sax. His music is so soothing, hence the choice of using cool blues with hints of yellow ochre.

Evening Glow

2008-09-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

Mixed media, 8.5" x 12"
$ 200.00

Chalk pastels on watercolour paper, perhaps one of my few smaller works. Prior to the live portrait session, water colour was slapped on the paper and allowed to dry. Reflection of the soft light entering the room in the glasses of the elegant lady, was a joy to capture.

Magenta

2008-09-11T08:08:00.001-07:00

Pastel and Charcoal on newsprint paper.

17.5" x 23.5"

$400

This is a study from life. About an hour into the session and having done a few full figure, I just HAD to do a study of the head. While the graceful model was taking her break, I intinctively picked up magenta, pink and ultramarine (square) pastels and let go of my anxious wait. Once she positioned herself, it was willow and compressed charcoal I chose to satisfy my urge as faces never fail to amaze me.

It is Snowing

2008-09-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Pastels(wet) on printmaking paper, 14.5" x 21"

$450.00

Clearing snow during the Canadian winter, Neil paused for a moment, my camera was ready. Rendered in the enjoyable, yet challenging technique of using chalk pastels on wet printmaking paper.

Stuck for ideas to paint

2008-09-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Please remeber what a wise artist said ....... a vacuum is necessary to sustain creativity. Hence, the "quiet" periods between creative blasts are equally important.This is how I deal when faced with an artists block ... for me, yes the surroundings make a lot of difference as well as inner joy and excitement. Nature is the greatest artist,I go for a walk and remain in the moment, not allowing any other thoughts enter my mind. I totally immerse myself in admiration of my surroundings... the sights, sounds the smells. I feel like a child out in the wilderness, exploring, absorbing as much as I can. Often, colours, images, ideas come as flashes...... they are indeed magical moments, perhaps thats what inspiration is.When weather doesnt permit a walk, I go deep within myself and fill myself with positive ideas and tons and tons of joy. I know some individuals tap into happy moments from their past. Me, the dreamer, looks ahead, visualizes and literally feels the joy and excitement my future endeavoures. I firmly believe and have gratefully experienced, "dreams are often the stuff goals are made up of". Another approach that works for me, is the popular method of posing a question to the Universe right before I fall asleep, answers to appear. As Plutach said, "What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality".Tina

After the Show

2008-09-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Collage on matt board, size 21" x 31",

$ 750.00

This collage was part of the well attended first Okanagan Erotic Art Show earlier in 2008.

An immensely enjoyable process, presenting challenges as every stage can be summed up as, creating order out of chaos.

Light weight watercolour paper (approximately 90 gms) is paper is prepared using acrylic paints with a selective colour scheme and saran wrap to create interesting textures. Pieces of this paper, along with some handmade, foil paper and fabric are glued to a watercolor/mattboard board. The image(s) is revealed using glazes of acrylic paints, for both, negative and positive spaces. Point to remember, is not to overpaint as the texutes created by saran wrap will be lost. The result is a unique rendering of the subject.

Magical Gwyneth

2008-09-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Gwyneth, a sculptor by profession, is an extremely spiritual being. In this painting I wanted to depict her strength as well as her gentle nature as she sits in her garden in Sharjah, UAE. Painting is in Gwyneth's private collection.

Mi Gitana

2008-09-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

Captured a moment in time. Arabian Gulf sunshine cascades over the model (my daughter, Zainab), soft pastels on Canson paper. Is part of my small, but very precious collection of some of my own works. With the first few strokes of the willow charcoal to set her eyes on paper for the intial drawing, I could see her emerging, was a magical moment for me. Hence I cannot part with this painting although, with most of my works, once I sign, my attachment is over.

Ahhhhhhhhh, the joy of creating

2008-09-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest gifts that we, as humans, are bestowed with, is the ability to create. The joy the process brings cannot be surpassed by any other endeavour.