This Year’s #WVANAArtWalk2016 theme is “Alberta the Strong” as there have been many changes in our economy, politics, culture and society. It is so easy to focus on the things that are changing “for the worse” and forget that we are the ones that create or allow those changes according to the level of involvement or leadership we take… just a thought…
As artists, we want to focus on the amazing things that make this Province a Strong one, which, when you think about it… are many!

One of the things that are incredible about the place we live is its Sky, so I started with that. Though it is not the only element in my mind, it is one that all can see and appreciate. Interestingly, our weather has been changing as well, so the array of colours and movement in the sky has been unbelievable. In the next 4 weeks you’ll get to see the first 4 of these growing collection. When will I be done with these series or how many will I work on?… How do you stop? When do you say: “Enough”…  Which reminds me, that as many Skyscapes there are, there are also opportunities to make Alberta Strong…er!

Enjoy!

This was fun… though not what I expected… Sometimes things don’t work out as well as they do in your mind- a principle to be remembered for Art or Life. Sometimes there are great surprises, and sometimes like in this case, the result is a little bit dull, however I found it necessary because it taught me “what not to do” and it gave me ideas to make things work better. Isn’t that the purpose of experimenting? Thankfully no one was harmed in the process, hence, I think of it as success! 

May you give yourself the opportunity to experiment, without harming anyone (including yourself) so you continue to learn, grow and have more creative ideas that lead you to success…

It’s funny how suddenly I realized that though I live in Canada, I really haven’t painted the “Winter” scenery much, I guess I am more attracted to colour though I find really calming and soothing the white landscapes that we get to enjoy most of the year.

Here is one of my favourite views when travelling home, I think a series of the Winter season is brewing in my mind, I’ll share whatever comes out of it in due time. In the meantime, enjoy every season and travel around…

Texture and colour… how do you know when it’s too much? You don’t… at least not when you are experimenting and working on the details of the whole composition.

In this piece I wanted to experiment and work the idea that I had in mind… I changed the colours so many times you could scrape layer after layer in this piece. Why did I decide to leave it monochromatic? Because less is more… at least for this piece. The texture and movement of the vines don’t need anything else to add to the effect, if only it were so easy to realize when in life less is more…

Whether as an experiment or a challenge, try something new and decide that the essence of who you are and the purpose for which you are doing it don’t need anything else added to, because by it self, what you are doing is great, it’s more than enough… in the same way that you are more than enough…

Plein Air: Olds Wetlands and Slacks Slough 

When it comes to “Creativity” what is one of the things that inspires you? Perhaps a specific song, an activity, smells that trigger great memories or…

One of the things that triggers my creativity is travelling, visiting new places or re-visiting places in different seasons with different people. Though I had already done a Plein Air at the Olds College Wetlands, I had not experienced going on a “Plein Air” with my two little ones. The three of us chose the “Right spot” and sat down on the grass… there is something about experiencing totally the place where you are.

Here are 2 of the paintings that came out of visiting the Olds College and Slacks Slough in Red Deer with them, I hope you give yourself the opportunity to re-visit the places that may seem known to you with the people you love, in a different season and perhaps with an empty canvas and your painting supplies so you can enjoy them in a different way. 

Happy Plein Air painting…