I have just arrived back from an excellent trip to British Columbia where I spent time with relatives. I hope to get back into my studio tomorrow (I am quite under the weather today). My trip included being in such a beautiful, humid, green and lush environment, and now I come home to fall weather. It has hit me today as I wake up to the chilled morning air while I let my dog out, that summer is officially over! That also means that I can start looking forward to teaching my classes this fall. Which is always exciting.

August 7th Demonstration

This past thursday I gave a demonstration at the Allied Arts Council in Spruce Grove. I must throw a thank you out to all of those that attended. I think it went well and I enjoyed the group very much. I could feel the creativity that was buzzing through the room. I hope that it went home with everyone, I could tell everyone was itching to get back to thier own work.

Thank you to Judy for sending me the great photos that were taken at the demonstration. I think there is an interest for my future class and if anyone is interested in attending a weekend workshop please let me know by email preferably: [email protected]

Here I am!

Painting away, I really zoned out at times. I find I cannot talk at all while I am painting. I cannot make those shifts in my brain.

Demo Painting

Red Tomato on Blue Ground

August 7, 2008

8" x 10"

Oil on Board

This painting was done during the above mentioned demonstration given at the Allied Arts Council in Spruce Grove. I really enjoyed painting this tomato the stems really took on a life of their own. It was great to talk to people afterwards about the painting and to get feed back. I also enjoyed hearing peoples comments while I painted. It really felt like a pat on the back. Everyone's creative energy filled the room and made me see things very clearly.

Thanks again.

A Vibrant Cluster

A Vibrant Cluster

August 6, 2008

10" x 8"

Oil on Board

These juicy little balls of joy are right fresh from my garden. I had to quickly paint them before they were eaten! I have made a space for my family and children to hang out in while I paint. I tried it out today with the kids and had great success, as you can see by the above produced painting. I have recently switched from painting on rough boards that contain a noticable grain to a slick masonite panel. I like the roughness of the boards, especially for landscapes and impasto type work. Masonite helps things become (as my yoga teacher would say) "juicy" and "delicious".

Fallen Bloom

Fallen Bloom

August 5, 2008

5" x 7"

Oil on Canvas

Well, I was quite frustrated with this one. I was quite aggravated with it that I just about didn't post it, not that it isn't a good painting, I just have a personal grudge against it. We really struggled against each other. As always those types of struggles teach me more than the easier quickly produced variety of paintings.

Artist Demonstration

I will be doing a demonstration at the Allied Arts Council in Spruce Grove (in the public library) this thursday August 7th from 1-4pm. I will be showing some of my recent work and talking about my currant painting practices. I will also be speaking about the course I will be teaching through the Allied Arts Council this fall entitled Oil Painting, Simple Beauty in Everyday Life. Everyone is welcome. I hope for it to be an inspiring experience.
If you would like any further information you can check out the Allied Arts Council website at www.alliedartscouncil.com

-Daphne