It is what it is.....

"It is what it is...." was a saying I referred to in my other professional life frequently.  There are just things that happen that is out of your control and you just need to accept it to move forward.

When I was painting in Colorado with Stephen Quiller at the beginning of June, we were at his studio.  I was admiring a piece he was working on and noticed a small piece of paper attached to his easle.  The text was "It is what it is".  I was stunned.  I asked Stephen about what this text means to him and it was so interesting.  To have the opportunity to dive into the mind of such a accomplished artist was such a gift.

Something I took away from the conversation and was a "Mmmmmm.....wait what?" moment.  If you listen to the piece and the direction the PAINT takes you, just trust and it will tell you when it's done.

Well, I am listening.  I am also expanding this philosophy to my artistic life, "It is what it is".   This appears to be taking the ego out of painting, listening the the PAINT which I think something wonderful is happening.

Here are some recent pieces that I am extremely happy with the outcome.  These pieces will be added to my website soon with Titles and sizes included.

Study - Acrylic on 140 lb Stephen Quiller watercolor paper
2017 Stephen Quiller Retreat 

Study - Acrylic and gouache on crescent watercolor board
2017 Stephen Quiller Retreat 

Study - Acrylic on crescent watercolor board
2017 Stephen Quiller Retreat 

Plein Air Study - Acrylic on board

Plein Air Study - Acrylic on board

Studio Work - Acrylic on canvas

Art Contributes to the Quality of Our Lives and Spirits

Well it's been far to long since my last blog and it's about time I started posting again.

Art contributes to the quality of our lives and spirits. For me, art brings like minded people together who share common interests.   From the individuals who paint full time, to those who started painting later in life, to the individuals who collect art, who help promote art, and those who just love seeing art.

Recently I ventured to Ottawa for a painting retreat with Gordon Harrison.  These trips always reignite my love and passion for painting.  It was great being around other artists sharing our personal journeys......kind of like a brotherhood and sisterhood.  I felt a connection.

Here is an exiting event that I like to share with you.  A group exhibition with Manotick Art Gallery featuring Gordon Harrison and his apprentices.  Gordon's and Phil's unwavering support has been shining on everyone involved.  I am very grateful to be involved.

And here are the pieces that will be featured.  Please stop in if you are in the area as there is a lot more art to be seen.  Official opening of the new Manotick Art Gallery and Framing is Saturday April 8th, from 10 to 6 pm and Sunday April 9th, 11 to 5 pm.  Unfortunately I can't make it but I will be there in spirit!

"Cliffs by Perch Bay Kenora, Series 1",
9"x12" Acrylic on Canvas, Framed

"Winter View Laurentians, Series 1" 9.5"x19",
Acrylic on Canvas, Framed

Colorado!

I have to admit one of my bucket list was to sign up for a retreat with the famous American artist Stephen Quiller.....and it was amazing!

Picture this, in the heart of the mountains I stayed at the 4UR Ranch 8 miles from Creede, Colorado.  The ranch is nestled in with the rocky mountains located in Mineral County, Colorado and is a natural historic mineral hot springs that has been around since the late 1800's.  The beauty of the area was amazing!  I found inspiration was every where I looked.  I produce more than a few duds but produce a few keepers as studies. I left motivated and excited to paint.

Stephen was a good teacher who I found very patient.  I can't thank him, his daughter Ally and his wife Marta enough for the kindness they showed me personally.

Can't wait to hit the easel this weekend!

Here are some pieces I produced (plein air - Acrylic on paper) and some photos I took at the ranch.

Enjoy!

It's Impossible

"It's impossible" said pride.
"It's risky" said experience. 
"It's pointless" said reason. 

"Give it a try" whispered the heart.

~ anonymous

Just over 3 years ago I decided to take a leap of faith and listened to my heart....and I am so happy I did!

This Friday Sept. 16th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. is the opening reception for the exhibition "Rooted" at Woodlands Gallery.  It runs till October 15th, 2016.  I hope to see you their.

Here are some pieces that will be available during the exhibition.

"Sunrise View Inspired by the
BC Coast - Series 1"
10"x20" Acrylic on 1 3/4" Canvas

"Sunrise View Inspired by the
BC Coast - Series 2"
10"x20" Acrylic on 1 3/4" Canvas 

"View at the Fork Series 1 - Chemin Entrelacs, Ste-Maruerite-Eterel
Quebec", 20"x40" Acrylic with Bronze Leaf on 1 3/4" Canvas

"Summers Storm - Manitoba Prairies" 20"x40" Acrylic and Ink
on 1 3/4" Canvas

"Shore Line Study 1 - Shoal Lake" 10"x10" Acrylic
on Board, framed 

"Hiking Outside Nelson, BC" 9"x12" Acrylic
on 3/4" Canvas

"Rooted"

This past 8 months has been a journey of healing and coming to terms with my dad's passing.   The regrets, the ongoing challenges, the gifts and opportunities.  Throughout these 8 months, I've been keeping my head down and just painting.  Today is a moment that I look up, take a breath and celebrate.  Though my thoughts are always calling me as I am forever "Rooted" to the canvas.

This up and coming September, Woodlands Gallery is launching a new initiative called SAP (Supplementary Artists Program) which features emerging local artists from Manitoba. This program will provide artists with gallery exposure and build on their mandate to support Canadian Artists.  I am so please to announce that I have been chosen with another artist to be the first to participate in this program.  

Exhibition Event Release - "Rooted"

The inaugural exhibition, features artworks from Geneviève Levasseur and Tracey Kucheravy. From the prismatic hues of Shoal Lake and Lake of the Woods to a radiant summer in Paris, these artists draw inspiration from the environment that surrounds them. Join us Friday, September 16th for an opening reception from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. "Rooted" will be on display until October 15th, 2016.

Thank you Woodlands Gallery, what a wonderful opportunity and a wonderful gift.  

Here are some pieces that will be available during the exhibition.

"Sunrise View Inspired by the BC Coast - Series 1"
10"x20" Acrylic on Canvas

"Shoal Lake Series 3", 40"x60" Acrylic on Canvas.

"View At the Fork Series 2 - Chemin Entrelacs, Ste-Maruerite-Eterel Quebec",
16"x60" Acrylic and Bronze Leaf on Canvas

  

Color Intoxication

I love reading post from other artists....the description of the process, their art and what it all means to them.  Interpretation of colors....warm/cool, complements, monochromatic, depth.  This is all still so very foreign to me.

My last retreat with Gordon Harrison I had an a-ha moment about color.  Gordon sat me down on the first day and asked me what I wanted to get out of this retreat.  I am working in acrylics and he works in oils which are two totally different process.  I thought about it a bit and answered, "To better understand how to tackle color choices in my work." 

This is my struggle.

He helped me through a piece I was working on suggesting colors when I was stumped.  The soft pink in the horizon, the acid green in the grass and the emerald green in the water.  I would never of chosen these myself without his gentle nudge.  It was scary but freeing.  What I learned that day was experiment and be open. 

Also Allan Dunfield gave me some wonderful advice through FB recently....just keep moving paint around finding out what works and what doesn't.....mistakes are an important part of the learning curve.  This was perfect advice!

A big thank you to these amazing artists who I have met along the way having great discussion, giving great advice and guidance.  Gordon Harrison, Jessica Hedricks, Dominic Modlinski,  Tatjana Mirkov-Popovicki, and Allan Dunfield  

I know I am on the cusp, I see my growth with experimentation with my pallet.  Currently I think I am suffering from a slight form of color intoxication! 

Here are some more pieces that have been accepted in upcoming shows with the Federation of Canadian Artist.

Mending Through Painting

On December 19th, 2015 in the early morning my father said goodbye to this world.  My heart is braking.  It is so hard to not think of all of the future milestone and moments that will be experience without him their.

I am thankful for the time we had....an additional 3 years since his last hospital visit.  This gift of three years changed me and definitely changed my dad.  He was thankful for his family, he had softened and was emotional in a good way.  He always ended every conversation with "I love you".

I have been painting to work through my sadness but have not been able to share them yet.  I don't know, maybe I am not ready to say goodbye or I just want them to be just for him.  The pieces are my best work to date and I would like to think my dad is looking over my shoulder and saying how proud he is of me.

Here are some great pictures I wanted to share.

Trish, Dad and I.....what a great picture!

Gone fishing......my dad giving Mathew his first can of pop! 

Mike, dad, Dylan and Matt at Mike and Colleen's 25th wedding anniversary

My two favorite men out for supper