Art Retreat Here I Come

I am really excited as I am headed to an art retreat in Bear Valley Highlands in BC.  The retreat is a plein air painting workshop with Dominik Modlinski starting May 29 to June 1, 2014.

Dominik is a well known Canadian artist who is known for his spectacular landscapes located in rugged and barren lands in Canada and across the world.  He is a colorful painter.

The one challenge that I know I will experience is painting quickly as we will be outdoors and using a limited palette.  This will force myself to hone in on my mixing skills.....which I don't really have any.  The only paint colors that we are using are;

• Cadmium yellow lemon
• Quinacridone Red
• Phthalo Blue, plus
• Titanium white.

Isn't that crazy!  It's good to push out of my comforts which will allow growth as an artist!

After it is all over with I am heading to Kamloops to visit with a high school friend.

Adios
Tracey

Complete!

My painting is complete.  12"x16" acrylic on 1-3/4" canvas.  What's left is signing it, painting the edges of the canvas, coming up with a title, and protecting it. 

It is rare for me that a piece progresses without any hick-ups.  I am very excited as I see the growth in my work since September of 2013.

Enjoy!

Bucket List

A close friend of mine did something really exciting and inspiring.....at the age of 45, she put a big fat check on her bucket list.  She packed up her back pack, bought some good hiking boots, and off to do the El Camino de Santiago.  I also have other friends that are packing up with their teenagers in tow and traveling for a year in Mexico.  It's funny how a percentage of women my age are finding life way to complicated and are yearning to down sizing the clutter mentally and physically to feed their soul.

I have to ask the question why? 

I can only go by my thoughts and experiences and in my case I feel I was last on my list of priorities.  I think at some point you have to put your wants and needs first.  What...put yourself first before your children, husband, family and work.  I know that is just crazy talk!  Life is way to short.  I am currently at a cross roads in my life.  Metaphorically, I am at the top of the mountain looking down wondering what path I should take.  What ever I choose I know it will be the right one for me.  I am very excited as there is a lot wonderful energy happening all around me.

Let go and let be.

I am currently working on a small piece and should be completed by tomorrow.  Still blocking out the loon 's body and reflection.  I am finding I love painting water!

If anyone has comments, please don't hesitate to share.

Happy May long weekend everybody!

Tracey

Launching of My New Website!

Late last night with a glass of wine in hand, I pressed the all mighty orange button......Publish.  I leaned back, closed my eyes and whispered, "It is what it is."

Please join me in celebrating of my new website and most important, what the future holds.

www.traceykucheravy.com

Tracey

The Next Step

 "You get from this life what you have courage to ask for."  - Oprah

My journey back to painting has been a long and winding road.  I could never commit to this career path of being an artist as the fear of not succeeding was always there.  Many-many years later, I finally realized that I am talented, I am worthy and I am deserving.  How freeing!

The moment that I felt the shift in my soul was when my father became very ill.  As I sit alone by his bedside I couldn't stop thinking about death and personal regrets.  Who am I really living for?  Am I really living for me?  Am I trying (but not succeeding) to be the perfect daughter/step daughter, sister, mother, friend, co-worker and employee?

When it comes down to one's life; faith and strong personal connections to the people around you and to yourself is all that matters.  I realized I had to start living my life without regrets.  I want to live for me; to love, to hope, to move and to create.  What a wonderful life lesson.

This is very exciting time, time for a priority shift and change.  I have a plan in place for this new passion and hear I am, putting it out there.  Not only for myself but to show my son that it's never too late to do what you love.

So, to all the people who support me, I thank you.  For all the people who don't (including that little voice in my head)....I stand before you with hands over my ears, stomping my feet and yelling like a child, "I can't here you!"

"Creativity takes courage."  - Henri Matisse

I am looking forward to the journey in front of me one brush stroke at a time.

Please enjoy one of my new pieces titled "Reflections", 36"x36" acrylic on 3/4" thick canvas.