Hot of the Isle

Well I have been really blessed.....and maybe a little lucky as I have sold quite a few pieces in the last 4 weeks.  It appears that I have found my sweet spot when it comes to pricing my work.  This in itself has been really challenging as Winnipeg is a tough market compared to BC and NY.

I am not so sure why seeking help on pricing is sooooo taboo in the art world.  God knows I have done a lot of research in the last 9 months.  The funny thing is Dominik Modlinski gave me the best advice a year ago and you know what, he was totally right.  Thank you Dominik!

So I am heading to Bear Valley again next week for another art retreat with Dominik Modlinski.  I am looking forward to eating good food, maybe a little bit of wine, playing with the baby goats, learning from a master painter, and just exploring painting.  Can't wait!

Here is one of my new works that I had on a earlier blog.  I reworked it a bit...quite a bit as it was to dark, and it just went to a happy home last weekend.

Tracey Kucheravy Gallery

And here is a new piece (18" x 24") that I am still working on.  This piece will be going to Poor Michael's in mid June.

New Pieces Hopefully Heading to Federation of Canadian Artist

Well, I am just finishing these few pieces up and I am crossing my fingers they will be accepted for a juried show with the Federation of Canadian Artists "Small, Smaller and Smallest Exhibit" for June 9th to 21st, 2015.

I quiet enjoy how the first 2 pieces water turned out.  These pieces inspiration came from Riding Mountain Nation Park of Canada last August.  The area was called Moon Lake.

The second piece was from a larger painting that I was not happy with so I put it in a smaller frame and am really happy how it turned out.  I think it was meant to be in a smaller frame with no background....just those feathers and eyes!

Enjoy.

Sneak peak of 2 separate pieces, both 10" x 16" acrylic and ink on 3/4"
canvas  and untitled.

"The Great Horned Owl", 6.5" x 8" acrylic on 3/4" canvas.

Painters Progression

I wanted to share the pic's of a piece highlighting its progression throughout the creative process.

This piece was a conscious decision to do something different and focus less on the detail and more on not stressing about the end product.  I think it was successful and I had a lot of fun doing it....as it took me a half the time.

These two pieces are hanging at Poor Michael's Emporium located at Onanole, Manitoba outside Riding Mountain National Park.  Opening weekend Saturday, April 25, 2015.  I have 6 pieces hanging their in total so if your in the area, please stop in and take a look....and order one of their amazing coffee's and deserts.

Step 1 - Inking in my landscape 

Step 2 - Start painting in back ground 
working top left to bottom right 

Step 3 - Final product
Left - "Summer Colors - Clear Lake 1", 8"x16" Acrylic on Canvas $350.00
Right - "Summer Colors - Clear Lake 2", 8"x16" Acrylic on Canvas $350.00
Both Pieces are displayed at Poor Michael's Emporium

Endless Waves of Possibilities

Last night the strangest thing happened, I had a dream about the future.  I normally don't remember my dreams but this one I was happy and opened to possibilities.  Even though in this moment in time I am content, it was the best feeling ever.

I couldn't tell you were I was but it felt like home and I could tell you who was with me but I felt I was loved.  I was in a room with a small open concept kitchen and a living room with a fireplace. There were many windows letting in lots of light in.  My artwork was hanging on white walls which were full of colors and full of life.  Outside, there was a large deck which looked onto a lake with an amazing view.  There were dogs and children running around with people sitting and laughing.  Is this a vision of the future.....who knows....maybe one day!

This last couple of weeks I have been preparing a few pieces for juried shows in Winnipeg, BC and New York.  My goal is to have one piece in all three exhibition.  I guess time will tell.

This particular piece below will be entered in a juried exhibition out west, deadline for the end of May.  I am not finished but close.  I am putting it a side to take a breather and to think about my next step.  Hope you like it as much as I do!

"Winters Walk 3 - Parker Wetlands" , 24"x24",
Acrylic and Ink on Canvas
Displayed at Poor Michael's Emporium

The Edge Gallery - Spring 2015 Exhibition

Here is my latest piece which will be included in The Edge Gallery Spring 2015 Exhibition.  I am very honored because when I dropped the painting off they asked me if I was interested in a curator show.  My response was ABSOLUTELY!  I will keep everyone posted.

The Edge Galler & Urban Art Center
210 - 611 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Opening Reception is this Friday, March 20th. 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Exhibition runs from Friday, March 20th to Thursday 26th.

"Holmstrom's Landing 3", 18" x 36" Acrylic and Ink on Canvas

Mona Lisa's February Exhibition

Well my pieces are in and I am pretty excited.  Mona Lisa's has been wonderful and very kind helping me navigate the fine details.

I have to say thank you to Jacqueline, Paul and my son Matt for helping me hang my pieces last Sunday.

Here are some photos Matt took so I can share them with everyone.

"Winters Walk 1 - Parker Wetlands" 24"x40"

"Reflections" 36"x36"(Represented by Agora Gallery)

"Winters Walk 2 - Parker Wetlands" 24"x60"

"Cornflower" 10"x20"

Happy New Year Everyone!

This year has drawn to a close and I find myself thinking of the last 12 months. It has been a difficult year which I made a conscious choice for change. I am so happy I had the strength and courage. 

So my 4 paintings have made it to New York....hopefully undamaged and all that is left is my presence at the opening night on January 22nd. I can't wait to try New York on and see how it fits. Hopefully the fit will feel right.

I also have been taking this holiday break to paint. I have many pieces started but not to many completed. (It has occurred to me that I am great at starting projects but not so great at following through.)  I know this is something I will need to work on.....but I understand my process....needing to put pieces aside milling them over in my head before committing to completion on canvas. 

I have realized these last couple of weeks that my style is evolving again and am liking the direction. My recent pieces I find more calming with depth. Hopefully I can produce a few more pieces prior to leaving to New York but am finding it difficult to work full time and paint during my spare time. I know it will work out.

This piece was first attempted at Gordon Harrison's art retreat in the summer of 2013 and it turned out to be a disaster. It is now in the room with all of the discarded canvases waiting to be recycled! I gave this one more try and I am presently surprised on how well it turned out. Here it is and here is a peak of what's in store for Mona Lisa's in February.

"Winters Walk - Parker Wetlands 1", acrylic and ink on 24"x36" canvas 

I will be loading new pieces onto my website at the end of January. I hope you stop in to see them in person in February 2015 at Mona Lisa's.