Inspiration

A couple of weekends ago I spent some time at the Bear Valley Highlands Wilderness Retreat with an amazing artist/instructor Dominik Modlinski and other like minded artists.  The area was abundant with views of forests, mountains, meadows, and a small lake.  The wild animals came out this year in abundance as I saw bears, coyotes, dear, eagles, and a snake.  It was a full moon....

The ranch also had many domestic animals like highland cows, horses, goats and their two dogs who patrol the enormous property keeping all safe.

This year I set my goals differently, producing whatever I produce with no judgement, focusing on the process not the end product.  Plein air is really difficult to do and will take many-many years to master.  I think the most challenging was trying to paint fast enough before the acrylic dries.....and in some instances it dried right on the brush before hitting the board.

Dominik was a great teacher.  He is very technical and often asking questions of the piece in front of me which I was really thankful for.  I also enjoyed the daily group critiques after a full day of painting.  I think my fellow artist Tatjana Mirkov-Popovicki said it best in her blog;

"I have always considered critics by a sincere and knowledgeable person precious.  When such a person takes the time and energy to briefly step into my world and tries to help with my next step, is an act of ultimate generosity.  I keep in mind that receiving a critique is not an entitlement - it is an opportunity to receive valuable information.  I try to remember everything that is said, and later analyze it and figure out how best to use it." 

It was a really great experience this year as I learned a ton.  I came home inspired and eager to start painting!

I just completed a new piece that is entered into the Manitoba Society of Artists 83rd Annual Open Juried Art Exhibition running from June 29-September 4, 2015 at the Mennonite Heritage Centre, Gallery 600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg.

"Dusk at Kemp Cottage - Shoal Lake", 36"x36" acrylic and ink on 1 3/4" canvas

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"