A Fresh Exposure

Friends...

2012-02-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

What fun it is to make new friends. " Down Mexico" way lots of new and old friends congregate each year. They come from across the U.S.of A. and Canada. They come for the warm breezes and relaxed life style. We rented a condo last year where we knew no one. We were the "new kid on the block" and wondered if the seasoned Casita Blanca beach bunnies would welcome us and make us feel accepted into the fold. They did that and by the time we were to fly home to "Spring like "weather we were exchanging email addresses and looking forward to this year. We all returned and we have resumed our friendship as if we had never left. Last night sixteen of us went for a lobster dinner and we exchanged laughs and already are talking about next year. Our daughter and her family visited this past week. She initially had reservations about Mexico. The press "pooh pooh" it each winter and yes, bad things can happen but bad things can happen at home in our own city. We do not put ourselves in harms way. We are not out drinking up a storm and walking a dark beach at night. We are tucked in our beds at nine thirty each night (wild animals that we are) dreaming about our next sun shiny day. Anyway, as I said, our daughter was down and after spending the week with us she sees the value of what we do. We walk everyday, walk in and out of town sometimes several times a day, we climb three flights of stairs loads of time daily, we take in the sun, surround ourselves with young old people and we laugh a whole big lot.....we don't get colds and we soak up vitamin D. Our town is safe, the food good and there is no cold weather. She said to us that she is happy we are able to do this and she, who was hesitate about coming loved it.......a convert!! Mexico has welcomed us with open arms for the past six years and we have just booked our condo for the seventh year.

2012 in 2012...goal setting

2012-02-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

I was always frightened to goal set,....afraid I wouldn't succeed, afraid of what failure would "feel" like, afraid I wouldn't "measure up." Amazingly, I fear it no longer. I find myself goal setting in several aspects of my life. Almost two years ago now I started this blog....it became a goal of mine to be able to conquer this computer "thing" and begin "afreshexposure" and to announce to the world or 6 people that might read this that I was going to have my first art show and let the cards fall where they might. I found that setting those goals were good for me, I, in fact, I gained confidence as a result. My art making has come along. It seems hard to believe that it has only been four years since I committed to buying supplies. I wasted a whole lot of paint, paper, and canvases and I produced a "whole lot of crap." Even through the crap I had the sense that there was something inside of me that could make art and I trusted that. Eventually, I began to have good results "playing with paint."

I have written before that I am a power walker and walking is a constant in my life. Walking has produced in me self confidence, it empowered me to try painting and it has helped me with the ups and downs. Our club has set a goal for their walkers....2012 km. in 2012. Even though I don't qualify for any of the prizes (I am a coach) I have committed to walking as many kilometres as possible this year. This does not mean our "daily, getting through life" walking but rather power walking....getting that heart rate up and trying to put health in our life. I walk mostly every day here in Mexico, but the speed is impossible in this heat (at least for me). How does all this relate to art....hugely for me. It goes hand in hand. I produce better art when I am happy. I feel good and happy as I finish that HOT walk. I have greater confidence in myself when I walk.....happiness and confidence allows me to make art. I study when I am down here. I read daily as I sit on the beach. I learn for the six weeks I am here. My goal is to make the best art that I can (with my limited abilities). Walking and art making go hand in hand for me........and now, off to that beautiful sandy white beach. Ola

Feeding ourselves.....

2012-02-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

ipad doodles

Yesterday, I met another artist at the beach. She was walking by and noticed that I was reading one of my new art books and she made a comment about it. Forty five minutes later we were still talking. We were happy to be exchanging dialogue. As we spoke, the excitement level increased for both of us....we had so much to say, we had found another person to whom we related. We encouraged each other, fed off each other and were genuinely happy for each others accomplishments. My husband was sitting nearby and after we concluded chatting and she had left Bob (my hubby) said , "wow you two had lots to say and I can't get over how the both of you were so animated and excited about talking about forms, colour and possibilities for making art so it is influenced by Mexico......you talk differently ......you speak another language." How true that is. Two years ago I knew no one who was an artist. The past couple of years has brought a change and I have discovered lots of "friends" via the internet ....lots of people who make art, talk art and live art and it has influenced me greatly. Somehow I feel that artists are happy for other artists, they like to hear of each others successes, maybe that is because making art and selling art are not for the "faint of heart." It is a "hard gig" and most of us can't do it and rely on it for "feeding" our bellies. It does however "feed" our soul. It does add excitement and purpose to our day.
The young lady on the beach has just got a canvas into a galley down here. It is a good step for her. She has moved down here temporarily and is hoping that making art and teaching English feed both her belly and soul. Great luck Jacqueline.Www.jackiebourne.com

My apologies......Life in Mexico is so difficult.....

2012-02-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

My apologies for having such a good time here in our winter "cottage." I have not had time to blog what with the "pressing" issues of suntanning, consuming liquid refreshments and laughing.....Let me tell you about our little village we visit. The name of the village is Puerto Morelos located in the Mayan Riviera and only about a twenty minute car ride from Cancun. This little village is so different from Cancun and the other popular visitor destination Playa del Carmen. Our village is one of the last active fishing villages in the area. It is small, populated with local families, not sophisticated in the least. This is the area of Mayan people. Shorter in stature than other Mexicans, they trying to hold onto their culture. The village is safe, lots of children, and a delight to spend time in. If you want high rises, groomed, manicured vegetation, night spots that are hopping then don't visit here....they are not to be found. The beaches are white powder....fluffy, not packed down like Florida. The water is in various shades of turquoise and we have a reef a hundred metres or so that runs parallel to the beach and so the water is quiet and safe. Snorkeling is the major sport here. Walking the beach is the other major activity. The trade winds blow all the time and even though the temperature may say 88 degrees the winds keep you cool. We have not had the air on one night since we have come . We have all windows open and we sleep with our bedspread on......glorious air.
This is our sixth year here. We do not own. We rent. We have made many friends over the years and we enjoy re-establishing our friendships each year. As artists, you all would delight in the colours. I met a lady artist last year and got to tour here vibrant house. Driftwood picked up and rough lumber got transformed into wall hangings. A white hammock was strung across a room, wall colours bright orange and pink, sparkles glued into patterns on a wall, bougainvillea abounding, creativity everywhere....it was a delight. I wanted to visit her again this year but sadly she just recently passed away. I love this little town, its lack of finesse, its pot holes and rough sidewalks (you do walk looking down).....side note..I did.a face plant the first night I got here....I forgot to look down.....all ended well....no injuries, just embarrassment.
Well that is it for now. I will not be so tardy the next time. I have been reading my art books and I have learned things. I enjoy sitting in my low beach chair and thumbing through my books......a glance up every now and then to see some interesting "eye candy" walking by..........Oh, such a hard life in sunny Mexico.

Settled....

2012-02-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for relatives and the where for all to know how fabulous it is to "get away." We have arrived in our sunny destination. It is nice to be able to get away for awhile in the cold winter and enjoy the balmy days of the tropics. We toil and slave for a lot of years of our life, we sock away what we can and at last it bears us fruit.....we have arrived at our winter "holiday" and we are grateful. Each year for the past 12 or 13 years we have escaped the frigid days of winter and settled into our "other life of away." It is not sophisticated in the least but it is all relaxing and self healing. Our days consist of walking, beaching, making new friends, reacquainting with past friends , eating and I dare say "drinking" and going to bed early , getting up and repeating it all.....what is not good about that? It is wonderful and we are lucky and feel thankful that it is possible. Our wonderful family friend moves into our house, our neighbours are supportive and yes, we purchased a marvelous snow blower that helps look after the tedious details of winter in Ontario, Canada.

The art books I purchased to take away have been "cracked" and I start my learning process....knowledge is wonderful and I feel I am never to old to learn. I love my ipad and believe it or not I am finding some :basic concepts that will make my painting better....I am discovering what I like....what I want to produce, and THAT is a glorious thing regardless of what anyone else thinks or feels....I am old enough to feel confidence to know what is right and correct for me.I am "finding my voice" as an artist. Thank goodness for age and wisdom.

iPad

2012-01-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Oil and cold wax..."One mile to Go"....an experiment

What fun this iPad is......I am getting the heck of it and each day I learn a little more. I downloaded the app "brushes" and now I can "play around" in Mexico. I am always tempted to take down some paints and paper with me but everything is too heavy and I, being me, don't know how to travel "light." (too many clothes every year) so, this year I will paint on my iPad. I can see how it should help with composition.....perhaps I might make less mistakes and eliminate tedious "paint overs" when I get home and tackle real canvases.....we will see. mmmm....now that I have "created" with the new Brush App I have to figure out how to "post" it.....too much hard work....OH MY!!!!!

Sunny thoughts on a cold sunny winter day......

2012-01-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

Thinking sunny thoughts, thinking sun, water and sand......What a wonderful day it is. Sunny, fresh, frigid conditions outside but a spectacular day for a walk early in the morning. A walk really does set you up for having a good day. You feel invigorated, cobwebs are cleared out and you pat yourself on the back and say "I did something good for myself today." Walking is a habit I have cultivated over time; walking is a MUST in my life. Walking has given me self confidence, health, empowerment, friends, and a wonderful outlook on life. If I think back to the time in my life when I didn't walk it is like looking at a different person....a hesitant, less secure individual who was aging rapidly. For me walking has turned back the aging process and I am growing younger, stronger, more agile, striking out into the world to take on challenges. I would not be painting if the walking had not begun. Walking has become my friend, my buddy, my constant.

I am preparing for my little holiday. My walking shoes are washed, my socks and workout clothes lay on the spare bed. My "hankies" to wipe off the sweat lays along side my "other friends".... my Art Books. All the necessities I will need.......and oh yes, my sun screen.

Linger....ing

2012-01-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

"Lingering "..ink on paper

.....Not anything concrete on the art front lately......I have just been lingering around......cleaning cupboards, relining drawers, thinking about warm weather somewhere, going through old clothes, donating, and the usual everyday tasks that are always there to be done and I always seem to use January as the month it gets done. It seems people use the first of the year for lots of "starts." I seem to use it as a completion month. Throughout November/ December I am always booked for something. I have my exhibition/ shop for Christmas/ entertain quite a bit and so all the extra jobs get put off until.......January IS D-DAY......DONE!!!
As I go about my tasks art making is not far from my mind. What shall I learn this year? Will the new books inspire me? Two days ago I downloaded an app onto my ipad and spent the whole evening "playing" and being frustrated but I can see down the line it will be fabulous. I envision sitting anywhere and painting....even if it is computer generated. Picture this.......sun setting, warm climate, glass of white wine sitting on a lovely deck overlooking a body of water and PAINTING......what a place to linger for awhile!!

crisp days ahead.....

2012-01-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

-12 degrees Celsius.... Yes, that is crisp for sure. We are in for more of that I am sure. It is good we have "frostiness" in our life.... It makes us appreciate the warm and toasty times in our life.

Yesterday my daughter and her husband attended a funeral of a young mother and wife. She was not old by any stretch and lived her life responsibly and with much love for her family. It is a tragedy for her family and friends. Sometimes when these things happen it somehow cracks our foundation, it makes us look at our life and our family and perhaps we are a little kinder to those around us and to ourselves .My daughter posed a question on her face book today that, to me made sense. ............"how you answer this question will shape your life: What is enough? Enough yoga, enough money, enough time," (question taken from Judith Lasater).................WE are enough....just as we are today, no "trappings" needed, imperfect as we are, we are enough. Take that into your day and you appreciate what surrounds you.....your family, your health, your gifts and talents, the beauty of nature around you. Though it may be frigid and cold outside make sure you create some warmth around you today......WE ARE ENOUGH.

....one of my first paintings,.....I judged it as "not good enough".....today I celebrate the fact it was an accomplishment and "good enough" for the novice I was. ....making peace with imperfection....

Exploring .........

2012-01-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

I have an annual event each year that I like. Off I go to the book store and each January I get some birthday money (not the choicest time of the year to have a birthday but one can't choose that) and I buy art books to take away with me when I head south....today was that day and yes I came home with two choices.....1. Abstract Painting, Concepts and Techniques by Vicky Perry and 2. Expressive Drawing by Steven Aimone. As much as I would like to "crack them both open" I don't allow myself until I reach that sunny destination and am in a comfy low chair on the beach. I thoroughly enjoy pouring over them then. Just before Christmas I bought an Encaustic book and no, I couldn't wait and have already gone through it once quickly but really have not absorbed much and so it also does make the trip. I would love to bring paints etc. but they are too heavy and so I just tell myself to "not even think about it."........Jeane Myers,(ARTIT) a mentor of mine just posted about getting back into the swing of making art and I know for myself it is very difficult to produce anything that I think is quality after a long hiatus. I think and read art when I am away but unless my "hands are dirty" I really don't learn. I am a "doer"......do, do over, do ,do over. I think I will bring my sketch pad but it really isn't my thing and will probably use it to make notes.
Speaking of Exploring, I got an ipad for Christmas and am trying to learn how to use that. I do not have a Mac computer (that probably would have made the learning easier) but I am "pecking" my way through the process and I can see in the future when I will love it. Bob, my husband purchased the year lessons for me for $99. and I am sure those people in the Apple Store will hate to see me walk into that store after awhile. ......a computer geek I am NOT.

6"x6" Mosaic Journey(2 of 3)

I hope everyone out there easily slides back into the creative mode......be it Art or Life. I plan to clean the studio in the next week or two......no not too creative but January is a good time to purge dried up art supplies and actually food also (the few extra pounds around the middle need to be purged also).....wonder which one comes first?.............will chat soon.

Post Festivities....

2011-12-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Oil on paper

The stockings have been hung, sugar plums danced in our grandchildren's head, and the turkey has been carved. The "Big" day has come and gone and we sit back and contemplate what is next? The New Year is just around the corner.....what is around the corner for us?
What is not around the corner is a big blast New Years Eve. We have done that, been there for a lot of years and some time around six years ago we decided that it was no longer for us. Instead, we go out for dinner with old friends on Dec. 30th. We dine in a quiet atmosphere for half the price and just enjoy each others company. On New Years Eve I have a "date" with my husband at the movies. We are home early; the next morning I walk with a big group of power walkers.....healthy and I have no "headache."
Art making will again start up after the new year but on a lesser scale. My husband and I take a long awaited holiday in Mexico. We are lucky that we have a relative who moves into our home and so we can get away for a few days. I take along several art related books and use the time to "study." .....What books do I take?....I have no ideas right now .....I could use a few recommendations.

Happy New Year all.....stay safe.

A Holiday Wish From Our Home To Your Home.......

2011-12-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

I sit down on this Wednesday before Christmas Day to write just a few lines to wish all a very "Merry Christmas." I truly hope everyone is healthy and hopefully a wee bit more wise than last year. I wish you much happiness, I wish you the ability to enjoy all your moments here, to love abundantly and to be able to treat everyone as if they are a special jewel.
We each celebrate this special time of the year differently. I hope your festivities are exactly the way you wish them to be. We are very fortunate to have all our children and their children living in the same town and so it is easy for us to see each other. We do not take that for granted. Within the individual families there is their own tradition and we respect that and we love the time that we are able to join them all. Christmas dinner is here. The table is set already and the presents wrapped under the tree. We are joined by an older "relative" whom we all have adopted and love. She is 90 years and she makes the trek by train from a town three hundred miles away. It would seem as if something was missing if she couldn't join us. We value her time with our family.

Holidays are a time to consider family and loved ones. Peace and contentment to all........

Painting and Writing....a solitary endeavour

2011-12-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

I sit down to write a new post and realize that both (Painting and Writing) come about by the same process.....an empty canvas, an empty head.....what do I need to paint?....where will these words lead me?
I am not a planner, a stategeist at heart. I have always followed my nose...what feels correct is where I go.
I have been "blogging" for over a year now. It came about by announcing to the world that I was going to orchestrate my very first viewing of my art. I concretely wrote it "ON THE WEB" because, if I said it out loud I would have to follow through and follow through I did. I never really thought about the writing part....whether that would become a chore, whether I had anything to say or whether I could "string" any words together at all. This too has become a process to me. Did I love English in school? Could I EVER get an assignment completed with any confidence? No is the answer to both questions. This blog has been good for me. I ramble on, dash here, several dots there,.......that is my style (no style but it suits me fine.) I am a believer in being myself....no pretense, just let it all hang out and so here I ramble....writing about nothing and enjoying it. (WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT?)

Is there anyone out there? I look at my "followers" and see I have 24 brave souls who have subscribed to my blog. THANK YOU ALL.....I do appreciate it. I have been told that several persons receive my blog by email....A big hi and thank you to you also. I would love you to comment on occasion. I know it is silly but I actually get excited when I see I have a comment. It says to me that you have taken time out of your day to say "hi." I am a simple creature who takes pleasure in the small daily things. Well, I have rambled on enough...I remind myself of the "Seinfeld Show"......a show about nothing.....today my writing is about nothing.....just random thoughts............

Our way of Creating......

2011-12-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

....not much art making the last few days. It 's funny I don't have the same enthusiasm running into the studio to check the canvas. Why? ....because it is so damn slow for layers to semi-dry when using oil. I think I like to work spontaneously and quickly which is the way I approach life in general...create, gut feel, move, react, marks, stand back, move into again, lay down colour, gut feel, mark........no "growing of grass under my feet." It is quite marvelous to think that our personality grows into all aspects of life isn't it? Learning lessons...that is really what we are here for. It is not bad to be spontaneous .....it suits my personality. How about you? How do you work? Is your way of creating affected by your personality?

The last of my little test cases....

2011-12-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

This little piece is finally dry but certainly not finished. To say that waiting for paint to dry is boring is stating the obvious. I think I know why acrylics were invented. They were created for people like me who like to move fast and like quick results. I won't be putting the oils aside just yet but I have to invent a new way of using them. What are their benefits? I haven't figured that one out yet.......why can't you use acrylics and wax together (on a hard substrate) ......are they not stable? Does anyone have any answers?

SLOWWWWWW drying time.....

2011-12-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

Yet again, I have been at play with the oils and the cold wax medium but it sure is slow, SLOW, SLOW to get the work to dry. I have been doing some reading on using this medium of cold wax and oil but obviously I don't have the proportions correct. .......will check the "snail pace" tomorrow.

My first oil experiment....

2011-12-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

Mixed Media....allowed? / not allowed?.....My first day with my new oil paints....play day for the "not so young"......what fun!!!
I cracked open the oil today.....now what do I paint on? I read all the rules....keep oil with oil....don't mix acrylic with oil/ pick a hard substrate when working with cold wax.....phooey! I mixed it all up. Reuse/ recycle/ don't waste former rejects......that's my motto so I took a "not so nice" acrylic piece of work on paper and cut it up. The sheet was full of colour and just to make it brighter I splashed on a couple more colours in acrylic.....blow dry.....start with the oil. I wasn't really sure how much oil to mix with the cold wax and also because I didn't buy huge tubes of oil paint I started gingerly and covered just parts of the paper, leaving sections open for some of the former colour to poke through. I did that to three of the pieces and then covered a larger board I had with a thin covering of oil and wax.....that one is put aside until another day. The first three I kept working on. I added some oil sticks I had, recovered with another oil stick, scraped, drew with a scraper and nail and generally had fun. I sat back and assessed and thought that why can't I mix everything like this all the time. As long as I start with the acrylic , then oil, I should have no problem and so .....presto......my first mixed media....acrylic/oil/ wax......a successful first day.

I love when someone loves what I do......Painting Sold = Oil Paints Bought

2011-12-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today I treated myself and bought my first oil paints and a small jar of cold wax. Do I know what to do with them?....not yet, but in the next few weeks when I have some spare time I intend to "play." Jeane Myers, a very accomplished contemporary artist mentor of mine uses oil as her medium and her work fascinates me. She has been working at it for some time now and she produces a very neat, earthy moodiness in her canvases. I just want some play time, with no expectation of great things at all but it seems this upcoming month is the right time to do it.

Why did I go out and treat myself at this costly time of the year?....because I felt I have worked long and hard , I have gotten most of the presents bought, and I was fortunate to have sold another painting and it was one of the large ones and so....oil paint...here I come. After I finish this post I will be searching the internet for some instructions on how to go about building texture quickly with oil paint and maybe, that is not even possible but , what the heck,........ who knows.... till you try.

Side note: If you are stuck in your painting and need some help tossing around ideas etc. check out Jeane Myers website or her blog called ARTIT......she has made an enormous difference in my painting life......and she takes on a few artists and you might be one of the lucky ones.....money well spent. Cheers for now.

The Beginning of the Holidays

2011-12-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

As I've gotten older I have simplified my life. When I reflect on the Christmas season twenty years ago I think of the stress of working full time, having three children and wanting to have a wonderful gift filled Christmas for them, baking a whole lot, and entertaining most weekends and decorating so that each room reflected the season......no wonder I was tired. I loved the whole process and somehow even though I was tired I was also energized by all the activity. Was all that really necessary?.....probably not but like most of us I was caught up in it all.

Life is much simpler now. I bake very rarely (I will eat it if it is around). We buy gifts for grandchildren and only token items for our grown up children. We still like to entertain but now I will take shortcuts and not make everything from scratch and I do not feel guilty about it. Our home is decorated for the holidays but I no longer have "fresh greens every where and so the clean up is simple. Because there is only my husband and I in the home there is less coming and going and our home stays neat. .......BUT, thank goodness for family. We are blessed with great kids, fine upstanding citizens and darling grandchildren and without them it would be a dull, quiet holiday, ....too quiet.......... We loved being invited to their homes .....Christmas Eve, Christmas Day brunch and then the family back here for the traditional turkey dinner. Chaos everywhere, paper everywhere, noise, grandchildren running, pillows being bounced off of beds, too much food, too many dishes, ...........would we want it any other way?.........nope! BUT, thank heavens the next day it is quiet again........

Shopping for a Treat.....

2011-11-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Reeds

I spent a delightful day at the Toronto "One of a Kind" Show looking at the wares of very talented people. The eleven day show is a perfect place to shop for Christmas gifts if you have lots of money. The venue is popular with artists and artisans alike to show their talents but it is VERY expensive to participate in so, if you get in (it is juried) you better sell lots of volume or have big tickets on your items to cover your cost. I do not go each year because the temptations are great and I am easily "hooked." Yes, I did buy a Christmas gift but, the gift was for ME.......oops. The two pieces of clothing will be my seasonal "uniform."........Everyone deserves a treat every once in awhile right?

Chagall and the Russian Avant -Garde....at our Ontario Art Gallery

2011-11-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Backyard Rink

It has been a busy but good week. My sister came from Fresno, California for my second annual exhibit and I thank her for doing that. Claudia has really never seen the "painterly side of me" and when I mentioned that I was having my exhibit she, without hesitation, said that she would be there. She flew in the night before and was a great help in the set up. Opening night was fun. We are fortunate to have good friends that took the time out of there busy schedule to come and support me. Anyone who has "put themselves out there" and organized an art exhibit knows that we have this deep dark fear that no one will come. I am no exception. I did the work that needed to be done and then had to put my trust in the the great unknown and hope that someone would show up. I was not disappointed. Lots of people came, shared a glass of wine with myself and my family and the night was fun and exciting for me. Yes, I did sleep well that evening. I was exhausted. The whole weekend was busy. My sister helped in so many ways. I appreciate her as probably I have never done before. Thank you "little sis."
Claudia (my sis) left Thursday morning for her flight back to Fresno. When she booked her ticket she forgot it was American Thanksgiving and since I have not spoken to her since, I hope she had an uneventful trip. We had been invited out in the evening to the Ontario Art Gallery for the Marc Chagall and the Russian Avant Garde exhibit. We are not the VIP type for sure but with this invitation came wine and hors d'oeuvres and a guided tour of the exhibit......a nice way to see an exhibit for sure......did I love his work?....not really but going to see these famous artists does open your mind to what art is , and what makes it good? I guess we as artists have to "do our own thing and satisfy our own personal growth and hope anything that we might produce might stand " the test of time."
I acted as a UPS distribution service today and delivered my art to their new owners. I consider myself quite fortunate to have sold several pieces and the sales will "support my habit" for another year. My goals are not lofty but I do get an "high" in knowing that someone loves my work enough to hang it in their home.
I am taking a break from painting for the next little while and going to dedicate some time to preparing for the upcoming holiday. This weekend was dedicated to decorating the home (and my back reminds me of the hours I spent up trees cutting branches, trimming trees and just generally lugging and hauling) and this week we have the first of a few dinner parties to prepare for and so, instead of thinking about "strokes" I will be scouring my recipes and getting on my chefs hat......mmmm, let me see, do I make those decedent chocolate cakes?, or ,......maybe, .....a eggnog pie?........I love calories!!!........Have a good week all.

A "Black Magic " weekend and a HUGE Thank You......

2011-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

A big Thank you to everyone who came and supported me in my second annual exhibition. I was very fortunate and sold several paintings that I hope will hang proudly in your homes. There is always a lot of work that goes into an exhibition but it is also fun and I learn something each time. After I finishing "hanging" I step back and look with wonder at all the hours spent leaning leaning over canvases ( I paint with the canvases on the floor) and I can see the progress I am making. Do I have a lot to learn?...you bet..... but it is all about " the trip" and not about "the arrival." A hearty "Thank You" for making the weekend fun.

Art Exhibit....this coming weekend. Nov 18,19,20th, 2011

2011-11-15T04:43:00.000-08:00

Friday...6-8:30 p.m......wine, cheese, and laughs
Sat. .....1 p.m.- 5p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Hope to see you and you can see what occupy's (happily) so much of my time....a passion for sure.

Finished .....I think.....

2011-11-13T16:32:00.001-08:00

Sunday, a day for rest......I don't think so. I did a wrap up for the show today. All labels done, all work sorted, wrapped, and put together to transport, incidentals put in a carton and really now I have to try and get our house back in order. The living room and dining room have become a storage facility until Friday morning. I am fortunate to have such a husband with patience. He puts up with me being possessed and very focused on everything but him but we have been married for decades and he knows his "crazy wife." My sister is making the long trek from sunny California this week. She has never seen her older sister as an artist but the fact that she is taking the time and money to fly east is much appreciated. I am having last minute jitters to say the least. What if no one shows up? ..........but then, I say to myself "Do you love doing the work? Do you not want to do this? and the answer is loud and clear.......Yes, I do get so very much enjoyment out of painting, No, I do not want to stop doing the work and so, no matter what I will continue. I sometimes laugh and say, "what the hell, when I die the kids can have the task of sorting out all these "works of art"..........and to my kids I say.......who does this remind you of? .....the apple does not fall far from the tree. And so in closing I say, friends, family come to see what I do, have a drink, laugh, chat and for God's sake do not feel obligated......just have a gander. Cheers for now.

Display at the small show I participated in last week.....

2011-11-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

Last week I took part in a small show at a local club. It was the first time that they had it so I really didn't know what to expect but thought it would be a good venue for me to hand out invitation cards to the show that I am hosting this upcoming weekend. That was all it was....no sales, save but one I had in the afternoon out of my home but I did get experience in setting up, and yes I handed out several cards. Would I do it again?...not that one as what it really was, was a chance for people who work out at that club to get together, chat and drink a glass of wine....not that that is a bad thing but I don't think anyone was there to purchase anything. I thought I would post a couple of shots just to show you what the display looked like......that's all for now everyone......lots to do ....not much time.

Going in to get out.......

2011-11-03T03:47:00.000-07:00

It's 5 a.m. and my mind just sprang awake ten minutes ago and I am NOT happy about this. Up I get, ..... the painting I was working on yesterday beckons....I am not happy with it and now, at this early time in the morning I know my first step that I am going to take to help rectify my "not so lovely "painting....the center needs to be sanded back. I have built up several (too many to count) layers and I remember what is under there and I need to put some excitement back into the canvas and maybe, just maybe it will be a jumping off point to finding a solution. I trust that there IS a painting wanting to come out and I just need to help it.

....one of the small paintings that I have done for the "small" show.....6" x 8" acrylic on canvas

Invites out in cyber-world....Black Magic Exhibition

2011-11-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, invites are mostly checked off the list and now onto the next thing........painting a .... i.e. wall so I can use it for displaying small 10" x10" paintings for the other small show I am doing at a club in the area. The show is only for four hours and it is the first year for it and so I don't want to spend a lot of money...... (it has already been spent on framing and getting ready for the Black Magic Exhibit) and so into the garage I went to see if I could adapt something that already exists. I found a 4' x 5' piece of plywood that I can prop against the wall after it gets a coat of white paint. I had some "left over small furniture" from when I had my country store and they are small enough that I can do a vertical display on top of the 8' table that is supplied........so everything white, sitting on a table draped to the floor in white should give a neutral backdrop for the colourful paintings. If I remember I will take a photo......"Remember" is THE operative word.

Jean Pierre La France , artist....Harbour Gallery, Mississauga....EXHIBITION

2011-10-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

24"x24" Acrylic on canvas "Mayan Ruins"

Wow, went to a great exhibition yesterday of a Montreal artist Jean Pierre La France. He is bold, spontaneous, loves colour and big....all the stuff I love. Wish I knew how to "cut and paste" better and I would post some of his work but alas, ....not too good in that department......look up his name and the Harbour Gallery in Mississauga to see his work.

24" x 24" Acrylic on canvas ..." Rain Forest"

2011-10-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Housekeeping that goes along with making Art....

2011-10-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

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I thought that all that artists did is make wonderful art and expose it to the public .......I am a dreamer aren't I? Naive to say the least I am. Actually, I knew it wasn't that easy.... I knew (know) you have to put the time in to acquire skills, you have to study, practice and practice again and you have to have the tenacity to not get discouraged when things go not so well. I don't easily get discouraged and if I love something distraction is not a problem. I have been very busy lately but don't resent one moment of it. I love the time spent creating and learning. The housekeeping aspect is NOT my love though. My exhibition is fast approaching and there are lots of "office stuff" that must get done. Yesterday I inventoried and priced my new work. All the wiring of canvases has been done and a "floor plan" is set as to where everything will hang. Signage and labeling is on the week's "To Do List." The "other" show requires small pieces that might work for Christmas presents. It is time to take off my admin hat and reach for that creative chapeau......much more fun!!

A Creative Day...Finally!

2011-10-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

I lately have been plodding along....plodding is the operative word. We all know how this goes. We turn up for work, do all the correct preparations, and WAIT and WAIT.....for the inspiration. This has been a week of "littles." I have been painting small....4x4, 6x8, 10x10...inches that is. I am doing a local show a week before my exhibition and knew I had very little in the way of finished work that I wanted to take. I had the pieces picked out for my "Black Magic" Exhibition and I did not want to bring any of those canvases to this other show so I had to discipline myself to produce quantity and maintain my quality......not so easy. Just like a large canvas there has to be composition, balance, interest and whatever else (tenacity) that you put into a large canvas. Did I say plodding?.....After one day I was happy with my three 10"x10." The next day went more slowly and I virtually did not love any of the smalls.....so, I struggled the next day with the same three canvases. After a week I have completed several 6X8's. Today there was a turn for the good......my creative spirit poked through and strangely I have redone three large canvases and so far....I think they are good. When I walk down those stairs tomorrow I hope I feel the same. I have a dozen blank canvases that have to be completed by Nov. 10th.......As.you can see I need a lot of easy "flow" days in the next little while........here's hoping .....

First Press Release for my Art Exhibit

2011-10-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

Again I am learning.....I just prepared my own press release. It seems odd that I am doing this release but I have learned that it is usually done by a press secretary.....guess who is the secretary?...ME! ....and so.....I have written about me in the "third person." Very interesting....much like writing your own eulogy.
Things are moving right along getting ready for this exhibit. It doesn't rain but it pours......I have agreed to participate in two other small shows and so I am learning "the ropes" trial by fire. This weekend (weather permitting) I will be downtown in our town square involved in "The Fall Festival." What a perfect opportunity to give out my Art Exhibit announcement cards. I have gone and printed off an extra hundred cards in a photo form (they are more inexpensive) and can "chat up" the folks that look at my work.......a little marketing never hurt anyone.

The week prior to my show I am involved in a Christmas venue at our club.....more chatting....one never knows what will happen but I am keen, I am gaining great confidence and I am all the more energized. Stay tuned.....

Thankful for....Family /construction paper /food /laughs /health/

2011-10-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Thanksgiving falls this weekend. The leaves are changing, the garden is showing signs of stress, there is a nip in the air and I am thankful for our abundance. Family plays a big role in our lives. Yes, we are all busy and yes our children have their own families who demand their attention but when our thanksgiving roles around we are mindful that we are a indeed a family who enjoys each others company. The "dinner" is Sunday and we gather in mass.

We have a tradition in our family. Maple leaves are cut out of coloured construction paper. Each person get two leaves and we write down what we are thankful for. The leaves get taped to the windows a few days before the Thanksgiving dinner and each year everybody add two new leaves. We have done this for over a decade and you can imagine the number of leaves we have. We are a family of sixteen ( fifteen now). Some of the leaves are funny i.e.(Thankful for thong underwear(but I won't go there)).....some thankful for the new son/daughter/ grandchild /great grandchild. My mom's are posted . This is the second Thanksgiving she is not at the table but we will laugh at her dry wit , her contribution to the happy dinners we had with her.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone......May you eat lots of turkey, have lots of laughs and may you be thankful for your blessings.

Adaption...it's the name of the game...

2011-10-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Everything new is better???? I don't know about that. It seems it is time for a blog interface update. Yikes!!! ......several hours later I don't think I am any further ahead. This blog is about making art... but, much time is spent on trying to keep straight the paper work that goes along with making art. Computers are everywhere and I would be lost without mine BUT, for someone who taught herself to type, who has figured out slowly just whats what on this machine an "interface update" seems unnecessary. I pressed the button a few times just to see what this whole thing is about.....MISTAKE!!!! ......"----!" (I don't swear...out loud) but those few button pushes cost me valuable time trying to "fix it." Who says new is better. I beg to differ.

"Rocks"..Acrylic on paper

A cold and windy day = Time to move the studio indoors.......SET OF FIVE INKS on 4" x 4" cradled panels

2011-10-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have been holding out; the weather has been holding as "balmy" and I have been painting in shorts up until last week. What a difference a weekend can make. We were away this weekend and attended a "Pumpkin Fest weekend in Southampton, Ontario. Our gracious hosts suggested we bring warm clothes "just in case." The "just in case" happened....a touch of winter was in the air and it was darn right COLD but we were ready for it and had a fun weekend eating too much, laughing a lot and generally having a great time with nice people.....A fun time was had by all.

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I woke up this morning and had made up my mind that the studio would be transferred inside as soon as we got home and in it came. Up and down stairs lugging heaps of stuff but my husband came through with flying colours. I did the gathering and lugging to the front door and then he was the "brute strength" that carried it down stairs. Three hours later it is all organized. I am happy it is done but I miss that outdoors. I am sure my neighbours think that I am that crazy obsessed woman who lives in a garage for seven months. They see me night and day happily working but I am sure they wonder if I have a life. I am happy in my little creative world creating and I will also be happy in the basement warm and toasty.

F. Y.I. Art Exhibit dates......."Black Magic Exhibition"

2011-09-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

If you are in the area and you feel like an outing......hold these dates.....

House cleaning......

2011-09-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Pyper & Pillow 18" x 24"

Sore hand, sore back, tight neck......a "homework day."...... Sometimes we just have to address the work we don't like doing.....today is THE day. My work table in my studio has a very large mirror laying across it and so, it has forced me toward the computer. I have accomplished quite a bit though. I have "cleaned up " my website file, downloaded new pictures, cropped and named them and filed them into my website file and this is an accomplishment since I have never been much of a "techie." I do feel good though. When I looked over the artwork that has been done this year I am amazed at the quantity and the quality. I do dedicate myself to this though. I know that to get better you have "do the time."

The mate!

2011-09-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

6" x 6" acrylic on canvas.......sunny and cheery!

"A Little Colour in my Life".......6" x 6" Acrylic on canvas

2011-09-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

I have a colourful life, a good life, a satisfying life, and a loved life......what more could you ask for?

It is strange and somewhat sad that we have to age and gain wisdom to know all the above. We plug along doing the expected things in life,.... bringing up our very loved family, eking out a work world and sometimes we forget about enjoying the moment, pausing and being grateful and just being present in our lives. Thank God for age......age allows us to participate in all the things we might not have had time for, following what truly interests us, and being comfortable in our skins and, therefore, leading a "colourful life.........colour is in MY LIFE!

"Blind Alley" 20" x 20" Acrylic on canvas

2011-09-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

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The companion piece to my last post.

"My Opening" 20" x 20" Acrylic on canvas

2011-09-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

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It's been a week since I posted anything. Where does the time go? Last week whizzed by and not that it was not productive, .... it was, but, for some reason it felt confused and off kilter. I worked steadily right up to the weekend but my mind stayed scattered all week long. I jumped around from one project to another and it is not the way I like to work. I took some ink works into a local gallery and happily, they want them so now into the framers they went. I have been asked to hang a couple of my pieces in a small gallery that is having a show this upcoming weekend and so I am feeling very positive but somehow a little "spaced out." I find it very interesting that these two very nice events are making me feel stressed. Fear of failure or fear of success???

Adopted and gone to a good home......

2011-09-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

I love to make my art and I love to see other people like my art. ....... I sold one of 36" canvases last week and I know it has gone to a good home....... Paintings are like children; you put so much work into them hoping that they grow into good people and then, you feel so satisfied when they turn out fine and others enjoy your "child." The work (and I use the term loosely)(paintings) are like children to me. I love the time invested in them; I choose to spend the time necessary to create something satisfying to me however long it takes. My "Won't let you go." painting has a new home where I know it will be enjoyed. The couple who "adopted" my child sent me a photo of its new lodgings and I thank them.

Commitment 36" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas

2011-09-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Just "hot off the brush"......sometimes the work flows, the hand glides along effortless, the canvas comes alive and I try to stay out of its way. I am pretty sure this is complete and there will be no changes.

Commitment.....Second Annual Art Exhibit

2011-09-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

I am committed. I just booked the gallery for my second annual art exhibit. The dates are November 18, 19, 20th. Okay, I have now gone ahead and done it; there is no turning back......the work begins.

This afternoon I took in the first of my canvases to have framed. This is a commitment for sure because I have to pay for them up front and as a lot of you know it is not inexpensive to do. I am more fortunate than most people in that our best friends own a framing store and I know that Mary and Doug ( New Concept Gallery, Mississauga, Ontario) give me a break. The next thing on the agenda is to establish the exhibit name and have some announcement cards designed and printed. Any ideas on a name for this show? Last year I called it "A Dialogue in Colour."......this year I have limited my palette intentionally and hope the show is more graphic (black and white mainly and a limited splash of colour.) I am a person who does not like to work under pressure and so I will have these goals accomplished in the next two weeks (commitment again)........

Passion for sure.....

2011-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy go lucky 16"x 16" acrylic on canvas

I love, LOVE fresh new canvases. It's like,.... the house is all clean and fresh, ....you just got out of a bath and have clean hair that blew dry perfectly,.... the grass is all cut,..... garden weeded,.... and you're sitting on the deck admiring it...........the sun is shining and you feel good...........That is a NICE CLEAN canvas to me. Am I simple?? ....whatever.....I guess I like new beginnings. My friends and family tease me and ask....what are you up to today? The only thing I don't change is my dear ( he paid met to say that) husband and great big family.
I think I changed things so frequently for a lot of years because I had not found "my thing." I know what I was looking for.....my love affair with making art.
The fresh canvas has begun to find its life. Large broad strokes are on it, glorious colour has formed the under painting and tomorrow I play. I say to myself.....stay loose, let that left hand free and don't worry what is does; it has a life of it's own. The studio is closed for the day. I am taking a HARD powerwalking class this evening and have to conserve my energy but, soon, I will be be back to see you (the canvas, I mean.).....

"Won't let you go." 36" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas

2011-09-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

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A three week project but I am pretty sure it is done. This canvas has had many reincarnations during the three weeks. I would think I was about to put my signature on it only to wake up the next morning and realize ....NOPE....not finished. There was a lot of second guessing , trying to be satisfied with it but I just couldn't do it. My husband thought I was a little demented I am sure; he would try to reassure me it was "fine" but it didn't sit in my gut that way and so I kept plugging away. I am satisfied within myself now. It might line up in the basement with several other canvases but I like it! I am done! It is resolved for me!........onward.......

Some things take a long time......

2011-08-28T17:25:00.001-07:00

Things that take a long time....setting up a website
.... painting a 36" x36" canvas that "sings"
..... cleaning paintbrushes that have six hours of dried paint on them
...... walking 10 km.

The power walking the 10km. was the fastest of the list. The paint brush cleaning was a close second.....the website set up involved a good twenty hours and lots of insecurity and pain, and, the canvas...........three bloody weeks and I'm only at the "assessment stage." Who says this is easy?....just throw a lot of paint on a canvas and "presto" a work of art. If it were only that easy! .... I know I had no appreciation of what it takes to accomplish a lot of things until I tried to do them myself. Hard work DOES pay off though.............I walked those 10km over and over until it was second nature, I got those paint brushes clean, I have a website, I will have a canvas that sings, at least, to me, .....Hard work pays off....................

The Canvas in Transition

2011-08-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

30" x 40" Acrylic on Canvas "Yellow Jacket".......is it finished??? what's wrong??? Do I like it??? Is the composition out of kilter??? Does it weigh a ton??? (lots of texture)....do I want to attack it again??? Something about it I like,.....but do I think it "sings"...NOPE!!!

Back in the Zone....

2011-08-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

Boy, this trying to be an artist is a up and down thing is it not? One day you are high as a kite because things go well in the studio; the next day you might feel dashed on the rocks, doubting you will ever produce one more quality canvas. I would say last week was more of a "dashing" than "soaring" but I feel evened out today. The work went well today. I feel I have made a "dint" in one big canvas and resolved a smaller one. One of my friends commented that I was painting "darker" lately and yes I have been but, it is because I have limited my palette and I LOVE black and white ( it's mostly what I wear all the time) so black and white it is until I tire of it. I finished this canvas this evening. It is 18" x 24" and I named it Barbwire. I like it and feel it is strong no matter which way you turn it.....it is strong in all ways....just like my dear husband and so I am changing the spelling to Bobwire.

Not feeling very creative

2011-08-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

Getting Ready , Acrylic on Paper

I straightened up the studio, puttered around with a couple of small rejected canvases, started a big one but not feeling very inspired. Time out...tomorrow is a day off....no art making, instead, a date with my hubby.....dinner and a movie, .......sounds good eh? Perhaps by Saturday I will be back in the zone.

I did it!!! www.karinlynncumming.artspan.com or www.karinlynncumming.com

2011-08-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

After a long, tiresome week sitting at a computer I think I did it. I actually have set up a website for myself. Yes, it is a work in progress and I hope I keep learning how to improve it. I must thank my mentor Jeane Myers (www.jeanemyers.com) for helping me long distance. Jeane is an artist in Washington State who does mentoring as part of her art practice and I am so happy and fortunate to have her. She has opened doors for me in that she has made me look at my work differently. Check out her website to see her wonderful art.........anyway, I have a website....... Another interesting thing about having a website is that I can now look at my work as an outsider.....I can see what I like, what I need to work on and what resonates as finished....some of my art will never make the site ....it does not feel complete and I am not satisfied with it.

I'm Trying to do the almost Impossible...........set up my website...

2011-08-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

I feel it is time to compile my work and so I had the brilliant idea that I would sit down and put together a website....JIKES!!!....it is hard work. First of all the computer and I are casual acquaintances. Yes, we do interact but really on a superficial level. I am trying to get to know him(It) but it is slow going to say the least. I joined a site Tuesday and here it is only Thursday and I have sent three emails to the support guy who is supposed to guide me if, (IF) I have any problems. I feel as if I should invite him to come to my home and stay a few days.....it is the only way I will get this thing up and running. I downloaded the instructions so that I can gradually follow the SIMPLE instructions........The instructions need explanations. I will keep you posted.....maybe by Christmas.....

36' x 36" Acrylic on canvas "Done, Complete, Resolved"

2011-08-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

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Mulling it Over....Hard Work

2011-08-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Things I did this week.......spent a lot of time in a HOT studio (garage) sweating
trying to paint
trying to paint
going to the "Abstract Expressionist New York" Show
observing
thinking
dreaming
trying to paint
sweating
It was quite a week. I have been trying to "digest" the show. I keep reminding myself that these artists stepped out of the art comfort zone, did art that nobody had seen before, risked big time. Some of the art left me cold; some I considered fabulous, some I could take or leave.
How does this affect me? .......... I know it has because I have been at loose ends since this past Wednesday (the day I attended the Abstract show.) I feel anxious, can''t settle, and my work is "all over the place." I am second guessing and not trusting that I can produce my best quality of work. Is this normal? I think so.
I will work it out. I am full of perseverance and I am not a quitter.
.............................................p.s. after at least 24 hours in the studio I might have one canvas that I am satisfied with. I will post tomorrow unless I wake up tomorrow and deem it "garbage."

Hot and Hotter..... 24" x 36" acrylic on canvas "Perched Atop"

2011-08-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

I paint in my "outside studio" all summer and some days it is harder than usual. Today was one of those days. I am mixing paint and I certainly don't need to add any water as the sweat was pouring from my face and often landed on the canvas= instant H2O. I was trying to rework an old piece that I knew I had not put the "sweat equity" into. Today I accomplished that for sure. It is quite a process this painting thing. I really never know where it will lead me. I try to keep an open mind and trust that eventually the picture will form itself. Sometimes and more often most times it takes me days of transforming the mass of paint into what it eventually becomes. It is indeed a intuitive process. When complete I wonder how I got there.

Back at it...

2011-07-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait until next week. I broke down and am back in my "studio"....yeh! Yes, the garden is not all completed but I think I have a handle on it and I could not wait to pick up a paint brush and so, the paint is under the nails, I am hot and sweaty in that "outside studio," but happy. I can't believe that I have gotten accustomed to having sweat roll down my face and it does not seem to bother me....I can't believe how much I have changed over the past nine years.

Speaking of change, let me tell you my little story. I was once a depressed lady who considered herself a victim. I was happy with my husband and family but was not fulfilled as a woman should be. I went to school to study nursing back in the time when women had a choice of becoming ....a nurse, secretary or a teacher....the 60's. I did the nurse thing. After the kids were in school I went to work .....did all sorts of jobs, but they were never a passion but rather a means toward contributing to the family. I knew I was creative and it showed up in all aspects of my life. I decorated some houses for myself and clients. I did visual window presentations for clients who owned stores; I owned a store myself that relied on my creativity to stock the store. I was always recreating stuff in general but never really had the self confidence to pick up that paint brush and paint. I realized that it was time to do some "internal work." I challenged my belief systems, I challenged my "self talk." I spent some time talking with a doctor whom I trusted. I gave up the victim stance. I started taking responsibility for my health. Walking was my way out of my depression. Walking (power walking) developed my self confidence as well as improve my fitness. I made it a regular part of my life. I surrounded myself with like minded people and together we competed in races. I became a personal trainer and gradually I changed.....I became empowered and felt I could do anything I wanted to do. I picked up that paint brush and fell in love. I found my passion and have never looked back. Some say with age comes wisdom but what needs to be added to that sentence is with age and WORK comes wisdom. Why am I going on about this? I think this important for people to know that we all can determine how our lives evolve if we take charge. Yes, we have to accept where we are today but don't have to accept that a change is not possible. Enough about all of this.....I am off to spend time with my passion (no, I don't mean my hubby....my other passion....my paint, brush and canvas. .......................................the piece of art posted here I saw in Prague

Budapest, Vienna,Salzburg, Durnstein, Melk, Passau, Regansburg, Nuremburg, and Prague

2011-07-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Holidays are a good thing......and coming home is also a good thing.
My dear hubby and I have just returned from a wonderful river cruise on the Danube. The weather was fabulous, the company we traveled with were fun (my sister and her husband), the food was PLENTY (too plenty) and we saw places , beautiful places that have existed thousands of years........all the components of a great trip. Yes, a good time was had by all. (pictures to follow)
Just over two weeks away and who knew how a garden could grow. With every trip away comes loads of laundry. Now with everything washed, ironed and put away the garden was the next challenge to tackle. Yesterday we began; today I spent another four hours and I can see that this week is going to consumed with cutting back, fertilizing, and generally trying to get a handle on the never ending job. Why do I like a garden anyway? I am beginning to wonder. Painting will have to wait until next week.
As I mentioned we cruised the Danube River. We flew into Budapest and after three days boarded our ship to leisurely sail for seven days. This is the way to travel.....unpack, eat wonderfully prepared meals (I overdosed on bacon.....something I seldom eat at home but I enjoyed every strip) drink lots of wine and an occasional beer (never do that at home either) and visit quaint little villages and tour the large majestic cities.

I took lots of pictures to remind us of our good times. Back to the painting by next week I promise. Toodles for now

16" x16' acrylic on canvas...untitled

2011-07-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was working on this canvas, laid it aside, picked it up to have another go at it. I do like it ; it reminds me of the rain funnel we saw in Mexico a year ago.
This will my last posting for awhile as we are going on vacation for a couple of weeks. I have lots of last minute things to get ready. We are lucky to have someone come and stay at our home when we are away but there are more things to prepare....my gosh I wouldn't want them to think I wasn't a perfect house keeper. I know I am crazy! .......off to Budapest yeh!!!!

14" x17" work on paper....phase 2

2011-07-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

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Things are going well. I feel I am relaxing into this new found direction in painting. My work this week has been long but gratifying. I resolved a small work on paper that I did several weeks ago. One of the first Mondays that I met with Jean Myers, a mentor to me, I held up the "finished" work to the video cam and she asked me very tactfully "what do you like about it?" I realized that I had nothing to say......it was not very special. This week I feel more satisfied with the piece. Jean has taught me to not be easily satisfied, risk to make it better, and "what's the worse thing that can happen?" If it's not very good anyway....what the hell. I am slowly trying to embrace that attitude.

36' x36' acrylic "Defying the Odds"........out of ash comes life

2011-07-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

36" x36" Acrylic "Peek"

2011-06-21T17:23:00.001-07:00

A Good Day......."pictures as is"....sorry

2011-06-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a good day. I started out by doing a 5km race that our hospital holds each year. Those races keep you humble. The good thing is ... I came 2nd in my age category. My age category had three people.....funny eh? Out of 74 participants I came 29th. The good thing is ....I can still do a race
It's Father's Day and I get to go along with my charming husband to our daughter's house for dinner.....call me a tag along. The good thing is I don't have to make dinner.
I painted all afternoon and THAT is always a good thing to me.
I finished two canvases that I painted in tandem. I posted them on my flickr account so that I can look at them a few times to see if they truly are complete. At this moment in time I like them....very different style for me but somehow I like the direction they took me and that is a good thing.
I have another canvas laying on the floor of the garage that has been painted....???? 10 different times/10 different ways and still might have 10 more reincarnations......I am trying to find the "good thing" in this canvas...I am waiting to the "true" painting to reveal itself.
All in all, I have done exactly what I have wanted to do today and that is a good thing.

working large 36" x 48"..Pocketful of Miracles

2011-06-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sold.

tiny cradled panel...

2011-06-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

A tiny cradled panel 4" x 6". My first experience with the wood panel......I like working on the panel. I love that I can scratch into it even before I apply paint. I will use them again.
It is very interesting posting a picture and then opening up the photo to "see" it large. I can see that this is a good way to see if the painting is "up to snuff.".....After looking at it I can see it is weak and does not hold my interest. I will leave it here to remind me that we should not be easily satisfied. It is too quiet, not exciting and safe. I will redo.

When is it done?

2011-06-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had a fun day with a canvas .....I thought it was done. Today I looked at it and was not happy with the past results and so a little of this, a little of that and now I am more satisfied..........at least for today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Something I did a few weeks ago....

2011-06-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Now let's see.........yes it works horizontally, rotate, pretty strong, rotate, yup, it works that way, rotate pretty strong all all fronts. Thanks to Jean Meyers, she has taught me to keep rotating .....it helps to make sure the image is strong no matter which way it is presented.........this holds up to me.

An interesting week...

2011-06-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Talk about working hard and never getting anywhere........that is my week in a nutshell. What went wrong? ......maybe I was trying too hard? ......maybe I don't like to follow rules?...maybe I was trying to paint like someone else?.....I think a little of each.

My 16" x16" canvas has a heck of a lot of paint on it.....talk about texture! After starting again today and working on it for a long time I have got no where. I am retiring that canvas for a few weeks. Into the corner it goes facing the wall.
I need a fresh start so I picked up a couple of my small cradled panels and etched out a few lines and began laying on the paint.....no expectations, just having fun and presto.....I finally like something that I painted this week. It just proves the point.....Always be yourself, develop you own style, and don't try so hard. The panels are almost "folk art".....very few lines. In the next day or so I will try to get them posted. I am still in a learning curve as to getting photos into this computer, cropping them ,importing......all that technical stuff I that know very little of. ........So much to learn.....so little time......

Too tight and BORING

2011-06-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

I figured out why that small taped off square doesn't work for me. It makes me paint too tight. When I think I do the best work is when I loosen up that arm of mine and attack a canvas. I am more spontaneous and "thinking" does not play a part in the process. I worked today for a few more hours and just found it ended up very unexciting and totally "yawn" boring. It doesn't look at all like me. The colours today were very light, yesterday very muddy, day before that mid tones and fresh......I have lost something in the past two days. I DO NOT GIVE UP EASILY......tomorrow......a different approach.

I spoke to soon

2011-06-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

A frustrating day today. My #1 canvas has gone through three reincarnations and each one has not satisfied me. Today I worked MANY hours , thought I was getting somewhere but screwed it up along the way. Tomorrow I am going to start fresh. I think I will just paint over that little square and I will feel as though I have no restrictions. .......don't think I am supposed to do that but just can't incorporate the square into the composition. ....oh well, these days do happen.
The other problem I kept having was I just couldn't get the "darks" from my four colours......you must bear in mind the "little square" that was taped over was a bright cobalt blue and I wanted to surround it with deep dark navy(at least) and mixing my chosen colours would not give me that dark intensity. I know....relax Karin Lynn and chill out.........RELAX!!!!

Fewer Colours......but I hope I chose well

2011-05-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

I took Jean Myer's (a mentor of mine ) suggestion today and cleaned up and simplified my painting area. Gone are the multitude of coloured paints, gone are the mediums, and my tools are much fewer. I have breathing room and calmness around me. I chose four colours to work with for a minimum of a month. The chosen few are Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Blue, my trusty white and Bright Yellow Green.

I sat down with yesterday's #1 painting, and taped off a 2" square and began.......... (this is an exercise that Jean suggested......take a painting that you are in some way happy with, .....isolate a 2" square, cover it and then paint everything else out......jikes!!!....the idea is risk, risk ,risk,.....trust that you can make the painting even better.) After the initial panic subsided, I had a good time.
What I found out very quickly was.... that you really don't have to reach out for yet another colour to "fix" that canvas. I just realized now that, that was what I have been doing instead of, ..... pausing,.... thinking, and ....seeing.
Today, I knew I was restricted to my palette and so I concentrated on how to make the work more interesting. My homework this week is to only work on three surfaces for the entire week so, I gave myself permission to work in a more relaxing way. I got to a certain point with #1 canvas and then pushed it away, set it aside to let it "brew."......I will return to it tomorrow.

I mentioned last evening that I also was going to work on a cradled panel I have. It is only tiny, like a 4" x 6" but I have never painted on one before. I love the rigidity of it. I scratched and scraped, and I can see that this will be the way I go instead of the canvas. All in all, it was a good day paint wise. Thank you Jean......

Still work to do

2011-05-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

#1. This is one that I have been working on. Jean issued me a challenge this week and who knows where this will end up. ........#2 ......some areas I am happy with but the top is weak and so this is going to have some work done on it.

As suggested by Jean, I am going to limit my colour palette to four colours and I will work with these colours for a whole month..........I think I have just gone "back to school."
# 3. I have a small cradled panel 6"x 6" and that will also get played with this week. Three surfaces.........let's see what happens this week.

Studio Move

2011-05-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Wow....I am let free!!!!
Yesterday was "studio moving day." I live in southern Ontario, Canada and anyone who hails from that neck of the woods knows that, .....come Spring we Ontarians want to break out and live outside for the next five months. We have hard, cold winters and we tend to hibernate for survival. Joking aside, we do tend to stay inside more in the cold months and so when possible I am outside for most of the day come spring. I want to paint more than do anything else and consequently, I move my studio to my garage. I am now set up. I can say hi to all the neighbours , crank up my music and "play with paint."........sounds like a good life to me.
A couple of weeks ago I made a new friend.....an artist friend from "way out west." I wrote a note to her ....I love her work.......she responded and now I am in the fortunate position to have her as a mentor.......cool eh?? Her name is Jean Myers and she has a blog called ARTIT www.jeanemyers.com/ .......we have set up a schedule that we will check in each Monday afternoon and talk art via Skype. I am trying to find my "art voice" and I suspect and know that Jean will be helping me in this endeavour.
My first week I was a "painting fool." I felt free to make mistakes and trusted that I could learn from those mistakes. I had fun and so I considered that a successful week. This week I have spent rotating my canvases....is it strong on all sides?......nope! soooo, work on it some more. My god, these three canvases have more paint on them. I went graphic this week....Tomorrow I am going to photograph the three and post them. They might not be good but they are a work in progress. Stay tuned.

Tangled Myth 24"x 36"

2011-05-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

trying to examine layers through and into....a learning process.

Sweat Equity

2011-05-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

I do love the garden but ......the darn work it takes. The weather here this spring has not been ideal. I think it has been raining for a month and it is still cold. Usually, we are way ahead and have lugged the soil and compost and then we have a little rest and then go at it again and do the annuals. This year when we finely got a reprieve from the rain we worked like beggars......dig, lug, dig, lug, spread, dig in, stake, edge, and finally the annuals. They went in yesterday, the first sunny warm day in who knows how long and our backs are SORE!!!!.......but, they are in....small, insignificant now but give them a few weeks, some fertilizer and hopefully sun and warmth and they will be wonderful.

Every single tree, shrub, garden, flower has been planted by us and yes we are garden proud. When we bought this house years ago it looked like a cattle pen. There was not a blade of grass and now..... We are not pros but we appreciate beauty and so we WORK at it. I am posting some pictures of our spring effort.....

Our Canvas..... The Garden

2011-05-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted anything but life does get busy in the Spring. Our garden calls....the work does not get done by itself. I have a wonderful man that does all the grunge work. His name is Bob and he works real cheap.......another term for his work title is ....HUSBAND. I do think he enjoys it but he likes company and so,.....out I go. I am the major "designer" of our backyard but I must admit that no matter how great the design looks, without Bob's meticulous habit of neatness and detail the garden would "go to ruin." I grumble and complain when errant grass clumps from the edging gets into the soil but, HE DOES the edging so I need not complain. Our garden is our art form. No, we don't have a spectacular garden but it has the nature of a park and we feel secluded and surrounded by a lot of perennials and as we age.....THAT (the perennials) IS a good thing. I see why you buy a house when you are young and energetic. Bob and I created everything that we now sit and gaze at. We had three children, limited funds and so it was us that tore up the grass, that loaded truck loads of soil around the perimeter of our lot, carried and planted every last shrub and plant and it is us that are the maintenance crew. Bob would go off to work in the a.m. and as soon as he left, I would be in marking the beds and creating another garden and by the time he was home.....I was almost "dead" and of course, I would have left a mess for him to clean up. He would say "that's it....no more beds and I would smile nicely and agree....until the next time. I think he enjoys the "fruit of our labour" now. Art comes in so many forms. We consider our little plot of land our canvas.

Texas Heat

2011-04-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

I do need to figure out how to photograph these works better. I love finishing off a piece of work with a sheen but I probably should take the picture BEFORE I put the final coat on.......I love colour and texture and am quite happy with this result. I have been working on paper since I got back from Mexico in the hopes I can work out some kinks in my process.

Connections 1 16" x20" Acrylic on paper

2011-04-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

From the "Connection Series"

2011-04-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

Pull and Push

2011-04-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not a daily painter but I am a consistent painter. I am trying to find my way through. I think what I am trying to say is that I am trying to figure out who I am as far as painting goes. I know what I am not....realism is not what I do. I have always loved abstraction from way back. Colour and texture have always drawn me in, pulled me across the room, made me notice an artist's work. Something slightly off kilter whether it be the lines or the colour or some intangible quality has attracted me. Something unique.....
I look for that uniqueness in my work. It is not there. I am my worse enemy. I can NOT look at my work objectively. I can only criticize. Why do we do this to ourselves? What are we looking for? Praise from afar? I should be able to give myself what I need. As I have gotten older I have become more confident as a person. I like who I am. I can see my good qualities and I can celebrate them but I am an impatient painter. Yes, it is a new skill that I am learning so why do I expect perfection? ...........I am having this dance with myself on a daily basis. PATIENCE please!!!!

Connections......

2011-04-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Good/ Bad/ Terrible/ Fabulous/ awe inspiring/ Crap?????

2011-04-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Back painting in the studio....How do you know if what you are painting is good or just crap? I look at other artists represented by well known and respected galleries and think "Do I like that? What makes this good? Is the work just a pile of paint? ...Is my work just a pile of paint? What constitutes good? I am in a doubting day.

Mexican Palm

2011-04-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

Cascade

2011-04-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Home from our winter holiday and back in the studio.

Time to play with paints again.

The Holiday comes to an end.....What I love about Puerto Morelos, Mexico

2011-03-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

This is an art blog.........Have I made any art today?......well, I took 50ish pictures of a palm tree..Will they transform into art somehow? I have no idea, but I do have ideas.
Since probably no one is reading this blog anyway I am spending a moment or two writing about...an artful place to pass away the cold winter months...PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico.. I am from Ontario, Canada, land of freezing temperatures and each year my husband and I are fortunate to be able to have a winter vacation. We have chosen a tiny village in the Yucatan. It is one of the last fishing villages in the area. What do I love about Puerto Morelos.........here goes....
1. the weather
2. time away with my cutie
3 new friends and old friends
4 our condo
5 a break from the Ontario weather
6 sun, sand, and breezes
7 our daily walk
8 going to bed early
9 getting up early
10 casual throw together dinners
11 eating out
12 taking clothes to the laundry
13 wine by the case
14 family visiting
15 a king size bed
16 looking at the stars
17 counting the cruise ships
18 laying in bed and watching the sun rise
19 not seeing snow
20 having doors and windows open
21 fortunate to have good health to be able to come here and hoping that we will experience many more sunsets in this little village
Art is in the eyes of the beholder.........I have seen it and experienced it........Gracias

doodles ......

2011-03-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

Mexico doodles.....starting to think "work again"

2011-03-09T20:28:00.001-08:00

"doodles" on paper.........

2011-03-07T17:56:00.001-08:00

Back to ART

2011-03-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

It's been a good month.....what's not to love about sun, sea, friends, relaxation. Our "home away from home" has been perfect for us. The digs are comfortable, we have spent time with family, I have had time to regroup, rethink, and plan what comes next. I am still discovering who I am with regards to making art. It is a individual, solitary process. I want to develop my own way of making art. Throughout the past couple of years I have spent hours and hours of just looking at art. At first I judged, I had opinions.....oh, that is wonderful, what crap!, my gosh why can't I do that? how did they come up with that?, is that art?.......... I am mellowing. I am realizing that "art making" is what is important regardless of the result. Do I want to improve? You bet! Do I want my own unique style? ...without doubt......... sooooo I keep at it one day at a time. Yes, this month I feel as if I have made progress without picking up a paint brush. I have new ideas that I will be working on when I get home. I know that I will plunge in head first at home and my dear husband will get mediocre meals late. He loves me and so.......I make art.........full speed ahead for the next six months

Family Day in Puerto Morelos

2011-02-26T17:20:00.000-08:00

Our family arrived .....sun and sand ....a few drinks......lots of sand in the condo.......yes , Beach living

Family Day in Puerto Morelos

2011-02-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday is family day at the beach. One of the things I love about this little fishing village is Sunday is a day for families. Throughout the week the beach is filled with gringos but come Sunday the locals take to the beach. Huge families move in carrying umbrellas,tables, kites,and lots of picnic lunches. The locals love and use their beach and it is the way it should be. The beach becomes a riot of colour. Local vendors sell their food wares, musicians all decked out in their "whites" entertain. Kites, sail boats and different types of wind surfers are up and down the beach. It is a fun place to people watch.My strong man takes to the beach also on Sunday. I couldn't resist the photo opportunity that presented when we were on our daily walk.

New sand sculpture....Artful I am not sure

2011-02-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

New sculpture in the sand.....an addition to the scenes described yesterday.

Male snorkeler laying on his back.in the water...fins and mask in place........ Crocodile approaching from the
bottom.........Title of the scene.......Watch where you choose to snorkel..... you could come up short!!!

(Leg or other appendage? is missing)...YIKES!!!

Sand Castles in the Sun........fragile art......

2011-02-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

I,( we ) walk every morning. We both have separate speeds but the important thing is....we do it!!! My dear husband has always been into "fitness".........me,.....I am a reluctant joiner........anyway, off we go .....my husband describes it as "a three dock walk." I describe it as my necessity. I feel better after it,... I try to keep my power walking up because.....when I return it is an essential component to my life. Now, as I described, we do this everyday. Coffee, running shoes and we are off...Today, just beyond our three dock walk we heard that there was a "sand sculpture artist." The gentleman has been at it three days. He says we are to figure out the message. Each day he adds to it. He is pretty good. He actually has a book that you can enter comments into. We went, we saw, we did not figure out the message. The scene is....Pretty woman lounging on a deck chair, attractive, curvy,.....Next scene....a huge obese man laying on the sand with a "speedo" bathing suit on, stomach protruding......NOT a pretty sight.....Next scene,...a sculpture of a horse, mane flying, galloping up the beach.
We did our walk, we expended our calories, we found out what the message was when we got home.
Fat man in a speedo deserves to be dragged off the beach by a horse.

Paths Meet

2011-02-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

Funny how paths meet ..... you're sitting on a beach in sunny Puerto Morelos, Mexico reading an art book and you meet this neat lady by chance and immediately click. .......I was reading one of my art books by Nancy Reyner and very spontaneously Edie Meissner and I ended up chatting about art. We set up an appointment to meet at a local artist's home and ended up browsing for an hour or so in this wonderful colourful casita. I felt that I have known her for ages. I was completely comfortable with her. She is a Organizational Process Consultant (which I really have no idea what that is) but, the "jest" of it to me means that she helps individuals facilitate needed change to lead to success .......funny but, I feel when people cross our paths it is for a reason and we are gifted with their knowledge.........how this manifests I have no idea but our meeting will impact me somehow. She left me with a couple of websites and I will follow up. Thank you Edie for saying "hi", thank you for spending your valuable time with me, thank you ....I enjoyed our time together.

not much studying done.....the whole place is "Artful"

2011-02-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

Beautiful colour, lush, warm breezes, turquoise,....what"s not to love and oh yes, wine!!!

2011-02-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

On our daily walk....

2011-02-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Homework....

2011-02-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in the last post I am in Mexico working hard at suntanning and relaxing with new and old friends.....tough life but someone has to do it. Seriously, I am working but it is more about gaining knowledge about techniques used in painting rather than painting physically. Before I left Canada I purchased two new books to bring down with me. The first is titled "acrylic Revolution" by Nancy Reyner.....new tricks and techniques for working with the world's most versatile medium. It is great. For the past several months my painting life has been about experimentation. That will probably not change but the new information I am learning from the book will assist me in not making as many mistakes. I think I will be able to achieve new skills if I apply some of her guidance and probably it will be more cost affective than "wasting " paint to get to a certain spot. I find myself wishing I had some paints down here but, now is the time to go "back to school " and study'. Since I won't be posting any projects I will show you a little about our Mexico.....buenos dia

Inspiration

2011-02-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

I am spending time in Mexico out of the cold winter and it is a good thing. I have not posted recently but have been painting until I came down here. Unfortunately, I do not have the proper lighting to photograph the work inside and it was just too cold to make the effort to "truck" everything outside. I will wait till spring.
Mexico is hot with a cool breeze and the sun light is wonderful. I think I will return home and use a lot of turquoises and yellows in my paintings. This year we have a great condo to stay in and the breeze blows so that you do not even have to turn on the "air" and for all that knows me this is a big thing. I sit on the deck with a cold drink in my hand and take in all the beach activity. Walking is a great pastime here. My husband and I spend each morning walking for at least an hour and a half. We figure it balances out our inactivity.....maybe not, but it makes us feel a little less guilty. We choose to visit the Mayan Riviera each year and our little village is one of the last active fishing villages around. The people are warm and welcoming. Each evening families gather in the small square to play games and just to meet and have conversations. This week the local art festival is being held and, for sure we will be there. It is a nice relaxing way to beat the cold Canadian winter.

A Fresh Exposure....an hour a day....

2011-01-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

sold

January 2011 and we begin again...."a fresh exposure" ......a new year, new thoughts, and new plans. Each year when I celebrate my birthday, I think that it marks the end of the holidays, the end of eating too much, the end of my spending spree and the beginning of plan making. This year will be no different except that as I age, I am less hard on myself. I credit myself with the positive things I have accomplished, I appreciate the year that has just passed and I value family more. I will gently make some new goals but they will be realistic and not grandiose. I plan to continue to maintain my fitness, I plan to continue to choose wisely what I put in my mouth and I plan to paint and or study more. I have watched artist blogs that have made a commitment to paint each day and I admire them for their dedication. I didn't understand why they undertook that goal but as I have read their blogs I have come to realize that through that daily routine they learn and grow as an artist....all have said that their skills have grown. I need to hone my skills and so I am going to devote at least an hour a day doing something art related.............and so....down to the studio I go...

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

relax,eat treats and be thankful

I wish you a wonderful holiday with the loves of your life.