Tuesday 31 December 2013

Letting Go 16 x 16 Acrylic on Raised Canvas

Happy New Year! Thank you for all of your support and encouragement in 2013. It was an amazing year for me and I hope to keep the momentum in 2014, . I decided to call this guy "Letting Go" as it seemed fitting for New Years Eve. For me, it means letting go of my "junk" and creating more space for wonderful, creative opportunities, xo

Saturday 28 December 2013

Blue Feet Acrylic on Canvas

Happy Holidays! I'm sorry for the lack of posts, my family has been under the weather this Christmas and things are just starting to get back in control. It's been wonderful hearing from those who received my paintings as gifts, and I am very grateful for the amazing support and encourage I have received throughout this past year. Here is a Christmas commission that I'm excited to finally get to share. The photo was taken on their honeymoon and hubby wanted to surprise his wife with a painting of this crazy guy. I had no idea what kind of bird he was or where the photo was taken, but he looked like a fabulous challenge. Here is the reference photo

 


He was so much fun to paint. I love his unique look. I went with a bold green background (out of the box a bit for me) and I think he looks great.

Tuesday 17 December 2013

T-bone 16 x16 Acrylic on raised canvas

 

I went back to my comfort zone with this one. I've used this reference photo before but I still experimented using a deep, rich yellow background, and a larger canvas.  I like how he turned out, and it was fun to paint on the larger size.  

Monday 16 December 2013

Tweet 8x10 Acrylic on raised canvas


I started this guy a while back, but once again I got stuck on the eyes and highlights. He has been sitting on my wall with zombie eyes for a few weeks. I decided to tackle my fear (of screwing him up) and finish him. I'm glad I did as I think he has quite a bit of character and for those that may be wondering, he is based on a real bird called a Titmouse,

Saturday 14 December 2013

Chuck 8x8 Acrylic on Canvas


I've been feeling a bit of a block lately - turns out it might be a kidney stone. I finally started to feel better yesterday thanks to some good medication and I was able to finish a few things up. It's been a while since I did a cow and this guy helped me get back into the groove.

Costa 12 x 12 acrylic on raised canvas


This guy had been sitting on my wall waiting for his final touches for a while. I often wait until the end to put on the highlights and finish off their eyes (my studio is often filled with Zombie critters waiting to be finished). I finished Costa up last night and I really like the results (especially his feathers),

Saturday 7 December 2013

Chubby Chirp 10 x 10 Acrylic on Raised Canvas, sold


I went with a different composition with this one and tried to have more negative space. I'm really happy with the results and I've already sketched another similar bird in an even larger scale (24 x 24).

Thursday 5 December 2013

Three Little Birds - 8 x 24 on wood panel

I recently was asked by a very special friend if I can paint a painting with three little birds.  She is starting her cancer treatment, and she told me that image of three birds remind her of a song that makes her happy.  This is what I came up with.  I usually stick with only one "critter" in my work, so the three were a challenge.  I really like the blue and rich burnt orange combination.

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Homesick 18 x 24 Acrylic on Canvas

This is the first bison I have tried to paint. At first it was going great, and then I seemed to go back and forth for about a week trying to finish him off. He just seems to be one of those guys I could get lost in. I love the contrast of the rich warm yellows against the deep purples and the bison brings me back to my Manitoba roots

Monday 2 December 2013

Chirp 6x6 Acrylic on raised canvas

I've been exploring different colour birds and different colour backgrounds and I think this one is a favorite. It didn't stick around my studio for long, it got picked up today and is off to sit under a tree for a bit. I hope it brings happiness to its new home,