Pup Portraits

These two small pet portraits were done as surprise gifts for friends. I love gifting paintings - it keeps my need to paint satisfied, makes others happy, and the paintings go live in another home. Just about as cool as making a sale…maybe even a bit better.

"Invitation" 24 x 24, acrylic on canvas

I have done a number of paintings along the same lines, but have never (yet) posted them. This piece is multi-layered; literally painted and then covered up many times. I keep painting, changing colours, and brush strokes, until it tells me it is done. Loads of fun with acrylics. I painted it with brushes, a painting knife, a stick, and (my favourite) a plastic fork. This piece is my last new one for the New Westminster Culture Crawl happening August 13 and 14.

'Telling Tales', 24 x 30, mixed media/acrylic on canvas

Who knows what was said at this meeting? If a tree talks in the forest and no one is there to listen, does it matter? This painting has many layers of glazing - more pushing and pulling - and is finished with cold wax.

'Along The Way', 16 x 20, oil on canvas

I have walked extensively in Great Britain, and this piece is reminiscent of long expanses along the West Highland Way in Scotland. Crofter's cottages 'next door', and yet seemingly in the middle of nowhere. I used the forbidding sky to enhance the sense of isolation. I think you have to really like your own company out here.

'Afterglow' 12 x 16, oil on canvas

This is thick, juicy paint - layers and glazing - pushing and pulling…lots of fun to paint. Hopefully it will dry before the New Westminster Culture Crawl on August 13-14. I plan to tackle a couple of acrylic paintings before the event. Back to big and colourful?

"Blue Skies Over" 8 x 10, oil on panel

A small study that really, really wants to be BIG…but not today. I first saw the white chalk cliffs of England's south coast when I was taking the ferry to England from Calais. They were much more impressive than in photographs, perhaps because I reflected on all the history that has passed those same cliffs. They must be simply dazzling in bright sunshine.

Derwentwater Gold 16 x 20, oil on canvas

New work…I went through the Lake District on the Coast to Coast long distance walk a few years back. Dark mountains, black clouds, brilliant light, and many beautiful lakes. This scene evokes memories and I tried to paint it without too much fussing. I've been painting almost daily again, even though I've not made it into my studio in town (Vancouver) in days, as it is like a furnace in the building on these, the hottest days of the summer. My house, needless to say, is looking more studio-like by the day. EEK!