visual literacy

Gone so long

2011-11-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

new stuff

2011-02-08T07:26:00.002-05:00

Lucky me

2010-10-08T07:59:00.003-04:00

I entered Max-5 Art competion I went on an Art related trip to Baie-StPaul and came back a changed woman. I tuggle constantly with my direction toward art. Often, I feel like stopping and thats where my mind has been these past few months.

Several blessed things happened

-First I had an opening at Curio Antiques where the kindness and support was overwhealming

Second My trip to Quebec --I was able to see great art and feel the love for it again

Thirdly-My inspiration ,new direction and approval from the judges -who awarded me first place with my painting"Damask" shown above

I'm ready to make art again!!!

Latest works

2010-10-08T07:52:00.002-04:00

All works are sold except
for the sunflowers

Busy summer months

2010-08-11T09:12:00.003-04:00

In these photos my latest series florals with a strie technique I've recently discovered

. I'm liking to do these very much.

Also a picture of a new found friend Ron Gravel and his companioin Nicole

You can see his art on my links in the side bar.

It was a pleasure to finally meet this artist which whom I've had contact via internet for some time now. A kind generous talented couple I wished they lived closer to me.

New paintings

2010-05-26T18:24:00.000-04:00

Working really hard!!! -thats all I have to say :)

Not blogging much--but still painting

2010-03-31T09:23:00.004-04:00

I've been dedicating a lot of time to research and teaching,but I have not neglected my own work.

Although I have neglected my blog :(

Here are some new paintings!!!

I'm still alive & painting

2010-02-01T22:20:00.003-05:00

I have been working even though I've not been posting any pictures for my blogging friends.

I've been teaching a few classes a week. Teaching is a real joy. I love seeing people create something they really like and are proud of.

I am working on commissions most of the time.

January is a great time to do commission portraits-lots of time and no interruptions.

Painting #1-Thomas-36x40

#2-Bar Scene 36x40

#3-Stephanie & Alexandre 24x24

Gini

2009-12-02T08:15:00.002-05:00

This was a commissioned portrait. I was unsure about the image to begin with ,but as I worked I discovered how to incorporate the knife and the brush in a way I hadn't before. It is so much fun. Thanks Gini , you've helped my art evolution process.

Lost at (see) again

2009-11-17T13:25:00.004-05:00

Seems I have not posted ,but I assure you I have been painting. Only I feel my recent turnouts have been nothing short of crap!! So....today, I needed to produce for an upcoming auction and I wanted something good or better.. lets say.

I've come to realize that these artistic phases are periodic and frequent. Boredom leads thought --thought leads to experiment-experiment leads to one of two things Great discovery (about one in a million chance) or a feeling of not knowing what to do next....So, thats my plight of the month. What am I gonna do now!!

Lugwig & Sebastian

2009-10-19T12:52:00.003-04:00

I've noticed that the music I listen to puts me in the rigiht place to create these paintings ..I'm grateful for that knowledge.

Bottom right-class demonstration 1hour 30 min
Top left-Commission almost done --I like this one It has mysterious lighting--both do

Fini

2009-10-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

This morning

2009-10-09T11:58:00.003-04:00

I took a break from my commission piece to create 2 smaller paintings for this weekend's day show at Curio Antiques Sunday-12-5 October 11

Day 2

2009-10-07T17:36:00.000-04:00

I was scared to paint with palette knife over this ,but soooo glad I did now.

A few new commissions to get working on

2009-10-06T11:16:00.003-04:00

I've about 4 commissions paintings to do. This morning I finally got started. I'll keep posting photos as the work progresses. Not sure which technique I'll use yet.

Meshing gold underpainting and palette knfe

2009-09-17T13:07:00.000-04:00

2009-09-15T13:09:00.007-04:00

Title" La pluie d'ete" 36x30 inches oil over acrylic

2009-08-27T13:40:00.000-04:00

Busy Busy

2009-08-26T22:42:00.002-04:00

I've been working harder these days I've another 2 day show planned at the INN THYME B&B

It's a beautiful place and a great location

Thanks guys for having me and inviting me back

New subject

2009-08-07T19:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was very lucky and got to photograph two beautiful ladies. I've been lacking inspiration because of lack of subject....So the art muse saw fit to send me a gift.

Thank you Shelley and Renee, I hope to do you both justice--

Also included in this post is a painting done for Marie Anderson a good friend of mine.

The painting is of a street scene in Paris which Marie was lucky to visit to take this pic-The photo is blurrier than the actual painting . I guess my photography skills need tuning

Sorry it took me so long to post a new blog entry -to my readers I apologize--you know who you are :)

Two new paintings in progress

2009-07-14T18:44:00.000-04:00

Latest work

2009-06-03T21:44:00.003-04:00

Well... life has not been boring here in Grand -Digue
Spring is here, and there's life everywhere

The first two images are of me My dear friend and fellow artist Monette Leger did this astounding work, she works in many mediums and is very skilled.
Now I on the other hand, differ a bit. I am not as adventurous

It seems recently I've been working seldomly [but very quickly] and only work in oils

I have a wondeful feeling about this piece

Portrait painting

2009-05-06T11:49:00.002-04:00

This is my latest work, and I hope my clients are pleased(they haven't seen it yet)

I used to dread doing commission work, but now things seem a bit easier

Teaching charcoal classes has helped me get things right quicker

I preach this to my students , and I'm seeing for myself that it does help

Drawing above done this morning at my class Thanks for the subject matter Lorraine!

2009-04-16T08:36:00.002-04:00

These are the recents paintings I've done, I also have another portrait to begin.

I have felt disconnected with my art. Sometimes I worry that it's like a virus , I feel cured

and I don't need to paint anymore

Well enough of that silliness, I'm off to paint.

Still finding myself

2009-03-11T23:00:00.002-04:00

The title of this post pretty much sums up my state of mind

Just when I feel I've got everything figured out
My happy little bubble pops, and all I thought I understood is gone

But I'm happy in knowing that bubble will certainly reappear

New process

2009-02-17T13:12:00.003-05:00

This is a new process for me, I think brought on by doing more charcoal . The sketch is done on a white canvas ,then I used a workable fixative (it dries quickly). This permited me to paint directly over the sketch. The paint I used is alizaron crimson and veridian green mixed gives this pretty lilac color. When this under painting is completed I'll decided what other colors I'll add. I'm really enjoying this ,I really needed a change .... good for the soul.

Charcoal Class

2009-02-12T07:58:00.004-05:00

I've been giving classes in charcoal and painting for about 14 weeks now and I must admit I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.

I find searching for new challenges teaches me about my own process . I also discovered my weaknesses. There are area I need to explore than I didn't even know about.

This is a photo of all the drawings from my Wednesday class.

The challenge was to draw from a landscape photo from upside down

DRAWING without really SEEING They were all awesome!!!

Way to go class.

Revived

2009-02-06T08:18:00.003-05:00

I guess I've been not doing much art for lack of subject and also dealing with recent events with my health. The first picture I posted will be my next painting. OMG I 'm so exited to start, I can see the finished product in my head and I hope I can get it looking like that . It will be 36x36

The next picture is me of course being Ok with my Alopecia Totalis.

3rd pic, two latest paintings. I'm getting back to work ,but my art will be taking a slight turn for the better I hope

I'm thinking better colors. Simpler compositions with empty spaces well positioned.

Demo

2008-12-19T17:28:00.002-05:00

This is a demo I did for my oil painting class 24x24 finished in 1hour 30 minutes

I enjoyed this challenge and my classes very much.

I'm learning more than I thought teaching,

it reassures my philospphies

My art sessions have come to an end until next year. The Christmas season is upon us, and the mad rush to be done shopping is here.

I wish all of my artist friends and non artist friends a very Merry Holiday filled with magical moments

Last one and..Done!!

2008-11-12T17:29:00.002-05:00

This one's a bit strange but it's growing on me.

Tree of Hope auction work going well

2008-11-07T13:30:00.002-05:00

I like the way things are going, I'm getting more into the groove. I found out I have less time then I thought ---2 more paintings --4 days I think I can... I think I can...

Problems painting

2008-10-27T11:53:00.002-05:00

I can't seem to get into the grove I think I've got inspiration,but then all of a sudden when I begin to work I feel lost Yikes!!!!

Darn this one is tough

2008-10-23T17:53:00.002-04:00

I'm still not happy with this. The photo isn't quite like the painting. The flash whited out the bottom.

I want to see a certain look which I cannot achieve but BY GOD I won't give up!!

I want loose, thick paint with a tad of realism peeking through.....

One more session to go

2008-10-22T13:02:00.001-04:00

I did two previous sessions on this painting ,but they were not pretty enough to post.
Another good work time on this and it will be done.

Back to work

2008-10-15T16:19:00.003-04:00

Well... I haven't posted in a while. The children are at school now and the routine has set in.
I've begun teaching classes in charcoal and oil which I absolutely adore. It validates my thoughts and keeps my drawing skills well tuned. The first pic(me in a wig) is the next painting I started today. The second is the last painting I did 5x5 (commissioned portrait)
I'm feeling fine energetic and ready to take the world on. Can't wait to get my next series going

Evolving

2008-10-02T08:14:00.004-04:00

I've always been a strong believer in learning and growing My art reflects that I think... I'm always looking for whats coming next and never happy with what I'm doing at the moment.

Things in my life have changed I am calmer , more reflective , more able to enjoy whats happening at the moment.

My alopeicia has progressed and I have taken control of the situation .

I've shaved what was left of my hair. This was difficult at first and sometimes still is. But for the most part I am happy.

Happy in knowing that we can't control events that will come ,only the way we react to them.

Gigantic Commission

2008-09-11T12:48:00.003-04:00

This painting is 5x5, portrait for a main character in a Canadian film This painting should be on the set

I hope the art director likes it

Alopecia Areata

2008-09-10T23:19:00.004-04:00

I think sometimes that sharing can make a situation become more real so...I'm going to share my latest experience in hope of finding some inner peace.
About a month ago I began loosing my hair in round patches. At first sight this was very traumatic. The doctor thought I had someting called Tinea Capita ,(fungal scalp infection)
contagious and very scary. So I am taking oral anifungal which is not working . Another doctor told me I had Alopecia Areta (correct diagnosis) since it can be caused by Pernicious Anemia which I recently have had diagnosed.
Alopecia is the body's immune systeme attacking the hair follicles .This medical condition is not curable and not dangerous. It is only harmfull to one's ego. :)
My mother always said what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I think she's right.....
Although I feel a bit scared and vulnerable right now , I'm sure this will be a life changing experience for me...

New work

2008-08-27T18:06:00.002-04:00

I finally got to do some painting after chasing the doctors , seems I'm going to be fine.

Blood work showed a B12 deficency. This condition has been unknown and untreated for a few

years. Anemia causes lack of oxygen to all parts of the body, because of fewer red blood cells .

Shots of B12 monthly is the cure But I am good now and feeling strong

Thanks for all your supportive comments, thoughts and wishes

As for my work, I've been trying to produce . Painters festival coming up this weekend Yikes!!!

The kids are back to school on tuesday, so lots to do. My youngest goes to kindergarden I'm loosing my baby :(( I think an empty nest syndrome is on the way.

good news and bad news

2008-08-16T21:06:00.003-04:00

I'll start with the good news first. I have been extremely lucky this past few months and have sold roughly 10 works( images posted above ) I'd like to thank all the people who support me and my efforts in production

I feel truely blessed I've come to the conclusion that it is very important to me to create for the public ... Meaning creating works that are accepted and liked & sometimes bought :))

I am also aware that a true artist paints for the love of art and it's personal journey of discoveries Painting is this for me as well.

I've had a few health problems in the past and it seems they have not been rectified. My posts have been few for this reason I may have to take a rest from painting until I feel stronger

For those who follow my blog... I'll do my best to post if I produce any new work. On a positive note, the medical mystery may be solved for me.:))

Pour l'Eglise de Barachois

2008-07-31T17:36:00.000-04:00

New work

2008-07-28T22:57:00.003-04:00

This painting from a photo of Sonny -- amazing adventuring photographer --check links on side bar

Next Subject

2008-07-07T13:26:00.002-04:00

This is an image of me at" La plage" I'll use to create a 34x40 oil over metallic gold for a group show at L'Eglise de Barachois

Back to work!!

What I'm up to

2008-06-24T19:03:00.003-04:00

Life is fun, the kids are home and that makes it a bit harder to work. I'm still producing, but at a slower pace. These photo's were taken today at a beach nearby, they look similar to last years. I decided to redo an older image I loved. This one is smaller 24x24 ---palette knife

Opening night

2008-06-09T08:41:00.003-04:00

The evening went very well .Two paintings were sold .

I'd like to thank all my friends for coming to support me, and a special thanks to my catering helpers.

I'm so lucky lucky to have family and friends like you guys :))

Finished just in time

2008-06-04T14:07:00.002-04:00

I'm very happy to be able to sit back and look at the work now. The opening is Saturday night and I'm sending an invitation to anyone who reads this .
Drop in and see me at City Hall Moncton from 7-9 pm.
If I know myself I'll probably be taking a break from painting
The house is in desperate need of cleaning Yay!! for more work :)))

Is this finished?

2008-05-30T16:05:00.003-04:00

Today I bought 2 more canvases 24x24 the last two. They will be smaller versions of the two larger pieces. So hopefully I'll get to finish those this weekend.

No rest for the wicked );)

Two more to go

2008-05-28T18:42:00.001-04:00

I started this yesterday and I'm hoping to finish tomorrow. We'll see how it goes:)

Fini

2008-05-23T13:18:00.002-04:00

Not too shabby for a couple of hours. I'm happy with this one!

2008-05-22T13:20:00.001-04:00

New work

2008-05-14T14:03:00.004-04:00

36x48

Nearly done

2008-05-09T11:30:00.002-04:00

I've been feeling a bit more positive about the work and thats a good thing because the next few pieces coming up will be the key part of the show. I need to come into stride now
I'll be working on something new this weekend
Happy Mom's Day to all the women who dedicate so much time and energy into raising their families xox

Is this messy enough?

2008-05-05T07:55:00.002-04:00

Well I consider myself a bit particular about housecleaning .I love to have a clean house,but I can't seem to keep art stuff organized. So bad even sometimes my palette is so messy it affects the art....... BAD huh?

Painting altered

2008-05-01T22:08:00.002-04:00

I decided to see how I could improve the piece by using Picassa. something about boosting the contrast that is very striking . I may just paint over this and my other dancers What do you think Sheri?

Still frustrated

2008-04-30T13:06:00.004-04:00

First let me apologize for the glare :(

Then I guess I can share my thoughts on why I'm so frustrated.

I love the palette knife....but it does not allow for fine detail or subtle soft line which lend to the three dimensions of painting that I love to see. So....I am trying to incorporate the brush for those parts. I now that once I learn how to do this properly, it will bring the results I want . But like anything else, learning something can take time and tremendous effort.

I'm also learning to play the piano ,which is difficult , but so rewarding .At least the learning pains of piano aren't a constant unpleasant visual reminder

just a few more highlights

2008-04-28T10:27:00.000-04:00

Squinting makes it real

2008-04-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

This is going to work!

2008-04-23T13:38:00.002-04:00

Today I began working on the previous dancer painting and felt like it was going no where fast. So I thought I'd just sketch the next one I had in mind .

It poured out as fast as I could move--- 36x36 in about 30 minutes

It's not quite done ,but I feel great about this one,

Painting is so darn frustrating!

2008-04-21T13:25:00.003-04:00

I began this this morning it measures 36x48 inches I imagine the work before painting, and it's always a bit short from the result I expect. Either I don't measure up , or I can't get away from myself

2008-04-18T13:19:00.001-04:00

one step closer

2008-04-17T10:24:00.002-04:00

Still a long way to go

2008-04-16T13:21:00.003-04:00

This needs a lot of work but ,I'm happy with this painting I can see what the finished product will be ,i just need to make sure I apply the tones and colors .

Prime,sketch,and begin

2008-04-14T10:26:00.002-04:00

This will take me the week to finish ,but I'm seeing the finished product, and i'm going to like it:)

Thank you ladies!

2008-04-07T09:27:00.002-04:00

I met with my friend Norma who was very kind in posing for me "The lovely lady in red" (can't wait to paint this)

The dancers in the photos are from Dance East( local dance school) I am grateful to these young ladies for letting me capture their practice session.
I haven't been this excited to start painting in a long time

I love these photos!!

2008-03-19T11:14:00.000-04:00

Beginning

2008-03-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

Merci!!!.... M.skyrie for the canvas I have gotten back to work. I'm a bit rusty ,but perhaps it will be benificial to painting less loosely

Possible next subject

2008-03-12T21:36:00.002-05:00

Feels like I've been gone for a very long time I have not painted in nearly a month

I always forget about inspiration and where it comes from

It comes from expressing a subject that an artist feels is important enough to share And for me, this means the need for models. So anyone who'd like to pose (look me up in the book)

My favorite subject is a reflection of women in their daily life. " Freezing the thought "

I have a solo show coming up at Gallery Moncton in June , so i'd better get hunting

Winter

2008-02-13T12:27:00.002-05:00

As I get older I'm finding the winters here getting longer and more unpleasant. Most times the sparkles on the snow and the crisp air is wonderful, but when there are snow storm every second day, and no sun to be found, it can get gloomy . So my friends in warm places send us up some rays :)

CBC Galerie Georges Goguen

2008-02-03T07:32:00.000-05:00

My show is all up and now I can have a glass of wine and relax I like how the show looked once up The setting is very peaceful , maybe opposite of my house where they were before.
I think that is what I noticed most. The works have a certain vibe ,and here I was able to feel it.
Fun!:))))

Back to the trowel--and it feels just right

2008-01-30T18:51:00.000-05:00

My livingroom today

2008-01-23T22:28:00.000-05:00

coming along

2008-01-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

Maybe 2 more sessions of getting the traits just right and adding the right colors in the right places Again here I see a Gauguin influence I think it must be the greens ... Boy i'm having fun with color here :)

Painting done and another begun

2008-01-18T11:04:00.000-05:00

The painting to the left is just about finished its a 30x30 and the mood i wanted to relay ois there so i don't think i'll be adding anything else

The painting above I started today and is 34x40 which is quite large so it may take a while before i get what i'm looking for here

Another bit of news which I'm very excited about is my submission to the NB art acquisition progranm was accepted, so I need to take my work to Fredericton Never thought that would happen Also, I sold my winning competition piece from Octobre I am a grateful for all the positives

Photo session with Marie and Nadia

2008-01-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

I have an upcoming show at Gallery Georges Goguen Feb 3 2008 Which now is coming fast Needless to say I'll be working more and posting more
thanks again Marie and Nadia
ps Andree i'm working on one of you and your mom now i'll post it when done xox

Happy New Year!!!!

2008-01-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

Don't know if I like this

2007-11-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

one more session to go

2007-11-28T12:55:00.000-05:00

2007-11-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

2007-11-21T10:37:00.000-05:00

dana is finished

2007-11-09T11:23:00.000-05:00

my living room today

2007-11-08T11:08:00.000-05:00

Seeing this on the monitor I can see the big picture (hehe) the chin is not right the hair color is also not what i was intending

This is my daughter Dana who is home sick for the day I should be tending to her instead of painting Darn that working guilt!
I'm going to make soup for her to feel better :)

me with new work(almost done)

2007-11-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

andree 18x18 oil on canvas

2007-10-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

fini

2007-10-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

Art Competition

2007-10-07T19:02:00.000-04:00

Above my boxes of trinkets ,scarves and jewelery I've placed my latest little treasure A happy surprize it was for me to get 1st place with my painting of Shelley (in previous posts) If you're reading this Shelley ...Thank You!!!! For more info about this event visit Dave Skyrie and the Heronbay Gallery on my links
linked by clicking on post title

both done

2007-09-29T19:49:00.000-04:00

today ---aprox 1hour and 30 min 24x30

2007-09-28T13:41:00.001-04:00

shelley-4

2007-09-28T11:56:00.000-04:00

my living room today

2007-09-26T13:08:00.000-04:00

next painting

2007-09-24T12:59:00.000-04:00

Commission for beautiful older renovated B&B in Shediac I went there yesterday to take photos I got a few staff members and my friend Lise to pose for me

Can't wait to see this one finished

today ---gettin there

2007-09-14T16:52:00.000-04:00

latest painting in progress 30x30 -painting trowel

2007-09-14T08:20:00.000-04:00

i get a kick outta this

2007-09-14T00:39:00.000-04:00

oh my Lull is back

2007-09-10T23:01:00.001-04:00

I've been feeling a bit strange about painting lately I'm content with my sales, but sometimes production can feel robotic and I think I get tired . So therefore comes the confusing "Painters Block"
The first time I got it, I was very uneasy and thought I'd never paint again. Now through past experiences I've learned that I usually come out of them with a few little changes
Without change there is no growth , so I will welcome it with anticipation
(Dali's Metamorphosis means a whole new thing to me now)

painting --but not on canvas

2007-09-10T13:49:00.000-04:00

Back to school

2007-09-05T17:43:00.000-04:00

Bye brother and sisters :(
Labour Day Art festival
Amber & Dianna(mom)
The weekend was great I made 5 sales and a possibility of 5 others My tent partener did well too 3 sales for her
Now I have a little extra cash to redecorate which is what I'm doing now(painting walls) I guess I just can't stop putting color on stuff

2007-08-28T16:51:00.000-04:00

2007-08-24T16:33:00.000-04:00

flash dance hehehe

2007-08-24T14:30:00.000-04:00

Painting this morning was fun, but as every painting has problems I have yet to resolve this particular one How do I make this work seem more intense and less romantic ?

I like it but I'm not Pino,....nor do i want to be :)

I chose the flash photo to demonstate the knife strokes (I like to see them)

2007-08-22T23:29:00.000-04:00