Coral Barclay Musings on Painting

Bluest Blue

2012-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Bluest Blue 12" x 12" acrylic on canvas

no 6

Golden Helliwell

2012-02-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

"Golden Helliwell" 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas

Number 5

Helliwell Meadow 2

2012-02-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Helliwell Meadow 2

12" x 12", acrylic on canvas

Number four of twelve seascapes

Helliwell Meadow

2012-02-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

Helliwell Meadow, 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas

This is number three of twelve 12" x 12" seascapes. I have painted this view many times as a kind of "comfort painting" which inevitably moves to more challenging or different views or approaches, a technique for "shifting gears" and moving into creativity.

Sky's Promise

2012-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Sky's Promise, 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas

This is number three of 12, 12" x 12" seascapes. Painting number two is currently undergoing scrutiny. I enjoy these small challenges, commitments to painting, it creates a framework for a series. Happy February!..the weather gods are shining down

Soft Spring

2012-02-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

Soft Spring, 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas

This piece is one of a series of 12" x 12" square seascapes, currently in process, mostly of Hornby Island, bringing back memory's of warm blue sea and sky!. I have used this composition many times, with the emphasis on the water framed by land in the distance and a glimpse of foreground, kind of tipsy turvey..and if i dont get the placement just "right" it can look really odd, but i think it works here.

The last couple of days it seems winter has dissapeared and brings to mind thoughts of summer as I paint. I suppose I AM getting ahead of myself as its only the beginning of february!

Beach Play

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Beach Play, 24" x 30", acrylic on "

This is a repost of a painting posted a week or so ago. I hung it in the kitchen and realized over the week, whilst chopping onions and other kitchen tasks, that the painting wasnt quite "right" so by casually glancing at it over the week, i solved some painting problems. Definitly a case of paying attention, by not paying attention. I find the last 5 - 10% often the most challenging and have devised all kinds of tricks to "let it happen" rather than forcing...seems to work better and is much more pleasant.

Mind Map

2011-12-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

Mind Map, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

This series of abstracts begun last spring just as i was getting ready for my summer on Hornby, so I only did a few before putting them aside untill now. Anyway they were initiated my a feeling of wanting to discover something "more" or "new" at least to me in painting and in life in general. Setting myself up for "discovery" in a way. So i used previously painted on canvas that were lying around my studio with lots of layers of paint, interesting textures and colour and just started applying paint and letting the act of painting without any idea of the intended result. So allowing what was previously on the canvas co-mingle with new painting. Very satisfying so far and works well with my rehabilitating shoulder as i paint flat on a table rather than an easel

Open Door

2011-12-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

"Open Door", 30" x 30", oil on canvas

I have been researching colour and its effects on the body and its symbolism lately and working on a series of red paintings, the first two had other colour but this one i just worked with the simple palette of red to experiment with variation within the colour, using texture and three shades of red. Here is something i found on the internet on RED. The website is called http://www.sensationalcolour.com/

Red represents beauty in many languages and cultures, including Russia.

In Chinese culture, colors corresponded with the five primary elements, the directions and the four seasons. Red was associated with fire, south, and summer.

In Japan, the color red is associated closely with a few deities in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, so statues of these deities are often decked in red clothing or painted red. Mark Schumacher has a page on his site the goes into depth on the Color Red in Japanese Mythology.

In Sweden, Falun red (red based on the pigment from the Falun mine) was reserved for the privileged class.

In China, red is associated with good luck and fortune.

In Greece, Easter eggs are dyed red and the Greek expression "piase kokkino" ("touch red") is said when two people say the same thing at the same time. It is believed that such an occurrence is an omen that the two will have an argument in the future, which can only be broken when the two touch the closest thing that is red.

In Jamaica, a popular slang term for someone who is under the influence or drunk is "red."

In England, red phone booths and red double decker buses are national icons. Standard British pillar boxes (mail boxes) have been painted red since 1874.

In India, a red mark on the forehead is said to bring good luck.

To the Hindu, red symbolizes joy, life, energy, and creativity.

Islamic, Hindu, and Chinese brides traditionally wear red.

Cochineal red, discovered by the Aztecs, was made using the female cochineal beetle. A pound of water-soluble extract required about a million insects. For the Aztecs, Indian red dye was considered more valuable than gold! However, it was the Spaniards who introduced the crimson color of Cochineal red to Europe in the 1500s.

In Aztec culture, red was connected with blood.

Red amulets were worn in many cultures to prolong life.

In Singapore, the color red traditionally symbolizes joy.

Chinese New Year is celebrated by wearing red clothing and decorating the house with red. Red envelopes with "luck money" are given to unmarried children to bring good fortune to them for the rest of the year.

Red symbolizes feast days of martyrs in the Catholic church.

In Israel, kosher clothing stores banned the color red and sell only loose-fitting apparel for women.

The belief in the protective power of the color red can be traced back to the old Chinese folklore of the Nian, a man-eating beast of ancient China who used to feed on human flesh. Discovering that the creature abhorred loud noises and the color red, the people made liberal use of the color not only in their firecrackers, but also in home decorations and clothing to protect themselves from the Nian.

Early Morning Helliwell

2011-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

Early Morning Helliwell, 4" x 4", Acrylic on canvas

Another micro mini!

These are so small i paint them holding in the palm of my hand.

View From Helliwell

2011-12-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

View From Helliwell, 4" x 4", acrylic on canvas block

Teeny tiny paintings again!

These are fun to do, i am also working on some larger abstracts in oil which i shall post soon.

Helliwell, Summer Walks

2011-12-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Helliwell Summer Walks, 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas

Finally after 6 or 7 months i am back at the easel, well apart for one abstract painting it has been a LONG time of not painting, and so not to freak myself out, i chose tried and true subject matter as a way to EASE back into it.

The weather has been fabulous here in Portland, sunny and dry all week..I dont know whats happening but i like it!

RV Maiden Voyage

2011-11-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

We are just back from 4 days of camping in our new RV. It was its maiden voyage for us anyway, and so we took it to Eastern Oregon to do some "wild camping", test it out, take some photos and general outdoor fun. We had a great hike at Smith Rocks. I have to say camping in a warm comfortable camper makes a huge difference! We have yet though to come up with a name for the rv. Here are a few photos from the trip, my blog has been sadly neglected lately as i have not been able to paint much, shoulder still not ready, but the trip gathered much painting reference material and here are a few that i would love to paint when the time comes!. The light and colours of eastern oregon this time of year a subtle soft beauty.

So Tell Me Something 2

2011-10-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

So Tell Me Something 2

36" x 36", oil on canvas, SOLD!

So yesterday i just had to paint in spite of shoulder pain and all the work I have been doing to rehab it, as life is a bit blah without painting, so i put this canvas on the floor in the basement, to see if a different working angle helps..I am not sure if it helped but it was an interesting excersize, much more active rather than standing, though limited to abstract.

Aspen Grove

2011-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Aspen Grove 2, 7" x 7", oil on panel,
$125.00 unframed

I am back in Portland after the busy summer of shows and open studio. I havent blogged for quite some time as i stopped painting last May due to a shoulder/neck problem, it finally packed it in, and decided it was time to pay attention to it so i can get back to painting! So i have been busy morphing my Portland studio into a rehab room, for yoga, gi-gong, and back/neck excersizes and am concentrating on fixing myself for now..though I do have a bad case of THE painting itch!..(the ghost of painting lingering in the now rehab studio) and so i post this painting though not recent it reminds of this time last year we went on a camping trip to the Oregon Outback from which i painted 4 - 5 small paintings.

Filberg Festival Guest Artist Photos

2011-08-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Art show 2011

2011-07-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Photos of my annual summer show on Hornby Island..

Its the best place i have ever exhibited in so far, the building itself bringing its own creativity to the work. This the third show in combination with Masoud Zadeh, a ceramic artist, and one of my favorites. The hardest part for me is not buying up all his beautiful pottery.! I loved the body language of these two looking at art and talking about it.

Annual Summer Art Show at Hornby Hall

2011-07-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tent Studio 2011

2011-07-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

Tent Studio

Its been a while since posting..seems the transition from Portland to Hornby took some time! Finally the sun is here and my tent studio is all set up, nestled amongst the ferns and lush green!

Beautiful BC

2011-06-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Beautiful BC

A Single Poppy at Fords Cove

Close to Our Camp Site near Tofino, (idyllic)

and the weather! we lucked out.

Our campsite was just behind this broom, and over a log, we could scramble in and out of it to the beach, feeling a bit Frodoesq!

Beautiful, though i did not paint at all, I soaked it all up for the future!

New Mini's, 4" x 12"

2011-06-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Walks, Blue Sea, 4" x 12", oil on canvas

Helliwell Walks, Wildflowers, 4" x 12", oil on canvas

My studio is squeaky clean after a good deal of elbow grease..what a messy painter I am! But now it is so clean and empty I feel the urge to paint again, so i just finished up these tiny ones.

Helliwell Walks, spring flowers

2011-06-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

"Helliwell Walks, Spring Flowers"

The photo doesnt show the deep colour of the frame, but gives an idea, I dont frame all my work because sometimes it doenst need it and taste in framing is so varied, but this particular painting is really enhanced by this frame I think. The vase is by Masoud Zadeh with whom I will be showing with this summer at our annual show on Hornby Island.

"For Us A Garden" and White Table

2011-06-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

"For Us a Garden", 24" x 48", and white table

I have had this old table for so many years, it has many layers of paint on it.

RED

2011-06-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

RED

The walls of my house are becoming bare as i pack my paintings for summer shows..this too will be packed up soon. The house feels kind of empty..

BUT just part of the creative process............

....allowing space be for the next wave of creativity whatever it may be

Greek concepts of Creativity

2011-05-31T16:26:00.000-07:00

Since my creativity seems to have stalled out..i leave you with this definition of creativity:
Greek concepts of Creativity

Notes from "Unleashing the Right Side of the Brain - the LARC Creativity Program" by Robert Williams and John Stockmyer

Around 500 BC, the Ancient Greeks believed they lived in a god-saturated universe, every rock and spring and mountain guarded by its nature spirit. They thought the inspiration for originality came from the gods and even invented heavenly creatures - the Muses - as supervisors of human creativity.

Socrates wrote that inspired thoughts originate with the gods, ideas coming not when a person is rational, but when someone is "beside himself", when "bereft of his senses. Since the gods take away reason before bestowing the gift of inspiration, "thinking" might actually prevent the reception of divinely inspired revelations.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The word "inspiration" is based on a Greek word meaning the God within.

Water Like Glass and wonderful workspaces

2011-05-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Water Like Glass, 12" x 12", oil on canvas

Sometimes in the evening when the water becomes very calm, it is much like glass or something other than water..silky and smooth, luminous and reflective.

I am busy going through my painting inventory to travel north, and am very pleased to (finally) have a great workspace, for the other aspect of my job. I've created a storage, varnishing, packaging, and shipping area in the basement with metal Ikea shelves for $16.00 which fold up into almost nothing and will come with me up north, and two Ikea tables for $40.00 ..(Ikea is great for studio furniture, cheap, light weight and it doenst matter if you get paint all over it. It makes such a difference to have the right work feng shui. (and if it wasnt so messy right now i would include a picture) maybe tommorrow..

Incoming Tide

2011-05-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

Incoming Tide, 15" x 45"

oil on canvas

Wish I was looking at this I mean actually standing on the sand on a day with such blue! Pretty greyish weather here in Portland still.

Blue Velvet and Which way do I go?

2011-05-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Blue Velvet, 12" x 36", dyptich

I realize the title of this painting is a name of a movie, but it really fit the painting! I was after that blurry soft velvety sky, and sea merge feeling.

and

Which way do I go?

We discovered this mossy covered delight on our walk in a beautiful rainforest park near Olympia. (I wish I could remember the name!)

Helliwell Wander

2011-05-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Wander, 15" x 45", oil on canvas

This is the third version of this view and colours and a new sized canvas i have never tried before..perfect for over the bed, couch etc. (I cant believe i am saying that!)

Cloud Play, waters Edge

2011-05-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

"Cloud Play, water's edge", 14" x 18"

oil on canvas

Blue From Here

2011-05-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Blue From Here, 12" x 24", oil on canvas

Though I am in Portland at the moment and painting from a photograph I know that Helliwell probably looks just like this painting today.!

Blue Barn and an old indian saying

2011-05-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Blue Barn, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

"If you want to see what your thoughts were like yesterday, look at your body today. If you want to see what your body will be like tomorrow, look at your thoughts today."

Clouds at Play 2

2011-05-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Clouds at Play, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

I always enjoy a frisky sky!

Something Blue

2011-05-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Something Blue, 18" x 36", oil on canvas

Helliwell Sweep and Filberg Poster

2011-05-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Sweep, 12" x 24", oil on canvas

and bloggers back!

Spring Camas, Helliwell

2011-05-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Spring Camas, Helliwell, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

The pretty blue/purple flowers in early spring are always something to look forward to and a signpost that winter is gone!

Helliwell Walks, Golden Green

2011-05-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Walks, Golden Greem, 30 x 30 ", oil on canvas

I was please with the clouds in this piece and the overall colour scheme so evocative of spring.

Golden Walks, Helliwell 2 and falling in love

2011-05-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Golden Walks, Helliwell 2, 24" x 30", oil on canvas

when you look at art – whether it is a landscape, a still life, an abstract or a portrait – there is strong activity in that part of the brain related to pleasure.

"We put people in a scanner and showed them a series of paintings every ten seconds. We then measured the change in blood flow in one part of the brain.

"The reaction was immediate. What we found was the increase in blood flow was in proportion to how much the painting was liked.

"The blood flow increased for a beautiful painting just as it increases when you look at somebody you love. It tells us art induces a feel good sensation direct to the brain."

.....the latest in scientific studies!

Helliwell Walks, Spring Flowers

2011-05-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Walks, Spring Flowers, 36" x 36", oil on canvas

2011-05-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Beach, White Light, 12" x 24", oil on canvas, SOLD

I love it when the tide is out and the clouds are light marshmallows, and it casts a clean, white light over all.

North Island, New Zealand, 2

2011-05-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

North Island, New Zealand, 2, 12" x 12", oil on canvas

I am supposed to be painting for my summer shows on Hornby and Vancouver Island, but had to paint this little piece. NZ has such lovely glimpses of the sea. This is taken from behind the town of Russell. I dont know what those fluff ball like flowers on long stems are called, but they are lovely to see, their long stems bending in the wind.

Golden Walks, Helliwell

2011-05-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

Golden Walks, Helliwell, 6" x 12", oil on canvas, SOLD

I have been going like gang busters in the studio...am slowlllllllllly getting tired. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

On Our Walks, Helliwell

2011-05-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

On Our Walks, Helliwell, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

I received an email from someone a few weeks ago asking about workshops, and while i get a few requests a year, I havent really known how or what exactly to teach, how to focus in, But the last few days while painting i have it all the details figured out! Sometimes timing is just everything, if one can just trust it.

Sea Blue, and painting diptychs

2011-05-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Sea Blue, 24" x 36", oil on canvas, diptych

I shall have to rephotograph this as it lacks the spark of the original. I have been asked in the past why i chose to do a painting in two panels? I think its because of the subject matter of the sea..it really just goes on and on..one could just keep adding panels. ! Also it sets up an interested formal problem and seems to suit simple compositions

Summer Tides, Whaling Station

2011-05-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Summer Tides, Whaling Station, 12" x 24", oil on canvas

I just realized its May 1st, two months until summer..though seems so far away as i am wearing a sweater and scarf today.

Helliwell Tidal Pool

2011-05-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Tidal Pool, 12" x 12". oil on canvas

The sun is finally out in full force today finally..! Always so much to do in the spring, shows and work for galleries to prepare for, though distracted by the sun.

North Island Light

2011-04-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

North Island Light, 12" x 12", oil on canvas

New Zealand is a light lovers dream. Dazzling light with a high gauze of cloud. Love it.

Helliwell Heaven and painting anxt

2011-04-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Heaven, 12" x 12", oil on canvas

Excuse the cheesy title..though Helliwell is a bit of heaven. I am in a happy painting mood these days, not sure what makes it so, sometimes painting is really just difficult and i wish to be doing anything else..but it always passes and I enjoy it again. I was listening to an interview with writer Margaret Drabble on the radio this past weekend, and she mention how much at times she really didnt like writing. I think people think because its "creative work" its always blissful..sometimes it is., just not always. And artists being artists, so up and down..it makes sense, why expect it to be all the same all the time?.

Flower Fields and Poetry

2011-04-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

Flower Fields, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

This piece is mostly done with a palette knife. I am finding it very "freeing" to paint this way.

and here is a line from Anais Nin I love and think apt for this slow spring, but for also for personal metamorphasis.

"and the day came when the risk to remain in a bud

was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"

Anais Nin

--

Faraway Blue

2011-04-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Faraway Blue, 12" x 36", oil on canvas

The Pacific Northwest truly has such lovely deep blues, (well when the weather is co-operating) We sailed the boat

on saturday, from Olympia, 'twas a gorgeous day, barefoot on the boat, and spent the night in Boston Harbour, where the weather turned to windy, wet and cold.

Budd Inlet

For Us A Garden

2011-04-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

For Us A Garden, 24" x 36", oil on canvas

These abstracts seem to be coming very easily..hmmm

And its fun to work with such bright colours. Kind of playful.

Wave Dance

2011-04-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Wave Dance, 24" x 48", oil on canvas

Heron Rocks, White Lupins

2011-04-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Heron Rocks, White Lupins, 24" x 3", oil on canvas

I used a combination of paint brushes, palette knife to slap on big swatches of paint and a shaper tool for stems and grass shapes.

Sanpiper Sunshine

2011-04-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

"Sandpiper Sunshine", 18" x 36", oil on canvas

Speaking of sunshine, today finally glorious sun! I love it late summer, this entrance to Sandpiper Beach.

Today Is The Day

2011-04-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today Is The Day, 36" x 36", mixed media/oil on canvas

More sky and water paintings.........

Sky Rapture

2011-04-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sky Rapture, 14" x 33", triptych, oil on canvas

Oh for some blue sky and fluffy white clouds!

The rain in Portland is relentless this week.

In the Center is Sunshine

2011-04-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

In The Center is Sunshine, 24" x 36", oil on canvas

Here is to always looking for a bit of sunshine!

Soft Summer Light

2011-04-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

"Soft Summer Light", 24" x 48", oil on canvas

I started this painting last spring, and have been starring at it for nearly a year, wondering what wasnt quite right about it, Today I think i got it!. Sometimes paintings are ahead of themselves and just take their own sweet time.

What Lies Ahead and Dreams Pass

2011-04-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

What Lies Ahead?", 6" x 6", oil on panel

The metaphor of pathways and wandering roadways is one that always puts me in a fine mood, i think of happy wandering hikes, travelling and new discoveries..which in my case is often the discovery of light and how it affects. This photo reference came from the Daily Painters Challenge.

Heres something from Anais Nin

"Dreams pass into the reality of action, from the action starts the dream again, and this interdependence produces the highest form of living"

Light my Day and Filberg Lodge

2011-04-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Light My Day, 40" x 40", oil on canvas

I am rather pleased with this painting, abstract but evoking the tide. Here is a picture of the Filberg Lodge where

I am guest artist this summer at the festival. I had a tour of it on my trip to BC., Truly a beautiful building and location, right on the water, and I look forward to hanging work in it. I get the WHOLE downstairs! (no pressure)

Wandering Road

2011-04-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Wandering Road, 6" x 6", oil on panel, $125.00

I did this painting in response to a challenge from the Daily Paintworks website, set up by Carol Marine. The challenge was in regards to "editing" and the landscape.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Challenge/56AAD6CE-3D9C-44E2-9A5D-D949A16212B0

Ice Cream Sky and photos from my trip

2011-04-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Ice Cream Sky, 12" x 12", oil on canvas

I am busy finishing up paintings left behind unfinished, its kind of like discovering food prepared in the fridge, just waiting to be made into something marvelous, well that is one way to look at it.

Olympic Peninsula

It was actually a horrible gloomy day, but a little photoshop and who could guess??! I may paint this.

Shack Island, Nanaimo

Another gloomy day, i didnt take many photos, as the weather so grey, and mostly the trip was too busy

"Helliwell, tender sky" poetry and painting

2011-04-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

"Helliwell, tender sky", 12" x 12", oil on canvas

"Spring seems shy, sky weeps for winters chill" Riley Moody

This piece of writing so aptly and poetically describes this slow reluctant approaching spring I thought to include it in my posting. I think its brilliant! Its by my partner, play mate, best pal, and inspiring wordsmith Riley.

I am home from a long and very complex journey and today the first day back at my easel.

One of my tasks was to take down my show at the Dales Gallery in Victoria. It was a great place to hang work, but in retrospect i took too many paintings and was a bit crowded,

Sky Muse

2011-03-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sky Muse, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

I reworked this piece a little, I think its much better, sometimes I jump the gun on finishing pieces. A big part of painting is to just sit and survey it for a while, often though there isnt time! time time time, what happened to March?? The prevfious abstract posting is certainly getting some attention..........hmmm. and this piece certainly wanders in and out of abstraction.

So Tell Me Something

2011-03-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

So Tell Me Something, 36" x 36", oil on canvas

This piece i did while working on the Neighbourhood show. I havent really done an abstract for a very long time and feel a bit like a dilettante, but I have to say it looks nice on the living room wall. I hope to rephotograph it in better light as this photo misses the depth of colour

Coastal Colour

2011-03-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Coastal Colour, 6" x 6 '. oil on panel, $125.00

If you examine the coastal bluffs, and rocks, you can find all manner of fascinating tiny plants and wildflowers. Its own miniature little ecosystem.

Sandpiper Invitation

2011-03-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sandpiper Invitation, 6" x 6", oil on panel

This is such a familiar view to me, and one of my favorites. Walking down Sandpiper Road hill towards the beach one can see the sea beckoning.But I cant tell which I prefer: the view most familiar OR the newly discovered?!

I suppose to have both. Really though its about seeing, one can look at the same thing, view, person day after day and suddendly see something else..nuanced, similar but not.

Helliwell Tree

2011-03-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Helliwell Tree, 6" x 6", oil on panel

My attempt in the painting was to capture the crisp clear clean light and colour on Helliwell at certain times. Its good for the spirit and i suspect a reason why so many people are so "hooked on Helliwell"

Yoga and painting

2011-03-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sellwood Yoga Studio and Paintings

Ever since discussing with owners of Sellwood Yoga putting paintings on their walls, I was excited. Their space is so full of beautiful natural light and walls painted harmonious colours, perfect for paintings of the sea. Hanging paintings on a coloured wall can really make them "pop"!

Closer To Home and Writing

2011-03-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

Closer to Home, 6" x 6", oil panel

Its been a few weeks since picking up a paint brush, between getting ready for my show, travelling and recovering from this hideous flu-virus! And so quite a long break from painting. This past show has been quite a departure in subject matter so it is with a sense of comfort that i return to the "tried and true", which for me is painting water, sand and sky:. seascapes. I think sometimes for the artist; for many reasons its a good thing to come back to what one has done many times before. (for one thing it keeps our delicate artists ego intact, we can feel reassured of doing something well, we know what we are doing) Another I think is to keep us grounded in the daily practise of just doing it. Learning to manage the balance between exploring new territory and sticking with the "same old" is an exersize in self-preservation. Shows and openings in a way are just an ending of one chapter, a period at the end of a sentence. and the rest afterward a time to wonder about whats next?

One of the things I did when I return was turn this desk around to face the outside, and started writing every morning, well so far anyway.

Writing Desk

Writing Desk still life

Photos of the Dales Gallery Art Show

2011-03-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Pond Painting on a brick wall.

Paintings all in a Row

More Paintings all in a Row

Me, myself and a painting and a ladder

Some artists

White Frames

2011-02-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Framed in White
I just received the rest of the paintings from the framer, here are just a few. I really like these, I like the fresh, clean feel, though being white, they are kind of high maintenance!

Snow on the Back porch, Georgia O'keefe arrangement

2011-02-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

Snow on the back porch, Georgia O'Keefe arrangement
I will be away for my show in Victoria for a week or so, paintings all framed, mostly boxed up, and i keep wandering in to my studio looking at the canvas's partially completed and left behind, awaiting my return. My head is full of painting ideas for the upcoming spring/summer. But for now a rest from painting is needed.

"Neighbourhood, AT the Heart of it, and what to wear to the opening!

2011-02-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

At the Heart of it, 11" x 14", oil on panel.
I have been tweaking, varnishing and rephotographing paintings and making sure they are presentable. I am not sure if i posted this piece, probably I have. Much like my clothing shopping experience yesterday when i realized i had an opening to go to and needed something to wear, as i have been more less wearing the same clothes for some months, all varying degrees of grubby, good for painting but NOT for the public. Twas a challenge indeed finding the right thing!. Artists live a strange life, most of the time buried in their studio and then a few times a year brush off the grit, brush their hair, find some shoes attractive but not necesarily comfortable to go to their openings.
The title of this piece refers to what seems to be the centre or the "heart" of the tree. But i dont know, do trees have centers?

Sunlit Sidewalk 2, and countdown!

2011-02-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

Sunlit Sidewalk 2, 16" x 16", oil on canvas
So the question is with the show in a few weeks, and February being an extra short month this year, will these paintings I am currently working on be dry in time for the show> ? I was kind of shocked when i looked at the calendar, 3 days makes a huge difference!..Oh well there are 25 paintings without the just finished and not quite finished.

Framing Conundrums and Hanging work at Sellwood Yoga Studio

2011-02-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

I decided to frame this year, normally i paint on wide profile canvas, but seems these smaller works demand frames. So I set about trying to figure out just the right frame for ALL of my work, turns out that is not so easy, not all frames suit all paintings, but I wanted them to be somewhat uniform. The larger seascapes we ended up with simple, metallic, but for the show at Dales Gallery, i chose white. Most of the show will be in White floater frames, not shown, as they are not yet ready. Anyway, i have been here and there, and all over trying to figure out the framing thing. Its hard to know exactly what they are going to look like until complete. And things look so different in the frame shop than at home..anyway, all my decisions are done for now!.

Later in March I will be hanging work at the beautiful yoga studio where i go to stretchhhhhhhhhh and relax. Its a visually beautiful space, lots of light and a wonderful turquoise wall I cant wait to hang one of these seascapes on. http://www.sellwoodyoga.com/

Located in Sellwood, Portland, OR.

This is a very simple floater which i think works, but on the larger pieces the floater will be a more substantial frame.

This is a warm light silvery neutral frame which enhances the overall lightness of the painting.

This piece was framed in kind of charcoal metallic..it brings out the depth in some of the waves.

These white ones I like but I the floaters are a bit more neutral and let the painting show itself, I thought these might kind of lead

the eye into the pathways.

I suppose framing is like painting, somewhat of a visual manipulation using colour, shape, etc.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Coral-Barclay-Art-Show-in-Victoria--BC.html?soid=1103981497073&aid=p02FMCNutgU

2011-02-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Coral-Barclay-Art-Show-in-Victoria--BC.html?soid=1103981497073&aid=p02FMCNutgU

Neighbourhood, Sunlit Sidewalk

2011-02-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Sunlit Sidewalk, 18" x 18", oil on canvas
This painting is about the shifting shapes of light on a sidewalk. I love to walk down a sidewalk in a particular light and watch what happens to the light as I catch up with it..Fascinating!

Neighbourhood, Mysteries of a Garden and "The Mind I Love", by Katherine Mansfield

2011-02-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Mysteries of a Garden, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

I think a good garden like a good painting, should have a sense of mystery, surprise, a beauty yet not so obvious, interesting juxtapositions, light and fabulous colour. The photo reference for this was a neighbours garden, I dont know whose. I felt kind of voyeuristic staring into gardens and yards with my camera. because it's the side gardens, not so much the showy front landscaping that interests me (hopefully no one noticed!) I suppose all artists are voyeuristic in some way.

I have always loved this poem and was thinking of it while painting this.

"The mind I love must have wild places, a tangled orchard where dark damsons drop in the heavy grass, an overgrown little wood, the chance of a snake or two, a pool that nobody's fathomed the depth of, and paths threaded with flowers planted by the mind."

— Katherine Mansfield

Dream With Me

2011-02-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dream With Me, 30" x 30", oil on canvas
I rephotographed this today ..such a difference.! I think this time of year between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm is the best time for good results.

The weather is so bright and sunny, its very distracting.

Dream With Me

2011-02-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Dream With Me, 30" x 30", oil on canvas
WoW! It was so windy while photographing my painting, i was worried it might fly away or do a faceplant. I think a rephoto session is in order as i took this a bit late in the day for this time of year. I have two more pond paintings to do for this series and then i think I will embark on some wild garden paintings, based on photos I took at my old place on Hornby Island, I had a bountious wildflower garden one year and after looking back over old photos think i might paint some.
On another topic entirely tonight is my first learning to sail class! I hope i can stay awake and that my brain still works.

For Us We Dream

2011-01-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

For Us We Dream, 24" x 30", oil on canvas
Ahhhhhh its Friday and painting is going well so i feel i can relax a bit and enjoy a visiting painter friend from Victoria and some social time. at least i think i can!? ! panic..can I?
I am really enjoying painting these ponds, seems i have found a type of short-hand for myself, maybe its because i have painted versions of them before.

Through the Tangle and Filberg Festival Guest Artist

2011-01-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Through the Tangle, 24" x 24", oil on canvas

The push is on for the next two weeks to finish paintings for my show in March..eek! and in other news I am pleased to be invited as a Guest Artist for the Filberg Festival in Comox, BC this summer. http://www.filbergfestival.com/. And so it is shaping up to be a busy year.!

Ponds Edge

2011-01-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

Ponds Edge, 24" x 24", oil on canvas
I did a series of ocean and wave paintings a few years ago, with "Edge" in the title. I was interested and i guess still am in that place where water bumps up against another "thing", sand, rocks, horizon, in the case of ponds: plants and flowers. The word "edge" though isnt quite right as it seems so rigid and of course water in nature is not in the least bit..AND so I am looking for another word to replace "edge", anyone?.

Pond, Reveal

2011-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Pond, Reveal, 24" x 36", oil on canvas
Today is so sunny and beautiful I couldnt decide whether to finish this painting or take all my paintings outside to re-photograph them. I opted to finish this piece. I am rather pleased with it if i do say so myself (!) Its an odd colour combo, but i like it.
I was wondering what to paint next, (explaining the title)..and so it just revealed itself!

Floater frames

2011-01-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

Floater Frames for panels FINALLY! Someone is finally making them!. The problem with all the frames i have seen for panels is that they have such a large lip which covers so much of the painting and when the paintings are so tiny its important!. Plus most of them are so fussy which doesnt really suit my work. These have a silver border and slightly distressed frame, dark but not flat black surface and not too fancy which I like, and most important 1/4 spacer between panel and frame. Plus they are affordable.
check him out at:
http://randyhigbeegallery.com/Randy_Higbee_Gallery/Home.html
I apologize again for my lousy photos
Either the light will return to the world here in the Northwest OR i will just have to go out and buy a camera. I have been reading about indoor photo set-ups ..just have to have to make a space.
And in the next day or so will have postings of new paintings. Been a strange week, and feel i have maxed out the Neighbourhood series, so have been wondering what would mix well with them and have come up with a combo of ponds/garden, etc. in keeping with spring colour.

Neighbourhood, Carpet of Blossoms

2011-01-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Carpet of Blossoms, 18" x 24", oil on canvas
I have been thinking and wondering how other artists react to deadlines? One of the pieces I was working on last week (not this one) I was so determined to finish it as I have a show coming up (eek!) all i could think of was completing the painting and I just worked it into the grave, rather than really consider the painting. Normally if i am having difficulty with a piece i just put it aside and kind of figure it out "casually", while sleeping, or just looking at it passing, when working on another. But that particular piece NO, i couldnt leave it alone., like a dog with a bone. And so I think reasonable deadlines are mostly beneficial, but sometimes NOT so much.

Neighbourhood, Pathways

2011-01-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Pathways, 24" x 24". oil on canvas
I wonder what is beyond that gate? Like following Alice in Wonderland.......down the rabbit hole!

There is an element of that in most of these Neighbourhood pieces i am beginning to notice. Not something i set about deliberately, just seeing what is happening. The magic of making of art and the discoveries that come about from painting is what keeps me hooked..

Neighbourhood, Boulevard

2011-01-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Boulevard, 14" x 18", oil on canvas
This piece was my first of the larger Neighbourhood paintings. It was probably the most complicated composition..Why i started with it i dont know..! I am wondering now, if it would be better without the big iris..any thoughts anyone?

Neighbourhood, White Picket Fence 2

2011-01-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, White Picket Fence 2, 11" x 14", oil on canvas
This is the second painting of this composition. The first one was teeny..always a different bunch of things to work on with a size shift. The overall colour is much cooler in this one. Its kind of fun painting spring just a few months ahead of it, the paintings reflect whats around the corner and in my memory..meanwhile a dull Portland grey casting a pall outside at the moment.
I have outfitted my painting kit with an air purifyer, fans, gloves and now a respirator ( l look pretty strange in my painting get-up, but i find the fumes so hard on the lungs and had a long, drawn cold this fall, so better "safe than (sick)"

At the Heart of It

2011-01-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

At the Heart of It, 11" x 14", oil on raised panel
I posted an earlier version of this when i just started this series, but it was lacking something which i could only figure out by painting other paintings. I dont know why that is, but i need to work on a whole pile of stuff..LOTS at the same time to come up with solutions: i find that with excersize as well, need to come at it from different perspectives, I suppose that is just a style thing, or maybe a very bad case of ADHD..Some artists spend 3 months or more working only on one painting at a time.

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk Garden

2011-01-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk Garden, 14" x 18", oil on canvas
I have a sign on my studio that says "KEEP IT LOOSE" reminding me not to get all tight and overworked. This piece i feel i was successful in following my own orders. (what is the magic trick I wonder?) ..i think i will label it "loosely precise". Its the elusive thing that keeps me hooked on painting, (well among others)
I was going to keep this blog for my mini paintings, but they have kind of gone by the wayside as i am rather under the gun with upcoming show. But am painting fast, so its almost like daily painting.

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk

2011-01-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk Garden, 11" x 14", oil on canvas
I am finding in these; the sidewalks themselves are as interesting as the surrounding gardens. Who knew there could be so much colour, variation in something so ordinary?, i guess that might be some of what an artists does, to bring attention to that otherwise unoticed.

Neighbourhood, Yellow Door 2

2010-12-31T12:57:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Yellow Door 2, 11" x 14", oil on canvas
This is a larger version of a mini yellow door. Interesting to do in different size, its not simply a matter of enlarging but encountering and solving a whole bunch of other "problems"... I have been pondering the size thing a lot for this body of work, and am finding it seems to work well with the subject matter to work smaller than i have in the past. Maybe something to do with the more close-up compositions. I like really zeroing in on a "tight" composition, somehow creates an interesting tension. Well off to the boat for new years! shall be a crispy, chilly one, time to dig out the long underwear, i think i dislike being cold more than anything i can think of. Happy New Years to all! And Happy Painting to my fellow painters.

Neighbourhood, Iris Garden 2

2010-12-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Iris Garden 2, 11" x 14" oil on canvas
Ahhhhh back to the easel after a holiday break from painting, and a trip north to visit family and friends. Thinking about the balance between doing the same thing everyday with the intention of improvement, like in the case of daily painters who paint and post everyday, and how while it seems like a good idea, i notice that whenever i take a break and come back to it, my painting somehow benefits. It seems the same with other things, ie" a daily excersize routine, when does something good for you becomes in need of a "refresher"?, a new approach, something added or changed.? What is the difference between habit and skill I wonder? With painting, and maybe other things in life, good habits are a good foundation but must be examined regularly. well so much for thoughtful musings..the weather beckons! sunshine!

Neighbourhood, Fallen Blossoms

2010-12-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Fallen Blossoms, 24" x 20", oil on canvas
My mini paintings have fallen by the wayside temporarily, as i had two larger pieces to complete before taking some time off for Holidays! This new series, featuring sidewalks, boulevards, gardens and trees will be in my upcoming show at Dales Gallery in Victoria BC, in March. I will also be including some larger sea & sky scapes. And so i think the luscious colour and blossoms will be a nice intro to spring! Check out Dales Gallery at http://www.dalesgallery.ca/

Neighbourhood, Hedge

2010-12-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Hedge, 5" x 7", oil on panel, $100.00 + 10 s/h
I remember attempting this subject matter 20 years or so ago. I wandered around Vancouver taking photos (pre-digital) and (pre-photoshop) of hedges, and houses, and gates etc. And so its not entirely new to me, but resurfacing many years later. Not sure why entirely, i think i just like the juxtoposition of natural and architectural form, and by such tight cropping really focusing in, neither taking prominence.

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk Garden

2010-12-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Sidewalk Garden, 5" x 7", oil on panel, $100.00 + 10 s/h

Neighbourhood, Yellow Door

2010-12-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Yellow Door, 5" x 7", oil on panel, $100.00 + 10 s/h
Have begun a larger series of Neighbourhoods as they are emerging from the mini paintings as a bit of a series, besides i love the play of architectural forms in the doors and windows against the natural tree shape. Plus its amazing the front doors that match the trees!

Neighbourhood, Fallen Blossoms

2010-12-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Neighbourhood, Fallen Blossoms, 5" x 7", oil on panel. $100.00 + $10.00 s/h

The best walk with a camera involves chance of good light and a wandering walkway that sets up a sense of mystery or story, a wondering "whats to come", whether its a wilderness walk or a quick dash around the neighbourhood to the store. I love the way Portland gardeners extend their gardens out to the sidewalks.

..on another note if anyone out there in blogger land can enlighten me on how to install a paypal button on my blog postings i would be mighty grateful.?! (so challenged sometimes)
and on note number 3..what about this fabulous winter weather? love it.