A Commission, An Opening and a Collaboration

Much variety in activity in the past couple of months. I worked through a commission of a little British girl that was a bit challenging; I had a reference photo that the family supplied me with that was wanting. I have decided that in future commissions I'll have to insist on physically meeting with the subject and drawing/painting from life or at least gathering my own photo references so I can control the light and arrange the composition. If the artist is restricted to a particular photo he/she misses out on the nuances that describe the subjects individuality. Lesson learned and ultimately I was able to provide a painting that the client was happy with.  

I am enjoying being part of the Tumbleweed Gallery in Penticton. Its a great group of artists and it is a pleasure to get out of my studio and be involved in something larger than myself. We had an opening last weekend that was a great success. The weather was cold but the public was tenacious and several hundred people braved our northern climate to take in all new art. Sales were good and new friendships were cultivated. I decided to present a winter theme so I framed a little group of my snowscapes that haven't been shown before. I have learned much about painting outdoors in the winter and this selection are the latest versions of that subject. Thanks to Susan for having the foresight to photograph them.

On another front I am working on an exciting project that is a cooperative venture between the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services and the Penticton Art Gallery. A group of artists and a group of new Canadians are individually paired up. Each artist interviews the newcomers and creates a piece that is inspired by the story of their new friend(s). Pretty cool. I have met my people, a lovely young couple from Slovakia and am noodling some ideas. I will post my completed piece someday soon. It should be a very interesting exhibition.

Well, you can see that there is plenty of opportunities to stimulate my creative impulse. If you would like to see more new work come on out for a studio visit. Please call ahead 250-494-7892.

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