Art Log

I have very happy memories of visiting my father who took up gardening and bread-making after a lifetime of  a demanding career  In late summer free from the cares of the work-world he would take me out to the tomato patch and let me choose a few ripe ones, and then he'd slice his cooling home-made bread, a tomato and then slather on the mayonnaise, before dashing on the salt and pepper.  Nothing, and I mean nothing,  could taste better than freshly-picked tomatoes on warm homemade bread.  Dad would stand by proudly as I enjoyed the snack like none other.  Now the only problem is which to choose. 

Either 8 X 10 X 1.5" (landscape style) or 10 X 8 X 1.5" (portrait style) acrylic on wood cradle board prepared to the highest standards. 

As these images are painted on deep cradle board, there is no need for framing. For more information, see my website gallery for Tomato(es) on the Vine 5, 6 and 7 or look under 'Fruits and Vegetables'. 

I am thrilled to be joining Picture This! Custom Framing and Gallery in Penticton as of November 1st.  Additionally, more great news!  This is an open invitation for you to visit me at Picture This Framing and Gallery for the free Art Walk on Thursday, November 23rd from 5 to 8.  Visitors can stroll from gallery to gallery and view the art.  Bring your friends.  I look forward to seeing you then.

Everything is ripening here in Osoyoos as the warmth of the summer season ends and the crispness of fall steps in.  There is so much drama in the appearance of a sunflower that I've named these two from the top left, 'Leading Lady' and 'Curtain Call', (light wood frame, acrylic on 8 X 10" canvas board). 

I can't stop painting these 8 X 8" botanicals--this one Tomato on the Vine 4, part of the series.  But I must stop as there are plums and plumcots and Asian pears, Honeycrisp apples ripening and I must capture their bloom with my brush.

I came upon this little sunflower in a local organic apple orchard where I had been graciously invited to pick blackberries.    Sunflowers tower above the espaliered apples, bees buzz and swallows swoop at the orchard high on the hill with views of Osoyoos Lake far below.  A blissful place.

 Part of a new sunflower series.  Acrylic on 8 square inch deep cradle board, $120.00, shipping extra.

A few years ago I noticed this yellow canoe drifting in Vaseux Lake, north of Oliver, BC. on the side of Highway 97.  Just a canoe, no oars, no rope, and it hadn't been tied up or dragged ashore.  The image has stayed with me ever since.

Acrylic on 18" X 36" X 1 1/2" exhibition canvas, ready to hang.  As you can see on the right, the sides are painted.  Please contact me if you're interested.

FRESH TOMATOES YOU PICK. A roadside sign near Penticton advertising a small, local gallery stated, "Fresh Art You Pick." A nostalgic reference to the roadside signs of years ago that rhymed that made me smile.

These 8 X 10" acrylics on one inch cradle board will stay fresh throughout the seasons. $100.00 each.

Take a bunch home!

I am so pleased to have my painting 'Little Greek Boats' chosen to show at the Art Show and Vine Dining for this extraordinary event at the Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery Barn on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Please read the poster for information about the dining event and the plein air painting and vineyard art walk. Tickets for these events sell out fast so book now if you're considering taking part. Book online at 222.liquiditywines.com or phone 778 515-5500.

Is it Done?

When to stop? That's always the question for me. When I taught, one of my third grade students asked, "How do you know when it's finished?" He's an animator now and I'm sure he could better answer his own question now than I did then.

But starting isn't easy either. Several years ago I brought home these Spartans from the local fruit co-op and placed a few on a bandana napkin I've had for over 40 years, one of those old, soft fabrics that are no longer crisp nor bright. I liked the looks of the apples on the print but at that time I found the whole project overwhelming to draw and paint. This year I set myself the task, drawing the design over 3 days, but as I approach the end of a painting--especially a large painting such as this 30" square--I start to wonder about the overall look as well as the details: the brightness of the background competing with the subject, the sufficiency of the

depth of shadows, the chroma of the apples and the highlights. What are your ideas? Is it done? Please answer on my blog page.

Put this on your calendar. Starting this Saturday, May 20th the ART Gallery Osoyoos will exhibit works from local painters, potters, quilters, jewellery designers, glass makers, photographers and more. As soon as works are purchased, artists will replenish, so come often.

If you're planning a trip through the Okanagan Valley, make sure that the Art Gallery Osoyoos' Summer Artisan Market is on your must do list.

May 20th to June 29 12 to 4 p.m.
June 30 to Sept 4 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.