Fun paintings at the Christmas Store

 I hope to create more of these fun pieces in the future!  I chose interesting photos of food that I like and think others might like too.  You can see them at the Saugeen Artists Guild pop-up Christmas Store in Hanover which is open until December 23 2023.  They are 8 x 8 inches each.  And mouth-watering! 

The Best Use for Cherries
acrylic
8 x 8

The Best Use for Chocolate Chips
acrylic
8 x 8

The Best Use for Potatoes
acrylic
8 x 8

The Saugeen Artists' Christmas Store is open!

 For two months this pop-up store gives folks near and far an opportunity to purchase unique, handmade items.  Our inventory includes paintings, of course, but also woodworking, jewelry, leather pieces, pottery, ornaments, purses, and lots of cards!  In November we're open from  Wednesday to Saturday, and in December you can visit every day of the week.  Hours are 10:00 to 5:00 except for Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00.  Come and meet the artists on duty!

  Here is what our store looks like this year:

A different style for me........

 At my August course in London with Cheryl O Art, I did some fun experimenting with a new style!  These are two that came out of that course, which are quite unusual for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed working on something new.   They are a stylized and abstracted view of landscapes, with bright and sometimes unusual colours.  These are now on display at the Saugeen Artists Guild's Christmas pop-up store, which "materializes" in Hanover every year, after a long busy week setting it up, and runs from November 3 until December 23.  There are 20 artists with varied products, all unique and handmade.  You can find us (and many of my paintings) at 189 10th St. Hanover.  

"Queen Annes' Country"
acrylic
12 x 16

"Farther In"
acrylic
12 x 16

A Simple Life..........

.....is the title of this painting, which was such a delight to work on. I love adding little buildings with their tiny windows and slanted slightly wonky roofs.   I chose this image from a website that gives free images to artists, and when I looked further, it turned out to be an authentic pioneer village in the U.S.   No wonder I liked it!

The Simple Life
acrylic
18 x 24

Cedar Path

After spending time at Loyola House, the Christian Retreat Centre where I love to spend time when I can, I had a few great photo references.  This painting is from a photo I took on a walk through the cedar bush along the river.  Just at the end of this path is a large, green, sunny open field.  It's an analogy of leaving the darkness and coming into the light.  I love to paint scenes that remind me of a special time or a meaningful reflection.  

"Cedar Path"
acrylic
16 x 24

Summer is for flowers........

 Of course I had to paint some flowers this summer!  It's such a joy for me to set out my hanging baskets and deck planters and try to tame my wild gardens around my farm home.  That labour of love is very similar to painting the scene on a canvas!  I picked these two beauties to paint, on 12 by 12 gallery canvases. 

"White Tulips" was painted from a lovely bouquet a friend of mine gave me early in the summer.  I just loved the way these tulips gradually leaned over and pointed towards me.  

"White Tulips"
acrylic
12 x 12

This geranium was in a basket that has hung near my front porch where I see it as I drive up the lane.  The colour takes my breath away!  To capture that orangey-red in a painting is not easy, but I think I achieved it this time.  

"Summer Colour"
acrylic
12 x 12

Feeling nostalgic.......

 My latest paintings definitely look into the past, which seems to be a theme on my canvases lately.  

My newest one is of a curious building in Cargill, Ontario.  Apparently it was a general store once, but has long been abandoned, leaving the old crocks and mason jars on display in the windows.  I had fun painting it in a wonky style.  Across from this structure is The Mill Pond Gallery, a beautiful and inspiring art gallery, where this painting is now hanging.  It also includes a great Café, and ice cream stand.  Here is a short video of an interview with Kevin McKague, the owner of this quaint spot.   I highly recommend it as an art experience for locals as well as tourists this summer.

"Cargill Curio"
acrylic
18 by 24

Paintings # 6 and 7 of 2023......

"Tenacity" is from a photo of our barn window. The name comes from the way the berries seem to hold onto the vine tenaciously right through the fall season, and maybe even into winter. I hope I will be that tenacious as the seasons of life demand it!

Tenacity
acrylic
16 x 20

"Redeemed" is from a photo I took at an antique store a couple of years ago, and has been waiting for me to paint it.  It was a challenge to draw!  But fun to paint.  There was such an amazing shadow there.  I added the SOLD sign myself.  The name Redeemed reflects the way I have also been claimed, just as I am with all of my rusty spots and imperfections........ by the Lord Jesus, for eternal life with Him!

Redeemed
acrylic
20 x 20

Both of these paintings are hanging at the Southampton Arts Centre.

Paintings Number 4 and 5 of 2023..........

 ...............Number 4 is "Just Around the Corner".  If that chicken could dream, what might it hope for?  

"Just Around the Corner"
acrylic
28 x 22

.............Number 5 is "The Master's Voice".  Sheep are so much fun to paint!  They have unique personalities.  I love the way they're streaming out of the barn into the sunshine, ready to follow their leader, their Shepherd. 

These paintings are now hanging at the Southampton Arts Centre.

"The Master's Voice"
acrylic
34 x 21

Back to the Country.......

 I do love painting barns and country scenes!  Painting number 3 (of 2023) is called "In Green Pastures", because it reminds me of Psalm 23, "He makes me lie down in green pastures".   This scene is so peaceful, as if the farmer is inside having a meal or possibly a nap, since the tractor is quiet and waiting.  The sheep are happily grazing, protected by the fences and knowing their shepherd/farmer is looking after them.   I am a sheep who looks to the Shepherd.  

"In Green Pastures"
acrylic
12 x 36

Changing Seasons

 While staring at my latest paintings and deciding which to post after a long stretch of not posting at all........  two popped out at me because they pointed out the change of the seasons in our little corner of the world.  While I may not particularly favour winter over the others, it does provide a contrast to the pleasure I feel during the other three!  

The first one, "Harmony", is from a photo of a bouquet I had on my table in the fall.  The two flowers are so different in colour, size, and form, yet they go together harmoniously, in a way that we as a society can learn from!  Their differences serve to highlight the beauty of each one.  Such a good lesson, all from a bouquet in the fall.

"Harmony"
acrylic
16 x 12

The second, "Resilience", is also from a photo of my own, taken while on a walk through our bush midwinter.  The leaves of some trees, like this beech, actually can survive the autumn winds and the deep freeze of winter.  They cling to the tree branch for dear life, allowing the snow to pile up on them in interesting and varied shapes.  I hope by the grace of God to have the same resilience no matter what I face! 

"Resilience"
acrylic
24 x 16