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