Workshop with Andrew McDermott

 Its been a while since I used my pastels and what a treat it was to attend this last minute.  Andrew challenged us with complicated photos and interesting techniques.  Following along his demo everyone had a successful workshop. 

Voice and Vision presentation 2025

Voice and Vision; a collaboration of writers and artists. This years 10th anniversary at the new Inspire Library in Airdrie presentation.  This year I was partnered with Sharon. 

Here is the artwork and response to the piece we presented:

The writing: entitled "Blue" by Sharon

The response entitled "Transformation" by Tami Transformative- when I wear blue…

The story of a gramma who dressed one young girl in brown to match her hazel eyes and her sister in blue to match hers. Feeling dowdy in brown growing up the woman in this portrait discovers that freedom to choose is transforming; now she never hesitates to wear blue. The portrait is of woman, wearing a distinguishable blue blouse. She is absolutely glowing, confident and present; the look of strength.I hope to focus on the eyes without just painting a picture of eyes. I considered painting a close up of outstanding hazel blue eyes with realistic refections, but the story is about a woman and her demure. Her positive presence. I want to portray the natural beauty ofher both literally (as you see it) and figuratively (how she feels about herself). 

I hope you all see the beauty in yourself.

Workshop with Gene Propkov

 On Sept 19 & 20 The FCA hosted a workshop with Gene Propkov from Edmonton, Here is my iris

He was very organized and provided all the media we needed for the workshop.  I prefer a photo and he provided one to each participant plus a copy of the painted artwork so members could see how he created the flat  painting, an easier way for some to use.  Gene did a demo the project in stages so students had a fresh memory of painting in the parts.  Everyones painting was amazing. It was a great subject and easy for all to follow along.   Here is the instructor working on the demo. 

10th Year for Voice and Vision Collaboration

This year there are 23 voice and visionaries for the Voice and Vision Group directed By Debrah Lawton. 

It is a wonderful opportunity for artists and writers to work together in producing a book that showcases writings paired with arwork.   The book consists of 2 parts; a writers reponse and visual response. The pieces include story writing, poetry and musings: the visual artwork is a in variety of mediums and sizes including 3D pieces. 

I began my journey in 2022 with this fun creative group of artists;

First paired with Jen Atkin in 2022; I submitted my painting entitled "Preserved" and Jen's poem entitled "Ephemera". She submitted the poem "Home Shore" and I responded with a painting with the same name; Home shore 

Margaret Hanna in 2023: I submitted my painting entitled "Sunshine on My Shoulders" and Margaret's poem entitled "The Dancer". She submitted the poem "The Tree" and I responded with a painting entitled "Imagination Grove"

 Lorraine Jensen in 2024: I submitted my painting entitled "Puddles" and her poem entitled "A playground of Seasons". She submitted the poem "The Creek" and I responded with a painting entitled "Nature's playground II"  

Sharon Christie in 2025. My painting is  entitled "Finishing Touches" 

The figure is a young child, wearing a princess dress and glass slippers. She has a lipstick smudge on her face and is placing a crown upon her head. There is the outline of the castle in the background.This young girl is ready to rule the world with her grown up attitude and her vibrancy reflected in her bright costume. This is a study of my granddaughter who has never looked back. Her life dreams a reality as she conquers her fears and forges ahead compelling others to take notice of her accomplishments. Her success in life a reflection of her positive attitude and competitive nature. Her childhood now left behind, but with the success of a heart warming princess.

I can't wait to see Sharon's response piece. And her submission to me for my response.

The Gala will be Held in the NEW Public Library in Airdrie October 25th 

at the new library INSPIRE Building! You are invited to attend.  

Award Winning AIMAE Artwork Federation of Canadian Artists

 I was super pleased to have received recognition for my artwork entitled "I'm Not Dizzy Yet" You can find this artwork at The International Mail-In Exhibition to get more information on my Honourable mention Painting

Home - Federation Gallery

AIMAE Vancouver

I am excited to be showing artwork in Vancouver at the AIMAE. The paintings are all 8x10 and I love participating in this yearly.  

Click the link to the exhibition and let me know what you think of my special artwork.  It showcases colour and form and someone who I love dearly.  I will post the artwork later this week. 

 https://federationgallery.com/exhibit/2025_aimae/3974

Ronald MacDonald House Expansion and Renovation Grand Opening May 22, 2025

 I am honoured to have been chosen by the art coordinator Joshua to paint the picture of a family walking over to the Children's Hospital from the Ronald MacDonald House.  It was a wonderful celebration with touching stories from guest speakers.  Over 400 people showed up for the outdoor event and the tours of the new Ronald MacDonald House.  

In the painting are the requested items The transportation Van with the childrens vinyl print on it and the Sloth, a symbolic creature in the story of the children's hospital recovery. A wheelchair and a family on their way form the viewpoint of the Ronald MacDonald house. 

The calgary sketch club show and sale October 2024

 Well Another demonstration for me, I choose a simple still life fall themed set up. This is the one I have chosen for my brushstrokes class on Tuesday

David Goatley worksho

David does a demo of each of the models , there was a black and white day, and a one day then a comprehensive three day

 

Voice and Vision Gala at th Airdrie Public Library

Voice and Vision Collaboration 2024

The 9th annual Voice and Vision Collaboration (VVC) pairs 14 artists and 14 writers from Airdrie and the surrounding area for a unique creative challenge. Writers begin the project with a prose or poetry piece, in any genre or style, with a 250 word limit. Artists begin the project with a piece no larger than 20" x 20", but otherwise without restriction as to medium or form. From there, partners are randomly chosen, and each participant creates a new work based on their partner's initial piece.

The end of the project will be celebrated with the VVC 2024 Show Opening on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 6pm to 9pm at the Airdrie Public Library. This is the public's opportunity to see the artwork displayed for the first time, hear the written pieces in the author's own voice, and interact with this year's participants. Launching the same night is this year's project book, which showcases all the artwork, written pieces, and collaborator information. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please note, all pieces from the project will be on display during the month of October at the Airdrie Public Library and on the library's website.

RSVP to attend the celebration

https://www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca/Events/Fall-1-2024/Adult/Voice-and-Vision-An-evening-of-writing-and-art?id=1726963200-665847

Sunshine and Happiness

 This little painting will be in the 2024 Small Exhibition in Vancouver

 

Whats on the Easel

 A recent Commission

Fedderation of Canadian Artist AIMAE Show grandville Island

Here are the two Art pieces I submitted for the FCA Mail - In Art Show  

And here is the link to the entire show:

https://federationgallery.com/exhibit/2024_annual_international_mail_in_art_exhibition/3738

Studies

Here are some studies I have been creating to help my students in Brushstrokes:

In this study of red I was showing the students that the red scarf was lightened with yellow, In the tulip study we used white and we have various shades of pink tulips. With the bow we have black and white and yellow.

ArtShow and Sale Calgary Sketch Club Dalhousie

 

Show at Kraft Law in Airdrie.

 And here are the artists showing their artworks at the Kraft Law & Co. in Airdrie. Here we are at the gala. Thank you Shawn Kraft for displaying our art in your business. 

The Arch at Cabo San Lucas

Painting of the arch at Cabo San Lucas 

 

Art Exhibition and Sale FCA until Dec 2nd 2023

Hosted by the Federation of Canadian Artists; members have their artworks on display at C- Space in Calgary until Saturday December 2 when I will be down there, please stop in to see the beautiful artworks and visit with me. 

Look for this artwork; entitled Winter Schminter - Take me to the Beach!

Calgary sketch and painting club Show and Sale November 2023

Recently The Sketch and Painting Club held the show and sale at Dalhousie

Here is a photo of me painting the oil demonstration. 

Calgary sketch club critique

 On Nov 23 Karen richter critiqued the members artwork. 

Here she is discussing my painting 

Working on a painting for Smittys

 What’s on the easel? 

Brushstrokes Classes are Full but visit : FLC Seniors.ca

Welcome Back! Fall Classes begin next week and I can't wait to meet with all the students. 

Reminder classes start at  9:30 a.m. and this year each artist will be setting up and taking down their own tables and chairs, so come early. 

Hope everyone had a wonderful summer as we head back into the classroom to create our new artworks. Bring your paints and photographs, your smiles, your stories, and your desire to paint. I am excited to be back as your instructor and have many new ideas for you this year. I know I really push all of you and I appreciate that you are all willing to learn and and grow in your painting knowledge.  My plan is for longer opportunities to paint the same picture (these 3 hour class projects left us with many unfinished artworks) I recommend you bring something you would like to work on (remember you can paint your studies from anything like magazines, internet or books except if you are selling that artwork) 

We will be exploring still-life, urban, figurative, portrait, animal,  landscape and whatever your heart desires. We will challenge our selves and become better at understanding the processes of creating our masterpieces. 

What’s on the easel??

 With two shows coming up here is something I’m working on. This was the sea horse ornament on the vessel in Venice.  

 

AIMAE ArtWorks Federation of Canadian Artists

 These are the 10x8 pieces I have in the Vancouver show on Grandville Island 

Be sure to check it out only on til July 23rd 

Ocean of Joy 

SOLD Thank You

Insignia

Federation of Canadian Artists AIMAE

 Check out my submissions AT FCA's Vancouver's Gallery on Grandville island for the International Mail-in Exhibition

Voice & Vision Gala

June 14th Voice and Vision Participants

 who displayed their art at GPK LAW were treated to a gala at the office. 

We were able to meet the staff and the clients.  

Voice and Vision Progress

Getting there...

 Whats on the easel??

This compilation from the story Is what I have been working on, Not quite finished here...

Linear Thinking AbD Workshop with Michael Shemchuk

Working on cradle boards and painting with limited colours I created 8 abstract works, I will be completing these over the next few weeks.

 

Voice And Vision

Voice and Vision had begun. I have been Paired with Margaret. The first installation of artwork I submitted was the following. I love the story I have been given which involves dreaming, playfulness and children.  I will begin the painting for voice and vision later this month. 

  

Calgary Sketch Club

 Calgary Sketch Club has a new Name : The Calgary Sketch and Painting Club, Recently we had a show and sale 

Here are the works I submitted I submitted to the FCA but brought them to the CSC Art show instead.