Art Log

I am delighted to be an artist at one of the homes on the sold out Naramata Garden Tour this year. Naramata is a little jewel of a village, north of Penticton, perched on a cliff high above Okanagan Lake, a place of vineyards, trails for hiking and biking and breathtaking views.

If you are planning to be in the Okanagan this summer, Naramata is a special place to visit and even stay.

To learn about new works and events please click on the following link https://PocketDesertPainter.com/newsletter

It's the most wonderful time of the year, so the lyrics go and that is surely the case here in the Okanagan Valley, especially for artists and tourists alike.  If you are visiting the Okanagan or having guests this summer please invite them to Picture This! Gallery in Penticton for some fresh viewing of art work.   

Tues - Fri 10 - 5 Sat 10 - 1pm 133 Westminster Ave W, Penticton.  

This is a sample of my work to be found at Picture This! in Penticton.

To be the first to learn about new works and events please click on the following link https://PocketDesertPainter.com/newsletter

Choosing a subject I want to paint is never difficult for me, I recognize it instantly. Something like love at first sight, I am drawn to an image. And then comes the delivery of the image, making it my own, using the techniques I've learned I attempt to approximate the idea I have in mind, not just copying a photo. But for me, finding the title, matching title to image can be elusive. For every painting I have a working title, in this case 'Frisson' meaning a thrill, used as "I felt a frisson of excitement when I looked at Monet's landscape" or "a frisson of excitement when the orchestra began"  but I must discover the title in the end and, in this case, I found it when I put on a CD of Nina Simone's and when it came to 'I Put a Spell on You' I grew undecided.  In the end it's 'Frisson'. 

Oil on canvas, 20 X 16" prepared to the highest standards. Unframed.  Contact me if you are interested.

Finished at last! The most delicate of pink peony petals slowly unfold to reveal the blazing fuchsia centre with its burnt orange and yellow stamens. To me, it is amazing how structured a peony is while developing the softest almost pleated petals. Inside is always a surprise and this one doesn't disappoint. This painting brought out all my perfectionist qualities, not letting go of the paintbrush until I was satisfied.

In keeping with my series of paintings with song titles, 'I'm Yours' is a title that has been used more in more than one version, from Billie Holiday to the current version by Jason Mraz.

20 X 20 X 3/4" oil on canvas. Unframed. Shipping just a little extra.  Contact me if you're interested.

To learn about new works and events please click on the following link https://PocketDesertPainter.com/newsletter

 I was nearing the finish line on this gorgeous peony with its striking shifts of pink and fuchsia and deep shadows when what should play on my music station?  'Unchained Melody' the song the Righteous Brothers made famous.  With Bobby Hatfield hitting the high notes, delivering vibrato with ease, it seems to be the perfect title for this beauty.  If you don't know 'Unchained Melody' play in on Youtube, the solo version.  I hope you love this painting as much as I do.

Oil on 16 X 20", 3/4" deep canvas, framed in a 1" black frame.  Shipping a little extra.

Please send this along to a friend who might like the painting.

Painting a white flower has always been a goal I wanted to achieve. But doing so is an elusive task.The under-petals have distinct shadows of their own and the white I sought to paint hardly exists as the petals reflect every surrounding hue.The petals of a peony riot with the slightest movement. And while I've signed the piece, I am keeping that brush handy for a last minute flourish.

'Love Me Tender' 24 X 24 X 3/4" oil on canvas.  

If you know someone who might be interested in this piece, please forward this to them.  

Please send me your thoughts on this painting please, I'm somewhat isolated by Covid and the cold weather.

It was a snowy day, the flakes cascading down, as I listened to Frank Sinatra classics while in the final stages of this painting, trying to decide on a title. A new tune played and instantly I knew, 'The Way You Look Tonight'. Doesn't  this flower resemble a woman swirling in a pink satin and chiffon gown?  

This was so much fun to paint and watch the form emerge from brushstrokes onto the canvas.It makes me want to run my palms over the petals.  A lovely present for someone or yourself . . .

16 X 20 oil on MDF. This will be framed in white. Contact me for pricing.

I turned to Youtube and was listening to a variety of singers and then Nat King Cole came on singing with Natalie.  I put the brush down to listen to 'Unforgettable' their duet- it was then thatI had my title for this rose painting. I feel the same way about that lush sound as I do about roses.  Aren't roses the loveliest of flowers? I just completed this--I haven't even signed it--but I love the complexity of colours in this type of rose, the way the petals billow, crest and fall. The sun spotlights the centre, holding our attention until we move through the petals, some with warm cast shadows, others cool, some backlit from the sun. Such fun to paint and watch the form and volume emerge.  I almost get the scent, looking at it.

I haven't even pulled it over stretcher bars or framed it yet but I wanted to get it out to you for your viewing pleasure.

I painted this during a Realistic Floral Painting with Ciel Ellis, gaining a lot of knowledge about technique, colour and oils.

11" X 17", will be framed soon. I hope you find this one 'Unforgettable'.

Here's my 3 submissions for the annual Under $500 Show at the Penticton Art Gallery, a fundraiser for the gallery held each year. Each of these paintings is valued at $100 or under with 35% of each sale going to the gallery. A great way to buy a small original to brighten up a corner of your room and a generous way to aid the gallery.  On to the end of December for your viewing and purchasing pleasure!

The ART GALLERY Osoyoos is opening its doors to a new show, starting October 7th which runs till October 30 from 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.  Focusing on small paintings, but large paintings are included as well, there is something that is just right for you to brighten your life.

I have several small paintings from my floral collection in this show.  Please visit.  I will be in the gallery 12 to 4 on October 8th and 19th if you would like to drop in and get a tour.