Hot Off the Palette

Here is the third in my series of paintings depicting seashells and sea creatures. This particular starfish was seen having a beach day at Qualicum Beach.

The next two images "Scalloped Edges" and "I found a dollar on the Beach" were both painted earlier this year.

They are all beautiful little paintings on stretched canvas that measure 5 x 7" and make a wonderful grouping.

But I don't think the series is finished yet! Today I am having a "Beach Day". Who knows what I may discover out there!

Till Next Time ...

Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.

Susan

Hot Off the Palette

As you may know from reading my last blog, we drove out to Saskatchewan in June and on the way back took the southern route through Lethbridge and Hwy. # 3. I love that drive, as it is so pretty, less traffic and very rustic with many deserted old sheds and barns along the way. It also reminds me a lot of the Qu'Appelle Valley with it's rolling hills.

After saying good bye to my Uncle and cousins, Jeff, Cheyenne and I left Grand Forks, and headed west on hwy. # 3. Shortly thereafter we came across this deserted country yard and with a screeching stop ... I jumped out of the car and took several photographs, knowing that it had to be painted some day.

After returning to Vancouver Island, and having not painted for over two weeks, I was anxious to put brush to canvas. Wouldn't you know it ... this picture begged to be painted. I painted a rough sketch directly on the canvas using burnt sienna acrylic paint. Once I was happy with the placement and perspective of the elements, it was time to add some colour.

"By the Side of the Road", 20 x 16" - acrylic

Till Next Time ...

Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.

Susan

June in Saskatchewan

As many may know I am born and raised a Prairie Flower. Going back and forth to Sask. several times a year keeps me grounded.

This June was no exception. We crossed the ocean, over the mountains, through the desert, through heat, rain, snow and fog, across the lone prairie to the glorious Qu'Appelle Valley just in time for Tuesday night wings and beer.

June 11th marked my 5-hour one-day only Art Show and Sale in Fort Qu'Appelle, "From the Prairies, to the West Coast ... and Back Again". The local newspaper ran a wonderful article which brought in several curious art lovers. Along with my usual marketing of invitations and email reminders, the flow of art connoisseurs was constant throughout the day. Of the 38 pieces on display, almost half were sold to art lovers and now make their homes in Saskatchewan. What a great reminder of my connection to the prairies!

The next day we were off to my dad's farm for a family reunion on the Schaefer side. With approx. 80 people, all apparently related, the weekend was wonderful, with great weather, a good BBQ and even fireworks. What would a family get together be without a few games of horse shoes?

The following week we were back in the Qu'Appelle Valley doing deliveries of the 8th annual Travel Guide, a yearly publication to promote tourism.

We took a leisurely drive back through Lethbridge along Hwy. 3 to Grand Forks for an overnight visit with my cousins and Uncle Jack.

I love my family and miss my friends ... but boy it was nice to be home!

Till Next Time ...

Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.

Susan