tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38906453516175145272011-11-26T14:41:47.115-08:00Musings on life, painting and my dog.Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-25360261248438758192011-09-07T20:03:00.000-07:002011-09-07T20:30:57.617-07:00

You know who I'm talking about!You can't go a day or two without painting otherwise you start to twitch.When you get down to your last canvas you have a panic attack.You'll drive down to Victoria and back to save a couple of dollars at Opus.You'll take your kids piggy-bank money and buy more paints.You sign up for workshop after workshop...but it's never enough.You make your spouse move his '

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-22121255623512405402011-09-06T19:02:00.000-07:002011-09-06T19:23:44.905-07:00

Because of the Island Arts Magazine I get out and about quite a bit. I talk to many artists, I go to a many art shows and art venues and visit artists studios. What I am finding is that most artists have a strong spirit and will do what it takes to make a living doing what they love.Some are opening art galleries while others have opened coffee shops with art for sale. Some are making DVDs and

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-16884398495611310512011-09-01T07:18:00.000-07:002011-09-06T17:53:07.540-07:00

Driving around last week, while on deliveries, I had a lot of time to do some thinking. Ever since my early teens I had dreamt of being an artist and living on a tropical island. My parents bought me my first oil colour paints. I still remember them saying, "Make sure this is what you want, as they are VERY expensive."Moving off to Edmonton in the late 70's after graduation, I started my art

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-86605803472970004652011-08-30T10:44:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:04:07.385-07:00

When Corinne from The Old School House Arts Centre, (TOSH) in Qualicum Beach, approached me last August and asked me if I wanted an exhibition there in October, my first reaction was major panic. I said "This October?!!" "No", she said, "October 2011". "Oh, next year.", I said. Well needless to say, I was over the moon with excitement about being asked to exhibit my work. What an honour! My

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-91026043382135752342011-08-29T19:53:00.000-07:002011-08-30T05:59:24.871-07:00

I spent most of today updating my Online Gallery. There I can give the viewer a tour of my artwork. Before uploading the images, I had to make sure they were the correct file type and size. I took a break from the computer to drive down to the studio to take a few more photographs of some of my latest work, so they too could be included. For the moment - it is up to date! I have split it into

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-15925146034696930742011-03-30T09:24:00.000-07:002011-03-30T09:33:13.187-07:00

I will be heading down to the studio this afternoon, hopefully to pull my painting together.I started a new piece last week. I loved a photo that I took a couple of years ago in Milner Gardens and thought that it would make a great painting. The fall colours were brilliant.I was excited to start it, but half way through something happened. CRASH, I hit a road block. Sometimes it brings you to a

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-13842254675301802412011-01-09T20:19:00.000-08:002011-01-09T20:31:00.930-08:00

Take a look at what's on my easel!The new year is a good time to go through your "stuff" and clear out what you don't want and finish those projects that you think are worth saving.This canvas already had the beginning of a painting on it that I had started, oh, some 10 years ago. Many layers of gold and copper paint formed the base. Keeping that theme, I painted and scratched and scraped more

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-45266937078533102902010-12-21T14:19:00.001-08:002010-12-21T14:31:00.166-08:00

Look what just came off my easel!I started with a 24" square stretched canvas. Next came a few layers of yellow ochre acrylic paint. Once that was dry, I mapped in the shape of the bowl and pencilled in some markings for the peppers.The beautifully coloured peppers were grown on our deck this past summer. The bowl was brought back from a recent trip to Mazatlan. Working from a photo I took this

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-28660351329034901412010-12-19T21:24:00.000-08:002010-12-19T21:45:54.209-08:00

This is a painting that I started in my new studio/gallery and have recently completed.I began by putting a few layers of medium green paint on the canvas - just to get me in the forest mood.Working roughly from a photograph that I took last fall, I thought about how many trees I would include in the composition - deciding on 5 as odd numbers always look more balanced.Once I got the tree trunks

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-49913928655600369942010-12-11T17:06:00.000-08:002010-12-13T10:45:58.622-08:00

Started months ago ... recently completed.I planted a climbing rose this past spring, and was thrilled that it did so well after only a few months. It trails along the fence and consistently rewards us with many beautiful blossoms. It was still blooming up until a few weeks ago when we had our first snowfall.Sometimes I get all excited about a painting, work on it for awhile, then ... come to a

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-12895284727206018072010-12-11T16:31:00.000-08:002010-12-11T17:04:05.399-08:00

This recent painting is a triptych - each panel is 5 x 7" acrylic on canvas.This takes me back to my scuba diving days - where I would often go to the carribbean to scuba dive. Yes I was a rescue diver with over 100 dives under my belt. How beautiful to see these brightly coloured creatures, poking their heads out from behind corals.If you take a second look you will notice that these paintings

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-66782890520652719222010-11-22T12:58:00.001-08:002010-11-22T13:08:44.146-08:00

I had BIG plans on spending several hours down at the studio, but not today! The snow is blowing in circles making driving quite treacherous. Even though I only have 1 km. to go, I think it's best I stay put. Luckily I have my diptych poppy painting at home with my paints, so I do not have any excuses. I can paint away the afternoon from my home, while a big batch of cabbage rolls slowly cooks in

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-23295639493750735672010-11-20T16:41:00.000-08:002010-11-21T19:14:38.751-08:00

Congratulations to me! Today I moved into my new "Young at Art Studios". Ya, now I have a place to go and play, create, have fun and move some paint around the canvas. It is outside of my home which means that I have to make an effort to get dressed and go to the "studio". It is only 1 km. from the house, making it perfect to go there for a quick couple of hours.As you see I have started a poppy

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-14755754292773310112010-10-31T18:08:00.000-07:002010-10-31T18:34:07.702-07:00

With only 6 days from the 2nd Annual Island Arts Expo, I am without a doubt getting ready!Today I spent the morning printing out a few more artists cards, as last week I had a guest come over and purchase a few. I needed to replenish my stock.Next I started packing up some paintings. This involved taking a really good look at them for any scratches which may have occurred the last time I had a

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-36795059576828960932010-10-17T13:54:00.001-07:002010-10-17T18:42:49.572-07:00

I've started another acrylic painting. After a recent visit to an artist's studio in Cowichan Bay, and seeing a sketch on the wall of a painting in progress, I was reminded that it is always a good idea to draw your ideas on paper first BEFORE starting a painting. This way you become intimate with my subject by working out all the design problems on paper before putting paint to canvas.Here is my

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-47755523460317575202010-09-19T18:01:00.001-07:002010-09-24T12:21:29.645-07:00

Just finished another watercolour. This is an image from a photograph I took while vacationing last winter in Mazatlan with Jeff and my sister in law.While walking downtown, with all the noisy street vendors and time share people hounding you at every step and the diesel buses flying by kicking up dust and smoke ... out of all that chaos this beautiful delicate flower decided to grow.I was

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-72659510515064107472010-09-15T13:33:00.000-07:002010-09-18T09:31:18.305-07:00

And now back to watercolour ...I know some of your LOVE my watercolours. I also love creating them. There is something so gentle about working with watercolour paint. There is a rhythm that happens when I work with watercolour, that I don't experience when working with acrylic.Everything is much more planned, unlike acrylic. This give painting such a piece a very meditative feeling as you simply

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-57821262492546643702010-09-12T16:41:00.000-07:002010-09-15T12:48:45.584-07:00

Each fall I collect poppy seeds from my gardens, then in the spring I have fun scattering them around - waiting to see what comes forth, taking many photos to be used when the mood moves me.Since working on that poppy commission earlier this year, I have gone totally poppy crazy. I just can't get enough of painting poppies.I love putting the acrylic paint on really thick - impasto like - moving

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-91284566248160377802010-09-12T13:36:00.000-07:002010-09-12T15:05:31.784-07:00

What a busy summer with many visitors, art shows to attend and paintings to deliver.This summer we delivered a commission to a patron out in Saskatchewan, one that was ordered a year ago! After having several of my paintings in her home already, a client of mine mentioned that she now needed something for over her bed. Measuring the space available, I put it on the back shelf until I was ready.

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-18648126355121463202010-06-29T22:03:00.000-07:002010-09-12T14:26:32.225-07:00

From our kitchen window we are fortunate to be able to look at the ocean and watch as the cruise ships head up to Alaska. We can see if the ocean is rough or calm, whether the tide is in or out ... and we always see the same two eagles sitting on top of the highest tree, having a good look around.This contemporary painting is acrylic on stretched canvas."Scout's Lookout", 16 x 20"For purchasing

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-60758709855611498892010-06-29T21:16:00.000-07:002010-06-29T21:33:21.986-07:00

I love doing these small paintings!I'll often work on a smaller painting while I am at TOSH (The Old School House) for the day as a resident artist. It's easy to transport, you need only a few colour and it's fun to move the paint around.This is the fourth in the series of small sea shell paintings.1) Pink Beauty2) Scalloped Edges3) I Found a Dollar on the Beach4) A Snail's PaceThey are all 5 x 7

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-1919966117454004882010-06-21T17:47:00.000-07:002010-06-21T18:12:21.046-07:00

On Sunday June 13th, the Qualicum Bay, Bowser area hosted a Garden Tour. Nine unique gardens were selected to be viewed and artists were selected to sit in the garden and paint for the day.Not having much experience in "Outdoor Painting" (easier to say than en plein air), I decided to throw my hat in the ring. We were allowed to have a sneak preview of our selected garden beforehand, and even

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-46809837893647812452010-05-09T18:11:00.000-07:002010-05-11T15:38:31.194-07:00

This painting was an experiment of sorts. I have been carrying a few yards of canvas around for many years - moving it from Toronto, then Sask. and ultimately out to Vancouver Island. It was time to do something with it!My handyman Jeff was given the task of stretching it onto stretcher boards. Once that was done I began putting many, many, many layers of thick paint and gesso on the canvas. I

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-41502069324750716302010-05-08T17:34:00.000-07:002010-05-08T21:07:49.280-07:00

I am thrilled to report that this painting has been selected to show in the Arrowsmith Federation of Canadian Artists Summer Exhibition."The View from my RV", acrylic 24 x 30"Last fall Jeff, Cheyenne and I decided to explore more of Vancouver Island with our RV. Never having driven further north then Campbell River, we headed "Up Island" (as they say on the west coast) to Port Hardy and Port

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-23722893984896174292010-03-29T11:06:00.000-07:002010-03-30T08:32:32.337-07:00

Another gallery exhibition comes to an end. As some of you already know fellow artist Nanci Cook and I had a joint exhibition of work at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox. The show came down yesterday.I would like to thank Sheila and Bob Pollock plus all their wonderful volunteers for their help with the exhibition. The Pearl Ellis Gallery is a volunteer run gallery. Without their help there would

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-32483926716817960002010-03-22T10:16:00.001-07:002010-03-22T15:33:11.297-07:00

This painting was inspired by a photograph taken of a fly-fisherman enjoying his day at Nile Creek in Bowser.I started worked on it during one of my paint days at TOSH (The Old School House) in Qualicum Beach.People come and go in the gift shop, looking at jewelery, pottery and nifty art to either take home as a souvenir of their stay in Qualicum, or to buy for themselves.One particular couple

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-27344712574598323972010-03-09T21:45:00.000-08:002010-03-12T09:20:01.617-08:00

Every second Tuesday is my resident artist day at TOSH - The Old School House in Qualicum Beach. I have my own table, easel and corner in the gift shop where I can paint.A couple people have asked me in the last two days - "Do you like painting at TOSH?" And I quickly answered "Yes".Here are a few of the reasons:- it gives me a fresh day, away from the home office, away from my computer and

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-77001709632952197002010-03-01T17:35:00.000-08:002010-03-01T17:47:10.087-08:00

Goodbye my friend! Enjoy your new home."Spring Thaw", 20 x 16" acrylic on canvasThis is an acrylic painting that I started a few years back when I was still living in the Qu'Appelle Valley in Saskatchewan. Look familiar?After a harsh and long winter, it is glorious to see the first signs of spring; the lakes starting to thaw, the snow vanishing on the tops of the hills ...Today I sent this

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-26358167323866843512010-02-20T20:28:00.000-08:002010-02-20T20:48:21.795-08:00

When I think of the prairies, not only do I think about big sky and rolling wheat fields, I also think about sway back barns, and dilapidated buildings.I love to stop and take photos to use as reference down the road in some creation.There is an old chuck wagon on my dad's farm that still stands there. It is overgrown with wild grasses and it hasn't moved in years. I remember it in exactly the

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-32931394648691810332010-02-16T09:52:00.001-08:002010-02-17T18:01:25.567-08:00

Little did I know that when I was accepted for a gallery exhibition 6 months ago, that the time would come so quickly, and here it is only a few weeks away.Getting ready for a show is, without a doubt is MUCHO WORK.First is the task of selecting your artwork. What would you like to show? Are you showing a series, working on a theme, newer work, medium, etc. This usually involves taking everything

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-63559739886327434912010-02-12T17:38:00.001-08:002010-02-13T07:41:48.827-08:00

As some may know we basked in the glorious sun of Mazatlan Mexico for a month overChristmas and New Years.No working on a computer, no deadlines, just reading books by the pool, walking the beach and enjoying the company of our friends from Saskatchewan and family from Ontario.When I first decided to go to Mexico for a whole month, I told myself "Oh you need to do a painting every day." Well

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-46019089318437172712010-02-07T18:27:00.000-08:002010-02-07T18:49:02.958-08:00

This is the story of "Mr. Whiskers".He is a cute, curious little fellow who became part of my life for only a few moments, but will now live on forever.One day while walking my dog Cheyenne out by Deep Bay I noticed a slight ripple in the water. Suddenly amongst the ripples, up popped "Mr. Whiskers". He swam around for a minute or so, while I took several photos of him and then as if to say, "

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-2970004647768643872009-11-30T18:28:00.000-08:002009-12-06T11:33:06.246-08:00

November 14th - 15th marked the First Annual Island Arts Expo at Qualicum Bay on beautiful Vancouver Island.Over 30 of Vancouver Island and area's finest artists put on one "Heck of a Show". With original paintings, pottery, glass and fibre art there was something for everyone.I was humbled when guests stopped by to congratulate me as the host. Many said "This is the BEST show they had ever

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-65552162605403377232009-09-29T21:01:00.000-07:002009-09-29T21:26:48.581-07:00

After a whole year of working only with acrylic paints I am back to watercolours and lovin' it!From the moment the first brush stroke went down I said "Boy I really do like watercolours".They are great for travelling around as you need very little supplies to work with; two or three brushes, a few colours, a pencil and a sheet of paper. Plus if you are having a good day, you can usually complete

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-22805386187628014342009-08-28T07:54:00.001-07:002009-08-28T09:06:40.551-07:00

This is a painting that I started several weeks ago after interviewing Mark Hobson for the upcoming Island Arts Magazine.Mark often starts his painting with a dark dioxine purple ground. I thought, "Hmmm, I have some purple in my studio. Maybe I can paint like Mark!"This was the perfect subject to work with as the clematis itself was made up of different tones of purple.I am glad that I managed

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-82806893894349230992009-08-19T20:03:00.000-07:002009-08-19T20:21:37.606-07:00

Well we did it! The first annual Island Art Expo is officially SOLD OUT!We have selected our 29 wonderful West Coast artists who will display their beautiful art work on November 14 - 15 in Qualicum Bay, BC.This is really exciting, as just a few short months ago, it was merely an idea that we tossing around. Today we have a renown group of unique artists to help celebrate this inaugural event.As

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-13004614891713150542009-07-24T09:26:00.000-07:002009-07-24T09:49:45.451-07:00

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

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-8444403464356735602009-07-08T20:51:00.001-07:002009-07-11T22:13:18.120-07:00

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,

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-85178943619151907692009-07-02T12:28:00.000-07:002009-07-06T18:31:11.960-07:00

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

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-21764300884386553482009-06-05T16:18:00.000-07:002009-06-05T16:34:02.555-07:00

"Long John Seagull and his Buccaneers"Acrylic, 24 x 8"One day while walking my dog down by the beach, I took several photos of seagulls. When it came time to choosing a subject to paint, I scanned through my images and noticed that one particular seagull had only one leg. (Apparently it is quite a common sighting, as perhaps a seal wanted a quick appetizer.) On seeing his peg-leg I knew

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-73930179213551560432009-05-31T09:39:00.000-07:002009-05-31T09:54:21.489-07:00

Yesterday I helped Ken Kirby set up his art show and attended his event called paint by Numbers. I idea behind the event is that Ken, with the help of his posse, sold 40 tickets at $500 per ticket. He then displayed 40 paintings, a great majority of which were his own design, others were collected from local artists. Each entry was guaranteed to leave the event with a painting. But ... and here

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-90819395486304043642009-05-21T11:05:00.000-07:002009-05-21T19:38:19.053-07:00

Yesterday I drove over to Port Alberni to take down my art show which had been running for the past month at the Rollin' Art Centre. Not only did I have a wonderful experience and had the privilege of showing my work to art lovers on another part of the island, but I also found a good home for my cows. They were sold to a lady in Port Alberni, where they will now retire on her dining room wall.

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-66432544166746647282009-05-13T22:00:00.000-07:002009-05-14T17:18:39.778-07:00

I always enjoy the time after one of my publications goes "To Bed". It is a great relief as I send it off to the printers and wait for the return of several boxes of printed magazines.I enjoy this time as it gives me opportunity to clean up my desk, catch up on some little chores, make coffee dates ... and also play around with some paint. And that's exactly what I've been doing - from morning

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-50466642013863129722009-05-10T17:32:00.000-07:002009-05-10T17:47:37.065-07:00

First of all I do apologize with being late with my Blog. I was hoping to have some images to accompany one of my stories, but they have yet to show up in my email box.Here's my past week:Tuesday was 'Artist in Resident' day at TOSH. I had two paintings that I was working on. The volunteer for the gift shop was off being a gramma, so I was also wearing the hat (or beret) of keeping a eye on the

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-10102099044265196632009-05-02T07:54:00.000-07:002009-05-02T08:27:33.486-07:00

It's been a very busy week for production. First of all I completed my 8th annual Travel Guide for the Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask. area. Wow - 8 years has just flown by. I received the proof from the printers yesterday, one final look and off to the presses. They will be delivered in June.Next in line, is the Summer issue of the Island Arts Magazine. This issue was truly a test of patience. We had

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-46147089416770625742009-04-26T18:43:00.000-07:002009-04-26T18:58:27.019-07:00

Sunday evening, and boy am I beat. Yesterday was my art opening at the Rollin' Art Centre in Port Alberni.First of all, the show looked absolutely beautiful! The ladies who set it up did a great job. Here is a picture of the entrance .... as you come up the stairs the first thing you see is a couple of prairie cows. The title of the show is "From the Prairies to the West Coast."I have 38

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-28104304571604359232009-04-19T12:29:00.000-07:002009-04-19T12:47:18.792-07:00

Sorry for the delay in my blog .... but I am feeling rather blogged out!I am getting ready for a solo art show in Port Alberni. Getting ready for an exhibiton is a whole lottta work!This week, I went around to some of the galleries and gift shops where my pieces of work were on consignment, and picked up those remaining. Then at home, I carefully examined each piece; were the frames O.K., or

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-498110505437757282009-04-10T17:43:00.000-07:002009-04-10T20:01:32.366-07:00

If you recall, I had taken a workshop with Brian Simons in Victoria, this past Jan. I was struggling with one particular painting - a wavey beach. Brian had told me to go home, and not to touch the piece again until it "Screamed" at me. (refer to blog of Jan. 30th.).Home I went, wondering why I put myself through the torture of trying to learn new techniques. The painting stood against my wall

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-57552494007906087562009-04-02T18:13:00.000-07:002009-04-02T18:24:14.623-07:00

The time just seems to be flying by. This week I've been working on designs and layouts for both the Valley Travel Guide and also getting a start on the next Island Arts Magazine. In between that I've been poking a few seeds into the ground and getting my hands dirty! Oh the sweet smell of spring!If you recall I was working on a cow painting, wondering if I should gesso it over, or turn it into a

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-59102928724653959042009-03-27T13:28:00.000-07:002009-03-27T13:48:57.309-07:00

Some of you have been asking about my dog, Cheyenne, so I thought I'd post an up to date image of him. He is great! He enjoys his walks along the beach and he also throughly enjoys his several naps per day. He is becoming known around the island ... as a matter of fact some folks recognize him, before they recognize us! Hmmm!Heeeerrrr's the dog! He sees a seal, but not quite sure what it is.

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-45452752677489983602009-03-20T11:12:00.000-07:002009-03-20T12:04:16.517-07:00

I was hoping to finish my cow painting this week to show you the latest update ... but life got in the way and I still need a few more days till it is complete.I thought instead I'd introduce you to "Harbour Rest".This was inspired by a photograph that I took a couple years back in Steveston Village, on the mainland of BC.When my partner Jeff was living in Richmond, Steveston Village was one of

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-30846589689534206392009-03-12T10:53:00.000-07:002009-03-13T13:52:14.868-07:00

Last night we attended the opening for the Oceanside Arts Council Festival of Art. This is a juried show each March which attracts over 300 artists to display their artwork. The show is in it's 34th year. As you walk around the room admiring all the diverse pieces of artwork, it is truly mind expanding, as each artist is so very different from the other, but all with a similar passion for

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-28889080519916901962009-03-08T12:55:00.000-07:002009-03-08T13:20:21.831-07:00

Please forgive me ... I forgot to do my Friday Blog. But I have a good excuse - my brother and his fiancé from Regina are here visiting. They are trying to escape the Saskatchewan winter. I have been very busy touring them around the Island as well as delivering my Spring Issue of the Island Arts Magazine. That is my excuse and I'm stickin to it!I would like to introduce you to "Two Old Crows".

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-66936072360256971172009-02-27T16:58:00.000-08:002009-02-27T18:14:08.400-08:00

There I was feeding my dog .. when all of a sudden I thought "Oh my gosh ... it's Friday. You know what that means? It's Blog-Day. What shall I write about?"As some of you know from my E-Newsletters, I have been intrigued by reflections lately. (Not reflections of life, rather reflections in the water.) I love going down to French Creek and taking photos of the boats - but mostly the ripples in

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-83056544324661668042009-02-20T05:03:00.000-08:002009-02-20T05:03:11.353-08:00

Painting Painterly - is how best to describe this painting. From a recent workshop that I attended that is one of the things that keeps popping into my mind. "Paint Painterly" our instructor kept saying. Change your brushstrokes - make some wide, others thin, change the direction of the strokes ... painterly.I met this handsome McCaw last winter while down in Mexico. My friend and I stumbled

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-54508872750526951752009-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:002009-02-13T06:00:00.731-08:00

Yesterday I was sorting through my life ... rounding up receipts for my year end taxes ... and came across some photos that brought back many memories; a portfolio of art work that dates back to the early 80's.A friend of a friend approached myself and two other school buddies to help design a studio set for a cable television company in Regina, Saskatchewan. Excited beyond words, I knew that

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-78966871271435599402009-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:002009-02-06T06:00:01.084-08:00

Many years and a few lifetimes ago , I lived in Toronto. I had my own graphic arts company and worked and played hard. One of the great benefits of living in Toronto, was that there were always great deals on last minute flights to some exotic tropical land.I did a lot of my traveling in the years that I lived out east and never left home without a canvas or two and a few tubes of paint.On one

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-81480079258807695262009-01-30T15:37:00.000-08:002009-01-31T16:00:13.996-08:00

I have always enjoyed organizing and attending artists workshops. I go into them with an open mind and a positive attitude about learning what the instructor has to teach ... after all that is what I paid the money for. Even if I only learn one thing in each workshop, I feel that I am a better painter for it.Last weekend I attended a workshop by Brian Simons in Victoria BC. I had been looking for

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-32749920251666599202009-01-23T06:30:00.000-08:002009-01-23T06:30:00.969-08:00

I would like to introduce you to my little friend, Sheldon.He cocks his neck slightly as if to say "I'm Listening." This is 5x7" acrylic painting was painted just a week ago, but Sheldon is already flying the coop. He will make his new home in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchwan where his cousin Johnathan resides.Although he will be deeply missed, it is nice that they willbe united.Who knows what

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-48574043673650242622009-01-18T11:17:00.000-08:002009-01-18T12:57:08.498-08:00

I was talking to a good friend of mine this morning and she said "Ha, where is your blog from Friday?" Wow, ooops I forgot. I thought about it a couple of times during the day, "Oh ya, I have to do my blog today." Then who knows, I got tied up on the couch watching something I suppose. Sorry about that .... at least I know people are reading them. Goodie!Here is my Friday Blog on a Sunday. Today

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-85713780501876789602009-01-09T19:22:00.000-08:002009-01-09T20:01:43.202-08:00

Hi - what a great week I have had. At the beginning of January I always feel refreshed, geared up and ready for a great new year. This week was no exception, as I completed three more paintings that I had started in December. I sent out my monthly "Hot Off the Palette" newsletter, contacted some clients, and started my next issue of the "Island Arts Magazine". I even managed to fit in a couple of

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-35917072991275542012009-01-02T10:06:00.000-08:002009-01-02T10:19:47.218-08:00

Happy New Year!With all the unusual accumulation of snow over the past couple of weeks and the frigid cold weather in the prairies, I thought it was quite fitting to reintroduce you to this painting.The elevators on the prairies are slowly disappearing. Years ago they were in almost every small town, every eight miles down the road. I remember taking trip after trip with my dad as he hauled the

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-59105684788700273382008-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:002008-12-26T06:00:01.204-08:00

Last winter a friend of mine was heading off to Isla Mujeras, a small island just off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. "Are you coming with?" she said. Well that was all the invitation that I needed. I had never been there before and the Dalai Lama says that you should visit at least one new place a year. I started to make arrangements. I was already booked to enjoy a Saskatchewan Christmas with my

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-5872514700324612072008-12-19T18:00:00.000-08:002008-12-19T18:00:00.660-08:00

Any one who lives on Vancouver Island is familiar with the arbutus tree. It is often found on exposed rocky shorelines overlooking the ocean. It is quite majestic as the often crooked trunk twists and turns reaching up to 30 metres in height. It has a distinctively reddish-brown (artists might say burnt sienna) bark that peels and flakes to expose (raw sienna) bark underneath.Now that we know

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-13355503414813411872008-12-14T12:18:00.000-08:002008-12-21T11:35:23.124-08:00

"Along the River's Edge"acrylic painting, 24 x 30"Well I finally did it. I completed and signed this painting last night. Even though it is snowing penguins outside, I managed to photograph it on the deck, ready for my blog.If you recall I started working on this painting at the end of October. It comes from a photo that I took during one of my dog walks where Nile Creek meets the ocean out here

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-9063968184252038392008-12-05T17:57:00.000-08:002008-12-05T19:05:20.646-08:00

I'd like to share some of my latest pieces of artwork with you."Walk Along the Beach",18 x 24" acrylicAs you may recall this piece was featured on the front cover of the Beacon for the month of October, 2008.It's fun to imagine the life of this boat - how many times it has been out to the ocean. I never tire of walking the coast line, looking for sea shells, a quick dip in the ocean .... well

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-3857516507696720822008-11-28T19:49:00.001-08:002008-11-28T20:26:57.424-08:00

Today started out kind of slow. It was a wet cold day on the west coast. I would have rather stayed in bed - I did till almost 9:00 am. The promise of a hot cup of joe moved my feet slowly down the hallway to the kitchen. Before I can even pour myself some coffee, my faithful companion, Cheyenne comes trotting out of his bedroom and gives me the glare! The glare means "It's morning .... and I'm

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-49287081621928640732008-11-17T18:10:00.001-08:002008-11-17T19:06:48.422-08:00

Just returned from a wonderful trip to the beautiful Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan. A little bit of work with lots of pleasure made for a great time. I lived in the valley for seven years prior to moving out to the Island. It feels like home, as both my parents still live there, my brother farms the family homestead, and there are lots of friends to catch up with.Here is a picture of the early

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-56285321854972227492008-10-31T18:31:00.001-07:002008-10-31T18:50:30.123-07:00

Happy Halloween,When I was a kid, Halloween was a big event for us. Coming from the farm (Saskatchewan kid) we planned our costumes weeks in advance, as we had to make them out of something that mom had around the house. For instance, old bed sheets, old cloths .... one year I made a wig out of binder twine. The memory of that brings the smell of bales to my nostrils. We had fun! We would meet

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-36164181386945758732008-10-30T20:29:00.001-07:002008-11-02T09:34:49.386-08:00

Just a quick blog today to let you know that I finished my piece for the Oceanside Arts Council 1 x 1 x 100 show.I thought of calling it "Looking Out my Window" as that is pretty much what I can see from my kitchen window, as the sun sets. I've decided to call it "Days End". One can just imagine another perfect day of fishing, as a glorious sunset calls the dayto an end.This is a 12 x 12" acrylic

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-74150266007071315302008-10-28T15:11:00.000-07:002008-11-02T09:34:07.812-08:00

It's Tuesday afternoon and I have cabbage rolls bubbling in the oven. I've also just put some lemon squares in the oven for dessert or maybe afternoon tea.I am also thinking about the painting that I started last night.It is another acrylic painting - on a 24 x 30" canvas. The idea comes from a photo that I took this summer at Nile Creek, just outside Qualicum Beach, during one of those dog

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-34646073243710510592008-10-24T22:07:00.000-07:002008-10-29T13:24:13.580-07:00

Well another week has flown by. The fall colours on Vancouver Island are breathtaking. Brilliant orange and red maple leaves crackle as you walk through the woods. There is a chill in the air, as you know the days are getting shorter. Does that mean we have less time to be creative? When I paint I often like to prepare several canvases at once. Once the initial concept comes into play, then I am

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-6922866552600315862008-10-22T19:22:00.000-07:002008-10-29T13:24:40.454-07:00

Cheyenne, 16 x 20", acrylic paintingToday I'm going to tell you about my dog Cheyenne. He is a rescue dog, from the Regina Humane Society. He is approximately 8 years olds - I gave him a birthday date of March 1st as I wasn't sure when he was born. In this painting he was only 3 - just a young pup. He has been a constant companion and joy in my life. He is also one of the most intelligent doggies

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-49498193529056619902008-10-21T17:53:00.000-07:002008-10-21T21:01:05.975-07:00

On my return from an intense weekend at Hollyhock (that's another story), I had an email from the editor of the Beacon asking if they could use one of my paintings on the cover. The Beacon is a community magazine that originates in Bowser and serves Qualicum Beach and the Lighthouse County. I was thrilled!The original piece is 16 x 20", an acrylic painting and called "Walk along the Beach." It

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3890645351617514527.post-16945395499947541782008-10-20T19:13:00.000-07:002008-11-02T09:33:07.698-08:00

Hi and Welcome to my New Blog!I am creating this blog as a means to connect to fellow artists and art patrons. I am a fine artist, working currently in acrylic paints.This recent painting is called "Memories of Mexico", 24 x 30" on stretched canvas.It was painted from a photograph that I took last year during my winter vacation. The pot of cactus was on a landing just below the apartment that we

Susan Schaeferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951458545458355696noreply@blogger.com3