Working from Photographs

On my trip to New Mexico last year I took two cameras with me. I didn't want to risk having one camera conk out. I took hundreds of photos, not wanting to miss anything. When I am in the mood to 'paint New Mexico', the hardest problem is deciding what image to use. I can spend hours going through the photos, happily drifting back into time.

Although I usually work from photos as a reference, at some point the painterly muse takes over. Below are samples of my paintings, with the reference image on the left and the finished piece on the right.

 

 "Colours of Santa Fe", 8 x 8"

The photo was taken on Canyon Road, known for its hundreds of galleries. The streets are lined with warm colours, turquoise painted windows and doors and mucho big potted flowers.

 

"Taos Pueblo Traditions", 8 x 8"

A tour of the Taos Pueblos was, for me, one of the highlights of the trip. I was drawn to the simplicity of the lines of this design. In the end, I felt it needed a bit more colour, thus I added some strokes of grass in the foreground plus a design in the window curtain.

 

"Santa Fe Gallery", 8 x 8"

The curves and colours of the adobe buildings was so inviting, and what I would call the real New Mexico. One could imagine walking through the door and finding a lovely garden studio gallery.

Dreaming of New Mexico ....

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Things to be Thankful For

As 2013 comes to an end I look back at the year and count my blessings.

This past year was a super year for art sales, with 75% of my sales going to patrons in the prairies. Thank-you for your support.

February found us on the warm beaches of Mexico, re-energizing and making plans for the new year.

In April we hosted a Mike Svob workshop. Attending one of Mike's classes has been on my 'to do' list for many years. We also hosted workshops with Janice Robertson and Carey Anderson. I picked up a few tips from each, adding to my bag of tricks. Thank-you Mike, Janice and Carey.

In the spring I was honoured to be asked to do a commission piece of these furry family members. It was fun challenge and the owners loved it. "Puppy Love" now hangs in a loving home in Alberta.

In May I had the opportunity to go on an "Arts and Culture" tour to Santa Fe, New Mexico - a place that has been on my wish list for many years. It was a super trip and I met some fabulous folks. Back home I managed to do a painting or two. This one was delivered to a high-school chum in Saskatchewan.

The summer on Vancouver Island was absolutely gorgeous, with each day being nicer then the next. We had the best flowers and garden since moving here. In August a created a painting a day for two weeks, as a way to capture some of the bounty.

September brought a beautiful fall trip to the prairies. The days were warm, the colours brilliant as I spent a week in the Qu'Appelle Valley visiting family and friends, and sketching en plein air.

In October I completed my first YouTube video of my artwork. It was a great learning experience and was well received at our annual Island Arts Expo in November.

As the year comes to an end I am grateful for:

• the new friendships I have made over the year
• having the best clients ever
• the workshops I have attended and the master artists I have learned from
• my artwork that has been sold and has found new loving homes
• the support from my patrons, family, friends and my partner Jeff

Wishing you a Happy New Year, filled with Artful Adventures and Colourful Choices.

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Hot off the Palette - October

This year think ART for your gift giving.

These three Top-Selling prints can easily be shipped anywhere.
They are 10 x 8", stretched and wrapped canvas giclées, ready to hang.
Only $80. each (plus shipping)

Old Relics

Taos Pueblo

Mr. Whiskers

Note: most paintings in my Gallery can be ordered as prints.

Think Commissions:
It's not too late to order a Commissioned Painting ready for Christmas.
It could be a pet portrait, a piece for a particular space in your home, or a place in time that you would like to remember...like this one I am working on...

sizes and prices for every budget



Think Gift Certificates:
Give an art lover a gift certificate towards a purchase of an original painting.
I have a huge and varied selection of work in my online Gallery.
Something for everyone!

 




Think Artists Cards:
I have a large selection of art cards, great for those who still like to write notes.
The cards are 5 x 7", come complete with a white envelope and priced at 6 / $20.

Or you can have a custom card designed with your message, using one of my designs.
Just let me know what you would like.

 
Think ART.


Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Taos New Mexico

For the past 10 - 15 years I have dreamt of visiting New Mexico. My brother's to blame as he got me hooked on the Southwest Artists Magazine. I would go through each issue, savouring every page, admiring the colourful and diverse artwork, thinking "ah some day ...."

This past May I had the opportunity to join an "Arts & Culture" tour. For five glorious days we toured around the Santa Fe area. We were busy from morning to night. I took hundreds of photographs, as I tried to capture and experience as much as I could, not wanting to miss anything.

As I start putting the experience to canvas, I can relive the light, the colours and the essence of New Mexico, until my next trip.

untitled - 14 x 18", acrylic on canvas

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan