Art in Our Park

The City of Edmonton developed an initiative this year for community involvement and by serendipity our neighbourhood chose to do an Art in the Park day on Sept 18th which corresponded with the day Alberta chose to hold Alberta Arts Day. It was chilly but the sun shone and that's enough for Edmontonians, hardy bunch that they are. Approximately 800 people attended and enjoyed great music, art and kids stuff and lots begged for a repeat next year.

I want to put out a Thank You to Moshe Mikanovsy for his posts on what an artist needs for a succesful Art in the Park. It was very helpful and it was a successful day!

Not a Thing Happening!

6x8 Oil on Board
This little scene epitomizes the Dog Days of summer. When I was painting one of the cabins, I turned to look at the water and there was absolutely nothing moving. Usually this patch of water has boats of one kind or another coming and going but at this moment it was absolutely still. No wonder water skiers are drawn to get up early!

Coast Cabin

6x8 Oil on Board

This little cabin was built with what was at hand as many were. Back in the day, before B.C. Ferries, folks would load their family in a little boat and leave the city for the summer. Now it's a quick walk from the ferry but some things don't change. New shingles might be the best it could hope for and that's what it got this summer.

Hawaiian Cabin

6x4 Oil on Board Box
This little painted box was intended to be a hibiscus but that made me think about Hawaii and that reminded me of a little shack I loved and the hibiscus just had to wait. Thirty years ago I bought a series of books for college called(surprise), Colour, which were really an exploration of what colours do next to each other. Think a book of colour swatches and patterns, no words. This combination is one of my favorites.
I'm painting as many small paitings as possible before the Art Walk in Riverbend Sept. 18th. so for a little while I won't post them for sale.

Friday's Bloom

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Hibiscus Bloom

8x8 Oil on Board

This was the bloom I came home to. I couldn't resist painting it while it was backlit and left the laundry for another day. Good thing I did because last night we had clouds and then a massive thunderstorm that tore all the blooms off. Looks like there may be one ready to open tomorrow so I'll have another go at it.

This one and I hope many others will go in the Riverbend Art in the Park Sept. 18th. Look forward to seeing you there!

June is Peony month in this house!

Being a lover of peonies, June is one of my favorite months. Thank goodness they're staggered or I wouldn't know which one to paint. This one is Coral Dream and Festiva Maxima is shouting out to be painted.
I have lots of different varieties because they love the prairie soil and the sunny days. Tireless workhorses that are so much more than a pretty face!