Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

What A Sweet Duck - 8x10" - Oil 

It's been a really long winter here in Alberta. As I type this, it's the end of April and it is still snowing. All winter, between the weather and caring for an aging dog, I had hardly been out of the house aside from weekly trips into town for groceries, and the odd trip to a nearby city for appointments. I was decidedly housebound and eager to see green and get outside to paint. This funk had extended itself to my work at the easel.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Easel

Moon Rising - 16x20" - Oil

My painting mantra has been "I don't paint the landscape. I paint my spirit disguised as the landscape." I often stray far from those intentions, however. Sometimes I do paint the landscape as it is without reflecting on my mood or spirit at that time. If I was strictly painting from my inner spirit I would not use references, but I often do use one. Granted I try to find a reference (or references - I often use several at once) that suits the mood I want to convey, but I'm still basing it on a particular time and place. 

 

The Nocebo Effect

The nocebo effect is a medical term which is the opposite of the placebo effect. Instead of having a positive reaction, the nocebo effect works through the suggestion of a negative side effect causing negative reactions. Although used as a medical term, the nocebo effect can be seen in all aspects of life.

Farewell My Friend

When Ravens Speak - 11x14" - Oil on panel

"Gone — flitted away,

Taken the stars from the night

And the sun from the day!

Gone, and a cloud in my heart."

~Alfred Tennyson

Who Said Being Stubborn Was Bad?

Backstage Wait - 11x14" - Oil on linen

I'm Doing It All Wrong

Benalto Farm - 11x14" - Oil on canvas panel

Art is subjective making it hard to find a definitive answer of what is great art. Sure we have answers from various experts on historical art and why it should be considered great; and even experts on modern art, but few of us will agree with those opinions. As a painter it is up to me to figure out my own standards. What do I like. What do I want my paintings to say and how do I want them to look?

I Am The Silence

I Am The Silence - 14x18" - Acrylic

The Road To Better Drawing

A Little Mouse Illustration

In life, when you travel down a new road you never know where you may end up, or what twists and turns lay ahead. And so it goes when I started my drawing adventure at the beginning of the year.

Lost Momentum

Skaters On Bower Ponds - 16x20" - Oil on canvas

The Power Of Inspiration

Four Dancers (After Degas) - 11x14" - Oil on canvas panel