Mini Paintings

      Working on small paintings provides an opportunity to not only complete a painting in a day but allows one to try different styles and techniques in a small format that can then be adapted to a larger format.  This particular birch tree painting was created using small brush strokes with a double or triple loaded brush  applied to a black canvas.  Birch trees were blocked in with white and detailed only after the leaves were applied.  Simple painting yet effective with style and composition. Definitely a style I would further explore in a larger format. 

          The Loon painting was adapted from from a photo taken while canoeing in Manitoba. It was an early morning trip and the mist was still resting over the lake. The loon is always a thrill to see on the lake  and had to be part of this collection of miniature  paintings.

     Newfoundland is a province I have had an opportunity to visit twice . I love the fishing villages and especially love the old boats resting in the  fields or near a dock .  This one I particularly loved probably because of the colors. 

Each painting here is 4 x 4 inches  and painted  in acrylics.  I will add more updates on project for Canada 150 . Stay tuned. 

Have a wonderful day!

Canada at a Glance

              I have started a project  that is a collection of miniature paintings (4 x 4 ) depicting vignettes of Canada through the eyes of .... yours truly.   I have been fortunate to have traveled a little throughout Canada and am always in awe at the beauty   and splendor in our  own back yard.   When I travel, which is not often , I do love to  witness and experience different cultures but I often feel like the Wizard of OZ ....I want to click my heels ....and repeat one of the more famous quotes in film history  "There s no place like home".

So here is my Project.

             Each painting holds a memory, a story, a moment captured while travelling through Canada.  I have chosen not to just paint famous landmarks but to try to capture vignettes of what makes Canada great whether a person, a place, wildlife  or images that capture the Canadian spirit.   Of course it is from my perspective  and therefor each painting deserves a story to explain why I chose to paint it .

             This painting is of the Temiscaming Shoreline capturing the colorful reflections in the water. My husband and I, when kayaking usually enjoy skimming through the water close to the shoreline. It is by the shoreline that one can appreciate better the rock formations the intricate patterns of water reflections  and at the same time be on the ever watchful lookout for birds and wildlife.

       
                  It is spring in Canada and many of us wake up to the beautiful sound of the Robin.  I live in Temiscaming and am surrounded by woods. Early morning's are still and the song of the Robin resonates through  our small town.  It has been a long winter and we all listen with anticipation as that sound represents new beginnings and rebirth and finally we can put that snowblower away...or not....it is Canada.