Karen Hamilton

Art Update

2012-01-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

I am creating a re-launch of my www.khartist.com art website and expect it to be ready over the next two months. My blog will move to the new site. Look forward to seeing you there.

Complete: "Trees on Bluff II" (Westcoast Series)

2012-01-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Finished "Trees on Bluff II" mid December. I enjoyed painting this piece a lot. I'm happy with how the green of the back mountain blends into the blue. A few people see a face in the rock bluff. Another person said it looks like an "...indigenous nature of the rock that the tree is growing out of... accident?". I have been working at the University of the Fraser Valley with Aboriginal Access Services over the past few months (and loving it!). Perhaps there is an influence here

Preview #1: "Trees on Bluff II" (West Coast Series)

2011-10-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Title: Trees on Bluff II (in progress)
Medium: pastel on paper
Size:14" x 14"
Status: Available for sale

Had a wonderful 5-day visit to Vancouver Island last week. A reminder why I continue to paint the beautiful British Columbia west coast. Here is another addition to my West Coast series: www.khartist.com/westcoast.htm.

Complete: "Women IV"

2011-09-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Finished "Women IV" yesterday. This one is available for sale.

View its details and all four paintings from my Women Series: www.khartist.com/women.htm.

Preview #2: "Women IV"

2011-09-01T20:44:00.000-07:00


Preview: "Women IV"

I've been thinking about creating yet another Women painting from my Women Series over the past year. Here I am, "Women IV" in progress.

The women in this image are not in healthy physical shape and this I'm not an advocate of. Below the surface they represent a 'letting go' of caring about how the media and society in general portrays and perceives 'beautiful' women body types to be.

No matter what our body type, women are all beautiful exactly the way they are.

This painting is a pastel and resin on traditional deep 11" x 14" exhibition canvas. It is currently available for sale.The price can be found on my website along with viewing my full Women Series paintings: www.khartist.com/women.htm.

Complete: Mt. Slesse

2011-06-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Mt. Slesse"

Image size: 14" x 20"

Medium: Soft pastel

Status: Available for sale

If you wish to view this origianal in person or via Skype, please contact me: 604.378.1918

Preview #2: "Mt. Slesse"

2011-04-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

"Mt. Slesse" in progress

Found some time to paint today. Finished the farmer's pasture and the evergreens rising up from below. Next I will begin to paint the snow covered Coast Mountains, including Slesse to the far right. Then finish it off with the blue sky and stream of white clouds moving through the mountains.

Preview #1: "Mt. Slesse"

2011-04-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

Title: Mt. Slesse

Medium: Pastel on paper

Canvas size: "14 x 20"

Sketch: "Mt. Slesse"

2011-04-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sketch - Mt. Slesse

This piece is a reproduction of a photo taken by a local photographer, Chilliwack Jack.

Launch of Artists in Motion Website

2011-03-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

Have spent the past month busy building our new independent Artists in Motion website. Although the site is live, it's still under development. Please visit the site and leave me your feedback: www.aimcenters.com.

Artfully yours,

Karen

Ready to start a new painting

2011-03-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

Moved to Sardis in the Fraser Valley in January. Have been very busy since settling into a new home, organizing my office and studio space. Haven't found any time to create art; however, this weekend I will sketch a new piece. I will reproduce a photo that I shot from the Valley. It's a mountain blanketed with snow. I will post the sketch over the weekend and find out what the name of the mountain is called. I look forward to getting some colour onto canvas!

Complete: Saanich Inlet

2010-12-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

"Saanich Inlet"
12" x 24"
Pastel and resin on canvas
Status: Available for sale

Please visit my website for price: http://www.khartist.com/.

If you would like to view this original in person or via Skype, please contact me.

"Saanich Inlet" - Cloud detail

2010-12-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

Started to paint in the clouds this morning. Have never reproduced this kind of low-lying, misty type cloud before -- the experience has been challenging x 4!

After painting the clouds for a couple of hours, I felt a need to take a break and paint in the background hills and orange sky. The sky is striking! It gave me inspiration and drive to go back and figure out the clouds. And so I did and it has!!! Moments ago I figured out how to paint them. Yippee! Sometimes it takes removing myself from the intensity of learning something new to return with fresh eyes. Ahhh, re-finding the zone.

After I complete the painting, I'll need to resin the entire canvas. This usually takes me about 1 week. The next pic I post will be the completed piece.

"Saanich Inlet" - Cloud Detail

Preview #4: "Saanich Inlet"

2010-12-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Have applied the pink cloud base and am now painting in the cloud's blue tones -- perhaps there is a threat of rain. I know, it looks very pink right now; however, it'll be toned down once I completely finish the clouds. The background hills will follow. Then comes fun part...painting the sky a vivid orange! I'll run the orange throughout the clouds and onto the foreground trees.

Preview #2/3: "Saanich Inlet"

2010-12-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Painted throughout the day yesterday. Have begun to work on the pink and deep ultramarine clouds that blanket the entire inlet below. With the orange sky subtly reflecting off the clouds, what a wonderful colour combo nature has presented itself with -- pink and orange.

Pastel and resin on canvas -- process

2010-12-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

I created a new page on my website called Pastel & Resin. I share the process of how I create my pastel on canvas originals and have posted the four such originals created to date: www.khartist.com/resin.htm.

"Saanich Inlet" colours

2010-11-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

Colour selection for "Saancih Inlet"

Preview #1: "Saanich Inlet" (Inlet II)

2010-11-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

An 'in progress' shot of "Saanich Inlet". It's a pastel and resin on canvas -- 12" x 24". The image looks a tad dark as it's an overcast day. When the sun shines next, I'll be sure and snap a better pic.

I picked up a few new pastel sticks this morning from Opus -- I love that store. On my return, I finished painting the centre trees. Next I'll do the only other large tree off to the right. The leaf-green trees and highlights will pop once I begin to apply the background colours of permanent red, which is more of a pinky orange and permanent yellow deep...

New piece: Saanich Inlet (Inlet)

2010-11-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

I will start a new painting today titled"Saanich Inlet" --

a reproduction of the above photo.

It will be a pastel and resin on traditional deep canvas.

I'll post the size and sketch shortly.

Stay tuned.

Inspiration: West Coast and Women

2010-11-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Now that I've completed OK 3, I'm ready to start on a new piece. I'm deeply inspired with our west coast landscape. I will have a look at my photo collection for something that moves me. I'd also like to start working on another new piece, "Women IV" from my Women Series. The evolution from "Women" to "Women III" is interesting. I wonder where I will take "Women IV"?

Complete: Okanagan III: Road 13

2010-11-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Finished "Okanagan III" on the weekend. I sold "Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch" a month ago -- my wish is to sell OK 2 & 3 soon! The 4th in my winery series will be the Antelope Ridge estate, also located in Oliver, right next door to Road 13. More details (price, size etc) can be found on my website.

Preview #1: "Okanagan III: Road 13"

2010-10-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

"Road 13" is coming along.

Sketch: Okanagan III: Road 13

2010-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is the third in my Vineyard Series... Road 13 sits on the hillside looking down onto the valley and vineyards below. We visited this castle-like winery in Oliver BC for the first time this past summer. visit Road 13 www.road13vineyards.com

Title: Okanagan III: Road 13"

Medium: Pastel on paper

Size: 20" x 6"

Status: Available for sale

Price: $285

*Please feel free to contact me if you would like view Road 13 in person or via Skype.

Complete: " Esquimalt Lagoon"

2010-09-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Title: Esquimalt Lagoon

Image size: 12" x 22"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale

I painted in clouds and highlights around the tree; however, it felt too cluttered -- so I removed them.

Preview #4: "Esquimalt Lagoon"

2010-09-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm now painting out the sky using delft blue and it's starting to feel and look like the Lagoon. The base colour is darker than I'd normally use; however, it has a warm, purpley under-tone much like the ultramarine light that I've used in the water - it's a nice fit. Will finish painting out the sky, then go in and add white fluffy clouds and accents around the tree, so it too pops.

Preview #3: "Esquimalt Lagoon"

2010-09-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

"Esquimalt Lagoon"
Preview #3

Inspiration

2010-09-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have inspiration to start painting a new piece. I know, I know... I haven't completed "Esquimalt Lagoon" and I'm on to another painting. "Okanagan III: Road 13" will be another addition to my winery series. Visited Road 13 this summer -- beautiful estate!!! road13vineyards.com

Preview #2: "Esquimalt Lagoon"

2010-09-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

The tree is pretty much complete. Next, I'll paint the grass that runs aside Ocean Boulevard.

Preview #1: "Esquimalt Lagoon"

2010-09-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Studio: Olive green foliage with greenish gray trunk/branches.

Sketch: Esquimalt Lagoon

2010-09-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Done! Finished sketching "Esquimalt Lagoon". This majestic tree watches over the Esquimalt Lagoon. It sits feet from the often busy Ocean Boulevard not far from the Metchosin access. The shoreline beyond is home of the Coast Collective (left) and Royal Roads University (right).

Title: Esquimalt Lagoon
Size: 12" x 22"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale ($595)

Complete: Okanagan II: Dirty Laundry

2010-09-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Title: Okanagan II: Dirty Laundry
Size: 8" x 16"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale
Price: $325

Preview #3: "Okanagan II: Dirty Laundry"

2010-09-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Another few hours and I'll have completed "Dirty Laundry". I'm excited about starting a new piece: "Esquimalt Lagoon".

Painting today

2010-09-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just get stuck -- sometimes for days! I find other things to do that take priority over painting. I find good reason not to paint. It's all a perception, I know.... It's just that while I'm in that mode of reason, is when I'm unaware of what truly nurtures my spirit. I will paint today. k

Preview #2: "Okanagan II: Dirty Laundry"

2010-08-18T16:48:00.001-07:00

Had a delightful time painting this afternoon. Will paint for another hour, then head out for dinner with my sisters. It would be great to have this piece complete tomorrow.

Preview #1: "Okanagan II: Dirty Laundry"

2010-08-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Title: Okanagan: Dirty Laundry

Medium: Pastel

Size: 8" x 16"

Price: $325

Once the colour hits the canvas, I'm off and running with inspiration!

So far, I've used a more earthy leaf green than with "Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch". I've also introduced a bright yellow, which I will play with throughout the canvas.

Sketch: Okanagan: Dirty Laundry

2010-08-14T17:29:00.001-07:00

Inspired by my recent wine tour into the Okanagan early July, Dirty Laundry is a must visit winery in Summerland! The shaded out-door patio overlooks their vineyard below. Just beyond the lush rows of vines runs the Kettle Valley Railway.

How did the winery come up with such a unique name? Well, the story goes like this...

"It was the late 1800's when fur traders, goldminers and cattlemen traveled through the Okanagan and to Summerland's original townsite, nestled on the shores of the Okanagan Lake." Check out the Dirty Laundry website for the end of the story: www.dirtylaundry.ca/hushhush/.

"Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch" - Completed

2010-07-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Title: Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch
Image size: 6.5" x 20"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale
Price: $295
See Ya Later Ranch

Preview: "Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch" - 02

2010-07-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

It's nice working on a smaller piece.

Preview: "Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch" - 01

2010-07-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

Finished painting the vineyard rows. Next comes the gold orchre earth into which the vines are strung. Yum, I can taste the wine now.

Sketch: Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch

2010-06-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Finished sketching "Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch". I look forward to painting.

New Piece: Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch

2010-06-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

I'll begin to sketch and post a preview of my new piece "Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch" tomorrow. I head out early July with my sisters to do our yearly seeester Okanagan wine tour. See Ya Later Ranch, formally Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards, is one of my favourite wineries to visit! It has the most breathtaking view and the food is amazing -- the wine is good too.

Title: Okanagan: See Ya Later Ranch
Image size: 6.5" x 20"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale
Price: $295

"Mountains" - Completed

2010-06-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the sky is not so subtle. Lots of movement? I'm not so sure. The sky is an extreme departure from anything I've ever painted. Well, actually, I painted this type of pattern back in high school. I tried to choose calmer sky colours, but after a day of playing with possibilities, I just went with what I was drawn to... bright, vivid, strong colours: Orange Deep, Madder Lake Red and Vermilion.

Title: Mountains
Image size: 15" x 24"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale
Price: $825

"Mountains" - Exploring with our Land Cruiser

2010-06-22T08:36:00.001-07:00

Woke up this morning excited about working on "Mountains". When I look at the layering of hills, it feels so familiar, like I've been there before! It is said that we paint what we know. Yes? I remember back in the late 80's when my husband and I purchased a shiny new red Land Cruiser. We used to remove the top and doors and head up into the back areas of southern Vancouver Island. We spent the day exploring the hills and landscape. Perched on top of one of those hills in my painting looking out over the land was spectacular!!! Ya, and the Cruiser was amazing too! That thing would go anywhere, and we did.

Preview: "Mountains" - The Sky

2010-06-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

As I paint the mountains, I often think about what I want the sky to look like. What colour/s should I use? Will there be clouds present? Shall I create drama? How much movement do I want? These are the kinds of questions that come to mind while I paint. I don't give these questions much thought. If I listen quietly, the answer always comes...

Here's a detail from the sky of a painting that I completed a few years back. As you can see, it's quite abstract. I love the swirls and different hues of blue and purple -- the white is striking. I'd like to do something similar with "Mountains". The abstraction, however, will be much more subtle. There will be an abundance of movement, yet not visible at first glance -- you'll need to look carefully. Perhaps it'll be missed by many. Sometimes what I want does not transfer onto paper. We shall see.

Preview: "Mountains" - 02

2010-06-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

You can begin to see the layers of mountains. karen

Preview: "Mountains" - 01

2010-06-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

I over-dosed in colour with "Garden II". Now I've gone to the other extreme.

My new piece, "Mountains", will have two colours. Hues of Phthalo Blue Deep will define and silhouette the mountains, while a splash of Chromium Oxide Green will appear in the tops of a few trees lining the first mountain ridge. This composition feels calm, grounded and focused.

Next Painting: "Mountains"

2010-06-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

Mountains is my next piece. I'm sketching it out now and and will post it later this evening.

Title: Mountains
Medium: Pastel on paper
Size: 15" x 24"

"Garden II"

2010-06-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Image name: Garden II

Image size: 9" x 14"

Medium: Pastel on paper

Status: Available for sale

Price: $395

Preview: "Garden II" - 04

2010-06-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

"Garden II" is coming along. It would be nice to complete the background and sky tonight.

Preview: "Garden II" - 03

2010-06-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

I was inspired after painting my orange and yellow flowers. They sat alone on the canvas, big and bold. Beautiful! When I added the purple and green tree, I lost inspiration and the desire to continue to paint. Once again, procrastination set in. It has taken me 1 week to became aware of what's underneath of the procrastination... I'm uncomfortable using so many colours in one pallet. I usually use a maximum of 5 colours within 1 painting -- each colour will work with each other. With "Garden II", I may end up using 20 different colours. Yikes! I just added shading to the grass, a beautiful pink swish and brown and yellow swirling trees. I am re-inspired!

Preview: "Garden II" - 02

2010-05-28T19:31:00.001-07:00

Didn't have this colour in mind when I sketched "Garden II". Actually, I had yellow planned for these upfront flowers; however, when I pulled open my pastel drawers containing hundreds of colours, without thought I reached down and picked permanent red 1 pale (orange). Big and bold! I like to go with the flow.

I will paint the tulips next.

k

Pastel Painting Workshop: Sun, June 6, 10am - 1pm

2010-05-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have scheduled a pastel workshop. Seating is limited to only 6 participants. If you are interested in a seat, please contact me.

For more info visit my website: www.khartist.com/ws.htm.

- When: Sun, June 6, 10am - 1pm

- COST: $80

- SESSIONS: 1

- LENGTH: 3 hours (10am - 1pm)

- SUPPLIES REQUIRED: All supplies & materials included

- SKILL LEVEL: Beginner - Level 1

Preview: "Garden II" - 01

2010-05-28T12:39:00.001-07:00

My sketch of Garden II is done. It seems a bit busy. Humm. Perhaps that's a reflection of where I am in my life. I may simplify the background images as I paint. I wonder if that would create a less busy life?

Title: Garden II
Image size: 9" x 14"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale
Price: $395

Copyright Karen Hamilton 2010
Visit my website for more information: http://www.khartist.com/

Next Painting: "Garden II"

2010-05-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

I will begin to sketch my new piece today. Its title: "Garden II" and will be pastel on paper, 9" x 14". It is available for sale: $395.

I was inspired to paint another garden because of the Pachena Lighthouse painting (posted here) that I completed a month ago. I love the tulips in this piece! "Garden II" will have sunflowers present.

"Tree V" -- Completed

2010-05-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Title: Tree V
Image size: 18" x 18"
Medium: Soft pastel
Status: Available for sale
Price: $1050

Copyright Karen Hamilton 2010

Visit my website for more information: www.khartist.com

Preview: "Tree V" - 05

2010-05-17T20:30:00.001-07:00

Almost done "Tree V".

I think it would make a super art card.

Now it's time to work on the sunset.

What am I painting next?

2010-05-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Now that I've sorted out the grass area in "Tree V", I will begin to work on the mountains.

Inspired once again,

k

Preview: "Tree V" - 04

2010-05-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Reworked "Tree V" today. The previous post had purple in the foreground and much lighter green highlights -- the colouring was way off! So, I removed the purple, left the single pink swish, removed most of the green highlights and added more movement in the grass using wonderful shading. What a difference that made. It's now a completely difference piece. Wow!

Preview: "Tree V" - 04

2010-05-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here it is. I'm ready to begin painting the mountains. Next will come the sea then the sky.

Inspiration

2010-05-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a bit of inspiration that came my way this morning. This photo was taken and sent to me from a friend. I believe the view is from their cabin on the Sunshine Coast. This image is now filed in my "this would make a great painting" folder :)

Inspiration never ends!

Painted Yesterday & Marketing Sessions

2010-05-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to paint yesterday. It felt so amazing to be back working with pastel on paper! This medium combination lights me up in a big way :). I'm so inspired. I will post a preview shot later today. Right now I paint about 2% of my work day -- one day soon I will fill my days with 80% painting :)

Need to prepare for my second offering of How to Produce Art Cards Ready for Marketing session on Tue evening. So far, four artists have reserved seats. I have room for an additional 4. I think my next marketing session will be How to Price your Originals for Sale. It would be really cool to have each registrant bring along an original art piece to talk about. Oh how I love to share my experience and passion with other fellow artists!

k

New Inspiration

2010-05-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I found inspiration in yet another photo. This photo is in addition to the three I spoke of earlier. I've had this image filed for over a year. I am magically drawn to it. The overall size is not inspiring at this time -- there are too many components; however, once I started to play with it in Photoshop, I pulled out 3 details from the one image. All will work beautifully in my style. I am so excited! I have my next 3 paintings. I will likely name them: Coastline II, III and IV. Just like that. Wow! I love when inspiration is bountiful :)

Preview: "Tree V" - 03

2010-05-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

Image name: Tree V
Medium: Pastel on paper
Image size: 18" x 18"

Came across an unfinished canvas, "Tree V". I created it last July and put it aside to start my west coast imagery. I am re-inspired! It's a lone tree on a bluff overlooking an inlet of sorts. It's is early evening -- the tree picks up its colour from the sunset.

Looking for Inspiration

2010-05-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

Looking for inspiration to start a new piece. I dug up some west coast trail type images a few days ago that I had on file. They're landscape, ocean shots and all include trees. I have my eye on three possibilities. I revisit them often just to see which one jumps out and says 'paint me!'. Every time I revisit I choose a difference image. This happens often. I find it frustrating!!! That little voice in my head says 'just pick one!". At some point, I catch on and become aware that all my chosen images would be suitable for a painting. I also get that the waffling is a form of procrastination. Ha, ha, I just realized that I am indeed procrastinating, again! I will choose an image this morning and prepare a canvas ready for sketching early this afternoon :). It amazes me what a little blogging will do...

Very busy and 1st 'how to' session

2010-04-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have a very, very busy week ahead. If I get any painting time in, it'll be short of a miracle. By this time next week, a few commitments will have fallen off my plate. I so look forward to having more space in my life.

Tue, May 4th I am leading my first mini session (1 hour) called: Getting 'Out There': How to Produce Art Cards Ready for Marketing: A basic overview. A friend of mine will video tape the session, as an experiment to see how it turns out. This is so exciting! If all is good, then perhaps the finished 20min clip could be very helpful to artists needing direction in this area.

I received an overwhelming response to the session, and consequently it is full. I'm now taking names for a wait-list. Depending on how Tue's session goes, I'll lead a repeat session shortly after (within 2 weeks). My wish is to continually offer 'how to' sessions in all areas around marketing your art.

www.khartist.com/aim_session.htm

Pachena Lighthouse: Sold

2010-04-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

How nice. Pachena has sold. To whom? Well, to a wonderful woman lighthouse keeper :)

I love completing a canvas. It feels like an accomplishment, especially when the work does not come together as smoothly as planned. I will start a new piece over the weekend. It will be a pastel on paper. No resin and no traditional canvas. I'd like to do a "woman IV" from my woman series. Or, a "City III" from my city series. Rob's wants me to paint another Otter Point image -- like the one I did with the sunset. And, I'm always drawn to paint trees. Hummm, so much inspiration. What paint next?

Pachena Lighthouse

2010-04-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

"Pachena Lighthouse"

Image size: 18" x 14"
Medium: Soft pastel, acrylicand resin on exhibition canvas
Status: Available for sale
Price: $825

FAST and AIM Meeting

2010-04-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Did the Fairfield Artist Studio Tour on the weekend. It was successful! Close to 300 visitors came through. And a big thanks to everyone who came out to visit me :). Although I really enjoy the Tours, I find them exhausting. I find it draining always having to be 'on'. Consequently, I woke up yesterday with next to no energy. I pretty much had to push myself to do anything. Today my energy is about 80%. I'm getting things done!

I have an Artists in Motion meeting tonight. I'm really looking forward to leading it. I'm going to change the format up slightly. I'd like the 'house keeping' kept to a minimum, say 1/2 hour, leaving the remainder of evening for the group to share their experiences around marketing and what works for them.

Preview: "Pachena Lighthouse" - 07

2010-04-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I painted resin over the yellow light of the canvas. The resin popped the yellow colour as it should; however, it also intensified the pencil grid lines below the pastel. Not good!!! I hadn't ever experienced this. My first thought was to garbage the canvas... Then I thought I would just pull out my acrylics and painted over the pastel and lines. So, I did so last night and it looks fab!!! No more lines :) I'll add another coat of resin today. "Pachena" has now become a mixed media :)

Preview: "Pachena Lighthouse" - 06

2010-04-21T20:04:00.001-07:00

Done the painting of "Pachena Lighthouse" and ready to begin resigning.

Preview: "Pachena Lighthouse" - 05

2010-04-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

I'm getting some painting done today! Pachena Lighthouse will be used for the design of our Artists in Motion "Lighthouse Living" exhibition invitation, along with Jeanne Ng's Fisgard Lighthouse painting. I'm supposed to have it complete by tomorrow morning. Yikes! It'll be done...as I work best to deadlines :)

Preview: "Pachena Lighthouse" - 04

2010-04-03T20:06:00.001-07:00

It's coming along :)

Preview: "Pachena Lighthouse" - 03

2010-04-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

Preview: "Pachena Lighthouse" - 02

2010-04-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

It feels so good to be back painting! So inspired by tulips!!!

Preview: "Pachena Lighthouse" - 01

2010-04-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

"Pachena Lighthouse"

Soft pastel and resin on canvas

18" x 14"

"Tree Ridge V"

2010-03-03T15:56:00.001-08:00

It's done!

"Tree Ridge V"

Medium: Pastel & resin on canvas

Canvas size: 12" x 24"

This original will be exhibited and available for sale at the Sooke Harbour House, Sooke BC.

I'm so excited about starting a new piece - well, actually, I have two new pieces I'm ready to paint: A small pastel on canvas for the Legacy Gallery downtown Victoria, and the other canvas is for a summer art exhibition called "Lighthouse Living", located at the Coast Collective Gallery. I'm so excited to start painting. I'll head down to Opus tomorrow and choose my canvases:) Stay tuned!

Resin on giclee print: "Women"

2010-03-01T20:11:00.001-08:00

The resin has dried and I love the look! There is a small amount of warping in the paper, but it looks fabulous. I will add additional resin, following the red vertical lines in the body.

Resin on giclee print: "Women"

2010-03-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

I am adding resin detailing to one of my giclee prints, "Women". This is my first attempt at applying resin to paper. I've applied resin to a few areas of the foliage and to the breasts -- freshly applied, the resin stands out as white in the images. When dried, it will have texture and be transparent, almost glass-like. I look forward to seeing how it turns out!

"Tree Ridge V": Preview #7

2010-02-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Almost complete. This canvas is due to go out to the Sooke Harbour House gallery.

"Tree Ridge V": Preview #6

2010-02-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

It's coming along. I'm ready to paint the background trees, then the mainland and islands.

"Tree Ridge V": Preview #5

2010-02-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

Changed the colouring of the centre trees. This feels good -- I'm happy, it speaks to me now :)

"Tree Ridge V": Preview #4

2010-02-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

"Tree Ridge V": Preview #3

2010-02-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

It feels great to work with reds! Humm, what other colours shall I use?

"Tree Ridge V": Preview #2

2010-02-01T14:35:00.001-08:00

"Tree Ridge V": Preview #1

2010-01-31T18:42:00.000-08:00

"Tree Ridge V", 12" x 24", pastel and resin on traditional deep exhibition canvas.

I've included a photo of the sketch of "Tree Ridge V", as it's a tad hard to see it clearly. Once I begin to paint, which I hope to find a few moments to do so tomorrow, you'll begin to see the painting come alive. Stay tuned.

Painting Lighthouses

2010-01-16T19:24:00.001-08:00

Starting to plan my lighthouse canvases for our group exhibiton ("Lighthouse Living") this summer at the Coast Collective gallery. Would love to find some good photos of lighthouse windows.

karen

"Coastline II" completed

2010-01-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

Finished my second pastel and resin on canvas. It's more detailed than I usually create.

Next, I'm looking at creating a series of lighthouse images for a possible show coming up this summer. This series will be pastel and resin on canvas.

I would also like to do flowers of some sort using pastel and resin. Not sure what kind of flowers though.

Coastline II: Preview 2

2009-12-27T19:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a look at my second pastel on traditional deep canvas, "Coastline II", 9"x12".

Completed "Tree IV"

2009-12-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

Completed "Tree IV".

I absolutely love, love working with pastel on canvas -- sealing it with resin was fun too! The idea of completing a pastel painting and being able to just simply hang it without having to frame it, is fabulous!!!

Pastel on traditional canvas allows me to paint on over-sized canvas, something I was unable to do with pastel on paper :).

This image is available for sale. Please contact me if you are interested in viewing in person: karen@khartist.com.

Image wraps around deep exhibition canvas, as shown below.

Tree IV ready for pouring medium

2009-12-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

Here it is. I've signed it and sprayed it with a fixative. Perhaps I will begin to coat it with the pouring medium tonight.

"Tree IV", Preview #5

2009-12-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

I will complete the painting portion of Tree IV today. Yippee! Next, will be to spray it with a fixative, then coat the entire canvas with a thick pouring medium. It will seal in the pastel, create texture and look glass-like. I'm so excited to see the end piece!

"Tree IV", Preview #4

2009-12-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

Tree IV: Preview #3

2009-11-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

Blue and green

2009-11-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'm using two of my favorite colours in the foliage: May Green D-O, and Prussian Blue D. I'll highlight the dark blue using Delft Blue M, then move Delft into the sky.

The new "Tree IV"

2009-11-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

Here is my new and improved "Tree IV". That's right, I've started over from scratch -- yep, the other one is gone forever! I experimented with pastel and acrylic and found that acrylic just paled in colour and spirit compared to soft pastel. I purchased a new canvas yesterday, which is the same size as the old, sketched out "Tree IV" last night and began painting this morning. (Sorry acrylic, I see no possibilities with you on this canvas)

Now that I'm back to working solely in pastel, I feel alive!

Persevere

2009-11-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

Now I remember why I moved from acrylics to soft pastel. I love its intense, rich pigments -- it's a hard act to follow pastel's bling bling. Right now, I don't think the painting looks all that beautiful; however, I will continue to paint with acrylics and persevere. Who knows, when I'm done, the two might make a nice pair.

Procrastinating

2009-11-24T10:52:00.000-08:00

I didn't paint yesterday. Yep, procrastination at its best! ha ha. I have the canvas set up on my dining room table because I need a large flat work area. So, it being directly in my living space, I pass the canvas a million times a day. And, each time, I hear myself say: I'll get back to that painting soon. What's underneath those thoughts is a feeling of being challenged at doing something completely unfamiliar -- I'm out of my comfort zone. Working with pastel and acrylic is much like working with water and oil -- it isn't coming together so easy breezy. This is why I have been procrastinating. Through writing my thoughts on my blog, I've now become fully aware of my procrastination and will now move past it. I will put aside two hours this afternoon to paint. Yippee!

Working with acrylic and pastel was awkward

2009-11-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

I added a second medium, acrylic, to my pastel canvas yesterday. The experience was unfamiliar and uncomfortable, yet enjoyable and intriguing. It brings about the learning of new skills and techniques. I feel like I'm learning how to paint for the first time! Fabulous :)

"Tree IV", Preview #4 - acrylic

2009-11-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

It's the first time I've ever painted pastel onto traditonal canvas and its taking some work and a discovering of new techniques. As this canvas is far more toothed than the print paper I normally use, it's moving me into a more free form of painting. I like it! It feels like the Monet type work I did with acrylics just prior to discovering the amazing world of soft pastels.

Finished putting the first layer of pastel onto the tree. I'm ready to build multiple layers using acrylic and pastel. Who knows what it will turn out looking like?

"Tree IV", Preview #3

2009-11-19T20:28:00.000-08:00