I thought I would take a little break from painting nature and work on my latest commission. I never thought I would learn so much about sports by taking up painting!
Peyton Manning: Acrylic 24″ x 18″
Archive for August, 2014
Waking up in the morning to the birds chirping and the sun shining has inspired me to capture how I feel and what I see on canvas. The beauty surrounding me in nature has inspired my latest creations. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed painting them.
Woodlands Fantasy: acrylic on canvas: 28″ x 23″
In My Garden: acrylic on canvas: 12″ x 12″
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder……” We have all heard this old adage. What do you think of when you hear it? A person you have seen? A unique pet? Perhaps a piece of furniture? Just about anything. I never really gave it much thought until I started painting. Recently I was waiting for an appointment and noticed an especially intriguing piece of art on the waiting room wall. It was Impressionism at its best. Its use of texture and color was especially appealing to me. I like to take photos of things I like and so I decided to use my iPhone and it’s many capabilities to remember this particular piece of art. In doing so, I had to excuse myself, as I stepped in front of a gentleman sitting in the chair beside me. I apologized and explained to him what I was doing, as he was obviously wondering why I so rudely stepped in front of him almost ending up sitting on his lap. He looked at the picture for several long seconds, looked at me, and said, “What do you see in that work of art that I don’t see?” An artist takes a risk when producing a piece of work. Some will love it and others, like this gentleman will wonder what is so special about it. People are doing this when they view my art. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but an artist must be true to oneself and create what they believe to be an expression of self, not worrying what others may think……
Next time.
~Nina
This has been an exciting several months for me. Little did I know that my interest and love of painting and creating would lead to a full time occupation. I started out by simply wanting to redecorate my house. Everything was dated and the petite point on my walls definitely was indicative of a different era. Since I have always been creative, I decided to do my own paintings. I could choose my own sizes and colors and subject matter. It turned out to be a very successful experiment and soon I had requests for paintings. I went on to decorate my children’s homes and the offices of business acquaintances. I entered contests and had my work displayed in that manner. People began to notice and commissions started to flow in. Wow, what a great feeling! My little hobby has turned into a very busy career. Painting, or learning new techniques, is something I am now doing on a daily basis. I attend workshops and classes as well as produce 1 to 2 paintings a week. Currently I am working on a portfolio entitled ‘Textures of Nature’ which will be submitted to various art galleries. You may find some of these works posted on my website under the New Work category.
I have also been fortunate enough to be accepted into a local art group in Calgary that is called “The Calgary Community Painters Society.” Besides promoting learning and sharing of ideas and techniques, they have at least 2 art shows and sales a year, the next one being the last weekend of October at the Triwood Community Hall in Calgary. I will be selling several painting here. Details will be posted as the date draws nearer.
Yes, this has been a busy and interesting few months and I look forward to continuing my postings. For now, enjoy the summer and take some time to look around and enjoy the beauty around you!
~ Nina