Another new painting

I love this one..."Opportunity Knocks"...Knock on the old wood water stained door, turn the wobbly knob and the door shall be open. When I saw this door knob, the age, the textures, the water-droplets... I wanted to try and recreate it with paint.
And the idea of opportunity knocking is fortuitous at this time in my art career, lots of great things are happening for me.
I originally painted this door handle with the idea that there would be a second painting of the key to open the door. However, while painting "Opportunity Knocks" I realize that the painting itself may lead viewers to the understanding that they are the key.

Vancouver Federation of Canadian Artists

I wasn't expecting such a quick response but I recently got word that I have been juried into the Vancouver Chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists. This is the next step in getting my work recognized by my peers and hopefully by a wider audience.
This certification allows me to enter into several new shows each year, and I can start working on my signature status with the FCA.
I am very proud of this recent accomplishment. Not sure why I didn't do it sooner. Thanks to everyone who supported me through this process.

Teaching at Monterey Centre in Oak Bay

Beginning January 10, 2011 I will be teaching several classes and workshops at the Monterey Centre in Oak Bay.
Beginning Watercolours Jan10-Feb 28
Painting the wet Coast Jan 13-Mar3
Under the Sea March 17-April 7th
Watercolour Skies may 5- June 23
Beginning Portraits May 9-June 27
Painting your Pet July 4-8
Beaches and Driftwood August 15-19

Iris Delight

I was at a Christmas party a few weeks ago, and I met Chris. Chris is coordinating the artists that will attend the International Iris Convention that will be held here in Victoria in the spring.
Chris asked me if I was interested in submitting some art for evaluation to be able to display and sell my art at the convention.
So this painting was my inspiration to get into the Iris show. I hope you like it and i hope Chris likes it too...I have two others on the go in watercolour. I will put them up as soon as they are finished.

Shipwrecked on the Fraser

This painting was inspired when I saw an image of this vessel on a friends facebook page. While visiting the area I was able to visit the site on the banks of the Fraser River where this vessel sits neglected. The sun was shining across the bow and with the reflection in the water and the mist in the background...I couldn't resist...I had to paint it...Hope you like it.

Ocean Wilderness Beach BC Landscape

I painted this during a class I was invited to sit in on with Leslie Redhead. The class painted this landscape as well...unfortunately I had to leave before they were completed so I was unable to get images of their finished paintings...but here is my interpretation. Hope you enjoy it.

Orchids

I painted orchids in a class, and they did not turn out...these orchids I painted with a looser feel, especially to the background. Hope you like them as much as i liked painting them.

Darlene Robertson Portrait completed

Finally, I got back to painting Darlene...I had put this painting away some time ago..I think I was hesitant to finish it...maybe because I was afraid I wouldn't capture her spirit. Chelsea the daughter Dar left behind after a 3+ year battle with Cancer has given me the high sign...phew. I'm so glad she likes it, I really wanted to capture her Mom's spirit; Dar was far too young to pass on, and now not only will she be remembered in our memories, but her likeness has been captured in this portrait, and will live on long after we are all gone.

Breeze on the beach; watercolour 8x10

This watercolour was inspired by a day at Willow's Beach in Victoria. Elsie, my mother-in-law and I were sitting enjoying the afternoon sun and the beautiful cool breeze that hot summer's day. We spent the afternoon watching the children come and go, frolicking without a care. This particular young girl took my eye, and i snapped a picture of her pouring the water on the beach while the Bonaparte gull looked on.

It was fun to paint. i hope you enjoy it. SOLD

Equine Sudies Workshop

Realism in drawing and painting horses

DESCRIPTION: Learn the fundamentals of realism in drawing and painting horses in oils. Learn to create and use the 'horse drawing grid' for proportioned drawings then step-by-step create paintings in oils. Enjoy a live sketching session at local stables. Workshop focuses on sound drawing of horse anatomy, colour planning and panel design. Features demos, hands-on drawing and painting, one-on-one, critiques, handouts and talks.

DURATION: 3 days (18 hrs)

TIMES: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
November 26-28

I am very excited to be working with Ken Campbell again later this month, when I will be participating in his Equine Studies Workshop. Anyone interested in taking this class please check Ken's website

Ken Campbell's Italia Style Art Class

BEFORE:
DURING:
AFTER:
I just spent 5 days in an Italia Style Drawing Class with Artist Ken Campbell. The class was amazing. Learned sooo much...his style of teaching is very one on one and he takes 3-5 students on at most. In this class there were 3, so the individual attention was plentiful, and greatly appreciated. We learned from cast and still life to start and the last 2 days was all figurative work ending with a full day of drawing from a live model.

I highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to gain some experience in drawing from life. It is 5 intense 8 hour days of standing in front of your easel, and is not for the faint of heart. Critiques are done after each session of drawing and are most useful. If you are interested in learning more about Ken's work or his classes please check out his website

Today's visit to East Sooke Park

Glenn my husband, and I just got back from East Sooke Park a few hours ago. We thought we'd take advantage of one of the last fantastic days of summer, and check out the phenomenon of the birds of prey circling to get catch a thermal current to get across the strait as they start their migration south. While there and on the way, I got some of the best shots for upcoming paintings...I am so excited to get started.

Just back from Nova Scotia

My family and friends were my priority while visiting back home I was there for almost three weeks. Unfortunately, my paintings were only brought out twice to work on, and having a deadline of September 12, did not allow me to finish any of them in time to put into the Sidney Show.
As disappointing as that was, I realised after some reflection and positive input by my hubby...there is always next year. I painted throughout the day when i got back, and was very uptight trying to meet the deadline. My Glenn is such a doll and so pragmatic...he was the one who suggested not trying to kill myself to get it in on time, a rushed job usually shows.

So, my next step...putting paintings in a roaming gallery through the Coast Collective. And that is exciting.

Visitor's to my Art Blog

I am so excited, i just checked out my visitations to my site and i cannot believe the exposure I am getting. People are visiting from all over the world, from Kampala in the Congo, to Britain to Jakarta, Indonesia and all across the US and Canada. Amazing!
Thank you all so much for visiting my site. I do hope you are enjoying my work, and that you will visit often.
Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions or send me an email.
Take good care.
Kind Regards,
Sam

Sidney Fine Art Show

The 2010 Sidney Fine Art Show will be held October 15th – 17th at the Bodine Family Hall at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. Presented by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula, this Show is a world-class juried art show for serious artists and patrons of the arts.
The Sidney Fine Art Show has become one of, if not the, largest and most anticipated shows in British Columbia. The Show is also a highlight on the cultural calendar of Vancouver Island.
I will be submitting a couple of paintings for adjudication. I need to work very hard on my next few paintings. Wish me diligence, and a little luck. :)

Coast Collective Exhibit: Critters & Creatures

I was just notified that 2 pieces of my work will be exhibited at the Critters and Creatures Show at the Coast Collective from August 5th - Aug 22nd, The two pieces are: Annas' Perch, and Symbol of Peace II. Both are 11x14 watercolour on 300 lb Fine Art paper.
The address for the CC is: 3221 Heatherbell Rd, Victoria, BC, V9C 1Y8. I hope you will be able to attend.

Working at the Lake

I arrived on Monday evening. Once on the road I started to relax...I knew I was only another hour or so to paradise. I began work on Tuesday, and worked most of that day and into the morning of the next to complete Annas' Perch. A painting of an Annas hummingbird that is entered into the Coast Collective: Critters and Creatures Show coming up in a few weeks. The second painting I entered is Symbol of Peace II. The original Symbol of Peace was so popular I decided to paint another one for this show.

Coast Collective Art Exhibit

I left for Esquimalt yesterday and picked up my friend Leslie on the way. We arrived at the Gallery just before 2pm. The reception was just beginning. Many artists were in attendance. Two of my pieces were on display, so i was a bit nervous. The room was buzzing at the quality of the art. I received several compliments which seemed to bolster my confidence a little.
After hobnobbing for a while (lol) we headed down to Esquimalt Lagoon for a gab session and picture taking. Many great shots later we headed back home.
I spent the evening painting and watching Bridges of Madison County in the background. What a great film, and a poignant love story.

Day 2 Greg Swainson's Workshop: en Plein Air

Day 2 down, what a day...it was surreal...wait til you see the pics of this place. We went to a mansion down on Ardmore; right on the water on Finlyson Arm, (this home was recently featured in Western Living magazine).
What a place. Surreal, as I said...Heavens how much money does one need to have to build a 17 million$ home.
Around 2:30 pm David gave us a tour of the house. Inlaid floors, Granite counter tops, 2 laundry rooms, kareoke room, games room, theatre, wine cellar, 2 libraries, it was endless; and the exterior had granite paths, marble and jade fountains, an infinity pool...and with the roses in full bloom it was ...quite something. The folks that own this are from Edmonton, and although extremely wealthy they were very down to earth, and very gracious hosts.
The sun was beating down on us, I started 2 paintings, and we had a lovely time... it was 'simply gorgeous dawling'.
Now back to reality...and a tall cool glass of water out on the deck of our most humble abode. :-)

Portfolio found!

The stolen portfolio was found in a dumpster close to the office in which the incident happened. All but a few paintings were recovered. Michele Mikala Ross sends her thanks and gratitude for all the well wishes and postulates for a speedy return.

Coast Collective Art gallery presents: Re-connected

I submitted two paintings to the Coast Collective for the upcoming Show Reconnected July 8-18.
This being one: Reminiscent of Zsnzibar 16x20 framed 325.00

Stolen Paintings...see more details visit Michele's blog

I just read on FB, Michele Mikala Ross had 30 paintings stolen, see her story on her blog

3 day workshop next week with Greg Swainson

Looking forward to a 3 day workshop next week with Greg Swainson. A Victoria artist, his work is done on rough paper with a much darker palette than I'm used to, but the affects are great check out his work

Where Women Create...love this site

I just stumbled upon a website that some of you may be interested in it is called Where Women Create. Great stuff check it out. You may want to follow them on their blog...fun!

More on Network Blogging

This tool is great...finally I have one place where i can blog about my art and it gets networked to my art page on FB and my personal page and even twitter. It was a bit complicated to set up, only because I missed a vital step, then got caught in a loop. But it was worth it...it works great. love it love it love it!

Network Blogging

Now when i publish something on this blog it will be automatically transferred to my personal profile page on Facebook and on twitter...this is a test to see if it works...here goes...

Anna's not going into Coast Collective

I thought I could substitute a painting for one that may be sold...but too bad...I guess it does not work that way...new to this process...so my hummingbird may be entered into the Sidney Fine Arts Show. Which reminds me got to get that app in asap...tomorrow for sure.

Coast Collective show.

Painting an Anna's hummingbird for the Coast Collective Show. Paintings need to be submitted by Thursday...wish me luck

My next series ...Horses

I want to paint horse portraits. I am researching horses... I have found a few sites...draw a horse and
draw and paint horses.
Anyone with information on how to draw and paint horses please contact me.

Sooke Fine Art Show Adjudication

Just got back from Sooke...entered 3 paintings...do you think they'll get in...here is one

Today i submit 3 paintings to Sooke Fine Art Show...Do you suppose they'll get in?

Art Exhibit, El Molino, Spain

Just wanted to include a few pics of the trip to Spain.

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Leighdon Studio Gallery

Two paintings will be exhibited starting today until July 3 at the Leighdon studio Gallery. 190 3rd Ave west, Vancouver BC.

Sook Fine Art Show

Getting paintings ready for the Sooke Fine Arts show next month. They will be adjudicated this weekend. Wish me luck...cause i’m not finished painting them yet...ahhh!

HootSuite

HootSuite

Amazing Artists

I painted with some amazing artists including Kiff Holland, Rick McDiarmid and not to mention my good friend and mentor Leslie Redhead.
You can check out their websites at:

Kiff Holland: http://www.kiffhollandartist.com

Rick Mcdiarmid: http://www.richardsmcdiarmid.com/

Leslie Redhead: http://leslieredheadart.blogspot.com/

Spain Plein Air

Wow, what an experiencce. We visited 4 cities outside of El Molino Del Conde. All were a painter's dream.
Our accomodations were amazing...anyone interested in this type of excursion definitely check out http://www.flavourofspain.net

Substitute teaching at Monteray Centre Victoria, BC

Today, I had the pleasure of subbing for Leslie Redhead Watercolour Class. It was a delightful group...had a great time with all the students. Thanks to Leslie for the opportunity, and I hope to get the chance to do it again sometime.

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Light and Water

Check out this website for some great information if you visit the Hudson River Fellowship, you can download a pdf file with great info on light and water by Sir Bart Montagu Pollock. Or go direct at the following link:

Acceptance into Juried Competition

I was just accepted by 5 jurors for the Leighdon Studio Gallery to have 2 pieces of my work entered into an exhibition of BC Artists in July, 190-3rd Ave west, Vancouver BC.

Light and Water

I happened upon this article quite by chance. It has some very valuable information for an artist wanting to learn more about painting water. The author Sir Bart Montagu Pollock, offers us the scientific explanation of why water reflects light, however he explains it in such a way that the layman can understand. I hope you will find the article helpful, it is lengthy but is broken down into 4 chapters. Please visit the link

Mist over the Mountain into Brentwood Bay

Today I am in the studio working on my newest piece as titled above. I am excited to work on boats and mist; this will be a challenge for me. Wish me luck.

Loverly Bunch o' Coconuts

I painted this as part of a challenge by Daily Painter's international.

Critique group every Tuesday

Today, I signed up with Leslie Redhead's group for critiques in Victoria, BC. It has a great bunch of artists that meet once a week to paint together and provide feedback t o each other on our work. If you happen upon this and want to join in. Contact Leslie Redhead at leslie@leslieredheadart.com

Canadian Fine Art Market Report 2008

The 34 page report represents the culmination of about 18 month’s effort, which we hope make a difference for artists and art marketing. The results cover the Who, What, Where, When and Why of visual fine art sales, mostly from Canadian buyers inputs, but with general applicability we believe to art markets everywhere. The report investigates opinions and marketing demographics of the typical visitor likely to come to an art venue.

Improving marketing and sales strategies are our overall goal. The highlights on pages 3 to 5 cover most of the reports findings and marketing implications. The details are presented on pages 6 to 34 to help you look more deeply at what was learned, and enable more understanding.

Visit the link to request your free copy!

Marketing, marketing, marketing

"Get out there"; "Why aren't you selling more"; "Wawawa" ...we've heard it all.

Thanks to my friend Leslie Redhead she has inspired me to market myself.

Over the last week, I started using the obvious tool to market my artwork...dah...the internet. Why didn't I think of it sooner. Oh, I had my personal Facebook page for close family and friends, and some of my artwork on my photos page, but it wasn't getting my artwork out there for all to see...and it is important to increase your profile.

The internet offers many marketing strategies. Using the following tools I have set up this blog (hello...blogging...da da da), my website, and several platforms where I can showcase my artwork:
Google blogspot
My Art Club
My Art Space
Facebook
and a group page on Facebook

Each of these platforms has its benefits the biggest one being exposure.

As the trend for internet sales ever increases, many people turn to the internet for help. just as you would get a recipe for free, many of the marketing tools are free. The down side is they take a lot of time to maintain...which ultimately means less time to paint.

But for those of us who want to increase our exposure and don't mind putting the time in...there are may "internet" options available...

happy marketing...and painting