Reading: Part 1: Extreme You – Step Up. Stand Out. Kick Ass. Repeat.

Working Artist
Well 20 minutes of deleting spam and I can finally settle down to writing this blog post. Part 1 of a 4 part series inspired by Sarah Robb O'Hagan's lively contribution to the swift kick in the butt genre of self-help literature. Before I begin, I will let you know that this is not my main read of the summer, even if a four part series would suggest that. In my studies on the subject of money for my currency paintings I have read some great books including: The Undercover Economist Strikes Back - Tim Harford Money: The Unauthorized Biography - Felix Martin Financial Fir$t Aid for Canadian Investors - Mike Graham Money Rules - Gail Vaz-Oxlade Smart Women Love Money - Alice Finn Rich Dad series (4) -  Robert T. Kiyosaki I…
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Coming to VASA! Mystical Magical Fantasy.

Events & Announcements, The Story Behind the Painting, What's the Big Idea?
Upcoming Show: I am happy to announce that I will have three artworks in an upcoming group show, Mystical Magical Fantasy, at the Visual Arts Studio Association in St. Albert Alberta. The show runs Tuesday October 3rd to Saturday October 28th 2017. Opening reception Thursday October 5th, 6-9pm. Visit the VASA website for address and other details as they become available. Artist Statement: The Fun Money Series of paintings are part of an exploration of the cultural significance of money and the ways that we learn in childhood to think about money through fantasy, play, and story. I incorporate coin shaped foil candy wrappers into the paintings to create fantasy worlds in which the main actors, represented by plastic figurines, interact with the coins in different ways. Much like the…
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Final week to see I AM CANADIAN !

Events & Announcements, The Story Behind the Painting, What's the Big Idea?
Hi All! It is the final week to see I am Canadian at the Edge Gallery in Calgary's historic Inglewood neighbourhood. Make sure you check out all the fantastic work on display, and remember, it IS for sale! Gallery hours are 10 - 5:30 Tuesday through Friday and 10 - 5:00 on Saturdays. Below I am posting my artist statement with images of the pieces in the show: [caption id="attachment_222" align="aligncenter" width="241"] Finding a Dance Partner16 x 20 O/C[/caption] [caption id="attachment_223" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Salvation16 x 20 O/C[/caption] [caption id="attachment_224" align="aligncenter" width="242"] The New Homeland16 x 20 O/C[/caption] [caption id="attachment_225" align="aligncenter" width="242"] A Level Playing Field16 x 20 O/C[/caption] [caption id="attachment_226" align="aligncenter" width="241"] Spirit Wrestlers16 x 20 O/C[/caption] [caption id="attachment_227" align="aligncenter" width="236"] Land of Fairytale Abundance16 x 20 O/C[/caption] [caption id="attachment_228"…
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Sunflower Seed Paintings 25 – 30

The Sunflower Project
These 6 sunflower seed paintings, exploring a red-violet/green-yellow palette, have been brought to you by Amanda Constable, who donated the funds for the materials for these six paintings. They are all looking for a good home! Go here to learn about the project and sign up to receive one free, or donate to ensure we keep this project going!
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Process: Tom & Laura’s Wedding Portrait Painting

Commissions
I thought it might be fun for you to see the stages of creating this modern fairytale portrait painting. I scheduled about a month, at two days per week, to work on this 16" x 32" acrylic painting on canvas. To learn more about commissioning a painting, click here. So without further ado: Stage 1: Drawing using graphite and then Pitt artist pen. Stage 2: Grisaille in Chromium Oxide Green. Stage 3: Colour wash. Quinacridone Red, Pthalo Green and Green Gold. Stage 4: Establish background buildings and sky. Stage 5: Working on everything but negative space objects. Stage 6 & 7: Work on the car. Stage 8: Paint the figures and adjust the background to create proper recession and focus. DONE! To see more of my portraits click here. To learn more…
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