Be kind to yourself ...

There is no doubt about it ... this painting thing is hard, but try not to be too hard on yourself. I say this, not necessarily because I follow what I say myself but mostly since I have started teaching classes again ... I see students wrestling with the process vs. the finished product.

All too often, the finished painting becomes the goal and the process is forgotten ... the love of the paints and the brushes and the feel of the rough canvas ... even the smell of the oils. That is the love. I won't say that I am not guilty of this myself but when I slip into that place where I am judging what I am doing ... it is then, I try to remember that I love doing this ...

Warm wishes,

Barbara

New Work

"Along the Eastern Edge"

This summer past ... saw another visit to Newfoundland, also a favourite place of mine to see and smell the ocean air,  hear the seabirds and visit the people.

As well, I had a great visit to Nova Scotia, which created a number of inspirations for new work ... you will see them here!

Very best wishes

Barbara

A Favorite Place

Prince Edward Island

One of my favourite places to visit, to spend some real time on an empty beach listening to the waves ... to re-connect with everything you drop in a busy life filled with comings and goings. And while those comings and goings are part of the music of life ... on these beaches you can hear the melody softly whisper on the wind 

Roses from my garden!

So ... I posted about this piece a bit ago and I am thrilled now to report after The Fine Art Show in Streetsville last weekend ... it sold! I must confess that I did go back in and work on it a couple of times after before I put it in the show but nothing could have made me happier than having a perfect stranger love a painting!

Roses from my garden!

Very best wishes, Barbara

Small Sketches

Every now and again ... it is important to challenge yourself! 

This was a 30 minute sketch on a small wooden panel - starting with brush and ending with a knife I toned the panel with yellow ochre which allows the light to sing a little and then pushed myself to put down my knife when the 30 minutes had finished!

Best wishes, Barbara

How a life changes ...

In the blink of an eye ... everything can change ... we have all experienced that from time to time. Again, the journey ~ it may be rocky, smooth, beautiful or sometimes not so beautiful ~ just do your best to stay somewhere near the path!

Best wishes