Vern Schwarz Art

Nathan MacKinnon

2012-01-21T22:55:00.006-06:00

Nathan is my friend Bubba Tays' nephew. We went to watch him play in the 17 and under tourney last year where as a 15 year old, he was definitely one of Atlantic Canada's best players as they got slaughtered by the powerful US team. Here he is trying to evade one their players. I took about a hundred photos and found about two that were paintable. This is pretty loose for me, and I really enjoyed the way it went down. If you are a hockey fan, watch for this kid. He will make it to the NHL, and with any luck, we may see him playing with the Jets.
oil on board 10" x 8"

In Front of Grand Central

2012-01-12T20:26:00.019-06:00

I finally tried one of Lee Brown's wonderful challenge photos thanks to a prompt from Dana Cooper. This was a fellow reading in front of Grand Central Station in NYC. One of these days I'd love to visit New York.
oil on canvas board 10' X 8"

Deciding On A New Coat

2012-01-04T10:55:00.013-06:00

On a rainy afternoon at the Helper, Utah workshop, under Doug Braithwaite's suggestion, we all set up in the studio area to create and paint our own still lifes. There were all sorts of props and stimulating articles to choose from, and I decided on this longhorn skull which I attached to a dressmaker's mannequin. Don't ask me why. The dramatic lighting was very interesting and we all soon got busy on our own projects. Of course the time flew by, and I never did finish the piece until last night. I've looked at this painting for several months and really couldn't decide what to do with it. Sometimes you just have to wait, or talk to someone like Dominique Eichi to get the ideas flowing again. Thanks Dominique. Because I didn't photograph the setup at the time, it was from memory that I completed this piece. I must admit, that I was struck by some of the colour/shadow nuances that we don't pick up on when painting from photos. Even the photo I took of the finished painting does not reflect these.

Note to self...DO MORE PAINTINGS FROM LIFE!!!
Another note to self...DO MORE PAINTINGS!!!

"Ninety percent of life is just showing up." Woody Allen"

oil on board 9" x 12"

Street Cars

2011-12-14T15:31:00.004-06:00

Finally finished this commission piece after starting it sometime in November, (feels like June...ha). The reference photo taken by the soon to be recipient, was shot during the afternoon on a cloudy day. I cropped the photo, and then found the low light somewhat uninspiring, so in the interest of driving myself crazy, the lighting was changed to evening. Not the easiest task to invent light and shadows, at least for me, but what the heck, whatever it takes to try and create something pleasing to the eye. It was mucho frustrating and then a lot of fun at the same time. I am happy with the result, and I truly hope that Mrs. E. is as well.
oil on canvas 36" x 24"

Pool School

2011-09-20T17:15:00.006-05:00

Yes I'm still alive, just not communicating...not intentionally, but business travels, summer and a deep painting/blog/facebook rut are the reasons. Hopefully I'm back with this latest offering which I started a couple of months ago. I'm happy that I left it for awhile, in that some improvements were made such as punching up some dead areas with floating leaves adding a little colour and interest. This canvas is going up in our home with the koi piece on my blog header going to live at my daughter Melissa's house. I'm only about a year and a half late on delivering her birthday present. She has always loved that painting so what else was I to do? I'm still tinkering with this piece, but I don't suspect any major changes to it. I just wanted to post something...anything!
oil on canvas 72" x 36"

Peter Brown

2011-05-26T21:29:00.010-05:00

I would like to thank Adebanji for his generous permission to reference an amazing photo that he took of his friend and mentor, English artist extraordinaire Peter Brown. You can see the photo on Adebanji's blog. I was not familiar with Mr. Brown's work until reading about him in Adebanji's blog, and now I find myself studying and admiring his amazing paintings. The beautiful clean strokes are nothing short of genius in their precision, economy and brilliant colour. What can I say...huge new fan here. So here he is doing what he makes look so effortless. We can only wish.
oil on board 12" x 9"

Mr. Johnson

2011-05-14T20:45:00.004-05:00

My good friend Don's father passed on May 9th, and as a memory for his beloved wife, I wanted to paint his portrait. He was a very interesting, warm and caring man, so it was a pleasure for me to try and capture his spirit for this wonderful lady .
oil on board 12" x 16"

Steel Blues

2011-04-19T17:50:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to paint this guy for quite awhile, and decided to include him in Edward Burton's moleskin as my final painting for the project...sniff! It sure was a lot of fun, and produced some great art from some wonderful artists.
I photographed him about three years ago in Vancouver as he played inside the Granville Island market. He was a most interesting looking, and talented musician as he played on his metal resonator guitar, and graciously allowed me to take his picture.
oil on paper 8" x 12"

On Vacation

2011-02-20T18:46:00.004-06:00

What a great way to spend a quiet Sunday...PAINTING...something I haven't being doing much of lately. This is for Sheila Tajima, for her moleskin book. She requested everyone paint something that they love. Well I love, love, love figure paintings and of course trying to paint them myself. I wasn't sure what to do for her at first, then found this cool photo that I took of a group of Japanese tourists. Thought Sheila might get a kick out this.
oil on paper 7 1/2" x 7 1/2"

Ten Minute Orange Studies

2011-02-12T16:49:00.003-06:00

These oranges are the result of a challenge posted by that very skilled artist Carol Marine. The goal was to paint eight little studies using only ten minutes for each piece. I was hoping the results would be a lot looser, but you can't change the stripes on the old zebra over night. This was a great exercise, and I hope I learned something from it. Well I know I didn't have enough paint mixed, and did not have the paint thinned to flow more easily...two important factors I believe. That's what you get for not painting for over a month.

oil on canvasboard 2 x 8" x 8"

Salmon Run

2010-12-02T11:50:00.009-06:00

This painting is for my daughter Jessica, and was promised for last year...ish, so I am thrilled that it is now completed. We'll see if she checks out my blog and realizes that it's finally done. Now she can feel like she's living at an aquarium as it hangs in her living room...ha!

Inspiration for the painting was from a photo taken by a brilliant photographer named Randy Olson, for his piece in National Geographic Magazine entitled Kamchatka Salmon. I've made a few minor changes, and will not sell or reproduce this painting. Fingers crossed that he's okay with this.

Because of it's larger size, I wasn't sure how I was going to tackle this piece, and as it progressed, it became more and more detailed. I liked the contrast of somewhat tight and then more loosely painted fish.

oil on canvas 60" x 40"

Light Lunch

2010-11-11T16:19:00.003-06:00

I finally got a bit of time to finish Dana Cooper's moleskin painting. It's Remembrance Day in Canada, and here in Manitoba it's a day off which I am very thankful for, in that we have time to reflect upon, and remember our soldiers who have, and so bravely now serve our country. Dana's son as I recall is in their armed forces, so I did think about her and her family's contribution as I worked on this piece. The freedom to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful summer afternoon is one of the things our countries have always fought for, so it is my honor to try and depict this privilege which we enjoy on this amazing continent. To all of our servicemen and women, thank you.
oil on paper 16" x 5 1/2"

Crazy About Shoes

2010-10-01T23:03:00.003-05:00

This painting is for Irit Bourla, who is crazy about shoes. Check out all the other moleskin entries here.
oil on paper 11 1/2" x 8'

Is This Your Dog

2010-09-19T10:36:00.009-05:00

My contribution to Dominique Eichi's moleskin book was a lot of fun to do, even though it's late. Thanks again for organizing the whole moleskin project Dominique, I've really enjoyed the art being produced, and the friendships we have strengthened.
oil on paper 11 1/2" x 8"

Tracy Grant

2010-09-05T08:13:00.008-05:00

This was the landscape that I was supposed to be painting instead of a dusty old Corona bottle. What WAS I thinking? In her moleskin, I wanted to surprise Michelle Burnett by doing a portrait of one of her painting buddies, Tracy, and feature some of the beautiful country around Helper, Utah. What a coincidence to be attending a workshop with Michelle's lovely friend, who was a lot of fun to be around. The world can be such a small place.
oil on paper 16" x 5"

Airport Sketches

2010-08-16T20:57:00.005-05:00

A couple of sleepy travelers caught in these quick sketches.

A Bridge Not Too Far

2010-08-09T21:19:00.004-05:00

I have been missing painting lately, and was finally able to do this plein air piece close by my house...hence the very clever title...ha! Yesterday must have been a hundred degrees here, (thirty five Celsius)...even us metric guys go Fahrenheit when it's that hot. The Red River is quite muddy, but has some interesting colour in the bright sunshine, and I just wanted to paint something, even though it was baking out there. So here it is, my first plein air back home. Kinda felt like Utah with the sun and heat.
oil on board 10" x 8"

A Busy Rest

2010-07-18T10:44:00.008-05:00

The Flying Moleskins has been a lot of fun to say the least, and I particularly enjoyed finishing this piece for my blog buddy Camille Olsen. It was almost done about four weeks ago, but lacked some finishing touches that eluded me until last night. I've been away, and busy lately, not having any time to paint, so completing this felt great. I punched up the darks in the gal up front effectively bringing her forward and increasing her importance in the painting. (She kinda looks like Rose). Then I tried to create more interest in the shadows in front of her. I took this photo in Germany last May, and included a streetscape in Camille's book on her request.
oil on paper 10" x 8"

Room...With A View

2010-07-17T22:25:00.009-05:00

This was my first attempt at plein air painting, but ninety percent of it was completed in my studio. Using a technique I'd never tried prior to this, I floundered and made some huge drawing errors which I was able to correct at home using a reference photo. The whole experience was quite overwhelming, but a lot of fun nonetheless. I found it interesting how so much information was lost in a photo, and ended up having to wing it. For example, the shaded areas were very flat with little or no value and colour information, but fortunately I had some value clues even though the underpainting was weak. Not all is lost if even a small part of the painting is done from life. In finishing this piece at home, it became a lot more detailed than I originally had intended.
oil on board 10" x 8"

Stacked Rocks

2010-07-01T21:22:00.011-05:00

This is my last landscape from Helper, and not really being into them prior to the workshop, I feel that I want to pursue painting the world now that the plein air bug has bitten me. Figures are still my passion, but broadening ones horizons is always a worthwhile pursuit. This piece was finished fairly quickly in my studio. When the darks and values are laid in accurately, adding colour and highlights not only make more sense, but they go down so much easier with more strength and conviction. Using this technique I hope and feel that improvement will come with each successive painting.
oil on board 8" x 10"

Rock Face

2010-06-29T12:22:00.008-05:00

This location just outside of Helper, Utah was amazing with it's dramatic beauty and inspiring vistas in every direction. Usually after watching one of Doug's fabulous demos, we would scatter and find something to paint. It was seldom that any two of us chose the same spot, as there were so many interesting ones to choose from.. Utah has to be one of the most beautiful states in the union. This was my second attempt at rocks en plein air, and it felt great after the detailed value sketch was completed. The colours and paint just seemed to start flowing.
oil on board 12" x 9"

Dry and Deserted

2010-06-28T22:26:00.010-05:00

I'm sure this is not what anyone was expecting to see for my first workshop post given the absolutely gorgeous landscapes that we had around us in Helper Utah. It was about 7 PM and Doug had us out doing some more plein air painting. What can I say, the man is a task master...ha! Anyway, it was another perfect evening and we were overlooking a golf course with mountains and rocks all around us, but I was sun burned and tired, (it had been 92F that day), and looking off into the distance just felt like it was going to be work. Tracy had a chair she wasn't using and I found this castoff Corona bottle just laying there calling to me. Well not really, I usually only hear them when they actually contain beer. Doug always made his rounds while we were painting, offering encouragement, valuable suggestions and the odd brushstroke here and there, if the person wanted it. On his first visit to me he looked at this and chuckled, and thought it not too bad, so on his endorsement with a few finishing touches at home, I give you Dry and Deserted. Now because most of this was done from life, I was easily able to mix fairly accurate colours to finish this painting using the photo I took as a reference.
oil on board 8" x 5 1/2"

Doug Braithwaite Workshop

2010-06-27T10:13:00.019-05:00

I've been away for the last couple of weeks, with the first week spent attending a truly wonderful workshop in Helper, Utah led by Doug Braithwaite , a fabulous artist, teacher and great guy. His clean, beautiful art works were what drew me to his workshop in the first place, and I tell you, I wasn't disappointed. Doug has a straight forward method of painting that is so smooth and seemingly effortless that one cannot help but try and incorporate some or all of what he demonstrates. Every stroke and every colour just seem to make sense. There were so many areas of art that he touched on, that I don't really know where to start.

Eight of us arrived at Helper, and stayed together in an old, newly renovated hotel/ art studio owned and operated by David Dornan and his wife Marilou Kundmueller. The atmosphere was all about art, the camaraderie was super, and the art direction and inspiration invaluable.
Doug initially spoke to us about establishing value drawings before laying in any colour, determining values and matching colours as we were seeing them. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have an accurate value drawing before adding any colour. He showed us how to prepare panels, how to mix paint and how to apply it, how shadows changed with reflected light from the sky and ground. We used a limited palette and were forced to mix our own colours, something I am now committed to. We mixed our colours with a pallet knife, not a brush as I am so fond of doing. Mixing with a brush is a sure recipe for creating muddy colours and inconsistencies. I used three times the amount of paint that I usually do, and tried to mix more than enough to do the job at hand. I can be so stingy squeezing paint, and it just isn't smart. Doug told us he reckons that only about forty percent of the paint he uses makes it onto his paintings. Utrecht Art Suppliues love him for this...ha, and I am now striving to carve this same endearing relationship with them myself.

Doug did several amazing demos, and I've posted the above photo of him next to one, including the original subject. You can see how dramatically different the photo is from the finished painting. This is where working from photos exclusively has a serious limiting effect on producing realistic colour/values. I am now a plein air convert and loving it as I try to find my way to creating more vibrant work. Using an 8" x 10" board to record colour and value is so important when going back to the studio with photo references. Now this is all stuff I'd heard or read about previously, but just didn't get.

Doug...love'ya man...and I really, REALLY mean it this time. You are the best.

I'll post something of mine later. None are really finished, and my glorious holiday is sadly over with some intense work staring me in the face starting tomorrow.

Check out Helper Workshops and get yourself down there if you are serious about your art. And by the way, two of the young guns attending the workshop are fine arts majors currently attending unniversity in Utah. I will be returning to learn from the other masters...(Doug's own art profs)...David Dornan and Paul Davis. David gave us an extraordinary demo in his studio one afternoon that absolutely broadened the horizons in my world, including glazing and process techniques that I never could have imagined. And Paul showed me more in fifteen minutes about drawing...well I need to get back and spend time with both of these very fine and extremely talented gentlemen.

A big thanks to everyone down there...I had a ball. It was so cool meeting so many artists and making some great new friends. I drove down, and Rose met me in Salt Lake City the following Saturday. We toured through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park and saw some of the most awe inspiring places on the planet. The U.S.of A is certainly a wonderful country with a lot of wonderful people.

A Change In Plans

2010-05-19T18:27:00.000-05:00

Angela Elledge is a teacher, a dog lover and a traveler among other things. She requested "places" in her moleskin with or without the accessories, so I tried a German street complete with outdoor patio, an unusual dog, a couple of kids (far enough away to be seen but not heard...ha), and tried to include Angela herself. I really couldn't find much reference material on her blog, so I thought what a great opportunity to challenge myself, and rotate her head in my head, and see what happens. Well it's not easy, and it's not a great likeness, but it was fun, and one could argue that there is a passing resemblance. Sorry Angela, I tried. I'm probably the second last person on earth that's not on facebook, and I almost joined figuring a few shots could be found of you there.
oil on paper 10" x 8"

Ruby

2010-05-07T09:07:00.000-05:00

Ruby is the cutest, softest Basset hound who belongs to the people who run the gas station down the road from me. She visits on Thursdays and is immensely popular with anyone and everyone. I photographed her last summer, but finally got the urge to slap some paint on a board, and try and create her likeness.
oil on masonite 6" x 4 1/2"

Great Horned Owls

2010-05-03T19:48:00.000-05:00

A pair of Great Horned owls, set up housekeeping last spring in an abandoned crow's nest right beside our house, and hatched three beautiful, white and fuzzy natural born killers. They were so exciting to watch, and we reveled in their presence for at least a couple of months. Upon learning to "almost" fly we would awake to find them on our deck, or barbecue or just sitting in a tree waiting for their next meal. The father, who is smaller than the female, helps feed and raise them, and it is he who I painted. He may look like he's sleeping, but I assure you, not even close. He is watching over the brood as junior sits in a tree willing him to go get some more food. I only saw them feed once early one morning, and let's just say there isn't a lot of chewing involved. I found duck parts all over the yard, and yet there is something endearing about these majestic birds. These paintings will go into a moleskin book for my friend James Parker, who requested pieces with a wildlife theme.
oil on paper 5 1/2" x 8"

Moose On The Move

2010-04-20T08:47:00.000-05:00

This painting was done from a fabulous challenge photo supplied by Gary Keimig. Not only is he a great painter, but check out his photography. I've always loved these awkward looking giants, who are so graceful as they move. Powerful and virtually fearless as they roam the forests, they are an absolute treat to see on those very rare occasions.
oil on board 8" x 5 1/2"

The Sun Shines Brightly

2010-03-30T12:29:00.000-05:00

I want to thank Dean Haven and Bobbi Heath for bestowing the Sunshine Award on my blog. I post it now to acknowledge all of the wonderful people who have been so supportive and sent their prayers our way. My wife Rose was diagnosed with incurable follicular lymphoma in Aug/09, underwent chemo and other drug treatments, and has now been declared cancer FREE. We are elated and relieved. I don't know if it was the God Squad, as she lovingly refers to those who sent their prayers, and there were a lot of them, or the fact that she got this early and the treatments were perfect, but perhaps it was both. Her doctor has stated that if she can stay clear of it for the next five years, he doesn't feel it will ever come back. She has gotten her life back and I am thrilled to join her in the celebration.
Thank you so much to everyone, you are all truly amazing.

Show Guide

2010-03-21T14:51:00.000-05:00

This is another Flying Moleskin s contribution for that very talented artist, Liz Holm. I worked from a photo that I took in Baden Baden, Germany at the Museum Frieder Burda. We visited the Durer, Tizian, Velazquez exhibit and really enjoyed seeing a few paintings from these famous artists up close. I was quite taken with this exhibit room, which was filled with huge tapestries and had a great floor.
oil on paper 8 1/2" x 6 1/2"

Josh and Breanna

2010-03-11T10:06:00.000-06:00

It's always fun to have the opportunity to repay someone through something as personal as art. This is a little painting I did that reminds me of Hansel and Gretel walking through the enchanted forest. Gingerbread dead ahead just off to the right. Careful "witch" way you turn kids. Aren't they cute?

oil on masonite 12" x 9"

A Warm Bed

2010-03-06T16:40:00.001-06:00

A warm bed is something most of us take for granted, and in this man's case, a subway or sewer vent is the best he can do. I borrowed from three different photographs to create this painting for Adebanji Alade whose moleskin theme was poverty and homelessness. In Canada we know that over a million people can afford either food or shelter, but not both. Scary numbers in a country with a population around 35 million. This group does not include all of the homeless, whose profile is quickly changing to include women and children. They represent the fastest growing subgroup followed by youth.

Oil on paper 9" x 7"

ME

2010-02-20T08:24:00.000-06:00

This self portrait is my answer to Alice Thompson's invitation to any artists wishing to participate in her first challenge. I felt I had to, and wanted to participate in Alice's project, because she was a tremendous help to me getting started with my blog, and her support has always been fabulous. The criteria was to do a self portrait using only one colour along with black and white. I chose Phthlo blue. I am also supposed to explain why I chose the colour I used. After looking at my reference photo which was shot outdoors in my snowy front yard, I decided that blue was the predominent hue which I was picking up as I squinted at the photo. Normally I would have chosen a warmer colour like burnt sienna, but the thought of using blue intrigued me. You can see the other artist submissions at Calypso Moon Artist Movement. Thanks Alice for taking the time and making a huge effort to get this going.
oil on masonite 5" x 7"

Karin Jurick

2010-02-15T07:55:00.000-06:00

This is my portrait of Karin Jurick, an amazing artist who inspires me. I participated in a labor of love initiated by Jill Polsby , who approached a bunch of us to do a portrait of Karin from the same reference photo. The results are here...all 118 of them. It is a group thank you to a great lady.

Bike Break

2010-01-25T18:57:00.000-06:00

This is my first contribution for The Flying Moleskins, and the recipient of this 9" x 7" oil on paper, is that very fine gentleman, and wonderful artist, Dean Haven. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dean the other day, and he is a very engaging fellow who is great fun to compare notes with. Dean, I hope you like it, and I hope it folds well (after it dries), and does all the right stuff to look good in your moleskin book. This is from a photo I took while in Germany this last May.

To The Art Show

2010-01-16T09:02:00.000-06:00

See this piece and others featured in The Flying Moleskins blog. This is an art exchange conceived and orchestrated by Dominique Eichi...thanks so much Dominique.
oil on gessoed watercolour paper 10 1/2" x 7 1/2"

Portrait Challenge

2009-12-24T09:03:00.000-06:00

This year's portrait challenge has produced some amazing works again...look here. I started out strong with my first attempt, and pretty much fiddled it to death. After about 8 hours work, yes that's a lot of fiddling, I wiped it completely clean, and started again. I took my time re-drawing, and finished it in one go. (Good thing she's not hard to look at...ha!) I wanted a better likeness, but at least it feels like something that I'd had in mind. Hope this lovely young lady likes it. She supplied a very interesting photo which I thank her for.
oil on masonite 9" x 12"

Merry Christmas everyone.

Tabby

2009-12-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

Tabby is a beautiful little cat residing at D'Arcy's Animal Rescue in Winnipeg. She is one of many looking for a new home, and hopefully this portrait will help raise a few dollars for their cause.
8" x 8" oil on canvas board

Airport Travellers

2009-11-10T07:22:00.000-06:00

This is a re-post of the same painting...different photo. The first one was quite subdued and didn't represent very well.

I want to thank everyone again, publicly this time, for their marvelous warmth and support of my courageous wife Rose. Last evening her doctor called to say that the bone biopsy he performed came back negative...Negatory!!! Wow, what a relief for both of us. I'm not planning to turn this into Rose's health blog, but again, I wanted to thank everyone and pass on some great news. She still has a long way to go, but the fight is on one front, not two or ten. In my joy, I painted this current DSFDF challenge which I loved...probably my favorite next to last year's portrait exchange. Painted to the sounds of U2 and the flavors of a fine merlot, this came together quite smoothly with only a couple of drawing changes at the beginning. It's unusual for me to have thoughts other than painting when working on a piece, but the welcome distraction was a bonus, in that I probably kept a few more details out of this.
oil on canvas board 12 "x 9"

City Roof View

2009-10-28T16:03:00.000-05:00

This challenge from Karin was really hard to get to for me. My wife Rose was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, and we've been dealing with that for the last couple of months. She had her first chemo treatment on Monday ( 8 1/2 hrs)and is doing fine, all things considered. She is so brave and strong. I stayed home with her for the second day today, and was urged to do this painting and get some normality back in our lives. We are very optimistic that the outcome of all this will be positive and mark the days till the end of the treatments. I must admit, I've lost a lot of drive for the time being with regards to painting and blogging, but hope to rekindle my interest with this latest submission. oil on masonite 5" x 7"

Thank You Karin

2009-09-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

When I read Karin's post, it was hard to believe a year had passed. The first thing that popped into my head was what a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to this auspicious occasion and the great lady responsible for it. This marked the beginning of some great new relationships, growth and accomplishment as an artist and the most fun I've ever had painting. Happy anniversary everyone.
oil on masonite 4 1/2" x 6"

Her New Bag

2009-08-24T10:05:00.000-05:00

This is from a photo I took a few months ago in Germany. This lovely young lady walked by our 7th floor hotel room deep in thought, probably on her way to work. The colours in her face and arm did not photograph well, and I think I will have to concentrate more on using cleaner colours with more positive brush strokes. The camera seems to pick up all these little weaknesses. I'll be away again, and will try to correct this, but thought I'd post it anyway.
oil on masonite 8" x 10 1/2"

San Fran

2009-08-09T11:47:00.000-05:00

This week's challenge showed a lot of detail and the consensus appears to be that it was difficult. I too found it challenging and only started enjoying the painting after some drawing issues were solved. With this perspective and a long dipping street, it is easy to lose the depth and elevation changes creating a bowling alley. The many wires and cables were also a potential problem, but a beautiful area of interest, so I decided to include as few as possible to tell the story. (Note here...this is me trying to sound like an artist...ha!). Check out all the other versions at DSFDF. oil on masonite 6 1/2" x 8"

Paul and Anna

2009-07-26T08:10:00.000-05:00

This is a portrait of my cousin Paul and his wonderful wife Anna. When we visited them earlier this year for the very first time, their warmth and hospitality was limitless, and we definitely were made to feel part of their family. We couldn't have felt more welcomed. The setting here is their favorite restaurant where we ate outside on a shaded patio on a beautiful sunny afternoon. We will never forget that day, and by painting the moment, it is forever in my mind, and after I mail it to them, hopefully theirs as well. We hope to visit them again soon, in Augsburg, Germany.
oil on masonite 10 1/2" x 7 1/2"

In Full Stride

2009-07-25T10:21:00.000-05:00

This was a fun little figure study done from a photo I took earlier this year from a seventh floor window. I must of clicked fifty pictures of various people walking, riding and jogging, so there are a few more of these in my future. I am working on an idea for a large scale piece along these lines.
oil on masonite 9 1/2" x 7 1/2"

Waiting

2009-07-19T08:39:00.000-05:00

This was a great figurative challenge from DSFDF that I finished about a week ago. I painted this outside on my deck in the brilliant sunshine, effectively making this my first plein air painting with an asterisk. I used a reference photo instead of what lay before me, so I'm thinkin' this probably does not qualify...but it sure was fun painting outside. oil on canvas panel 8" x 10"

Rower

2009-07-08T16:11:00.000-05:00

Another submission just under the wire. I started this a couple of weeks ago and just didn't get to it until now. While I was painting, I was wondering how many other people thought about Paula Villanova while they were working on their pieces. There is a definite resemblence to Paula in her dark shades as she appears in her avatar don't you think? oil on masonite 8" x 6 1/2"

On The Catwalk

2009-06-27T15:00:00.000-05:00

This cute little critter is looking for a home and this painting will go to the D'Arcy Animal Rescue Center to help raise some funds. The shelter has a large number of cats at the moment, so hopefully some will find new homes soon. oil on masonite 5" x 8"

Fresh Harvest

2009-06-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

Well I just got this finished under the bell...I"d hate to miss a challenge, but getting to these challenges is sometimes becoming a challenge in itself. I have to apologize for the lackluster performance on commenting on some of the great submissions. This week's contributions to DSFDF were again, fabulous. oil on masonite 6 1/2" x 8"

Pennsylvania Farm

2009-06-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

This week's DSFDF challenge was a black and white photo of this tranquil rural scene which could be almost anywhere. I just got back at painting this morning and it felt great, as I really miss my time at the easel and of course on the computer doing a little blogging. oil on masonite 8" x 6"

2009-05-14T18:47:00.000-05:00

Looks like I'm going to be out of the loop for a little while. So not ignoring anyone, haven't gone into hibernation, although there were a few flurries here in the last couple of days. UGH! Paint and have fun, and I'll talk to you all soon.

Madison Avenue, NYC

2009-05-07T15:14:00.000-05:00

Madison Ave. was a great photo that really inspired me, so I decided to up the scale, and try it on a black background. Karin paints this way, and when Cheryl Anderson said that she had tried it, I decided to give it a go myself, and really liked the dark ground. I've been blocking in with thinner dark paint, and then using medium values, establishing forms and shapes. This way the blocking is done with the medium to dark tones...kind of saves a step. I have to say though, I like both methods. oil on masonite 12" x 16"

Melissa

2009-05-01T12:20:00.000-05:00

This gorgeous young lady calls me Dad and occasionally Daddy, which usually means something is up...ha! This is my first ACEO and it was a lot of fun to do, especially since I had such an interesting subject. Now I just need to get a better photo of her sister to complete the set. I probably would never have done anything this small, if not for the grandmaster of ACEO, Akiko Watanabe. So thanks for the nudge Akiko, I've now tried something new yet again.

Stand By Me

2009-04-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

This painting was inspired by a video link that Joanne Giesbrecht posted on her blog a few days ago. I found it so moving that I felt compelled to paint this amazing street artist, Roger Ridley from Santa Monica, Calif., who starts it all off. Thanks Joanne. There are several other fabulous performers that some of you may feel the urge to immortalize. I can see about 82 more potential paintings here. Crank it up and enjoy...and thanks for standing by me. http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
oil on masonite 8" x 6"

A Companion of Diana

2009-04-27T15:11:00.000-05:00

This painting was intended as an exercise in drawing by Karin Jurick, and was again something not many of us would choose to do. I pretty much had it done a couple of weeks ago, but wasn't happy with the background and decided to look at it for awhile, and then settled on this. I kind of reverted back to my old thinner style of painting, but did all the drawing with paint as I have now started doing. oil on canvasboard 9" x 12"

Melosia

2009-04-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

Melosia is an older girl (8 yrs.) who is very laid back, although she looks like she would like to lick you to death...ha! She loves to be petted and is anxiously waiting for a new home. She is currently at D'Arcy's A.R.C. animal rescue center in Winnipeg. If anyone would like to adopt Melosia or purchase this painting, please contact the shelter and they will name the price with all proceeds going to them.

Leaving The Scene

2009-04-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

This is the second painting from the 16th floor (daughter's new condo...yea)! Got a great tip from Liz regarding shadows in that they should never be as dark as the solid object, so I had to try this immediately, and am way happier with the results. Edward Burton had also told me that the shadows should lighten as they recede. Thanks to both of these great artists.
oil on masonite 8" x 9"

Under Surveilance

2009-04-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

This is from a photo I took yesterday from the 16th floor of a condo my daughter is trying to buy. (hope she gets it, love the perspective) I guess artist types have a little voyeur in them...300mm lens...ha!
oil on masonite 5 3/4" x 7"

Sheenu

2009-04-04T18:01:00.000-05:00

I've decided to branch out and try and help a couple of other shelters in Winnipeg that aren't as well funded. This is Sheenu, a lovely Newfoundland cross who is currently residing at D'Arcy A.R.C. (animal rescue center) and she is looking for a new home. Not much else on her except that she is about 2 years old and looks to have a great disposition. I painted this portrait while listening to Black Joe Lewis, a killer new band whose guitarist just happens to be Camille Larue Olsen's nephew. You can see his fabulous portrait on Camille's blog). Some great tracks on this...it must have spun through about 3 times on my itunes while I was painting, but it didn't matter, because it doesn't get old fast. Check it out if you like some good clean sounding blues/rock music. oil on masonite 5 3/4" x 7"

Nala

2009-04-02T16:32:00.000-05:00

For my first cat portrait ...ever, I chose a photograph which I took of Nala when I visited the Humane Society on Tuesday. She is a young female domestic cat looking to be adopted. Without a Karin challenge this week, I may do a couple more shelter animal portraits or start a new larger piece. Haven't decided yet, but I'm feelin' itchy to paint something. We got snow again yesterday, ( happy April Fools Day, only problem is...I'm NOT kidding), so I've been putting off trying my first plein air painting. Apparently this is something one can do in the snow, but that seems a little hard core for me right now. Hope everyone is staying motivated and getting some great work done.
oil on masonite 5 3/4" x 7"

Lemonade Award

2009-03-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

THE GODFATHER of BLOG, James Parker, honored me with a visit and bestowed on me this delicious award. Thank you so much James. I have decided to continue with my wicked ways and break the rules of engagement here, (definitely with no disrespect to James or the award.) I am passing this award to any and all of the artists participating in the Art for Shelter Animals program and encourage everyone else to give it a shot. It's a lot of fun, and even more rewarding.

Bruno

2009-03-29T22:22:00.001-05:00

Well, instead of watching a movie tonight, I spent a couple of hours getting to know Bruno here a little better. He is a handsome German Shepard mix and is looking for a forever home here in Winnipeg. This was from one of the shelters own photos, (they got someone over there who can shoot.) I hope to drop the first two off this week, as I think they will finally be dry enough.
oil on masonite 7" x 5 3/4"

A Passion For Painting

2009-03-28T18:57:00.000-05:00

In the last few weeks I've been tagged and honored by some great artists, Dominique Eichi, Edward Burton, Maggie Mayer, Sheila Tajima, Joanne Giesbrecht, and Tom Pohlman. For various reasons I haven't replied in a timely fashion. ( laziness might be one of them, but not the really BIG one) Soooo.... I've decided to break all the rules and respond Crazy Canuck style. ( I play hockey and drink beer...eh!)

The usual rules for all of the above awards are: Link the aforementioned best friends.

List 7 things you love.

5 random things about yourself,

5 more things you love and

Answer a series of questions!
Pass these great awards on to seven deserving artists.

Okay now for the fun part, I'm going to mix and match it up a little to start.

#1. I love to mix and match it up a little to start..... WOW, nice one!

#2. I love to HATE pina coladas and DEFINITELY walking in the cold wet rain. (because I'm usually GOLFING when that happens and remember...beer guy here!)

#3. I LOVE pina coladas and walking in the rain if it means getting to THIRD base, (my wife can play SO hard to get on occasion, but what a baseball fan.)

#4. I love...well, LOVE... Now if only it could be as unconditional as it is with our furry animal friends. Did you see what I just did there? I changed it up, ...being very SERIOUS.

Changing it up again, this is from Joanne Giesbrecht's's tag. Here are a couple of the questions.

#5. What are you wearing right now?
Right now? You mean this instant Joanne? Next question.
#6. Who was the last person you hugged?
It definitely wasn't my stock broker or my banker.

Now for some incredibly interesting and fascinating things about...MEEEEEE!!!!
#7.
#8.
#9. and I could go on.

Well that's it for the listing stuff, and I'm going to continue my irreverent path of rule destruction by linking more than 7, (could be lots more) amazing artists who have influenced and helped me along. Pick up your award if you don't already have it by copying the one at the side of my blog. Please visit these blogs if you haven't already, and feast your eyes. I'm not tagging these people, I'm acknowledging them. ( Sorry, yet another rule violation, and I am now skating over to the penalty box.)

Karin Jurick, because she deserves it more than anyone I know.
Liz Wiltzen, not a blogger, but my teacher and friend.
Alice Thompson, got me going on the blogging among other things. She'll be back soon.
All of the artists linked above, they are cool people.
Camille Olsen, what a breath of fresh air.
Pattie Wall, an inspiring individual and great blog friend.
Akiko Watanabe, well everyone knows Akiko...she's amazing.
Adebanji Alade, if only I could sketch or paint like this guy.
Marilyn King, I love her work and her demos.

Rua Augusto, Lisbon

2009-03-28T14:12:00.000-05:00

The Rua Augusto is a very famous pedestrian only street in Lisbon, that is not only notable for it's beautiful 18th century architecture and sculpture, but it's everyday bustling activity. A visitor to this wonderful and historic city would be remiss if they didn't visit this Portuguese treasure. Definitely a highlight of our trip there six years ago, I am very pleased to have completed this painting as a permanent reminder of that fabulous moment in time. oil on canvas 72" x 48"

At The Beach

2009-03-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

What a great photo Karin supplied this week. I loved all of the main figures in the photo, so I decided not to crop, but to put 'em all in. I found a very sharp #6 flat brush and as soon as I tried it, I loved it, but knew that it would be extremely hard not to noodle. I guess I ended up somewhere in between. The blues did not come out in this photo, so I'm thinking it's time to visit R. Garriott's blog and get the skinny on a photoshop program. 12" x 6" oil on masonite

Rocky

2009-03-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

Here is another poor guy waiting to be adopted. His name is Rocky and he is a Husky mix. Handsome looking devil isn't he? 6" x 6" oil on masonite

Duke

2009-03-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

This is my first painting for Art For Shelter Animals. Duke presently resides at the Winnipeg Humane Society and is looking for a new home. He is a Doberman / Bloodhound cross and definitely has those sad sad eyes. Let's hope he finds a good home. 6" x 6" oil on masonite

2009-03-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

I decided to get involved and donate some paintings to the local animal shelter. I got this terrific idea from visiting Sheila Tajima and Carrie Jacobsen's blogs. These generous ladies have created the Art For Shelter Animals blog and I think it is fantastic. I am posting this painting of a little house horse that I encountered a few weeks ago. He was walking with his owner (I'm not sure if that is the right word here) and looked so magnificent in the morning sunlight, that I couldn't resist taking a photo. I know he isn't looking for a home, but I loved his strength and purpose and perhaps that may symbolize in some way what we are all trying to do here. 9" x 12" oil on canvasboard

Made in the USA

2009-03-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

Here's my submission for this week's DSFDF. I am really enjoying the diversity of subjects that Karin is giving us. I mean, who is going to go out of their way to paint sushi. There was some great creativity amongst the artists this week, not here though. I just wanted to do something representational in a loosely painted kind of way. 8" x 8" oil on masonite ( gesso and acrylic underpainting)

2009-03-15T09:29:00.000-05:00

By Maggie Mayer
By Dominique Eichi
By Edward Burton

Okay, I'm back...again! This is a very busy time of year for me, and as I have mentioned before, it is very hard to get a lot of painting done. The other thing that I have been forced to neglect, is the response to three artists who have tagged and acknowledged me. Sorry for being so late, but I would like to thank Maggie Mayer, Dominique Eichi and Edward Burton for thinking of me and giving me the honor of being recognized in our blogosphere. I consider it a privilege to participate and be accepted into such a fine group of artists. Definitely a life changing experience. In recognition of these three artists, I decided to post a favorite example of their art. I know you will enjoy them as much as I do. Thanks again.

Hazards of Masonite

2009-03-05T17:03:00.000-06:00

I just ran across the following article in Robert Genn's older weekly letters. I have been painting on gessoed, tempered masonite, and noticed that others are painting on masonite as well (not sure if it's tempered or not), so I thought you may be as interested as I was in this article.

Untempered Masonite is indeed fading from
shelves. Further, the quality varies--corners can crumble away
like oatmeal cookies. Sealing and reinforcing with something
like acrylic medium doesn't always do the job. Some painters,
driven to tempered Masonite, have seen other alarms go off.
This support, while harder, is simply loaded with acids that
gradually seep through several layers of gesso. After a few
years the painting surface will certainly be foxed. The estate
of a deceased painter friend was mostly ruined by tempered
Masonite.

Glad I didn't sell most of those paintings. May have a couple of redos in my future!

Bad Hair Day

2009-03-02T17:55:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge was one of patience and perseverance, and Karin won out ( with her computer issues), and so did a whole bunch of us with our paintings. Computer problems can drive me to drink, say bad words or make me want to practice my axe throwing (at the bad computer). Definitely one of the more frustrating things in modern day life is a malfunctioning or non functioning electronic device. So with that out of the way, I am happy to report that this painting is done. Not one that inspired, but I am glad that I stretched a little here and in the end enjoyed creating something out of ... well, what I thought was nothing. It was one of those do what you think you cannot challenges. Thanks again Karin. 10" x 8" oil on canvas panel

Construction Zone

2009-02-15T16:03:00.000-06:00

This is my second painting after attending Liz's workshop, and I have to say that I love the new process. This was done alla prima and completed in approximately four hours. Using this new method, I was able to sketch, wipe and sketch about five times in a matter of minutes to arrive at a composition that I thought was pleasing. The freedom and "nimbleness" are exhilarating. Prior to this, I used to draw in paint and then kind of colour inside the lines. Well, I exaggerate a little here, but compared to the old style, I finally feel like a painter. I took this photo a few years ago in the Dominican and at the time was barely dabbling in art, but shadows and light were beginning to interest me as I'm sure they do most artists. Unfortunately, I've been away for a couple of weeks and will be leaving again shortly, so painting is on the back burner for a while longer. Can hardly wait to get back at it in earnest, and blogging, which I really enjoy, has to take a back seat for now. I really need to get a laptop!
oil on 9" x 12" canvas board

First sketches

2009-01-31T09:02:00.000-06:00

Should I post??? These are my first two sketches, and I reluctantly post them, but I want to record my progress.

Hotel room on the left took a bit of time.

Guy on the right was about seven minutes in a coffee shop. All I could think of was Adebanji and his amazing drawing skills as I started this. Kind of like coming out of the art closet for me, but exhilarating at the same time.

Queen of the Street

2009-01-29T17:07:00.000-06:00

This challenge is my first painting after the workshop, and I tried to utilize all that I learned in Vancouver, but alas, mission unaccomplished, but not impossible. What I learned is making sense and I can hardly wait to paint, but I'll be away for awhile so regrettably, I'll have to put painting on hold for awhile. After being inspired by Adebanji, I have started drawing, and it's kind of fun. I'm just a little shy about the doing it in public part, but it's coming. So that's what I'll have to be satisfied with...drawing, and that's probably the best thing I could be doing. Drawing skills are so critical to creating a good painting that I have decided to push myself here. There I said it out loud, and it kind of sounds like a resolution or something...ha!...so I am officially committed.
oil on RayMar panel 9" x 11 1/2"

OUR WORKSHOP GROUP

2009-01-27T16:28:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture of the graduating class of '09. Home coming queen Liz is the very shy one with the perfect teeth, (sort of sitting in the middle). Then we had Lynn, Lucy, Louise on the far right,(are you beginning to see a pattern here?), Ilona (Loney) and me Larry or Laverne and Last,( that would be Pat in the white...ha!) She was the last to arrive. What a great group we had, with everyone enjoying themselves and leaving all the richer and more inspired for having attended. And by the way, these girls can paint. We can never thank you enough Liz, and I hope we can all do it again some time.

Liz's Amazing 15 Minute Demo

2009-01-27T16:13:00.000-06:00

This photo demo is worth more than a million or two of my words. I couldn't describe what we were trying to do nearly as well as what's shown in this sequence. ENJOY!!! Thanks Liz.

Liz's Excellent Workshop

2009-01-27T15:52:00.000-06:00

Some examples of my ten to twenty minute paintings.

Painting Workshop

2009-01-26T15:58:00.000-06:00

I've just returned from beautiful Vancouver, B.C. and Liz Wiltzen's three day workshop. The main focus was to learn to paint alla prima in a loose and painterly fashion, and to create interest and excitement in our work. This was my first ever workshop, and I must say, that it was all and more than I had hoped for. Liz instructed and inspired all six of us to reach out and stretch ourselves artistically. She is a very engaging, professional and giving person who can flat out paint. Upon seeing her work which is absolutely beautiful, one cannot help but want to emulate in some way what they are seeing. The woman is a star!

On day one, we started by reviewing several of Liz's paintings where she discussed composition, colour/values and process. What created interest and why. Then we watched her do a couple of demos where she demonstrated with a few deft strokes how she wanted us to proceed with thirty second paint sketches of a live model. After the buzzer went, we wiped the 9" x 12" raymar linen panels which she had given us, and got ready for the next attempt. This went on for the next two and a half days with time limits increasing to one, two, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty and sixty minutes. Liz would do demos every so often, and walk around offering words of advice and encouragement.

The whole idea of these quick paintings was to learn how to get it down and not let the drawings within get too "precious". We basically drew figures with thin paint in the thirty second drills just trying to realize angles and proportions. As time limits increased, we blocked in the figures and started including background shapes. At this point we would have nothing but a large shape with no inside defining lines. Then we would start to add colours, using thicker paint as we layered, sculpting with our paints, rediscovering our edges. As the painting developed, we would add highlights to show direction of light and give it shape and life. We were encouraged to lose our edges and find them again three or four times to create depth and interest. Hard edges for the most part were a no no. All of these exercises were eventually tiring, but so much fun. Liz also impressed upon us how important it is to have lots of paint on our palettes. When you run low on paint, you tend to take shortcuts, and ultimately fall short of doing the best job possible.

By day three, I think we all had made some amazing progress thanks to our fearless leader, but as our confidence grew, our paintings again began to become more detailed, so Liz had us go back to the thirty second to five minute drills. My fifty minute painting is at the top of this post. I wasn't too happy with the colour and highlights, but the proportions and feel of the pose are not too bad.

I would also like to acknowledge our fabulous models Wanda and Helene for offering up so many amazing poses and outfits, and virtually turning into granite until the buzzer went.

Lisbon in progress

2009-01-20T13:20:00.000-06:00

Before I leave for Liz's workshop, I thought I would post an update photo of the Lisbon painting (48" x 72") that, yes, I'm STILL working on. This has been a long process of painting, looking, tweaking, painting then looking, looking and more looking. I feel good about it so far, and don't think there are any major changes to be made, but a lot of tune-ups. All you great artists out there, any helpful comments to help make this piece as good as it can be, would be appreciated. Email me if you like. vschwarz18@gmail.com I'm still working on the foreground, couple on the left, guy on right, tables, chairs and shadows. Thanks everyone!

The Lovely Grace Eichi

2009-01-16T08:26:00.000-06:00

I was paging through Dominique Eichi's very interesting blog and came across this wonderful photo of her friend Grace. I emailed Dominique to ask permission to reference her photo, but because her web site is under construction (still worth viewing), I'm not sure she got the message. Sorry Dominique, I was inspired, couldn't wait (always been my downfall), so I painted away yesterday, and now all I can say is, if you like it, I'll be very happy to mail it as my gift to you. I just listed my email on my profile page if you want to forward your address. What a beautiful girl Grace is, (I think she is a chocolate lab). It was a good bit of fun painting her.
oil on masonite 8" x 8"

Jefferson Memorial

2009-01-12T14:30:00.000-06:00

Another new experience courtesy of DSFDF. Painting a night scene is something I have been thinking about for awhile, so it was neat to see this challenge come up. Karin's tips were very useful, as I started on a black surface for the first time and worked to light. I really liked it and found drawing with white paint an interesting alternative from the burnt umber which I usually use. With this change, I didn't have to cover dark, hard lines and found that this piece came together really quite quickly. All told, approximately 2 1 /2 hours...fast for me. Even with my new camera, photography is still an issue. It's all about the lighting!
oil on masonite 8" x 6 1/2"

2009-01-07T19:27:00.000-06:00

When it comes to making blog entries, I am not much of a writer, but I felt it would be okay to mention that I am going to attend a three day workshop starting Jan.22 in Vancouver with Liz Wiltzen. I am very excited about this for several reasons. First and foremost, Liz is an absolutely amazing artist whose work speaks for itself. I've never attended a workshop, so this is like grade one or two of my art education. Having just started with oils, I don't have a lot of bad habits yet, so I look forward to learning a ton from her. She was influenced by Kim English among others, who is a wizard at handling light and painting with an economy of strokes and details. Liz incorporates a lot of this in her own work and teachings. We will be painting from live models alla prima, which I understand is starting and finishing a piece in one go. It's all about painting quickly, wiping it off and doing it again and again. She wants us to see less details. (without my glasses that's easy). Anyway, it should be a fabulous experience. There are spots available if anyone is interested...just check Liz's site. Cheers

Kay Lybrand Portrait Challenge

2008-12-31T11:55:00.000-06:00

This was my favorite DSFDF challenge in that I love portraits and figurative paintings. It also became even more fun with some new artists participating, bringing the total to 130 face painters. ha. My subject was a lovely lady named Kay Lybrand and she is painting my portrait. Can hardly wait to see all the submissions this week, as the ones so far have been fantastic. Happy New Year to everyone. Thanks for all your interest and support this year. I wish you all the very best.

oil on masonite 6 1/2" x 8"

2008-12-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone. I'm finally posting an update on my Lisbon painting. My goal was to have it done for Christmas, but that little present to myself didn't happen. (I hung it in the the entrance anyway just to see how it works, and I'm somewhat pleased). The piece is getting closer with a lot of work on the foreground and various figures, tables, chairs, etc. yet to be done. The photo is really weak, but you can get the general idea. Well everyone is coming over for dinner tonight for our traditional Christmas eve get together with family and friends, so I better get that ostrich in the oven. Hope everyone has a warm and loving Christmas.

Karin's Boots

2008-12-12T19:19:00.000-06:00

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights

2008-12-07T12:16:00.000-06:00

Today I am taking off a little time from painting to present a major project that is near and dear to not only Winnipeg residents , but indeed residents of the world. Sixty-nine architectural firms from 21 different countries and 5 continents, competed for the honour and privilege of creating this dream of one Israel Asper, and in the end, the award winning design shown above, by Antoine Predock of the USA, won out. It will be a truly magnificent structure with the crystalline Tower Of Hope rising 100 meters (395 ft.)into the sky.
It is anticipated that 250,000 people will visit the museum every year and I quote from the architect's statement,
"Our proposal for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights reinforces an optimistic
recollection of the history of the struggle for human rights, with an intention to uplift,
made legible in an architecture of dualities: light and shadow, ephemera and stone,
gravity and weightlessness, reflection and opacity, earth and sky. The massing, the
spaces within, and its materiality reinforce the Museum as an embodiment of a
universal humanitarian consciousness, necessarily a vessel of knowledge and history
charged with hope. Rooted in humanity, the architecture renders palpable the
communal and universal struggle for human rights."
It will be the largest human rights center in the world, an international forum for learning, reflection, dialogue and debate. It will change our modest prairie city forever, and will undoubtedly impact, in a positive manner, many others in far away places. We as Winnipeggers are very excited and extremely proud of the contribution this museum will make to the world. To see more, please visit www.canadianmuseumforhumanrights.com. There is a great video that explains far better than I ever could, what and how this all will be presented. It is really quite extraordinary with construction to begin quite soon.

2008-12-03T21:54:00.000-06:00

Well after giving this project a bit, okay a lot of bum time just looking at it, I finally made some decisions that for the most part I'm happy with, and painting has commenced. I will be going back into all areas, but this is what I've got so far.

Buddha

2008-12-01T13:08:00.000-06:00

Every week there seems to be a new artistic challenge for most of us, in that we may not have previously tackled a particular subject or may have opted to try a different approach in how we interpret it. In the end, it can be a fabulous learning experience for some, a way to showcase art, or a great opportunity to make a few new friends. This week was a challenge for me as most weeks are, and I came away with a result that makes me want to try it again. Never having really paid attention to what a hydrangea looks like, I struggled with this. Karin says, "Don't do what you know you can, do what you think you can not. It motivates you." Sage words that work for me. The next attempts I am sure will show some improvement. This is the real beauty of the weekly challenges. They make you paint and hopefully stretch your abilities. Whoa, this is starting to sound like I've been locked in the basement for just a little too long. So I will finish off by saying... 8"x8" oil on masonite.

2008-11-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

This is a larger piece that I am currently working on, 48" x 72" (how do you like my easel, I made it myself). I've done my drawing using acrylic paint and now that I have a couple of oil paintings under my belt, am proceeding with same. It is somewhat of a daunting task, but nonetheless exciting. There's no substitute for the impact of a larger piece and this one represents a trip to Portugal and will hang in our entrance if all goes well. This street in Lisbon is quite famous (Ruo Augusto) and leads into the Triumphal Arch. There are so many amazing sights and sites in that country that I would highly recommend it as a vacation destination. I took this picture and then in the drawing stage encountered some issues. I punched up Lisbon in Google pictures and virtually found the same shots and was able to make sense of a couple of things. I'll post some updates as I go. Suggestions are gratefully welcomed as I git it on with this monster. I haven't worked out colors or how loosely I want to proceed yet. But that's me, fly by the seat of your pants Vern. I should do a small color sketch...ah we'll see.

Tagged but not Bagged

2008-11-19T18:26:00.000-06:00

Alice Thompson I can't believe you just tagged me. The last time I played tag was when I was about 8 or 23. But now that I think about it, a year or so ago, the cop that said I was doing 62 in a 50 zone promptly "tagged" me for speeding. This is far more enjoyable. Anyway, having just gotten started with art again, Karin's DSFDF and a brand spankin new blog, I feel honored and hope the seven people who I have no idea who they are, feel the same way. I chose artists for the most part that participate in the weekly challenge whose paintings and blogs I enjoy. They are all very talented individuals. So the rules as I understand them are as follows... Tell the world seven things not commonly known about yourself and tag seven other lucky people to keep the dream alive. Oh ya, and put a link in your post to the person (that would be me) that tagged you. And the lucky winners are: Jerry Points, Lesley Spanos, Karel Tuinart, Kari Tirrell, Annie Salness, Jeanne Bauer, Amber Lounder. Aparantly collecting on this prize is optional, but FUN! Hope you all join in, but if you don't, no harm no foul. Now Alice said I would be learning a couple of things here about blogging. Well we'll see. So far...nothing......still nothing......pause...........okay I'm back and thanks to Alice's tutorial I was able to link everyone, but I still don't know how to make this look pretty. And now, without further ado, here are seven things about me. #1. Everything that Camille LaRue Olsen said in her list except #'s 1,2,3,4,6,&7. #2. If ever I barf, it comes out my nose, so know this, that NEVER happens. Way back when, the docs used to remove everything that was superfluous if they had you on the bench. Kind of like making a stock car. In the end I wasn't half bad in track and field. #3. I have fabulous twin daughters who will be extremely proud of their father when they read #2. #4. I have a lovely and very bright wife, Rose, who is a human resources director at a large hotel here in Winnipeg. (my nickname for her is... CSI, nothing gets past her) #5. I dropped out of a business administration college course after a couple of months knowing that any kind of structure in my life was not going to work. It didn't hurt that my psych teacher strongly agreed with that idea. I ended up as a self employed manufacturers agent and the rest as they say is history. #6. I started painting in the mid 80's, but business and family took my eye off the ball for a few years and it's only been recently that I have started back in ernest. I love painting and virtually any kind of creativity and definitely want to be an artist when I grow up. #7. Karin Jurick is my hero for getting the inspiration and creative juices flowing. Man I hope she doesn't think I'm some kind of stalker, but I am beholdin to that gal. And I'm sure there are a few more out there who feel the same as me. That's it, that's all. Thanks for taking the time and I wish you all good painting or whatever it is you do.

Incognito

2008-11-16T15:03:00.000-06:00

Karin decided to take us out of our comfort zones this week and have us sketch and paint this weeks challenge upside down. With eyebrows raised initially , I dove in and have to say, the drawing went very quickly and pretty darn accurately. Great tip and a ton of fun. When I thought I was pretty much done painting, I flipped it over and started to clean it up a little. I must admit though, ten minutes turned into sixty in the interest of producing a better result. 6 1/2" x 8" oil on masonite

2008-11-12T08:50:00.000-06:00

The painting of the Koi Fish in my blog header is one where I borrowed heavily from a painting done by a brilliant artist named Gabor Nagy. It is 6' x 3' as is his, but my done in acrylics does not quite have the same magical movement or brilliance of colour of the original which was done in oils. I added lily pads in an effort to distance mine from his. I learned a lot from doing this piece, and as the saying goes, imitation is the highest form of flattery.This painting will never be sold or leave my family's possession.

What the....?

2008-11-11T11:59:00.000-06:00

Well I thought I would give myself a challenge this weekend with my new oils. (not the best photo of the painting) They are amazing. I had resisted using them because of odors, toxicity concerns etc. I was told to try odorless solvent (TALTINE) and must admit, I am noticing some irritation in my sinuses. I don't know if it's the solvent or the paints. My "studio" is a reasonable size, but in the winter it is tough to keep the windows open. Any suggestions or thoughts on this? I'd really appreciate any input, as I'd like to get started properly with this new medium. As near as I can reckon, this is about my 63rd painting. When I first started, an accomplished art professional that helped me along was Nick Bjelajac. He suggested that I might get to where I'd like to be as an artist after I'd completed about 200 paintings. Now that I've been re-inspired, this has become a real goal. It is a genuine thrill for me to declare ... 12" x 12" oil on masonite.

Three To Go

2008-11-07T11:45:00.000-06:00

Karin Jurick keeps coming up with cool photos for the weekly challenge. This is my second attempt with water mixable oils on a 8" x 6 1/2" masonite panel. Yesterday I bought my first set of traditional oils and I'm ready to roll. I'll still use the acrylics, but I've always longed to try painting with the same medium as used by most of the artists I admire. The water mixables are good, but mine are kind of dried up. Bought them and never used them, because I didn't like the way they worked initially. Thanks to some of the utube demos, I got a chance to see some artists at work and decided to give them another try. Internet school, gotta love it.

White House

2008-10-30T13:46:00.000-05:00

Week 9 A great photo challenge from Karin Jurick. For this weeks painting, I ventured into the unknown and tried water mixable oils. What a difference from working with acrylics. The blending and redos seem a lot easier (because you can wipe, scrape or brush away the bad paint) and the subtleties seem more natural. Could be hooked here.

Southern cow

2008-10-24T13:42:00.000-05:00

Week 8 This was another great subject that was a lot of fun to paint. Being a big Joe Fafard fan, I've always wanted to try a portrait of a cow. Acrylic on 6"x 8" masonite panel.

NYSE

2008-10-24T12:56:00.001-05:00

Week 6-7 ... 5 1/2"x 7" acrylic on masonite panel

Dad

2008-10-24T05:11:00.000-05:00

Ah, this wouldn't be complete without a picture of my dear old Dad. He passed away on Oct.31,2004 at the age of 90 and this was a portrait that I did for my sister just before that. We all miss him.

2008-10-24T05:02:00.000-05:00

This blogging stuff is a blast. Thanks Ms. Thompson for the friendly boot to get me started. I always wondered how this all worked and how a person got involved. I didn't realize that this format was open and free to everyone. Now if I could only figure out how to get rid of the tools on the right side!!!

Mike and Lynn

2008-10-24T04:55:00.003-05:00

Mike and Lynn Martin won a painting of their choice at a charity raffle. After about two years it was decided to try something at their cottage/home and this was the result. What a great time we had, and what a wonderful couple.