FOR SHEILA - Day 9 - 30 in 30 Challenge

I just had to stop the car and capture these sunflowers. Can’t look at a sunflower without thinking of Sheila Delgado of course. This is for you my friend.

Feel free to use this image for inspiration everyone, all I request is that you send me an image to show on my blog. Such happy flowers.

Glorious to Grey

Goodness me it’s been a long time since I posted. I’ve been wading through kitchen renos and busy with submissions and commissions, so not much time left over.

My kitchen cabinet doors finally arrived! That’s 10 months and counting, because one was the wrong size and the rest had manufacturing faults. I’m told a “rush” replacement takes 10 weeks. That means no doors for Christmas. I’ll have to hang up sheets or something. Grrrr!

The view from my bedroom

Enough of my woes ... I woke up the other morning to a beautiful surprise, our first dusting of snow.

I get a better view of the creek in the winter

All in one day it snowed, rained, the sun came back out, it frosted that night and then most of the remaining leaves fell off. Glorious to Grey in a day.

 

SNOW!

Overnight snow in our garden

Yellow Fall

We had a super short fall in these parts. It was as if mother nature was in a hurry to welcome the cleansing power of that white stuff. Lo and behold my predictions of an early winter came true a couple of days ago with a modest helping of snow. Soon we will be inundated with powder loving jet setters flowing through our busy airport and taking home a souvenir of local art from Skyway Kelowna departure lounge.

Orange leaves in our garden

I was very happy with my geraniums this year which have been brightly blooming on my balcony all summer defying the smokey skies. I couldn't spend time out there with them but I’m grateful for pretty presence through the window. Now the snow as come they will soon lose their blooms, but currently they’re hanging on for a few more opportunities to bring joy.

My lovely Geranium

Sunlight on Red

My paintings at Skyway Kelowna airport departure lounge 

Out and About

There have been a few more moments when the smoke has abated and I've managed to lift the burden of these four walls. I thought I would share some images with you. These are not for sale, but if you paint one, send it to me to post on my blog.

The House of Rose final free music event of the season

Beautiful flowers in the waterfront park at the Canadian Brass outdoor concert for Canada 150

In honor of our exhausted and brave fire fighters, a water bomber flying back to rest at sunset

Our famous Dolphins by Robert Dow Reid in waterfront park

A beautiful golden Okanagan sunset sans smoke

30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - # 25 - ROBBIE BURNS - THE BIRKS OF ABERFELDY

THE BIRKS OF ABERFELDY

3.5" x 4.75" Pastel and watercolour on French Watercolour Paper



I continue with my tree series with the gorgeous colours of birch trees in the highlands. Such a beautiful part of  Scotland, no wonder Robbie Burns was moved to write poetry with sights such as the "Birks" (Birch Trees) of Aberfeldy. It's Robbie Burns Day, so here is my little celebration of all things Scottish.



SHIPPING 16th MARCH 2016 OR LATER - SOME PAINTINGS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DISPATCH FROM MY OUTLETS AS NOTED IN DESCRIPTION ON DAILY PAINTWORKS


To the Birks of Aberfeldie?

The little birdies blithely sing,
While o'er their heads the hazels hing;
Or lightly flit on wanton wing
In the birks of Aberfeldie!
Bonnie lassie, will ye go…

The braes ascend like lofty wa's,
The foaming stream, deep-roaring, fa's,
O'er-hung wi' fragrant spreading shaws,
The birks of Aberfeldie.
Bonnie lassie, will ye go…

The hoary cliffs are crown'd wi' flowers,
White o'er the linns the burnie pours,
And, rising, weets wi' misty showers
The birks of Aberfeldie.
Bonnie lassie, will ye go…

Let Fortune's gifts at random flee,
They ne'er shall draw a wish frae me,
Supremely blest wi' love and thee
In the birks of Aberfeldie.
Bonnie lassie, will Stay tuned for more new paintings in the next 30 days.

If you are an artist and would like to join in, here is the link - 30 in 30
Posted as # 28 on 30 in 30 Blog

30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - DAY 4 - MAPLE CASCADE

MAPLE CASCADE
Water Colour on French WC Paper
3.5" x 4.75"



Here is a reminder of the pretty colours of fall. Another addition to my French water colour series. The paper was purchased in Paris near the Louvre at Sennelier and the water colours are by Koi.
Stay tuned for more new paintings in the next 30 days.

SHIPPING 16th MARCH 2016 OR LATER - SOME PAINTINGS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DISPATCH FROM MY OUTLETS AS NOTED IN DESCRIPTION ON DAILY PAINTWORKS

If you are an artist and would like to join in, here is the link - 30 in 30
Posted as #155 on 30 in 30 Blog

FLAMING BIRCHES

FLAMING BIRCHES
24" x 18" Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas
$260

This painting is a combination of one I've been visualizing for some time and a brilliant fall day in the woods. The paint was mixed with acrylic gel and thickly applied with palette knife. There are a few tiny touches of copper iridescence which glints in room light.

I visualize a row of these above a bed or a couch. They could either be all the same colours or a series of spring, summer, fall and winter.

As with all my larger paintings, if you wish to purchase, contact me with your post code so I can quote an accurate shipping price.

GAMVAR TEST - Season for Ice Wine

I recently reviewed a small painting I did a couple of years ago and completely repainted it. SEASON FOR ICE WINE depicts the time when certain varieties of grapes are left on the vine through the fall and into the first frost. The picking is an icy experience, not for the faint-hearted. The process concentrates the juice and sweetens the grapes, so when the wine is produced it becomes a sweet sipping wine, delicious for drinking by an open fire in the longer nights to come.

GAMVAR TEST

If you've used acrylics, you will be aware that they dry darker, less vibrant and with uneven shine, so in my opinion they should always be varnished to bring them back to life. Gamvar made a huge difference to the colour of both paintings I tested and brought the finished look much closer to oil painting. I can see why this product is recommended by museums. I've used other gloss varnishes on acrylics and they also improve the look, but are thicker not as professional looking.

Instructions, a video and details for applying Gamvar here. Gamvar is a high gloss varnish,

This is the first time I've used GAMVAR archival varnish. It was developed by museums for both acrylic and oil paintings so I've also been excited to try it. The product is an archival high gloss varnish which can be removed, but not re-painted. I'm notorious for retouching paintings, so choosing a varnish which cannot be painted over is a big step for me. Applied neat, it gives a high gloss look, but varying degrees of matt to gloss finish can be achieved. This is addressed by the excellent table in the link above. It should be used in a well ventilated room or outdoors.

The product was a surprise, because it has a very thin consistency, almost like water. The look is super shiny, even though I used a sponge a few times to texturize and mattify as it dried. I can see how you wouldn't be able to paint over the surface, because it has an oily feel even when dry to the touch. The canvas panel didn't absorb the varnish, but it dried patchy, probably due to the multiple paints and mediums below, so I will probably apply a second coat with added Gamsol or Cold Wax Medium (CWM), to create a semi-gloss effect.

In the same session I varnished the grape painting from yesterday which is painted on canvas rather than canvas panel and is fresh paint rather than retouched. The varnish worked better on this surface and doesn't need a second coat. I mattified more vigorously than with the small painting, which seems to have taken the edge off the shine.

I'm now excited to try adding CWM to give a matte look. I've recently been refinishing some furniture with clay paint and I love the satin wax I've been using to finish the pieces, so I'm sure I would love that waxy finish on paintings. I will share the results in a blog when I do.

The painting above can be purchased at Daily Paintworks.

VIew my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

PAINTINGS OF THE U100 SHOW - BIRCH FOREST OIL PAINTING

Birch Forest by Sea Dean - Oil

BIRCH FOREST
Oil on 6" x 8" Canvas Panel
Black Frame

A rare example of nice buttery impasto oil paint. This painting is on panel and is framed in a simple wide edge black frame. It's one of those paintings that you have to step back to truly appreciate.

A Daily Paintworks Pick of the Day 

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

PAINTINGS OF THE U100 SHOW - AUTUMN WOOD

AUTUMN WOOD
11" x 14" Panel 
Ready to hang

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTIONS here

This painting is on display at the Lake Country Art Gallery Under $100 show. This year I'm giving my internet patrons the opportunity to purchase paintings which are in the show. This may be purchased by contacting me. I will check with the gallery to make sure it is still available and send an invoice via Paypal. As this is a fast moving show, you will have 24 hours to pay or the painting goes back on the wall. Whether sold online or through the gallery, I honour their commission until the end of the exhibition. 

Yesterday I delivered over 60 small paintings to Ritchcraft Gallery, on Lakeshore Road in Kelowna. So if you're looking for an unusual stocking stuffer or if you receive money to spend on yourself, head on down to the Mission next to Starbucks and check out not just my paintings, but many other gifts from handmade scarves and jewellery to vases and cards.

Thank you for your patronage.

PAINTINGS OF THE U100 SHOW - FALL COLOURS

FALL COLOURS
6" x 6" Wrap Canvas
Framed in Black - Ready to hang

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTIONS here

The slight darkening around the edge is shadow from the frame because I forgot to take the photo before I framed it. The painting is a larger version of an ACEO from last year. I love to paint in series like this because each painting develops the theme a little more.


This painting is on display at the Lake Country Art Gallery Under $100 show. This year I'm giving my internet patrons the opportunity to purchase paintings which are in the show. This may be purchased by contacting me. I will check with the gallery to make sure it is still available and send an invoice via Paypal. As this is a fast moving show, you will have 24 hours to pay or the painting goes back on the wall. Whether sold online or through the gallery, I honour their commission until the end of the exhibition.

Thank you for your patronage.

ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS and SILENT AUCTION Lot 16 INTERIOR SUN

ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS

By Sea Dean

8" x 8" Linen Canvas Panel Mounted on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Special

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

LOT 16 - INTERIOR SUN
By SEA DEAN
Details and bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTION here

SILENT AUCTION INSTRUCTIONS
An auction collection of recent works by Sea Dean and others. 
How do I bid?

It's really very simple...

1. Visit the website, or come to one of my upcoming shows to view the lots.
2. Enjoy the work on offer (you can hover to see details or click to see a larger image with more details). Some is from my own hand and some is from my peer collection.
3. Choose which pieces you would like to bid on and click the link in details. 
4. The link creates an email so you can send me your bidding details.
5. As bids come in I update the website and my paper record to correspond.
6. On November 15th at midnight PST bidding ends. 
7. Winning bidders will receive an invoice from Paypal with the name of the work, your bid and shipping. Tax is included. Multiple items to the same bidder will be shipped together.
8. On payment your item(s) will be shipped within 3 days in plenty of time for holiday giving.


REF 11016

FALL MOUNTAIN and SUMMER GIRL

FALL MOUNTAIN

8" x 10" Canvas Panel

Special

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

SILENT AUCTION LOT 15 - SUMMER GIRL
By SEA DEAN
Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTION starting at $25 here

SILENT AUCTION INSTRUCTIONS
An auction collection of recent works by Sea Dean and others. 
How do I bid?

It's really very simple...

1. Visit the website, or come to one of my upcoming shows to view the lots.
2. Enjoy the work on offer (you can hover to see details or click to see a larger image with more details). Some is from my own hand and some is from my peer collection.
3. Choose which pieces you would like to bid on and click the link in details. 
4. The link creates an email so you can send me your bidding details.
5. As bids come in I update the website and my paper record to correspond.
6. On November 15th at midnight PST bidding ends. 
7. Winning bidders will receive an invoice from Paypal with the name of the work, your bid and shipping. Tax is included. Multiple items to the same bidder will be shipped together.
8. On payment your item(s) will be shipped within 3 days in plenty of time for holiday giving.


Cat # 13279

FALL WALK and PRETTY HIGH

FALL WALK III
6" x 4" on Strathmore Windpower
Special
View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

LOT 14  - PRETTY HIGH
Mixed Media Collage By SEA DEAN
Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTION starting at $25 here

SILENT AUCTION INSTRUCTIONS
An auction collection of recent works by Sea Dean and others. 
How do I bid?

It's really very simple...

1. Visit the website, or come to one of my upcoming shows to view the lots.
2. Enjoy the work on offer (you can hover to see details or click to see a larger image with more details). Some is from my own hand and some is from my peer collection.
3. Choose which pieces you would like to bid on and click the link in details. 
4. The link creates an email so you can send me your bidding details.
5. As bids come in I update the website and my paper record to correspond.
6. On November 15th at midnight PST bidding ends. 
7. Winning bidders will receive an invoice from Paypal with the name of the work, your bid and shipping. Tax is included. Multiple items to the same bidder will be shipped together.
8. On payment your item(s) will be shipped within 3 days in plenty of time for holiday giving.


Cat #14106 Pretty High

LOT 11 SILENT AUCTION - GIVERNY 1900 --- NEW WORK FLAMING GLORY

Flaming Glory by Sea Dean

Giverny 1900 by Sea Dean

FLAMING GLORY
by Sea Dean
6" x 3" on Strathmore Windpower

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

GIVERNY 1900
by Sea Dean
8" x 10" Gallery Wrap Canvas

An exclusive auction of recent works by Sea Dean and others. Bid on my exclusive SILENT AUCTION here

A demo from one of my Paint a Masterpiece classes. I often like to add a twist and in this case it was copper under-painting that adds a different dimension under room light. No need to frame this as the edges are painted copper to match the under-painting.

How do I bid?

It's really very simple...

1. Visit the website, or come to one of my upcoming shows to view the lots.
2. Enjoy the work on offer (you can hover to see details or click to see a larger image with more details). Some is from my own hand and some is from my peer collection.
3. Choose which pieces you would like to bid on and click the link in details. 
4. The link creates an email so you can send me your bidding details.
5. As bids come in I update the website and my paper record to correspond.
6. On November 15th at midnight PST bidding ends. 
7. Winning bidders will receive an invoice from Paypal with the name of the work, your bid and shipping. Tax is included. Multiple items to the same bidder will be shipped together.
8. On payment your item(s) will be shipped within 3 days in plenty of time for holiday giving.


Cat # 12084 Giverny 1900 and Cat # 14167 Flaming Glory

NEW WORK Bringer of Light - SILENT AUCTION LOT 8 White Rose IV

BRINGER OF LIGHT

by Sea Dean
Mixed Media
24" x 24 x 1.5" Deep Gallery Wrap Canvas

I have a friend Fiona Neal, that does the most stunning abstract paintings that just glow with life. Today I took FI's intuitive painting class with 8 other lucky participants. She talked for an hour on her theories, methods and motivations and then we painted for an hour, listening to our inner voice. 

Our painting was supposed to be cathartic and non representational, but my inner voice was singing and my splashes and blobs started to take on form. I asked if this was OK and was advised just to have fun, so I did. This is the result. 

I don't often paint large because of the expense and storage while they wait to find their patron, but I love it when I do. This was a blast.

I see lots of things here - fluffy clouds on a summers day, sun, flowers, happy insects buzzing, the perfume of fresh air. What do you see? If you're having trouble try turning it around a different way and squinting.




View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

LOT 8 - WHITE ROSE IV

Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTION here 

A collection of recent works by Sea Dean and others. How do I bid?

It's really very simple...

1. Visit the website, or come to one of my upcoming shows to view the lots.
2. Enjoy the work on offer (you can hover to see details or click to see a larger image with more details). Some is from my own hand and some is from my peer collection.
3. Choose which pieces you would like to bid on and click the link in details. 
4. The link creates an email so you can send me your bidding details.
5. As bids come in I update the website and my paper record to correspond.
6. On November 15th at midnight PST bidding ends. 
7. Winning bidders will receive an invoice from Paypal with the name of the work, your bid and shipping. Tax is included. Multiple items to the same bidder will be shipped together.
8. On payment your item(s) will be shipped within 3 days in plenty of time for holiday giving.

NEW WORK BIRCH FOREST - Oil on Board - DPW PICKS OF THE DAY - Silent Auction LOT 5 - STANDING TALL

Birch Forest by Sea Dean - Oil

BIRCH FOREST
Oil on 6" x 8" Canvas Panel 

After yesterdays return to oil painting I decided to rework this painting with some nice buttery impasto. I wasn't concerned with composition, being more interested in complementary pairing. I may darken the top left a bit with sap green but I'll see how it dries.

This painting is on panel and is one that I highly recommend framing to make it pop. It's one of those paintings that you have to step away from to truly appreciate.

A Daily Paintworks Pick of the Day 

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here


SILENT AUCTION - LOT 5 - STANDING TALL 'B'

by Sea Dean 

10" x 8"  on 3/4" Gallery wrap canvas - Painting continues around edge 

Professional Acrylic 

A Daily Paintworks Pick of the Day 
 

Value $200 

Bid $25 or more 

Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTION here

A collection of recent works by Sea Dean and others. How do I bid?

It's really very simple...

1. Visit the website, or come to one of my upcoming shows to view the lots.
2. Enjoy the work on offer (you can hover to see details or click to see a larger image with more details). Some is from my own hand and some is from my peer collection.
3. Choose which pieces you would like to bid on and click the link in details. 
4. The link creates an email so you can send me your bidding details.
5. As bids come in I update the website and my paper record to correspond.
6. On November 15th at midnight PST bidding ends. 
7. Winning bidders will receive an invoice from Paypal with the name of the work, your bid and shipping. Tax is included. Multiple items to the same bidder will be shipped together.
8. On payment your item(s) will be shipped within 3 days in plenty of time for holiday giving.

Ref 12025 B 12093 B

PARISIAN PROMENADE

PARISIAN PROMENADE

by Sea Dean

To view my online Gallery please visit Daily Paintworks
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

This original painting is sold: I was so happy that the buyers recognized the street as soon as they walked into the Gallery and bought it on the spot. Even though the original is sold, ACEO prints are available here. Or if you prefer an original, contact me and I will create a similar painting just for you. When you commission a painting, you are not limited by size so you can choose what works for your space. Not only that, but it makes you feel like a V.I.P.


 

Cat 12104 Parisian Promenade

FAMOUS ARTIST BIRTHDAY - ARTHUR LISMER - CABIN IN THE WOODS MINI MASTER

Homage to Arthur Lismer from "The Guide's Home, Algonquin"

CABIN IN THE WOODS
Original Painting by Sea Dean
4" x 4" on canvas panel
Part of the MINI MASTER Series in celebration of Famous Master Birthdays

When I create a Mini Master, I don't necessarily choose a painting which illustrates what the Master was famous for. My usual criteria is to paint something which will challenge me and one that will teach me something I need to learn. Here I wanted to make minute brushstrokes without making it look too fussy. I also wanted to capture the lovely light blue sky in the original without acrylic darkening so the painting still looked fresh. 

Although I can't put the original detail in a miniature without it becoming too expensive for the buyer, I think I achieved my goals.


To purchase this original painting and view my Gallery please visit Daily Paintworks
Also available in Limited Edition ACEO here

Sorry, not the best image and I won't have time to replace it till this evening. I had a fight with my computer and camera and although I had the painting done in time to post, the image was taken in the dark and then I couldn't get it loaded. I'm too tired to struggle further tonight and tomorrow I have to hit the road running.

ARTHUR LISMER
Arthur Lismer, CC was an English-Canadian painter and member of the Group of Seven.

Arthur Lismer was born June 27th, 1885 in Sheffield England. At age 13 he apprenticed at a photo-engraving company. He was awarded a scholarship, and used this time to take evening classes at the Sheffield School of Arts from 1898 until 1905. Then in 1905 he moved to Antwerp Belgium where he studied art at the Academie Royale.


Lismer immigrated to Canada in 1911, and settled in Toronto where he began to work at Grip Limited – a commercial design company. While at Grip he met MacDonald, Carmichael and Thomson and they eventually became members of the Group of Seven.

Lismer was very much a family man and in 1913, took his wife and daughter on a painting trip to Georgian Bay. From 1916 to 1919 Lismer was the principle of the Victoria School of Art and Design in Halifax; while principle he helped to increase the schools attendance and expand the college’s curriculum. Then in 1919 he moved back to Toronto to accept a position as vice-principal of the Ontario College of Art. He continued to paint in Toronto, and in 1920 the Group of Seven was officially formed. Lismer is actually accredited with naming the group – they failed to come up with an appropriate name – so Lismer counted up the people in the group and gave them a name.

Lismers artistic style was inspired by the Barbizon and Post Impressionist movements in Belgium, and this showed through in his art. He also was said to have had pencil and paper always at hand, as he often created cartoon drawings of his friends, as well as satiric cartoons of people who were perceived to be enemies of art. Not only was Lismer a painter, but an author of several articles about the Canadian art scene. Biography by Brandi Leigh - 2008.


The Group of Seven 
— sometimes known as the Algonquin school
— was a group of Canadian landscape painters from 1920 to 1933, originally consisting of

Franklin Carmichael (1890–1945),
Lawren Harris (1885–1970),
A. Y. Jackson (1882–1972),
Frank Johnston (1888–1949),
Arthur Lismer (1885–1969),
J. E. H. MacDonald (1873–1932), and
Frederick Varley (1881–1969). Later,
A. J. Casson (1898–1992) was invited to join in 1926;
Edwin Holgate (1892–1977) became a member in 1930; and
LeMoine Fitzgerald (1890–1956) joined in 1932.

Two other artists commonly associated with the group are

Tom Thomson (1877–1917)
Although he died before its official formation, Thomson had a significant influence on the group. In his essay "The Story of the Group of Seven", Lawren Harris wrote that Thomson was "a part of the movement before we pinned a label on it"; Thomson's paintings "The West Wind" and "The Jack Pine" are two of the group's most iconic pieces.

Emily Carr and (1871–1945)
was also closely associated with the Group of Seven, though was never an official member.
Believing that a distinct Canadian art could be developed through direct contact with nature, The Group of Seven is most famous for its paintings inspired by the Canadian landscape, and initiated the first major Canadian national art movement. The Group was succeeded by the Canadian Group of Painters in the 1930s, which did include female members.

Cat # 141