DAY 30 of 30 LAKE MORNING

LAKE MORNING (final) by Sea Dean 11x9 inches Watercolour and Graphite

 This was painted on competition paper that I don't usually use. It has a creamy look but not as cream as the images show. I’ve tried to lighten it, but when I do I lose the true colours of the painting which are beautiful. The graphite is also hard to photograph, but it shows quite well in this closeup. I really like the effect.

Final day of the challenge. Stay tuned for the collage of my submissions tomorrow.

 30DCG2020  and ODP

DRAW THE LINE - DAY 24 - 30 in 30

This time a twilight shot. I’m always torn between keeping images natural, by gently erasing such things as cell towers, power lines and jet trails, or allowing them to intrude on the scene. After all they are part of our modern world and they could become a trendy part of the composition if allowed to be part of the scene rather than an intrusion.

What do you think?

POT OF GOLD and RAIN - Day 13 - 30 in 30 Challenge

I couldn’t choose, so here is a selection of my recent digital images. Some are enhanced, but mostly just cropped for composition.

POT OF GOLD by Sea Dean

RAIN by Sea Dean

Before the Wind

One of the joys of living by the lake is watching the yacht club outings. During the week there is the odd sailing boat out on the lake with many kayaks, canoes, SUPs, inflatables and noisy power boats; however, on the weekend many groups of small sailing craft practice right in front of my window. Recently we had a treat with the annual regatta which kept me occupied enjoying the view.

Sailing instruction has changed since my day. Each class is escorted out by a minimum of one instructor power boat. They are then put through their exercises all in a row, gybing and tacking in unison. It’s quite a sight to watch and very relaxing. I could watch them for hours.

My favorites are a small group of red sailed craft which make a change to the regular white. On the rare occasion a colorful spinnaker breaks the water, but I suspect its an instructor showing off ;-)

Feel free to use my images for inspiration. No use of actual digital image for collage etc.

Monet must have felt the same joy I do. Below my painting taken from a Monet.

Over the Lake

Over the Lake

For those unfamiliar with my digital work, my drawings are created in the simple notes app on my iPad. The app is very basic wih only three types of line, a rule and an eraser, so I’ve had to come up with new ideas to make it useable. I’m constantly working on ideas and currently I’m fascinated by the ability to layer colour with the highlighter tool. With my knowledge of pigment from painting, I can build some interesting colours.

This one finger drawing is available as small prints and an art card.

Two Trees

Two Trees
An iPad drawing by Sea Dean, available as an art card and a variety of small prints.

This was created while visiting friends at Christmas. It is so much simpler to work through ideas on an iPad and prevents problems trying to get paints through security at the airport.

Two Pines

I really wanted to do a cloud study and as much as I like cloud paintings, I always think there should be a bit of land for context. This turned into an Okanagan View. I’ve called it Two Pines. it’s important to leave white areas in watercolor paintings, or they get too dark. I think with this one I got the balance just right.

Last Days On Exhibition - Different Strokes 2018 - Review

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my solo exhibition this year. For the first time I brought larger paintings and a wood sculpture, I did demos on site and took part in the buzz of the big Art Walk exhibition from a distance. If I have the opportunity, I will certainly do it again. I would also enjoy the next block leading into fall, or the one after. I’m thinking that snow capped mountains, large and small may be a good theme.

Back to my current exhibition and I’m sad to say it’s coming to a close. I will be at the Gallery Saturday morning taking down to make room for the next Artist. If you’re in the area and love one of the paintings, the time to buy is now before they are whisked off to other galleries. If you’re a distant fan, I can ship on Monday, to get ahead of the holiday rush.

I also do lay-aways, so you can place a deposit now and pay over time, which works well for larger pieces. If you’re in the area I will deliver anything over $1,000 personally and help you hang it.

If this exhibition has shown me anything, it’s that I’m on the right track with texture, simplification and abstract sculpture. I loved my piece, Cascade Kintsugi, which sold so fast I didn’t get a professional image.

I want to thank everyone who attended and especially all those who purchased even a $3 art postcard. it all goes to help me grow as an artist, allowing me to purchase more interesting supplies and cover the ever increasing expenses.

There are still a couple of days to rush in and see my work in person. Believe me, It’s nothing like seeing it online. The large pieces gain a sense of grandure and the smaller pieces gain a condensed intensity that is hard to imagine.

Sea Dean Annual Solo
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily

This year there were many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. For the first time I felt connected to my solo exhibition because I continued to add and tweak leading up to Art Walk weekend. The public appearance also worked well, but next year I will work harder on promotion and signage, to bring people in from the road.

On Exhibition Okanagan - Warm Jasperware and UG2BK

In a very dark corridor beside the washrooms I hung a couple of bright abstracts for fun. “UG2BK” is one of my favorites and “Warm Jasperware” complements it nicely. This year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces.

Sea Dean Annual Solo
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada
7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)

On Exhibition Okanagan - Rockwell Cat

I’ve been going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. My solo exhibition wouldn’t be complete without a pet portrait. I revamped the background and added a dish to my “Rockwell Cat” painting. So sweet.

Owner Sharon graciously allowed me to set up on the outdoor patio for the weekend. I was surprised to discover that it remained shaded from the sun all day. AND with blue skies, no smoke and no wind, it turned out to be a perfect location. I met many interesting people and doggies, and managed to add a few more paintings to the exhibition, sell some art cards and paint a demo. All in all it was the nicest weekend this summer. Silly me, I forgot to take a picture of my set up.

Sea Dean Annual Solo - Different Strokes
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada
7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)


Posted as #3 day 3 of 30 in 30 challenge.

On Exhibition Art Walk - Purple Hills ACEO

Purple Hills is an ACEO collector miniature, framed and matted in soft white. This bright little original painting would make a perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season.

Sea Dean Annual Solo
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be on site during Art Walk  8 and 9 September

I’ve ben going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.

Frida loves pumpkin spiced lattes 👀☕️🍂 This cold weather has got us in a fall mood, so we’re bringing pumpkin spice back early! While you’re sipping on your pumpkin spiced latte, check out the amazing art we have on our walls by @blueskyredearth! We LOVE her work❤️‼️

A post shared by Lake Country Coffee House (@lakecountrycoffeehouse) on Aug 28, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

On Exhibition Art Walk - Beautiful Birch

Over the milk counter there is always an opportunity to offer a selection of small items. Sharon, the owner allows me to permanently display my art cards in this area and this year I arranged some birch slice paintings and a few mountain landscapes next to them.
They range in price from $35 and make a lovely display.

Sea Dean Annual Solo - Different Strokes
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be on site during Art Walk  8 and 9 September

I’ve been going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.

Frida loves pumpkin spiced lattes 👀☕️🍂 This cold weather has got us in a fall mood, so we’re bringing pumpkin spice back early! While you’re sipping on your pumpkin spiced latte, check out the amazing art we have on our walls by @blueskyredearth! We LOVE her work❤️‼️

A post shared by Lake Country Coffee House (@lakecountrycoffeehouse) on Aug 28, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

On Exhibition Art Walk - Wild Companions

This painting, “Wild Companions” was on loan to my Mum, but since we moved there is nowhere in her room to hang it. I was pleased to have it back in my studio because I’ve wanted to tweak the trees and the clouds for some time. It also seemed a little dark because when I painted it back in 2012, I hadn’t the courage to go back in and add some light when the acrylics dried and darkened.

It was a challenge finding the right spot in the exhibition, but I like it here with “Silent Witness” and “Lakeside tree III”. I chose to link the three canvases, but it is evn better when they are hung separately up to a few feet apart giving the true feeling of grandure to our big lake.

Sea Dean Annual Solo
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be on site during Art Walk 8 and 9 September

I’ve been going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.

Frida loves pumpkin spiced lattes 👀☕️🍂 This cold weather has got us in a fall mood, so we’re bringing pumpkin spice back early! While you’re sipping on your pumpkin spiced latte, check out the amazing art we have on our walls by @blueskyredearth! We LOVE her work❤️‼️

A post shared by Lake Country Coffee House (@lakecountrycoffeehouse) on Aug 28, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

On Exhibition Okanagan - Blossoming

Blossoming was a painting I created with my friend Tammie O’Rielly for the 2018 Intergenerational Exhibiton. It is 24” square with cart loads of different texture. I never liked the bright turquoise in this, and started by toning down, adjusting the composition, adding more texture, and pretty soon it was a completely different painting. Thats one of the things I love about painting, especially in acrylics ... anything can be changed.

This is how it looked before

Sea Dean Annual Solo
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be giving tours and demos during Art Walk 8 and 9 September

I’ve been going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.

Frida loves pumpkin spiced lattes 👀☕️🍂 This cold weather has got us in a fall mood, so we’re bringing pumpkin spice back early! While you’re sipping on your pumpkin spiced latte, check out the amazing art we have on our walls by @blueskyredearth! We LOVE her work❤️‼️

A post shared by Lake Country Coffee House (@lakecountrycoffeehouse) on Aug 28, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

#22 on Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days

On Exhibition Okanagan - Flying High

As you see, this venue is quite dark with bright spotlights above and around the walls. This makes it very challenging to hang an exhibition. I chose to place my feature oil painting on the main wall because it is less likely to be brushed against and everyone sees it on the way to the counter. I set it with other watery companions. In spite of the dim location it packs a punch due to its 36” x 48” format. I also chose to set it in a black oak frame to give it more definition.

A view that will never grow old. Wander the cliff tops, Explore the cave, go beachcombing on the sand, ride on the seagulls back and soar on the wind. People will ask where this view is located and I have to say it lives in my mind. Happy childhood memories of Cornwall, England. A wonderful trip to Western Ireland. Several trips down the coast of Oregon, California and the East coast of Australia. The painting has areas of texture, brushwork, sgraffito and palette knife work, to create an interesting surface.

Sea Dean Annual Solo - Different Strokes
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada
7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be available for tours and demos during Art Walk 8 and 9 September

I’ve been going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.

#92 on Leslie Saetas 30 paintings in 30 days game

On Exhibition Okanagan - Bob Ross Collection

In February of this year I took the 30 painings in 30 days challenge for the 9th time. As a focus I chose to work along with Bob Ross, the artist everyone loves of “happy little cloud” TV fame. I completed all 30 paintings in each challenge and although stressful, I find it a bit easier every time. Organizing in advance and choosing a focus really helps. Part of my Bob Ross collection are in this exhibition.

If you would like to find out more about the 30 day challenge, see what the over 800 artists create, or even sign up for the 10th challenge, it starts 1st September.  Here is the link

Sea Dean Annual Solo - Different Strokes
18 August - 15 September 2018
Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country, BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea Dean will be available for tours and possible demos during Art Walk 8 and 9 September

I’ve been going at break neck speed to get this exhibition ready. Almost every piece is new and this year there are many large Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D works. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even give some demos. See you there.

Frida loves pumpkin spiced lattes 👀☕️🍂 This cold weather has got us in a fall mood, so we’re bringing pumpkin spice back early! While you’re sipping on your pumpkin spiced latte, check out the amazing art we have on our walls by @blueskyredearth! We LOVE her work❤️‼️

A post shared by Lake Country Coffee House (@lakecountrycoffeehouse) on Aug 28, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

On Exhibition - Cascade Kintsugi

This wood sculpture has been in planning stage for some time. I fell in love with this plank in a hardware store years ago and it obviously needed rescuing, or would soon be in the trash. It was long before I started planning my last reno and in that process I saw an image of a cracked concrete floor that had been “mended” wih gold. This was when I discovered the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi, mending cracked ceramics with real gold to honor the history of the piece. These two unrelated items were left to percolate in my artist mind ........

The result is Cascade Kintsugi, A mixed media piece honoring the trees of Canada that support our forest industry. It is also created in memory of my father who loved wood and the many happy hours I spent playing in the shavings in his workshop. The rich, natural smell of trees always reminds me of him. My current reno centers around trees and nature, so this piece will fit in beautifully.

I wasn’t happy with the placement of this piece in the exhibition, so when I tweaked I moved it to a brighter spot. The light now catches the metallic inlay and irridescent paint to create an eye popping entrance to the exhibition. I didn’t have time for a professional image, so trust me, it’s gorgeous. You will have to come and see for yourself.

Sea Dean Annual Solo - Different Strokes
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be on site to give tours of the exhibition during Art Walk 8 and 9 September

I’ve ben going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.

Frida loves pumpkin spiced lattes 👀☕️🍂 This cold weather has got us in a fall mood, so we’re bringing pumpkin spice back early! While you’re sipping on your pumpkin spiced latte, check out the amazing art we have on our walls by @blueskyredearth! We LOVE her work❤️‼️

A post shared by Lake Country Coffee House (@lakecountrycoffeehouse) on Aug 28, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

On Exhibition - Lakeside Tree III

Lakeside Tree III - Art Battle Painting - 18” x 24” $395

This series of paintings was created for my participation in Art Battle last year. I wasn’t sure I could complete a painting in 20 mins, so I tried it out twice beforehand using the limited selection of colors allowed on the day. I found that I could do it, but as with all paintings they all needed substantial tweaking to bring them up to standard, although they still retain that sketchy, free look.

The first painting was a tad smaller and painted on unstretched canvas. I intend stretching it or adding a backing board, but I’m happy to reduce the price and mail it rolled for your framer to stretch.

The second painting took advantage of a raw canvas I had on hand and therefore has a completely different look. This painting is 18” x 24” on deep profile canvas, so doesnt need framing.


The final Art Battle painting (top of blog) was completed on the night and is the most colorful. It is painted on 18” x 24” low profile canvas which is easier to frame, but can be displayed without. This work required substantial tweaking to get it ready for sale and is the one I chose for the exhibition to brighten up the dark walls. IT is available for sale at the exhibition, or can be reserved for mailing after 15th September by contacting me.


Sea Dean Annual Solo - Different Strokes
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be on site during Art Walk  8 and 9 September

I’ve ben going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.

On Exhibition - The Path Less Traveled

The Path Less Traveled by Sea Dean 30” x 48” Deep Canvas $1,295

This is a brand new painting made possible because of my new, larger home studio. I didn’t plan a color scheme, I started painting the light in the trees using Titanium White wih a hint of Naples Yellow. Then I chose rich dark Van Dyck brown as the darkest tone and the rest followed naturally.

I wanted to convey the feeling of walking through the woods and seeing all those partly overgrown side paths. Who or what made them? Perhaps a deer and her fawn taking the best route to water, or seeking a cool place to rest. Or a fly fisher heading for a secret spot.

In the studio I concentrated on eliminating distracting spots, but now in this small image I clearly see a buddah face: Do you see it? Normally I would paint it out, but here I find it most appropriate.

I don’t think he place it hangs in the exhibition does the painting justice because it blends with the barn board walls. When I go back I will try a couple of other spots. In the meantime I played with different framing ideas and a black edge certainly makes it pop. The online framing app. I used is quite user friendly ... https://www.levelframes.com/blog/choosing-the-right-frame-color-for-art

Sea Dean Annual Solo - Different Strokes
18 August - 15 September 2018

Lake Country Coffee House
10356 Bottom Wood Lake Road (Next to Lake Country Art Gallery)
Lake Country BC Canada

7am - 4pm Daily (8am Sundays)
Sea will be on site during Art Walk  8 and 9 September

I’ve ben going at break neck speed to get ready for this exhibition. Almost every piece is new, and this year I have many large works including Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Digital and 3D pieces. I will be available all weekend during Art Walk, so that you can ask about the inspiration for your favorite pieces. And if the weather co-operates I may even be giving some demos. Drop in and meet the artist.