Deltra's Blog

Yellow Mug and Small Apples

2011-08-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

6x6"
Oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian Funds)

The walks I go on with my kids I am often inspired by the foliage all around. I clip branches of blooms, leaves and ornamental fruit from the trees and bush as well as grass from the creek I live by. If you take the time to look, there is a wealth of inspiration right outside your door! I always try to put something more organic in my still life set ups. I feel it brings a bit of softness to the work.

Information...
The class being offered at the Color Crush Art Studio has been canceled. I will not be teaching any classes at this time.

I am thrilled to announce over the next year I will be focusing on producing work for my first solo show at the Multicultural Center Public Art Gallery from August 17 to September 19, 2012. This show will feature larger sized work. I will keep you posted on my progress for this show through posts on my blog and emails if you are a subscriber to my blog. I will also announce any other shows I will be having, as I have quite a few irons in the fire so to speak in regards to showing my work!

In light of these opportunities, once again the focus of my blog is changing. I am finding the administration part of being a regularly producing painter to be very time consuming. Because of this most of the posts in the future will be show announcements and my progress on producing for these shows as well as any teaching opportunities that come my way. My web site will be up and running this fall too and will send through that information when the time comes.

Thank you for your interest in my art and hope you will journey along with me during this next phase of my painting path!

Blue Sugar Bowl

2011-07-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

6x6"
oil on panel

I found this sugar bowl at One Man's Treasure, a second hand store here where I live. I have mentioned this shop to you before. I love going here when I need some inspiration!

Iris on Display

2011-07-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

12x12"
oil on gallery stretched canvas with 2"profile
$278.00 (Canadian funds)

Iris are so architectural with all the folds and sections that make up the blooms. This one was challenging but I think it turned out okay.

I have some news to pass along. I am teaching at Colour Crush Art Studio in Stony Plain this fall. If you are interested in learning how to paint dynamic still life paintings, this class is for you. Checkout the side of my blog for details. Or go to Colour Crush Art Studio website and click the link to my information page.

Also want to pass along I have my work up on Daily Paintworks. If you want to find original art this site is full of it! My work is in the All Art section usually on pages 2 or 3.

Thanks for viewing my art!

Drops of Cream

2011-06-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150 (Canadian funds)

the apple blossoms were in full bloom in May. The blooms when they first open are a soft pink. I was happy to have painted this little one to record the time.

Wide Open

2011-05-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

20x20"
Oil on two inch profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas
$489.00 (Canadian Funds)

I love painting this red vase. Especially with the green cloth underneath. The complimentary colors make these wonderful grey reflections in the vase that are so much fun to paint!

Abundant Knowledge

2011-05-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

30x30"
Oil on two inch profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas
$987.00 (Canadian Funds)

Knowledge and all that is involved in gaining it. I don't often like to reveal the meanings behind the paintings I paint, I want the viewer to interpret the work for themselves to make it their own. However I felt I wanted to share what is behind this one. For me this piece is about acknowledging the letting go of the things that need to be released and enjoying the fruit of what comes of that. This whole year so far has been about that and I felt I needed to work that out on canvas some how.

Ode to Orange

2011-04-26T15:59:00.001-07:00

20x20"
Oil on two inch profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas
$489.00 (Canadian funds)

A funny thing happened with this one. I really didn't want to paint with orange. I was so focused on that that it was all I could think about so I got it out of my system and went all the way orange with it!

I have become quite fascinated, well maybe the better word is obsessed, with the science behind light. I am on a journey of capturing the perfect balance between dark and light, discovering that one can not exist without the other and more so how to convey their ways of coexisting. Yes I am speaking of the capturing of light to the canvas however this is so true of life. I have been living in a bit of dark place lately however there is a movement toward light, partially because spring is finally here, but also because of some personal choices. LIfe is brighter and somehow I want to capture that. I am captivated by light and want to celebrate it!

Daisies Blue

2011-04-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

It is snowing today. 5 inches and counting. Yuck. These daisies are making me smile today!
I painted this one in only 45 minutes. How much fun is that!

Daisies Dressed in Red

2011-04-07T17:55:00.001-07:00

4x6"
oil on stretched canvas
nfs

This was a demo done for a private student I teach. It was so fun to do.
I am finishing up with my students now just in time for spring. I have also been working on some more bigger paintings for various projects coming up in the future that I will announce closer to the dates. Happy Spring!

Creative Insight Workshop

2011-03-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of leading a group of women through a creative insight project a few weekends ago. The content of the project talked about the importance of community, how we need others to walk along side us to make sense of the tangles we have in life. The beads represent friends in our journey and how they are like jewels to be treasured.

For more information on Creative Insight Workshops please contact me.
Thanks to Beth from Ryan and Beth Photography for taking such great photos! Check out their site!

Strawberry Tag

2011-03-10T15:26:00.001-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

Doesn't it look like these strawberries are running around this little vase trying to tag each other? Okay maybe its just me. I have had this vase for a very long time. I think it originally belonged to my Grandma Kae, my dad's mom. I love the shape of it and will be painting it again!

Red Gems Spilled

2011-02-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

20x20"
Oil on two inch profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas
$489.00 (Canadian funds)

Okay, so I said I wasn't going post my larger work, well the thing is I have ran behind in painting little ones and won't have the time this week to do anything but teach so here you go something I did a bit ago. It was a challenge painting this juicy subject as it started to dry up and shrivel under my lights very quickly. But what a lot of fun it was trying to capture all the busyness of this one!

Red on Read with Bowl

2011-02-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

These object are all in a larger painting that I did. I loved painting this little red vase. It was fun to capture all the various reds in in. I am not posting many of my large one in hopes of having a website up soon. You will be able to see my larger work there.

ps. Sorry for the glair in this photo, I will replace this photo with a better shot soon.

Bottle with Bowls

2011-02-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

I have had these bowls for a while now. I bought them specifically to use in a painting one day and here they finally are making there appearance. I find I purchase a lot of dishes for use in paintings more so than for use in the kitchen!

This photo came out quite saturated, and the background is more purple in real life. I just can't get good shots lately. I haven't invested in photo equipment yet. Maybe some day.

Oh and by the way this is painting 109 on this blog! Wow what an adventure this has been! Thanks to all of you who have been along for the ride!

Cozy Up

2011-02-10T11:00:00.001-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian Funds)

I just got some dental work done. All I want to do is cozy up with my lemon tea and my blanket. I thought the title for this was appropriate!

Different Levels

2011-02-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

These dishes have just been washed and are waiting to be placed back in their spots in the cupboard. Not really an event worthy of celebration, unless you live in my house were counter space, not to mention the time to do the dishes come at a premium! The dishes are clean! Party on!

Apple Plated

2011-01-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

We go through bushels of apple in our house. I have quite a sweet tooth and I find they meet my need for sugar quite nicely and they are much more healthier for me.

Red Apple and Classes

2011-01-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

This was a demo I did for my Tuesday night students.

Yes I have taken in a handful of students for the winter. They are a great bunch!
In the spring I will have three evenings set aside for classes. Check out the side of my blog for classes and updates.
All classes are based on how I approach my paintings so if you like dynamic color and bold strokes these classes might be for you!

Please let me know if you are interested as soon as possible as my space can only accommodate a very limited amount of people.

Good Start

2011-01-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on canvas
$150.00 (Canadian Funds)

I love the fork in this painting. The reflections almost make it look camouflaged.

Nothing Inside

2011-01-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

Transparent glass is difficult to capture, and so is the delicacy of egg shell. I enjoyed the challenge of both in this one.

Toppled Over

2011-01-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

Its difficult to place objects in a still life and not make them staged. I think this one was successful in achieving a natural placement.

Quiet Moment

2011-01-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

An unassuming set up, no one object here is really vying for your attention. Somehow it seems to work.

Sitting Up High

2011-01-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

This marble seems to be pretty sure of himself. He should be made aware, there is another!

Just a note...
I am offering private and limited space group classes out of my home studio. email me for more information if you are interested.

Hiding Out

2011-01-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

It's the cups turn to hide in this game of hide and seek. Will the marble find him?

Red Cup With a Spoon

2011-01-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

Painting high reflective surfaces has got to be one of my favorite things to paint. These red high gloss cups are so much fun! Cappuccino tastes pretty good out of them too!

Cereal Bowl

2011-01-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

I love painting this bowl. It is pottery with a wonderful blue glaze. I eat my cereal out of it almost everyday!

Protea on a Cup

2011-01-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

Protea is an evergreen shrub from South Africa. I find them to be very interesting plants especially when dried. I loved how the leaves made these great shadows on the plate. This one was so much fun to paint.

Pastel Petals

2011-01-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on panel
$150.00
I visit flower shops and pick up greenery for my paintings. Often I let the greenery dry out right in the vase, that way the leaves take on great shapes.

Chopping Block

2010-12-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

20x20"
oil on canvas
$489.00
(Canadian funds)

I love fresh garden tomatoes. These are the next best thing, tomatoes on the vine from the store ripened on my counter with a pinch of salt.
Happy new year!

Jube Jube Light Bulbs

2010-12-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

I love the old style Christmas lights. They look like glowing candies breaking up the darkness, not making it look so vast.
May you see a bit of light that warms your soul this holiday season.

Blessings,
Deltra

Citrus Outside

2010-12-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

The Christmas oranges are out. They are Tangerines for the most part. I however prefer to buy Navel oranges this time of year as this is when they are the sweetest. Yum!

Paint Tubes

2010-12-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

A painters tools and supplies.

Old Pair

2010-11-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

I had to get new glasses a while back. This is my old pair. I can't wait to paint my new ones.

Seeing Stars

2010-11-25T10:44:00.001-08:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

I am having troubles lately photographing my images. I prefer to take photos of my work outside. The dilemma I am having and always have from November to March is the snow. Snow is very bright and its everywhere, controlling reflections on the paintings is almost impossible. Not to mention the plummeting temperatures -30˚C
(-22˚F) and colder last week. I am forever trying to find new ways to improve photo quality so if anyone has any suggestions for taking photos of paintings indoors I would welcome it!
Stay warm my northern friends!

Cups Stacked

2010-11-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

This is a small study of cups that were stacked on my table. I really piled the paint on this one.

Trancparency Perceived

2010-11-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

It sometimes takes me a while to set up items to paint. I arrange and rearrange before I get something that works. In this case the transparency of the small bottle distorting a small amount of the objects beyond is what makes the whole piece interesting to me. It took some work to see what wasn't there. I am glad I persevere.

Cornered

2010-10-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

6x6
oil on panel
$150.00 (Canadian funds)

Got back into the studio last Saturday for the first time in a while. It took a bit to settle in but once I did it was a good session. This painting was the result. Looking forward to many many more moments at the easel.

I can't believe my baby son is a year old already. It has been a year of change and adapting. I look forward to this next season in my life. I invite you to continue following my work as I progress. Thanks for sticking with me during these changes. Feel free to drop me a line to let me know you are still out there.

Deltra

Newspaper Article

2010-08-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

It was nice to receive a bit of press coverage on the show last week. Take a read to see my thoughts behind all the work. There is still four more days left of the show if you haven't yet gone to see it.
Click on the article to view it larger.

Broken and Beautiful

2010-08-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

24x60"
oil on canvas
(click on image to view larger)

Wow has time got away on me. Our summer has been busy. Swim lessons, road trips and visits to the lake. Our family is enjoying it so much!

This painting was completed at the end of June, just in time to hang in my show. It is a cup of my grandmas that fell off the shelf. I was sad when it broke but when I put it back up on the shelf and lived with it for a while in its broken state it started to take on this new beauty. It took time to see it but eventually I felt it had a stronger story to tell because of its brokenness.

This painting and others are still on display at the Spruce Grove Art Gallery until August 20th so if you are in the area I would love for you to check it out. The information is on the side of my blog.

Thanks to my friends who came out to the opening reception. It was so nice to visit with you all.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer and I will be back posting paintings again in September.

Underneath

2010-07-02T15:25:00.001-07:00

20x20"
Oil on 2"profile gallery stretched canvas

My lily of the valley only sends out two stems of blooms each year. You see I tried to kill them off one year to make room for a chair and table set. A place in the shade to cool off during the sunny summer days. These little guys I have discovered are very persistent every year poking up from underneath the chairs, landscaping cloth and gravel as if to bashfully say with bended heads "Hello again, we are still here, we are not going to go anywhere!" I am kind of glad they make their shy appearance every spring they have found a way into my heart again and thus perhaps will find their way into another space in my garden.

Where have I been? June was a very busy month painting a very large canvas for a show I have coming up starting July 27th.

feel free to check out the side of my blog for the show information too. If you are receiving this as one of my subscribers, just click on my blog link below.

Rooting

2010-05-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

12"x12"
2"profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas

I trimmed some plants to make a terrarium on mothers day and put the trimmings in a jar of water in hopes that they will root and create more plants. We will see what happens.

Glasses

2010-05-25T14:37:00.001-07:00

20x20"
oil on 2"profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas

I bought this beautiful striped scarf at my favorite shop to find still life stuff "One Man's Treasure". I finally was able to include it in this composition. I especially liked painting the folds.

Stage Fright SOLD

2010-05-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

20x20"
oil on 2" profile, gallery wrapped, stretched canvas

The two new actors huddle together at center stage struck with a bad case of stage fright. They feel all eyes on them... will they remember there lines... Oh the nerves! Thank goodness for the coaching they are receiving just off stage.

Just a note I am getting ready for a small show of my work to be held at the Allied Arts Council in Spruce Grove, here in Alberta. Most of the work will be posted here on my blog, but if you get a chance to come and see them in person, that would be wonderful. Keep checking in for more details come closer to the beginning of August.

Step Right Up

2010-05-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

18x24"
oil on 2" profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas

What kind of snake oil is this green pot peddling? I think the glass marbles are being lured in by his beaconing call, they seem to be curious at this spectacle. Hmm they might be wiser to stay clear.

Ranunculus

2010-04-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

12x12"
oil on 2"profile gallery wrapped stretched canvas

I painted this one a little while ago. I hadn't painted in a while and just wanted to get back at it. I laid out my palette and just started to paint. My goal was to lay down as much pure color as possible keeping everything quite clean and defined. I love how the ground color (red) peeks through the peddles of the flower and how the shapes in the vase look abstracted. I am fairly happy with this one considering how long it had been since I painted and that my son naps for only 45 minutes at the longest if Im lucky. Nap time is when I try to get into the studio. Its good to be back!

Walking the Red Carpet

2010-04-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

6x6"
oil on panel

I found this little creamer at my favorite shop One Mans Treasure here in Stony Plain. I couldn't wait to get it home and do a painting. I have a feeling it will show up in a few paintings from time to time as it was such a joy to paint.

Mug and Willow SOLD

2010-03-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

16 x20"
Oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I got into the studio the other day and painted this one. I have a collection of these colored mugs that I love. They are like old friends. So it felt like I was having this conversations with this old friend whom I hadn't seen in a while. Our conversation just picked up were it last left off. You know the type of friend? It filled my soul.

What else has been filling my soul...
This is Corwyn, the little man that has brought so much joy!

Here are the two brothers. These boys are what has been occupying my time lately. They are so much fun! And oh how they love each other!

Hope to be in the studio now a bit more. I will post photos of my new space soon too.

Be well,
till next time...

Creative Meditative Workshop

2010-03-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

Hello,

It has been way too long since I have put up a post. We are still working on renovations and moving rooms around to accommodate our new baby. We are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel however.

I was asked to do a creative meditation workshop last weekend. A very talented photographer Beth of Beth + Ryan Photography took these photos while participating in the workshop. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Thank you so much Beth!

I had the women look out the windows to the trees by the lake. I read some very inspiring words from a book called Anonymous by Alicia Britt-Chole.

The prologue of the book uses trees to illustrate how our lives have different seasons. She talks about how her skin prefers their role in the summer, but her soul prefers their teachings in the winter. Then she gets into their teachings. She is an amazing wordsmith if you are looking to be inspired.

Then we sculpted trees with wire and glass beads

"Abundance may make us feel more productive, but perhaps emptiness has greater power to strengthen our souls. In spiritual winters, our fullness is thinned so that, undistracted by our giftings, we can focus upon our character."
Taken from the prologue of Alicia Britt Chole's book Anonymous

Can't wait to get back at it!

2009-10-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

So no painting this week. Its funny how when I am not using my studio, how it becomes a catch all for things. We are almost done our renovations in the basement which includes my new studio space. My husband has been working so hard trying to get it done. Thats him and my son above in my new studio space painting baseboards. I am not sure when I will get back to painting to be honest there is a lot of transition happening here but it will happen. I ask for your patience in the meantime. Thanks :)

Last Summer Days

2009-10-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

10x20"
oil on canvas

This is the scene outside my front room window. I love the bright ash berries and the chains of green weeping birch leaves blowing in the breeze. I now will have a reminder of summer when the snow comes.

Happy Faces

2009-10-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

5 1/5x6
Oil on MDF Board

We are starting to find our routine now with new baby, along with that comes "Happy Faces" !

Announcement

2009-10-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

5 1/2 x 6"
Oil on MDF board

Baby has arrived! Yesterday in the wee hours of the morning Corwyn Michael Powney was born. He is a very content baby which means hopefully I will be able to get back at the painting soon. I will be posting about once a week for a couple of months until we get used to our new normal.

Green Curtain SOLD

2009-10-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

20x20"
Oil on Canvas

As promised in a couple of past posts, the larger painting I did for choice of a commission for a lady I know. She did end up taking this one as well. This vase she brought over was so inspiring. The shape, the colors. and the way it magnified the contents when filled with water was so much fun! The flowers were challenging to paint. Poppies move about quite quickly when in a cut arraignment and the little blue flowers are flax, that truthfully were not there at all in this still life. They all fell off the night before so I had to fake it! This one was a lot of fun to do!

Update: No baby yet, still waiting :(

Fire and Ice

2009-09-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

5 1/2x6"
oil on MDF board

Another flower painting. I know the season for them is short now, so I love to paint as many as I can before they are no more. And hopefully this week Ill be announcing the long awaited arrival of our new baby. I am ready!

Fuchsia Glow SOLD

2009-09-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

6x6"
Oil on MDF Board

I was asked to do a commission piece for a lady. I painted a variety of paintings so she had a few to choose from. This is the one she chose. I just loved how the vase glowed when the light hit it. I painted a larger one with the vase that I will post at some point.

Yay, the weekend is here! Have a good one!

Blue Breeze

2009-09-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

6x6"
Oil on MDF Board

Summer is over and September activities are in full swing. These little daisies may be one of the last reminders of the summer past.
Thank you to everyone who sent congratulations through from the last post. I value the support from my blog readers. Its great to be part of such a supportive community. And thanks to all who take the time to type out a few words in the comment sections of my post. I check them regularly and they are always such a pick me up!

Award

2009-09-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Allied Art Council Open Art Competition, Spruce Grove, AB

I received first place in the Advanced Category of the competition with the painting "Cider Served in Red" pictured here. It truly is an honor.

Check out this cute little movie by Myra "The Greatest Coffee Movie Ever Made" Some of my work is featured in! I love this blog, it gives me a caffeine boost without the caffeine, something I have to watch right now!

Wild Mix

2009-09-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

6x6"
Oil on MDF Board
Available

I was asked to do a commission piece of white daisies, as they have special meaning for this individual. I ended up being so inspired by the flowers and vases she brought over I painted five 6x6ers for her to choose from and one larger 20x20. I will update availability on the small ones soon as she needs to see them in person yet. The 20x20 she did purchase, and will post it soon too.

Strawberry Tea

2009-09-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

5 1/2 x6"
Oil on MDF Board

The Strawberry Tea is a fund raising event for the nursing home in my home town. The women while stirring sugar with dainty spoons and sipping from china tea cups enjoy conversation. These get together are a big part of what brings a unique charm to communities.

Which Ever Way You Slice It

2009-09-08T12:43:00.001-07:00

5 1/2 x 6"
Oil on MDF Board

How do you slice your fruit and vegetables? I had this discussion with a friend once when preparing a meal. She slices her produce the same way her mother does as do I. She julians carrots, I cut them on the round. It just made me think what other things I do like my mom that I didn't realize, like how I fold my laundry ect. Its the little things sometimes that make me sentimental!

Tossed About

2009-09-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

5 1/2 x 6"
Oil on MDF Board

Strawberries are my favorite to eat, but not so much so to paint. Its really easy to over do it with all the little speckled seeds. I feel I got a bit tight with these (more strawberry paintings to come!) The turquoise fabric reminded me of the waves in hawaii. How I wish I could splash around in them today! Refreshing!

Purple Haze

2009-08-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

6x6"
Oil on MDF Board

This is the last of the daisy series, well, for now anyways. The title, well, my brain has been in a haze the last few days. Not the kind sung about in Jimmy's famous song however, no baby brain haze! I am 35 weeks this week and am getting very tired and anxious about everything. I am loving the moments I can sit and paint. This is about the only thing that calms me.

Distracted

2009-08-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

6x6"
Oil on MDF Board

It looks as though the daisy's attention is being held by something off to the right, it is not focused on looking forward. This is kind of how my days have been lately, between basement renovations, trying to get ready for baby and keeping my three year old occupied, I find myself getting distracted easily. It will all come together eventually. Till then, I will just keep painting!!

Cool Dip

2009-08-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

6x6"
Oil on MDF Board

My son picked these little daisies for me on one of the walks he went on. I love little gifts like this from my little boy. This is what this summer is all about, the little things!

I'm in print!!!

2009-08-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

The local newspaper did up an article on me and my work today! They did an amazing job!

Out of Line

2009-08-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

6x6"
oil on MDF board

Another painting of peas. This is the last of them, we ate them all.

Witnesses

2009-08-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

6x6"
oil on canvas

The one off the plate may be the lucky one who got away, his buddies are witness to his escape though. Will they give him up?

I have been receiving fresh garden veggies from people this season, what a treat. We don't even shell these, we eat them whole, shell and all. Run you peas, run while you can!

The Show

2009-08-08T18:11:00.001-07:00

The show is up in the Multicultural Center Dining Room. My little paintings look great in that little space!

I am happy to say that my camera is working again, it just needed to dry out. It also took quite a nasty drop today. It needed a bit of TLC but then started working again. Im telling you, it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin!

And just to let you know I am now 30 weeks along and things are going really well.

Oops!!

2009-08-02T19:04:00.001-07:00

No painting this time around and not to sure how long it will be before I post again.
We had, using the headlines from the news, "hurricane like weather" hit us yesterday, and sitting in the middle of it was my camera that I left outside after photographing my last piece. Yah, really good one Deltra. Oh well the up side is we will most likely upgrade to a digital SLR. This camera that we had was a good little camera though, Sony Cyber Shot 4.1 meaga pixels. It served its purpose. The new one will be nice for when the baby comes though. So till next time, which hopefully won't be to long...

Attitude
is the minds paint paintbrush.
It can color any situation.

Irene Hortness

Sunshine in a Jar SOLD

2009-07-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"
oil on canvas

My friend Nancy brought this beautiful sunflower bouquet from her own garden. They are so amazing. I couldn't wait to to capture them on canvas. I hope to do a smaller one if they last till the weekend. I would absolutely love to do a huge canvas of them too, but being on bed rest, it just isn't possible. Maybe next season!

The curator from the gallery was here yesterday. He is so encouraging, it was fun choosing the paintings for the show. We had about 80 to choose from and 32 will be in the show. Some framed, some not.

Announcing Art Show

2009-07-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce a show of my work. If you are in the area I hope you make time to check it out.

Thanks
Deltra

Blue Glaze SOLD

2009-07-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

12x12"
oil on canvas

I love pottery. I am starting to accumulate a few pieces now, mostly bowls. It is a great challenge to capture the feel of pottery, the weight and earthy surface with paint. I enjoyed trying in this one. Another one, laying down on the job!

Crowded Out

2009-07-18T12:19:00.001-07:00

12 x12"
oil on canvas
(not for sale)

I had all day yesterday to myself so decided to set up my still life in the living room so I could paint while lying down. This has got to be the most challenging thing I have ever done. It took me all morning to set up between spurts of work and laying down. I ended up wiping the first attempt, then later in the evening finished this one. I am quite happy with it considering I did the whole thing laying down!

Cherry Splash

2009-07-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

12"x12"
oil on canvas

I just can't get enough of fresh fruit. I over shop when it comes to the fruit sections of the store. Not so much now that I am on bed rest but I sure do get the cravings for these beauties! I painted these a couple of weeks ago.

Birthday Brunch

2009-06-17T13:07:00.001-07:00

11x14"
oil on canvas
$465.00 (Framed)
I will send photos of this piece framed if interested. Email for enquiries.

For my birthday yesterday a friend came over for brunch. She brought these beautiful flowers. Another friend that morning called and asked if she could take my son for a play date with her daughter during the day. While I had the house to myself, I did this painting. What a great birthday!

Apple Blossoms

2009-06-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

24x36"
acrylic on canvas

This is the painting I did during a worship evening at the church a couple of weekends ago. Below are some shots of me painting it. I really enjoy doing this, it is a beautiful way to express how much I love God.

Crowded Color

2009-06-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

11x14
oil on canvas
(not for sale)

My husband and father in law took our son to a car show so I had all day Saturday to myself. I took the time to sleep and paint. It was a perfect day. This is painting I did. I love my flower pots this year. Rich burgundy and orange colored pansies dominate the arrangements. Pansies are so happy with there smiling faces. Something my grandpa admired about this flower.

June Blossoms SOLD

2009-06-09T12:53:00.001-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
16x20"

I have been wanting to paint the apple blossoms that are in bloom right now for days. I had the opportunity to worship through painting at a church function. In preparation for that I painted this still life.(I will post the one I did during the worship time soon.) It had been a while since I actually painted anything let alone painting with acrylic, and painting in front of people, so I felt I needed to do a painting before the actual evening thats what this one is. It felt so good to get back into it. I hope to keep the momentum going now, as I am not feeling so tired these days.

This painting and the subject matter represent for me a new start. With picking up the paint brush this time I felt a newness to my work, something fresh. I through caution to the wind and just started to lay down paint. Also with a new baby on the way, I was experiencing a bit on anxiety with health concerns and just the anticipation of a new addition to the family and all that comes with that. The last few weeks I have been really leaning into God for all of it and seem to be experiencing a peace and a balance. Life is full and is good.

Hello

2009-04-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hello out there! No I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, there just has been allot going on here the last few months so I figured I would fill you in. I have finished up all of my teaching gigs for now and am now focusing on my own work. I have hit what I call a bit of an incubation time with my work. Different things are coming out of my creative time, I hope to show some of this work here. I am still doing still life work in oil as well and have a show coming up in August, September (Check out the side of this blog for details on that.)

The biggest news I have is I am expecting our second child! We are very excited about this. I have to doctor allot as I tend to have some issues during pregnancies but all is well so far. It is a very exciting time and will continue to be for the next year or so to come. I am three and a half months along due October 7thish.

I appreciate your patience with the sporadic posts. I will be posting more work however in the near future getting ready for this show.

Till next time be well everyone!

Deltra

Acrylic Workshop

2009-04-03T17:12:00.001-07:00

I just finished up teaching an acrylic for beginners workshop. The ladies were great to work with. They worked so hard to understand the concepts and played just as hard with the medium! All in all it was a good 5 weeks.
Thanks ladies for the fun!!

Creative Meditation Workshop

2009-03-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

This workshop was part of a weekend ladies retreat held last weekend. The workshop focused on the choices we make when our lives get "interrupted". How we are made or "shaped" plays into how we move through life. And the choices we make and how we are shaped, "leaves a mark" on the people around us. Each point was illustrated by a different painting technique using acrylic paint and was accompanied by a directed mediation reading. The workshop was a great success. The ladies were a lot of fun to work with.

As paint was poured on the canvas the flow was interrupted by the objects placed in its path

Painting in the shapes the objects left. And stamping impressions of images on the surface of the painting.

What a show once all was said and done! A beautiful kaleidoscope of experiences and color!

Workshop Photos and Other Information

2009-02-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

I did a Creative Meditation workshop with a great group of ladies on Wednesday. They were a lot of fun. Their pieces turned out so good, and they were so proud.

I have been preoccupied lately with preparing for various workshops and lessons. My posting of my work for the next couple of months may be a bit sporadic. I am painting bigger pieces as well, and of course we are still working on renos for my new studio. Life is a bit crazy, so I will be posting as much as possible, but given the circumstances of life right now, I unfortunately can not make it a priority. April will be the month I will be able to breath again!

For Your Information

2009-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a bit about what is going on in my creative life right now. My studio is full of bags of new art supplies purchased for various workshops I have the privilege of teaching over the next two months.

Please visit my blog for more information on the workshops I offer, I am in the process of listing then on the right side of my blog so just scroll down to see them. I will be updating this section periodically so check it out every once in a while.

Because of this full schedule I need to take a week off posting so I can focus on organizing these projects. I will be back posting Monday February 9th. See you then!

Off the Spool

2009-02-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

5 1/2 x 6"
oil on MDF board

Valentines Day is coming up so I thought it would be fun to paint something red. This one was a lot of fun because it came together so quickly. Lately it has been taking me at least 2 hours to do a little painting. It was refreshing just to lay paint down and have it effortlessly go where it was suppose to.

Wake SOLD

2009-02-02T13:47:00.001-08:00

5 1/2 x 6"
oil on MDF board

The paper underneath was a bit of challenge. I ended up liking this positioning because it looked like the apple was leaving a wake behind it. And as it so happens apple are suppose to help you stay awake. Im told it works better than coffee. I eat apples and then drink coffee. Some days I really need the double hit!

Two Pair

2009-01-30T09:36:00.001-08:00

16 x 24"
oil on canvas

So this is the bigger painting I did last weekend. I just love these little bears. They have the happiest little faces and cute little bellies!

I am building up some larger work for a show. I will keep you posted as to where and when.

Study/Dad in June

2009-01-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

This sketch was done last June when I went home to visit my parents. I wanted to post this just because it makes me smile. :)

Bedside Table

2009-01-28T12:19:00.001-08:00

6 x 5 1/2"
oil on MDF board

I see scenes everywhere in the house that would make a potential painting and this day I finally went to the trouble to set up and paint one. I hope to do more. These little paintings are great to see if it will work compositionally and just to see if it is interesting enough for me to make a large painting.

Pepper

2009-01-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

4x6"
oil on MDF
$490.00
This piece is framed with the painting "One Left Behind"
I will send a photo of these pieces framed together if interested. Email for enquiry.

This little guy, one of a pair of salt and pepper shakers, was hiding in the back of a cupboard. I did a large painting and needed something black to place in the foreground. These guys were perfect, and if you have ever visited Jasper, Alberta here in Canada's Rocky Mountains, you may recognize his happy little mug as being Jasper the bear. A little bit of quirky Canadiana.

Hints of Summer

2009-01-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

5x7"
oil on canvas

Another quick one. This one was allot of fun to paint. Something to remind me of summer.

I have been working on odd shaped stretched canvas lately, using up what I have laying around. I had ran out of the board I usually like to paint on, but I am finding I really like the canvas too.

Colored Bottles

2009-01-19T14:02:00.001-08:00

6x12"
oil on canvas
(not for sale)

This was a quick 45 minute painting I did of the the colored bottles I sketched the other day. I had to force myself to do it fast and keep it loose. This one I feel turned out. Often they don't when I do this, I just need to practice doing it.

Snippy

2009-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

9x7"
oil on canvas

It was fun working on the thread in this one. The delicate lines and the negative spaces between the threads were my favorite parts.

Study/color bottles

2009-01-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have this great set of markers from a scrap book company called Stampin Up. I love to sketch with them. This is just a quick study of color. Really I am procrastinating from doing paper work!

Thank you to all who gave me some great suggestions for taking photos of paintings. What I ended up doing is using a black umbrella to diffuse some of the light that was bouncing around from the snow. I also find my large north facing living room window is a good place, at certain times of day.

Carmel Wave

2009-01-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on MDF board

The other day I bought new fabric for under my still life set ups. This is one of the pieces. I really like how the fabric folded. I spend one whole morning in the fabric store while there was a white out blizzard going on it was great! This painting is quite rich in real life. I am finding it very difficult to get good photos of my work with all the white snow as I photograph them outside. I get crazy light reflections which tend to wash out the paintings. I will be working on improving this.

Apple#3

2009-01-12T11:37:00.001-08:00

6x6"
oil on MDF board

The weekend was pretty much a wright off for painting. It wasn't that I didn't have the time, it was that everything I set up just didn't work. After three wipers I finally painted this apple. I'm not one hundred percent happy with it but I do like the color. I just had a couple of those days.

Back on the Shelf SOLD

2009-01-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

6x6"
oil on MDF board

I have accumulated quite a collection of things, they often find their way down from the shelves onto my work surfaces in my studio. I need to spend some time putting them back. In the meantime Ill paint them.

It seems some subscribers are having troubles receiving my emails. Please let me know if you have any problems and I will attempt to fix the problem. Thank You for your patience.

Triple Galla

2009-01-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

16 x 8"
oil on canvas
$465.00 (framed)
I will send a photo of this piece framed if interested. Email for enquiry.

I like this point of view, straight on right from the top. I have done a few paintings using this perspective. It doesn't work with every subject but I think it works well with the simple shapes of these apples and dish. What do you think?

The Good China

2009-01-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

6x6"
Oil on MDF board
$312.00 (framed)
I will send a photo of this piece framed if interested. Email for enquiry.

Happy New Year!!

I actually found time during the holiday season to paint! This is one of the paintings I did.

To tell you the truth this is the second attempt at this one. The first one I just didn't get the handles right so I did some sketches to study the shapes and values, just trying to work it out, here are the sketches. Doing this exercise every once in a while is so valuable to learning how to see.

This new year is shaping up to be a great one. I have been asked to do some teaching which I am so looking forward to. I also am planning to paint and post a little bit more. Most likely going back to three time a week, as well as work on larger pieces. I have already got a good start on all of it.

I hope all of you have started the new year out well. Here's to keeping new resolutions or as I read some where, here's to rebelling against them, what ever works for you!

Cider Served in Red SOLD

2008-12-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the final painting, I had fun with the texture of the strokes something you just can not see on a computer screen, so for those of you who live in the area if you have a chance I invite you to drop by to see it and my other work in person. This is a reminder for some of you and a first time invite for others, my Christmas Open Invitation is still on until December 25th if you are looking for a unique gift idea. email me or give me a call to arrange a visit.

For those of you who live here, stay warm, and for those of you who live in warmer climates, wish I were there it is now -26˚C yesterday it was 8 degrees colder.

I have been tagged

2008-12-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this painting a bit more(please excuse the bad photo of it). I had about a half an hour to paint and ended up laying the red on thick! I loved how the strokes were so loose. The next photo will be the complete painting as I hope to finish it up this weekend.

I also have had the recent honor of being tagged. From what I understand how this work is I have to mention my tagger, tell 7 interesting or unusual bits of information about myself, and give mention of 7 other bloggers.

My tagger was Vicki Shuck a fellow painter from Oregon USA. She creates paintings with wonderful painterly strokes, I often visit her blog for inspiration.

7 things about myself off the top of my head...

1. I am a third generation painter. My grandma going before me and my mom recently discovering her talent.

2. I went to school, kindergarden to grade 12 with all the same people, graduating from a class of 31 students.

3. I worked in the advertising industry as a graphic designer for 8 years before moving to painting full time.

4. I only took up oil painting this spring in preparation for a workshop my Carol Marine. Struggling with acrylic for years before that.

5. I love going on road trips just me and my three year old son.

6. Rivers rejuvenate me

7. The meaning of my name is "door, seeker of truth"

Now check out these 7 talents, some I know personally, some only through the world of blogging...
Daphne Congo, my good friend who gently eased me into the world of oil painting.
Kristi Tencarre, a bright shining light in my world who tinkers with words and images!
Marianne Vanderkley, An amazing watercolorist who captures the nature of movement through beautiful textures in her work.
Kim Blair, she has an eye for vibrant color.
Rob Carey An inspiring sketchbook artist who spontaneously captures his everyday with his pen.
Sarah Sedwick who's paintings have a delicate feel with a balance of precise and loose brush stokes. And last but not least
Matt Talbert When he posts, his work is absolutely stunning