Horsing Around Langley

Just a quick update of the 3D horse for “Horsing Around Langley”.  This has been a major undertaking.  I’d rather not consider how large a canvas this would have been but I’m thinking it was easily a 6’ X 10’ canvas if it was laid flat.  You can image the challenge of painting what should look straight from a distance but over an undulating surface – a lot of stepping back to make sure the viewer has the right perspective and the angles make sense.

My horse and I have spent many hours in our dining room (the only place large enough to paint it) getting the Langley scenery just right.  Here’s a collage of the “final” version of this rewarding project.  Some minor adjustments still to come.

The greatest difficulty I had doing this project was when curvatures on the horse’s body were encountered.  Trying to do a straight line was almost impossible.  Working with watercolour ‘Wash Out Tape’ which is transparent and gummed on one side saved the day.

After lots and lots of pigment, combined with Golden GAC-200 Medium which increases film hardness, helps with spread by reducing tack and improves adhesion, the horse is ready for varnishing.  After this it will be given an automotive clear coat for a more protective finish.

It was a challenge both physically and creatively to meet the requirements for such a large undertaking.  I lost track but I think I spent a good portion of eight weeks completing it.  The undertaking was an experience I won’t forget both for the work involved and the fun too.

I hope everyone enjoys viewing the many aspects of Langley I tried to capture on my horse.

Catching Up!

Hi Everyone,

It’s been a very busy 6 months!  This note will catch you up (almost) on what’s happened and will set the stage now for regular Facebook and Blog updates.

The summer was busy at the Fort Langley Artist Group’s (FLAG) Flagstop Gallery located inside the original Fort Langley train station.  During the summer we held several events and I enjoyed painting at the gallery. 

The Surrey Arts Council held their annual Art Walk at the Cloverdale Blueberry Festival.  I was thrilled to win 1^st Place for my original acrylic painting “Cedar Falls Shuswap”.

The Blueberry Festival was one of a series of events over the summer in which I had an opportunity to meet enthusiastic art lovers and sell several of my paintings.  I had a great time with my fellow artists at the Aldergrove Country Fair Days, the Langley Arts Council event during the annual “Cruise-In” as well as the International Arts Festival held at the Langley Events Centre.  Again this year I participated in the Langley Artists Studio Tour where my show was held at the Neck-of-The-Woods Winery.

This Fall I was honoured to be selected by the Langley Arts Council to paint one of their life-size fiberglass horses.  The Council offered these horses as a fundraiser for the Council’s support and work with local artists.  My horse was sponsored by the Otter Coop and depicts scenes from rural langley.  Rumor has it that my horse will join his four siblings on display in the Langley Willowbrook Mall in January.

 There’s definitely a story to this 7 foot 2 hundred pound horse so stay tuned for some pictures!

Louise

Jazz Night for CKR GLOBAL combines with Hope International Charity Event

I recently had the opportunity to attend a dressy evening “thank you” event and fundraiser.  I brought one of my original paintings to add to the many other original and hand crafted items that were part of a silent auction featured throughout the evening to raise funds for Hope International, a registered world-wide charity assisting developing nations with their varied concerns.

What a way to spend a weekday evening—high atop the Vancouver Art Gallery with the late afternoon sun shining into the crowd on the “Rooftop” reception gallery.  Those who mingled in the crowd had a great view of downtown Vancouver, good wine and even better hors d'oeuvres while listening to a live jazz trio.

The evening was well attended with many friends and clients of CKR GLOBAL having the opportunity to relax and look good out of the office as well as personally being able to contribute to Hope International by taking home some very attractive, unique items from the silent auction.  Check out the Hope International website to see how you can help too at http://www.hope-international.com/index.php

Here is a better look at my original 16 X 24 Oil painting entitled "West Coast Solitude."

"West Coast Solitude" - Original Oil 16" X 24"

FLAGSTOP GALLERY SUMMER OPENING!

I am pleased to have been selected by a jury of members to be part of the Fort Langley Artists Group, FLAG, for short.  We are a multifaceted collection of 20 women, mutually supportive, and eclectic in our artistic creations;  from pottery, photography, to watercolours, oils and acrylics, there is much to see when visiting our Gallery.

The Gallery, named the FLAGSTOP, is the original structure that comprised the waiting room, ticket office and baggage room for the Canadian National Railway (CNR) train stop that Fort Langley relied upon in days gone by.

It is a charming, rustic setting for a gallery loved by all who know it in the Lower Mainland of B.C. and also by many visitors from distant countries.  On one weekend recently I had the pleasure of speaking to a couple from Venice, another family from Germany and folks from Holland all having a chance to hear about the station's history from the Heritage Society of Fort Langley. 

"Flaggies" as we call ourselves mind the Gallery during the summer weekends but some of us can be seen during the week painting en plein air on the platform or in the gardens. Tourists wander the picturesque grounds, kids play on the 19th Century rail cars, while modern locomotives rumble speedily by for destinations somewhere else in Canada.

Its a romantic and inspiring spot;  come visit if you an.  Great art works to see as well.

Louise Swan Originals - "Spring is in the Air" Art Show - Cochrane, Alberta -  April 13th & 14th, 2012

It's been a week since returning from Cochrane, Alberta.  What a wonderful show and great venue!  Thanks to all of you for stopping at my display and letting me know how much you liked my paintings.  I was humorously  designated the "colour corner" by visitors and fellow artists.  Thats what I had intended because it was important to me to bring out the vibrant colours and details which so many of you commented on.  I am thrilled with some of the notes made in my guest book and conversations I had with those who visited my display, like "lusting" over the sunny, bright landscapes, and referring to my florals as being in "HD" (high definition). 

I am planning to be back next year around the same dates for another Cochrane show.  I'm already looking forward to seeing all of you again and renewing contacts with my fellow artists.....so much talent and so professional!   After a short break I'm back at the easel working on my next pieces.  

I'm thanking you in advance for adding your email to this blog.  I am committed to respecting the privacy of your email address.  You will get a notice each time I post a new painting or planning an upcoming event.  I also appreciate your comments as well.

Warmest regards,

Louise 

Vermillion Lakes Below Mount Rundle

A new fresh painting off the easel!  Mount Rundle is one of the most recognized mountains in the Banff, Alberta area.  The mountain is a massive outcrop of limestone and almost counts as its own range stretching over 12 kilometers.  It is a birder's paradise.

The foreground of this painting captures the incredible reds, greens and golds that the Vermillion Lakes display throughout the seasons.  There are three lakes spread over a vast body of marshland which separates them. 

My objective in doing this painting was to capture the rich and varied shades of green that cover the shallow waterways.  Transparent pigments were laid in repeatedly to give the illusion of the mossy, softness of the bottom of the water. Then, edging with a flourish of vegetation, first on a warm, dark background, then with a variety of opaque earth tone pigments to cradle the water and lead the eye to the trees and beyond ending at the pinnacle of the mountain itself. 

Mt Burgess from The Emerald River Trail

While trekking along the Emerald River Trail I was entranced by the majesty of Mount Burgess and of course some of its history I've posted earlier.  The scene was magic as the forest literally climbed the side of the mountain to a small plateau near the Burgess peaks.


It is moments like this that as an artist I just had to capture in one of my "Slice of Life" series.  The slow river slide was edged with the brilliance of the morning sun.  The reeds and forest roughage is a brushwork I love to do and often use at least four brushes of different sizes to be sure to capture the natural look that was there. 

Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks

Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks - Original Acrylic - 18" X 24"

This painting is of the beautiful Moraine Lake located in a valley in Banff National Park.  The lake is crowned by ten notable peaks. The valley can be reached by following the Moraine Lake Road near Lake Louise.  Interestingly, the Valley of the Ten Peaks, like my previous painting featuring Mount Burgess, was also featured on the reverse side of the 1969 and 1979 issues of the Canadian twenty dollar bill.  

Moraine Lake like many of her sister lakes in this part of Canada are an amazing green colour caused by the suspension of glacial sediment.   I caught this breathtaking view while hiking along the Southern trail on the lake.  

Another painting is on the way soon.

Louise

Mount Burgess Reflections

Mount Burgess Reflections - Original Acrylic - 18" X 24"

Here is one of the new pieces I've just finished.  Mount Burgess is located in Yoho National Park, West of Banff and Lake Louise.  It is located in the southwest buttress of Burgess Pass in the Emerald River and Kicking Horse River Valleys.  In the foreground of the painting is Emerald Lake.

There is lots of history associated with this mountain including the famous Burgess Shale where the black shale bed has revealed unique fossils. Even today some of these fossil species have proven impossible to classify.  Does the Mountain look familiar?  It was on the back of the Canadian ten-dollar bill from 1954 to 1971.  It is often informally called the "Ten Dollar Mountain".  In 1984 UNESCO declared the area a World Heritage Site.

I'm still diligently producing some new pieces for the Cochrane, Alberta "Spring is in the Air" invitational art show.  Here is a new series I am working on entitled "Slice of Life".  If you would like to receive a notice as I post new original paintings on my blog, make sure you add your email address or Google Account as a follower.

Warmest Regards,

Louise

Professional Art Show and Fundraiser

I'm busy as a beaver getting ready for the 1st Annual "Spring is in the Air" Professional ART SHOW and FUNDRAISER on April 13th and 14th at the Cochrane Ranche House in Cochrane, Alberta.  The Ranche House is close to Big Hill nestled in the beautiful Bow River Valley.  I'm preparing a number of new pieces so stay tuned!

Activation of my Blog site

I have just opened my blog for the first time today.  I'm looking forward to posting some of my recent pieces and those I am currently working on for the Cochrane Alberta Ranch House Art Show Sale and Fundraiser on April 13th and 14th, 2012.  Please stay tuned over the next few weeks for more exciting information about the show!