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.