Semi-Abstract Art - "Skagit Valley Memory"

Semi-abstract art bridges the gap between realistic artwork - that which tries to depict subjects exactly as they appear - and Abstract Art, in which the subject matter has been reduced to the basic elements the artist feels will convey the inner life of a certain scene, painting, sculpture, portrait, etc. In Semi-abstract painting the subject matter is recognizable, but uniquely simplified and stylized by the artist. You can see the Artist’s individual style. Colors, shapes and lines are often exaggerated to suggest the individual experience. Mystery invites the viewer to become personally involved. This association can bring forth the viewer’s own feelings, memories, hopes and dreams.

The colored marker drawing that you see below called “Skagit Valley Memory” is from my sketchbook, a place where I often draw from memory, something that has made an impression on me. The Tulip Fields disappearing into the distance are suggested with pink loosely scribbled lines. A large deciduous tree is constructed of long, swooping stylized lines. Its size is very much exaggerated. Birds and flowers can easily be seen amongst the branches of this tree. The barn in the distance is red, much more red than it would actually appear to be, and the sky is blue, a very bright, cheerful, but unrealistic blue that holds this little drawing together.

When I look at this drawing, I remember the experience of viewing, for the first time, the Tulip and Daffodil fields of the Skagit Valley in Washington State, USA.

A digital image of this drawing is available in the “Shop” on this website, under “Images”.

The Influence of Mandalas in my Horse Design Drawing series.

Several years ago, I took a 3 day art course that was offered locally, here in Parksville on Vancouver Island. Yes, artists who have been painting for a long time do take another artist’s course just for the fun of it. The subject was “Patterning in Art” and the patterns being considered were: Mandalas, Zentangle, and West Coast Indigenous Art.

Day 1 was the Mandela. The word Mandela is Sanskrit and means Circle. Composed of pleasing symmetrical patterns and featuring many beautiful colors, the Mandela or circle is often used as a focus for meditation. The repetitive patterns within the Mandela are as varied as the artist doing the work chooses. Often you will see a central image which further enhances its use as a meditational object.

In my Horse Design Drawings I have used a portion of the Mandela to represent the Sun which radiates into a beautifully colored Sky. The Horse overlaps the Sun, creating a strong Focal Point for the work. Portions of a Mandela-like design echo through the artwork creating a rhythmical repetitive pattern reminiscent of hills and valleys. A sense of freedom develops as the horse surveys its natural habitant. I call this scene a Dreamscape.

Take a look below and you will see the first Mandela that I did in black and white on Day 1 of this very enlightening course. From that exercise came the basic compositional design element of my dreamscapes - the Mandela.

Next week I will discuss Zentangle and how it plays an important part in the Horse Design Drawings. Tune in then!

Horse Design Drawing No. 1 Greeting Card Set of Three
Horse Design Drawing No. 1 Greeting Card Set of Three
$12.00

SNOWDROPS - Botanical Drawings Lead the Way

Botanical Drawings can lead the way to a more personal interpretation of nature. Taking the time to study and reproduce a plant or flower in a two dimensional manner, like drawing, can lead to a better understanding of plant life in general.

Take for instance, Snowdrops, one of the first plants to appear in the spring. Careful examination of their pretty white nodding heads reveals a perfect structure of six petals, three large white spoon shaped outer ones encasing three much smaller flat ones which bear an intricate green, heart shaped design. Each flower is identical, one per stem, surrounded by tapering leaves, a perfect symphony of white and green.(see drawing below)

This knowledge makes a personal interpretation of new growth in the garden possible. To view my Expressionist, Action Focused, “Energy” painting, called “New Growth”, go the Member Site on this website. Here you will see the differences and similarities between the two approaches to rendering plant life. “New Growth”, the Oil Pastel, is packed with movement, imagination, symbolism and the joy of survival.

I TRIED PEGGY CAPPY'S 5 MINUTE YOGA AND PAINTED THIS PICTURE: "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

The years have been tough in the exercise department, but I have found the secret to flexibility - Peggy Cappy’s 5 Minute Yoga - to be done BEFORE you get out of bed in the morning. Ankle circles and leg lifts done in bed guarantee that you will glide effortlessly out of bed and sail through the day pain free, almost. Just 2 or 3 Tylenol on the sly and no one will ever know.

After this great start to the day, I entered my studio with my mind on Yoga. And this is what happened. I grabbed my colored markers and a drawing appeared of my Dream Exercise for 2025, “YOGA IN THE GRASS”.

I wish all of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and may all your expectations with regard to exercise, be met.

See below the drawing/painting.

“YOGA IN THE GRASS”

EXERCISE OVER THE YEARS - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My exercise pattern has sure changed throughout my life. The earliest exercise I can remember was having snowball fights in Winnipeg winters. My brothers and I would make a fort from the big chunks of hard packed snow that the plow threw up as it made its way down the front street. The neighbor kids were busy doing the same. After we had accumulated a pile of snow balls behind our forts, the fights began. Snowballs were flying back and forth. The side with the most snowballs lasted the longest and so won the fight. It was exercise of a sort, although at the time, I’m sure we never thought of it that way.

As the years went by, exercise existed, for the most part, in my mind. 10 of these, 15 of those, and I would have a great waistline. None of this extra flab for me, at least not in my mind. Chasing after kids and scrubbing floors may have helped, who knows?

The years have been tough in the exercise department, but I have now found the secret to flexibility - Peggy Cappy’s 5 minute Yoga - to be done BEFORE you get out of bed in the morning. Ankle circles and leg lifts done in bed guarantee that you will glide effortlessly out of bed and sail through the day pain free, almost. Just two or three Tylenol on the sly and no one will ever know.

Wishing all of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and may all your expectations with regard to exercise be met.

See below a drawing of my dream exercise for 2025, “Yoga in the Grass”.

The Energy Paintings

I invite you to have a look at my Energy Paintings which I have created using Oil Pastels on colored paper. Each one is an Abstract development representing a form of Energy or Movement; shimmering light from the sun, dancing, swimming, a heart beating with lights flashing, a conveyor belt moving along, atmospheric effects of clouds rolling and rivers meandering.

The use of “Line” is very important in the execution of my Energy Paintings. Each of us has our own “Scribble”. It is like a form of identification - a very personal way of making marks - a display of internal energy. I have used the action of scribbling to create texture and depth through the layering of colors. This invites visual exploration of the space and contemplation of the essence of the work. In this way, the viewer is brought into the “Action” and required to use his or her own imagination to achieve recognition and connection.

Everything is made of Energy - we are all Energy. It has been quite exciting to develop a visual interpretation of this vital force.

Below I have posted a photo of “Heartbeat”, a large Oil Pastel inspired by a walk through the electronics department of Sears one day. Rows upon rows of brand new television sets flickered and rolled, creating a pattern of light filled images. The display seemed to have a life of its own - a beating heart.

Watercolor Florals

As summer draws to a close the desire to retain a reminder of beautiful gardens and exquisite flowers can become a priority. With this in mind, I have posted several Watercolor Florals on the home page of greenhorsestudio.com which may do just that.

Many were drawn and painted in the Muttart Conservatory which is a Botanical Garden located in the river valley of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They bring back memories of delightful afternoons wandering among the pavilions and choosing perhaps an exotic scene in the Tropical Pavilion, or maybe a seasonal display of familiar blooms in the Show Pavilion, and settling down to work. The opportunities were endless!

I found myself attracted often to scenes that were weighted on the cooler side of the color wheel - blues, greens, purples. These colors seemed to have a quiet beauty about them and gave a sense of restfulness and peace. The example below is called “Blue Ginger”, in which the tall spikes of blue flowers with long rippling green leaves are quite eye-catching. The cool colors impart a feeling of mystery, stillness and peace.

Patterns - You can make up your Own!

Yes, that’s right. Just take your favorite shapes, lines, symbols and motifs, repeat them in a predictable order and you will create your own pattern.

It may be arcs of flowers and dots such as I have used in “Sundown”, (see below), with alternating arcs of dots in a complementary color. Triangles in the sky add texture, and a row of trees, one of my favorite motifs, add a sense of depth and place to the scene. The three horses themselves create an asymmetrical pattern. They are evenly spaced but facing in alternating directions. Two out of three are smaller and colored the same shade of reddish brown as the setting sun while the focal point horse is white with an orange triangular pattern echoing the sky. In other words, they are the same, but not the same.

These shapes and lines have been arranged not only to be decorative, but to “Tell a Story” of hills and valleys under the setting sun. A perfect place for horses to live and roam freely.

Repetition in Art - The Cornerstone of my Horse Design Drawing Series

Repetition and pattern play a large part in all the art that I do, whether it be Horse Design Drawings, Oil Pastel work, or Sacred Geometry pieces.

Repeating the same elements - lines, shapes, patterns, images and colors throughout a piece of work ties it together as a whole. It creates structure and can be used to create rhythm and mood. Repetition gives the work consistency and adds visual interest. Alone, however, it will not produce a piece of artwork that will hold your attention. A completed drawing or painting needs a focal point - a centre of interest.

I you look at my Horse Design Drawings, it is clear that one horse in particular is the focal point of the work. This horse is usually larger. It is placed apart from the others and partially surrounded by a Mandela shaped sun. You can’t miss it! But the Unity in the Composition comes from the Repetition of various other Elements of Art.

Take a look below at my Horse Design Drawing No. 12, and you will see that I have repeated triangles, circles, dots, arcs etc. to create patterns which are also repeated, not to mention that a smaller version of the horse itself is repeated, adding variety and suggesting a story.

The influence of Native Art in my Horse Design Drawing Series

On the third day of the class about Patterns in Art, we took a look at Native/Indigenous Art of the Pacific Northwest coast. Basically a “Primitive” type of art, the Native people have revised and developed it to become quite contemporary. Based on the imagination, a deep communication with nature and mythical legends, their design elements are unique and speak of a deep Spirituality and Strength. Today silk screened prints in signed, limited editions, have become a very popular and recognizable two-dimensional art form.

The colors most used in Native Art are Red and Black, and the basic design element is the “form line” which is a strong contoured line that changes constantly in thickness and direction, defining the structure of the image - bird, animal, fish or mythical creature. The most characteristic shape used is the rounded rectangle or “ovid” which can vary greatly in size and contain other shapes within it.

The subject of Native Art of the Pacific West Coast and its influence on many artists and art forms is Huge - far too big a subject to cover in one Blog.

When I created the “Stained Glass Horse”, see below, I incorporated the use of rounded rectangles of different sizes, fitted together like the pieces of a puzzle to make an inner design within the figure of the horse. These undulating shapes are repeated along the borders of the composition, tying it together as a whole. The influence of Native Art - shapes within a shape - as well as that of Stained Glass windows, can be seen in this image.

Below is a photo of the “Stained Glass Horse’, part of my Icon Series of Horses. The original is 12” x 12”, done with Colored Markers on paper. See this image below, on the Home Page and in the Shop.

The Influence of Zentangle in my Horse Design Drawing series.

On Day 2 of the 3 day course about “Patterns in Art” we took a look at, and did a bit of practising with the Zentangle system of drawing. This is a type of drawing that employs the use of Structured Patterns consisting of an endless assortment of shapes. You can use hearts, diamonds, spirals, crosses, zigzag lines, circles, dots, triangles, or any shape that you yourself dream up, and repeat them to form a pattern.

Typically Zentangle is done with a pencil or Black Pen on a small, approximately 3” square paper or card, but it can also go on endlessly, or even be bounded by the outline of an animal. Anything you like - that is the beauty of it. In my Horse Design Drawings, I have used Zentangle-like patterns in a space bounded by part of a circle, or Mandala, to become part of a larger composition.

This is a very mesmerizing and relaxing type of drawing to do. For many it is a Zen Experience, a time of transportation into a feeling of meditative calmness.

Below I have included a photo of some black and white Zentangle tiles approximately 3inches square, and beside them, the zentangle inspired tile or square that I did in the class. Already I was combining zentangle principles of repeating triangles, squares and lines with the circular motif from mandelas. And in color!

Purchase a digital Image in My Shop

Flower of Life
Flower of Life
$10.00

Purchase a framed print on FAA

A LIFE IN SKETCHES

When looking through my sketch books this fall, I started to realize that most of these drawings were done while experiencing an extended period of complete solitude. It may have been that I had travelled to Victoria by myself to do some shopping and visit some galleries. Or, it may have been that I was staying in a rental property close to home while renovations were being done. At any rate, I was alone and my immediate surroundings were different. I found that the furniture, knickknacks, the view from the window and even new channels on the TV would draw a response from me.

Each drawing or sketch that I did represented a unique moment in time, one that I knew would not be repeated. I had time to really look at a dried flower arrangement made by someone else, as well as at an interesting lamp or pillow covering. It turns out that I love some of these little drawings for their immediacy and lack of perfection. They bring back the memory of small discoveries, of an inner world.

By the way, I used to think of sketches as a totally black and white affair, pencils, graphite, etc., but colored markers have changed all that. They come in many exciting colors and when they are dry, you can erase any pencil lines that are showing. They are perfect for travel. They are also perfect to grab at a moment’s notice in the studio, and record a memory or an idea.

One of my favorites is called “A Quiet Moment”. It is a small colored marker drawing of an interior scene. I spent some time in a vacation rental property near here while some house renovations were being done. I used one of the living room chairs as a starting point and then added a woman sitting comfortably. Beside her is a small table with a cup of tea and a potted daffodil. Behind her I added some photographs on the wall and a window displaying a collection of vases. It shows a moment of peace and reflection.

Another sketch/drawing inspired by my stay in that rental property is called “Dried Flower Bouquet”. There is nothing quite like discovering a floral arrangement put together by someone else. There it sat, right on the dining room table, an inviting little work of art. So, of course, I had to make a visual record of it.

“Victoria at Night” came during a shopping trip to Victoria. I had gone out for an evening walk around the inner harbor. It was overcast and slightly raining. Soon the street lights came on and transformed the scene into something quite magical. When I returned to my hotel room an abstract drawing began to take form in my sketch book.

And so it goes. I have taken photographs of some of these sketches. They are available here in the “SHOP” under “IMAGES”. They are also available under “REPRODUCTIONS” from Fine Art America where they can be reproduced in all sorts of ways: cards, wall art, phone cases, t-shirts, etc.

Keep well, stay safe, and have a Happy New Year !

SPRING FEVER / CHRYSANTHEMUMS

After moving to Vancouver Island from Calgary a number of years ago, I grew to expect signs of Spring in February.  Snowdrops would be in full bloom, Winter Heathers would be starting to put on a show and the Irises would be well under way.  Sometimes in a sheltered spot an early blooming Rhododendron would be putting on a great display.

All these things were happening until a couple of days ago.  But now, we are like the rest of Canada, digging out, sweeping off, and waiting indoors for better weather.  And, yes, making a trip to the grocery store in search of FLOWERS to brighten up the day.  Yesterday, I found this glorious potted Chrysanthemum and brought it home to brighten my spirits.  Thankfully, it is doing just that!

An IMAGE of this beautiful, pink, Chrysanthemum can be yours to download from the SHOP page of this website under IMAGES.

Prints,  Posters, Cards,  and many Gift items with my image of Chrysanthemums can be ordered from Fine Art America.  Go to FAA on this website.

THE OFFICE CHAIR - as an ART OBJECT ?

Most of us use what is commonly known as an "Office Chair".  You are probably sitting on one right now at your computer screen.  Their greatest benefit seems to be that they roll around from computer screen to printer to filing cabinet, or, as in my case, from drafting board to desk.  They swivel, roll, rock, and dance around the room, a real work-horse.

But have you ever thought of the Office Chair as an Art Object?  Take a look!  It is actually quite a sculptural invention. With rollers, arms and projections, it twists and turns and tilts.  These things occurred to me one day as I sat back in my studio "thinking chair".  I happened to glance over at my unoccupied office chair sitting there in front of my drafting board.  I began to notice the unique shape and sculptural qualities of this serviceable invention.  Quite interesting!  My mind wandered and I saw my chair with a life of its own, dancing, working.  (Artists do these things.)

By employing the use of Negative Space (painting the space around an object) and my imagination, I created a series of Oil Pastel Paintings in recognition of this often overlooked work-horse of modern times.  I used six large sheets of colored paper - the basic colors of the color wheel - Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange and Purple.  By painting the space around each chair, I ended up with six paintings of these chairs, one in each of the above mentioned colors.  I loved these colored sheets of paper so much that I purchased them not knowing exactly what I would do with them.  The time seemed right.  I would use the six colors to show my chair rotating into different positions.  Something new can come from the ordinary objects around us !

If your living sofa is a neutral shade of grey, or white, or beige, a couple of canvas prints of these semi-abstract chairs would offer a splash of color on your walls.  For decorative purposes, you will find that these images are available in a variety of sizes and media through my Fine Art America (FAA) website - canvas prints, metal prints, etc.

Mother's Day is coming !!

See my new series of Oil Pastels on the Theme of MOTHERHOOD.  Done on Black Paper in jewel tones of color, these six paintings are all exactly the same size, 12" wide by 16" high.  They can either stand alone or be combined in groups of two, three, or more for a colorful and meaningful display.

These paintings must be framed in order to protect the surface, much the same as drawings or watercolors do.  Therefore, the purchaser can have the work framed to suit his or her own taste.  Alternatively, I am able to arrange suitable framing before shipping.  Please contact me about this option using the CONTACT page on this site.

Many artists over the centuries have painted their own version of the unique relationship of Motherhood.  I am happy to contribute to this genre.

 

HAVE A LOOK !  GO TO MY MOTHERHOOD PAGE ON THIS SITE !

BRENTWOOD BAY, VANCOUVER ISLAND

There is a ferry that crosses Finlayson Arm from Brentwood Bay to Mill Bay.  I was waiting for it on a clear day in early December.  The sun was brightly shining and there was a dusting of snow to light things up - something we don't see too often at that time of year.  Since I was first in line, I had a great view of a typical west coast shoreline scene, a woodsy looking café surrounded by a variety of sailboats and canoes.  As I stepped out of my car to take my photograph, a few resident gulls were flying about, but otherwise it was an exceptionally quiet day.

I thought how peaceful and pretty this place was in comparison with all the trouble spots we have seen in the world in 2016.  I wish that everyone could experience a place of such peace in the coming year!

To see the photograph I took that day, please go to the page called "FAA" on this website.  Here you will find Canvas Prints, Framed Prints, and many gift items featuring this idyllic little scene.

The Green Horse Studio

I have named my studio after the Green Horse Lamp, which is an actual lamp featuring a green ceramic horse jumping over a barricade.  This lamp has been in our family since the 1950's and has finally come to me.  When I look at it, it reminds me to DREAM.  I strive to exhibit creative imagination like the artist who produced this delightful object so long ago.

This past summer I combined the image of a horse, often green, with my natural inclination towards patterning.  Using shapes within shapes, I dreamt up a magical network of hills and clouds and pathways - a brightly colored landscape suggesting mandalas and a dream world.

The result was my " HORSE DESIGN INSPIRATIONS" Series.  These drawings are done with colored markers on paper that is 12' x 12' square.  Because they are all the same dimensions, they would work well as a pair or as a group.  They come unframed.  The originals are available here on this website, as well as the digital images.