Sidetracked

Do you ever find yourself all gung ho, full of enthusiasm and anxious to get started on your next exciting endeavor? Then you realize you have to complete just one more project before you start another?

Well I started a portrait in October and I still haven’t finished the painting. The canvas is all collaged, (the collage is my under painting) and the sketch is complete, ready to paint.  If I don’t finish this painting I’m afraid it will be pushed to the back of my studio and forgotten and this painting is far too important to be left behind.  

Oh and did I tell you at the Art Society meeting last week I invited someone to view my gallery and show them how to get started on painting portraits?  Another side track! 

There goes my New Year’s resolution; “Stay Focused”.

Hmmm, when will I ever learn?

Managing my time now that I am retired is difficult for me because I am so easily distracted. There are so many great inspiring people to meet, so many pictures to paint, and so many recipes to create. There is just not enough time in a day!

So let me tell you a little bit about this exceptional portrait I absolutely must finish for my exhibit at the ASSC Loft Gallery in March.

Every once in awhile I will meet someone that stops me in my tracks, and makes me pause and take notice,  Dr. Aung is one of those people. When I met him he placed my hand in his and gently shook my hand. His smile was humble and genuine. His perceptive eyes seemed to see right through me and touch my soul as he bowed to say hello. For some reason I just felt honored to be in his presence. That’s when I knew I had to try and capture him on canvas.

My friend Prem was eager for us to meet each other and I am so glad we did. I was delighted Prem arranged for me to go to Dr. Aung's office for a photo shoot.  What a thrill. I was ecstatic that Dr. Aung agreed to allow me to paint his portrait. Now I am left with the daunting task of capturing this magnificent man on canvas. 
Next Week I hope to show you the finished painting, that is unless I get sidetracked once again.

Prepared collaged canvas

Beginning of Dr. Aung portrait

Getting Started

I have been happily retired for a whole year now, and what a fabulous year it has been. It is so true, when one door closes another one opens, well not only doors but windows have opened too!
Now I understand what seniors I have had the pleasure to work with for the past 25 years have been telling me; "You will be so busy, you will wonder when you had time to work. " My husband kept reminding me that I am retired and everything doesn't have to be done right today. He called me a RIT, (retiree in training).
Back to the doors and windows...literally my phone has been ringing constantly, and emails have been coming in fast and furious offering me new opportunities to create paintings, teach, entertain and learn all about growing your own seedlings.  I said yes to all of the opportunities!
So let me recap this last year...

• Updated my studio downstairs, fresh paint and new floor
• Turned my dining room into a Gallery/Studio
• Started a new hobby, growing seedlings for spring garden
• I taught Collage and Mixed Media, Journaling with Pen and Ink, Watercolour Wash and Silk Scarves made with Men's Ties
• Completed a painting for the SAGE (Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton) directory cover
• Meals On Wheels invited me to be the live artist during their annual fundraiser. I painted an Italy scene to be auctioned at the end of the festive event.
• Learned all about having prints made from one of my paintings for a customer
• Painted 6 paintings for my Gallery
• Entertained friends and family
• Volunteered for anyone who asked

Wow what an exciting year and the best Christmas ever!

Now here I find myself facing a brand new year 2016. I am bursting at the seams with a new art series I have been dreaming about, homemade bread. Sounds rather simple I know but just imagine, healthy bread, breads that are made using fruits and vegetables rather than using unhealthy fats and sugars. 

Just picture this, while the air is filled with fresh baked bread I set up a creative composition, take photos, and then paint a picture.
The picture below gives you an idea of what I am talking about. My husband suggested that I place all of the ingredients in the bread in the composition. Later I will talk more about the actual painting and my technique.

 http://terrieshaw.com