Moments in Time

"Toys We Played With"

Serries #3

Does anyone know what a wringer washer is?

This was a toy I was given to play with at age three, my how times have changed! However, little boys and girls are still interested today in copying what moms and dads are doing, replicas are still being made of lawn mowers, stoves, dishes and the like. 

 Ah, but my little wringer washer was special, you could hook it up to a hose and wash clothes, where my clothes are I don't recall! Yes times really have changed since I was three, we were given so much freedom to roam and we played in the buff!

The home behind me in this little painting has sparked some very fond memories. We lived there on Daytona Street in Springfield, Massachusetts until I was about five years of age.

One warm sunny day it was my job to keep an eye on my little eight month old brother John, which I loved to do, it was like playing house with a baby doll, only he was real! He was placed in a playpen on our huge veranda in the front of our house. I giggled and grinned at him through the playpen bars and watched him coo and giggle back, when all of a sudden it started to rain, I frantically ran into the house and exclaimed; "It's raining, John might get rusty!"

This portrait of me was very difficult to paint, for some reason I kept painting my Grandmother Josie, but after five attempts it finally looked like me at age three. First I painted this picture in my watercolour journal and then I painted it on a canvas with acrylics. To my delight more early childhood memories began to flood back. 

There are no memories of siblings or parents, other than my brother John, but the feelings of joy, security, happiness and contentment was felt in that home. 

Behind our house there was a fence that I managed to squeeze through and play with Linda Lambach. We were the same age and shared the same birthday, and had several birthday parties together. Birthday parties I loved but her scary brother who gave very hard birthday spankings I did not! 

Oddly I can still remember her kitchen with huge creamy yellow cupboards with black spring hinged door knobs, perhaps the cupboards were huge because I was so small. 

Oh my, I can just taste the corn fritter pancakes lathered in maple syrup her mother made. For years I have hunted for a recipe that tastes like those scrumptious pancakes with no avail. If anyone has a good corn fritter pancake recipe, please share! 

Funny the little things we remember.

"Many moments in time come and go, treasured moments stay."

Moments in Time Continues...

Moments in Time Series #2
Please click on the pictures to view more clearly.

This is a little pen and ink watercolour sketch in my journal with notes about the painting.

There were many wonderful summers and very fond memories with my dear friend Jan in this cozy little cottage.

Although I have never been there in the winter, and I don't have a photograph of the cottage, this is what I imagined it would look like.

As I reflect back on my youth while painting this scene, I realized that Jan's mother played a huge part in my life growing up, she believed in me even when I didn't.

Spanky's Cottage 

Mixed Media on 16" x 20" stretch canvas

What a wonderful time I had recalling so many moments in time while painting this one!

When I posted this painting on facebook the response was more than I could have hoped for. 

It is always a thrill to create a painting that someone resonates with, but to evoke so many memories from one family was thrilling!

This family shared their fond memories on facebook and I had the privilege of reading their stories as they reminisced. Wow, for me this was an awe inspiring, spine-tingling event!

Sherry shared my painting on her facebook timeline so her family could see my painting. She wanted to know if this painting reminded them of Mr. Spanky's cabin and if it sparked any fond memories for them.

Here are a few memories posted on facebook that I was given permission to share...

I asked Sherry, "Who is Mr. Spanky?"

Sherry replied, "Mr. Spanky lived in a small cabin on the property where we grew up. When we were young the six of us would go visit him in his one room cabin. We would sit by the fire and he would make it turn colour. His bed folded up behind a large painted mural of birds and an owl."

Donna recalled, "Oh yes, and he would tell stories about his wife and father. If I remember correctly his father was a doctor who went to his patient's houses by horse and buggy or sleigh. Mr. Spanky used to give us candy when we visited. How about the time we found him in his garden shed and we thought he was dead? We made Auntie Joan come and see only to find he was just sleeping."

Sherry replied, "Good memories."

Diana jumped in, "Remember the huge garden he planted and hundreds of chickens he took care of? He was 80 years old!  He introduced me to Cracker Jacks and pink popcorn. I still love popcorn to this day. I challenge my brothers to remember."

Bonnie exclaimed, "I remember riding horses there and sitting in his warm cottage by the fire, getting candy and listening to stories! I always looked forward to those visits."

Nova reacted, "I remember, it always smelt so good."

Donna chimed in, "Remember that unbelieveable fireplace with the pheasant design made out of little stones?"

Duane recalled, "The warm heat that only a fireplace can produce, hot chocolate and candy on a cold winter's day."

Donna asked, "Remember that pipe he smoked, and when you walked in there would be clouds of smoke? It smelled good. Oh and the table made out of trees?"

Diana responded, "He always had a newspaper or something he was reading on that table, and the painted mural filled with birds and trees. Wish someone would have taken a picture. Oh well we have our memories."

Yes Diana we all have our memories to hold onto and keep close to our hearts!

On facebook I was able to thank everyone for sharing their memories and ask permission to name this painting, 'Spanky's Cottage' to honour Spanky. The answer was a definite, yes!

Just remember...Good and bad moments in time sculpt and mold us into the statues we are today!

Moments in Time

'Moments in Time' is my theme for a collection of paintings this year. What an exciting and meaningful journey for me to paint only moments that are very special and close to my heart. After all, my heart is the place where I live!

Journaling is still a passion of mine but it seems to be taking up a lot of my time, and I have come to the conclusion that I am not Super Woman. It is just not humanly possible to paint in my journal every day and paint on canvas too!

Hmm what do to?

After much contemplation I came up with, what I think is a brilliant idea...sketch in my journal, write about my special moment in time and then paint the picture on canvas. 

Here is the first painting and the story behind it.

House in my Dreams

Over the years I have had many dreams of the same house, winter, spring, summer or fall. My house dream is always comforting and inviting, there is music, a wonderful aroma of baking, a cozy warm crackling fire in the fireplace, and a celebratory gathering of people smiling and laughing. 

This house is so special to me, do you think I should paint it in all of the seasons?

You've Got Mail

You all probably remember the wicked cold but beautiful hoarfrost we had in Edmonton this winter. The hoarfrost was my inspiration for this painting of the 'house in my dreams'.

When I shared this painting on facebook I was tickled pink that my brother John resonated with my painting. 

He wrote; "Reminds me of when I was a boy coming home from a day of rabbit hunting, cold wet, hungry and tired. All would soon be forgotten."

Wishing all of you who are following my painterly journey, happy dreams!

Right on Schedule!

You will never guess what my new year's resolution is, mmm-hmm, you know it, FOCUS! Seems to me we have had this conversation before. There is so much I want to do and so little time. Well after a very long discussion with myself, 'not enough time' isn't the problem. What I need to do is start the day earlier and stop lollygagging over a leisurely cup of coffee, get organized, stick to one thing at a time and finish one project before starting another. For me this is a huge task because I get so ahead of myself with inspiration and excitement.

How does one get organized and stay focused? Perhaps starting the day with a routine would help.

My sister Linda was a huge help with this because she gave me the most unique Christmas gift, 365 messages. Every morning I open a beautiful, sometimes funny message decorated with glitter and rhinestones!  What to do after I have read my special message? After some thought I decided the messages were worthy of recognition in my daily journal, and then placed in a little box to pass on to someone special next year.

Because my daily journal was already open it seemed only logical to make a list of 'plans and goals' for the day.

By golly it worked. Now I am on schedule. Ta-da!

My first week's goals and plans were completed. Every day I worked towards an art exhibit submission for Kasa at the Jubilee Auditorium. That meant rewriting my bio, making a CD and answering every question paying close attention to detail, rereading, rewriting, and the list goes on.

The submission was in the mail by Wednesday, January 4.

Next goal - Create three new workshop proposals for Mixed Media, Pen and Ink Journal and an exciting new class on Folk Art.

This took all week long but I met my 'goals and plans' most every day.

Here's one folk art painted box.

For the workshop everyone can purchase a $25 Kit or bring they are more than welcome to bring their own supplies. 

The Old Farm House will be the template for the top of the box

Tea Cups and Saucers and Teapots for the sides of the box.

Folk Art has always been a special interest of mine, it has been around for centuries.  It is so colourful, quaint, and I love that Folk Art  tells such interesting stories.

There are three famous Folk Art artists that I adore and admire. You may already be acquainted with their masterpieces. 

Edward Hick, (born 1780 - Pennsylvania), was inspired by the Bible, his stories were all about a 'Peaceable Kingdom'.

Grandma Moses, (born 1860), painted stories that depicted nostalgic glimpses of daily life in rural New York and Virginia.

Maud Lewis, (born 1903 - South Ohio, Nova Scotia),  painted stories of everyday life in her community. Every surface inside of her home was painted with colourful flowers, animals and designs. Her unique home has been restored by the Nova Scotia Art Gallery and is now a permanent display in the gallery.

If you would like to read more about these amazing artists just give them a google.

Good luck with all of your goals and plans, and may all of your dreams come True!

Christmas is coming!

This is a special time of year for me, my heart is filled with joy, the spirit of giving and hope for peace and goodwill are first and foremost in my thoughts. 

My house is filled with a wide variety of Christmas music, the aroma of gingerbread, cookies and cinnamon buns, sparkling lights and handmade gifts.

Our whole family will be here for Christmas. We are truly blessed.

My studio and kitchen have been a hub of activity. Below are a few sneak peeks of some of the homemade gifts. Grape Jelly, Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, Apricot Hot Pepper Jelly, Nany's Mustard Relish, Rhubarb Relish and Salsa.

***Note: For better viewing click on the image to enlarge.

When it came time to label all of the jars I remembered all of the sketches in my journal and boom, a light bulb turned on! With a big grin on my face and excitement in my steps I ran to my handy dandy computer to see if my idea would work. Using the Picasa program I cropped and shrunk the sketches. Yeah! It worked!

This gives you an idea of what some of the gifts and tags look like.

 One idea led to another. Why not make gifts in a jar?
What would we do without Google? There are oodles of gift jar recipes but are they good recipes? My grand daughter Alyssa and I tried them out one weekend just to make sure. Oh my the Christmas Chocolate Chip cookies are the best ever!
Folk Art gift boxes are fun too!

As this season comes to an end and a new one begins, it's time to reflect on the past New Year's resolutions before making new ones. 
May 2017 bring you joy, peace, cheer and good health!
Thank you for tuning in and following me on my '2016 artful journey.'  

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Getting Ready

August was the time to get ready for the fall art exhibit at the ASSC, (Art Society of Strathcona County).  'Shades of Joy' was a fitting name for a fall show I think. 

After following two well known plein air artists; John Stuart Pursey and Dennis Perrin, I really wanted to give plein air a try and create something new and different for the fall show.

John Stuart Pursey was giving a workshop ASSC. Oh the excitement, but sadly when I tried to register, the workshop was full.

Dennis Perrin was offering a three week online 'Still Life' workshop on facebook. His live webinar looked amazing and I was all ready to sign up, but quickly realized that $450 USD turns into $600 CAD. For that much money I had too many questions and doubts.

So now I am on my own to work on a new painting style. After several attempts at painting a scene in my backyard, this is what evolved. 

(A few years ago I painted a mural on my backyard fence, the flowers, the window and the slate are real).

acrylic on canvas / "Tranquillity"

For twelve years now I have been painting transparently with acrylics using hand painted tissue paper as my underpainting.  Now I am venturing out and trying acrylics on canvas without the tissue paper underpainting.

If you would like to see my step by step mixed media process, go to my website: www.terrieshaw.com and click on 'slideshow'.

acrylic on canvas - "Fall Trails"

Painting small 5" x 7" watercolour, pen & ink paintings in my journal have inspired me to paint two special little Nova Scotia scenes for the fall show.

 "LaHave River"

"Marybell"

The fall show Open House was held October, 14 in the middle of a blizzard! Understandably very few people came to see 160 wonderful paintings on exhibit, experience the flutist's lovely romantic music and taste the scrumptious horderves served with wine.

Fortunately the weather cooperated for the exhibit for the rest of the weekend.

Sunday afternoon the exhibit was over at 4:00 pm and it was time to pick up my paintings. What a surprise, I sold three paintings! (If no one was watching I would have done the 'happy dance').

What a delight to meet the people who came to pick up their paintings and what a huge pleasure to hear why they chose the them. 

Can you tell I am grinning from ear to ear with joy!?

Volunteer Enchantment

This blog updates you to August

This year for the SAGE directory cover (Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton), I thought it would be a great idea to paint a picture of a volunteer reading to children in a library.

First I had to find a library that would be a great backdrop for the scene I had pictured in my mind. Then I had to find just the right person that would be great reading to children, find two children that would enjoy being read to, take hundreds of photos and then paint the scene on a 22" x 28" canvas. 

Finding the library was the easy part. Sherwood Park has a fabulous new library, and the staff were fantastic to work with. Finding the volunteer reader and children was easy too, but trying to schedule a photoshoot with 3 very busy families was the tricky part. Somehow it all came together. 

There were two families, one with two boys and the other with two girls and I only needed two children for the painting. Picking two was the hardest part, they were all so adorable. 

So I took photos of all of them in various combinations and decided to go with the photo that was best suited for the painting.

The painting took 14 days straight from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. without interruption. 

My sanity savers to whom I will be forever grateful and prevented me from going cross eyed, were our two dogs, Abby and Shadow. 

They came and sat at my feet, taking turns pawing at my feet and knees, giving me those big sad puppy dog eyes, demanding a walk around 3:00 pm every day. 

Why the long hours? The painting was due by August 1st. giving me only three weeks. 

Phew I made it. I promised myself, that if I am asked to do the cover for SAGE next year I will start much earlier.

Volunteer Enchantment

SAGE was very happy with this years cover and yes I will be creating next year's cover!

Ideas for the 8th cover are already in motion. I will be starting this week making contacts and looking for some handsome faces to paint.

Free Footie

A few more blogs and you will be up to date with my 'art journey!'

Did you know that there is a free soccer program for kids in Edmonton?

There are 1300 kids and 200 volunteers who run a soccer program called 'Free Footie'. 

My good friend Pat Letendre is a sponsor for one of the teams and decided her team needed a smart looking jersey. After sharing her vision with me she asked if I would consider designing a jersey logo for her team. 

To be asked to design a jersey for such a wonderful program was an honour and a pleasure.

 Here's the jersey logo! 

Happy kids getting their jerseys for the first indoor games.

So Much Fun!

When my Alphabet Journal was complete I was sad because it was so much fun creating a small sketch a day. Alas what to do?

Not too many days passed by when another journal idea popped into my head, and I am sure you have already guessed what that is! 

You got it! A 'Garden Journal'.

The little seedlings developed quickly and soon inspired and provided great sketching material.

To view the sketches please click on the first picture and it will take you into a proper viewing mode.

Note to self; "When thinning out the tiny little plants be merciless and throw them away. Do not, I repeat, do not start another pot!"
Oh my goodness I suddenly became frantic trying to find extra pots and a place to put them before they were released to the great outdoors.

While browsing in Home Depot one day I discovered this adorable little seed sack pot with Sage seeds to plant. Hello, do I need more plants? The packaging was so adorable I didn't have the heart to open it. With self confirmation and diagnosis it is sadly true, I'm a nut case!

Paul's Grapevine Cafe is a new addition to our backyard. Painting murals on our fence, and creating little spaces is like watching my imagination evolve. Two of my granddaughters loved having breakfast and reading in this cosy little spot.

Don't get excited, this homemade mosquito repellent recipe didn't work!