painterly – Page 2 – heatherdawnfineart

Rise Above

Click image to view larger

16 x 20

oil on panel

available

My younger sister always used to say “water off a duck’s back” whenever anyone was faced with adversity. She would motion with her hand as if stroking the back of a duck…that movement looked like an airplane diving and then at the last second taking off up into the air…and it is a good saying and a good motion because both of them imply rising above the strife, rising above the toils, the troubles and pain of this life.

This painting ‘Rise Above’ is a little sparrow that has flown up high into the air and turns to look down at the place where s/he once was, to see that s/he is not trapped by the snares of this life, s/he sees that s/he has power, power to choose.

I am choosing to paint sparrows right now because they are considered to be a pest and are not given much significance. I have often felt that I was considered to be a pest, not very significant…a sad truth, but I repudiate that image that was placed on me.

I Rise Above the labels, the voices of the past, and even some voices of the present that do not agree with what I stand for. I Rise Above because I choose to live a life that is real, a life that is filled with truth and love and understanding. I choose to live a life that is aimed to do good, to help others, to love others freely in the best way that I know how. I Rise Above because I have decided to be the change that I want to see in this world…to love mercy, to do justly and to walk humbly with the Creator.

When one can Rise Above and overcome, then one can truly listen enabling others to be heard, to be free, to Rise Above.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered! Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

Andree in the Light.

Impressionist Painter., Portrait Painting

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Andree in the Light
16 x 20
oil on panel

“When I first started painting I just thought it was something I’d like to do — and if I could make some money at it, then I didn’t have to get a job! As I went further into it, I needed confirmation that the things I was discovering in paint were true. I found that if it was true in painting, it was also true in life. Painting is like an interlocking set of relationships — color, edges, values, thick and thin, etc. Life is the same. Everything is interrelated. All of life is like one big, interlocking relationship. Everything you do has a consequence to everything else.” David Leffel
I absolutely love the light, this girl played Andree (the model who married Renoir’s son) in the film Renoir.

The images in the film are so beautiful. I don’t always have the luxury of having a model so I seek sources that are challenging yet beautiful.

My Dad’s Driveway

Impressionist Painter.

Going out to my dad’s at any time of year will always prove to be a beautiful experience. I love the country, not only is it peaceful but there are so many stunning views in a landscape full of simplistic, delicate, natural beauty.

This is one of those times when the sunset was just so breathtakingly soft yet warm, shining onto the snow, displaying intimate, soft pastel colours contrasted against the naked trees and bushes.

It is so satisfying for me to paint thin layers of paint onto the canvas and see the bounty of life’s blessings come alive.

Nighttime at Bowness Park Before the Flood.

Impressionist Painter.

The new painting that you see below is titled “Trees at Night”; it is done with thick painterly strokes using a palette knife and brushes. Take a close look, the colors are deep and lush, mimicking gems, they are alive with rich, vivid pigments.

There was a flood that caused a lot of damage in Calgary last June. [see link below] One place that is still affected is Bowness Park.

Bowness Park was one of our favorite parks to go to on a weekly basis; they were hit hard by this flood. I was at the park one night while there was still snow on the ground before the flood; I was taking photos of the trees. I shone my headlights into the trees to see what effects it would have in my photos, this painting is inspired from those photos.

I have fond memories of Bowness Park and those times were special to me because it was a place where I could go to have some quiet time. We would often walk the paths and there were sections of the park where we felt as though we were not in the city….almost.

There will be many more paintings to come from the inspiration and impact that Bowness Park had on me and my family.

Painting this yesterday was very freeing for me. I have been in somewhat of a holding pattern lately because I desire to go out and paint but it is not always possible, especially right now with the weather being so cold. Hopefully one day soon I can take the Westy Van out to do some plein air painting from it with the heat on.

Style: Impressionism

Oil on panel

10″ X 12″

Available.

Contact: Heather at homestudio1@shaw.ca for pricing, questions, requests or commissions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Alberta_floods

Yellow Roses and Shadow

Impressionist Painter.

Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.

Vincent Van Gogh

Love is truth …if there is someone in my life that I have not forgiven it will constantly be there…nagging at me (and you) like a shadow. If that someone that I withheld grace from is me, then there is the possibility that the shadow of unforgiveness becomes larger and larger until it will overtake any rays of peace and light. Forgiveness is a key to love, to happiness, to peace and harmony. Today and everyday, I choose to live in forgiveness.

Yellow Roses signify Friendship, Joy, Get Well

Throughout history, yellow has been closely associated with the sun, making these roses excellent for cheering people up. Yellow roses send a message of appreciation and platonic love without the romantic subtext of other colors. The color represents feelings of joy and delight.

Sunny Days

Impressionist Painter.

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?

Vincent Van Gogh
I am launching new work and a new blog and I am also working on a new website. 🙂

The images you see here are the sketches as well as some images of the stages that this painting went through. It is titled “Sunny Days” and it’s a 24 x 36 x 1.5 inch oil on canvas painting.

The last image is a small section of the finished piece, which has gone through many transformations from beginning to end.

So I ask myself what Vincent Van Gogh asked and in my mind I think of all the times that I took a step forward, some of those steps brought me pain and sorrow, some of those steps brought freedom and peace, some of the steps lifted my heavy burdens and replaced it with such compassion; my life, too, goes through many trial periods, many transformations and just like my paintings, I am drawn toward something greater in life.

I can say with all conviction, love those around you and let go of the hurt…let go of the small insignificant things that seem so big in the moment and LOVE, LIVE, GIVE and FORGIVE…then your beauty will shine (and mine too).