,Yesterday was the first day I was able to go out on my stand-up-paddleboard. The sun was shining, the lake was calm and no wind...glorious! I packed my sketchbook, Elegant Writer calligraphy pen and a paint brush. After pulling in to shore and checking out one of my favourite landmarks to include, I started drawing with the pen. Once I was finished I used my paint brush and water to dampen the inked areas and it ran together like paint. It reminds me of the old kid's colouring books that you used water only on dots to get a painting. I could then drag this wet ink into other areas. The ink will sometimes separate into blues, pinks and purple although the black pen is the only one that does this. It dries extremely quickly, but once the wet paint has dried it is permanent and cannot be re-activated, perfect for a sketch book. Enjoying the peacefulness in both my surroundings and mind, I packed it all back into a heavy ziplocked bag and headed back, happy and content.

@karenoliversfineart #pleinairesketch #ElegantWritersketch #landscapesketch #watersketch #paintwithjoy #joyfulpainting #pleinairesketching #maralakesketch

I tried to add water with a paint brush to a couple that I used an Elegant Writer felt pen (usually for calligraphy). The ink reacted like paint when wet but the computer paper rippled with the water and stayed that way when dry. I might try to iron it to see what happens. Once the Elegant Writer ink dries after water has been added, it is permanent.
top left to right - #55 blue ink Elegant writer felt pen, blind   #56 turquois fountain pen, blind  #57 green double tipped Elegant writer felt pen, blind, #58 semi-blind, fine Sharpie #59 turquois fountain pen, blind #60 blue roller pen, bind

I have been asked where I get my subjects from. Most but not all have been during zoom meetings. I don't do well sitting still and seem to comprehend better while doodling or having some movement. When the video and my microphone is turned off (showing just my name), out come the pens, pencils or whatever is on hand and a clipboard with computer pages. Zoom is perfect as the "unknowing subjects" are in a fairly constant position sitting still. I haven't asked for anyone's permission therefore do not include their names in the description below. Do you think you would recognize yourself in this format?

​Some of my subjects have been live but it doesn't take long before they look my way, feeling that someone is looking at them. If the drawing is blind then I quickly look away just to the right or left of their head and that seems to satisfy them that I am not staring at them but looking past them, whew. At that point I have to keep my pen still and just wait (feels like a cat and mouse game: am I going to get caught and if so, will they be upset or insulted??).
#49 blue ink pen, blind (top left),  #50 blue ball point pen, blind,  #51 blue ball point pen, blind,  #52 turquois fountain pen, blind,  #53 double-tipped Elegant Writer felt pen, blind,  #54 turquois fountain pen, blind,  

So far trying all kinds of pens, pencils, fountain pens, ball point pens, pencil crayons that I prefer fountain pens. Particularly the inexpensive fun colours of the Zebra brand fountain pens I found at Staples. These can be bought in a bunch of fun colours (see top two middle faces). They move smoothly and don't blob when I stop. Second favourite are the gel pens for the same reason. Pencils and pencil crayons feel like they really have to be pushed comparatively. As these are done in one long continuous line, the smooth flow seemed to make a difference.
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​#43 (upper left) black gel pen, blind,  #44 red ink pen, semi-blind, #45 black ink pen, blind, #46 (bottom left) black ink pen, blind,  #47 turquoise fountain pen, blind,  #48 blue ballpoint pen, semi-blind

This was a very fun commission as I knew I could use colours that are not normally seen in a photograph. You can see some of the colours in palettes and swatch in the photos above including purple, green, turquoise, yellow and of course blue. It was fun painting "white" fur with all these colours to get shading and the feel of sun on the fur. Rigmor commissioned this painting of the beloved pet Oakley to give as a gift to their Grandsons. She was happy with the result as were the surprised new owners.

#petportraits  #karenoliversfineart  #acrylicpetportrait  #colourfulpainting  #paintwithjoy @karenoliversfineart  #paintingmakesmehappy  #canadianartist  #animalpainting

"Amber Amour"
​Mixed media on watercolour paper,  8" x 6" #20004421

I often take photos or look through my phone camera at my art in black and white to see the values in a painting. I can't do the artist "squinty eye thing" as all I see are eye lashes. I am hoping this is because of my almond eye shape.

It is so much easier to see the light and dark and get away from the colour and then correct/add/delete what is not working. This painting was done in a series using acrylic colours that I don't usually use and in a random underpainting. I then turn it around and around and see if anything inspires me. I saw and loved the large vase shape so added flowers with thicker paint in the middle for texture. The bold strokes and varied shapes were intriguing. 

​@karenoliversfineart #texturedpainting #mixedmedia #mixedmediapainting #expressiveart #canadianartist #artjourney #karenoliversfineart #supportartisands #artforsale #paintwithjoy

6 more of this challenge - creating a portrait only looking at the person (not my paper) and in a long continuous line. It is fun to look back and find the start and finish points. I am finding what I like and don't like. Doing the challenge daily has not worked and I seem to go in fits and starts, doing 2 or 3 in a sitting, usually trying to catch up.

Coloured pencils and regular felt pens do not work as well, they don't seem to glide well. Fountain pens, gel pens and regular ink ball point pens glide much better. This is important when I am trying to do a portrait blind as the pens do not skip and I lose my observation.  Drawing during Zoom calls and photos taken from the TV seem to work well for me. When I am on zoom I take my mic and video off so I am not disturbing anyone with my staring and movement. I have been called out on it a couple of times from art friends!

The more of these I do, the more I enjoy it. What is really entertaining is when I am finished and look at it, I immediately see what I did not do (but thought I had - like the left of Rory's face. Simone had her hair back in a slick tight pony tail and I was delighted to see that I had captured that.

Top right: #37. Rory, blind, black gel pen  #38. Simone, blind, black gel pen  #39 black gel pen, blind  #40 black regular felt pen, blind  #41 red pencil crayon, blind  #42 black gel pen, blind

​​ #fundrawingchallenge #continuouslineface #100dayproject2021 #karenoliversfineart #semiblinddrawing #blinddrawing #funwithfaces #fundrawingchallenge #semiblindquickfacedrawing #learningfunchallenge #expressivedrawing @karenoliversfineart

The FCA sends "sneak peaks" to subscribers and previous buyers. Not only was I thrilled that all 4 of these abstract paintings were juried into the AIMAE (Annual International Mail-In Art Exhibition) but "Dance Of Joy" sold before the show opened!. This is a very different show in a number of ways. First; it is an international juried show (open to members and non-members). Second; paintings are not framed so mailing in from around the world is easier and cheaper and the FCA frame them for the show. Third; all paintings must be 8" x 10" or matted to that size so the whole show is framed the same way and size. This show is in the Federation of Canadian Artists Granville Island Gallery in Vancouver, B.C. from March 29 to April 16 and online. For link to this show, click HERE. Artists are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

"Dance Of Joy"     *SOLD (Thank you!)*   
6 1/2" x 4 1/2" in a 10" x 8" white mat,   Mixed Media
​#20029321C

"High Stepping"
​ 4 1/2" x 6 1/2", mixed media, in an 8" x 10" a white mat, #20029321D

"The Ones That Got Away" 
6 1/2" x 4 1/2" mixed media in a 10" x 8" white mat #20029321A

​@karenoliversfineart #texturedpainting #mixedmedia #mixedmediapainting #expressiveart #canadianartist #artjourney #karenoliversfineart #supportartisands #artforsale #paintwithjoy #instaartist #vancouver #federationofcanadianartists #federationgallery @federationgallery @fedofednartists #painter #artist

So far, still working on this challenge but didn't realize I had not posted for awhile. I was hoping this personal art challenge was going to be sustainable. I have had to catch up a couple of times and do more than one in a sitting, but  knew that would be the case in the beginning and was alright with that reality. Still having fun makes it easier to keep on going. I love how these still look human, maybe not representative of the actual person, but a person none-the-less. See if you can find my start point and end point with the continuous line on each one.  Top left: 1.  Ian, blind, black ink pen  2. Terri, blind, red ink pen  3. Nick, blind, red ink pen that ran out of ink (marks still visible) Bottom left: 4. Nino, blind, pencil  5. Angela, blind, used a woodless pencil, felt different as I could use it upright and on it's side   6. Celeste, blind, black ink pen

​ ​ #fundrawingchallenge #continuouslineface #100dayproject2021 #karenoliversfineart #semiblinddrawing #blinddrawing #funwithfaces #fundrawingchallenge #semiblindquickfacedrawing #learningfunchallenge #expressivedrawing @karenoliversfineart

Still having fun with this international #100daychallenge2021. My challenge is to draw faces in a single line either looking solely at my subject and not my paper (blind) or sneaking quick peeks at the paper to see where I am (semi-blind). I am finding I prefer pen as it seems to glide better than pencil, charcoal or pencil crayon.  The first one and last one are done in ball point pen and the rest with a fountain pen. First row from right:  1. blind 2. semi-blind 3. (live) blind  Second row: 4. (live) blind, 5. (live & left!) blind 6. It was a funny experience to be doing someone live (Jan), have them look up at you and wave then leave! You can see the ink blob made on the paper as I watched her to see what she was going to do. I did not think she was going to leave, what fun! 6. blind, My black pen ran out of ink so I just continued in blue from where I was. 

​ @karenoliversfineart #continuouslineface #100dayproject2021 #karenoliversfineart #semiblinddrawing #blinddrawing #funwithfaces #singlelinesketch 

The Federation of Canadian Artists, Calgary Chapter's annual spring exhibition "Spring Hope" is online again this year. It is a juried show and I am happy these two paintings are in the show. I am really missing the fun we have at these shows talking and admiring art with other artists, patrons and visitors, it really is fun. Our chapter usually only does 2 shows a year so we really look forward to it. The art is amazing to view online but exquisite when you can see it in person. To check out the show, click HERE. The artists are listed alphabetically by last name. Enjoy the show from March 19 to April 5!

Oh happy dance! "Scented Dream Bouquet" is juried into the Federation of Canadian Artists "Bloom" Exhibition that starts today and ends March 28. This painting is in the exhibition at the FCA Granville Island Gallery as well as online. Click HERE to see the show online.

"Scented Dream Bouquet"
Mixed Media on water colour paper, 9 1/2" x 7 1/2" in a 14" x 11" mat, #2001352
​

These two mixed media paintings have been juried in to the Federation of Canadian Artists "Curated" paintings for sale in the Federation of Canadian Artists Granville Island Gallery for the months of March and April. These paintings are mounted in a white mat and packaged in a cellophane bag (easily transportable to a new home). You can see this collection online as well HERE. Paintings are listed in alphabetical order by artist's last name.

#canadianartist #vancouver #federationofcanadianartists #federationgallery #gallery @federationgallery @fedofednartists @karenoliversfineart #karenoliversfineart #abstractpainting

I am having so much fun with this international 100 day project that you design for yourself and try to complete daily for 100 days. I wanted something interesting, different for me and attainable. Continuous line drawing (only one long line) of a face. So far I have completed these in semi-blind (glancing at the paper only to make sure I am on the facial planes) or blind (start at one part of the face and continue without looking at the page until I feel like I am done). Top from left to right: blind, semi, blind, bottom row: blind, blind, and blind drawing.

The end result of blind drawing has  been both surprising and funny. Even though I think I have completed the features, I have missed some pieces completely, what fun!!!!

​ #fundrawingchallenge #continuouslineface #100dayproject #karenoliversfineart #semiblinddrawing #blinddrawing #funwithfaces #fundrawingchallenge #semiblindquickfacedrawing #learningfunchallenge #expressivedrawing @karenoliversfineart

"Celebrating Movement"
Mixed Media 9" x 9" on 1 1/2" thick canvas, #20021221
Currently juried in the Federation of Canadian Artist (FCA) gallery in Vancouver "Abstracted Show" February 22 - March 7, 2021 (Second place prize, whooo hooo!)
https://federationgallery.com/show/2021_abstracted

This mixed media piece involved a lot of moving while making it as I thought of all the activities I like to do and have done movement wise. The older I get, the more I appreciate what I have actively enjoyed and am continually grateful for movement in my life. The first photo is the series (in the raw), middle photo is the work in progress and the last one is a value photo. 

"PIPER"
Acrylic on canvas with 2 1/4" sides, # 20025221
​\For Sale/Display in "What The Woof" pet supply store in Sicamous, B.C
#dogportrait #petportrait #petpainting #acrylicpetpainting #KarenOliversFineArt #whatthewoofpetsupplies

 I usually stand when I paint as I need to move energetically. This canvas has 2 1/4" sides and just would not stay put on my easel so I set up on my desk. It actually felt relaxing and having my reference so close was very different for me. I did the underpainting in a warm orange/red colour as Piper was mainly cool colours. I tried to keep the underpainting peeping out in places in the final background and bits in Piper.

This commission was a pleasure to paint as Cindy told me quite a bit about Piper's character and found her coming to life as the painting moved further along. Piper was so fun to paint, that I did one portrait in oil (click here www.karenoliversfineart.com/blog/piper-a-pet-portrait-in-oil) and this one in acrylic. Cindy chose the oil painting. I was finally able to meet up with Cindy and Piper for a walk and wanted Cindy to see both portraits for her final decision. The timing is perfect as Cindy needed to talk to Sheena in "What The Woof Pet Supplies" and she took Piper's acrylic painting and pet cards for sale in her store!
Below is a photo of Piper and myself with the 2 paintings in the background (thanks Cindy).

"Sammi"
Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas, 9" x 9",  #20022221
#karenoliversfineart #petportrait, #dogportrait, #funwithpaint #canadianartist

This is Sammi, Mike and Teresa's beloved dog. Sammi was interesting to paint as she  really has tall ears or at least in this view. Her subtle colours were fun to paint in non-traditional colours and seemed to match her personality. I had a few paintings in line before Sammi but I was intrigued by her and bumped her up the list. This was commissioned by Teresa for Mike as a surprise gift. When it came in the mail, Teresa surprised Mike and sent me a photo with "OMG Karen, the painting is beautiful and Mike loves it. Fabulous...trust you, it is amazing and Mike won't stop looking at it. He can't believe how you got her eyes perfectly." Yup, a happy dance on my end!

This is the first time I have been involved with an international art project. This project is self driven and self defined. I have chosen to draw faces, 1 per day in a formal, semi blind (looking at paper to get bearings only), and blind (not looking at paper until done) in one long continuous line. Top row, left to right: blind (notice inside of ear on right), , semi-blind, semi-blind, lower row: blind, blind, blind.

​This challenge is proving to be very entertaining to me as it is a surprise when done. I can see what I was focused on and sometimes missed pieces of the face or hair altogether. Glasses seem to be the most challenging as there is an inside and outside to draw. Hope you are as entertained as I am with these. Fun and laughter is always good for the soul!

​#continueouslineface, #100dayproject, #karenoliversfineart #semiblinddrawing #blinddrawing #funwithfaces

This is the first year I am trying the #100dayproject and this post brings me up to Day 12. Days 1 to 6 here. My challenge for myself is to do a viewing, semi-blind or blind drawing of a person or face in one long continuous line keeping my drawing tool on the page the whole time. I have done this while travelling to draw the vehicle ahead while my husband drives. By keeping my pen on the paper with the road  so bumpy, I did not have to keep finding a place to start or continue. Most of these have been drawn during a zoom meeting or watching online. I have not subjected any live people YET! 

The first four are semi-blind (meaning that I glance from my subject to my paper quickly so I can see where I am). The last two are blind (I place my pen on paper and do not look until done). I am more enamored by the last two and was quite amazed when I saw them that they were recognized as human. I think it is both beginners luck and the fact I was on #11 and #12. I knew for myself that to finish a 100 day project, it had to be quick, use very few supplies and interesting. 
#continueouslineface, #100dayproject, #karenoliversfineart #semiblinddrawing #blinddrawing #funwithfaces

"One Is Never Enough"
​16" x 20" Oil on canvas  #20010221 For sale

I stood under the branches of our cherry tree last summer to take a very close up reference photo. The cherries were ripe for the picking and it was "one for me, one for the bowl". There is nothing sweeter than picking fruit off the tree and biting into it. While the very cold weather is upon us, I decided I needed a refreshing taste of summer. I pulled some cherries out of the freezer for desert tonight and then proceeded to paint. #KarenOliversFineArt

This is an international art project that started on January 31, 2021 and continues for 100 days. The idea is that you make up your own project that you would like to try and sustain it for 100 days. I am going to do a continuous line drawing of a face or person. Hopefully I will be able to keep this up and then use them in collage or project. What I am really trying to do is look closely and draw quickly in a single line. It is called semi-blind when you only look briefly at your paper (to make sure you are still on it) and keep my pen/pencil/felt pen moving in one continuous line. Blind contour drawing is when you don't look at all until you are finished. Those are usually really funny and intriguing. I hope to do a mix of both but for the first six it has been semi-blind. My apologies to those I have chosen, hopefully you recognize yourself in this learning project. Now that I have done six, they look like caricature drawings. #continuouslinefaces #100dayproject

I have a dairy allergy so a lot of really great treats are not available to me. A box of beautiful Belgian chocolates were on my Mother-In-Law's table as an after dinner treat. I loved looking at them and decided to draw them as they were so pretty. They were not on my paper until I photographed them so the angle and shadows are different. This is painted in an inexpensive sketch book that doesn't work as well as water colour paper. The small candy tins (on the upper part of photo) have a plastic gum insert put in to hold my water colour and gouache travel paints. It works perfect!. Quotes from Forrest Gump kept running through my head as I painted these, yup I am easily entertained!

PIPER
Oil on board, 12" x 12"  Unframed  #20027121 Not For Sale
​#dogportrait #petportrait #petpainting #oilpetpainting #KarenOliversFineArt

This is a commissioned dog portrait of Piper. I was given a series of photos to choose from. There were a lot of photos of this dog playing but I liked the front on resting face. A quiet time for this busy dog. The background colour started as a warm colour as most of Piper's colouring was in cool tones. Waiting to paint the eyes was different for me as they don't seem to have personality while painting until they are looking at you almost like you are having a conversation. The background was painted with very active brush strokes to show the normal busyness of this loved pup.

"Freedom Lies In Being Bold"
​12" x 12" Original acrylic painting on canvas with 1 1/2" painted sides (no framing required)
#20028118 To buy this painting on sale, click herewww.karenoliversfineart.com/painting-of-the-week.html

This painting is part of a 50's Fashion Series. Travelling together on one bike was both a skill and common. Dressed to be seen and having a blast with your best friend was the feeling I was presenting. A bike provides freedom, time, space and adventures ahead. The title is a quote by Robert Frost and is a reminder to keep that part of being young.
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This started as a series of abstract "play with new colours" mixed media. Starting with collage, marks and mixing the limited palette. Setting it aside and working on other pieces with the same colours, I left them to dry. I often see faces in my abstract work and this was no exception, a lady with a crown kept looking at me so I continued looking and saw a variety of people and objects from my past (won't spoil the view with listing them). You, the viewer will put your own experiences, views and relate in a different way to art...enjoy!

"The Queen's Court"
9" x 9" Mixed Media on watercolour paper,   #20020121

Picture 1 below - starting new mixed media pieces  2. photo in black and white to look at values, as I can't do the artist "squinty eye thing".  3. Work in progress