"Bloomin' Fun"
​Mixed Media on watercolour paper, 14 1/2"  x 10 1/2" on cradled panel
 #20009621

Another fun painting that started out as a different painting, then painted over roughly in white gesso, added collage papers and begun playing with paint. I turned this one around and around until I saw the vase and flowers and started defining them more. The painting below is the piece in progress but I needed to add more definition and shadows. Playing with another colour palette made for interesting exploration and colour surprises.

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

"Dance Moves"  Mixed media painting, 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" in a white 11" x 14" mat #20010321

This mixed media abstract painting was a real exploration in shapes. As I was working on it, I was continually turning it around to see what view I liked best and worked on that orientation. Turning it around and around working as I went, making marks that I found very interesting and pleasurable, it was hard to decide on an orientation. Can you guess the one I chose (a clue - it is not the top one)? Which view do you prefer?
​This painting is matted in a 8" x 10" white mat. What I love about abstracts is that the owner can put on their wall in whatever orientation they like best. Sometimes it is hard to sign and often artists will sign on the back of the painting just so it can be put on a wall in any direction without someone looking at the signature and stating that is "upside down or sideways". Such fun to create pieces like this!

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

Left to Right: #97 Ultrafine Sharpie, blind   #98 blue and black ballpoint pens (both ran out of ink), pink fountain pen, semi-blind   #99 pink fountain pen, blind   #100 blue fountain pen, blind   

Wow, I am excited to say that not only did I complete my first #100dayproject2021, but I finally managed to post all of them (more difficult than the challenge). My project was to complete 100 single line, blind or semi-blind portrait drawings in 100 days. I did not  pressure myself to do a drawing a day. With Covid and people using Zoom calls for meetings and connecting, I found this a great way and time to do the drawings. After I got "caught" by an artist friend during an art group meeting, I would take my face off the screen  and mute so that my movement and "staring" at the screen did not distract anyone during a meeting.

I learnt that my eye/hand/brain had a disconnect because I was so surprised by segments of the face that I had not completed but my brain thought I had! Rollerball and fountain pens worked best. They moved smoothly, did not skip and had a better feel. The top right one, I had to use 3 pens as the first two ran out of ink (hence the semi-blind status)! The faces became more detailed as the challenge continued on and head shapes were better (not too skinny or wide). If I kept moving my pen at a steady pace, I had more success in proportions. When I slowed down or stopped, the proportions got out of whack. The single line was challenging as it presented additional lines to go from A to B where lines are not on the face (between eyes etc.). I got better at mentally designing where to start and finish as the project continued on.

I would highly recommend this exercise for anyone (especially if you have a sense of humour)! If considering doing the #100dayproject next year, be kind to yourself and try something do-able with few supplies (pens and computer paper on a clip board for this one). I don't know what I will do with these, but they might make a great overlay on an abstract...stay tuned.

Top left to right:  #91 golf pencil, blind   #92 Twin-tipped Elegant Writer, blind   #93 ball point pen, blind (ran out of ink on left side of face)   #94 pink fountain pen, blind   #95 ball point pen, blind   #96 fountain pen, blind

This challenge is completed but my posting is not, one more to go after this. Now, all single continuous line drawings are blind (not looking at paper once drawing begins). I find the pieces of the face that I have not filled in very interesting because my brain thought I had! A complete surprise when done. I am much better at mapping out the features and size of the face now than I was in the beginning. My favourite two above are the top centre (the first with headphones) and the bottom middle. In both pieces, the faces are not completely drawn in. In the middle bottom, check out where the two ears are located, what fun to see at the end.

​Please vote for my painting in this contest. The big prize is $25,000 for the Alberta Children's Hospital. After working there for over 25 years, I have seen first hand the wonderful ways they use donation money. It is not based on the painting but on the number of votes per painting. I would love to give back with your help! Click HERE to vote. #FacesofCanadianHealthcare  

Top left to right: #85, pink fountain pen, blind   #86 fountain pen, blind   #87 ball point pen   #88 Extra-fine Sharpie, blind   #89 Twin-tipped Elegant Writer, blind   #90 fountain pen, blind

The #100daychallenge 2021 is now over and completeted (whooo hooo, my first one) but I am behind in posting. These ones were interesting as I tried different kinds of pens. The two that made me laugh are the bottom left and mid-bottom. As I really focused on specific features, that part of the drawing became smaller and tighter and you can see I was losing my way back to finishing it off. I needed to treat all parts of the face the same. I am much better and filling in a lot more detail than when I began (see earlier posts below).

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

Top left to right: #79 pink fountain pen, blind  #80 Conte pencil, blind  #81 Twin-tipped Elegant Writer, blind  #82 golf pencil, blind  #83 ballpoint pen, blind  #84 ballpoint pen, blind

More fun with faces. I am happy that I made it this far with the 100 Day Project and that is was doable and fun. I am missing less of the faces than I did in the beginning and they are looking more like their subject. I think it is muscle memory and having a better idea where I am on the page. Drawing in one long single line without looking at the page until I am finished always offers funny surprises when I am done.

I bravely (or so it felt at the time) entered this open juried show with the Ontario Society of Artists. I was thrilled to find out that out of almost 450 artists, my work would be included as one of the 51!! Click HERE for the online exhibition. Another bonus to this exhibition is that there is an YouTube Livestream Opening Thursday, May 13, 2021, 8-8:30 pm ET with a chance to win a $250 door prize toward an art purchase from one of the participating artists.

"Cocktail Hour For One"
​15" x 10" Mixed Media on watercolour paper, #20010521

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

"Jaffa"
9" x 9" acrylic dog portrait commission   NFS - Sold

Meet Jaffa, a beloved pet that I was commissioned to paint as a surprise gift for her owners. This was really fun as I knew I could use wild and non-dog colours in this portrait. Above you can see the fun underlayers with the dog sketched out in yellow (picture 1 above), then as Raffa was beginning to look more dog-like (picture 2, still in progress). I will often take a black and white photo while the painting is in progress so that I make sure the likeness is still there and not getting overpowered or lost in the colours I use (picture 3, still in progress). I was told that this was Jaffa's happy face (loved that!).

Top left to right:  #73 Elegant Writer, blind   #74 Fine Sharpie Marker, blind   #75 Turquoise twinned-tipped Elegant Marker, blind   #76 Turquoise twinned-tipped Elegant Marker, blind  #77 pink fountain pen, blind   #78 blue fountain pen, blind

Starting with the eyes and moving around to the nose and mouth seems to work the best. Working around the neck area then the hair and head in one long continuous line I miss less. It is surprising how often only one ear is in view. The top left is missing the cheek area and the right eyeball is just above the eye, funny surprises when I am done. Blind drawing (without looking at my paper) is more comfortable now than it was in the beginning.
​

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

Top left to right #67 Fine Staedtler pen, blind   #68 Conte pencil, semi-blind   #69 turquoise fountain pen, blind (notice left ear in forehead)   #70 black Elegant Writer, blind   #71 pink fountain pen, blind   #72 Twin tipped Elegant Writer, blind

This set was different and interesting. The top middle one had his hand on his face which really made it interesting to fgure out where I was. The turquoise one made me laugh as I had spent quite a bit of time on her ear which ended up in her forehead! The bottom left had a large earring and I was pleased it was actually in the right place. A hat added interest on the pink one although the head is much to small. Seems I made up for it in the last one! Still playing and having fun and feel like I am getting better at looking at the shapes rather than the "things".

So excited to be juried into the Courtyard Gallery in Enderby, B.C.!! My framed paintings, unframed matted paintings and greeting cards will be displayed for sale with other artists' work. Very excited that I will be hosting in the gallery once a month or so. I love to talk about artists' work and this gallery has a wonderful variety of hand crafted pieces as well as paintings. If you are in the area, stop by for a look at the treasures at 104 - 907 Belvedere Street, Enderby, B.C. Website: Courtyardgallery.ca or check it out on Facebook. Below are the framed paintings I currently have in the gallery.

@Karenoliversfineart  @Courtyardgallery @Enderbyartscouncil #funinagallery #canadianartforsale #colourfulartwork  #artforsale  #contemporaryartist #oilpainting #paintwithjoy #artjourney #juriedart  #galleryartforsale

Top left to right: #61 Conte drawing pencil, blind,  #62 Twin tipped blue Elegant Writer, blind  #63 turquoise fountain pen, blind  #64 Conte pencil, blind   #65 Micron 0.3 pen, blind   #66 red ink ballpoint pen, blind

It is interesting to look back at ones done in the beginning to see how much the drawings have changed. I seem to have a better sense of placement and missing less of the faces. It is much easier to start with the eyes and then map out the rest from there. My paper is on a clipboard so it stays still and held in place with my left hand which I think helps with where I am drawing. Another thing I have noticed is what I focus on usually gets bigger if I spend longer in one area. All in all I am really happy with this doable challenge.

,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.
​
​#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
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