Art Advent Calendar 2024: Days 7 - 13

 

 

Here is the second part of my Art Advent Calendar 2024. Going through my images, I realized how many floral paintings I created - especially during spring. The awakening of nature always inspires me. Each year, I eagerly await the signs of the first flowers after the long Canadian winters.

Day 7: Rocky Shore, watercolour, 5.8" x 8.3"

This plein air sketch is from my April trip to the cottage at the Ottawa River. First, I wanted to add more detail but decided against it to keep the impression I captured fighting against the fierce wind that blew my watercolours several times onto the sand.

 

 

Day 8: Pink Hibiscus, wool, 5" x 5", framed 10" x 10", CAN $200 + shipping

 

Fortunately, we have a winter garden where many of our plants bloom even during the colder seasons. Our hibiscus plant inspired me to create a vibrant portrait of one of its bright blossoms that, unfortunately, only lasts for a day in nature. I used a variety of reference photos for this bloom.

 

Day 9: Blushing Pink, watercolour, 8.3" x 5.8"

This painting is from the outing to Major's Hill Park in Ottawa in early May, where the tulips were in full bloom.

Janis and I painted before the official start of the Tulip Festival. To make it easier, even though we have other favourite mediums, we both brought watercolour paints because of their easy portability.

Some visitors to the park approached Janis and me to admire our paintings. They gave us lots of compliments and kindly asked before they took photos of us painting. It was lovely to chat and get immediate feedback on what we create.

 

 

Day 10: Belle of the Ball, wool, 8.5" x 12", custom-matted to fit a 12" x 16" frame, CAN $450 + shipping

 

I saw the image of this spectacular tulip when I went through my photo albums and knew I had to felt it. The bloom reminds me of an upside-down ball dress. I had abandoned the artwork after my return from Germany because the season and my focus had changed.

While reviewing my unfinished projects for pieces I could still complete until the end of the year, I realized that this artwork was almost finished.  It still took me two days of felting to finalize it, but I am happy with the result. 

 

Art Advent Calendar Day 11: Strawberries, 7" x 10", watercolour and watercolour pencils

Even though objects for still lifes are readily available, I don't paint many. However, my mom had left this bowl with strawberries on the table. It caught my eye, and I took a picture I shared with my Painting Buddies. A year later, we finally picked it for our Zoom painting sessions. I continued my work after our one-hour meeting.

Does the image make you long for fresh strawberries? When I look at the painting, I remember eating my mom's strawberry tarts whipping cream in my parents' garden. Isn't it amazing how images capture so much more than what you see on the surface? I love all the memories my art captures.

 

Art Advent Calendar Day 12: Mutti's Pink Hibiscus, watercolour, 5.8" x 8.3"

 
This image is the only watercolour painting I created during my visit to Germany in June. My parents have a garden full of flowering plants, a place of endless inspiration. I made a lot of sketches in my travel journal but mainly focused on nurturing human connections during my stay. While I still have regular contact with friends and family through emails and weekly video calls, they are no substitute for in-person meetings with actual hugs.

My mom would have made a great florist. She loves to create flower arrangements. With her green thumb, she cares for many hibiscus plants - some of them are still from my childhood, others she grew herself. She loved the painting, and I gladly gave it to her.

Day 13: Summer Bouquet, watercolour, watercolour pencils, 11.7" x 8.3"

 

I always bring some unfinished paintings to the cottage to finish them while I have some quiet time. However, this summer I forgot my paints at home. Luckily, I brought watercolour paper and watercolour pencils so I could start with the still life of the summer bouquet my husband picked for me.

I added the background after my return home.

Check out the videos of the creation of Summer Bouquet:

https://youtube.com/shorts/0HXntQgohi8

https://youtu.be/mszqiAFHODM

https://youtube.com/shorts/unDsoEQLyQQ

 

To purchase any artwork listed with a price, please email me. You are welcome to visit my studio to see the pieces in person. I typically don't sell my watercolour paintings, but talk to me if there's a piece you love.