Schmoozy @ Latitude 53

It is that time of the year again!
Latitude 53 is hosting another "fun"-draiser, and you're all cordially invited to Schmoozy

I am donating this piece to the silent art auction, and I hear there are some other exciting items up for grabs. Come and get it!

"Grey Matters", 9x12", graphite and ink on board

Self-Reflection

Took a little break from the faces of others, and turned the paint brush on myself.

This is a quick self-portrait study, that went through a couple versions before landing on a Gerhard Richter-inspired finish.

I forgot what a challenge it is to paint while looking in a mirror...

oil on paper, 9x12"

Special Delivery

Just wanted to share an image of a recently completed and delivered portrait commission. This was a birthday gift from one very special woman to one very special man.

I was humbled and honored to be a part of this gift.

11x14", oil on linen

Alberta Prime Time TV Spot

When it comes to my art making, I am one of the worst self-promoters around. But I decided to throw caution to the wind, and follow up on a recent post connected to a World Vision Canada event. WVC asked 4 artists (one of which was yours truly) to create a piece for their Sponsorship outreach.

I painted a little painting of girl named Lorinda, and CTV Alberta Prime Time filmed a video piece about it. Please click here to see it.

Thanks for watching:)
Anya

!Upcoming Portrait Class Alert! 

I will be teaching a Portrait Painting and Drawing Class at the MacEwan Continuing Education Faculty ("Portraits in Colour").
Class runs for 4 Saturdays in a row, starting October 18th through November 8th, 10 am - 1 pm.

Space is limited, so please click here to register!

Hope to see you there:)

"George", 9x12" oil on linen

World Vision Canada

Painted this little picture for the upcoming World Vision Canada event  

8x10", oil on linen

Learning and Teaching

A couple of weeks ago I returned from NYC where I had the enormous pleasure of taking a drawing workshop with Will St. John, at the Grand Central Academy. The beautiful Shay sat in the same pose for 5 days, and we drew her portrait in tri-color.

Using Prismacolor Color-erase pencils: brown, terra cotta red, black, and Generals White (Chalk). Paper is Fabriano Artistico. I really loved the experience of drawing with color.

Here's a quick progression of the drawing:

I also just had the pleasure of teaching a portrait painting workshop at The Paint Spot , organized by the Society of Western Canadian Artists. Despite the summer heating things up in the workshop, we persevered and great portraits were made! Here's a snapshot of the work by student Clara Cheung:

The Drawing Room

It has been a long cold winter, and the little studio space I rent at The Drawing Room has often been too cold to inhabit. However, the artists I share the space with there are full of warmth and passion for what they do, so please check them out. The Drawing Room is a vibrant work/exhibition venue that I'm proud to be a part of.

And here's hoping that Spring will eventually find its way to the Great White North!

As a quick side note, some of you may have seen a painting I completed not long ago of a fellow artist. He recently shared with me an image of this painting framed and hung, which is a rare treat. Looks like it found its grand home, indeed! Thank you, Edmund.

Fun-draising for Dance!

Just finished this little piece for the Brian Webb Dance Company Art Auction:

"Determined to Ride Together", 9x12" mixed media on wood

Always a pleasure to contribute to a good cause!

Dog Day Afternoon in the Dead of Winter

Recently, I've had the pleasure of spending some quality time at my easel with a couple canines.
"Loved Ones" really do come in all shapes and sizes and degrees of fury-ness.
It was quite fun to work on these commissions, and I've been told that Jilly (the pug) even barked at her own painted portrait. A true compliment, indeed!

 "Jilly", oil on linen, 11x14"

"Yawn", oil on canvas, 12x12"