Representational paintings done by Canadian artist Tessa Stanley. Landscapes, portraits and more
I have been fairly busy preparing for an upcoming Beading / Baby Moccasin making workshop that I will be teaching – thank you to the Elk Valley Metis Association for providing funding for the workshop!
Prior to Christmas I also managed to create a few paintings, mostly from my fabulous trip to Haida Gwaii. One has already been sold. A new painting is on the easel, but it is LARGE, so may be some time before it is finished.
Having Metis status, I finally accomplished a bucket list item and recently learned how to bead and sew a proper pair of mukluks and some moccasins. I had watched both of my Grandmothers create many beautiful handmade items, but never thought to sit down with them to learn in my ‘youth’.
Well, recently I received an extraordinary ‘gift’. Beads, porcupine quills, leather and other items, inherited from my Grandmother and Great-great Grandmother. There were some gorgeous examples of their craft / art skill as well, which I have pictured below. I am so inspired by their skill that I am itching to start beading again. Painting may once again be set aside for a time while I finish a couple of beading projects I had started.
Every now and then I find life happens and I prioritize family and other aspects of my life – ignoring my art to some degree. The past year or so this has happened somewhat regularly, with family health, moves, etc taking precedence. No apologies really, but I have missed painting on a regular basis.
This last month, I and the spousal unit took a vacation to the west coast in our van. It was wonderful and I kept a journal as I do on most trips. Below are some of the sketches from the journey. With winter coming, some of the photos and sketches are bound to turn into a painting or two.
Spring and summer have always been a busy time & this year has been far busier than usual. With a move, landscaping, gardening, visitors and camping trips, very little time was dedicated to painting. Today – finally – I have put a nice dent in a painting I had started a couple of months ago. Here’s a step by step of the painting process so far.
The underpainting – using burnt Sienna to draw in
Into the colour now and getting a gradation in the sky
More colour and lots of stepping back to see if I am digging the drawing and if the values (light and darks) are correct. I already see some areas I need to adjust once the sky is dry, but overall things are going well.
I have been a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists ( https://artists.ca ) for several years now. I am also a Chapter member in Edmonton and 2 of my pieces will be on display at the Edmonton Chapter show starting May 13, 2023. There will also be a lot of other very talented artists – so come down and spend an hour checking out some beautiful art!