The Story behind the painting , ‘Waiting for the Tides to Turn”
As we were sailing up towards Princess Louisa Inlet, we let down our sails and drifted. We were nearing the Malibu Rapids. Our crew of four knew that we had to wait for about an hour for slack tide before going through the rapids to enter Princess Louisa Inlet. You could feel the energy in the air, as we were excited to head up the Inlet. Malibu Rapids are not be taken lightly. We waited until the time was nearing slack tide then we ‘tried’ to start our diesel motor. It didn’t immediately turn over when we pushed the start button. We reviewed the procedures and tried again, but once again the engine would not start. Our crew checked all the engine components and tried once again. It still would not start. Our level of concern was heightened as we were now slowly being pulled towards the rapids.
The decision was made by our Captain to put the motor on the dingy and try to use the dingy to move the 33 foot Beneteau away from the rapids. Putting the motor on the dingy while on the water is a tricky maneuver, but our Captain and our friend maintained balance and got it attached. They tried to start up the motor as we slowly floated closer to the rapids. After several attempts it was obvious this was not going to be a solution for us! The tension was mounting as we floated closer and closer to the rapids.
It wasn’t a “Mayday” but instead, our Captain did a “Pan-pan” call out over the radio waves. "Mayday" is used in the most urgent life-threatening situations, while "pan-pan" is for urgent situations that are serious but not life-threatening. A boat from Princess Louisa Inlet answered our call but could not get to us in time as they were bringing out a hiker with a broken leg. They would not make it to us in time to be of help. We called “pan-pan”, again and this time a large, old tourist boat answered our call. They were coming out of the inlet and could help us. Luckily for us, this would work. Their boat pulled up along our starboard side and we secured it with spare lines. They pulled us to a nearby dock belonging to a Malibu Club a youth camp on the mouth of the Inlet. We ending up spending the night tied to their dock. As the sun set the light on the rocks was spectacular. I would not have been at these rocks as the sun set if not for our faulty starter. Thus, the title of my painting, “Waiting for the Tides to Turn.”
“Orchard Dreams of Tomorrow” $350. 22" x 7.5" Acrylic
White Frame and Double Matted.
This painting has colours that make you feel happy every time you look at it. I have titled it “Orchard Dreams of Tomorrow” as I believe dreams can direct where we go in life.
This picture allows one to be fanciful. The orchard in the Spring is the new beginning. We are certainly ready for a new beginning.
This is a local Salmon Arm orchard at the top of the hill. Many of you will recognize it.
“KalaKala at Anchor” NFS Watercolor and Gouache 9” x 18” Framed and Double Matted.
I have such wonderful memories of doing this painting. I actually painted it on the boat that you see anchored in the picture. We had a late start on our sailing trip due to the smoke last fall. As a result, we had some very strong October winds. We had to find a safe harbour and wait out the storm. I got out my watercolours as the rain and wind kept us captive.
Tenedos Bay in Desolation Sounds has to be one of the most beautiful spots on this earth. If you have been there, you will know exactly what I mean.
“Bastion Mountain from the Water” Not available . Acrylic and Casein 8” x 24”
Shuswap Lake memories. This painting is done with an orange / pink acrylic under painting. I’ve used Casein on the rest of the painting. Casein is a milk based paint that dries in two weeks. Initially, you can re-work it like a watercolour, but eventually, it does dry like an acrylic.
This painting is done on wood cradle board with the edges painted, as well. Frieda Martin, another Salmon Arm artist, says she loves the painted edges as you get a sneak peak as you walk down the hall and see the edges before you see the entire painting. Lovely thought…
“Will you feed my Rabbit, please?” $450. Acrylic and Casein 21” x 15” Framed and Double Matted.
There is a funny story connected to this painting. My friend, Kathy and I were painting in Mt. Revelstoke National Park. I was sitting by this beautiful lake trying to concentrate on my painting. A woman came by and asked if I would pose for a picture for her calendar. After I agreed, she asked if I would feed her stuffed rabbit some of my cookies. The rabbit was the star in an Adventure Calendar with photos from around the world. So I fed the rabbit some of my cookies. I would love to see that calendar!
Anyone that has attempted to paint outside with people around likely has similar stories. It is one of the delights and challenges of ‘Plein Air’ painting.
Mt. Revelstoke is a beautiful place to visit in August when the wild flowers are blooming.
This painting is acrylic and casein.
“The Stillness of a Winter Morning” $95. 5” x 7” Watercolour and Gouache
I love doing watercolour paintings! Initially, it was very challenging and sometimes it still is. Planning the painting out ahead of time is helpful. I often use watercolour and Gouache together. Gouache is opaque watercolour often used by the old master painters. It creates a softness, well suited to scenes with snow.
I have done a number of scenes with snow on evergreens. Each one is different. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them.
By the way, all my paintings are original. I take my own photos for reference or spend time sketching or painting outside.
My watercolour paintings are all matted, often two mats, and framed with glass. I love creating pictures that are not the standard size, so my mats and frames often have to be custom made. This adds to the cost. Sigh…
If you see one you like, please let me know. The prices are not set in stone.
“Winter Storm on the Way” Christmas Bowl, SilverStar Mountain $226.
9” x 14” Framed and Double Matted 22” x 18’’
SilverStar Mountain is a magical place for us. This was taken from a photo long before the mountain was fully developed. Some of you might remember a time before Christmas Bowl had huge homes on the sides of the run. Christmas Bowl is still one of my favourite runs. I remember this day as the light was so striking. The dark darks and the brilliant whites where the sun was hitting the snow.
This painting was one of my first ones done with gouache, an opaque watercolour. Gouache is like watercolour in that you can go back into a painting and move the paint with some water years later. It should be protected by glass.
“Mt. Ida, Wrapped in Winter” Acrylic, Watercolour and Gouache $250. 18” x 5.5” Framed and Matted to 25” x 13”
This is one of my favourite paintings. It is done with acrylic, watercolour and gouache. This is the view of Mt. Ida from our window.
I remember this particular morning as the lake was covered in a soft fog. We so enjoy ‘our’ mountain and enjoy watching the changing light.
This painting is framed and double matted.
“The Sisters at Talking Rock” $215. 14” x 6” Framed and Double Matted
Do you need some summer about now? Birch trees remind me of summer. I found this cluster of birch trees on ‘Talking Rock Golf Course’. I am not much of golfer, but my husband Dave is passionate about golf. Every year for his birthday, we spend a day together golfing at ‘Talking Rock.’ Dave golfs and I ‘pretend’ to golf and take pictures when I can. I love it! I have to be fast to sneak in a picture. It is a beautiful place to golf. The last hole is on Little Shuswap Lake. Beautiful!!
Dave and I were golfing together once in Sage Hills in Washington. We were camping nearby in our trailer. We were on the 7th hole when Dave spotted a Great Horned Owl sitting in a tree just above us. Dave continued to golf. I ran back to the trailer to get my camera. Owls have to be my favourite bird.
This painting is done with watercolour and gouache. It is currently on display at Mr. Eugene’s Hair Salon in Salmon Arm.
“Sunrise Paddle” $242. Watercolour 6.5” x 18” Framed and Double Matted.
Kayaking is one of our favourite summer activities. We try to get to the ocean to kayak at least once in the summer months. Many of my paintings are inspired from our time on the West Coast. We have had many kayaking adventures with our friends.
If we have a long paddle ahead of us, we need to get an early start. We are often on the water early in the morning so we can get off the water before the winds come up in the afternoon.
This painting is done by creating a watercolour wash first, then adding the dark details after. It is a fun process that often comes together quickly.
“Has Anyone seen the Beaver?” $160. Watercolour and Gouache 4” x 14” Double Matted and Framed to 11” x 14” .
We are lucky to have a Beaver Lodge along the trail below our house. If you time it right, you may see the beaver working on cutting a tree on the path at dusk.
This entire pond was created by the beaver. It is an incredible eco-system now. The waterfowl enjoy it year round and a Canada Goose has nested on top on the Beaver Lodge. The pond is also home to a couple of muskrats.
The Beaver Pond is located along the SABNES Foreshore Trail in Salmon Arm.
“Singin’ in the Rain” $155. Watercolour and Gouache 5” x 11” White Frame and Mat 12” x 18”
This little hummingbird was outside our cabin in Costa Rica high in the Los Santos Forest Reserve. He stayed on this branch and sang and sang as the fine rain came down. It was lovely to watch him from our deck. It is a lovely memory.
“Palm Trees Swaying in the Sun” $300 each or two for $500. Acrylic and Gouache 8” x 18” Framed and Double Matted 13” x 24”
“Where the Whales Are” Johnson Strait $750. 18” x 36” Acrylic on Canvas Framed.
Flower Island, Johnson Strait is one of our favourite kayaking camping spots. It is a small island that has a lovely trail from one side of the island to the other side. It is perfect, as you have the morning light on one side and a beautiful beach for your glass of wine at sunset. This is also a great spot for fishing and watching the whales. It truly is a magical spot. It holds many wonderful memories for us.
I love the way the colours worked out in this painting.
“Summer Camping in BC“ Not available 30” x 10” Acrylic and Watercolour Framed and Double Matted to 36’ x 17”
This painting was done on the picnic table in Fintry Park in British Columbia. It is a beautiful park to explore. I love the summer greens.