We Three Bees

We Three Bees - 24x24", acrylic ...

Been seeing lots of bees lately, especially since my boyfriend is a beekeeper. I now have lots of opportunities to take some close up photos of them while he's working at the hives. He's fully garbed out in his bee suit, while I'm just hanging out beside him in my regular clothes getting my camera super close up. Haven't been stung yet! Bees are nice. I rather like them...

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Little Red Run

Little Red Run - 30x30", acrylic ...

We had some great sunny weather on our ski vacation in Whistler at the end of Feb. "Little Red Run" is the name of this ski run on Whistler Mountain. I was just enthralled with the fantastic shadow patters of the trees. It was a great trip with some great friends. But I have never skiied in conditions as cold as this: -21C, absolutely FREEZING when you are going fast. Frostbite on the nose for sure. Thank goodness for those little hand warmers that you keep in your gloves, otherwise I would have had to learn an alternate way to paint, sans fingers ...

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

SPCA fundraiser

Victoria SPCA "Just Desserts" Gala

For the third year in a row I am involved with the Victoria SPCA fundraiser "Just Desserts" Gala. I can't wait! It's taking place on Saturday April 30th, in downtown Victoria, at a very cool location: 'A' News Studio. The studios will be transformed into a lounge type atomosphere with fabulous live music. Al the sampling tables will be specially set up for mixing, mingling, tasting and enjoying! The evening will feature a silent auction, fantastic raffle, decadent desserts and savoury treats.

How will I be involved? A customized pet portrait, by moi, is one of the raffle prizes. I'm also donating an already completed dog painting to the silent auction. And I will also be decorating the venue with a few of my pet portraits, just to add the the theme of the night.

For more information on the gala and on purchasing raffle tickets,

please visit "Just Desserts Gala" website.

Evening Peak

Evening Peak - 14x18", acrylic ...

One thing you might not know about me is that I love to surf! I can't even begin to explain the amazing inter-connectedness I feel when I am out on the water, catching (or at least trying) and riding a wave. It's the hardest sport I have ever tried, and yet the most rewarding. I feel as if my soul is soaring when I am out there. I've been surfing now for over 10 years, and sometimes I still feel like an absolute beginner. The power of the ocean is humbling, but I love being out there...

I've been wanting to do more surf-related paintings. But at the same time I don't have a lot of reference photos to work from. I do take photos with my waterproof camera when I'm out there, but most of them are not really compositionally great to work with. For this painting, I took a non-surf scene that I see all the time - from Whiffen Spit here in Sooke, looking south towards the Olympic Mountains in Washington State - and added in a wave that only appears occasionally (when there is a big enough period wave from just the right angle to make it all the way in here). I have surfed here just once, last year, and it was the longest ride I've ever had on a wave...

Dalton

Dalton - 16x20", acrylic ... SOLD ...

I love horses! I've always been a horse freak, they are all I used to draw as a kid. I still remember that eureka moment when I learned how to properly draw their hind legs!

This is done for a family friend, whose horse Dalton is very special to her. This is her in the painting, the closest I will get to painting a person. I still haven't met Dalton, but I hope to soon!

Maggie

Maggie - 16x16", acrylic, SOLD ...

My latest dog portrait - Maggie! Set for delivery tomorrow ... I love seeing their faces when they finally see the painting live!

If you would like to see more of my pet portraits, please visit here.

Signature member of the FCA!

Hidden View - 16x20", acrylic ...

I just found out today that I have been successful in applying for my AFCA status with the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA)! I am so thrilled!

There are three levels that can be achieved within the FCA: Active, Associate and Senior member - you are juried into each level. I've been an active member for a few years now, which has allowed me to enter into various juried shows. Once you have been accepted into a minimum number of qualifying shows, you are eligible to apply for AFCA or SFCA. Since I had enough shows under my belt and I felt my work had improved over the years to a consistent quality, I thought I'd try to up the ante this year. I needed to submit 10 images, 3 of which had to be provided as originals. My only dilemma was if I should include a few of my pet portraits in the images/originals I submitted - and in the end I decided to include one dog, and one cat, and one crow painting, along with 7 landscapes.

I am honoured to be recognized by my peers (other SFCA's were the jury) and to have been awarded AFCA. Thank you! The successful applicants are now part of the next FCA show called "Success". The three paintings we all provided for the jurying process will be shown here. The painting above is one that you will see there. And, now I can put AFCA after my name :-)

"Success" will be showing from March 8-27th,

at the Federation Gallery on Granville Island, Vancouver.

Release

Release - 10x10", acrylic

It's been a while since I've posted ... I started a full time (non-art related) job in early Feb, and it's been keeping me busy. I absolutely LOVE it (including the regular paycheck) but at the same time I'm a bit bummed that I don't have as much time to devote to my art. I just haven't yet gotten into the habit of spending time in the evenings painting. So far it's been just weekends. I need to stop sitting in front of the TV in the evenings and start going out to the studio ... More paintings will be coming, I promise!

This is from a photo I took with my little waterproof camera. I was sitting on my surfboard watching my boyfriend riding a wave in Tofino, BC.

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Nostrildamus

Nostrildamus - 30x30", acrylic

Are you tired of seeing my dog yet? Here she is in all her nosey glory. I took this photo with a fish-eye setting on my camera ... My Mom is the one who came up with this title. Brilliant, isn't it? Thanks Mom!

To see more of my pet portraits, please visit my pet portrait website...

Arbutus

Arbutus II - 30x30", acrylic ... SOLD

Arbutus trees are awesome! I have done a painting similar to this one a while ago. I always loved the composition and abstractness of the first one, so I used the same reference photo. But this time I added more colour to it and increase the size.

Nootka

Nootka - 18x24", acrylic ... SOLD

I met Nootka when I dropped off this portrait just a few days ago - what a gorgeous dog she is! She is the most amazing red colour, not sure what the breed is (she's was a rescue puppy). She was super friendly and playful - I was sad to leave. Her owners provided me with the most amazing photo to use as the reference for this painting.

If you are looking for tips on how to photograph your pet,

see my pet portrait website...

Australian RSPCA needs your help

The Queensland RSPCA needs help! Many of their shelters were flooded and completely destroyed in the recent devastating floods. The animals were safely evacuated, but many buildings, equipment and supplies were destroyed. This means they don't have even enough food for their dogs and cats, and other animals they have in their care.

They need your help! The RSPCA is exempt from disaster relief funds offered to charities that assist human needs. This means they are entirely reliant on the generosity of your donations.

For more information, please visit http://www.rspcaqld.org.au/

Davie

Davie - 16x16", acrylic ... SOLD

This is a fun commission that I completed in December, but couldn't post until now (it was a gift for mid-Jan). Aren't retrievers gorgeous dogs? I love them!

Doing the Twist

Doing the Twist - 6x6", acrylic ...

Here's another little guy that I did while on holidays.

My favourite kind of tree - Arbutus.

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Late Season Flight

Late Season Flight - 8x10", acrylic ...

Well, I'm back! We had a fantastic holiday season in Ontario. So good in fact that I have probably gained 10 lbs and have to get back into shape (every house we went to visit had cheese appetizers, and unfortunately I can't resist cheese!). Since we got back on Friday I've started my recovery - surfed on Saturday and went for a bike ride yesterday.

I was kept pretty busy and only had time to work on two small paintings. Here is one for today, I'll post the other one soon. This one is a scene from a photo I took while ice skating on a frozen marsh right at the edge of Lake Ontario. I haven't skated in years but it all came back pretty quickly. Just had to watch out for the bumpy bits...

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Marley

Marley - 16x16", acrylic ... SOLD ...

Here's a gorgeous old boy - Marley. Getting a little bit grey around the muzzle and scruff. Still going strong though!

Tomorrow we are off to Ajax, Ontario for the next three weeks to visit my boyfriend's family and friends. I have packed some painting supplies to bring with me, in the hopes that I will have some downtime. Our first week there is pretty booked up with lots of visits and fun stuff! Hopefully there will be loads of snow for us to play in, we are bringing our snowshoes and cross country skiis. If (when!) I do get a chance to paint, I'll post it for you to see.

View of Heaven

View of Heaven - 20x24", acrylic ... SOLD ...

Unlike most of my others, I textured this painting first with acrylic gel medium, following the lines of my drawing. Then I employed numerous glazes on top of this. It's a technique I learned from artist David Langevin in a workshop I took from him last fall. I haven't done a ton of this style of painting, mainly because they just don't have my "signature" look (since I tend to paint in an impressionistic style with opaque paint). But I'm sure I'll do more as I just love the look of them. This painting sold this past weekend at my art show.

The title is a play on words: "View of Heaven" could mean it's a heavenly looking view, but really it's looking at a distant ski run on Blackcomb mountain called "Seventh Heaven"...

Unique Art Show

Valley Trail View - 12x12", acrylic ... SOLD ...

Yesterday some friends and I put on a "Unique Art Show & Sale". It was in intimate 4-artist show out of my friend's gorgeous home in Victoria. We had a ton of people show up to do some shopping and socializing while enjoying wine and chocolates ... I love these type of small intimate events. They are so much fun. I sold quite a few of my small paintings, including this one, which happens to be one of my favourites. I am happy to report it has found a very good home!

Together

Together - 18x36", acrylic ... SOLD

I did this painting for a friend, to celebrate the birth of her son. It's just a little bit late, he's over a year old now. I delivered it a few days ago and she loved it! I had fun doing the mother and child silhouette - this is the closest I get to painting people. :-)

Spaces

Spaces - 8x10", acrylic on board ...

I love trees! Just can't get enough of them. But sometimes when I start painting them I feel a little overwhelmed, as there can be so much detail and I just can't (and don't want to) paint it all. Trying to simplify all I see is a fun challenge. For this one I focused on the spaces of sky showing through.

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Birches on Blue

Birches on Blue - 10 x 20" (dyptich), acrylic ... SOLD

I've always loved the look of birch trees. Around here we don't have many of them - it's mostly alders, which are not quite as interesting to paint. I had fun with this, I quite like the graphic quality of it. I think I'm going to do more of these in the future, with different colours for the background.

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Snow Day

Snow Day - 12x24", acrylic ...

It seems I'm in the mood for winter again! It's getting a bit cold and we just had our first windstorm of the season. Amazingly we didn't loose our power last night, although it threatened to all night with the lights flickering with each blast of wind. I may be a bit strange, but I like winter.

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Edward and Zoe

Edward & Zoe - 16x16", acrylic ... SOLD (commission)

This is to be a Christmas gift. What a great photo this was to paint from! Normally I don't do any detail in the background as I like to isolate the pets and make them the focus. But since these two were swimming, I painted in the water. I had a great time painting these two...

Afternoon Glow - Whistler

Afternoon Glow, Whistler - 18x30", acrylic ... SOLD (commission)

I just finished this one yesterday - It's a commission piece for a family member. This summer they were looking through all my "to paint" reference photo ideas that I print up and keep in a file in my studio. As soon as they saw it, they said "I want this one"! It just has such a calm feel to it. Soon it will be heading to it's new home in Ajax, Ontario.

The Point

The Point - 8x16", acrylic ...

Lately I've been working on a couple of larger commissions, so haven't had time to post as much. But here is a smaller piece that I did. Another view of East Sooke point from Whiffen Spit here in Sooke...

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Gifts and Wishes Art Show

Opening Reception - tonight from 6-8pm!

This show is taking place at the Coast Collective. It's an arts collective housed in a beautiful early 1900's stone mansion on the grounds of Royal Roads University. It's an amazing place to visit and see the great art that is on display in the gallery room, as well as in the 4 gift shop rooms.

For the next two weeks, rather than the usual gallery show, they are hosting the Gifts & Wishes Art Show in the gallery room. Over 40 out of the 100 artists involved in the collective are showcasing their work = perfect timing for the coming Christmas gift-giving season! There is something for every budget here - beautiful works of art in all sizes and prices, jewelry, art cards, even honeycomb (Pete's Bees!). And more!

Oct 28-31, Nov 4-7th

Thurs/Fri: 12 noon - 8:30pm

Sat/Sun: 12 noon - 5:00pm

For more information and directions, visit the Coast Collective website...

Whistler and the West Coast

Looking at Heaven - 30x30", acrylic ... SOLD

Sunrise Over East Sooke - 18x36", acrylic ... SOLD

I have recently sold these two paintings to a new client here in Victoria. He loves the west coast, and is also an avid skiier / snowboarder. Having just built a new house with some fantastic views, he needed a few larger pieces for the walls. These really are two of my favourites, and I was happy to see them going to a beautiful home. (But I think I'm rather biased, as lately all of my paintings are my favourites).

Thank you to all those who support artists by buying their paintings

- so they can do for a living what they love to do!

Behind the Clouds

Behind the Clouds - 10x20", acrylic ...

Been meaning to do this one for a while. I took this photo last year while I was on Gabriola Island taking a week long FCA art workshop (which was fantastic!!!). It was a bit rainy for the week, but this sunset was stunning.

If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at info@lisariehl.com

Tofino Afternoon

Tofino Afternoon - 10x10", acrylic ...

Although most of our camping trip last weekend was wet and windy (but thankfully not all that cold), we had one absolutely gorgeous and sunny day! We hung out at Chesterman Beach on a blanket, watching the amazing pro surfers getting ready for the next day of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic - they make it look so easy!!! This day the surf was rather big and gnarly, with huge close-outs. I knew that if I went out I'd just get pummeled, so I was happy to just watch. Besides, I'd already had a few great surfing days already at Cox Bay (smaller but much cleaner waves).

Here are a few photos from our trip:

Ready to surf

Not my best one, but the only photo that was taken...

Friday: the women's competition day

Definitely a painting-to-be!

Super windy!

Check out the surfer on the wave...

Last Light of Day

Last Light of Day - 24x24", acrylic ... SOLD

Just got back from Tofino! It was a wet and windy camping trip, but we had a GREAT tarp set up to keep us dry and a nice big fire each night to keep us warm. The surf was huge but we got a few great days in. And we got to watch some amazing pro surfers, as the O'Neill Cold Water Classic was taking place (and still is all this week!). Good luck to Tofino locals Peter Devries (who won last year), Sepp Bruhwiler and Benn Murphy who are all still in the running!

I don't have any new works from this trip yet (stay tuned) but this painting is one I did from a recent trip there. Sunsets are stunning there, lighting up the beaches and trees - gorgeous. This painting was hanging in the "Cedar Corner Art Gallery" in Tofino, and just sold recently.