Silver on Silver, Fork Reflections I, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Now there is a triptych in my 'silver on silver' cutlery series.  Not that they have to sell as a triptych, but they would look fabulous hung together, either side by side, or one above the other.  I will try to get some photos of them hanging together in my gallery room once they dry a bit.

The word fork is derived from the Latin 'furca' meaning pitchfork, which is what the early designs resembled.  The Fork started out life with two prongs, with origins and dates differing, but for arguments sake 400 BCE seems to be a good starting date.  By the Seventh century small forks were used at Middle Eastern Courts and made their way to Italy in about the eleventh century in the dowry of a Byzantine princess who married a Venetian doge.
Thanks to Catherine de Medici (who married Henry I in 1533) the fork made its way across the sea to England.  It took a while for it to catch on in Europe. By the late sixteenth century, a period when upper-class Italians expressed renewed interest in cleanliness the fork came into use; yet the French court did not pick it up until the seventeenth century when it was deemed uncivilized to eat meat with both hands.

As the saying goes 'necessity is the mother of invention'...  so somewhere between the late seventeenth and the mid-eighteenth century, the tines increased from two, to three, to four, in order to make it a bit easier to consume peas, grains, etc.  Plus a little curve to the tines allowed the user to scoop up food, besides spear it.

Now we have forks designed specifically to aid us in serving and consuming almost any food you can think of!

Still Life Painting, Silver on Silver, Knife Reflections I, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

This 'silver on silver' series is challenging, but it is sharpening my observation skills.  My left brain is surrendering to the creative right side, and in the process seems to be enjoying the exercise.   But, in order to be fair to both hemispheres I am indulging the left side in some historical research...

During the Middle Ages most people ate with their hands off of slices of four-day old bread.  Only the wealthy used knives.  Knives were impressive, and among the male nobility there was no better place to show off your talents than to bring along your personal knives to a dinner party and help the women folk cut up their food at the table, when necessary.  Two knives were better than one, because then you used one to cut while the other held the meat still.   Once it was no longer necessary to spear one's food with the point of a knife, (after the fork came into use) craftsmen began to create knives with blunt ends.  I would assume that rowdy banquets would be a bit safer with the sharp knives safely tucked away.

More reflective thoughts to come...






Silver on Silver, Spoon Reflections I, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

New Years is fast approaching, bringing with it reflections on events of the past 365 days, along with some thoughts on how we might create a few different experiences for ourselves in the year ahead.

Tin foil is a favorite backdrop for me... creating interesting passages of light and reflected color from the objects placed upon it, giving a semi-abstract feel to the painting.  This is the first time I have painted silver objects upon a silver background and I must say it was an interesting experience.  "Paint what you see", I kept telling myself,  not what you "think" you see.  Our left brain (the analytical side), loves to overpower our thoughtful creative right brain.  The left brain kept telling me to paint silver on silver, because we all know that silverware is silver in color and so is tin foil... but my right brain kept repeating the painters' mantra of "Paint what you see", telling me to really look at the spoons lying on the tin foil and paint all the colors that appeared in the reflected surfaces of each.
Yes, there were many shades of gray, but there were also tints, tones and shades of blue, and orange... reflections from the various objects that surrounded this still life that really created what I was focused on painting.
How many other things in our lives are reflections of what is surrounding us?
One of my new years resolutions is to "Paint what I see, not what I think I see..." in as many areas of my life as possible.


















Still Life of Fruit, Pomegranate Wedgies, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Pomegranates are one of those festive fruits we associate with winter and especially the holidays.  Inside the leathery skin is a treasure trove of ruby red flesh covered seeds which can add sparkle to any salad.  Last year some Foodie Friends introduced us to 'Pomegranate Molasses'... it was love at first taste!  Pomegranate syrup would be a better name for this nectar from the gods, but molasses will have to do.  I often add about a 1/2 tsp or so, to any vinegarette salad dressing I make, but after doing some research on the web, I noticed that you can supposedly replace the vinegar with the pomegranate molasses like this 'recipe' I found.
While perusing the web I also came across a few meat dishes using pomegranate molasses that I am going to try over the holidays, one is with Pork Tenderloin and the other one is with Chicken.   Here in Edmonton you can find pomegranate molasses at the Italian Centre Store, but I am sure that it is available at many ethnic or specialty stores since it is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Enjoy!

Happy Holidays everyone... I may not post much over the holidays.  But you never know...


Pine Tree Painting, Lone Lodgepole, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

It was a dark and stormy night....  oops!.... that is how Snoopy from the Peanuts Gang, always started his stories.

It was a gray and stormy day along the Bow river in Banff, Alberta when I snapped this photo.  Like my last posting, this painting is of a Lodgepole Pine (I found out that it is all one word, so I must go back and change it on my blog posting from Friday), and as I  thought, the name gave a clue as to its use.  I said to my husband that it was probably used to build native longhouses, but I was showing my eastern Canadian heritage, because longhouses were mainly built in north eastern North America by such tribes as the Iroquois and Mohawk.

Here in the west, lodgepole pines were (and still are) the favorite choice for tepee poles.  Fifteen to eighteen lodgepole pines is the typical number used to construct a tepee.  Long, straight and lightweight were the characteristics of the species that made it ideal for horse transport in nomadic buffalo hunting cultures.  Tribes made long journeys across the plains to harvest lodgepole pines that only grew in mountainous regions.
No wonder the Lodgepole Pine is the provincial tree of Alberta, Canada.

sold
10x10 oil on canvas

Tree Painting, Lodge Pole Pines I, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Lodge Pole Pines I, 10x10, oil on canvas

 'Tree Pose'


It was an overcast and snowy day when I took the reference photo for this painting, but even a gray day can have it's own magic.  These lodge pole pines grow along the Bow River in the mountain resort town of Banff, here in Alberta.  Fine snow flakes began to fill the sky as we walked back from Bow Falls to the main street of the town.  A few dogs played together long the path, kicking up snow as they chased each other through the trees, while a horse and sleigh jingled its way down the road next to the river.
A winter wonderland.

P.S.  Anyone who does yoga will get my 'tree pose' joke...

sold
10x10

Poinsettia Painting, A Touch of Lime, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

The gallery photo above is just for fun, and is NOT the actual size of my pink poinsettia painting.

A number of daily painters have emailed to ask me how I did this gallery shot.  I used a site called Photofunia.  Enjoy!


'A Touch of Lime'
16x20 inches 
Sold

Here is the 16x20 inch, oil painting called 'A Touch of Lime' from last week.  I had a few subscribers contact me asking if it is for sale.  It was marked NFS (not for sale)... but I have decided to sell it.
Tones of pink with hints of burgundy reds, and of course, a touch of lime...

Flag Paintings, by Canadian Artist, Kim Blair

  Imagine what a larger version of your flag might look like...  


My studio has become Santa's workshop, so I won't be posting anything for a few days, as I am busy painting some (you guessed it) flag painting commissions!

If you think you 'missed a great gift idea' it's not too late.  You may place your flag order, and when I paint it, (before Christmas) I will send you a photo of your purchase so that you can print it off (in color) and slip it under the tree, telling the recipient that the real thing will be arriving after the holidays.
January can be dull and a bit boring... so why not have the anticipation of a package arriving ' a little late' from the North Pole... or Edmonton?


Floral Painting of a Poinsettia, A Touch of Lime, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

16x20, oil on canvas

It is December after all... so why not paint a poinsettia?  Native to Central America the poinsettia blooms in the tropical highlands during the short days of winter, and was known by the name of cuetlaxochitl to the ancient Aztecs.  The Aztecs extracted a purplish dye for use in textiles and cosmetics from the plants bracts, which are the coloured specialized leaves of the plant, and the milky white sap, today called latex, was used for some medicinal purposes.
Thanks to the first United States Ambassador to Mexico, a physician, named Joel Poinsett (he was the ambassador from 1825-1829), 'Euphorbia pulcherrima' plants were eventually cultivated in South Carolina.  Mr. Poinsett's real love was in the science of bontany, and this 'most beautiful Euphorbia' (as the name translates to) soon became known as a poinsettia.

Guess what else Mr. Poinsett is famous for?  He founded the institution which we know today as the Smithsonian Institution.

SOLD
16x20, oil on canvas

Floral Painting of an Orchid, White Phal, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Once upon a time, when I was a Florist, orchids were considered exotic flowers.  Although we have access to a wide variety of orchids from a number of stores, I think they still fall into the exotic category.

Most people are introduced to orchids through the phalaenopsis variety.  Pots of elegant, arching sprays of these blooms can be seen displayed on coffee tables in many design magazines across North America.  The classic white hybrid is often called a moth orchid and seems to be a popular variety among interior designers, and for good reason.   Phalaenopsis are generally rewarding plants, and are not demanding.   In the right conditions they will reward the grower with months of showy blooms.  The only thing that might be more rewarding is owning this painting of a 'phal' (as we liked to call them when I was a florist).

Guaranteed not to die while you are on holidays, she can take a draft... so hang her where ever you please!

SOLD
12x12 oil on canvas

Pen and Ink Floral of an Iris, Evening Iris, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Evening Iris flowed off my brush and pen onto the paper...
Drawing ink first appeared in China, about 3,000 BCE.  This early ink was a combination of pinewood smoke, lamp oil, and gelatin from animal skins.  Since then, art inks have been made from a diversity of sources, such as sooty carbon, oak galls, insects, cuttlefish ink and crustaceans.  I create my pen and ink work using a brush and a metal tipped quill pen, which I dip into bottled waterproof ink.  Like watercolors, ink pigment produces magical passages when dropped or brushed onto wet paper... rather mesmerizing.

Flag Paintings, by Canadian Artist, Kim Blair

Sometimes we miss the obvious choice...

The holidays are upon us... and it can be a challenge to find the perfect present for that special someone.  When you are out racing around trying to find that unique gift you may be missing all the signs along the way... pointing to a patriotic solution to your shopping needs... a flag.

A Flag painting fits the bill (or is that bill-board?)

Pen & Ink Floral of a Lily, Evening Lily by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Today was a pen and ink day.  As I mentioned before I find it magical when the ink mixes with water and creates swirls, tones and shadows on the watercolor paper.  The deeper black ink on the pollen, along with the cross hatching and gesture mark making with the quill pen gives depth to the pendulous anthers.  The anthers, heavy with pollen are what inspired me to paint this piece.  They are waiting for a fat bubble bee to happen along...
Pen and ink allows me to be a bit more detailed,  showing more of the little marks, nicks and lines that tell a story about this evening lily, giving it a unique character.

Floral Paining of a Lily, Inner Beauty XII: Winter Light, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Today was a bright sunny winter day, perfect for painting a white lily reflecting some of the winter light.

Alberta is sometimes called the "Sunshine Province" because our province has more sunny days than any other province in Canada.  Even though our winters can be long and cold, at least we have more than our share of sunshine, which can help to alleviate a bit of the cabin fever we may experience over the next few (ok, more than a few) months...
As a bit of trivia for my fellow Albertans, did you know that the 'Provincial Stone' for Alberta is petrified wood?  This choice makes sense when you think about how dinosaur rich this province is.  I feel rather special because we just happen to have a piece of polished petrified wood from the Badlands of Alberta on display in our living-room.

SOLD
10x10 oil on canvas. (+ 15.00 S/H anywhere in North America)



Flag painting, Hungarian Flag I, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

This version of the Hungarian Flag with the current coat of arms is a special Christmas Gift to a father from one of his daughters and her husband.  Getting the actual flag out of the parent's home in order for me to photograph it for reference was a clandestine operation.  Of course, the Mother was in on the caper and helped her daughter figure out which flag (there are a few versions) should be the one for the painting.  I love these types of stories.  You know the ones I mean... filled with fun, a little intrigue and lots of love, perfect for future reminiscing when someone asks about the unique gift hanging on the wall.
It is often a difficult task to purchase a special present for a loved one, so when someone gives the gift of one of my flag paintings I am honored.

Thanks S & K, and Merry Christmas to your Dad!

SOLD 
Commission, 12x6 oil on canvas

Still Life of Avocado, Avocado for Matisse, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

The Edmonton Art Gallery has a Matisse Exhibit on at the moment and I have been trying to get down town to see it.  I was talking to a friend on the phone about the show this morning and she is going to organize our art group (we have a small group of about 8 women that get together every now and then like a book club would, only instead we talk art) to go and see it and than have a 'beverage' afterwards to discuss the show.  Even though we meet infrequently (because we are all so busy), our little intimate group is a wonderful support network for sharing thoughts and dreams about art... so I can hardly wait to see everyone for a gallery outing.  It is important for artists to connect with each other in an environment that is nurturing and supportive, and our special group certainly is that.  We share and talk about our art journeys, knowing that we will be heard and supported in whatever way possible by the other women in the group.

So, with Matisse on my mind I painted this piece while thinking about his painting called 'Woman in a Purple Coat'... I think it was the strong stripe pattern with the use of black that made the connection in my brain.

*Click on the image to see a close-up of the thick oil paint 'flesh' of the avocado.

SOLD
oil on canvas

Poppy Floral Painting, Inner Beauty XI, Orange Flames, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Color (I am really trying to use the google version of the spelling of color...) is back on my brush and canvas.  Brushing the orange oil paint over the stretched canvas made me feel alive,  and as the tones of yellow and orange mingled to create the poppy petals I could feel my heart jump with joy!  Applying the hits of blue was the icing on the cake... or should I say poppy.

Oriental Poppies are an excellent plant for zone 3 gardening, like we have here in Edmonton.  As I sit at my computer looking out at the winter snow (while writing this blog posting), I have to say how happy I am to report that the poppy is a cold weather flower that needs dormancy in winter and generally does not grow well south of a zone 7.  Hurray for winter!! (Oops, was that my outside voice?)

NFS
10x10 oil on canvas

Pen & Ink Floral of a Lily, Red into Black, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

A red lily oil painting was the reference for this pen and ink piece.
Working with pen & ink creates a meditative/zen like feeling in me.  The flow of the ink onto to the wet paper... the swirl of the brush... the mark making with the quill pen all add up to 'being in the zone' for me. Time to contemplate the magic of ink mixed with water or my navel...
It's all good.

Pen & Ink Floral of a Lily, Profile, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair



 Since I am in a black and white phase I wanted to repost this pen and ink of a stargazer lily.                                                              
You could have it professionally matted and framed or, because it is a standard size you could pop it into a ready made black frame, with a white toned mat.  


$50.00, 5x7 unframed (+ 10.00 S&H anywhere in North America) pen & ink on 300 lb. watercolour paper

Monochromatic Lily Floral Painting, Black & White I, White Magic, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Black and White I, White Magic

Yesterdays post of two pen & ink paintings of birch trees on watercolour paper, started my creative juices flowing.  I have been tossing around the idea of creating a black and white (monochromatic) series of oil paintings, and my muse decided that today was the day to begin!
My 'Inner Beauty' Series is overflowing with inspiration for this black & white floral theme, so I plan on re-painting a number of the pieces from that series in black & white, plus add some new florals to the monochromatic mix.


SOLD
12x12 oil on canvas

Birch Tree Pen & Ink, Birch I & II, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair




I am reposting these two pen & inks...
A wider format is well suited to birch trees. These are 11x24 inches and I posted them together because they are a diptych and will look stunning framed and hung side by side on a wall.  I could not post them that way, so here they are stacked, but that is not how I would hang them.

On a moonlight evening birch trees can appear to be etherial...  Ghostly beings huddled together shaking hands, leaning in to hear a good story, hugging, patting each other on the back in a friendly gesture, whispering together as you walk by...  Each tree is unique. Some are large and robust, others slender and delicate.  A few look frail with frost cracks looming large on their tiny frames, while others have a bit more peeling bark... and scared limbs. Each unique from the rest.

11x24 inches each, pen and ink with ink wash on 140 lb arches watercolour paper.  (Ready to be matted and framed)  
$300.00  for the set unframed (+ 20.00 S&H anywhere in North America)
  

Rose Hip Study, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

This little pen and ink study of rose hips, has a loose watercolour wash which was applied after the ink dried.  Sometimes I like to splash a few colours onto some watercolour paper, let them flow into each other, allowing them to create their special magic, and then draw over the dried pigment with pen and ink.

I have a cute little tin case (pencil box) filled with watercolour pencils, an indelible ink marker, a small round brush, plus a pencil sharpener.  This treasure box is the first thing into my luggage when we go on vacation... or if I want to go out into the world for a day of exploration and drawing.  Sometimes, I 'pretend' to be out exploring (sort of like having a picnic indoors when the weather is bad) and set up a cosy spot in my studio and play.  Often these play dates lead to larger oil paintings and sometimes they are cute just on their own.

NFS

*My Poppy Greeting Cards are moving fast.  Check them out... click here for the 'Square' format, or here for the 'Rectangle' format.

Here are some of the gift ideas they are can be used for:
Holiday Hostess Gift, Office exchange, Secret Santa, Stocking Stuffer, Thank You, Employee appreciation,  and so far the most unique idea is to use them individually as .... (drum roll please) 'Place Markers' for a dinner party! (I think the rectangle ones would work best for that)

Still Life Painting of Limes, More Limes, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Limes are not a shy fruit.  They flaunt their bright green, dimpled skin at ever opportunity, not caring what anyone thinks.  Whether it be a slim slice in a drink, or a grouping of whole fruit on a plate, they make a festive statement and their presences always spells fun.  So when in doubt... add more limes.

Is it time to add a little bit more fun to your life, or wall?

12x12 oil on canvas

sold

Floral Still Life Painting of an Iris, Sapphire, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

'Sapphire' is quite the big gem... she measures in at 24x18 inches on gallery profile canvas, so it's a good thing she is meant to hang on a wall and not your finger!

The word Sapphire is derived from Sapphirus, which is Latin for blue.  The gems natural blue colour has always been associated with royalty (maybe that is where the saying 'blue bloods' came from?), so it makes sense that it has been a symbol of nobility, truth and sincerity.  Sapphires get their gorgeous colour tone from the trace elements iron and titanium, (as an aside, the white paint in this iris painting is a pigment called 'titanium' white...) and blue sapphires that are found in basaltic rock have a better colour because basalt is rich in iron.  A blue sapphire is the birthstone for people born in September, but my painting called 'Sapphire' is meant for anyone who loves Iris...  A Gem for your wall.

SOLD
24x18 oil on gallery profile canvas (+ 25.00 S&H anywhere in North America) * if you can come by my studio to pickup your painting and have paid with the paypal button, I will reimburse you for the S&H

Floral Still Life Painting of a Lily, Off White, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

There is a house down the street from our home that has a gorgeous garden.  How gorgeous is it you ask?  Well it is so gorgeous that you feel like you have stepped into a bit of Europe when you open the side gate and walk in.  It is overflowing with plants, accented with statuary and paved with slate walks.  Numerous nooks and crannies offer little visual surprises, whether it be a unique plant or garden ornament.  Once you enter this oasis you could easily forget time... wandering from one visual treat to the next.  (You have to be careful not to follow any white rabbits down any holes while you are there...)
This off white lily was one of the many treasure I discovered.  Thick waxy petals curled back, allowing a glimpse of the creamy inner surface of the bloom...

Strength and beauty make quite the combination.

Sunflower Painting,Yellow Light, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Sunflowers are not just another pretty flower.  Did you know that one of the most beneficial uses of this plant is in the removal of toxic waste from the environment?  My research uncovered some information on an emerging technology called rhizofiltration.
Hydroponically grown plants are grown floating over water.  Their extensive root systems are able to reach deep into sources of polluted water and extract large amounts of toxic metals, including uranium.  The former Soviet Union used this method to decontaminate water polluted as a result of the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl.  The roots of the floating rafts of sunflowers were able to extract 95% of the radioactivity in the water caused by that accident.

SOLD
10x10 oil on canvas

Poppy Greeting Cards, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

 Set of 5 Poppy Greeting Cards (Square format)


 Set of 5 Poppy Greeting Cards (Rectangle format)


The holidays are just around the corner, and I have two beautiful options for 'a little something special' for a hostess gift, office gift exchange, teacher gift, client appreciation, thank you gif,t or a gift for yourself!
*Each card is blank inside, and (with a white envelop) is individually wrapped in a crystal sleeve)

A set of 5 assorted cards (one of each image) is only $15.95, with free shipping anywhere in North America!

To view a larger photo of the poppy paintings in each set, and/or to purchase via Paypal :



Happy Shopping!