Suzanne's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair


Suzanne Allard
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)


I've known my good friend Suzanne for over 30 years! 

It's amazing how time flies. When I first came to Alberta Suzanne and I shared a townhouse for a couple of years. Now we make sure to schedule time to get together for tea ever month or so in order to catch up, share ideas, and dreams.
It feels so easy to talk with Suzanne because she enjoys listening as well as sharing, which makes our conversations a joy!

I painted her portrait to celebrate her birthday which falls on the 17th of this month.

Happy Birthday Suzanne !

Her creative spirit and love of design are two essential ingredients for her profession as an Interior Designer.

If you are looking for an interior designer who will actively listen to your needs, whether residential or commercial, I would highly recommend you contact my good friend Suzanne:





*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

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Sisters...by Kim Blair

Zoe with her portrait

Mya with her portrait


I thought you might like to see these two talented sisters, Zoe and Mya, holding their portraits.

Although I am not posting regularly at the moment I am painting... for an upcoming portrait exhibition scheduled for early next spring. Of course I will keep you posted on the details closer to the event, but for now I wanted you to know why my blog posts have been sporadic.

There are a few more people I promised to paint for the blog over the next few months so stay tuned.
:0) 

The upcoming portrait exhibition will consist of 45 portraits (26 painted so far) plus a 'surprise' element to be displayed next to each portrait.

Don't you love surprises!
;)

Zoe with a bit of Frida... by Kim Blair



Zoe 
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)


Zoe is a talented young dancer who enjoys expressing herself through ballet, tap and jazz classes.

My friend Christine, who commissioned this portrait, inspired Zoe's interest in Frida Kahlo... which is why I added the flowers in her hair and changed her hoodie into a peasant style blouse with a bit of colourful trim.

Zoe and Mya, who was my previous blog post, are sisters. Both girls now have a pastel portrait of themselves... gifts from our mutual friend Christine.

Thanks Christine! 



A smile to brighten your day...




*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

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Day of the Dead... by Kim Blair



Mya
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)


Halloween is that special day of the year when we get to express ourselves by creating a unique look. Mya enjoys The Day of the Dead theme and chose it as her costume for Halloween last fall. My friend Christine commissioned me to paint Mya in her favourite costume as a surprise gift ... so of course I said yes! The photo Christine sent instantly inspired me.

You can tell 'M' has a theatrical spirit by the way she portrays the drama of her costume. This mighty little spirit enjoys swimming, Taekwondo, and plays the Ukulele! 




Looks like 'M' has inspired this chalk artist...
:0)






*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

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Double Double...by Kim Blair


Jacquie with her portrait


John with his portrait


 Jacquie and John agreed to pose with their portraits so I could snap a few photos. John commented that the reference photo used to create his portrait was taken when his beard was 'a bit more groomed' than it is now... 5 months later.

Next time you are at the 'The Old Strathcona Market' here in Edmonton stop by their pottery booth Aven-Hill Pottery and say hi!



John's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair




John
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

John is the other half of the creative talent for Aven-Hill Pottery (this is a link to their blog).  In 1984, right after graduating from the Alberta College of Art and Design, he and his wife Jacquie started their pottery business, which means they have been creating pottery for 35 years!

You will find them at their booth inside the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market every Saturday. Next time you're at the market you might want to stop by their booth to see the exquisite range of colours they use for glazing their pieces.



Looks like someone recognizes another one of their humans...
:0)




A special note to my subscribers:

*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)


Jacquie's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair




Jacquie
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)


Jacquie and her husband John (who's portrait will be my next posting) are the creative talent behind Aven-Hill Pottery (this is a link to their Facebook page). They have had a booth at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market for the past 19 years!

Of course we own a number of pieces of their fine craftsmanship and plan on investing in more.

Every morning I have the pleasure of enjoying my tea from one of their beautiful mugs. There is something nurturing about sipping a beverage from a piece of handcrafted pottery... it reminds me to slow down and enjoy life. 

A little bit of gratitude with each sip!



Looks like someone recognizes one of their humans...
:0)



A special note to my subscribers:


*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)




Yvette's portrait by Kim Blair



Yvette
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

My friend Yvette, like my friend Ruth, (see her portrait here) is an artist. She works in various mediums and styles with beautiful results. We have one of her unique batik dye on silk paintings hanging in our home.
At the moment she is exploring alcohol inks producing vibrant abstracts perfectly sized for a small hit of colour in any room.

Besides working in the arts Yvette is a gardener. Her colourful flower beds are a delight to see and it is apropos that she has won numerous awards over the years for her lush gardens.

Her portrait, recreated as sidewalk chalk art, might be a fun accent to her landscaping this summer...






A special note to my subscribers:


*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)



Double Cuteness.... by Kim Blair


Ella
(with her portrait)

Ella, my niece, was 3 years old when I painted her portrait.

In this photo she is 3.5 years old... time sure flies! I think there will be a few more portraits in her future.
:0)
xxoo

Kayleigh's pastel portrait... by Kim Blair


Kayleigh

(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

Today's Fluevolologist, Kayleigh, is the third portrait in a series of three... the two previous postings were also staff members from Fluevog Shoes on Whyte Ave. here in Edmonton. 

Here's some interesting, fun facts about Kayleigh, in her own words...

"My hobbies and early bed time clearly identify me as a grandmother trapped in a 25 year old body. If I'm not working, I'm out singing classical music, or home crocheting with my husband and my cat." 

(Yes, this is really Ariel, Kayleigh's adorable cat)




Thank you to Sarah, Kayleigh and Signe





A special note to my subscribers:


*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)



Signe's pastel portrait... by Kim Blair




Signe
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

Besides being another fabulous Fluevogologist from Fluevog Shoes, here in Edmonton, Signe is the store manager. While painting Signes hair, some of the the wavy sections reminded me a bit of Venus' hair in the Botticelli painting, 'The Birth of Venus'... (thank you art history).
;)

Here, in Signe's own words, are some fun facts about herself.

"I'm always smiling and making jokes. I love making other people laugh, it makes me happy inside. I'm also SO ridiculously weird! It's why I'm purrrfect for Fluevog!"

"Oh, and I make the best Banana bread you'll EVER have, just ask... well, anybody."
;)





A special note to my subscribers:


*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)




Sarah's pastel portrait...by Kim Blair







Sarah
(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

One of my favourite shoe stores in Edmonton is 'Fluevog Shoes', in the heart of Old Strathcona.

Whenever I am on Whyte Ave. I make a point of stopping in to immerse myself in the craftsmanship and creativity oozing from this store. 
Last month, on a Saturday, I met three staff members, and was inspired by their upbeat, enthusiastic, and professional attitudes.  So, of course I asked if I could paint their portraits...'cause that's what a portrait artist does!
;)

Let's start with Sarah, the first Fluevogologist I met that day. Here in her own words, are some facts about herself:

"Such a great gal...ha, ha! Did you know she has a Masters in Forestry and Science from Germany? It's true. Fun fact: Sarah likes to make up songs and sing them loudly without noticing."

Drop into the store next time you are on Whyte Ave... I can guarantee you'll have fun!


Is that a Fluevog delivery truck with Sarah's image on the side?
;)



A special note to my subscribers:


*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)





Ferdinand's portrait in pastels... by Kim Blair


Ferdinand
(14"x11" pastel on 300 lb. gessoed w.c. paper)


Ferdinand has been playing guitar for a number of years now, adding vocals a couple of years ago.

He is a dedicated musician and practices every evening, which is a real treat for me! It warms my heart knowing he is doing something that brings him so much joy, while creating a transition from his busy work day.
Music is important to Ferdinad. He finds playing guitar and singing a therapeutic and enriching experience.

Sometimes, sharing our joy with others, who appreciate creativity, is important too.
;)

Happy Birthday later this week Ferdinand! 🎂




*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.



(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)





Seeing Double... by Kim Blair


Gord x 2


Gord's wife, Lois, secretly purchased Gord's pastel portrait last fall so that she could have it framed as  a Christmas gift for Gord. 
On Christmas morning Gord was delighted to unwrap his smiling face, and I was delighted to receive this photo of the him holding his portrait!


Thanks Gord, for being such a good sport. It was so much fun painting your smiling face.



Carlton's portrait in pastels by Kim Blair




Carlton

(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

This handsome man works in the creative field of design, both as an interior designer and fashion stylist. I remember seeing some pics of a photo session from a few years ago of my niece, Tracy, where Carlton select her outfits and styled her look...stunning results! 

Carlton has a sophisticated style that brings out the personality of the model.

Although I think quite a bit of his creative talent is innate, he mentioned that he enjoys perusing various interior design, travel, and fashion blogs for a bit of inspiration. But his big love is reading design and non-fiction books when he finds time to relax from the hustle and bustle of living in Toronto.

You never know which magazine you'll see Carlton, or one of his clients on the cover of...  





A special note to my subscribers:


*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.




Konnie's portrait in pastels by Kim Blair



Konnie

(14"x11" pastel on 300 lb. gessoed w.c. paper)


Living in Vernon, Konnie has a multitude of outdoor opportunities, and she takes advantage of as many of them as possible. Although she says she enjoys winter, I have a sneaking suspicion that she might enjoy the other three seasons a little bit more. Photos of her kayaking have popped up a few times on facebook, and she says how much she enjoys cycling on the new Rail Trail that runs along the lakes from Vernon to Kelowna.

Being creative is also on her list of fun things to do, and over the years I have been the lucky recipient of Konnie's hand made gift cards. Add a hot cup of coffee and a good book, and in Konnie's own words, you have the secret..."Live simple and life is good."

I vote Konnie to be the 'Poster Woman' for how to appreciate and enjoy life in Vernon.




A special note to my subscribers:


*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.









Two of my Portrait Models, by Kim Blair





Laura

Tim

My friends, Laura and Tim, surprised me with these fun photos of each of them holding a colour printout of their portrait. What a hoot... they are such good sports.

Thanks you two!
:0)


Stay tuned for more pastel portraits...