"Happy New Year to You!"

The clock is ticking and we are all anxious to see what the New Year will bring. Often we come into that year with great determination of what we need to do or will do to better our lives. Alot of times things come to our attention in the "Waiting Time" or the "Wait" period, at least that seems to be the way it works for me. New doors open and the mystery begins to unravel. So I encourage you to celebrate the New Year and do hope you are able to carve out some "Wait" time of your very own! Happy New Year Everyone! P.S. For those concerned about "Ticked Off Roonie" No worries, he will be around for another year. For you see he found out rather late in the game that it was the Turkey they were after, and not him!!!!!!! YEAH!

"Wait" 16 X 20 Oil on Canvas

Introduction to some Amazing Artists!

For those of you who enjoy my blog, I really think you would get soooooo much more out of checking out some other amazing blogs that I have discovered. I still feel so new at this blogging thing and still have to figure some computor stuff out like (Like adding gadgets, and adding to my bloglist......I must confess, my husband helps me here!) There are folks out there that have the most amazing blogs ever and their art is outstanding. Many more I would love to add to my bloglist when I figure this electronic stuff out. I am so not computor minded. (I just learned to forward on my email before Christmas so know you know how challenged I am) My kids laugh cause now I forward stuff that is good alot and confess to being a Forwarding Junkie! HELP!

So, I would like to introduce to you Kaileigh Semeniuk, a 13 year old artist whose blog is "Giving From what I have" She is an amazing individual and upcoming artist. Given her young age, you would think she is much older for the type of art she is producing. You go Kaileigh! Kaileigh also does some amazing media/video work. She Rocks! Her younger brother of 10 is now pumping out some amazing poetry. Maybe we will watch them publish a book together!

Then we have the Airdrie 7 gals, whom I encourage you to check out as they are sooooooo creative and wonderful! What a positive group of local women, who are all Leaders in more ways than one. Love you Bunches and then some!

This next one will blow you all away! We have Jazworks, out of New York, Jill Jaheer! Wow, Wow, Wow, I first saw her work at Veronica's house. It was a book that several artists were working on, a brainchild of Seth Apters, I believe! Unreal! So breathtaking, and filled with hours of creative joy, one cannot immagine the Beauty! Loved all the artists work in there but Jill's kept leaping out at me. Her website could keep you busy for the next year of your life and will take you on a trip around the world. Be inspired, then GO CREATE!

Times Past is a piece that I worked on a Winter Break. My family was out snowboarding for the day and so off to the Studio went I. Sipping on some hot tea, I began the process of scupting, shaping, carving, baking. My hands seem to love the feeling of the clay warming itself into shape. I was thinking of how the First people came to our land and then how the French pioneers came here. I've taken the artistic liberty of somewhat modernizing the clothing in which the French perhaps arrived. Sort of keeping the old and adding a bit of the new.

"Times Past" 11 X 14 Mixed Media on Panel

"Ticked Off Roonie" 7 X 7 Mixed Media

Chestnuts may not be the only things roasting on an open fire this season. This feathery friend has a bit of an attitude, as it knows the days are closing in on Christmas. Somehow word got out that a Roasting pan might be closing in on him. The clock is ticking, and the countdown has begun! Roonie might be making the Ultimate sacrafice to make sure you and yours enjoy Turkey with all the trimmings. He does want to remind you though, that his partner will need to spend the rest of the holidays making you eggnog. Eggnog lattes here we come! Merry Christmas Everyone!

"Ticked off Roonie" 7 X 7 Mixed Media

"Ticked Off Roonie" 7 X 7 Mixed Media

"Wishing all my Girlfriends a Merry Christmas!"

Girlfriends are just the greatest and make life so much more enjoyable. They've always got the kettle on and wish all of your weeds would be wildflowers! They've always looking out for you and have got your back covered too. To all the Girlfriends in my life, this ones for you! Merry Christmas, and I'm coming over so put that kettle on.

"GirlFriend" Mixed Media on canvas 12 X 36

Operation Rescue was a piece that I had done for a Birthing /Hut in Africa. One in eight mothers there die giving birth. In Canada one in 11,000 die this way. Big difference. This piece shows us a mother's life has been spared so she could indeed care for her child. This piece was donated to a "Cause" Auction and I am honored to have been a part of raising funds so women and children can live.

"Operation Rescue" Acrylic on Canvas 12 X 36

ShutterBug Gallery/CrossIron Mills Mall

For those of you interested in viewing my work just wanted to update you on my wall at ShutterBug. I've redesigned the wallspace with some of my newest work, abstracts, mixed medias and smaller pieces.

I've also been asked to display my work at "Just The Bakery" and "The White Raven" in Didsbury, Alberta. Karen at "Just The Bakery" has done such a fine job with a Heritage Home that used to be a Parsonage in town. She makes delicious lunches, coffee and breads and baking of all kinds. What a beautiful atmosphere! Cheryl at "The White Raven" has got some amazing, unique gifts, jewelery, French Hats, and furniture. Be sure to check places out for your Christmas pleasure!

"Altered Art Journal"

"Christmas In The Country Show & Sale"

You are invited to a Christmas in The Country Art Show & Sale, on Saturday, Nov 28th from 10 - 4 pm. This event will be hosted at the Perrenoud Ranch just a bit North and West of Cochrane.

Susan Harris and myself (Rhea Warholik) will be there will a great selection of original artwork. David Harris (Susan's Husband) will be entertaining us with his fabulous Christmas Carols played on the piano.

For directions to the Perrenoud Ranch House, travel North of Cochrane on Hwy 22, a short distance till you see the Weedon Hall on left and Shell Gas Station on right. Go left there about 3 km and you will see a beautiful, yellow, Heritage House. That is the Perrenoud Ranch House!

If you are coming west on the Hwy 567, go across Hwy 22, onto Weedon Trail and go 3 km and there you will find us in the Yellow House on right! Hope to see you there!

See below our poster and photos of the Ranch House!

Country Christmas Art Show

"RememberWhen" 5 X 5 Encaustic on panel

This piece was part of a series of smaller encaustic pieces that I worked on a while back. What a mess I got myself into , but oh it was worth it. My blue jeans and shoes covered in wax, but fortunately came out with some work that made that melt down worth while. Today I took the time to "Remember When"

"Airdrie 7 Art Show and Sale (NOVEMBER 7th)

Just thought I would like to extend and invitation to all of you art lovers out there! Airdrie 7 is gearing up for our first annual Christmas Show and Sale Event. Come out and have some dainties and mingle with the artists. Great way to meet new friends, view some wonderful artwork, and take home some Christmas gifts for your loved ones!

The show will be held at Veronica Funk's House, Saturday, November 7th, from 10:00 - 4:00pm. The Address is 44 Spruce Grove Cr. S.E. Airdrie, Alberta.

Feel free to bring Guests, family and friends!

"Bart" 18 X 24 Oil on Canvas

All dressed up with somewhere to go, thats Bart. He is a young fellow with alot of goals and dreams in mind. He is confidently walking in the direction of his dreams. For now he is working in sales but his real dream will be to attend Law School. He is saving every penny, and we know that with his enthusiasm for life, and passion for his goal, he is sure to be a fine Lawyer!

"Monica" 18 X 24 Oil on Canvas

"Monica" is a piece that I did with such artistic liberty. She is young and confident. I really enjoy doing hair, adding alot of colors in my faces, and again her winsome smile. She has a great outlook on life and encourages everyone in her path! Way to go "Monica"

"80's Rockstar" 18 X 24 Oil on Canvas

Working with faces is such fun. This characature happened as I got carried away with hair and highlights. I was working with basic shapes and this piece evolved. Some think its a guy, some think it a girl. What to do , I was simply having a great time, so I called it "80's Rockstar" cause of that big hair. Another piece from my "Wonky People" Series. Hope you enjoy that "Big Texas" hair!

"Debonair Dave" 18 X 24 Oil on Canvas

A while back I had noted that last summer I worked on a "Wonky People" Series. I'll be posting a few of these characters now. My aim was to have fun and celebrate life, capture emotion. Here we have "Dave" looking so fine in his working attire. You gotta love that winsome smile. He doesn't seem concerned that his bangs are uneven, he is just simply having a great day. Gotta love that attitude of his. Rain or shine, Dave is looking "Debonaire"

"Heads or Tails" Mixed Media on paper

This week found me working in mixed media once again. I've come to realize that I really enjoy the layering process. You get lost in time and just keeping pressing forward. Its even more enjoyable with a great cup of tea. Roonie and I had a great tea time together!

"The Grand Opening" 11 X 14 Acrylic on Panel

Here is the second attempt on the previous lovely roses. The yellow one was opening so beautifully, it just felt right to capture this in acrylic. I chose a purple background, and it should come as no surprise as one of the forever colors on my palette is purple. After all, "Life is better with purple in it!"

"Rosebuds" 11 X 14 Mixed Media on panel

Last week as I walked around the supermarket these roses caught my attention. All those beautiful, vivid, colors calling out my name. The selection was indeed stunning and the price was right, so whats a gal to do? Buy Roses, Paint Roses! So with assorted arrangement in hand, creativity filling my soul, off to the studio went I. Here we have the initital attempt of my endeavors.

"Grisaille Tulips" 11 X 14 Acrylic on Canvas

A couple of weeks ago I took a workshop with Karen Makowski, down at Calgary School of Art. What a great class that Karen is teaching. She is an amazing artist and a real gem of an instructor. Personally, I enjoyed her fun spirit, and calm nature. These Tulips were her subject, and I loved her choice. Several artists took the workshop, did the same subject and it was wonderful to see the different styles come out. Thanks Karen for a wonderful day with you!

"Highlights of my Career"

People sometimes ask me what some of the most memorable moments as an artist would be. I think all creative moments are memorable and for different reasons. As an artist, I love living the creative life and bringing it with me wherever I go. I've had the opportunity to travel and meet the most amazing people. Some of the latest highlights for me include the following:

2009 - Founding Member of Airdrie 7

2008 - Guest Artist, Nunavet, Arctic Canada

2008 - Bergen Art Auction, Calgary, Alberta

2007 - Guest Artist, 3 African Kings, Calgary, Alberta

"Down by The Bay" 11 x 14 Oil on Canvas

What do you do on an night when you just can't sleep? You paint! So this is what I did. Why toss and turn when you can be creative instead. When returning to bed after my creative venture, I slept and maybe even dreamt, that this is what I saw "Down By the Bay"

"Squared Up" 9 X 12 Oil on Panel

This piece is a just because one. No real story to it. Sometimes I just get the urge to get the oils out and play. As it turns out I even like the imperfection of the pattern. Recently I've purchased some oil pencils and looking forward to trying these out soon.

"Untitled" 36 X 48 Mixed Media on Canvas

For those of you who noticed a few posts back, that I had started to work on a larger piece with a watercolor flow to it. As it sat in my studio awaiting my return, it clearly called for more color and adventure. Mixed Media here we come! All of us have dreams, and dreams do come true. With alot of hard work, gratitude and passion, you are sure to notice this too! To all the dreamers out there, this one is for you!

"New Song" 24 x 30 Oil on Canvas

I have to admit, I love this funky Chicken! Loved how vibrant the colors turned out and I can almost hear her sing her "New Song" as she steps out on center stage! Off to the Art Auction block she went.

"Prince Charming" Oil on Canvas

It seems that Roonies and Sunflowers are always on call for me to paint! With a folk twist, here is Prince Charming coming out of the barn to show off his true colors. This piece was donated for an Art Auction.

"Pink Slipper" 5 x 7 Oil on Panel

For all the Ballerinas out there and for the love of dance, was Pink Slipper created.

"Sunflower" 18 x 24 Watercolor on Canvas

This Sunflower was an experiment with watercolor on canvas. It was donated to the Bergen Art Auction, last summer. Now some lovely folks have it in their living room!

"Untitled" 36 X 48 Acrylic on Canvas

Loving watercolors like I do, at times I work acrylics in like manner. Just love the wet, drippy, effects you get on canvas too! Not quite sure if this one is done. I'm liking the look but deciding if I'll go darker in some areas. At times I'll let a piece sit a while and then get the urge one day to go back and work on it more. Other times someone will walk in my studio and declare "Its Done" This can and ussually is a great blessing as I can tend to overwork some pieces.

"Highways" 5 X 7 Mixed Media

Highways is a mixed media piece that I worked on along with others. It is framed in a green leather frame that I felt complimented the work. Its sometimes fun to work on smaller pieces. I love to switch it up a bit and go from larger to smaller work at times, and then back to large again. Something happens to the creative flow when you stretch yourself in this way.

You are invited to a Gallery Grand Opening!"

Hello Everyone: I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to view my work and meet with me in person. Shutterbug Frame and Gallery is having their Grand Opening Gala event, next Weds evening, August 19th. They are situated just a few doors down from the Bass Pro Shop, located in the new Cross Iron Mills Mall, Balzac, Ab. The evening will start at 7:00 - 9:00pm. Looking forward to seeing you there! Rick, Melissa and staff are an amazing group to work with and I am thankful for being invited to be a part of the team!

My wall display will include pieces seen on my blog, such as "Morning Stroll, Expressions, Fruit Explosion" Some not on my blog will be some new pieces, called "Asian Bride, Times Past, Admiration, Beauty Within, Fruit Basket, Parrot From Xcaret, Poppies, Forest View and Old World Charm.

"Morning Stroll" 24 X 36 Oil on Canvas

I'm sure not everyone is up bright and early as this fellow is! The early bird does get the worm though. Not sure if its a worm he is after of if he is on his way to town for coffee with the boys! Anyway you slice it, this Roonie is out for a Morning Stroll!

"Fruit Explosion" 11 x 14 Encaustic on panel

This piece was created for sheer pleasure! Our fruit trees are bearing some wonderful fruit this season. "Hum, do I make jam or do I paint fruit?" I think both!

"Resting Place"

This beautiful bird passed through our yard a while back. Not sure where he was headed, or from where he came. We did enjoy him for a short while, till he started on his journey again. Wishing for you safe travelling too as you head to and fro this summer!

"Barn" 6 X 8 Oil on Panel

Being That it is Stampede time again, I thought this barn scene was due! Be sure to check my older posts, and see if you can find the cowgirl on her way to Stampede! You know when you've found her as she is the one in the 10 gallon hat!

"Unity" Acrylic on Canvas (With Susan Harris)

"Unity" is a piece that I was honored to work on with Susan Harris. Susan is an amazing artist, friend and member of the airdrie 7 group. We were asked to paint live at a Women's Conference. We did this painting working side by side, and switching sides as we worked. It was quite the experience. Women came up afterwards and told us all the excitement and emotions they felt as we worked on it. Others came up with their own interpretations of what it might mean. We hope you enjoy it too!

"Sunflowers" Watercolor on paper 2004

These Sunflowers were painted in a class I took from Gwen Day. She is an amazing artists whom I admire. There were about 15 of us in class and all of these turned out so different. This was one of the first of many of my Sunflower pieces. The Croft Gallery, then in Calgary, Ab, saw these and asked me to do a "Sunflower Show" for them. Thanks, Gwen for inspiring me! I haven't stopped painting these Beauties since!

"Venetian Glass" Watercolor on Paper

As you can tell, I love Sunflowers! It is said that the Sunflower's head turns and faces the sun all day long. As a believer in Jesus Christ, my job is to face the Son all day long too. He is the one who helps me paint and do all things. One day we will all have to face him so why not now? The apple at the bottom of this piece represents each one of us as "The apple of His eye" I feel its a bright, cheery piece that beckons you to have the dinner set for friends or family to come and dine!

Characature of Fine Young Man!

Last Summer I wanted to try some fun portraits of some fine young people. I had the time of my life. Some turned out fairly realistic and some turned out totally wonky, but still so much fun in the process and I was pleased with the results. This is one of my favorites.

"Blue Heron II"

If you enjoyed the first one off these, you will really enjoy this one! Here he is again this time looking much more comfortable. Check out his surroundings! Beautiful indeed!!!

"Blue Heron" Photograph

My Husband just couldn't resist taking a photo of this guy. Amazingly enough we were able to get fairly close to him, as he posed for this shoot. It is always a pleasure when we come across one of these in our journey. I have been away enjoying nature alot lately and so my easel is waiting for my return! Sure hope you have a chance to slow down and hear the birds sing too!!!

"Poppies" 8 x 10 multimedia on panel

Having a love for many medias, and frequently needing to change how I work, thought this was a lovely bouquet to display! This is a combination piece of my watercolor, encaustic meshed in gold. All layers becoming one! I love how the colors seem to dance in the fire.

My Studio

Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you who came out to our 1st show and demo! We had wonderful weather and a great crowd of guests. The artists did an amazing job and a good time was had by all!!! Thought this was a good day to show you my studio space. I absolutely love this room and use it daily along with my dining room at times when I'm doing multi media pieces. Some of the art work in here is completed and awaiting framing and others are in process. On the far left you will see part of a painting I've done called "Grassroots". It is acrylic on canvas. Well, the studio is empty, so one can only guess I'm probably in the garden, or out having a latte with a friend!

"Sadie" 16 x 16 Oil on Canvas

"Sadie" Pronounced "Say - Dee" is here to greet you folks and remind you of the "Airdrie 7 Art Show and Demo, this Saturday, May 16th, at 27 Tucker Road, Airdrie, Alberta. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out all the other amazing artists and their websites and blogs at www.airdrie7.blogspot.com

"Shadow and Friend"

The last few posts I've been wishing for you a pal or two. Shadow is our family Cockatiel and one of my buds. He loves to fly to the top of the cupboards and there he has a friend Roonie. Shadow is much more active than his friend and loves to sing for us. He also lands on our shoulders or head if you happen to be munching on popcorn or tacos. He loves our Bichon Shitzu and lands on her head too. Zoe doesn't mind and lets our bird chase her around on the floor. We should get that on America's Funniest Home Videos.

" Two " Oil on Canvas 12 x 24

Last summer was a great time to do some oils. I love to get the brushes, palette knives and just go for it. I was really in the blue/green color scheme mode. The colors just feel so fresh and vibrant. Feels like Summer to me. This image could be you and a friend trying something new. For me it represents my mom and friends behind me in my journey, encourageing me to go for it. In other words, my cheerleading section of life. Hope you have one too!! Always better to go by "TWO"

" Transparent " 8 x 10 Encaustic on Panel

Transparent - This piece was made up of a couple different pieces. The under painting was finished last fall. I dug it out as we sometimes do and decide to rework them. I had completed the upper piece this past week and thought how fine they might look together and here we have the combined result.

"Beyond our Galaxy" 11 x 14 Mixed Media

I was desiring to do a few mixed media pieces this spring that were abstract in nature. These were so much fun, as there are so many layers and layers. The process was as much fun as the outcome.

"Two Buds" Smashed Tile Mosiac 12 x 16

Two Buds was a fun smashed tile mosiac piece that I completed a few years back. With lots of planning, gathering of tiles, smashing(the fun part) and carefully laying them out, you can walk away content with the process. I was able to do a few other that I may post at a later date. I wish you all at least one other Bud to celebrate you and life with!

" Tulips" 16 x 24 Encaustic on panel

Spring is in the air, and the first flowers we are bound to see are tulips. Enjoy them while they last. Even if you don't grow them in you're own garden, you can brighten up any room with a fresh purchased bouquet of these gems!!! Enjoy!

"Fly Away Home" 11 x 14 Encaustic on panel

Here we have another mixed media encaustic. Thought being Mother's Day week-end and all, this is a nice thought. Many of us now live away from our Mothers and wish we could all Fly Away Home to be there with them. My own mother is so special to me, that even if she wasn't my mother I would go out of my way to be friends with her!!! Its also her birthday on Mother's Day, and she had 12 children and took in everyone 's children, when they were going through tough times. My mom is my Hero, so hats off to you Mom! (and all the other moms out there on the planet who work so hard to make decent citzens, and make the world a much brighter place!!!!

"Dignity" 5 x 5 Encaustic on panel

One of my new found loves is Encaustic. Encaustic means to "to burn in" The ancient Egyptians used to have their portraits done in it. It can be done using melted or cold waxes. It has surpassed the test of time and the artwork done in it have survived 2000 years! The Butterfly here reminds me of the gals of Airdrie 7, they are coming out in Dignity, Beauty and style to serve their community and bring the arts to a new level! Heres to the Ladies!

"Chez Nous" 24 x 36 Oil on Canvas

As a child, I loved to play in the forest on the east side of my family's home. "Chez Nous" is the French saying for "At our House". This serves as a reminder of childhood days!