A little Oil and Garlic

Jean Canavan watercolor 9"x12"

Just a little watercolor painted wet into wet...wet paint into wet paper, that is. I had painted this subject in a large painting, and then thought I wanted to do it again, more loose and impressionistic. I feel as though I am still trying to find the right balance in my painting, not as tight as I used to be, and not as loose as I can be. Capturing the light in a way that makes you feel it is my goal at the moment. Every now and then I hit it on the mark. Not sure this is it, but I just keep trying.

Finally finished

Jean Canavan TBDBITL Memories  Watercolor

Started this painting for my husband as his Christmas gift. Keeping it a secret as I worked on it was a challenge since he was working from home!  I think he was surprised!

London Times

Jean Canavan watercolor 9x11

A little corner of The tower of London from a trip we took a few years ago. I liked how the ivy framed the window and the fancy railing in the background. 

University Of Michigan C.S. Mott's Children's and Women's Hospital

I was really pleased to have a number of my pieces chosen to be reproduced and hung in the brand new University of Michigan C.S. Mott's Children and Women's Hospital. Carol, Pat and I went to the Open House yesterday and toured the building. After looking in many rooms and hallways we found several of Carols and this one of mine. There are 12 floors and not all of them were open. 

There's a small plaque in the front lobby that recognizes the Michigan artists who participated in the project. That's Carol and me reflected in the plaque. It was great to see other 212 artists on the list and to see their works hanging. We are very well represented.

Here's Carol with her beautiful Tulip painting. It was nice to see where the paintings were hung and hope they brighten someones day!

Artwalk 2011

A fun video that captures Saline Artwalk this year. Created by Orin Cassill.

Sunshine and Seashells

Jean Canavan   watercolor   22"x30"

Artwalk is over and done with and was a very nice weekend event. Thanks to everyone who came to Stone Arch! It was a beautiful weekend with lovely fall sunshine. The light through the stained glass windows just shimmered. May be a painting there in all of the photos I shot. As you can see, light is one of my favorite subjects. Anything to get me through the long grey winter in Michigan! What do you paint to get through winter?

Artwalk this weekend!

Come visit for some yummy treats and a wonderful variety of art!!

Little Italy

Jean M. Canavan Little Italy

I'm in love with dramatic lighting-can't seem to get enough of painting scenes with backlighting and drama.The city is a good place to capture that feeling. Here the sun was returning after a long day of quite heavy rain and we were on our way to a small italian restaurant for a good dinner and a glass of chianti! Perfect!

House of Art

This last week was pretty busy with my regular classes that I teach and take, and I added a new one! Follow this link to TwoTwelve's site to see the adorable Houses of Art that my talented students made on tuesday! It was so much fun!
http://twotwelveartscenter.blogspot.com/2011/09/houses-of-art.html

Here it is...Wednesday again!

You know what that means?? Watercolors!!!! How about this wild one? Inspired by black and white drawings of Microscopic Life forms, this was in a show at 212 in the spring. Oh, and part of the requirements were to include something found or recycled in the painting. So, I painted over an old, lifeless, painting and added a bit of collage, and a few rusty bits that I love to pick up when I see them. This felt so out of my comfort zone to paint...but I really enjoy the finished piece. How about you? What have you painted that steps away from your usual style?