The Joanal

I had my first art sale on my Bonanzle web site on February 19, 2009. I was a bit confused at first, trying to figure out how to run a ‘bonanza’. The trickiest part was trying to use the online chat service to talk to people as they entered my store. It got confusing especially when more than one person entered my booth,  but eventually I figured things out. I have only five paintings in my booth right now and for 3 hours they were on sale for 20% off. Unfortunately, nothing sold but I know a lot of people have been looking at my work. Any exposure is good exposure. I plan to run another bonanza in one month’s time as Bonanzle only permits on bonanza a month. Hopefully I’ll be able to make a sale from my booth then. In the meantime, I’m working on getting myself situated so I can paint again and add more paintings to my booth. 

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite painting. Take a look at the paintings listed on the site, then leave me a comment if something catches your fancy. Have a little fun! Trust me looking at my paintings are loads of fun.

I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to market my work online and one of the ways I’ve chosen to do so is by setting up various online stores. The exposure would be good and who knows, I might even make a sale on one of my paintings. Stop in at my Bonanzle Booth, take a look and let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions as to how I might make any improvements.

I sent an e-mail to the author of the reference material I used for the Italian door painting informing her that the painting I did based on one of her photos was completed and posted on my blog and, the following, in part, was her response:

“Joan,
The painting is Brilliant! I think it improves upon the original photo
and is incredibly beautiful. I am honored to have you compliment my
photography in this way. [. . .] Thank you for sharing this with me-it
made my day.
Cheers,
Terry
P.S. Yes, you have my permission to use other photos for future paintings.”

Meet my youngest nephew, Eron. Like most youngsters, he loves playing in the snow. This day the cold temperatures had sease a little, allow him to enjoy something he loves to do,
making forts. Eron will make a fort out of just about anything he and his buddies can find to put one together. On this particular day he was putting to use the heavy snowfall we had from the night before. Here you see the makings of his snow fort in the back yard and deck. It’s obvious he’s quite proud of his accomplishment by the look on his face.

I was inspired to paint this oil painting after seeing a brilliant photograph of this Italian door taken by Webshots Member, ‘terrytigger’. Having lived in Italy for over 6 months, I fell in love with its art and history . I saw many of these doors during my visit to this beautiful country and have been influenced to use much of the country’s historic surroundings as subjects in several of my paintings. This original (not a print) oil painting is 16 x 20 and, was painted using Winsor Newton oils.

It was a family tradition when I was growing up to attend the Canadian Forces annual air shows. I had looked forward each year to see all the planes on display and, gasped in amazement at the dramatic aerobatic feats performed by the talented and brave pilots and their planes. Needless to say it was a sad time for many when the last annual air show was held at Edmonton Garrison in the early nineties. The tradition had come to an end. In honor of my appreciation for the years of enjoyment I experienced watching these performances, I present this lovely little original oil painting depicting a scenario where on a warm, glorious day, highly skilled pilots demonstrated these magnificent Canadian Snowbirds. This particular painting is quite different for me in that it was painted almost entirely with a palette knife in a looser, impressionist style, a step outside my usual and well-known detailed style of painting. Canadian Snowbirds, is an original oil painting (not a print), painted on an 8 x 10 inch stretched canvas using professional GRUMBACHER oils.

In the summer of 2005 I took a driving trip from Alberta to Ontario. . .(what a long drive that was!!!). On the return trip to my hometown, driving through the United States, I made an impromptu stop to stroll the beaches of Lake Superior. It was cool, windy and overcast. With my little canine friend along-side me, I was one of only a handful of people walking the shoreline that day. I saw a female subject in the distance wearing a white visor and seemingly enjoying the quietness while cuddling herself to keep warm. Even though we had never met we had something in common—enjoying our walk along the cool wet sands, listening to the sounds of the crashing waves, and hugging ourselves to stay warm. I love the “Great Lakes”. If you’ve ever seen them, I’m sure you appreciate them too. This original oil painting is my recollection of that day on the cool sandy beaches of Lake Superior.

A great big shout out to all my followers and lovers of my paintings. I finally decided to create a blog especially for showing off my art creations, particularly my paintings. This blog is not a venue to sell my works but if you see a work of art you like and would like to purchase you’re welcome to contact me about the piece. I am also available to do commissions if you have a special idea in mind. Thank you all for your support and for following my work. If you stop by don’t forget to let me know you stopped by by clicking on the “comment” link to leave a brief comment.

Thanks everyone!

Finally! My treadmill sold last night to a couple ladies from Panoka. Yipee!!! I’m very glad about that ’cause I didn’t want to have worry about storing it. Now on the the rest of packing and perhaps building up a trust and faith in my God.