It is commonly known in the artistic community that oil paint is used for its stability, depth of colour, flexibility, textural variety and slow-drying nature. The medium can be used in a range of techniques, from thin glazes diluted with turpentine to dense thick impasto. This enables artists to work on a painting over several days. Added to these benefits … Read the article
The History and Art of Landscape Painting
In essence, landscape painting is the depiction of nature and natural scenery. Landscapes have been painted since ancient times with the Greeks and Romans creating wall paintings of natural scenic elements. The independent genre of landscape can be found as far back as 4th century China. However, it did not emerge into Western culture until the Renaissance in the 16th … Read the article
Happy birthday Canada! – Discover where the word Canada comes from
This year the 1st of July marks the 156th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. There will be celebrations across this vast continent for many people. The celebration itself was initially known as Dominion Day, the national holiday of Canada. It was brought about after discussions on the possibility of a confederation between the colonies of British North America throughout the … Read the article
History of Miniature Paintings
In honour of our upcoming Masterpieces in Miniature Exhibition in May 2023, we are looking at the history of miniature paintings. The origins can be traced back to the 9th – 10th century Western India, where images were found on palm leaf manuscripts in the Buddhist Pala period. These were thought to be influenced by mural paintings. Subsequently, during the … Read the article
What do you know about art? – Here’s an easy way to learn
Life is a constant learning curve with many topics, as well as experiences and art is no exception. We can all appreciate a painting by merely looking at it. What is not known, by mere sight, however, are the plethora of styles, mediums and compositions. After all art appreciation centers around the ability to view art throughout history, focusing on … Read the article
Emergence into Spring
As Albertan’s we know the length of our winters and the ‘false’ spring’s that promise warmth and then dash our hopes. When the actual release of winter’s grip arrives there is an emergence, much like a bear from hibernation, into the outside world. The first flush of chlorophyll is a welcomed sight with leaf buds unfurling on grey branches, and … Read the article
An Introduction into Bird Painting – with history dating back to the Middle Ages
In light of the bird painting workshop with Charity Dakin on 4th and 5th of March, we wanted to delve into the subject a little further. Learn more or Register here The painting of birds represents a range of ideas including freedom, nobility, fertility, and bravery, but can also be omens for both good and ill. They are often used … Read the article
2023 Colour of the Year is Viva Magenta – vibrant with vigour
This year’s Pantone Colour of the Year is Viva Magenta 18-1750, a vibrant colour based on the cochineal colour family of fuchsias, reds and purples. The colour itself galvanizes our spirit with its vigour, and as part of the red family is expressive of new strength. A good choice for a new year free from the rigours of the pandemic … Read the article
Picture This Artist Michael Dumas Featured in the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Wyoming
The painting “Winter Drift” by Michael Dumas was recently selected for the Western Visions 2021 Exhibition at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. “Winter Drift” is an original oil painting measuring 10.5″ x 7.5″ and features a Black-capped Chickadee. Western Visions is the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s largest and longest running fundraiser and features many of … Read the article
Picture This Artist Cindy Sorley-Keichinger Selected for Prestigious Show – Art That Matters to the Planet
A painting by Picture This artist Cindy Sorley-Keichinger has been selected for display in the prestigious art show Art That Matters to the Planet. The original acrylic painting of two zebras, titled Contested, was selected by the Society of Animal Artists jury for display in the art show at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York. Afterwards it … Read the article