Category: Art

Watercolour paintings

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Finding inspiration in poppy fields

Poppies and other paintings

It is not a secret that some themes and subjects are easier to paint, and especially, if the artist is just starting out. Poppy fields or wildflower meadow definitely make great subject. After engaging for a few classes in two landscape paintings, we decided to paint poppies in a landscape, just for fun and for the love of color. So, we created background for poppy fields, then added flowers on top of that and finally adjusted some values.

This theme was liked a lot, and all students started their paintings without any complications, extreme difficulties or unpleasant surprises.

Poppies pop

Everybody told, they really enjoyed this painting and subject.

The excitement was so great that these paintings got finished by students during the following class, which was the last class before I left for vacation.

Art classes for adults, Ajax

Adult group painting poppies

Students are using artist grade acrylic paints, so, these paintings will last. We had a chance to check out paintings done with students grade paints, and colors had lost they brightness in just 3 years. We are referencing drawings, pictures, and sometimes real flowers to help our imagination with color choices and composition.

Poppies and other paintings

Students have freedom to choose whatever color or its shade they prefer, in order to create their paintings in a way they love it.

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OAA Spring Studio Tour 2012

Garden anemones, spring time painting

Oshawa Art Association Spring Studio Tour

I hope you will be able to make time for the Oshawa Art Association Spring Studio Tour 2012 if you happen to be somewhere in Ajax, Whitby or Oshawa around the next weekend. Spring Studio Tour takes place on May 5th and 6th between 10 am and 4 pm. I have my own art studio where also my art classes take place.

Art tour is a worthy experience

I have no doubt that everyone will enjoy this art tour, there are lots of interesting paintings to look at and possibly buy in order to use as a gift for the upcoming Mother’s Day. What can be more valuable as the joy of giving? I have also numerous floral paintings. They serve as a great gift and are always much appreciated.

Art is timeless

Live flowers wither and cake gets eaten up, but a nice painting will always remind the gift receiver of you, your relationship or friendship. Art is a very delicate thing. We can live without it, but we shouldn’t.  No other decorations can ever compete with art.

White spring blossoms, watercolor
Spring apple blossoms, watercolor by Inese Poga

Support for art is important

Artists don’t actually complain too much. We create, teach others how to draw and paint and work diligently every single day. However, times are tough, and it is so easy to make somebody’s day when buying their painting. That is a huge support. So, think about it, and support your local artists, because these are folks, who really need that. Artists appreciate your interest, and small investment in art can go long ways.

Apple tree blossoms
Anemones in pink

Get advice from trusted source

Such tour is absolutely free, and my art studio, for instance, will have more than exhibition of paintings. I will offer advice on art materials, explain differences between art classes and workshops, introduce new class schedule, new types of art classes. I will also give watercolor demonstration and challenge you to try watercolor washes or drawing on your own. Last year’s tour was well attended, and I think, benefits were mutual.

Garden anemones, spring time painting

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New Year, new art and new experience

Art studio, watercolor paintings

Happy New Year!

The new year should make us richer with new ideas, intentions and goals, help us better understand ourselves and never let us down, as we go through our life and this time.

Summer and watercolor, paint more

I woke up this morning and suddenly realized how happy I was. There was nothing to complain about. The morning was crisp and sunny, it almost seemed like spring.

I could spend the entire day as I wish. Nothing was hurting me, there were no regrets about the previous day. I had a complete freedom over my decisions and intentions, and the day was just about to start. It was like a promise, and I had no doubts this promise will be kept.

What is holding us back when we are unable to turn our dreams into reality? Small issues, big issues or issues which might not be even existing?

In fact, it is very simple in most cases:

Identify what is disturbing you, and get rid of it.

When it’s impossible to get rid of it, try to handle it in the best way.

Fruit still life, watercolor
Fruit and berries, watercolor 61 x 46 cm or 24 x 18 in

My African violets are in full bloom, three are purple, one is pink, and one is white. They blossom every year around this time, and that’s when I paint them.

Watercolor painting, floral
Love in purple 1, 24 x 18 in or 61 x 46 cm

I have added a few views from my art gallery.

I hope it will be a good year with many new paintings. Enjoy!

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This summer in local media

Inese Poga at Silverstone gallery

Sundays on the Porch with SilverStone gallery

I participated in Sundays on the Porch with SilverStone gallery in Pickering. My husband Don was playing guitar and singing. Mary Cook helped us setting up paintings on the porch, so the look was lovely and welcoming. SilverStone art gallery is a small cozy art gallery close to Pickering beach, therefore, people walk and stop by frequently.

Don Smith, musical performance

Great experience

That was wonderful experience which allowed me to meet new people and also give some painting demonstrations. I am quite new to Canada, and every connection helps. All of represented art was painted in Canada since I couldn’t take any paintings across the ocean relocating from Latvia, Europe.

The weather was good, and people were stopping by and checking out paintings we had taken with us.

Watercolor and acrylic artist Inese Poga

Warm welcome

This August Sunday was pretty windy, we really had to watch watercolor paper and small paintings to prevent them from flying away. Pine Ridge Arts Council always supports local artists and helps artists with exhibitions and shows. The local SNAP and local Rogers TV  also had included my art presentations. I can say, it was a warm welcome.

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Pear still life and fall art classes

fall art classes

Still life, – classic or modern, abstract, or realistic, – I adore this subject in any form it’s created. I took my time this summer and painted a good size watercolor on heavy Arches paper. For this particular still life, I used real pears and a cloth next to the window. My intention was using bright and sunny colors as you can see in the resulting painting.

Pears, still life

Golden pears still life on my easel, just finished

It is more my personalized realism painting than pure realism. I chose the placement of fruit and light reflection so that the entire painting shines through flow of colors and shapes.

Still life painting for fall art classes

Watercolor painting, Golden pears, still life. It is 24 x 18 in or 61 x 46 cm in size

In the upcoming art classes, I am teaching still life, floral painting and landscapes.  My goal is to teach students so that they can discover the excitement of drawing and painting real fruits, vegetables, flowers, street scenes, nature scenes without reproducing photos, computer printouts and similar aid. We learn creating a genuinely original art since it originates in our imagination and perception.

Most students are beginners or have very limited experience, but everyone has shown remarkable results so far. There is also usually a group of students with previous experience in painting and drawing. They will also learn numerous new techniques and discover new ideas.

Classes are designed for children 12+ years, youth and adults.

Register here: Sign up for art classes