Stampede Western Art Auction & "Art Church" at Bluerock Gallery!

"WIP - "Chaps On A Break", 18x24, oil on panel - Stampede Western Art Auction

 

Teacup #10 & Sun-Kissed Frolic at Bluerock Gallery, Black Diamond, AB

 "Sun-Kissed Frolic", oil on linen, 12x12, at Bluerock Gallery, Black Diamond, AB

"Chaps On A Break", oil on panel, 18x24: Meet Rob Erickson, along with his trusty companion horse and dog, High-Country and Tikki. I met Rob, cowboy and outfitter, after he was ending a long day of herding cattle. Rob was kind enough to allow me to paint him and his companions several times since our meeting. Even one of his cows posed for me! 

The finishing touches will go on this painting at the Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction, Thursday, July 13th, 2017,  after which it will be auctioned live.  I'll be participating in "Artists in Action". Your bid on this painting, (if you fancy it) will support the Grade 12 Western Art Scholarship. 

You can read more about it here. 

"Sun-Kissed Frolic", 12x12, oil on linen & "Teacup #10", 6x6 oil on panel:  

These paintings, along with other new works,  are available at Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamond.

This Sunday, July 16th, 10am - 3pm,  I will be setting up my easel along with a few of my fellow artists for the galleries inaugural monthly event, "Art Church!" 

If you live in the area, be sure to point your car in the direction of Bluerock Gallery ... it's a lovely drive and a wonderful, art-filled gallery.  I hope to see you there!

Read more about it on Bluerock's website.

Follow me on Instagram @bobbidunlop  for stuff you won't see on facebook :) - or my facebook page Bobbi Dunlop Fine Art.

Sign up for my email newsletter here. for updates on class/workshop information and my newest paintings.

WORKSHOP NEWS - OIL PAINTING DEMO - MY MEXICAN WORKSHOP!

 "Reverie", oil on linen/panel, 6x6 inches SOLD

"Lindsay", Work-in-progress, oil on linen 

The paintings above show my various processes and what we'll be focusing on in  my workshops  ... building shapes and sculpting with paint. And having fun!

"SIMPLE IDEAS: POWERFUL PAINTINGS"

Oil & Acrylic Painting Workshop

“Painting The Clothed Figure from Life – In the Interior”

* Saturday & * Sunday, June 17 & 18, 2017  

         10am - 4:00 pm each day

* Fri Night Demo: 6:00 – 8:30 June 16 (included)

Demo open to everyone ($25)

$225 + shared model fee $25

Note: all demonstrations will be done in oil

Email: bobbi@bobbidunlop.com to register

Impact Picture Framing Studio

4034 – 7^th Street S.E.

Calgary, AB 403-243-2000

This workshop is for you …  if you have an interest in experiencing the “joy” of putting brushmarks on canvas  … without labouring over drawing and measuring.

In this two-day, simplified, exciting but challenging milieu, you will be guided through the process of painting the clothed figure from life - in a simulated interior setting.

NOTE:  THIS DEMO IS OPEN TO EVERYONE!

to read more about this workshop ..

JOIN ME IN MEXICO!  JANUARY, 2018

 ~Casa Buena Art Retreat~

From their website:

"Casa Buena Art Retreat between Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, Mexico is a calm and beautiful place to relax, rejuvenate and explore your creative energy.

The colorful villages, pristine beaches, tropical jungles, and the sounds and smells of daily life take you right into the heart of authentic rural Mexico. Fishermen, tortilla makers, street sweepers, donkeys, and bicycles, all add to the colorful animated village life."

About My Workshop:

A painting magically reaches out and pulls you across the room for a closer look.

How or why does that happen?

It's often a simple subject, yet a painting can be so captivating, it just doesn't let go ... mysteriously drawing you to look closer.

This 4-Day workshop will touch on all the
"Simple Ideas" that Bobbi emphasizes throughout her teaching: " logical ideas " ... the nuts and bolts necessary to build a strong, beautiful painting. Ideas that help take the mystery out of painting and add the magic you are seeking.

Please contact me for further details.

...read more about this workshop at Casa Buena Art Retreat

 "Casa Buena", painting studies of some beautiful images for my upcoming workshop in Mexico. 

"Rome", pencil, watercolour, pen & ink

"Venice", pencil, watercolour, pen & ink

Recently I've renewed my love of watercolours and combined it with drawing with pencil and pen & ink.  Artists call these "Postcards" and it's a perfect way to go when you want to travel light.  These were painted for my watercolour and acrylic classes from photos from our trip.  We'll be exploring these little gems from life while relaxing in the beautiful Mexican sunshine!

Please contact me for information ... and visit Casa Buena's website for more.

If you'd like to be kept up to date with my workshops and see my work as it is posted, please sign up for my newsletter here.

New Workshop!

"Brenda", from a life session

8x10 oil on panel, SOLD

For all you figurative painters!   I'm teaming up with one of my favourite models (Brenda) for my next workshop - "Painting the Clothed Figure from Life - In the Interior".

I will be demonstrating in oil but acrylic painters are welcome. Some experience - Advanced.  

Please stay tuned for all the details which I'll post here and on my website (Workshop Link).

In the meantime, feel free to contact me for details at bobbi at bobbidunlop dot com.

Open-Studio-Classes

OPEN-STUDIO-CLASSES

WATERCOLOUR | ACRYLIC | DRAWING and OIL 

Month-to-Month - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

 "Work-in-Progress"

"Study - A Studio Visit", oil on panel, 14x11 inches

You can now find me in my new teaching digs at the lovely new studio space at Impact Picture Framing.  

Take your work to the next level! 

Beginners ~Advanced ~ In-Between? - My classes are open to all levels!. But not only that, whether you're a watercolourist, acrylic or oil painter or love to draw, I will help you develop your particular discipline, in your own style.

"In concert with her philosophy, "keeping-ideas-simple", Bobbi generously shares knowledge from her professional artist's toolbox. Exploring subjects in the genre of your choosing, from figurative/portraiture to landscape/plein air to still life, from a photo or painting from life, Bobbi will guide you with sensitivity to achieve your own visual voice. There'll be plenty of mini-demos, lots of one-on-one personal guidance; lots of sharing! Open to watercolour, acrylic and oil painters as well as drawing. All levels."


Class Time: Please inquire
Cost: Month-to-Month - $120 for 4 week month
Impact Picture Framing
4034 - 7th Street S.E.
Calgary, AB 
403-243-2000

Please contact me by email to register, for more information and for supply lists.

Spirit of Christmas in Bragg Creek

 "Teacup #12", oil on panel, 6x6 inches $450

"Teacup #13", oil on panel, 6x6 inches, $450 (framed)

Festive, Sparkly and Fun! If you're looking for something for that special person on your Christmas list, my new works will be available on Saturday, December 10th at 

Art Country Canada in Bragg Creek. 

Join Me There this Saturday!

"Teacup #13" is hot off the easel and I'll have more of these little treasures to choose from.  There's still time to choose your favourite and have it shipped in time for Christmas.

And don't miss Bragg Creek's Spirit of Christmas Festival which is in full swing as the community "transforms into a winter wonderland complete with many free family activities".

Email me with your inquiries... bobbi@bobbidunlop.com

My work is available at these fine galleries.

Bluerock Gallery, Black Diamond, AB

Art Country Canada, Bragg Creek

"Teacup #10"

"Teacup #10", oil on panel, 6x6 inches

 by Bobbi Dunlop


 This is the lovely sugar bowl from my paternal Grandmother's collection, handed down and eventually passed along to me by my mother. While it's not technically a teacup, I've chosen to include it in this series.  This delicate sugar bowl, as well as the teacup, have appeared several times over the years in my paintings.

Sadly, I never knew my grandmother as she passed away a few years before I was born. I am told that she was remarkably artistic and an accomplished photographer and business woman, very much ahead of her time.  I am so proud to share her name.

Whenever I paint these treasured cups, I think of her.
~Evelyn Bell Jackson Dunlop~

Painted from life, this painting is unframed and varnished for longevity.

Available at Bluerock Gallery
Black Diamond, AB
 

"Teacup #9"

"Teacup #9"

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches  by Bobbi Dunlop

Another cherished teacup and saucer from my lovely collection.

"Teacup #9" is the latest in my Teacup collection and is now available at

Bluerock Gallery
Black Diamond, AB

"Ripe and Reddy"

"Ripe and Reddy"

oil n panel, 4.25 x 8 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

Sitting on my kitchen counter, these beautiful little nectarines were just ripe for a painting!  What I love most about painting from life is that even the most simple and ordinary of subjects are transformed into something magnificent when sculpted in paint.

These small paintings make lovely groupings and are perfect for gift giving - weddings/showers, birthdays  -  and perhaps for the special people on your Christmas list.

Thanks for visiting!  

This painting and others are now available at:

Bluerock Gallery

Black Diamond, AB

"Pink Azaleas"

"Pink Azaleas"

oil on linen on panel, 4.75 x 6 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

These lovely little Azaleas were painted alla prima (all in one go)  from life in my studio.  Capturing the delicacy and  freshness of a floral in paint can be challenging for the artist but it is so enjoyable and so worth the effort.

This painting  is an odd size (4.75 x 6 inches), somewhat postcard in size.  If you're new to collecting or you want to add to your collection, I can't think of a better way to bring artwork into your home for your enjoyment and pleasure.  Framed and in a grouping, these paintings really are quite irresistable.

I hope you'll visit Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamond, AB to view the other little paintings in my collection.

Thanks for visiting!

"Sunnyside Stroll"

"Sunnyside Stroll"

Oil on Panel, 8x6 inches

Every Saturday morning, a group of artist friends meet at our local Sunnyside Art Supply store for a day of plein air painting.   Loaded down with paints and canvases, we eagerly set out on foot to explore the lovely historic neighbourhood of Sunnyside.

Painting en plein air is a French phrase which literally means, "in the open air". Heading out of your studio with your gear to paint the elements is challenging, to say the least, and not every painting is successful. This practice goes back centuries and it's a wonderful way for artists to paint nature from life and also enjoy the camaraderie of friends at the same time.

For the landscape painter, these little paintings might serve as studies for larger paintings back in the studio.  Perhaps painted in milder weather and developed in larger more complex paintings in the colder months of the year. Plein air paintings have become hugely popular with collectors who appreciate the freshness of these works that capture a moment in time in such a simple way.

For me, painting en plein air is a wonderful way to get out of my studio and enjoy painting at its finest ... I was happy with this little painting done at a spot I've painted numerous times with friends.  I hope you like it!

"Sombrero Ride"

"Sombrero Ride"

Oil on Panel, 6x8 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

I've been invited to teach several oil painting workshops in beautiful Mexico in the next year at Casa Buena Art Retreat. I'm so looking forward to this experience and in order to get in the Mexico painting groove, I thought I'd paint a few of the gorgeous subjects from the area.  

Artist, Jane Romanishko, owner/operator of Casa Buena Art Retreats generously shared her beautiful photo references with me to paint from.  

You can read more about my Casa Buena Art Workshop by clicking on the Featured Post in the sidebar... or visit Casa Buena Art Retreats for further details. 

 This little gem is available to buy at Bluerock Gallery in Black Diamnd, AB.

 I hope you'll join me in Mexico!

"Reverie"

"Reverie - Study"

oil on linen on panel, 6x6 inches

SOLD

 My oldest daughter, Danica, is the model for this painting.  I like to call these little paintings 'studies' because they're simple, quick and lots of ideas can be worked out in this format.  I find them irresistable and so much fun to paint ... and on top of that, a wonderful learning tool.

JOIN ME IN MEXICO! NEW WORKSHOPS and RETREAT !

JOIN ME IN BEAUTIFUL 

 ~CASA BUENA, MEXICO~

for this fun painting workshop and art retreat!

 

“Simple Simple Simple” 

is Bobbi’s teaching and painting philosophy!

3 Dates to choose from:

November 23 - 30, 2016
March 22 - March 29, 2017
January 17 - 24, 2018 

A painting magically reaches out and pulls you across the room for a closer look.

How or why does that happen?

It’s often a simple subject, yet a painting can be so captivating, it just doesn’t let go … mysteriously drawing you to look closer.

This 4-Day painting workshop(7 day retreat) will touch on all the “Simple Ideas” that Bobbi emphasises throughout her teaching: “Logical ideas” … the nuts and bolts necessary to build a strong, beautiful painting.  Ideas that help take the mystery out of painting and add the magic you are seeking.

To read more about this experience of a lifetime, please visit ~ Casa Buena Artist Retreats  ~  or visit Workshops & Events on my website.

I'd love to have you join me!  If you have any questions, please email me at bobbi@bobbidunlop.com

Teacup #8

"Teacup #8", oil on panel, 6x6 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

NFS

Please visit my Daily Paintworks Gallery  and auction to view more of my little gems! 

Sunnyside Back Lane - Workshop Announcement!

 "Sunnyside Back Lane"- Black & White Value Study in oil by Bobbi Dunlop

"Sunnyside Back Lane - behind the coffee shop", 

oil on panel, 8x10 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

Painting demo at plein air workshop at Sunnyside Art Supplies, Spring,  2014

It's beginning to feel like spring is in the air!  Let's paint a landscape!

(Note: this is not a plein air mini-workshop - we will be painting indoors with a photo (supplied)

One of the biggest joys of spring is the thrill of packing up my paints and easel and 

getting out into the beautiful outdoors to paint the landscape from life. 

 

Is this something you've always dreamed of doing, too?  

If so ... Join me for this fun and information packed mini-workshop

 - It's very simply about the fundamentals of painting a landscape.

Geared for the beginner painter as well as a great refresher for those who are a little rusty.  And, most importantly for those who want to learn more about tackling painting outdoors and what's involved to get started on this new painting adventure.

"Let's paint a Landscape"

Mini-Workshop

Sunday, March 20th, 2016 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Sunnyside Art Supplies

Parking at Rear

403-475-0608 to register

132 - 10th Street N.W. - Calgary

Cost: $65 (supplies not included)  

Small class size so register early. Bobbi will demo a painting with the class. 

Lots of hands-on personal guidance.

Please visit Sunnyside Art Supplies for complete details and supply list.

Old Centurions

"Old Centurions - Study"

oil on linen/panel, 6x8 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

When in Rome, take the time to do what these guys do!

Just hangin' in the Piazza Navonna, enjoying the sounds of the water in the fountain
 and the bustle of people going about their day.  Such a familiar sight.
Enjoy the fantastic historic sculpture while reminiscing about your

amazing Roman experiences.

This is a little study done for a larger painting and
it's available in my "Daily Paintworks" Auction.  To Bid on this painting, click on the link.

Visit my Daily Paintworks Gallery for more little gems!

It's a New Year!

"Dynastic Horseman"

Oil on panel, 32x22 inches

By Bobbi Dunlop

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I love the start of a New Year!

Like a blank canvas, it`s a new start and brings with it endless possibilites, 

hope and renewed inspiration.

I`m excited to be starting a new mini-workshop at Sunnyside Art Supplies.  

I`ll be at the store with my easel and paints on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 

noon - 5pm.  Please stop by to chat about my workshop plans.

To kick off the season, I`ll be teaching an ``Absolute Beginners Oil Painting, 101`` Mini-Workshop - so if you`d like to be game ready for our upcoming spring

 plein air season - be sure to sign up!  

Click on the link to Sunnyside Art Supplies and call the store to register ... 

Workshop Date to be announced soon.

To read about my 2016 Workshop Schedule see the Workshop Link on my website.

Merry Christmas!

"Crabapples", oil on panel, 6x6 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

I'm posting one of my favourite paintings today ... It's an older one and while these aren't Holly Berries nor is it  mistletoe, the lively red apples and surrounding greenery is definitely a reasonable substitution.

I'd like to wish all of you a very Blessed Christmas and the best wishes for a Healthy and Happy 2016.

For those of you who have 'learning to paint' on your list of 'things to do' in the New Year, please see the sidebar for my 2016 Workshop Calendar.

Blessings!

 

. 

SUNNY PITCHER - Daily Paintworks Auction

"Sunny Pitcher", 

oil on linen/panel, appx 6x6 inches

I'm so enjoying painting my ecclectic collection of teacups ... since I began painting these Dailies,  many people have shared with me about their own teacup collections.

Each teacup holds a special memory and a story of its own. 

  

 It occurred to me that in order to have a proper tea party we must also have a cream pitcher ... so I've painted one. Enjoy!

"TEACUP #7"

"Teacup #7", oil on panel, 6x6 inches by Bobbi Dunlop

SOLD

Many years ago I painted this lovely blue teacup in a watercolour  painting ... I really enjoyed  exploring the vibrant colour as I painted it from life, in oil, once again.

Painting "Dailies" is something I've returned to a number of times over the years since my first venture into Daily Painting in 2007.  Personally, I find it an irresistible way to explore and experiment with new ideas.  Plus, it gives me so much pleasure to bring these little gems to life and  to see them lined up in my studio along my studio shelves. 

So many artists today are exploring this phenomenon of 'painting daily' and there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to it, which  makes it all the more appealing for anyone who wants to add their personal stamp to the fun.

Artists jump into the fray for a variety of reasons;  ultimately, the ideal purpose is one of 'artistic growth'.  The small size of 'dailies' provides a means for an artist to start a painting and bring it to completion -  frequently.  It's an opportunity to experiment, take chances and have fun - all while moving toward a unique and personal artistic vision.

My habit is to "rough in" a painted sketch or "mass-in" of the teacup on my small hand-made panels.  This mass-in is simply and loosely done, not worrying about detail - just putting my teacup into its own little space on the square panel, the purpose being to develop a very simple abstract design and a concept for my painting. 

Often I will do a rough-in of several teacup paintings at a time as it takes mere  minutes to accomplish this. Overnight, the initial painted block-in dries and this is when I begin to apply colour.  I like to work this way because having a dry, fixed design to work on allows me to concentrate on paint and texture with my brush, not worrying about disturbing that underlying concept/design.  Having a concept or idea firmly in  mind enables me to work toward that goal or finished painting right from the first brush mark.

In my previous post, "Teacup #6" you will find a short step-by-step of the process I've described here.  I will post more in the posts come.

My upcoming 1-Day workshop "Painting the Still-Life, from Life" is an opportunity to take this idea of developing a concept further, in a larger format.  I hope you'll join me.  You can find a description and schedule of my workshops on the "Workshop" link on my website.