Claire Christinel Art

Artist in Residence

2019-07-10T20:05:00.002-07:00

Painting at the Parkside Hotel

I recently had the pleasure of being the Artist in Residence at the Parkside Hotel in Victoria BC, Canada. I painted each day in the most beautiful studio ever, the lobby of the hotel, with floor to ceiling (three floors) windows, Koi ponds with a bridge and exotic tropical gardens and waterfalls. How lucky was I?

I'm best known for my still life work, so although that is what I'm painting in the photo, I mostly painted west coast scenes,which was a lovely change of pace. I had a large gallery space just adjacent to where I was painting, which unfortunately didn't photograph well, so I don't have photos of that. Painting still life pieces from life requires choosing the objects and setting the scene with a single light source, as well as a lot a close observation and working on depicting form, volume, the drama of light and shadow - the reality. Painting land and seascapes allowed more freedom of creativity, combining photo reference, changing colours and basically having a whole of fun! Below is one of the paintings I completed. It was a combination of photos adding the water flowing down the sand to the shoreline, and I also played with colour and enhanced the reflections. I was pretty happy with the result.

Coastal Reflections Acrylic 12 x 12

Oak Bay Artists Spring Studio Tour

2019-04-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Tour Brochure and Map available HERE.

Enjoy an afternoon walking, biking or riding the lovely streets of Oak Bay, as you visit the studios of Oak Bay Artists. I have developed a new studio which will be open to visitors. My Camino de Santiago series entitled "One Million Steps" is growing, (see below) and some new still life paintings also await. If you're in the area I hope you can drop by and say hi!

On 'The Way' Oil 12 x 16

Daybreak on the Camino

2019-03-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

Daybreak Oil 12 x 16

I'm so excited and honoured to announce that my painting Daybreak was awarded First Place on Thursday evening at the Federation of Canadian Artists Juried Spring Exhibition Opening, at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. There are so many lovely paintings by some of Victoria's favourite local artists in the show. The exhibition continues through to March 31st so if you are in the area, do try to drop by and enjoy the art.

This painting was inspired by an early morning start on the Camino de Santiago last May. We had stayed overnight in an ancient stone Abbey, and I was SO COLD the entire time. We left early and as a make up for the night before, the sunrise was magnificent, providing many opportunities for inspired paintings.

Hot off the Easel!

2019-02-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Daybreak Oil 12 x 16

Green Tea & Oranges/Suzanne Oil 16 x 16

I'm pleased to announce that these two paintings were accepted into the Federation of Canadian Artists Juried Spring Exhibition 2019 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria,

March 3 - 31. Our Opening Reception will be on March 7th, 6:00 - 8:30pm. The artists will be attendance, along with live guitar jazz and refreshments. Entrance to the Massey Gallery is free of charge by checking in with the front desk on arrival. If you live in the area I hope you can drop by! The exhibition poster is below.

Spring Art Exhibition

2019-02-19T16:14:00.003-08:00

Federation of Canadian Artists

Juried Spring Exhibition 2019

Everyone Welcome! The Federation of Canadian Artists in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, are hosting our Juried Spring Exhibition and Sale at the AGGV, in the Massey Hall. This show featuring emerging through to professional local artists, will be exhibiting the highest quality paintings. Our Exhibition Opening is Thursday March 7, from 6:00 - 8:30pm, with artists in attendance, live jazz, and refreshments. We look forward to welcoming you there!

The Exhibition continues March 3 - 31 with Gallery hours listed below:

Tues-Wed, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-5pm, and Monday Closed

Check in at the front desk to visit Massey Gallery at no charge.

Asian Themed Still Life

2019-02-10T15:51:00.001-08:00

Eastern Elegance II 18 x 24 Oil

I love the Asian aesthetic and have painted many paintings with Asian inspired objects. Living on the west coast there is a lot of Asian influence and it's easy to find beautiful props in thrift shops or consignment stores.

This was the first painting I did in my new studio inside my house, which I was still busy trying to figure out. I now have great lighting in the room, so I can easily paint at night time if I want to. The bulbs I purchased are Satco LED A19, 15.5W, and 5000K which provides full spectrum light. I can easily see the colours on my palette as well as on my canvas. Because I paint from life and try to have only one light source, I set up my still life in a black shadow box, with a spot light trained on the set up. I then taped some wide sheets of Aluminium foil attached to each other as one, from the ceiling, blocking the room lighting from hitting the still life set up. The shiny side is turned away from me, which is working, but I may change this to a dark fabric. I also have black out fabric curtains to avoid sunlight coming in when painting a still life, as I have a south facing studio. It's heaven to not have to set up and break down all the time, and to have all my reference books, magazines, props and painting materials all in one place!! What is the best thing in your studio that you're really happy with?

Old Stone and Cats

2019-01-03T10:29:00.003-08:00

Siesta Acrylic SOLD

Here's another painting inspired by my walk across the north of Spain, on the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. I loved the old stone buildings that had stood for hundreds of years and been repaired many times with plaster. I also loved the hundreds of cats along the route, draped in the sunshine snoozing.

I really enjoyed painting this one. What was interesting, was that capturing the feel of the old stone required painting in the stones and then taking a palette knife and covering over some of them. Like stone repair with plaster. Sounds weird, but that's what really made the effect of old stone.

Painting Memories

2018-11-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

Follow Acrylic 24 x 28

Now that I'm back from my marathon travel, and in the studio frequently, I'm really enjoying painting my memories from this time away. Follow, is a scene from the very last day of our walk to Santiago de Compostella. I turned to the right and there was this wonderful old building full of personality and history, and this well trodden path disappearing around the corner. As I was completing the painting, I decided to add something that thrilled me on every encounter. Sheep!! I called this painting Follow because at first it was the road I wanted to follow, but now it's also the sheep. Plus sheep always follow each other!

Painting After a Pause

2018-10-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

Harvest

I must say that retirement is so great, and that being able to devote my time to painting is really fulfilling. I'm just getting into a regular schedule and still have to fit in my fitness workouts, but it will all come together.

After not painting for several months due to my extended trip and the preparation for it beforehand, it was interesting getting back in the painting saddle. On my return, I had only a few weeks before starting up my teaching schedule for the fall, so I began painting in acrylics, as that is the medium I'm teaching in. I was surprised at how many painting techniques that I would normally readily employ, came back slowly. Things like softening edges. I had to go back and do it after the fact. I have now completed my first two sets of classes and my first demonstration of the season, and I've moved on to oils. It feels great to be painting with that rich buttery oil paint that scrapes off so nicely! And I did scape off....twice!

But regardless of the challenges, it's just so enriching to be able to spend my days creating. And the thing we all love about painting is the lifelong learning. It literally never stops, and that's why we never stop. Happy painting everyone!

Back at the Easel

2018-09-11T10:49:00.003-07:00

Tractor Lines 12 x 24 Acrylic

It's been a long time since posted. The exciting new is that I retired from my full time design job and I can now concentrate on all the things I really love doing, which of course includes painting! To kick off my retirement I went on a long travel through Spain, Portugal and France. My travels started with a girlfriend, walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostella, an 800k path starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, crossing northern Spain and ending in Santiago. It was an incredible journey on many levels. The daily visual splendor and the many new international friends, made this a journey to cherish forever. The above painting came from a gorgeous early morning, walking through fields where the tractors had been busy mark making. These tractor lines, enhanced by the early morning sun and shadows was breathtaking. I just had to paint it!

Painting the Drama of Light and Shadow

2017-12-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

I recently taught a painting class called "Painting the Drama of Light and Shadow". A study of the time honoured method of Chiaroscuro. They were a terrific group of ladies, with a lot of talent! They were also hard workers who pushed themselves onto the next painting with enthusiasm. Here is a great group shot on the last night with a variety of different images. Some are complete and some are still in progress, but all are looking might fine!

Rita is working on her value underpainting, which is almost complete and she will be ready to start adding colour.

Catriona is painting liliacs, and learning to give the impression of clusters of flowers through value and texture.

Anita is enhancing her pears, which really glowed, through the application of multiple layers of transparent colour. They were good enough to eat!

I always enjoy teaching at Monterey Centre in Oak Bay and plan to be back next Fall with a fuller roster of classes. I hope to see there!

Oak Bay Artists Fall Studio Tour

2017-10-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Strawberries and Cream Oil 8 x 10

Autumn Glow Oil 8 x 8

Take Me Home Oil 24 x 30

Welcome to my Studio! If you are in the Victoria BC, Canada area, my studio will be open Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th, from 12:00 noon to 4:30 pm both days. A studio tour is an excellent way to get to know the artist behind the art that you love. It`s an opportunity to learn about the artists inspiration and process, as well as some little stories about the painting (there are always little stories). There are many fine artists in the Oak Bay Artists Fall Studio Tour, exhibiting paintings, ceramics, fabric art, sculpture, wood craft, paper casting, and art cards. So gather your friends or family, and walk, bike or drive the studio tour! For an online Tour Map: www.oakbayartists.com

30th Annual TD Art Gallery Paint-In

2017-07-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Strawberries in a Jar

Cut Glass and Strawberries

10 blocks of Art. 30 years of fun!

Join us for THE art party of the year! Over 170 artists will demonstrate technique and engage with the public on Moss St. I will be demonstrating Painting the Effect of Glass. Be sure to stop by and say hi! I do not yet know my location but will let you know as soon as I do. Enjoy fabulous art, live music and great food and beverage from local vendors. All ages are welcome.

11 am - 4 pm Artists on Moss St.

10 am - 6 pm Gallery Open

6 pm - 9 pm Family-Friendly Beer Garden

Moss St. Victoria BC, Canada

See you at the Paint-In!

Lemons through Glass

2017-07-04T20:27:00.001-07:00

Lemons through Glass Oil 8 x 8

Here's another painting from my Glass Series. In this one I layered glassware and lemons, trying to find enough distortion to make it interesting but still seeing immediately what it is. I love the effect of glass and the colours found in the reflections. Although representational, there are many abstract passages when painting glass, which makes it a really fun and challenging subject.

I'll be demonstrating painting the effect of glass at the TD Art Gallery Paint-In, coming up Saturday, June 15th. Let's all hope for sunshine and no wind! Large canvases turn into sails when the Island wind picks up.

Opus Framing and Art Supplies - Visiting Artists Demonstrations

2017-06-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Golden Hour Acrylic 30 x 30

If you've ever wondered how to paint the transparency, distortions and refraction found in glass, and the extreme values and reflections found in silver, I will be doing a free demonstration at Opus this Saturday, June 10th. You can chose either 12:00 - 1:30 or 2:30 - 4:00. Bring an artist friend and have fun! Book your spot by calling Opus at 250 386-8133

Federation of Canadian Artists - Spring Show 2017

2017-05-16T20:13:00.001-07:00

Spring 20 x 16 Acrylic

Available through the Community Arts Council Gallery

Here is another piece from my series on painting the effect of glass. Although representational, there are many abstract passages, due to reflection and refraction, and the transparent nature of the glass. In the middle of the painting, during the ugly stage, I questioned why I chose this composition, but by the end I found it hugely satisfying! I was so pleased to have this painting and the one from my previous post 'Time to Reflect', accepted into the FCA Spring Show.

The show is hung, open to the public, and receiving great reviews. If you're in the area I hope you'll be able to drop by and enjoy the beautiful and varied work by many of Victoria's favourite artists.

Still Life for Apple Lovers

2017-03-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

Time To Reflect 30 x 40 Acrylic

Time to Reflect is part of a series of paintings I am currently working on that investigate the nature of glass. Although representational, this cut crystal bowl creates many abstract passages caused by the natural transparency, reflections and distortions in glass. Light plays a major role in my paintings and especially in this one as the light passes through the cut crystal bowl sending shards of light in all directions. It was so much fun to paint!

2016-07-18T18:32:00.002-07:00

A big thank you to all of the 35,000 art lovers who came out in droves to enjoy seeing local artists creating their art, along Moss St. in Victoria. Thanks also to my great helpers Liz and Pat and to my host house, (the home I was positioned in front of). You were all so helpful and especially the homeowners on Moss, who came to rescue with first aid! It was such a fun day visiting with lots of friends and meeting new friends who enjoyed my art.

Whether looking North or looking South, the crowd was thick and very friendly and enthusiastic!

This year there was a record 200 artists gracing the street and demonstrating their art form! Every art form you can think of was represented on Moss St. this past Saturday.

TD Art Gallery Paint-In

2016-07-12T21:23:00.001-07:00

I'm looking forward to the TD Art Gallery Paint-In this Saturday July 16th, from 11:00 - 4:00 on Moss St., in Victoria BC. Over 35,000 art lovers roam the street viewing 120 artists demonstrating their art forms en plein air. If you are in Victoria, I will be located at Oxford St. and Moss St. and would love you to stop by and say hi! Below are a few of the small works I will be showing at the event.

AGGV Summer Small Works Show

2016-07-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Satsuma IV Oil 10 x 8 $325

Oolong Oil 8 x 10 $325

I'm really pleased that my paintings Satsuma IV and Oolong are in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Summer Small Works Show! I recently attended the Artists Reception in the Massey Hall, and must say it is a beautiful show. There are so many gorgeous paintings by well known artists, and all at affordable prices. If you are on the market for a small piece of art, or are looking for a special gift for someone, check it out! Entry to the Small Works Show is free. For information on these paintings contact the Art Gallery Sales and Rentals.

Bali Seascape

2016-05-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

Anchored Acrylic 24 x 36

Here's another painting from our time in Bali. This one is from the Island of Nusa Lembongan. We stopped at a little beachside warang for lunch, and this was our amazing view. I had a lot of time to take in the many astounding shades of blue before our eyes. I knew I was going to have to paint this one!

Ubud, Bali - Original Acrylic Painting

2016-05-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

Path Between the Rice Paddies Acrylic 16 x 20

This past Fall my husband and I went on a two month trip to Hong Kong, Australia and Bali, to celebrate his retirement. It was the most amazingly fabulous trip with every single day rated 10 out of 10. Bali was our final destination, and it was very special for a number of reasons. The most important though, is that I was celebrating my 60th birthday ( I can't believe I typed that!), and both of my kids (now young adults) arrived in Ubud, Bali to surprise me for my birthday! The whole family spent two weeks together island hopping and bombing around on scooters. What a treasure of memories I have! This Bali painting is called 'Path Between the Rice Paddies'. This was a truly magical day in Ubud. After lunch at Sari Organics, an outdoor restaurant in the middle of the rice paddies and organic vegetable garden, we wandered this path for a few hours. It was so beautiful and exotic, and full of friendly smiling people whose conversations with us made the experience extra special.

Porcelain and Pears

2016-04-26T20:33:00.002-07:00

Porcelain and Pears Oil 8 x 10 SOLD

This is another piece from my Eastern Aesthetic series of blue and white porcelain. It was a small work that I painted for my Studio Tour. It was a popular piece over that weekend, and ended up going to new home. The lovely couple who bought it have taken painting classes from me, so I was very happy that it went to a good home with people I know and enjoy. Our paintings are almost like our pets!

Asian Still Life with Satsuma Oranges

2016-04-20T21:19:00.001-07:00

Satsuma II Oil 12 x 16 SOLD

Here is another Asian inspired painting from from my blue and white porcelain series. I love painting blue and white porcelain with all the beautiful patterns, and organic shapes. I drew inspiration for this painting and the painting in my last post, from Matisse, who combined many patterns and textiles in his still life paintings. I incorporated a silk paneled tapestry in the background, reinforcing the Asian theme, while relating the background with the foreground. I have a thing for Satsuma oranges, which I've painted many times. For me they speak to the genre of the still life - a simple everyday object given a special beauty through the study of light on form.

This painting is going to new owner on the weekend, as it was purchased at my recent Oak Bay Artists Studio Tour. Thanks to all of you who came out for the event, and stayed for some great conversations. I so enjoyed meeting you!

Oak Bay Artists Spring Studio Tour

2016-04-11T18:45:00.001-07:00

Satsuma III Oil 16 x 16 $750

Wow, it's been so long since I posted, that I had trouble getting into my blog! I've been having wonderful adventures which have resulted in some series of paintings. My husband and I spent two months travelling to Hong Kong, Australia, and Bali, and had the time of our lives. I've just spent a few months since our return quietly painting away and trying not to be distracted by things like social media and housework. ha ha!

Above is an Asian inspired Still Life that I'm really pleased with. I've been working on utilizing textiles in the background to reinforce the theme of the painting, to create depth, and to relate the background with the foreground.

This upcoming weekend is the Oak Bay Artists Spring Studio Tour and I will be opening my home studio to the public, and exhibiting my new series of Still Life and Bali paintings. If you are in the area, I hope you can drop and say hi! Here is a link to a printable online map and brochure for the tour. You will find the PDF at the bottom of the page.