Koehler Art Blog

PEGGY'S COVE IN WINTER

2010-01-04T00:16:00.000-05:00

REASON TO BELIEVE

Image Size: 22" x 30"

Framed Size: 30" x 40" (framed to museum quality standards)

I painted this peaceful winter landscape of Peggy's Cove back in my warm cozy studio by looking at one of the many photos we took as if I were sitting on site. It would not have been possible to paint this detailed winter watercolor scene plein air (on site).This 22" x 30" image took many days to complete. My paper watercolor canvas would have blown away; my watercolor paints would have frozen (not to mention my fingers); the light would have changed; the weather certainly changed. The day after the photo of this scene was taken, a nor'easter blew in - an easy image to paint - this canvas would have been left totally white.

Our trip to the east coast yielded hundreds of photos of sleepy fishing villages like this, an endless source of fascinating subjects to paint. The wonderful part of painting scenes from a vacation is that you can almost relive the vacation as you recreate the scene. I welcome your inquiry into the availability of this and other original paintings on my site.

PAINTING OF A DOWNHILL SKIER FOR SALE

2009-12-30T00:21:00.000-05:00

WHITE MAGIC

The original watercolor paintings of White Magic and Whispering Tracks were reproduced as art cards and used as Christmas cards by the Canadian Olympic Association. Signed limited edition giclee prints are available in any size.

The thrill of shooting through untouched powder over a pristine mountain ridge gives you a definite feeling of exhilaration and freedom. It produces an irrefutable adrenaline rush and the knowledge that if you can survive this jump you can conquer the mountain and the world. This is the moment, the feeling of magic that I have tried to convey in this watercolor painting of an anonymous skier. I am looking forward to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

I welcome your inquiry into the availability and price of this original winter sports art; or your inquiry into the commission of an original watercolor, oil or acrylic sports painting or wall mural.

OLYMPIC SPORTS ART FOR SALE

2009-12-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

LAST RUN

The original painting of Last Run is sold; however, if you would like to commission an original painting of your favorite skier or athlete, it is as simple as emailing me the photo you wish to have painted and I will email you a price for painting an original watercolor, oil or acrylic painting. Depending on size, amount of detail and medium, your original painting will take one to eight weeks to complete.

Limited edition reproduction giclee prints of this and many more images are available in any size you request.

THE OLYMPIC CREED:
The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

2009-12-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

WINTER WHISPERS

Original watercolor painting: 22" x 30"

As a Canadian Artist, Hanne Lore Koehler can't help but be influenced by Canada's climate. As each new season interprets its own version of the landscape, defining seemingly endless varieties of terrain in breathtaking beauty, I too feel compelled to paint my rendition of the spectacle. The peace and calm of this winter creek scene translates to a feeling of inner peace. See entire Koehler collection of winter landscape paintings.

I welcome your inquiry into availability and price of the original painting of the above image; or into the commission of your own original watercolor, oil on canvas or acrylic painting or wall mural of your favorite photograph of a winter landscape taken anywhere in the world. Purchase very reasonable limited edition prints.

WINTER LANDSCAPE WATERCOLOR, OIL PAINTINGS, PRINTS, MURALS

2009-12-15T23:59:00.002-05:00

EVENING SHADOWS

Evening comes early during winter months in Ontario. The distant sun is low in the sky all day and by four o'clock, the long evening shadows criss-cross the landscape in intriguing patterns.

I welcome your inquiry into availability and price of the original painting of the above image or into the commission of your own original watercolor, oil on canvas, acrylic painting or wall mural of your favorite photograph of a winter landscape taken anywhere in the world.

THIS IS FOR MAPLE LEAFS FANS

2009-12-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

WEAPONS OF CHOICE

This watercolor sports art painting features the glove of hockey superstar Mats Sundin of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The glove which bears his initials M.S. and his Number 13 sports a little fresh blood which contradicts the apparent calm on the bench and reinforces the notion that Canadians are serious about their hockey.

I welcome your inquiry into availability and price of the original painting; or into the commission of your own original sports action painting. For watercolors, acrylics, original oil paintings, prints and wall murals visit Koehler Art Studio Gallery in person or on line. We offer art affordable to the full spectrum of budgets in these times.

WINTER OLYMPICS FIGURE SKATING ART

2009-12-13T23:40:00.000-05:00

FREE SPIRIT

Competitive figure skating involves the completion of a variety of required elements. In this painting, I have tried to portray the agility, flexibility, balance, strength and endurance necessary for Olympic competition as this graceful skater performs a flawless passionate routine.

I welcome your inquiry into the availability and price of this original winter sports art; or your inquiry into the commission of an original watercolor, oil or acrylic sports painting or wall mural. Limited edition reproduction prints are available.

ORDER YOUR FIGURE SKATING ART PRINT FOR CHRISTMAS

2009-12-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

PERFECT HARMONY

This original watercolor painting based on Olympic Pairs skating Teams has been reproduced as a limited edition art print and is available along with other action sports art prints. Like all my original artwork, this original painting is framed and matted to museum quality standards.

I welcome your inquiry into availability and price of the original painting; or into the commission of your own original sports action painting.

HAND PAINTED PET PORTRAIT FOR CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

TYKE

The hand painted original cat portrait shown here was painted by using a photgraph taken by her owners as reference. Capturing a priceless moment in an instant with today's digital technology has made it possible to paint accurate details, anatomically correct images and capture movement in a motionless artform. If you do not have a candid photo of your pet to use as reference to create a detailed action painting, I will be happy to take photos for you. Inquire about a hand-painted pet portrait of your favorite pet.

WINTER LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS

2009-12-09T23:48:00.002-05:00

WINTER COLORS

A crisp winter sunset behind a winter-weary back-country barn was the basis for this vibrant image. I admit, the colors were more in my imagination than in the actual scene.

I welcome your inquiry into the commission of your own original watercolor, oil on canvas or acrylic painting or wall mural of your favorite photograph of a winter landscape taken anywhere in the world. From reproduction prints of winter landscape paintings to original hand-painted custom landscape wall murals, Koehler Art Studio Gallery offers artwork affordable to the full spectrum of budgets in these times.

ACTION PORTRAITS OF CHILDREN

2009-12-08T23:20:00.000-05:00

It can be uncomfortable for children to pose for a portrait. The painting usually turns out to look unnatural and contrived. Try to capture them engaged in a favorite sport or pasttime. Informal action portraits of children playing in their own natural environment make pleasing compositions.

Contemporary portraiture, like today's lifestyle, is becoming less formal and rigid now that a subject can easily be captured in a natural unpretentious composition with the aid of photography.

Formal portraits of the past were generally rigid, sterile poses for the simple reason that a person would have to sit in one position for hours in order for the artist to capture the nuances of his subject. Today's formal photographic portraits are still based on our perceptions of those formal oil paintings.

Just as life and technology have evolved over the past century, I believe that portrait art should also evolve, reflecting today's lifestyle and using today's technology. In my opinion, the artist with vision is the one who uses modern technology to his advantage. With the marvelous invention of the camera, it is no longer necessary for artists to expect their subjects to sit still for long, exhausting periods of time posing for a formal, rigid, unrealistic portrait. With the aid of modern technology, today's artist can paint action-packed detailed images from photographs to produce contemporary realistic and informal portraits. A child's portrait is more likely to evoke happy memories if the subject is engaged in a favorite activity in natural surroundings.

To be clear, I only use photographs as reference material for my original paintings, often producing detailed pencil drawings on the canvas before I paint. My portraits are hand-painted original paintings done by looking at a photograph of the subject as if the subject were sitting in my studio. They are NOT painted overtop of a mechanically reproduced photograph like a paint-by-number picture.

Inquire about a hand painted portrait for your family. See action portraits used in children's book illustrations.

WINTER OLYMPICS ACTION SPORTS ART

2009-12-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

WHISPERING TRACKS

Whispering Tracks was reproduced as art cards and used as Chirstmas cards by the Canadian Olympic Association.
The crisp silence of a frosty morning puts you in awe of the spectacle and instantly arouses the feeling that you are glad to be alive and thankful to be able to experience this moment. This is freedom. You hesitate to break the silence but the attraction is too great. You begin to glide; your arms swing up and push back; you get into a cross-country rhythm, laying tracks to the sound of whispering snow.

I welcome your inquiry into the availability and price of this original winter sports art; or your inquiry into the commission of an original watercolor, oil or acrylic sports painting or sports wall mural.

FAMILY PORTRAIT FOR CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-06T23:26:00.000-05:00

I composed this painting of a family enjoying a summer vacation on the dock of their cottage in Muskoka using several photographs of different sizes: the cottage, the dock, the Muskoka chairs and individual photos for each family member. It was quite the challenge to get the sizes of each item in the right proportion, perspective and lighting to unify the different elements of this painting and make the scene look natural

It would have been much easier to paint this scene using a single photgraph with a single light source and proportionate elements as reference; however, this was just not available. The family did not take many photgraphs and, at the time that I was entrusted to paint this family heirloom, sadly, one of the parents was deceased and the boy had grown up. By scanning at least eight different photos of various sizes into the computer, I was able to arrange and rearrange and resize each element until I was satisfied with the composition. I could then use this "image combo" as a basic reference with proportionate sizes of each element for my detailed pencil drawing on canvas. When it came time to do the actual painting, I had to choose a single light source so that all the shadows would be consistent in order to create a unified natural looking scene.

To add to the degree of difficulty of the project was that the medium chosen was watercolor which meant that once the paint was on the watercolor canvas, it was there to stay. In addition, white paint should never be used in a watercolor painting. The white that you see is the white of the canvas so that, if you want to keep certain areas white or very light, this has to be planned and mapped out in advance.

Although this was a difficult and challenging project, I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I love it when a painting comes together.

Inquire about a custom painted family portrait for your family heirloom. Email me a photo and I'll send you a quote.

2009-12-05T23:52:00.000-05:00

ON THE BENCH

Sometimes the best sports action takes place on the bench where sportsmanship, character and friendships develop. Do you have a favorite photo of your child during the "big game"? Send me your picture and I will be happy to quote a price for a hand-painted original watercolor, oil or acrylic painting or wall mural of your little league star. I welcome your inquiry into original hand painted sports portraits and reproduction prints.

HAND PAINTED PORTRAIT FOR CHRISTMAS?

2009-12-04T23:57:00.000-05:00

THE BUBBLE GANG

I composed this painting from four separate photographs of children of our friends and family. They are actually years apart in age. It was quite the challenge to arrange the toddlers in the group so that it looked natural and uncontrived. The bubbles, impressionistic background and little wooden train were unifying factors. This is a popular print for a Pediatrician's office.

I welcome your inquiry into availability and price of this original painting or the cost of painting an original watercolor, oil or acrylic painting or wall mural of the children in your life. See more hand-painted watercolor and oil paintings of children's portraits and hand-painted custom childrens wall murals.

HEY, VANCOUVER, NEED LAST MINUTE SPORTS ART?

2009-12-03T23:35:00.000-05:00

SNOWBOARD PSYCHED

This snowboard action painting of two boys snow boarding down Whistler Blackcomb is one of the watercolor illustrations used in my children's book called My Brother And Me.

For more 2010 Winter Olympic action sports art, visit Koehler Art Studio Gallery.

You will find limited edition sports art prints, original action sports art and samples of sports wall murals. Prices range from $39.00 and up and are affordable to the full spectrum of budgets in these times.

I welcome your inquiry into the availability and price of existing original winter sports art shown on my site; or your inquiry into the commission of an original watercolor, oil or acrylic sports painting or wall mural. We offer a full range of art services for designers, architects and building contractors from custom designing to painting to framing to installation.

HAND PAINTED CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT

2009-12-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

WHAT LEAF FIGHT?

These boys were told to hold still so their grandpa could take a photo. They could hardly wait to get back to their leaf fight. This painting of three cousins, JORDAN, STEVEN & SCOTT was done from a photo snapped by their grandpa. Although the background in the photo was clear and detailed, I felt that an impressionistic background - splashes of watercolor - would concentrate the focus on the detailed realism of the portraits of the boys, like the eye focuses on a subject. This allows the viewer to see through the eye of the artist.

Inquire about a personal portrait of a child or grandchild. See more hand painted portraits from photos of children or pets by portrait artist Hanne Lore Koehler.

HAVE A SPECIAL PORTRAIT PAINTED FOR CHRISTMAS

2009-11-30T23:50:00.000-05:00

SHERRI

The impressionistic background of this painting ensures that the focus of attention is on the detailed subject. The wind-blown hair adds life and excitement to the piece and, although the hair is blown into the background in an impressionistic style, this brings an air of realism to the artwork. In reality, the eye cannot focus on the moving hair and to paint each strand of hair in a realistic style would be unnatural and contrived. Even a simple portrait of a girl reading such as this one can be full of life, excitement, drama, movement.

Inquire into having an original hand-painted portrait painted for Christmas.

HAVE YOUR SPECIAL PORTRAIT PAINTED FOR CHRISTMAS

2009-11-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

PAUL

A detailed subject with a dramatic contrast in hues along with an indiscernable, implied background puts the focus on the subject (not the floral couch background). To paint the details of the couch would not only date the painting but would certainly detract from the baby's portrait. Movement is implied in this portrait where some details of the subject fade into the background (i.e. the hair and the dog's ear on the left).

Contemporary portraiture, like today's lifestyle, is becoming less formal and rigid now that a subject can easily be captured in a natural unpretentious composition with the aid of photography.

Formal portraits of the past were generally rigid, sterile poses for the simple reason that a person would have to sit in one position for hours in order for the artist to capture the nuances of his subject. Today's formal photographic portraits are still based on our perceptions of those formal oil paintings.

Just as life and technology have evolved over the past century, I believe that portrait art should also evolve, reflecting today's lifestyle and using today's technology. In my opinion, the artist with vision is the one who uses modern technology to his advantage. With the marvelous invention of the camera, it is no longer necessary for artists to expect their subjects to sit still for long, exhausting periods of time posing for a formal, rigid, unrealistic portrait. With the aid of modern technology, today's artist can paint action-packed detailed images from photographs to produce contemporary realistic and informal portraits. A child's portrait is more likely to evoke happy memories if the subject is engaged in a favorite activity in natural surroundings.

I welcome your inquiry into the commission of a personal hand painted portrait for Christmas.

2010 VANCOUVER WINTER OLYMPICS PAINTINGS

2009-11-25T16:03:00.000-05:00

WHITE MAGIC

Original watercolor painting: 22" x 30"

Framed size: 32" x 40"

"White Magic" was reproduced as art cards and used as Chirstmas cards by the Canadian Olympic Association.

The thrill of shooting through untouched powder over a pristine mountain ridge gives you a definite feeling of exhilaration and freedom. It produces an irrefutable adrenaline rush and the knowledge that if you can survive this jump you can conquer the mountain and the world. This is the moment, the feeling of magic that I have tried to convey in this watercolor painting of an anonymous skier.

I welcome your inquiry into the availability and price of this and more winter sports art paintings and prints; or your inquiry into the commission of an original watercolor, oil or acrylic sports painting or custom designed wall mural.

2010 WINTER OLYMPICS SPORTS ART

2009-11-24T19:30:00.000-05:00

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Original image size: 22" x 30"

Framed to size: 32" x 40"

The triple challenge of man against man, man against the elements and man against himself trying to beat a personal record, is offered in Alpine (or downhill) competitive skiing action. To be victorious in Olympic Super-G and slalom racing is the ultimate goal. The focus in this watercolour painting is on the fervent skier as he carves the mountain with his edges to make tight turns - every 1/100th of a second counts.

I welcome your inquiry into the availability and price of this original watercolor painting or your inquiry into commissioning an original action winter sports painting or wall mural of your favorite athlete.

2009-11-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

SNOWBOARD PSYCHED

This snowboard action painting of two boys snow boarding down Whistler Blackcomb is one of the watercolor illustrations used in my children's book called My Brother And Me.

For more 2010 Winter Olympic action sports art, visit Koehler Art Studio Gallery. You will find limited edition sports art prints, original action sports art and samples of custom designed sports wall murals. Prices range from $39.00 and up and are affordable to the full spectrum of budgets in these times.

I welcome your inquiry into the availability and price of existing original winter sports art shown on my site; or your inquiry into the commission of an original watercolor, oil or acrylic sports painting or wall mural. I offer a full range of art services for designers, architects and building contractors from custom designing to painting to framing to installation.

TIP FOR PORTRAIT ARTISTS - LIGHTING

2009-11-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

REBECCA

Here is a tip for all you budding portrait artists:

Natural light can be used to create a dramatic composition even when there is no background. The direct and reflective light in this portrait accentuates the feeling of movement and brings life to the action. In this baby's portrait, I felt that the spectacular lighting effect on the baby was climactic enough that a background was unnecessary and would only detract from the subject.

I welcome your inquiries into a hand painted baby portrait of your new baby, an outstanding Christmas gift!

ORDER YOUR HAND PAINTED PET PORTRAIT

2009-11-21T00:03:00.000-05:00

AH POOEY!

This hand painted watercolor portrait was painted in my studio by referring to photographs of the dog as if the dog were posing in my studio. Capturing a priceless moment in an instant with today's digital technology has made it possible to paint accurate details, anatomically correct images and capture movement in a motionless artform. If you do not have a candid photo of your pet for me to use as reference to create a detailed action painting, I will be happy to take photos for you.

See more original hand painted pet portraits from photos, order limited edition reproduction prints, inquire about an original hand-painted portrait of your own pet.

OIL PAINTING OF AN ALGONQUIN SUNSET

2009-11-20T00:10:00.000-05:00

INSPIRATION
Original Oil Painting image size: 44" x 44"
Canvas on stretcher with painted sides - unframed

Fantastic sunsets like this one viewed from a high altitude look-out ridge on a walking trail in Northern Ontario's Algonquin Park, emphasize the seemingly infinite colorful autumn vista. From this perspective, the problems you thought you had seem trivial and unimportant and you begin to comprehend your own insignificance. This image was featured in an article about me and my work published in the October/November 2009 issue of Country Woman Magazine.

I welcome your inquiry into availability and price of the original painting of the above fall image; or into the commission of your own original watercolor, oil on canvas or acrylic painting or wall mural of your favorite photograph of an autumn landscape taken anywhere in the world. See more autumn landscape paintings by Hanne Lore Koehler.