Peace on Earth, and all the best to you and yours this holiday season!
Love, Keena
December 19, 2007
November 9, 2007
November 7, 2007
Sneak Peak!
Here is part of a new canvas just completed for a show benefitting conservation at the Hiram Blauvelt Museum in New Jersey in February! This is only HALF of the painting - the subject lurks to the right...
Hot Off The Easel!
I saw this view one morning in early October. Serene, yet vibrant. So beautiful! I had to paint it!The mountain in this painting is the ancient volcano known as Sinkut Mountain. It is the focal point of the Vanderhoof skyline.
Acrylic on linen on board, 18x24 inches.
Two plein air works from this past summer.
This painting was done on location at our farm. This is in the back field in May of 2007, looking east. I am also painting the same view in my profile pic - only this past October. 9x12 inches, oil on panel.
This view was also painted en plein air (on location, from life) and is the view west from our front yard. This painting is sold.November 1, 2007
How to Select and Buy Art: Rule #1
Rule #1: Buy What You Like
Often people start their search for art when they encounter a noticeably bare spot on a wall. A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of purchasing art to fill that blank spot, but, fear not! Buying art can be a joyful, not painful experience!
The first plan of action would be to have a look on the internet, both to have a look for commercial galleries near you and to peruse the varied and wonderful styles of art that are out there. If you know, or find out, what you like you can look for and buy art directly from the artist, or look for galleries that sell those styles. While many galleries offer a wide selection, some restrict themselves to landscapes or wildlife, traditional, contemporary or abstract. You also needn’t restrict yourself to galleries in your area now that it is so easy to purchase online. And don’t worry, if you purchase online and do not like the artwork when you get it, you can return it for an exchange. Do check with individual galleries and artists to confirm their policies though. First time art buyers will often feel more comfortable dealing with a gallery to help them with their selection, and can then branch out on their own if they so wish as they become more familiar with their likes and dislikes, as well as art in general.
The best rule for selecting art is to BUY WHAT YOU LIKE! If you buy what someone tells you is an “investment”, or buy an artwork from an artist that the Joneses have but you don’t really like it, are you going to enjoy it? Will you even hang it on your wall? If you pick what you like then it will be valuable to you and you will enjoy your artwork for a very long time, and likely more with each passing year.
Also, know the approximate size of artwork that would fit in the spot you would like to fill. Having this in the back of your mind as you search may be helpful in narrowing down candidates.
Next time: Colour.
Often people start their search for art when they encounter a noticeably bare spot on a wall. A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of purchasing art to fill that blank spot, but, fear not! Buying art can be a joyful, not painful experience!
The first plan of action would be to have a look on the internet, both to have a look for commercial galleries near you and to peruse the varied and wonderful styles of art that are out there. If you know, or find out, what you like you can look for and buy art directly from the artist, or look for galleries that sell those styles. While many galleries offer a wide selection, some restrict themselves to landscapes or wildlife, traditional, contemporary or abstract. You also needn’t restrict yourself to galleries in your area now that it is so easy to purchase online. And don’t worry, if you purchase online and do not like the artwork when you get it, you can return it for an exchange. Do check with individual galleries and artists to confirm their policies though. First time art buyers will often feel more comfortable dealing with a gallery to help them with their selection, and can then branch out on their own if they so wish as they become more familiar with their likes and dislikes, as well as art in general.
The best rule for selecting art is to BUY WHAT YOU LIKE! If you buy what someone tells you is an “investment”, or buy an artwork from an artist that the Joneses have but you don’t really like it, are you going to enjoy it? Will you even hang it on your wall? If you pick what you like then it will be valuable to you and you will enjoy your artwork for a very long time, and likely more with each passing year.
Also, know the approximate size of artwork that would fit in the spot you would like to fill. Having this in the back of your mind as you search may be helpful in narrowing down candidates.
Next time: Colour.
October 15, 2007
People often ask me…Why do you use the name ‘Keena’?
Have you seen how long my last name is?!?!?!
That’s one reason! Some of the other reasons why I use a ‘nom de brosse’ (like a nom de plume, only for painters!) is that when I was a little girl I thought that when women got married they had to change their names (and I would already be ‘famous’ and if I changed my name then no one would know who I was! LOL!).
As for the name itself, well, I am of German descent. In German, one pronounces the ‘e’ at the end of Christine. It’s sort of like Christina, only with a ‘short e’ (like 'echo') at the end. My younger bro couldn’t pronounce that so he called my Keena. I have been using that name for my artist name since I was 13 years old (it’s been awhile now!).
That’s one reason! Some of the other reasons why I use a ‘nom de brosse’ (like a nom de plume, only for painters!) is that when I was a little girl I thought that when women got married they had to change their names (and I would already be ‘famous’ and if I changed my name then no one would know who I was! LOL!).
As for the name itself, well, I am of German descent. In German, one pronounces the ‘e’ at the end of Christine. It’s sort of like Christina, only with a ‘short e’ (like 'echo') at the end. My younger bro couldn’t pronounce that so he called my Keena. I have been using that name for my artist name since I was 13 years old (it’s been awhile now!).
June 18, 2007
NEW WORK!
Here are some new works - hot off the easel!
They are Essences - but scaled up in size and done with acrylics on panel. Each piece is 18 x 24 inches. Currently, they are not for sale, but will be potentially available come Fall.
The River - Grizzly
Duck (Mallard)
The Mountain King (Big Horn Ram)
They are Essences - but scaled up in size and done with acrylics on panel. Each piece is 18 x 24 inches. Currently, they are not for sale, but will be potentially available come Fall.
The River - Grizzly
Duck (Mallard)
The Mountain King (Big Horn Ram)Please let me know what you think!
Cheers!
Keena
May 16, 2007
News on the CPAWS auction
Here is an excerpt from the email I received today on behalf of CPAWS and the Mural Mosaic auction:
Dear Earth's Treasure Chest Bidders,
After a year of touring the country with this stunning mural and raisingawareness for CPAWS and its mission, we were thrilled to bring the muraltour to a powerful conclusion last night (May 14th, 2007).We are happy to report that the auction was a huge success - $45,861 was raised in support of the mural artists and for wilderness conservation! The mural auction team had no idea how great the interest was in thisproject from coast to coast as well as internationally. The astonishingoutpouring of support from all of you was something that the mural teamcould never have predicted. There is certainly an incredible spirit outthere that is bringing us all together for something as important as Canada's wildlife and the wilderness areas that we are all inspired by.Unfortunately, we have heard that in a few areas, due to the high volume of bidders, the connection to the website was slowed for some bidders. We, ofcourse, were the most disappointed when we discovered that some people had difficulties placing bids. We can understand the frustration those with difficulties must have felt as it frustrated us to hear the news becausethis inability also hindered the amount that could have been raised. Although this was beyond our control the mural auction team wants to sendour apologies to those of you who had difficulties. However, the mural team can not help but be encouraged by the fact that the biggest challenge this entire project faced was because the response was so incredible! So many of you have reached out to make a difference and we wanted to let you know that everyone that entered their name into the bidding process is such an important part of the success of this project. We can not thank all of you enough for what you have done to help make this "first time ever" Mural Mosaic online auction a success. For all the participation in the project will help Canada's amazing wilderness areas and the species that they harbour. We applaud you all for taking the time to listen to our message and for supporting the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in fulfilling its mission of protecting Canada's biodiversity and wilderness.
If you did not win with your bid but would still like to contribute to the success of the project in other ways please consider:
a) Purchasing a limited edition print. They are still available for only $100 which includes a book showcasing all the amazing artists who participated in the project. Seventy five percent of the proceeds of the sale of these prints go to supporting the protection of Canadian wilderness.
b) Consider donating to CPAWS' efforts directly
c) Consider supporting the artists in the mural by visiting their websites
In the event of a successful bidder being unable to come forth with a payment for the mural panel which they have won through the auction, the next highest bidder will be contacted. Thank you so much for celebrating with us through this incredible mural.
On behalf of the Mural Auction Team,
Phil Alain
MURAL MOSAIC
Catherine Shier
CPAWS Northern Alberta
Protecting Canada's biodiversity and wilderness since 1963
www.cpaws.org
cshier@cpaws.org
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society :: P.O. Box 52031 :: Edmonton, AB T6G2T5
Dear Earth's Treasure Chest Bidders,
After a year of touring the country with this stunning mural and raisingawareness for CPAWS and its mission, we were thrilled to bring the muraltour to a powerful conclusion last night (May 14th, 2007).We are happy to report that the auction was a huge success - $45,861 was raised in support of the mural artists and for wilderness conservation! The mural auction team had no idea how great the interest was in thisproject from coast to coast as well as internationally. The astonishingoutpouring of support from all of you was something that the mural teamcould never have predicted. There is certainly an incredible spirit outthere that is bringing us all together for something as important as Canada's wildlife and the wilderness areas that we are all inspired by.Unfortunately, we have heard that in a few areas, due to the high volume of bidders, the connection to the website was slowed for some bidders. We, ofcourse, were the most disappointed when we discovered that some people had difficulties placing bids. We can understand the frustration those with difficulties must have felt as it frustrated us to hear the news becausethis inability also hindered the amount that could have been raised. Although this was beyond our control the mural auction team wants to sendour apologies to those of you who had difficulties. However, the mural team can not help but be encouraged by the fact that the biggest challenge this entire project faced was because the response was so incredible! So many of you have reached out to make a difference and we wanted to let you know that everyone that entered their name into the bidding process is such an important part of the success of this project. We can not thank all of you enough for what you have done to help make this "first time ever" Mural Mosaic online auction a success. For all the participation in the project will help Canada's amazing wilderness areas and the species that they harbour. We applaud you all for taking the time to listen to our message and for supporting the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in fulfilling its mission of protecting Canada's biodiversity and wilderness.
If you did not win with your bid but would still like to contribute to the success of the project in other ways please consider:
a) Purchasing a limited edition print. They are still available for only $100 which includes a book showcasing all the amazing artists who participated in the project. Seventy five percent of the proceeds of the sale of these prints go to supporting the protection of Canadian wilderness.
b) Consider donating to CPAWS' efforts directly
c) Consider supporting the artists in the mural by visiting their websites
In the event of a successful bidder being unable to come forth with a payment for the mural panel which they have won through the auction, the next highest bidder will be contacted. Thank you so much for celebrating with us through this incredible mural.
On behalf of the Mural Auction Team,
Phil Alain
MURAL MOSAIC
Catherine Shier
CPAWS Northern Alberta
Protecting Canada's biodiversity and wilderness since 1963
www.cpaws.org
cshier@cpaws.org
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society :: P.O. Box 52031 :: Edmonton, AB T6G2T5
January 7, 2007
Happy New Year and New Work
Happy New Year!!!
Best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2007.
Best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2007.
There has been some really good feedback on the Essences series. I will continue to develop this series, and there has even been some evolution into a related series which I call the Metamorphosis series. Please have a look at the first paintings of this series - hot off the easel! Let me know what you think!
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