Canadian Pride

Pin It

"Canadian Pride"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.

I posted an "abstract painting" a few hours ago and then decided to give it another try. I like this one a lot better so I re-posted the newer painting. I love the Olympics and I am not sure what I will paint next week ... I guess I am looking for ideas!

Canadian Warmth

Pin It

"Canadian Warmth"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.

$200.00 unframed.

If I had to pick one thing that reminds me most about this Olympics, it would have to be the wonderful Canadian mittens! Everyone is wearing them in Vancouver and Whistler and I fell in love with them. Early last week I actually found a pair on ebay for close to retail price! They arrived last Thursday and I absolutely love them.

We spent a long weekend up at Stanford and wow! The Cal vs. Stanford swim meet was so exciting. I honestly did not think Stanford could win and it came down to the last event. Stanford pulled it off and the roar in the stands was wonderful. What a great honor to watch our son swim for Stanford!

So we are back home ... watching the Olympics again ... and gearing up for the Pac 10 Swimming Championships in just over a week. Can you tell I love sports? I am a hopeless fan!

Oh No!

Pin It

"Oh No!"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.

$200.00 unframed.

Perhaps I should name this painting "Oh Yes!". I think I held my breath for the entire two minutes and thirteen seconds it took to complete the final of the men's 1500m short track speed skating event. I am sure everyone watching was sure the two American boys were going to finish out of medal contention. And then ... a tragic crash for the two Korean skaters provided an opportunity for the Ohno and JR to take the silver and bronze. Anyone who heard the story of JR Celski and the courageous comeback he made from an injury last fall at the Olympic Trials can appreciate what a medal must mean to this young man. And I laughed when I heard the interview with Ohno when he said he is more noted for his "Dancing With the Stars" win. A fan once asked him when he started dancing and his response was, "Well, have you ever seen the Olympics?".

So gentleman, here's to the thrill of victory!

Let the Games Begin

Pin It

"Let the Games Begin"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.

$200.00 unframed.

I ended up getting a horrible cold this weekend and so instead of painting, I stayed in bed and watched the Olympics! Although just to be clear, had I stayed healthy, I still would have watched the Olympics. I have three different TV's recording all of the coverage so I am convinced I will not miss a single event.

In honor of my complete fascination with the Olympics .... check back for daily paintings highlighting the Olympic games. Fortunately I felt better today to finish this one.

Olympic Dreams

Pin It

"Whistler II"

Oil on canvas panel.

$350.00 framed

I painted this painting a while ago and it seemed like a good one to post after watching the Opening Ceremonies last night. I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics and as a kid I always dreamed of swimming in the Olympics. Of course I had absolutely no chance of fulfilling that dream but thirty years later I came close when we were able to watch my son compete at the Olympic Trials (in swimming). The Olympic Trials were the single best sporting event I have attended in my lifetime.

Although yesterday's Opening Ceremonies were clouded with tragedy, just watching the hopeful expressions of the athletes and knowing what they had to accomplish to get there was amazing. Many years of determination, hard work and dedication all come down to what happens in the next two weeks. There is one thing about the Winter Games that I don't like ... too many of the events can result in defeat with a mere fall ... skiing, figure skating, speed skating, snowboarding, ski jumping, etc. In one second, with a mere slip in concentration, the most talented athlete can be out of the Olympics.

Whereas in the Summer Games it is highly unlikely that the fastest swimmer or runner is going to fall (or dive in the water and hit their head on the bottom of the pool!). Usually the most talented athlete finishes on the podium. But with the Winter Games, it's different ... there are too many chances for the great ones to falter. Perhaps that is what makes the Winter Olympics so wonderful. You never know what might happen ...