Jane Crosby - Artist

I'm always fascinated to see how a work of art emerges during its creation process, and sometimes when I'm working in a painting, I take a few potos along the way. Here are some of my most recent painting, The Lady and The Teacup, on exhibit at the FCA Gallery April 17 to 29, 2018.

I start with a fairly detailed drawing, and usually begin the painting with the more complex areas:

Adding the black frame starts to balance the composition:

Now you see the lady and the pearls:

I brightened most of the colour, warmed it up with some yellow ochre, added the cast shadows - and it's done! It took about a month to complete.

It was quite a successful summer!

Artists In Our Midst, May

It was a pleasure to show my teacup paintings and Canadian flowers at Neverland Tea Salon - they fit right in with the whimsical decor. My thanks to co-managers Renee and Terri for hosting me.

The group opening exhibition at the Roundhouse was exceptionally well done - the venue and the curating were professional and first class. The variety of artists' media and styles flowed together to create an energetic and impressive show. Thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible! 

The open studio in our home on the last weekend went way beyond my expectations - there were so many visitors it was almost overwhelming. I was so excited! Everyone was kind and encouraging, so my thanks to everyone who came to see me, and to my husband for all his support.

Through the above 3 events, 11 of my paintings and many cards went home with new owners. This was my 3rd year with AIOM, and it was a real thrill.

Mid Main Art Fair, June

I was honoured that Enda invited me to join this very talented and welcoming group for a Sunday at Heritage Hall. It was rather humbling to show my work with theirs, especially after most of my best paintings sold in May. I had just finished a nice Canna Lily painting before the event, and was happy it went home with a very nice lady. 

This fun event is past approaching and has kept me busy - it is 3 events in 1!

First, we exhibit our works in local merchants' windows to promote the opening exhibition and the studio tours. I was extremely lucky to show my teacup and flower paintings in Neverland Tea Salon, 3066 West Broadway - a beautiful room where I have frequently enjoyed their fine teas and and tasty meals. My paintings will be there until May 26th. Many thanks to owners Terri and Renee.

Second, the Opening Exhibit and sale will take place on May 18th in Yaletown's Roundhouse. Hours will be 10 am to 9 pm, with a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception from 7 to 9 pm. This is the place to see really excellent artwork by over 50 Vancouver artists, in a beautiful setting. Admission is free. 

Third, the West of Main Art Walk and Sale will be May 27-28, 11 am to 5 pm. This is where artists open our home studios to show and possibly sell our work. Every studio is different and it is fascinating to see where and how artists create. I'm excited to be showing in our home for the first time. New this year: many of us will be participating in silent auctions to benefit young artists, the proceeds of which will all be split between Arts Umbrella and Lord Byng Secondary's art program. My donated painting will be "Beach Rocks", seen below. Come see me and place a bid!

For more information, including the Art Walk map, please visit www.artistsinourmidst.com

Hi again. My husband and I enjoyed a trip to beautiful Spain a year ago. Lots of photos were taken, including these old bits of hardware seen in Madrid. Here are the watercolour paintings I did.

On another note, I will be participating for the third time in the Artists In Our Midst Art Walk. Here are the dates: May 17- Opening Group Exhibition of works by 50 artists at Yaletown's Roundhouse; May 27-28 - open studio tours. This time I will welcome visitors into my home studio to see whee it all happens! For more information, please visit www.artistsinourmiddst.com

Just finished this painting. The Japanese teacup is from my little collection - I really enjoyed painting it, especially with that succulent fig. 

Such exciting news! Eight of my 'Canadian Flowers' watercolour paintings have been accepted for inclusion in the Federation of Canadian Artists' "Summer Gallery" exhibition. The paintings were selected from the 13 provincial and territorial flowers that my friend, Heather Pattullo, commissioned me to do for her upcoming book: "Positively Canadian, A Fun Guide To Canadian Language, Culture and History", to be published in the coming months.

Two of the 13 paintings have sold, and a photo image of another is being used by a provincial organization for a major project - thank you dear patrons, for your valued support.

The exhibition will run at the FCA Gallery on Granville Island, Vancouver, from July 19 to 31. Summer gallery hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily.

I can't wait!

Jane

Finished the last of the 13 provincial and territorial flowers of Canada - what an amazing project! I love them all - my babies. Two of them have sold already - PEI's Lady's Slipper, and Saskatchewan's Western Red Lily; my thanks to EE, DM & CM.

The last flower painted was the Pacific Dogwood of BC, and I'm pleased with how it turned out. I'm happy the series is finished and they are ready for Heather to use in her book, so I know I'm not holding up the publishing. Can't wait to see the finished product - "Positively Canadian - A Fun Guide to Canadian Language, Culture and History" by Heather Ann Pattullo.

Heather is still working on writing her book (Canada for ESL people), and I'm still working on the provincial flower paintings for the book. Three more have been completed: Quebec Blue Flag Iris, Ontario's Trillium, and Saskatchewan's Red Wood Lily. Enid bought the lily for her home in Sakatchewan. (Thanks Enid!)