Last summer, I was approached by a relative who asked me to paint a picture to hang over their couch in their new home. Sure, I agreed, though at that time I had no idea what and when I would ever paint it.
One benefit of all this homestay during this Covid-19 lockdown has been my ability to focus on painting. Painting grabs my attention completely and the time that passes is of no concern. It is a wonderful and rewarding escape from reality!
Morning Calm on Dunlop Lake – 48″ x 32″ acrylic on canvas – Commissioned
We’ve spent many good times together at the cottage that sits behind this view on Dunlop Lake. On this particular morning, the lake was quite calm and left you with a feeling of peace and serenity. What a perfect image to hang in the home in the city many miles and worlds away from this scene.
I hope it brings them a sense of calmness, and memories of all the wonderful times spent there for many years to come.
We often go walking or snowshoeing on the hiking trails that surround the Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary just on the outskirts of Elliot Lake. The trails and the scenery are beautiful no matter the season.
Cattails and Beaver Dams 20″ x 24″ acrylic painting – SOLD
Cattails are a pretty common sight in this area. These cattails border a large bog that is also home to a beaver dam or two.
If bird-watching is your thing this is the place for you, as a local group of volunteers: the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists, have birdhouses and feeders erected on many of the trees. I captured a hungry little chickadee enjoying a mid-winter treat in my painting titled “Chickadee Snacktime”.
Bears have been spotted on the trails too, so beware!
This painting combines some things that I’m pretty fond of…. summertime, sunsets and sunrises, being out on the lake canoeing or kayaking, and my son!
Evening Paddle, 18 x 24 acrylic on canvas
The inspiration for this painting came from a photo taken when my son was on a camping trip to Algonquin Provincial Park with some of his buddies several years ago.
The sunset ranks among the most colourful I’ve ever seen. It seems like the sky was on fire!
A nice aspect of living here in Northern Ontario, particularly Elliot Lake, is the abundance of nature trails. If you like getting out for regular walks in the bush, you’ve got it made here. There are extensive trails throughout the area that would appeal both to the novice and the more experienced hiker.
Here you’ll find an easy walking trail through the bush, field, over boardwalks, and along a lake. There are many bird feeders and feeding stations that cater to the local birds such as this little chickadee caught chipping away at some sap on a birch tree stump.
Chickadee Snacktime 12 x 16 acrylic – $225
White birch and cedar trees are found all over our forests, so this would be a very familiar sight. Chickadees can be found year-round here. Like us, they brave the winter’s cold.
I haven’t painted many birds but really enjoyed painting this little guy!
Summers on the lake are not complete without the thousands of water lilies blooming in shallow waters. When we were young, my siblings and I would paddle to the end of the bay of our cottage, and pick armloads of waterlilies! Nowadays we know they won’t last very long and pick only one to admire in a glass bowl on the table.
We are so fortunate to live in an area where we are surrounded by a gazillion lakes. And though we have long winters, when summer rolls in we are more than rewarded with sunny days, clear skies and fresh clean northern air! And with all these lakes, you can bet we are all over them…fishing, swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, jet skiing, and my favourite: kayaking.
The Kayaker 12″ x 16″ Cost: $225
Kayaking is a great way to get around on the lakes. They’re lightweight and convenient for a single person to transport. My sister and I are out quite a bit on Lake Lauzon with our kayaks, which is what inspired me to paint this picture.
These adorable mugs feature Elliot the Bear, the sweet black bear peaking out from behind a tree seen on one of my banner designs hanging from several lamp posts along the downtown streets of Elliot Lake and along the highway. Each mug makes a great souvenir or gift.
Only $20 each. Contact me via email at studio@corneliasvela.com
There are 2 designs. Mug #1 features the bear on both sides. Mug #2 includes the following text:
Notecards!
Order these attractive blank notecards, handy for everything from a personal thank you note to birthday greetings. A nice gift idea as well!
$4 each or 3 for $10.00 Add $2 to cover mailing costs. Contact Cornelia at studio@corneliasvela.com with your request today! More designs now available.
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