Posted by Cornelia Svela on Feb 6, 2018 in Gallery
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
– Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass
12″ x 24″ acrylic
12” x 24” acrylic on canvas
I love nothing better than walking along a trail in the woods after a fresh snowfall. I love the way the snow covers everything like a soft blanket, leaving nothing uncovered. Only Mother Nature can be so meticulous and thorough. I love the way the snow crunches underfoot on an extremely cold crisp winter day. This is the winter of my youth, the northern Ontario winter.
Come March though, I know I’ll be longing for spring!
SOLD
Posted by Cornelia Svela on Nov 22, 2017 in Gallery
20″ x 16″ Acrylic
Last October, we were blessed with some beautiful sunny days and we didn’t hesitate to take advantage of them including some family hiking, canoeing and walks down to the lake.
This was our first fall in Elliot Lake, a time I had eagerly looked forward to. It had been at least 40 years since I had experienced a northern autumn and I looked forward to the brilliant reds that we didn’t see as much in Southern Ontario. Many Elliot Lakers were disappointed in the lack of intensity and brilliance of the fall colors this year. It was blamed on the long and rainy summer and the warm fall weather that didn’t include the usual amount of frosty mornings and cool overnight temperatures.
Despite that, the fall was a wonderful time, and we can’t be happier in our new home in Elliot Lake.
I’ve been happily rediscovering this lovely city and the natural beauty that surrounds it. I think growing up here, I took so much of its beauty for granted. I plan to continue exploring all the area has to offer.
I’m excited too, to be showing this painting and offering it for sale in the Elliot Lake Arts Club Annual Christmas Show & Sale, along with my blank note cards. It’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for more!
Cost: $150
Posted by Cornelia Svela on Jun 13, 2017 in Gallery
“Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life”- Pablo Picasso
Wait For Me!
20″ x 24″acrylic
I’m taking a break from packing chaos and a home that has become a sea of boxes to share my most recent painting of some kayakers on Lake Huron which I’ve titled: “Wait For Me!”
The inspiration came from a photo a friend had shared a couple of years ago and I knew immediately when I saw it, that I would paint it one day.
My thought was to paint it as a tribute to Canada in celebration of this great country’s 150th.
It holds so much more meaning now, being so consumed with the anticipation and preparation of our upcoming move up north. Dreams of being near the lake—kayaking, swimming, painting, and fishing. Memories of a childhood growing up in beautiful Elliot Lake come flooding back. I can really say “I’m going home”.
SOLD
Posted by Cornelia Svela on Mar 12, 2017 in Gallery
There is a really cute, smart, funny, adorable little girl and her name is Klara. I am so lucky to be her grandmother. Klara is really lucky too because she has 2 awesome parents who love to travel. So Klara has visited more countries in her 3 young years than many adults have in their entire lives.
Acrylic
16 x 20
In this painting, she is standing in a weathered old wooden boat along the shore of a beach in Greece.
She was only 2 at the time, though I’ve captured an older Klara in my painting. She has the brightest smile and eyes that twinkle and light up the world.
I must confess that I painted her face at least 8 times before I was satisfied that it was Klara. There were times when I considered giving up. But a dedicated artist does not give up.
Portraits are a true test for an artist. You have to capture what you see, so there is an amazing amount of concentration. And the ultimate thrill when you’re successful!
Posted by Cornelia Svela on Jan 17, 2017 in Gallery
Black-eyed Susans are particularly striking in late summer when so many other flowering plants have gone to seed. They have held a special place in the gardens of each home we have lived in, and have become a favorite flower of my husband. These beauties were transplanted from our former home’s flower bed, and some might argue that they are a weed. We were really pleased how well they have taken to their new spot. Easy to grow, and easy to enjoy!
12 x 12 Acrylic
Painting these flowers just made me happy, and I hope they bring a smile to others as well.
Posted by Cornelia Svela on Sep 17, 2015 in Gallery
I took my own advice on inspirations for paintings and looked no further than one of my grandsons. Carter is just over a year old in this painting where he is sitting in the grass and looking cute as he always does! A photo taken by his dad, Andy was just perfect to work from.
The Wedding Gift
Actually, I had yet another very strong motive: I needed a wedding gift for Carter’s parents, my daughter Kaylie and her husband Andy who had eloped a year ago. We were unprepared with a gift at that time, and I set my mind to present them with a painting in the future. I wasn’t sure what the subject would be though I had a strong desire to paint the little guy. I mean, he was just so darn cute! But would I be able to pull it off? My recent paintings have been mostly landscapes. What good is a portrait painting if the likeness is not there?
The Face
I began with his face since I knew the success of the painting depended on its’ true likeness. I struggled a bit here, painting the facial features over and over again. But persistence and patience paid off. Eventually, I saw the little guy’s face that I’ve come to know and love! My husband Kris confirmed it. Hurray! The rest of the painting would be easy from here. Days afterwards, I would head out to my studio and peer in at the painting in progress and seeing the likeness of the little guy, would bring a big smile to my face.
Grid Transfer Method
Here I’d like to share a good tip for enlarging a drawing or photo onto a larger canvas. I printed the photo and folded into quarters and then in quarters again. I also divided the canvas into the same number of sections, and then was able to sketch the outlines of the body onto the canvas. In this way, I was ensured of an accurate transfer. And of course I only resorted to this after several attempts at drawing freehand unsuccessfully!
A Time of Innocence
And now I know that I must also paint my other grandchildren. No problem there! They are all so incredibly sweet. What a joy it is to be a grandparent and watch these little ones grow. Though they don’t live nearby, I can feel a little closer to them while I’m painting them. What a good plan.
As Carter grows, I hope this painting will always trigger a memory of a time of innocence, when everything was new, and life was all a wonder to be explored.
Kaylie and Andy, I hope you enjoy this painting as much as I enjoyed painting it!
