Posted by Cornelia Svela on Jun 1, 2018 in Gallery
Summertime is berry picking time!
14 x 18 Acrylic
Summertime is berry picking time in Northern Ontario. Blackberries, chokecherries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and blueberries grow freely behind our cottage on Lake Lauzon.
But most often it was the wild blueberries my mother was after. She would enlist our entire family to spend a good part of a day high up on the rocks surrounding the lake. As kids, we would think it was fun for a little while, then start eating them, and finally drop the whole thing altogether and start playing. My mother wouldn’t be satisfied until we had filled a couple of gallon pails with blueberries. And this would take hours. It’s a good thing my father was a patient man and picked faithfully. She would then freeze many that would later be enjoyed as jams and pies. But a lot of them would be eaten fresh with a little sugar and maybe some milk or cream poured over. Delicious! To this day blueberry pie is my absolute favorite.
The blackberries were plentiful as well, though harder to pick due to the thorny bushes and the wasps that joined in. They were also not as sweet, but they made a lovely jam and jelly.
I painted this during the month of March when the ground was still very frozen and covered with a crusty blanket of snow. Painting these lovely green leaves and popping ripe berries sure got me dreaming about the summer. It became a detailed study of this tangly bush I hope to visit again someday soon.
cost: $150
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
16″ x 20″ 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.
