When I start a painting I don't usually think about if it will sell; I paint for the enjoyment. There are however a few scenes that I paint because they are popular with the tourists and with people who used to live in the area.
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| Clouds on the Mountains #2 |
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Most of those scenes are similar to this one; a view of the Creston Valley looking west across the flats as viewed from Hwy 3A.
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| Birds over Erickson | | |
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I have done a few scenes of the east side of the valley but they don't seem to have the same impact as the west side paintings.
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| Kootenay Lake Sunset #2 |
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Another popular scene is my version of sunset on Kootenay Lake. These are based on my daughter's photo of Garland Bay.
Over the years I have done 17 paintings of the west side of the valley, 14 paintings of sunset on the lake and 5 paintings of the east side of the valley. I am happy to say that most of them have sold.
I have used photos of a number of my original paintings to make cards which also sell very well, especially to the tourists during the summer. I have painted a number of other valley scenes but, judging by card sales, they don't have the same appeal.
I rarely paint the same thing twice because I like variety too much but when I paint the valley I always end up with pictures that are subtly different.
It is a joy to live in such a beautiful area and as long as scenes like this keep selling I will keep painting them because it is fun and profitable too - always a bonus!
Yes, you are lucky to be surrounded by these kinds of views, Val! I love all your work here! But I especially LOVE LOVE the pink reflections in Kootenay Lake. Wish I could see it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie. Although I live in the forest and only see trees, once you get out to the highways there are great views on every side. We also get some great sunsets which do neat things to the mountains and the lakes. I usually rely on other people's photos for these as I am busy cooking dinner at that time of day - lol. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteDon't we live in the most serene and (paint-able) place on the planet Val? Love it all!
ReplyDeleteWe do Win - from mountains to plains and orchards, to lakes and rivers, the Creston Valley has it all - we are so lucky!
DeleteI can see how the ones of the valley looking west are such great sellers. They have such a sense of peace looking over the different levels of the mountains. These are lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joan. There are so many lovely places in the world and I am lucky to live in one. Have a great weekend!
DeleteJust Lovely!. Beautiful views beautifully captured. very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lata. I am glad that you like my paintings and hope that you will follow my blog to see more of my work. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI can see why these are so popular, and you paintthese gorgeous views so well Val!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila - I have had a lot of practice with these scenes - lol. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYou certainly do live in a gorgeous part of the country. I cant't do the same painting twice but you have succeeded in catching the essence a variety of times. Love the skies. Are you gearing up for 30 in 30 for Sept?
ReplyDeleteHi Nelvia.The Creston area has so many of the elements that work well for painting - mountains, lakes, fields and forests - I am lucky I guess. I won't be doing September's 30 in 30 challenge as I am planning to do 3 Painting Parties and I have the Art Club's Annual Fall Show to display and work at so my month is going to be very busy. I am looking forward to seeing everyone else's work during the month. Have a great week.
DeleteThese are beautiful
ReplyDeleteThanks Ona
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