I caught this violin player, or I should say, Fiddler, playing wildly at the Goderich Celtic Spirit Fest this summer. I was so enchanted by the passion and energy with which he and others played I had to take a photo, and then of course, paint it.

I have some Irish ancestry, being my Mom was a McGarrigle from New Brunswick. She told me how some of her family members would play music together when she was a child. According to the Canadian Encylcopedia, "Until ca 1960 fiddling was the principal source of dance music in rural Canada." 

After watching and listening I was reminded of how people used to sit in their kitchens, or barns after a days work, and play music and dance. Families used to play together. It's such a special bonding experience. I was so glad to have had it for that moment. I hope this feeling comes across in the painting.

Painted in acrylics on a 24" x 18" gallery canvas.

I saw this gorgeous lady summer of 2009 at a Medieval Festival. I loved the way her gown flowed in the breeze as she aimed, then shot her arrow. She was confident, strong and willful. A beautiful woman who represents all that I hope women were back in Medieval times. They stood equal in society to all, and fought in battle alongside the men.

I'm so glad I took this photo (or something similar!). It was a true pleasure to paint. I had a great time creating the background. I mostly enjoy painting the flowing material and all those blue shades and shadows.

Painted in acrylics on a 24" x 36" gallery canvas.

I saw this knight the summer of 2009 at a Medieval Festival. His name is Sir Killsalot, aka Charlie. He's a member of a traveling knighthood and he, and his rivals, are all real genuine jousters. The guy in this painting is a serious bruiser who wins most of the time. He does get hurt pretty good from time to time.

The shining armour, to my understanding, is also pretty accurate to what a knight would have adorned himself in Medieval times. It started off to be a bit of a challenge to paint that shiny armour, as it reflects all the colour around it, but I enjoyed it. My favourite colour is purple and it just so happened the horse was adorned with this awesome velvety material.

Sir Killsalot is a huge guy, and so is his horse. I would want to stay on his good side if I were you!

Painted in acrylics on a 24" x 36" gallery canvas.

In the world I've been invited to visit, fearies are 3 feet tall, not 3 inches. They aren't born with their wings either! When they are anywhere between 100 and 160 years old (like 10 or 16 years old to us), their body begins to change. That's when they can choose to undergo this change, or to continue as they are and remain walkers and climbers. As you would think, most prepare themselves and allow the transformation to take place.

Their backs get sore and itchy. There's a small opening that begins to get, well, gooey. Once their hands and feet begin to get sticky, they know it's time to take a position on a branch with others and begin the process. Their bodies begin to cocoon. Both males and females hang from tree branches in this way for three months. They are at danger of being attacked by wild animals while in this state so cocoons are watched and protected by the strongest of fearies day and night.

Once their wings are strong and fully developed, they can start to stretch them out. Just hours after emerging from their long sleep, they stretch their wings, dry them in the sun and attempt flight, but not without the help of elders. Watching a first flight is an ethereal experience.

Painted in oils on a 24" x 36" gallery canvas.