Lise M. LeBlanc Artist

News ...

2012-02-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

It's been far too long since I updated. Lots of interesting things have passed, but not much art work. However, I must not fret, because life experiences, both good and bad serve to fuel the fire to paint. I never know when the urge will hit. but at least when it does, I'll have something to 'draw' from.

We recently bought a farm. Which is GREAT, and I'm loving the routines. I cherish the time I spend with the horses, cats and dogs in the morning and night,as well as training time. There is a lot to do here ~ primarily killing/reseeding pasture which is a big priority this spring. Fencing is solid and the ring, when it is worked up will be fine for another year.

Finding a buddy for Tia was fun. The first one tried to kill me and almost succeeded. I spent a week in hosptial and then got rid f him. That's another reason for the lack of ambition to paint. Having several broken ribs gets in the way.

Then we found lucky. She was donated to me by a friend to keep my mare company, and well, we fell in love with her. So now she's family.

On the down side if there is one ... I haven't uncovered a place to paint yet. Every square inch of house seems to be taken. It's good though ~ we all fit nicely in this place and everyone seems cozy in the new space. But I either am going to have to paint outdoors this summer or find a place I can mess up.

The guest bedroom is a possibility. But anyone who works will oil will understand that it's not the easiest thing to keep 'tidy' ... I would prefer to consider it a self contained 'me' space, with ongoing works ready to dabble and paint at the ready ~ everywhere.

If I do happen to go this route I will no doubt need a new pair of coveralls, specifically for that room. But if not ... where else?

At the moment I am using my gorgeous easel as my computer desk under the staircase to downstairs. It;s cozy and works ... but isn't helping my dry spell.

Oils are pretty smelly too.

I think I will paint outdoors this summer. Perhaps I will do some plein-d'air now that my muses are here to inspire me. I think this change in my life will manifest in my work ~ perhaps a new medium. It's on my mind ... just hasn't budded yet.

My daughter is becoming fond of photography and has recently captured some great moments here on the farm. I will showcase some of her work as well.

Hopefully I get doing some art soon! Until then, Happy trails.

Lise

Print Sale !!!

2011-03-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Help build Tia's Scholarship Fund :)

This is the first of my babies to go to college.

Purchase a signed Giclee print for 100.00$ (plus shipping) to support Tia on her new adventure! All prints are roughly 8x10 inside dimension, matted (11x14 outside dimension) and signed, limited-edition prints. The paper is a beautiful heavy linen.

Alternately, any reasonable offer on an original piece will not be refused.

Email sinto@sympatico.ca to order or for more details.
Thanks for your interest in my work and my Equine's education :D

Curious (5/250)

Queen (3/250)

Warm Winter Kiss (8/20)

Mav Kisses (4/250)

Trust

(3/250)

Once Upon a Pony (6/180))

Colour My World

HAlf Price Sale ~ Item # 3 "Moving Day"

2010-10-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

"Moving Day"
oil on 12" x 16 " stretched canvass
$400.00 + shipping
"Moving Day" $400.00 + shipping

sinto@sympatico.ca

Half Price Sale ~ Item #2 "Silver's Snow Dance"

2010-10-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

"Silver's Snow Dance"
Oil on 12 " x 16" stretched canvass.
$400.00 + shipping
"Silver's Snow Dance"

sinto@sympatico.ca

Half Price Sale

2010-10-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

"Lucky Number 7"
Oil on 9 x 12 panel
unframed
$425.00
Half Price ~ $425.00 + shiping

sinto@sympatico.ca

GOOD NEWS!

2010-10-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

"Belle's Bows and Ribbons" has been juried and accepted to the Royal Winter Fair Art Showcase. It will be framed and offered for sale as well.
$550.00

"Belle's Bows and Ribbons"

2010-09-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

I just completed this sketch for my submission to the 2010 RAWF. After last year, anything is possible (so I won't get my hopes up!) . I figured it's a local event and I always attend, so I may as well whip something up. And that is what I did.

This is another timed piece. I actually completed it in less that 12 hours ~ in two hour intervals. My reasoning is half artistic and the other half mere practicality. Being a mother of three teenagers, a full time teacher and 'needing' to ride my horse regularly (or else I'm impossible to live with) I have almost no time for 'Lise the Artist' . But that's not good either, because ' she' gets pent up with ideas and needing to throw paint.

So the solution ~ time limit art. I get to be creative and I also can fit it in my schedule, occasionally. It's quite refreshing actually. And, exhausting. I feel exhilarated that I'm being creatively stimulated, and then afterwards, completely drained.

Anyways ... about the painting. I find the energy of the paints fun with a time limit. I feel bolder and seem to have more confidence in the brush strokes ~ and I think it transfers through the paint.. I'm not completely thrilled with this one, but it's decent. I played a bit with the colours in the background, and decided for more contrast ~ still keeping with the same palate. I like the expression of the horse with her handler.

I'm actually thinking it's time to throw in a different colour on the palate. Wonder what my next subject will be ...

Lise

Jump Jump Jump

2010-04-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

I worked on this last night, and now I'm waiting to put some final touches onto it. This is an oil on 9x12 canvass board. I have no title yet for it, yet :) Hopefully by studying the jump, jumping position etc., it will transfer on to me in the saddle?

Wishful thinking perhaps ;)
Lise

pARTy play

2010-04-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

pARTy ~ tIMe !!!! Here is my contirbution to the Virtual pARTy ~ photo by Kimberly Santini.

"Lucky 7" 9"x12" Oil on Canvass Board $ 800.00 CAD

I started this at about 9 pm last night ~ and worked steady, well along with watching Law and Order, until 1 pm. It's refreshing (sometimes) to render something witin a time limit. This is an oil on 9" x 12" canvass board. I find the colours are fresh as well as the energy in the paint. There's no time to 'overthink' things on a time budget ~ so just go with my gut, and, in moving the paint around faster, I feel my style breaking through. For four hours of work, I am pleased with this painting, and my not go back to it ~ in case it loses energy. Of course it started with a great photo (Kimberly Santini). Perhaps I will sign it tonight :)

Lise

JUMPING to conclusions ...

2010-04-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well ~ one of the great things about being an Artist is being able to donate to events and charities in order to raise money for good causes. That's what I did last night. I submitted a framed print "Quiet Moment" to the EFO fashion show event, which was raising money for the Sunrise riding program, a local stable that teaches children with special challenges to enjoy horses. My print was part of the Silent Auction.

Participating in great events like that also gives me numerous opportunities to 'live on the edge', enjoy too many fabulous foods and other delights ...

It's probably good that I space these events out though :)

MM

The dry spell has ended :)

2010-04-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Wow ~ that dry spell must have lasted a MONTH or it feels that way. I've recognized something about the paint though and it took a while to figure it out. I don't like using paint thinner! So I'm much more of an 'oil' mixer if that makes sense. I just don't like the feel of the paint with the thinner ~ and so I was getting frustrated. I'm using Linseed oil presently.

So I went at the painting that I've been struggling with, and have been for a few months. I really despise looking at it. In my eyes it's an epic failure ~ but in any case I need to finish it ~ so I'm resolved to slap the paint on until I'm willing to let it go ... sign it BE DONE!

No title yet ~ but I've THOUGHT of a few ... It's certainly not done yet ...

Contrasting the last epic struggle is this fresh 'one nighter' ... I'm going to finish this one, and I'm feeling good about the sketch so far ...

No title yet ...

Funny how sometimes the paint just works and others ~ it's a major battle. I'm flipping around over this issue right now. Do I struggle to take things further ~ or leave them? It's weird. Sometimes I'll leave a painting for months because I HATE it. Then I'll pull it out and LOVE it. Problem is I have about 15 paintings that are in various stages of completion ... or not ...

did I mention I'm getting a STUDIO??

That's big news too ... We're renovating to keep hubby busy, and I'm planning a studio over the garage with a separate entrance :)

Will post pics once we break ground.
~ time for work ...
Lise

sketching ...

2010-02-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

'Main Mare' ~ 9x12 oil on cavass
I've been busy sketching lately ~ trying for quick and loose renderings. Lately I've been interested in trees and the way they play in the light, casting shadows on snow covered ground. I get a lot of my ideas driving to work and I already have some 'favorite' trees that will be depicted in my landscapes.

Recent 'sketches' ~ not finished work ... 'Horse in Trees' 6x 8 oil on canvass

'Winter Hack' 9x12" oil on canvass

First Shoes

2010-02-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Not a great day today ~ got some rather unpleasant news, hubby got laid off. But I managed to sketch this piece tonight. It's a bit dark ~ probably because of my mood, but I'm pleased with it.

"First Shoes" Oil on canvass 6x8

A Productive Weekend ...

2010-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

I need to go to bed. It's fantastic being so inspired to paint. I haven't felt this much pull toward my easel in as long as I can remember, and secretly I'm afraid of the 'long dry spells" that lurk. So I't worth it to paint and paint and paint as long as I've got canvasses and brushes and the muse that will show me my way.

This weekend has been dedicated to sketching with paint. I always find that the quicker I can render a subject the truer it is, and it retains the character, and feel I'm looking for. Often it's a battle to decide to carry on with a piece that doesn't get a 'good start'. Soemtimes it's worth working though, and others ~ a fresh start.

I find that the paintings that work from the beginning seem to carry an interesing and compelling feel or mood ~ in the strokes of the paint.

This weekend I have started a few sketches and worked a bit on a few more that I started two days ago. It's been a lot of fun.

"Happy in Hand" oil on canvass 6x8

"Dumass the Weekend Warrier" (for lack of a better title just yet) oil on canvass 6x8

"Speed to Spare" Don't let his size fool you! oil on linen 6x8

My Riding Partner ~ Oil on Canvass 9x12

"In Training" oil on Linen 12 x 16

In Training

2010-01-31T15:03:00.000-08:00

"In Training" oil on canvass 12 x 16

My sketch for today is Tia in the lines. Well ~ one line. I miss working with Tia a LOT lately. The weather is so miserable for not having an arena. I would be more that happy to go lunge her in the snow, and watch her go, and talk to her in my familiar soothing tones which she understands. I really miss the relationship we have, and I think she does too. Each time I go to the barn she waits by the fence expecting that we are going to get 'dressed' and do something. Even when I spend time fussing over her, brushing etc., I can almost hear her say, "no saddle today?' Soon I hope. I'm looking forward to being on the other end of the lines :)

I can see things that need work already ~ but time to paint something else :P

As few brush strokes as possible ...

2010-01-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

It's kindof a challenge I've given myself lately for doing some quick sketches. This one is my riding partner. I'm trying to capture some "moments" from our adventures hacking. Some expressions seem to sum up the reason we get out there together, and just enjoy our equines together. I'm trying to capture a "fleeting moment" ~ I want the paint to retain a quick, fresh, feel, and so ~ as few brush strokes as possible.

"My Riding Partner" oil on 9x12 canvass board.
copyright Lise M. LeBlanc

Anna comes along :)

2010-01-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, she really is that obedient, too. Anna has her first show this weekend. This should be fun, as she's not been out much (except to the Royal Winter Fair, and to a few art stores in Toronto) but that was SO a month or two ago. She's really a couch potato right now, and needs to be convinced regularly of being a K9.

Here's the painting as of today. Now it's time for some drying on the shelf.

Today's Sketch and It's not a horse!!!

2010-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Meet Anna ~

Anna is my Minature Long~Haired Dachshund. She's pretty much perfect in my humble opinion so actually painting her has been kindof daunting ...

Today's sketch is a start, at capturing her character and elegance. It's a start, definitely a work in progress.

"Anna In the Leaves" Oil on 9 x 12 canvass

Oil Oil Toil and Trouble ...

2010-01-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

Moving Day ~ oil on linen 11x16

Here are a few of my recent oils. Some are signed and others are in various stages of completion. I am actually having a lot of fun with the oils right now, playing with colour mixing and also doing some quick sketches. I'm really likiing the quicker works, because I like the energy.

The colour mixing is coming along ~ and my muse has been a bit zealous lately, but I'm afraid to scare her away, as she's known to disappear for long periods ~ so I'm just going with it.

Lise

Portrait Challenge

2010-01-12T14:35:00.000-08:00

My Uncle Claude

Here is a Portrait I completed for a commission in 2009. It is of my late uncle, who was hit by a car when he was nine years old. My mom asked me to render the last school picture of her younger brother, which was taken days before his accident. It was an emotional moment when I presented the portrait to my mother and my Aunt. Portraits are not won on the exactness or precision, but on capturing the personality of the subject.

This one was a definite success.

I even felt my uncle in the room., while I worked on this. Out of the 11 brothers and sisters, he was the only child with my P'epere's blue eyes.

"Royal Retractable Fiasco"

2009-10-31T04:37:00.000-07:00

Well, quite unfortunately I have to inform that my piece "Queen" has been demoted from "Top Ten Award Winner" to " exhibition space" at the Royal. I received a letter from the show organizer today, appologizing for a 'cut and paste error'. Apparently I, along with several other artists, receved the same "cheerful" message that we had been awarded a "Top Ten" placing, and an invitation to the ceremony proceedings, which was inaccurate.

This new information came to me by email, a week after the initial mailing, and following numerous conversations I've had with the show organizer both mail and by phone after that first mailing, discussing my work, so you can imagine my ... surprise?

"Queen" as far as I know, as it stands today, will still be on exhibit at the Royal Aggricultural Winter Fair for the duration of the show, unless I get another email ... ?

One can only hope that the Royal Art Showcase's newly acquired government grant money will help to improve on their administrative technical difficulties.

Cheers,
Lise

"Queen" Selected in Top Ten Showcase at RAWF

2009-10-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

My original pastel "Queen" has been selected in the top ten showcase for the 2009 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair art showcase. Be sure to check out the talented Ontario Artists whose pieces where selected by jury to be exhibited in this show, in Hall C of the Direct Energy Building. Art will be exhibited for the duration of the Fair, and the placings will be awarded on Friday, November 13th, at 2:30.

This is the write-up ~ which will be presented with "QUEEN"

“QUEEN”

Queen was the first horse I rode. I remember as a young girl, waiting for my grandfather to finish the plough work, in the early spring morning. I was up early so not to miss my chance to be with the big, gentle, giant, Queen. I patiently watched my grandfather, and listened to him talk to her, his voice echoing in the still, morning mist, while she gently blew puffs from her nostrils in reply. Together they drew their lines across the field, which soon would be filled with greens and yellows and purples, exploding from the rich soil. I drank the rhythmic sound of her footfalls, and the sweet smell of newly turned soil. Bundled up, I waited for the warm sun to dry the dew from my face and hair, and for the chance to sit on my grandfather’s lovely mare, as she relaxed after her morning chores.

Lise M. LeBlanc

Perhaps this will give me a push to get back to my easle ~ which presently it being used as a catch all, and is covered in dust.

Yes I feel there must be another piece ready to come out soon, I should really get on that. Then there are the book illustrations that are *Almost* finished.

Whenever I find my muse I'm going to strangle it for leaving me alone so long.

"TRUST" 18" x 24" Pastel

2009-06-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest original pastel. My husband named it "Trust" for the expression. There's something about eye that fascinate me.

"Eyes are the window to the soul" as the saying goes. To me there is something in the expression of a horse, that is not only a window ~ but a mirror. It's impossible to took at a horse and not see the history of servitude which this noble animal has given to the human race. Wars ~ won and lost, civilizations built, miles travelled, sustenance ~ all on the backs of horses.

The reflection is not always nice. To understand what a horse endures at the hands of people, means to look hard at humanity.

I cannot look into a horse's eye and not be moved ~ to inquire deeper into the truth of the animal, my own truth, and that of my ancestry.

It is this truth that pulls me to my pastels.

Lise M LeBlanc

HORSE PEOPLE

2009-05-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's a funny term ~ horse person.

I've met a few in my life. The first and most influential 'horse person' in my life was my grandfather, or "Pe'Pere". He was a very small man in size, but made up for it in voice and stature. A farmer, he kept fields of produce, milk and beef cattle, and, yes, horses. He used Shires to do the farm work, and also, he trained and kept Standardbreds.

A language barrier kept me from having lengthy converstations with my Pe'Pere, but then between horse people some things are just understood. It didn't matter. I remember being seven years old waiting, patiently, for the moment Pe'Pere would bring me to see Queen ~ his Shire mare. He gave me the 'eye' several times ~ "are you serious" kindof look.

How does one explain that look? A horse person just 'is'. That's it. That's all. It's never quenchable or extinguishable. Horses are in your blood ~ and my Pe'Pere knew, at that moment, he passed this on to me ~ because I held his stare, with as much tenacity.

My first experiences on horseback include sitting atop Queen ~ an 18+ hh Shire mare, in a open 100 acre field, while she grazed. I was completely oblivious to the possibility of any danger, but feeling never more alive; smelling horse, and listening to her blow her nostils and chew. I was a city girl. This was my fantasy, my happy place. I would hide my jeans, so not to forget the intoxicating smell of 'horse'.

I've met other horse people since my Pe'Pere. It's always in the eye. And, every now and then, I year Pe'Pere in my own voice..."Geeet UP!" It makes me laugh.

Lise

Horse Kisses

2009-05-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

" Mav Kissses ~ Pastel"

IS there anything better, after time spent with our special, very tolerant friends, than a good *muzzle nuzzle*? We can all debate on the meaning of such behaviour in horses, but how it is understood by us is usually clear.

An affectionate nuzzle can be enough therapy as to melt away the day's stress. How many slobbery stains have I sported, unknowingly into grocery stores or other public places I've visited on my way home from the barn, completely oblivious to the horrific stares of others.

The partnership of trust between a horse and rider is almost indescribable. It is not 'natural' for horses to do what they do for us, and yet they do it. It doesn't take much convincing usually. With gentle aids, our enormous friends will push themselves far for us, for our desires, and still, in the end ready to show their gratitute.

"Warm Winter Kiss ~ Pastel"

"UP MOM"

2009-05-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

What is it that fascinates and draws us to horses? It reminds me of my daughter, as a toddler wanting "up". Horses carry us, they willingly take our burdens, and through history ~ bravely shouldered humans through the worlds worst trials.

From mother's hip to horse's back, I'm sure we equestrians can relate to the feeling of being carried, supported; the trust that exhists between horse and rider. It's an echo of our past, like swinging; a moment of freedom, and comfort ~ to be carried.

Mothers all over, horsey or not, have been there to "up their children into the saddle" hold tack, groom, trailer ~ to see the moment of joy in their child's eyes ~ To be carried.

Round Table

2009-05-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Not too many people know about this TB. He's a hall of fame horse, and a full brother to Bold Ruler. A turf runner, he won $1,749,869 in his racing days, and his stats, 66: 43-8-5 ~ describe an incredible career. He is known as one of the most important sires of the 20th century ~ producing over 80 stakes winners. He lived to a to the ripe age of 33. I've just found a book on this handsome fellow, written by John McEvoy. I might have to purchase that.

This is my tribute to him ~ reference photo was pretty dull and black and white. So I've " shed some light on the subject~"

Lise

Illustrations...

2009-04-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

I didn'tget to ride yesterday so I managed to scratch down 2 book illustrations. Here are the "tracks"although I may have to fix the 'wake' ~ I think it may be in the wrong direction. I'm not tracker ~ so not sure. The other illustration shows Tia, eating one of her favourite treats. Flash photography didn't do this piece justice.

Now for the climax of the story ~ this sould be fun!

Getting started...

2009-04-28T21:41:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging on three different sites now ~ don't know how long I can keep this up and still actually be productive. Right now I'm working on illustrations for a book. I should be pastelling coyote tracks but I haven't quite reconciled the lighting and whether or not to include part of the horse as she views the tracks... Hmmm...see I'm resolving this as I type.

Lighting is very important to me. It reveals the epression I'm looking for in my subjects and I struggle to use it properly. I don't think I'll ever completely master it, but it's a focus for sure.