Category: the Life of anieKsteph

Where everything else falls…in the life category.

Why I love to make art canvas by hand

Spring is here!

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I started rummaging through the closets and found these two pieces from early 2015.

They were made at a time when I was just starting out. Self expression on canvas (that I had made from scratch).

The primary goal was not to create art per se. The primary goal of making art was to see how many variations of colour experimentation I could do; the trick was that by making the canvas from scratch I would save oodles of cash!

“The average cost of buying canvas from retailers like Curry’s, DeSerres, or Michael’s Craft Store is anywhere from $20-$70 per canvas depending on the size. I was able to make sizes as large as 96 inches x 48 inches for less than $30.”

In earlier posts I have sung the praises of making art canvas.

I have even done tutorial videos on Youtube that you can find {here} and {here}.

The Bananas 2015 (c)- (Photo taken 14 April 2018)

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Gold Leaf Untitled 2015 (c)

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by @Lillybochic

Madeira and its Landmarks

PART SIX: FAVOURITE VIEWS OF MACHICO, MADEIRA

Away from the busy capital city of Funchal Madeira is the third most populated city of Machico. In this smaller town, the population of about 20,000 residents are mostly older and so the streets are much quieter.

Lovely and secluded alley ways show glimpses of the mountainside.

Favourite views of Machico

In these side street views, it is easier to imagine the day to day lives of the people who live here.

Favourite views of Machico Favourite views of Machico

Standing on Rua Banda D’Alem I came upon picturesque views of island life.

Favourite views of Machico Favourite views of Machico

Storm windows are very popular here, and nearly every window I have seen has one. The aesthetic effect is quaint and furthers the island life feel.

Favourite views of Machico

The door knocker is a hand- I am unsure of how new or old this is, but I love the originality it provides for. My own home in Canada features original door knockers, and I have always felt that it adds so much character to any home.

A Machenesque street dog saying hello. Never fear, the dogs that roam these streets are friendly and do not bother people.

Favourite views of Machico Favourite views of Machico

Last but not least of the views of Machico: an alley way that leads to the unknown. My imagination ran wild with this one, because I can only dream of how many lovers have met secretly in this tunnel, and how many more will meet again in the future.

Next: Part 7 Structures of Our Lady of the Mountain (Nossa Senhora do Monte)

by @Lillybochic

Madeira and its Landmarks

PART FIVE A VISIT TO MACHICO

Machico was the original capital of the island in the early days of its settlement. It was first settled in 1491. As I understand it, Machico was only favoured until they discovered Funchal, which is about 20 minutes or 17 kilometres further West.

Machico Madeira Views Machico Madeira Views

In the town square, you can see an old public water fountain circa 1929. The architecture shows evidence of Machico being a very old city, and much of the streets are cobble stone, and feature a rustic look.

Machico Madeira Views Machico Madeira Views

The large mountains act as a protector of the small town.

Machico Madeira Views

A small feline Machiquenise resident of the town of Machico.

Machico Madeira Views

A bridge crossing a creek in the town. The creek leads to the ocean and beach area.

Machico Madeira Views

An East facing view of the town. As you can see, there are mountains in the East and West of the town, with the beach at the southern tip.

Machico Madeira Views

The southern tip of Machico- the beach with imported sand. During the winter months, the locals are rarely at any beach as they describe 20 degree Celsius weather as “too cold”. Most of the people here are all tourists from colder regions. Regardless of the temperature, the view is lovely.

NEXT: PART SIX FAVOURITE VIEWS OF MACHICO, MADEIRA

by @Lillybochic

Madeira and its Landmarks

Part Four: Final Shots of Ponta Da Sao Lourenco

Another land form that inspired awe and mystery during our visit were the Deserted Islands or Ilhas Desertas on the south end of the Island of Madeira. There is no fresh water here, no human inhabitants, and probably very little weather on these deserted islands. As far as we know, only Monk Seals, birds and insect life live here year round. There is a research station, but nothing to support day to day modern life. While gazing at these mysterious islands, I wondered if anyone tried to live here at any point in history, and whether they are buried there, or not. Either way, the sight and mention of Ilhas Desertas stirs eerie feelings within.

Ilhas Desertas

A few parting shots…

Parting shots of the ponta Parting shots of the ponta Parting shots of the ponta

NEXT: PART FIVE A VISIT TO MACHICO

by @Lillybochic

Madeira and its Landmarks

Part Three: FAVOURITE VIEWS OF DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO

Our visit to Ponta de Sao Lourenco was an inspiring one. There were many sights to see that photographs cannot pay justice to them all.

This North West mountain peak resembled a human face. One with a thick brow and ancient features. I am ambivalent toward inanimate objects that resemble human faces.

Favourite views of pointe da Sao Lourenco

There is a odd feeling that I get from seeing something with relatable features, because I instinctually assign emotions and a made up back story from my imagination.

Favourite views of pointe da Sao Lourenco

Perhaps this face formed in the mountainside upon the first landing of humans to the Isle of Madeira. The Mother Earth was aghast to discover that her secret virgin paradise was now seen for the first time by humans at the point da Sao Lourenco, and the secret would no longer be kept. The storyteller within me continues on with the allegory that I will spare you from for now.

Favourite views of pointe da Sao Lourenco

A land formation resembling a pirate’s cove is another image that I captured on our trip. My imagination is further titillated to think about who may have first been there, and what other stories may have taken place as a result of this inlet from the ocean.

Favourite views of pointe da Sao Lourenco

Favourite views of pointe da Sao LourencoFavourite views of pointe da Sao LourencoFavourite views of pointe da Sao Lourenco

Next: Part Four Final shots of da ponta

by @Lillybochic

Madeira and its Landmarks

Part Two: A Visit to DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO

A brief visit to the area of Machico on the East end of Madeira led us to da Ponta de Sao Lourenco, a vista filled trek with soul stirring views of the ocean.

The volcanic rock is rumoured to contain various fossils of ancient plant life that has now been extinct for thousands of years. As we explored, we tried to discover some fossils of our own, but breaking rocks apart proved to be too tedious.

DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇOVolcanic rock in Madeira

Some of the paths were challenging, and best left to the more experienced hikers and thrill seekers. We climbed what we could, and were happy for the views.

Next: FAVOURITE VIEWS OF DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO.

by @Lillybochic

Madeira and its Landmarks

Part one

This December holiday, we decided to leave the country to a sunny destination. My Partner is Portuguese, so among the list of possible destinations was the beautiful island of Madeira, a territory of Portugal.Skyline: Funchal Madeira- Sao Joao Neighbourhood

While examining what specific areas and towns to visit in this exuberant country, we had considered two places: Funchal and Machico. These locations are very popular for tourists, as well as being locations where my Partner has family living. When possible, it is enjoyable to see a foreign country as the locals do. I know that this is not always possible, but it offers a nice change of pace, scenery, and general attitude toward life for Western born people.

Skyline: Funchal Madeira- Sao Joao Neighbourhood2

We decided to chose our top option and stayed in Funchal, Madeira. This capital city is home to a comfortable condominium apartment in the neighbourhood of Sao Joao, which served us well as our accommodation for our trip.

Our rental car from Madeira Rentals was a sporty car equipped with GPS.

We wisely chose to spend a little extra money on a European Roaming Package for my mobile phone. It cost an extra 90$ on top of my monthly fee, but the amount of headaches that were alleviated by having access to Google Maps was well worth the cost.

NEXT: OUR VISIT TO DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO

by @Lillybochic

My attempt at imitating Monet in acrylic

Acrylic on wood panel yellow, green, brown
Acrylic on wood panel

Spring is on its way!

I have been back to my experimental roots, and came up with this latest work while working on wood panels. This is a 14″ x 14″ wood panel. I still use canvas, but the wood can be so much more compact and full of texture than stretched art canvas.

Working with wood has been a nice change. Right now, I am working on a very exuberant acrylic on canvas piece that incorporates bright red and yellow. It’s different, and I can’t wait to post it as soon as I feel that it is complete.

Thanks for reading, and visit again soon!

-S

Behind the scenes: Eden Grove hanging
Behind the scenes: Eden Grove hanging
by @Lillybochic

Jaune Tide: Acrylic on canvas 

Spring is nearly here: however in Southern Ontario, that does not always mean it will be warm outside or without snow.

The weather has been trite with gloomy over cast and threats of blizzards this week; so I decided to create a piece that would be an antithesis to current moods.

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I call my latest piece: Jaune (yellow) Tide.

I integrated bright yellows, cerulean blues, aqua, and green hues in vibrant splashes on a gallery wrapped canvas. My favourite parts of this piece are the bright expanses of Yellow that bring warmth and happiness to the eye. The aqua is a nice offset against the blue as well.

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As with many of my paintings, it can be hanged in any orientation; although it is difficult for me to decide where to sign each piece. I may adopt a symbol for signing my work in the future, so as to reduce the impact of a signature.

Thanks for reading,

-S

by @Lillybochic