April & May

Well, even though we're well past April and May and the two major events where previously blogged about, I'm still going to write about what else happened!

Early April was spent locked in my studio late in the evenings, during naps and on the days where I wasn't at the office. I completed my past painting and you can read all about my Gibsons Public Art Gallery Exhibition here http://leannespanza.blogspot.ca/2012/05/my-first-solo-exhibition.html

'The Lights (Triptyck) 16" x 60"

Once back from the opening I took a few days break before starting on my next original for Therapy Vineyards and the release party May 10th. I completed two paintings, on Titled Mini Summerland and the other titled Spring as below. Both have since sold and you can read about the fabulous release party here http://leannespanza.blogspot.ca/2012/06/wine-label.html My art will be at Therapy Vineyards in Naramata throughout the summer.

'Spring' 18" x 24" $225 - SOLD

After the release party I had a commission to complete for my best friend Morgan and her husband Mike. They wanted me to create my largest painting and of the West Coast Wilderness Lodge where they were married last year. After a couple of sketches we agreed on a concept and I enlisted my friend Christina to help me build the canvas as Opus doesn't sell ones that large. After it was all built, this is how it looked in my studio, my largest painting yet, 60" x 60".

I had lots of fun painting it and it was the first time I've ever taken steps while sketching and painting! When it was done I took it off the frame, rolled it up and packaged it to go on the plane with me for the trip to Boston. I was  really excited, this was going to be my first solo flight and trip since Joni was born and I was really looking forward to spending some quality time with Morgan. The trip was wonderful and the painting made it safe and sound. Morgan and Mike were thrilled with how it turned out and below is the finished piece. They toured me throughout the city, saw a Red Sox game, spent the day at Crane Beach, ate at fabulous restaurants and had wine at lunch. 

'Westcoast Wilderness Lodge' 60" x 60"

The month went by so fast and it's hard to believe we're half way through June already. 

Below are the paintings that now hang on the walls of the wonderful people who purchased my art in April and May.

'A View Up Top' - 24"x 48" SOLD

'Mini Revy' 12"x12" SOLD

'West Coast Town' 12" x 12" SOLD

'Sailing' - 24" x 36" SOLD

'A Mountain Town' - 12" x 12" SOLD

'Arbutus Tree II' - 24" x 18" SOLD

'Rock Islands' 18" x 36" SOLD

'Garden Bay' - 36" x 48" SOLD

'The Falls' - 36" x 24" SOLD

'Sunday Afternoon' 48" x 24" - SOLD

'Rogers Pass' 18" x 36" - SOLD

 

The Wine Label

Earlier this year I saw a post on Twitter about an Artist Series wine label contest from Therapy Vineyards in beautiful Naramata. Having my art on a wine label has been something I've always wanted to do and they were looking for artwork of Okanagan landscapes. The deadline for submission was just a few days away which meant I didn't have time to create a new piece but I thought 'Okanagan Hills' would meet their requirements. So I contacted my favorite southern Okanagan supporters Jeannette and Ian who owned the piece to make sure they would be ok with me submitting the piece to Therapy (they were thrilled and very encouraging = reason why I love them).

Okanagan Hills, 24" x 48" 

Then on a cold February day, on my walk in to the office I got a phone call from Daphne telling me that my painting had been selected!!!! AMAZING! Over the next few months I anticipated the release, checked over the proof and then I was sent this beautiful photo.

Therapy Vineyards Artist Series Riesling Kerner

Thursday May 10th was the Artist Series Release Party, I took the day off work and packed the car full of art, prints and an overnight bag because I got to stay in their gorgeous guest house for the night! Daphne greeted me at the door with a glass of wine and after meeting Steve the winemaker and all the wonderful people that worked at Therapy I was so surprised to see the original painting hanging beautifully in the Wine Shop! Jeannette and Ian had arranged to bring it and it looked great with the wine bottles displayed below.

Photo courtesy of Therapy Vineyards

I had a fabulous time at the Release Party, listening to the band, signing bottles and sipping on wine all afternoon. After Carl got off work him and Joni arrived and we had a very relaxing evening at the guesthouse.

Thank you to everyone at Therapy Vineyards for all your support, selecting my art, the wine and for the wonderful day and evening spent there. I'm so happy and proud to have my art on your wine label. I love white wine and the Artist Series is a Riesling Kerner blend that is absolutely perfect for any sunny day. Or cloudy day. It's delicious.

-Artist Series Riesling Kerner is only available at the wineshop and selling fast but Therapy will be more than happy to package and ship bottles. For more information please go to  http://therapyvineyards.com/  or email at info@therapyvineyards.com