inspiration {art walk}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Inside the entrance to the Gerry Thomas Gallery (painted stainless steel)

Fabulous paintings by French-Canadian Artist Marie-Danielle Leblanc

…more beautiful paintings. Love the texture!

After viewing these paintings, I’ve become inspired to use a resin on my own.

I had a fantastic Saturday afternoon strolling down 11th Avenue SW visiting all the wonderful art galleries. I was so impressed by all the talented artists and equally impressed by the gallery spaces. These curators are very good at what they do.

The first art gallery I entered (and my personal favorite) Gerry Thomas Gallery was incredible! It’s a very stylish venue. From the intricate glass sculptures and lighting to the stunning painting selection…everything seemed to fit perfectly. I was also impressed by the art deco bar. What a fabulous place to entertain! Perhaps my upcoming birthday?

The intimate gallery off to the left showcased some amazing paintings by French-Canadian artist Marie-Danielle Leblanc. Most of her paintings are covered in resin. They are all absolutely beautiful! So much so that she’s inspired me to apply resin to my paintings as well. For those of you unfamiliar with resin, it’s a surface coating application for all artwork (photographs and paintings in particular) and provides a clear, glossy, shiny, thick, hard, glass-like finish. This is the crème de la crème of glossy finishes. I love it!

I strolled up and down 11th Avenue SW for over three hours. That just wasn’t enough time…there was still so much more to see. Besides art galleries, there’s quite a few furniture stores that offer unique design solutions to any home or office. It’s an interior designers paradise. Looks like I’ll be planning another art walk/furniture walk very soon!

motivation {to keep on running}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Just a little bit of motivation to keep on running…T-12 weeks till the 15k race!

So my big 15k race is just over 12 weeks away. I finally set up my training program to keep me on the right track. I had originally planned to use a half-marathon training program but recently changed my mind. I didn’t want to start running too hard, too fast, too soon. I’d hate to train that hard and receive an injury due to over-training. Better safe than sorry.

So I found a 15k training program online and modified it. I love it because it has a fantastic variety of activity. I run 3x a week, strength train 4x a week (every other day) and crosstrain 2x a week…then I get one day of rest. I also make time to stretch after every session.

During my run, I get an extra adrenaline rush just listening to my music. It’s loud and upbeat…just the right tempo to help me stay focused on finishing my run. I’m actually in the process of creating a new playlist specifically for my 15k. It has to last at least 1:30:00. The playlist below is what helped me finish my last 10k in Canmore last September.

10k Playlist

1. Dirrty – Christina Aguilera (feat. Redman)

2. Shake That – Eminem (feat. Nate Dogg)

3. Get Low – Lil’ Jon and The Eastside Boys

4. Give Me Everything – Pitbull

5. Hate It Or Love It – 50 Cent

6. Higher – Taio Cruz (feat. Travie McCoy)

7. I Wanna Go – Britney Spears

8. In da Club – 50 Cent

9. Low – Flo Rida (feat. T-Pain)

10. On the Floor – JenniferLopez (feat. Pitbull)

11. Only Girl (In the World) – Rihanna

12. Poison – Bel Biv DeVoe

13. Poker Face – Lady GaGa

14. Porn Star Dancing – My Darkest Days (feat. Ludacris)

15. Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People

16. Sorry – Madonna

17. Telephone – Lady GaGa (feat. Beyonce)

18. Till the World Ends – Britney Spears

19. Yeah – Usher (feat. Lil’ Jon)

20. Stereo Hearts – Gym Class Heroes (feat. Adam Lavigne)

 

These beats have definitely helped me keep by heart pumping! Must keep running!

presentation {keep it clean}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Bad Example: dried paint on the sides, edges and bottom of an older painting from 2011

Before: a new painting with the sides, edges and back covered with tape and poly wrap

After: peeling off the tape and poly wrap shows a clean edge; ready for one final coat

…even the back stays clean thanks to the poly wrap!

When it comes to selling a painting, overall presentation is very important. Sure what’s painted on the canvas is of great value but what about the overall quality of the finished piece. Shouldn’t some consideration be taken into how the edges are finished? Do the edges look crisp and clean or does the paint spill over the sides like a complete mess?

Every artist finishes the sides of their painting differently. I’ve seen paintings with just bare canvas on the sides; not painted at all. Others tend to integrate their painting into the sides of the artwork. I prefer to paint the sides of my canvas black…but that’s not my point.

I’m talking about the “sloppiness” that shows on the sides, edges and back of a finished painting. I never used to think too much about the sides. Why? That’s what frames are for right? Frame or no frame; I think poor quality shows through when a painting isn’t finished in it’s entirety; sides, edges and the back included. It’s a direct reflection of the artist.

I’ve had the personal experience of creating quite a few “sloppy” paintings…literally! After being introduced to Liquitex Pouring Medium, at first I forced the paint to stay within the compounds of the canvas so it wouldn’t run over the edges. After creating quite a few of those paintings, I decided to see what would happen if I let the paint run over the edges. The paintings turned out even more expressive than I had imagined but the sides and back were covered with dried paint. I knew it looked terrible but I didn’t have a solution to fix it.

It wasn’t until my parents had helped my hang one of my shows that my dad had suggested to try wrapping the sides, edges and back of the canvases in poly wrap and tape. I had nothing to lose…so I tried it and it worked! After carefully removing the tape, the rest of the canvas was crisp and clean. I couldn’t believe it! Why hadn’t I thought of that!

I actually started prepping my canvases with poly wrap and tape a few months ago. It’s definitely something I’ll be doing with all my paintings. Presentation (to me) is a pretty big deal. It takes a bit longer to wrap and tape them but in the end it looks so much better.

“When you know better…you do better” – Maya Angelou

sneak peek {new series}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Here’s a sneak peek at one of the paintings in my new series…

It’s a lot different from the bright, colourful paintings I had done in the past. This new series will concentrate more on a different colour palette which will consist of a variety of warm, neutral tones with accents of colour. It has this beautiful marbling effect…SO very cool!

new recipe {egg frittata}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Freshly baked Egg Frittata…a big part of my new healthy breakfast!

Egg Frittata

8 egg whites

2 whole eggs

chopped red pepper

diced onion

sliced mushrooms

dash paprika

(add any veggies you like; zucchini, broccoli, asparagus…)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix everything together in a bowl and pour into an oven-safe baking dish. Cover with tinfoil and bake for 45 min. Serve hot…but it’s also great cold.

This was my first time making Egg Frittata. It was incredibly delicious & SO easy to make! The recipe was given to me as part of a complete fitness package during my five-hour High Performance Fitness Training session. Refer to my recent blog for more information.

I enjoy this hot breakfast as part of my new healthy lifestyle. I’ll have one large slice of the Egg Frittata and one slice of whole grain toast with almond butter. Just bake it the night before so it’s ready to eat. Lots of protein and healthy carbs to kick-start your mornings!

where {oh where?} to begin…

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Too many choices…where do I begin?

…even more options! Neutrals, metallics and a colour I hardly ever use – Green.

First I paint the canvas black, then I wrap the edges and back with poly wrap and tape.

…here’s another look at the back. It’s completely covered in poly.

…ready to paint!

Ok. So It’s the middle of January and I STILL haven’t painted anything! I know! I’ve actually been trying to come up with a name for my new series first before I paint (Excuse #1). Plus, I’ve also been crazy busy at work and I’m exhausted (Excuse #2). I’ve also been trying to fit in my new fitness routine & running (Excuse #3). I could go on…but I won’t.

The first step is just getting inside my home studio, close the door, turn on some music and just relax. Perhaps I’ll start thumbing through a few Landscape Photography books to get my creative juices flowing. The truth is, I already know what direction I’d like to take my new series of paintings. I just need to start painting. Easy right? Just do it!

I have an idea for a new colour palette which is inspiring so that’s a start. I’ve been wanting to do something fresh for a while. Lately it’s been the same bright, vibrant colours. I think I’ve beaten that colour palette to death already. Time for something new.

So, I’m back to the beginning. Picking the right colours for my new series. It’s not always an easy task. I’d like to be a little more selective in my thought process this time. I’ve decided to JUST PAINT. The name of the series will come to me. Time to get started!

High Performance Fitness Training {FITCAMP 2012}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

High Performance Fitness Trainers Annette Milbers and Melissa Leigh Morrison

Last Sunday I had the chance to work out with two of Calgary’s best WBFF PRO’s. Together, they created a five-hour High Performance Training Session which was INCREDIBLE! I gained a ton of knowledge in regards to both nutrition and fitness!      

There were 22 of us that signed up. All of us with different training backgrounds.The training started with a 1 hour cardio session…but it wasn’t what you’d expect. We weren’t just placed at specific cardio equipment. They had set up a multitude of different stations for various exercises: bum kicks, knee-ups boxing, box jumps, jumping jacks, and running laps around the parking lot to name just a few. That sure got my heart rate up!

The next hour was dedicated to meeting the rest of the women and listening to Annette and Melissa talk about their experiences as fitness trainers and models in regards to fitness and nutrition. They were extremely helpful in answering all of our questions. They also made us a fantastic lunch: chicken wraps, protein muffins, fruit veggies & almonds.

Hour three was the Leg Workout portion of the program. We were split into two groups and each trainer went through various exercises with us. They pushed us! We heard a lot of ”Go! Go! Go!”, “Push Yourself!”, “Go Harder!”, You Can Do It!” and “Great Work!”

During the fourth hour, we relaxed and snacked again while listening to some more advice from Annette and Melissa. These ladies know SO much! I was impressed.

The final hour was an Upper Body Workout. Once again, each trainer went through the exercises prior to starting the training. We were split into two groups and went as hard as we could for 45 min. I was exhausted! We finished up with a Q & A and called it a day.

Each of us received a folder filled with a TON of information: quick clean breakfast ideas, a healthy grocery list, clean recipes, Leg and Upper Body workouts, Cardio Interval Training, info on Training at Home and Training in your hotel room while traveling and a booklet on fitness and nutrition.

I’m SO glad I signed up for this fitness training. I’ve never worked out that hard in my life and I’ve been working out for over 14 years. It got me back on track to where I want to be. I have quite a few fitness goals and with their help I believe they can be achieved. I received all the information that I was looking for in this High Performance Training Session. With a helpful grocery list and some clean recipe ideas, it gives me a start in a new direction.

{banana protein muffins} new recipe

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

I just made a fresh batch of banana protein muffins…very nutritious and SO yummy!

This was my first time making these muffins and they are absolutely delicious! The recipe is filled with high protein, good carbs, healthy fat and is packed with flavour.

Banana Protein Muffins

12 egg whites

2/3 cup uncooked oatmeal

1/3 cup high fibre cereal

2 fresh bananas

6 tbsps sugar free jam

dash of vanilla extract

dash of cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 packet of Splenda

walnuts

Pam cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together everything (except cereal) in blender. Fold cereal into batter. Line muffin tins with liners and spray with Pam. Pour mixture into liners and bake for 30 min or until completely cooked throughout. Cool for 10 min. Enjoy!

The recipe was given to me as part of a complete fitness package filled with recipes, fitness and nutrition tips, cardio, leg and upper body exercises as well as a complete grocery list to keep me on track of my fitness goals. I received this package last Sunday as part of the five-hour High Performance Fitness Training session (more about that in a future blog). I’ll be sure to post more healthy recipes. These muffins are a great start!

kicking the habit {coffee}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

I am SO proud of myself…I’ve gone almost THREE weeks without coffee!

I’ve been trying to quit drinking coffee for months now and it just never seemed to work. I haven’t had a coffee since my last day of work before Christmas holidays. Since I don’t drink coffee at home (only at work), I decided it would be a great time to try to finally quit!

Funny thing is, I never used to drink coffee until about five years ago when I started working in an office. At first, it started with hot chocolate since I couldn’t stand the taste of coffee (still can’t). It wasn’t until someone brought in french vanilla creamers that I decided to try it in some coffee and it was delicious! So sweet and creamy…I WAS HOOKED!

Since then, I’d average about two coffee’s most days (only in the mornings) with each coffee consisting of TWO french vanilla creamers and TWO packets of Sugar Twin. Just thinking about it now makes me sick…ugh! What was I thinking? How disgusting! Yuck!

Part of my new healthy lifestyle is to stop drinking my calories. If I’m craving something hot to drink, I’ll just have some green tea or some hot water with lemon instead. I’ve made quite a few unhealthy choices over the past few years. I’ve decided to take my life back and start feeding my body the healthy nutrients it needs, get adequate excercise, drink plenty of water, eat five small meals a day and get plenty of rest every night.

Each morning is a test on my will power…hopefully I’ve kicked this coffee habit for good!

road trip {banff}

vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta

Driving through the Rockies…

Another beautiful look at those majestic mountains…

The place mat at The Grizzly House…AMAZING Fondue Restaurant!

Every table had a phone…the restaurant’s former incarnation as a 70′s disco

Fondue: venison, elk, ostrich, prawns, buffalo, chicken, lobster & scallops on a Hot Rock

Chocolate Fondue: a melted Toblerone bar served with fruit and wafers…SO yummy!

Today we decided to take a family road trip to Banff…a visit that has been long overdue. We live 90 minutes from Banff yet we haven’t been there since the summer of 2010. That’s terrible! I had wanted to get out to Banff many times this summer but to no prevail.

After wandering through the shops along Banff Avenue, we made our way to The Grizzly House…a restaurant famous for their Fondue. Their fondue ranges from Wild Game like buffalo, elk and caribou to the exotic like shark, snake and frogs legs. The decor is very retro…right out of the 70′s. You’ll find plenty of wood paneling, bearskin rugs, totem poles and working phones at every table (it used to be a 70′s disco)…not to mention the 70′s music playing in the background. The low light added to the ambiance. It’s quite the experience. I’ve been there twice before but I keep coming back. It’s such a good time!

If you’ve never been there, it’s definitely worth checking out. You won’t be disappointed.