You haven't heard from me for awhile because I've
been busy helping my 99 year old Mom and  painting goofy portraits. The portraits remind me not to take life so  seriously, and to laugh more.

I'm finishing up my 19th and 20th portrait and have another seven more to go. I've noticed changes in my technique and approach to portrait painting, and that's OK. I believe they are getting better. Having said that, I'm anxious to try a freer style when I continue my learning experience after my exhibition.

So please come out to the Alternator Gallery in the Rotary Centre for the Arts on Friday, October 13th for my opening show, "Making Faces", and tell me what you think.

After my last blog about my Grumpy Selfie, I started thinking what a wonderful thing I had stumbled upon. It was so much fun painting a goofy self-portrait, it must be just as joyful painting a not-so traditional portrait of others. So I started with my Mom,. She's going on 99 and was very keen on my new project, Making Faces. Most people would want a lovely portrait painted, but Mom saw the joy of making fun of oneself and  resulting hilarity. Good on you  Mom!  This show is dedicated to you!

I've never had so much fun painting!  I find myself actually laughing while I'm painting. I also learn so much with each painting I do. I've also had fun approaching strangers and showing them what I am working on. Their faces light up and they become so keen to take part. Very few people decline the offer of having their picture taken.

I'm hoping to have painted at least 30 portraits by October 2017 (show time). It is going to be so much fun to have all the subjects and their friends and family present for the opening! Think of the hilarity and laughter it will produce!

Paintings will be offered for sale for $180 (framed or not) with 20% going to the Kelowna Women's Shelter. If you'd like to be part of this new way of looking at yourself, please send me a clear close-up of yourself and I'll see what I can do! You can email me at jansich@telus.net, or contact me and if you are in my area, I may be able to take a photo of you to use.

Ah, come on. Admit it! You think selfies are pretty vain and self-glorifying, don't you? I've had so many varied responses from this painting. Most just love it because it epitomizes what they really think about selfies. As for me, it was a great subject for a first self-portrait. Nothing too fancy and just downright funny. And imperfect.  That's me.

Yeah! My online store is up and running. All original oil paintings like this little treasure, "Black Tea", 6" X 6" and selling for $75. Perfect for the person on your list who has enough of the real tea cups!

I love the roughness and textural qualities of this small 8" X 8" oil painting. The turquoise backdrop compliments the yellow-orange of the pears. Because it is painted on a deep canvas, it doesn't require framing. This would make a great decorative piece in a kitchen or hallway. Priced at $100, it makes an affordable Christmas gift. Pay Pal coming soon. Look for it on "Paintings" on my website: Janicesich.com

Getting ready to make spaghetti. Good ingredients to start with, but where's the red wine? (it's in my hand so I couldn't paint it!) I loved painting the jar and the shadows. This little kitchen piece is 8 X 8 on painted wrap-around canvas. It's yours for $100. It would make a great Christmas gift for the chef in your life. Email me at jansich@telus.net (Sorry, I still don't have PayPal).

The first of a new theme of smallness. The painting is 8 X 8. There are so many reasons for me to paint small at this time. It speeds up the learning time. As well, it instills confidence, inspiration, focus, gives me more opportunity to use a bigger brush and experiment. Many more to come.

I am truly honored that the Kelowna Women's Shelter asked me to donate 14 images for their 2017 fundraising calendar. It is now available at London Drugs in Kelowna and West Kelowna, and the Women's Shelter Thrift Store (368 Industrial Ave. off Ellis). They sell for $20 with all proceeds to the shelter. Should I sell any paintings or prints as a result of the calendar, I will donate 20% of sales to the shelter. Please support this organization with your purchase of calendars for Christmas.

Blue Planet is painted with watercolour on a dark stained maple plate, 13 1/4 " diameter. This was a great experiment, both in application and finishing. Many, many layers of tungsten oil later, a spray lacquer worked better.
This could open up a Universe series. Any comments? Need to see a bigger photo? Go to "Wood Art" in my menu.

Of course the title of this little beauty is a play on words. I was going to call it "Sunny Days", but thought I would name it "Sunny Ways", a slogan used by Prime Minister Trudeau. Just for the fun of it. The painting is part of my "Remember Summer" series. Oil on canvas, 9 X 12. I've been having some trouble with posting my blog on Face Book so you may see this with an image or not.