Returning to the Kingston Square Foot Show

Sue Miller

10 minutes ago

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Sweeping Light, original oil painting of an Ontario landscape by Canadian artist Sue Miller

I’m pleased to be returning to the Kingston Square Foot Show this fall. I’ve participated in this Kingston art show a number of times over the years, and it continues to be one of the events I look forward to each year as a Canadian landscape artist.

As always, I’ll be bringing five new original 12" x 12" oil paintings, each inspired by the Ontario landscape and the changing light that continually draws me back to the water.

For me, painting is often about noticing something that might only last a few minutes. It might be the way the evening sun catches the tops of the trees, a reflection moving across the lake, or the sudden glow that appears when the sun breaks through the clouds. These are the moments that stay with me and eventually find their way onto my canvas.

Five paintings, five moments of light

The five paintings I've chosen for the show each capture a different feeling.

Dreaming, original oil painting of an Ontario lake at evening by Canadian artist Sue Miller. — Dreaming, 12 x 12 inches, oil on canvas.

Dreaming is a quiet evening scene, with soft colour and light reflected across the water. I was drawn to the feeling of stillness in the landscape and the way the last warmth of the day seems to linger in the sky.

Morning Promise, original oil painting of an Ontario lake in early morning light by Canadian artist Sue Miller — Morning Promise, 12 x 12 inches, oil on canvas.

There is something special about being on the water early in the morning, before the day has really begun. The soft light and stillness were what drew me to this scene. I wanted to capture that feeling of a new day beginning and the sense of possibility that comes with it.

Sweeping Light, original oil painting of sunlight breaking through clouds over an Ontario lake by Canadian artist Sue Miller — Sweeping Light, 12 x 12 inches, oil on canvas.

I love the way the light can suddenly break through the clouds and completely change a landscape. That was what caught my attention here. The warm light moving across the trees and water creates a moment that feels fleeting, as though it might be gone just minutes later.

When September Ends, original oil painting of an Ontario lake and autumn landscape by Canadian artist Sue Miller — When September Ends, 12 x 12 inches, oil on canvas.

September is one of my favourite times to be on the water. The light starts to change, the colours become warmer and there is a feeling that summer is slowly giving way to fall.

In When September Ends, I wanted to capture that beautiful in-between moment, when the landscape is still holding onto summer but you can feel the change coming.

Where the Wild Light Grows, original oil painting of Ontario evergreens and evening light by Canadian artist Sue Miller — Where the Wild Light Grows, 12 x 12 inches, oil on canvas.

I was drawn to these two evergreens standing against the evening sky. There is something about trees like these that feels very much a part of the Ontario landscape.

As the sun drops lower, the warm light catches the trees and stretches across the water. Where the Wild Light Grows is my way of holding onto one of those quiet moments that can easily pass unnoticed.

The challenge of a 12 x 12

I enjoy working small, although it isn't always as easy as it sounds.

With a 12 x 12-inch canvas, there isn't much room for everything you see in a landscape. I have to simplify and decide what really matters. Often, that's the light or the feeling of the moment rather than the details of the scene.

I also love what happens when a small original painting finds its way into someone's home. It doesn't need a large wall or a dedicated space. It can become part of a room quietly, and perhaps remind the person who owns it of a place, a season or a moment that means something to them.

These five paintings will be at the show and I hope you'll come by and have a look or check them out online.