Ironman

SOLD

#128

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

November 2013

10.5" x 14.5"

This painting was inspired by an Ironman competing in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in June 2013. The physical goal of completing an Ironman distance consists of 

swimming 3.8 km or 2.4 miles,

 cycling 180.2 km or 112 miles 

and running 42.2 km or 26.2 miles

........all this with a goal of completing it under 17 hours.  

The mental focus required to complete an Ironman is unmeasurable. 

The Ironman in this painting 

swam the distance in 1:06:21,

 cycled for 5:54:49 

and ran the full marathon at the end in 4:18:59 

for a total time of 11:28:29. 

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."  

-Walter Elliot-

If that's what perseverance is how does one describe what keeps the Ironman moving forward as he completes many long races one after another.

La veille de Noël

PERSONAL COLLECTION

#127

L'aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

Noël 2013

20" x 14"

Santa 11 Collection

It's Christmas Eve and as Grandmaman and Papa relax in their reading room chairs, Santa makes a special stop to help them get ready for Christmas.  Noticing that Benny's "cheval à bascule" needs touching up, Santa borrows Grandmaman's art palette and Papa's reading glasses, then quickly gets to work.  No sooner had he begun, he was done and giving a nod up the chimney he rose.  With Grandmaman in her shawl and Papa in his robe, they sprang from their chairs to see what was the clatter.  And what to their wondering eyes did they see, but a mailbox full of gifts and more out on the lawn.  Papa did the counting and to his surprise, he counted up six and quickly surmised, "Grandmaman, we are blessed with six special gifts  this Christmas Eve!" 

Réflexions après le déluge

SOLD

#129

aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

novembre 2013

22" x 10"

Reflecting on this year's flooding in Southern Alberta from the heavy rain and melting snow, this painting brings to mind the contrast of the destruction of farmland  and homes from nature's force with the peaceful beauty brought about by water's reflections.  This is my second painting dedicated to the Alberta 2013 floods which is meant to remind us  that when we can't change the course of nature it is important to change the way we look at it.

Standard School

SOLD

#125

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

October 2013

21" x 9"

This painting of Standard School was created in celebration of a leader who embodies leadership, in celebration of all she has accomplished and all she plans to accomplish.  In reflecting upon what makes her stand out as a leader the following quotes are some of those that come to mind. 

"Be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind." 

~Dr Seuss~ 

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be. 

~Rosalynn Carter~

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. 

~Douglas MacArthur~

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."

~John F. Kennedy~

Le fruit du palmier

$150

#124

aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

October 2013

20" x 14"

The palm tree, not a true tree, found throughout the world in hot climates from deserts to rainforests, gives forth an amazing variety of fruit.  There are over two thousand kinds of palm trees and in historical times they were symbols for peace, victory and fertility. The fruit in this painting from a palm tree in Mexico portrays a glowing example of the ripening of the fruit.  Easy to see how it's simple beauty inspired thoughts of peace, victory and fertility. 

Reegan

PERSONAL COLLECTION

#123

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

September 2013

10" x 14"

The name Reegan is of Gaelic origin meaning regal, royal, noble and little royal. Our Reegan is all of that and more.  She is a regal and noble princess with a heart of gold. Watch for Reegan dancing and singing like no one is there, all the while giving those who are lucky enough to hear and see her the gift of joy.  

Logan

PERSONAL COLLECTION

#122

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

September 2013

10" x 14"

Logan is a bright and cheerful Scottish surname that originated

 from a place of that name in Ayrshire, Scotland.  In Gaelic the meaning of the name Logan is "from the hollow".  People with this name are capable, charismatic leaders who often undertake large endeavors with great success.

In this painting you can see Logan's bright and cheerful smile and the drive from within to lead and take on challenges.

Ethan

PERSONAL COLLECTION

#121

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

April 2013

10" x 14"

The name Ethan is a Hebrew baby name meaning "strong and constancy".

 The biblical meaning of Ethan is " strong and gift of the island". 

In this painting Ethan is depicted as not only strong 

but one can see the kindness in his heart.  

He is " a gift" to those who know him.

Peaceful River

SOLD

#120

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

July 2013

12" x 16"

Spring heralds the arrival of heavy rain and  melting snows 

from the mountains which can create overwhelming flooding.  

Alberta 2013 is still recovering from the powerful force of water. This painting reminds us of the more gentle and peaceful nature of the river.  Understanding the cycle of nature can help us to weather life's storms.

Sunrise Sunset

$150

#119

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

July 2013

22" x 14"

These coconuts are painted in a way that helps us to appreciate the way the morning and evening lights can change the way we see things. 

 An otherwise monochromatic coconut comes alive as the sun rises and falls.  

Evening Poppies

$150

#118

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

July 2013

22" x 14"

These oriental poppies begin to close as evening approaches. 

Walking through a garden of poppies as they begin to close 

at the end of the day, 

reminds us how nature has it's own way of 

resting peacefully after a day of splendor. 

Tacheté de Monet

SOLD

#117

aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

juin 2013

14" x 8"

These Monet Pointsettia were photographed at the Flower Fields of Carlsbad, California in the Ecke Pointsettia Greenhouse.  This watercolour was painted from that photograph, inspired by Monet, with his ability to portray flowers in shadow and light. Monet Pointsettia have white sprinkled with red bracts (or leaves) that create "interest" and  "splash" .  

Sadie

PERSONAL COLLECTION

#116

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

May 2013

10" x 14"

The name Sadie is originally a Hebrew name derived from the name Sarah. 

 It has several meanings, the one most suiting our Sadie is Princess.  

Our Sadie is a princess in the true definition of a royal daughter.  

Picture Sadie in a party dress playing in the mud, 

drinking from the garden hose and running through the garden.  

Picture Sadie in a strawberry tutu entertaining her friends with song and dance.  Picture a Princess with heart.

Fu Soh Lu

SOLD

#115

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

April 2013

21" x 14"

This bamboo painting was inspired by a clump of 

golden bamboo photographed growing

 at a friend's home on the big Island of Hawaii.  

The Hawaiian word for bamboo is 'Ohe. 

'Ohe is said to be the body form of the Polynesian creator god Kane.

  

Bamboo has long been the Chinese symbol for strength. 

This painting is named for the Feng Shui meaning for 3 stalks of lucky bamboo

--fu (happiness) soh (long life) and lu (wealth).    

Although this bamboo is larger than lucky bamboo I see  

happiness, long life and wealth in this 'Ohe.

You and Me à Paris

SOLD

#114

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

April 2013

20" x 14"

A café, a bistro, a brasserie, or restaurant that could be anywhere in the world.  

This café is meant to represent some of the eateries we experienced 

on our trip to Paris in the fall of 2012.  Eating is definitely an experience in Paris. 

One of our favorite meals was in a restaurant across from the Trocadéro.  

From the tiles on the Place du Trocadéro the Eiffel Tower can be seen 

on the other side of the Seine River.  In this painting the symbols below 

the Eiffel Tower represent the tiles on the Place du Trocadéro.

The menu includes only a few of "les mets français" that we tasted. 

Here you find one meal that only the brave need try, an evening treat, 

two French staples that can be found anywhere and finally Madame's favorite dessert.  Note that they are not listed in the above order.  Bon appetit!

Tristan

PERSONAL COLLECTION

#113

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

April 2013

10" x 14"

The name Tristan is an Arthurian Legend baby name meaning "a knight".  

A Medieval legend tells of a knight of the Round table named Tristan 

who was sent to Israel by King Mark of Cornwall to bring Isolde 

back to be the king's bride.The American meaning of Tristan is " a knight".  

In English the meaning of Tristan is "noisy".  In French the meaning 

of the name Tristan is "tumult or outcry".  In Welsh Tristan means bold.

Here our Tristan is seen boldly smiling with his bright blue eyes 

high atop  a neighborhood playground............

our present day knight.

Amaryllis

$50

# 112

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

March 2013

7" x 10"

Le plus petit oiseau

SOLD

# 111

aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

février 2013

8" x 8"

This painting offers us the opportunity to observe the hummingbird 

sitting on a branch of the fuchsia shrub, 

which is contrary to it's usual tireless energy.  This tiny bird is 

often referred to as a symbol for peace, love and happiness.  

The fuchsia is a flower associated with good taste and confiding love.

Bonne chance et meilleurs voeux

SOLD

# 110

aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

février 2013

8" x 8"

This is the second painting in a series featuring two white-crested laughing thrush.  These thrush can be seen in Africa, India, Asia and the East Indies. In China, this "white head bird" is a symbol of longevity.  A gift of this painting is a symbol of good wishes for the family.