The Pond

$100 plus framing

 #140

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

March 2015

10" x 14"

These goldfish swim freely from late spring to early fall in an outdoor pond, 

then retire to a slower pace in an aquarium through the Canadian winter.  

Goldfish were one of the first fish to be domesticated.  

In Japan and China goldfish are symbols for wealth and good luck.

Kuusamo Grain Elevator

SOLD

#139

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

February 2015

Grain Elevators are vanishing on the prairies.   

From a peak of more than 1700 wooden grain elevators in Alberta in the 1930's, 

an article written in 2013 estimates about 120 are left standing.   Known as prairie 

sentinels they once served to connect people on the prairies, much like the

 Inuksuk of the Arctic. Upon arriving at a grain elevator, the next closest one 

could often be seen.  This grain elevator at Kuusamo is WSW of Sylvan Lake on the CN line 

from north of Red Deer to Rocky Mountain House. It was closed in 2002 and became privately owned.  The reference photo for this painting was taken in the fall of 2014.

I Saw Six Ships Come Sailing In

PERSONAL COLLECTION

                               

 #138

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

November 2014

Unframed

21" x 11"

Santa 12 Collection

In the traditional Christmas Carol, "I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In", 

composed in England in the 1600's,  the significance of the three ships has long been debated. One could not actually sail into landlocked Bethlehem. Was the composer referencing the Three Wise Men? Perhaps they were symbolic of camels, which have long been referred to as Ships of the Desert?  Maybe the ships were symbols for Faith, Hope and Charity?  Or quite simply Mary, Joseph and Jesus?   

In this Christmas painting, there are not three, but six sailing ships.  

Santa is greeting them enthusiastically, as he too, has embraced a sense of adventure.   Santa looks to Miss Adventure to take him sailing and join Ethan, Tristan, Logan, Reegan, Sadie and Oliver in their sailboats already out on the lake.  No matter the symbolism of the original three ships, these six ships, with their red and white sails, are a definite symbol for the joy and happiness children bring to all those whose hearts are open to the joy, peace, hope and charity of Christmas.

Remembrance Day Reflection

#118 Evening Poppies

 #32 Poppies

Imagine a world where everyone believed and achieved 
Peace Begins With Me

Believe It and Achieve It

Les citrouilles et le camion

$125 plus framing

#137

aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

novembre 2014

22" x 10"

Pumpkins have long since become a symbol of autumn. 

 In this painting of pumpkins and an old truck, we see a perfect pairing of times past. 

Pumpkins are among the oldest domesticated plants on Earth. 

Archaeological evidence suggests that pumpkins have been cultivated 

as far back as 10,000 B.C.  

This old truck may not be that old, but from the rust on its fenders,

 it has had countless adventures.  

Perhaps it has delivered a few pumpkin pies.

Aging Bamboo

$100 plus framing

#136

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

August 2014

14" x 10"

These bamboo culms were painted to represent the inner and outer beauty of aging.  As we age, we  may begin to fade on the outside (greys and yellows), but the fire inside burns strong (reds and yellows).  All going well, we maintain the memories, strength and passion of our youth (greens).

Embrace your greys and strive for a little red, yellow and green every day.

Golden Hills

SOLD

#135

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

May 2014

Unframed

13" x 6"

Nestled amongst the prairies, the foothills and the Canadian Rockies,  

the city of Calgary reflects 

the blazing gold of the prairies,

 the gentle yet majestic blue of the mountains

 and the warm red of the setting sun.

Island Image

SOLD

#134

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

May 2014

Unframed

22" x 14"

This image of an island was referenced with a photo from Salt Spring Island, one of the Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia, off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is an image portrayed as a moment of time when the skies are dancing, the early morning light transforms the water into a mirror and the almost disappearing horizon is made visible by another distant island.  

Le fruit de la rose

SOLD

#133

aquarelle

Carole Villeneuve

april 2014

Unframed

14" x 10"

Rose hip, rose haw, rose hep!

Call it what you may, it's the fruit of the rose.

Usually red to orange in colour, some species range from dark purple to black.  Rose hips have a high content of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and iron and may be used fresh or dried in countless recipes.  Sip a cup of rose hip tea, enjoy a glass of refreshing rose hip punch or rose hip wine, smother your pancakes in rose hip syrup or if you are brave, indulge in a bowl of Swedish rose hip soup.

Wakefield Covered Bridge

$150 plus framing

#131

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

February 2014

22" x 19"

 The Wakefield Covered bridge (Wakefield, Quebec), now a historical attraction, was originally built in 1915, but was destroyed by fire in 1984.  The bright reflections in the water not only represent the restored bridge's fresh coat of paint but are reminiscent of the power of the flames that destroyed it. This covered bridge was one of the first bridges to link the two shores of the Gatineau River. The restoration of the bridge was completed in 1998 through community effort.  

Bridges are links that help to bring people together.  As the Olympic Games begin today in Sochi, Russia, let us hope that new bridges will be built to strengthen the dream of peace in the world. 

Old Friend

SOLD

#130

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

January 2014

21" x 13"

The painting of this 50's Chevy truck reminds us that

 memories of old friends are framed in many forms.  

Memories formed through countless adventures are 

revived upon remembering roads travelled.  This old friend, 

once shiny and blue, has become a rainbow of faded colours.  

Wearing proudly signs of age, he remains true to all he has seen 

and all who have called him a friend.

Torelli Trio

SOLD

#126

Watercolour

Carole Villeneuve

December 2013

14" x 10"

Joy, love, creativity, spirit, bravery and kindness are all words that come

 to mind to those who are fortunate enough to meet this Trio.

  They are sure to make a difference in the world as they learn and grow

 as individuals and as a family team.

Ironman

Personal Collection

#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

Personal Collection

#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 plus framing

#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 plus framing

#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 plus framing

#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.