The Evolution of the Island Peekabout Series

When I first had the idea for the Island Peekabout series, I had originally thought to make little paintings of typical Island places that I think of as "home-like". I also wanted them to be rather, ahem, simple.

However, as I did each one, the detail came out more and more - which is in my nature. I also began to see that folks appreciated these little paintings and the ones with more detail seemed to fair best.

The second revelation for me came during my painting demos at Avonlea Village. My paintings tend to have some aspect of whimsy in them but I wasn't all that sure that "whimsy" would sell. Through feedback from the Artisan Studio at Avonlea and other folks, I realized that everyone likes something that tugs at their heartstrings and makes their heart smile...and to prove it, they bought my prints...not only of the Peekabouts but of whimsical little bunnies and other creatures!

So, the Peekabouts had evolved into miniature oil paintings with more detail. Now, with completion of the fifth Peekabout named "Puddles", it has dawned on me that my little pieces of the Island should not only take in physical places but also introduce/promote the Island culture. I am also "brave" enough to forge ahead and say that the future Peekabouts will be quite whimsical while still maintaining the Island flavour I hold dear.

What do all these musings mean? :) It means that the Peekabouts have found their way into one cohesive body of work. They will be of Island creatures big and small set in Island settings doing traditional things - most likely with a nostalgic feel. Right now I'm thinking about a little red fox sitting at his desk in a one-room schoolhouse - another would be, for instance, a little beaver playing the spoons at a jig; a ewe spinning wool by an Island farmhouse window...

Occasionally (and I'll let you know when I do) one of the Peekabouts will contain a character from the trilogy I'm writing as a way to introduce them to you. They are rather sweet little characters...except for one who is rather grumpy but he does have an awfully big heart so...

Would love your comments or feedback. I do hope that you are enjoying this journey with me. It would be some lonesome without you!

Wilna