Local Calgary Artist Mckenna Prather Loretta Acrylic 72" x 48"

Referencing a found photo or my own collage, I directly apply paint to canvas without a preliminary drawing so that I can build up a number of layers/ colours. I typically use one colour at a time and then contrast these flatly coloured areas with elements that are realistically rendered. One of my favourite parts of creating a painting is finding areas of the composition that I can add pattern. This might be a painted wallpaper on the background or what looks like mosaic tiles framing the top and bottom of a painting. Pattern my even be incorporated onto the main subject matter like a patchwork quilt. Once I feel a painting is complete, the final step in each of my works is to add embroidery in specific areas that I want highlighted. Using needlepoint, I embroider into the canvas itself to add texture.

My paintings are inspired by my very artistic, “do-it-yourself” kind of family. Growing up, my Mom would sew our Halloween costumes, hand-painted birthday invitations and made decorations for our differently themed parties each year. My family in Newfoundland and Alberta is comprised of painters, knitters, cooks, and craftsmen. Everything that they make is with the effort of creating a cozy home.

Creating something beautiful, familiar and cozy that will make a space feel more like home is my objective with each painting that I make.