My Top 3 Favorite Paintings (that I have created)

I tried to sit down the other day and count how many pieces of artwork that I have created over the last 18 years. (It wasn’t till many years into my career that I started understanding the importance of creating an inventory sheet). But if I had to guess I would have to say about 250 pieces. And the cool thing is, other than the 10 pieces I have in my gallery at the moment, the other 240 have all found their forever homes.

In the beginning, I used to think that I would always remember every piece that I created. But as the years have gone on, and more and more paintings leave the front door each year, it’s actually really tough to remember everything that has been made.

Having said that, there are a few pieces that have found their way deep into my heart that I will never ever forget.

Here are my top 3 favorite pieces I have created.

1. VALE 50x60 inches 2012

If I had a nickel every time someone said they loved VALE and or would buy this piece if it was still available, I would be a millionaire! I still remember looking at the blank canvas as it was laying on my kitchen island in my apartment on Granville Street and putting on the first few brush strokes on this canvas. I never had a clear intention for this piece and I truly let in unfold organically. What did unfold was something that has never left my heart. The balance of composition, the illusion of a vancouver cityscape, and the softness of the colors all came together that day and I can say by far, that this piece has always been my favorite that I have ever created.

People always ask me, how do you let your creations go? Isn’t it hard to give away a part of your soul? The answer is yes. Wholeheartedly yes! But the best thing about letting this piece go was that it found it’s way to my best friend’s house and I know that I get to visit this one any time I want for the rest of my life. So that always made this one a little easier!

2. LIVE 48x72 inches 2017

I have never been more moved from a color palette than from this piece titled “LIVE.” I knew I wanted this one to be bright but what mesmerized me the most was the layers of all the soft blues, pinks, oranges and whites in the top third that bounced off the “in your face” use of turquoise in the middle.

When I was thinking about the inspiration and title of this piece, the world “live” kept coming into my head. I really thought this piece represented the concept of living your best life; Finding those things that spark joy and unapologetically living a life true to you.

I had this one hanging on the wall in the gallery for less than a night and it got snatched up by one of the loviest ladies I’ve met. One of the things that sparks joy in her life is collecting art and I couldn’t have been happier to have this piece go to her.

3. GEETA 48x48 inches 2016

This was a commission piece I did for a lovely couple from Calgary. We originally met at Art Vancouver and they were immediately drawn to my subtle texture and calm, snowy feeling of another piece I had displayed on the wall.

Sometimes you just connect with new people and that is exactly what happened with this couple and this piece for that matter. It was one of the easiest commissions I have ever created. Not easy from a technique standpoint, but easy in how it just flowed out of me. There was something about the couple’s energy, the story behind their recent travels and how they wanted this piece to somehow represent that story. I saw the vision of this piece perfectly and it came out even better than I could have imagined.

I knew that there was a pretty good chance I would never see this piece again in real life, but the couple’s excitement made it that much easier for me to let it go. I know that it is a feature piece in their kitchen and they get to enjoy the energy of it every day and that makes it all worth while.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ART THAT I HAVE CREATED????

I would love to know what piece of mine is your favorite. Send me a screen shot, an email, a text, I’ll even accept a smoke signal. I’m always grateful for feedback and excited to know what piece you love and why? (info@donnagiraud.com or @donnagiraudart)