O Y S T E R C A T C H E R G I R L

Welcome to Oystercatcher Central: struggling to keep pace with worldwide demand for oystercatcher art since 2007

2012-01-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

Oystercatchers #296
20" x 20"

Three new oystercatcher paintings to start off 2012!

Oystercatchers #294

2012-01-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Three new oystercatcher paintings to start off 2012!

Oystercatchers #294
20" x 20"

Oystercatchers #295

2012-01-03T14:22:00.000-08:00

Oystercatchers #295
20" x 20"

Topping of 2011 with Oystercatchers & Fisgard Lighthouse

2011-12-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

Oystercatchers #293
48" x 30"

Oystercatchergirl in natural habitat

2011-11-26T22:45:00.000-08:00

These paintings were exhibited in the Oak Bay Library, Victoria, BC, throughout December.

Yours truly at Oystercatcher Central is on a little artistic side-trip. The above paintings are shown individually, below.

It all started when a good friend, who has a garden in Duncan, British Columbia, suggested that I paint something pertinent to her region. Until then, it hadn't occurred to me to depict anything other than ... oystercatchers!

Here are the fruits of that happy request. I hope the results aren't too drab and morose.

Steller's Jays #3
48" x 30"

California Quails #2

2011-11-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

California Quails #2
48" x 30"

California Quails #3

2011-11-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

California Quails #3
48" x 30"

Steller's Jays #4

2011-11-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

Steller's Jays #4"
48" x 30"

"Beyond Oystercatchers 101", by Anne Hansen

2011-11-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

California Quail #1
72" x 18" (excerpt)

This tall, slender size is virtually impossible to photograph in its entirety! The bottom half is packed with more California poppies.

Oystercatchers #277

2011-11-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who attended the Oak Bay Studio Tour (Nov 5 & 6). Generous oystercatcher arts patrons from Nanaimo have now given a new home to "Oystercatchers #277". Sending my profuse thanks to Paul for his loyal help with the Oak Bay Studio Tour, and to Ron for expert assistance with art sales.

Oystercatchers #277
20" x 16"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #190

2011-11-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

Announcing Oystercatchers #190 (48" x 12"), just purchased by a Vancouver patron of the oystercatcher arts. This long, tall deep-forest painting was inspired by a visit to Haida Gwaii, where I volunteered for oystercatcher research with the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society.

Steller's Jays are the new Oystercatchers! (Just this week!)

2011-10-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

Steller's Jays #1
30" x 24"

"You might need to take a CPR course in case you have to revive anyone who comes to your shows expecting oystercatchers and comes across a Steller's Jay" -- Oystercatchergirl's naturalist friend from Ontario

Oystercatchergirl: "Mom, I'm painting a new bird species."
Oystercatchergirl's mother: "Hallelujah!"

Steller's Jays #2

2011-10-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Steller's Jays #1
20" x 20"
SOLD

Welcome to Oystercatcher Central: struggling to keep pace with worldwide demand for oystercatcher art since 2007

2011-09-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #285 (excerpt)
48" x 30"

These paintings just found a new home on the James Bay Art Walk, September 17 & 18, Victoria, BC.

2011-09-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #251, 252, 253
20" x 16" each

Oystercatchers #284

2011-09-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #284
48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #265

2011-09-08T13:50:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #265
20" x 16"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #278

2011-09-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #278
20" x 16"

Oystercatchers with California poppies, inspired by bicycle rides along Victoria's shoreline. Here's the view at McNeill Bay.

2011-08-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

We're in the mood for poppies at Oystercatcher Central. But scroll down for more fish, seaweed, and forests. Oystercatchergirl is equally in love with oystercatchers, and their habitat.

Oystercatchers #281
48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #282
48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #283
48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #280

2011-08-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #280
48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #276

2011-07-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #276
20" x 16"

Painting up a storm!

Oystercatchers #274

2011-07-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #274
20" x 16"

Oystercatchers #275
20" x 16"

On a 20" x 16" art canvas binge!

2011-07-20T13:00:00.001-07:00

Kissing an oystercatcher on Seabird Rocks, off Bamfield, BC. Photo courtesy of Peter Clarkson of Parks Canada. See July 7th entry, below.

See these and other paintings in the JAMES BAY ART WALK, 140 Oswego Street, Victoria, BC, September 17 & 18, 2011.

See below for Oystercatchergirl's exciting day of bird-banding in Pacific Rim National Park!

2011-07-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #269
20" x 16"

Oystercatchers #271
20" x 16"

Oystercatchers #270
20" x 16"

Oystercatchers #273
20" x 16"

Oystercatchers #267

2011-07-12T10:11:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #267
28" x 22"

Oystercatchers #266

2011-07-11T10:19:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #266
20" x 16"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #268
20" x 16"
SOLD

Oystercatchergirl kisses an oystercatcher!

2011-07-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a generous invitation by Peter Clarkson, biologist with Parks Canada in Pacific Rim National Park (and oystercatcher and harlequin duck aficionado), I got to partake in a day of bird banding with his team on an isolated island off Bamfield on Vancouver Island. Here I am, cuddling my favorite bird! (Peter on right.)

Lots of pigeon guillemots, too!

Oystercatchergirl's art cards are now available at Tofino Sea Kayaking, 320 Main Street, Tofino, BC.

Tall, skinny paintings ...

2011-06-29T16:05:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #264
(36" x 6")

Oystercatchers #263
(36" x 6", excerpt)

Oystercatchers #262
(36" x 6", excerpt)

Oystercatchergirl off to the prairies to see avocets, phalaropes, ruddy ducks, and chestnut-collared longspurs ...

2011-05-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #261 excerpts
(see entry below for full 18" x 72" painting)

Oystercatchergirl will be enjoying prairie and mountain birds until June 18th. I'll miss my oystercatchers, but avocets are their close relative!

Oystercatchers #261

2011-05-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #261
18" x 72"

Oystercatchers #260

2011-05-24T11:47:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #260
36" x 6" (excerpt)

Oystercatchers #255

2011-05-24T11:23:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #255
20" x 16"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #258

2011-05-24T11:22:00.006-07:00

Oystercatchers #258
36" x 6"

Oystercatchers #259

2011-05-24T11:22:00.005-07:00

Oystercatchers #259
6" x 36" (excerpt)

Oystercatchers #257

2011-05-24T11:22:00.003-07:00

Oystercatchers #257
20" x 16"

Oystercatchers #254

2011-05-24T11:22:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #254
20" x 16"
SOLD

Oystercatchergirl in art show at International Marine Conservation Congress, Victoria, BC, May 14-18. Click here.

2011-05-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #256
20" x 16"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #251, 252 & 253

2011-05-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #251, 252 & 253 (each 20" x 16")

The fun, breaking news coinciding with Oystercatchergirl's 250th oystercatcher painting -- that I am taking the liberty of sharing with you, dear reader -- is rejection from the Moss Street Paint-In for the third consecutive year!

"We have reviewed all submissions, and unfortunately we are declining the opportunity to offer you a placement in this year's event. With all best wishes, Mary-ellen Threadkell, Coordinator"

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

They all go together ...

Oystercatchers #246. Click here for news article.

2011-05-06T13:30:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #246, full version and excerpt (48" x 12")

May in May! Congratulations to Elizabeth May, Saanich-Gulf Islands candidate, for becoming Canada's first Green Party member of parliament.

2011-05-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #248 (48" x 12")

Oystercatchers #248 (above, with well-wishing lyrics in green sky) has been given as a gift to Elizabeth May.

Here's Oystercatchergirl (holding Oystercatchers #250) with Elizabeth herself, the day before the election. Photo courtesy of Jacques Sirois, biologist extraordinaire.

Oystercatchers #247

2011-05-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #247 (48" x 12")
close up, and full version

Oystercatchers #244: San Francisco oystercatchers

2011-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #244 (36" x 60")

Thank you to all who visited the creations of Oystercatcher Central on the Oak Bay Studio Tour in April!

2011-04-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am most grateful to Paul for the spacious Oak Bay studio, art transportation, beautiful garden venue, and for making the show a great success!

Lucky winners of the draw for a 6-pack of oystercatcher art cards are Angelique and Melissa. Oystercatchergirl will contact you.

Oystercatchers #245 (excerpt and full version)
18" x 72"

Announcing the sale of "Oystercatchers #200" on the Oak Bay studio tour. May these oystercatchers enjoy their new home.

Oystercatchers #200
36" x 18"

Here are some new, smaller oystercatchers ...

2011-02-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

Oystercatchers #243 (20" x 16") SOLD

Oystercatchers #242 (excerpt). Entire painting (with red sky), below, is 48" x 12".

2011-01-08T13:10:00.001-08:00

Oystercatchers #241 (24" x 12")

Oystercatchers #240 (20" x 16") SOLD

Oystercatchers #232 (20" x 16")

Oystercatchers #235 (24" x 12") SOLD

Oystercatchers #230 (20" x 16") SOLD

Oystercatchers #231 (16" x 20")

Oystercatchers #229 (20" x 16") SOLD

Oystercatchers #234 (8" x 10") SOLD

Oystercatchers #233 (10" x 8) SOLD

Oystercatchers #237 (20" x 16") SOLD

Oystercatchers #236 (24" x 12")
SOLD

Knitting up a storm at Oystercatcher Central!
Oystercatchers #221
"What would Emily Carr do?" about a developer's proposal to build 300 houses along the Juan de Fuca hiking trail (between Jordan River and Port Renfrew) -- and any number of other nutbar schemes to further degrade "the best place on earth".

Oystercatchers #226 & 228

2010-12-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

Oystercatchers #228
36" x 6"

Oystercatchers #226
24" x 48"

Some cheery winter solstice words from a Guelph friend:
"Even though you're probably not all that crazy about holiday cards, I thought you'd like the bird theme [a dove]. Keep up the struggle! The human race is not worth it, but the birds are!"

Oystercatchers #224

2010-12-09T10:47:00.001-08:00

18" x 72"

Oystercatchers #220 and 223

2010-11-29T14:32:00.001-08:00

Oystercatchers #220 (left)
48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #223 (right)
40" x 30"

Thank you to Wendy, Nancy, Paul and Kevin for helping with recent art show in Sidney.

Oystercatchers #222
40" x 30"

Oystercatchergirl presenting Robert Bateman with oystercatcher art cards at his book-signing, Peninsula Gallery, Sidney, BC

What would Emily Carr do?

2010-11-29T13:57:00.001-08:00

Urban sprawl at China Beach! What would Emily Carr do? Please go to Anne's activist website, upper right.

Oystercatchers #221
48" x 30"

Indeed, that is a Steller's jay, which isn't an oystercatcher!

Oystercatchers in the Tulista Gallery, Sidney

2010-11-05T17:19:00.001-07:00

"Oystercatchergirl On A Mission". Click here for news article.

2010-10-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #218
48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #216

2010-10-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

48" x 24"

Visits to Haida Gwaii continue to inspire!

The riot of colour inhabiting Oystercatcher Central

2010-09-17T13:20:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #211 (left)
36" x 6" (sorry, not for sale)

The studio (middle)

Oystercatchers #214 (right)
72" x 18" -- a new size!

"My Body of Oystercatchers" returns, in three art shows!

2010-08-17T15:45:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #209
48" x 12"

Art lovers saw a selection from "My Body of Oystercatchers" in each of these art shows.

BIRDS AT SEA Art Exhibit
September 7th - 11th
1st World Seabird Conference
Victoria Conference Centre
Victoria, BC

JAMES BAY ART WALK
September 11th & 12th, Victoria, BC

OAK BAY LIBRARY
Throughout September
1442 Monterey Avenue, Victoria, BC
10 am - 6 pm (closed Sundays)

Oystercatchers #206 & 207

2010-08-09T09:12:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchers #207 and #206 (both 36" x 18")

Most paintings on this site are available privately from the artist.

Oystercatchers #205

2010-07-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #205
36" x 12"

This painting recently hung in the Emily Carr House in Victoria, as part of the James Bay Art Walk.

One of my first west coast rainforest encounters was on a kayak trip in the Broughton Archipelago, shortly after having moved across Canada to Vancouver Island. The green mystery, density, and abundance that surrounded me were so evocative of an Emily Carr painting that I was convinced that I had stepped “into” one of her canvases rather than into the rainforest itself.

Oystercatcher art at World Seabird Conference!

2010-07-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #204
48" x 12"

I've just been invited to show some oystercatcher art at the World Seabird Conference in Victoria, from September 7-11, 2010. Also see the fabulous work of artist Roberta Smith of Blue Lantern Studio in Vancouver, who is organizing the artwork. (Luddite me, I am having trouble here making these websites actually "link" for you, dear reader.)

worldseabirdconference.org
http://www.blue-lantern.ca/studio

The Lighthouse Oystercatchers

2010-07-12T13:51:00.001-07:00

This artwork will be featured in Lighthouse Living, a group show with Artists in Motion at Coast Collective Gallery, 3221 Heatherbell Road (overlooking Esquimalt Lagoon), from July 22 to August 1st.

You are invited to opening reception: Saturday July 24th, 2-4 pm

to the right ...
Oystercatchers #204
48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #201

2010-07-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

48" x 12"

"If it wasn't for me, you'd be at "Oystercatchers #210" by now," says Anne's new boyfriend Paul, commenting on the recent work slowdown at Oystercatcher Central.

"My Body of Oystercatchers" at the Gallery at the Mac, until July 25

2010-06-11T22:14:00.001-07:00

Picture this on a wine bottle label! Oystercatchers #182 (36" x 30") submitted to a BC winery seeking artworks that "best reflect the spirit of British Columbia".

"My Body of Oystercatchers" runs until July 25th
Gallery at the Mac, McPherson Playhouse, #3 Centennial Square(Government & Pandora), Victoria, BC.
The Mac is a performance venue, with the gallery open on performance nights, i.e., July 8-18. Appointments for other times are welcome. Please phone Natalie Woods at (250) 361-0806.

Oystercatchers #197
48" x 12"
(long tall one on the right)

Three oystercatcher art fans with Oystercatchers #131, 132, 133

I wish to thank the following people for their generous help with opening night and overall oystercatcher inspiration: Ron Spector, John Shaw, Sharon Glynn, Winnie Cooper, Terri Walowina, Kim Willoughby, Janet Etter, Nancy Dolan, Karen Hamilton, Hilary Stead, Jim Chapman, Helen and Bob Hansen, Jacques Sirois, Paul Rasmussen, Leo Gauthier, Kevin Neish, Wendy Wasilewski, Mendelson Joe, Paul Peregal, Nancy Murphy, and others who remain nameless.

Oystercatchers #195 & 199

2010-06-08T16:13:00.001-07:00

These paintings hang in the Cycles art show in the office of Denise Savoie, Member of Parliament for Victoria, 970 Blanshard Street, Victoria.

Oystercatchers #154

2010-06-07T14:47:00.001-07:00

Oystercatchergirl in natural habitat

36" x 18"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #194 & 193

2010-05-30T21:24:00.001-07:00

30" x 15"

MOST PAINTINGS HERE ARE AVAILABLE PRIVATELY FROM THE ARTIST.
All photography by Anne Hansen

12" x 48"

Oystercatchers # 187 & 188

2010-05-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

12" x 48"

Oystercatchers #186 & 198

2010-05-16T14:30:00.001-07:00

48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #184 & 185

2010-05-07T09:15:00.001-07:00

Making good use of oystercatcher art at the Wild Salmon Rally, demanding an end to open-pen fish farming, Victoria, BC, May 8, 2010

48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #189

2010-05-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #183

2010-04-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

30" x 36"

Oystercatchers #181

2010-04-25T11:35:00.001-07:00

48" x 12"

Oystercatchergirl (with Oysties #176) at rally opposing plans for a mega-yacht marina in Victoria harbour. What a fleet of kayakers! (Photo: Jacques Sirois)

Oystercatchers #180

2010-04-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

12" x 48"

Oystercatchers #179 & 178

2010-04-17T09:46:00.001-07:00

both 48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #177 & 175

2010-04-15T10:30:00.001-07:00

48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #176 & 174

2010-04-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

both 48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #171

2010-04-12T09:28:00.001-07:00

18" x 36"

Oystercatchers #172

2010-04-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

Oystercatchers #172
48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #173

2010-04-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

48" x 12"

Oystercatchers #151

2010-04-05T10:17:00.001-07:00

40" x 30"

Oystercatchers #169

2010-03-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

12" x 48"

The frilly seaweed is winged kelp, otherwise known as alaria marginata, which offers abundant artistic inspiration.

Oystercatchers #170

2010-03-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

48" x 24"

Oystercatchers #162

2010-03-25T14:17:00.001-07:00

15" x 30"
(sorry, unavailable)

Oystercatchers #167

2010-02-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

12" x 48"

Oystercatchers #161

2010-02-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

30" x 15"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #160

2010-02-26T13:12:00.000-08:00

15" x 30"
(sorry, unavailable)

Oystercatchers #159

2010-02-24T09:22:00.001-08:00

Oystercatchers #159
18" x 36"

I love the close-up tideline art possibilities, with kelp twisting all over itself.

Oystercatchers #157

2010-02-19T18:29:00.001-08:00

Oystercatchers #157
36" x 18"

Oystercatchers #156

2010-02-19T09:14:00.001-08:00

18" x 36"

Oystercatchers #155

2010-02-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

18" x 36"

Oystercatchers #153

2010-02-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

18" x 36"

Oystercatchers 148

2010-02-09T11:10:00.001-08:00

Oystercatchers #148 (48" x 30")

Oystercatchers #146 & 152

2010-02-09T10:47:00.001-08:00

48" x 30"

18" x 36"
SOLD

Oystercatchers #150 & 149

2010-01-31T10:46:00.001-08:00

Oystercatchers #147

2010-01-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

48" x 30"

Margaret Atwood on art:
"Unlike the discipline of economics, and indeed unlike money -- a lately-come tool we invented to facilitate trading at a distance -- art is very old. The anthropologists and neurologists are now telling us how old -- it's as old as humanity. It isn't a frill. Art isn't only what we do, it's who we are." (January 2010)

Oystercatchers #145

2010-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

48" x 30"

"Truly I say to you, there are only two sets of tools with which the rich soil of life can be worked: the religious and the artistic. Everything else is illusion that crumbles before the onslaught of time. If you die having prayed to no god, any god, one expressed above an altar or one painted with a brush, then you risk wasting the soul you were given." -- Yann Martel, Canadian author

Before & After

2010-01-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

BEFORE
The little 8" x 8" painting that launched me on this unplanned trajectory,
December 2007

AFTER
Working on "Oystercatchers #145,146 & 147", each 48" x 30",
January 2010

2009-12-19T01:22:00.001-08:00

Oystercatchers #141
48" x 30"

The rocky knoll paintings with columbine spilling down are inspired by visits to Sombrio Beach and Haida Gwaii.

Oystercatchers #143

2009-12-19T01:20:00.001-08:00

48" x 30"

Oystercatchers #142

2009-12-19T01:16:00.000-08:00

48" x 30"

I rarely paint without music. This time the oystercatchers are flying to G.F. Handel on the Tafelmusik: Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir, 30th anniversary album.

2009-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Oystercatchers #144
48" x 30"

2009-11-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

Oystercatchers #137
48" x 36"
Oysteratchers #137 & 138 fit together as a diptych (not shown).

"Those columbines look like squid/starfish or gunshots (the other Columbine, since you said the word.) But oystercatchers always look themselves." -- American Pacific northwest poet visiting Anne's studio, Dec 2009

Oystercatchers #138

2009-11-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

48" x 36"