painting

I’m Blue Da Ba Dee…

Posted on by Josef Havelka

This afternoon I decided that I wanted to do a painting. It had been a couple of years since I last did a special one for myself. I was feeling energized and didn’t want my ambition to wane. So I jumped right in.

Shelley by Josef 2020

A little over two years ago, I did a small version of a painting inspired by an artist named Shelley. The original painting was huge. I believe it was four feet by four feet in size. The one I made that mimicked the original was on one foot by one foot. Today, I decided to double the size. I also chose to change the color palette.

Blue Shelley by Josef 2022

I love this new color concept that I did. It made me think that perhaps I could do one or two other ones that could be similar. Perhaps a green one. Or a red/pink one. “Blue Shelley” is double the size of the one I did two years ago. But still half the size of the original piece that inspired me.

I know it’s not an exact replica in the shapes. But that’s what makes it unique. It’s not a printed image, but rather an inspired one that was inspired by another that was created by my memory.

I think I’d like to do more paintings again. I enjoyed listening to music and doing today’s piece. It was relaxing and pleasant.

Do you paint any art pieces? Let me know in the comments. Or perhaps share with me a picture or link to your art.

Up-cycled IKEA Boards

Posted on by Josef Havelka

When we first moved in, my daughter needed a new bed frame. So I dismantled her old IKEA bed and saved some of the pine wood slats. Back in July I used some of the wood and created some Shelves for our kitchen. Today I created some art with six more of the boards.

I removed the fabric and staples that was holding the slats together. Then I gave the wood a quick sanding to remove the varnish and grey marks from the old metal frame. I bought a 1×2 pine board, cut out a couple pieces for each sign. Then I screwed them in the back to hold the boards together.

I coated the wood with white paint. I also blended some blue and sliver to make it look like ice. My daughter found a nice font online that looked like handwriting. So I wrote out “Merry Christmas” in German and Czech. I used our old projector and traced the image out.

Afterwards I painted the letters with the blue metallic paint. Once this paint dries, I’ll finish the signs with some more art in the blank spaces. So far I’m really happy with the results, but it’s getting late. As well, I still have six more wooden boards that I could use for future projects.

I’d like to think that by up-cycling I have gone back to my family roots. As well- writing in Eastern European adds to the homage and traditions my wife and I wish to share with our kids.

Do you ever up-cycle to create art?

Veselé Vánoce! Frohe Weihnachten!

Compressor Painting

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I enjoy painting. Both artistically and otherwise. One of my favorite mediums is using spray paint. I have used it on Cosplay, wicker furniture, canvases, even my lawn. I find the use of spray paint very versatile.

Yesterday I finally bought myself a gravity fed paint gun. I’ve been wanting one for years and this little dude was only $65. Well worth a test drive into the world of paint spray guns.

I’m going to attempt to paint a couple of Muskoka chairs and see if I like the results. I figure it will take a bit longer than just painting them with a roller or brush, since I’ll need to thin out the paint in order for it to flow through the nozzle.

A bit of trial and error will be required to figure out the right consistency and pressure to use from the air compressor. But I look forward to tinkering with my new toy. I should be careful about the overspray and ventilation used.

Wish me luck!

Artsy and Creative

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Last night I was called “Artsy” by a person who I’ve only known for a short while. I guess I kind of am. But I prefer to be considered more of a “Creator”.

My 14 year old son took this picture yesterday.

I love building stuff, creating paintings, writing stories, taking perfect photographs- that sort of thing. I find it pleasurable to make something from nothing. (It’s probably why I’m obsessing over my 3D printer lately.) Looking at my life, I’ve always been that way.

Disney inspired paintings by my 18 year old.

But my joy of being “Artsy” has rubbed off on our children. Everything from painting to making music videos to photography- our kids create as much, if not more, pieces than I do. Sending them to a Fine Arts School has helped in bringing out their inner creative spirit.

Art is a great way to express oneself. I encourage it for everyone to do. It’s good for the mind and soul.

Somebody Out There “Rocks”

Posted on by Josef Havelka

My wife goes for a walk a couple of times a day around our neighborhood. Sometimes she detours through the trails at the nearby Steele Park. (Mostly because my wife still plays Pokémon Go and the park is a Pokéstop.) Today I joined my wife and she showed me something cute along the way.

Someone or someones have been leaving little surprises along the trails. They have been painting rocks and placing them back along the pathways. It’s lovely to see. My wife says she has fun trying to figure out if there are any new ones put out.

To whomever is doing this- thank you! It’s a pleasure to see these works of art. I’m glad my wife took me to see them as well. Such a simple idea, and I love that they just leave them out in the wooded area.

A Galaga Havelka

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I enjoy painting. I think I’m okay at it. I found that over the past couple of days I dove into my art for hours on end. I only noticed how much time was spent because I would suddenly be hungry.

The other day, my inspiration was an old painting I remembered from my childhood. Read about it here: Shelley. When I posted the image on Instagram my sister thought it was the original painting. (Just a side note: I am in no way trying to plagiarize the original art style for any type of profit. I just really wanted to recreate a memory.)

Yesterday, I finished a completely different piece. It was inspired by my poem I shared the other day, Machine and the original marquee for Galaga/Galaxian artwork. I have always been fascinated with the late 70’s/early 80’s arcade artwork. Something about the artistic styling being more lively and vivid then the pixelated games themselves. As if your imagination was needed to make those dots come to life.

I’d like to start on another piece. But I don’t really know what to do. I will just have to wait for inspiration to hit me. Like when one of the space invaders from Galaxian destroys my ship in an endless battle.

Shelley

Posted on by Josef Havelka

A gift to my wife almost ten years ago.

Today I decided to do some painting. Not painting walls or doors this time, but rather something artistically inspired. For my birthday, I received some brushes and paints. Probably because I kept using our oldest daughter’s paints for ages and she was getting annoyed with it.

Two years ago, we were in Tokyo for the Cherry Blossoms.

I do enjoy painting. I love to share memories through my art. Usually I like to do scenes and scenery. Mainly of things that bring me joy.

Today I painted an image of a painting I used to see all the time as a child. My parents once owned an oil painting by an artist named “Shelley”. The original painting was large and cumbersome- at nearly 4 feet by 4 feet in size. I went through a bunch of old photos and pieced together the image I remembered so clearly.

I decided that I wanted this image hung in my home. Only on a smaller scale. After some research online, I discovered that “Shelley” did similar paintings, in the same fashion. With prices for the paintings ranging from $650-$1200.

Here is my painting inspired by “Shelley”. There’s something about the browns and yellows that I always liked on the original. As a child, I often laid on the couch staring at the painting. I understand why my parents sold the painting. It was rather large and clearly screamed 1970’s. It wouldn’t always compliment the walls or rooms of the houses we lived in. I think my parents got rid of it in the late 80’s/early 90’s.

The way the artist signed the painting we owned had a big impact on my written style. I usually write in capitals with straight edges on letters that would normally be curved. Such as the letter “S”. I also tend to use the lines to join the letter in my name like “EF” or “HA”. I only noticed this today when I began searching online for images of their art. It seems “Shelley” had a variety of signatures. But the one we had was the biggest impact to my development.

Does art inspire you? What makes good art memorable?

Inspired Art

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Yesterday was my birthday. And while it wasn’t what you’d call a “Milestone Birthday” it was still memorable and caring.

Going to work wasn’t special that’s for certain. A couple coworkers wished me a happy birthday, which was nice. There are was no “Office Cake” which I am glad about. I’m not much of a sweets fan. At home, I did receive a cake. Sort of. It was an oversized cream puff that reminded my family of our trip to Tokyo a couple of years ago. But the cake wasn’t the gift. The gifts was my daughters handmade artwork they felt symbolizes who I am.

My youngest daughter painted 28:06:42:12 on a canvas for me. (On the back is a lovely paragraph written with uplifting comments by my daughter. That brought a tear to my eye.) For the past decade I have posted that image on Instagram or Facebook as a countdown to The Ides of March- March 15- my birthday. Many of my connections and friends see it as a “Donnie Darko” reference. Which it is. But I’m also a bit self centered and love to make people think about what the countdown is for.

My older daughter chose to go simplistic with an iconic “Running Man” image from Intellivision. The kids know I’m excited about the Amico system coming out this fall. Naturally this image means more to me than most folks. It is a great piece of imagery in my opinion. A change of colour and size symbolizing growth over the years.

I love that my children feel that my passions and joys can bring inspiration to their art. And that they want to relive those passions in art they give me. That is the greatest gift- knowing I’m a muse to my children.

More Painted Wood

Posted on by Josef Havelka

About a month ago I Painted Wood with some winterscape images. I was happy with my first go around that I had to make some more.

What I liked with this one is the rainbow of colours in the sky. I enjoyed blending the colours to create the illusion of an early morning with a slight reflection below.

The other piece I did was of a pathway curving off with a couple of mountains in the faded background. The single tree stood silently with a hint of snow speckled throughout. I liked that I remembered the rule of lightning and the moon’s glow cast a faint shadow from the tree.

The thing about my paintings is that when painting snow, I wanted to portray a semblance of realism- that snow isn’t brilliant white. Snow has a tendency to reflect the light and colours of it’s surroundings. Hints of blue or grey, yellows and pinks make snow a tad more magical.

Using carvings from trees has added a natural wood frame around my paintings. These frames limit what I can paint, but also help the finalized landscapes come to life. I have a few more to finish up and share.

Now the question remains- do I keep them, sell them or give them away? A labour of love and a new found hobby has brought forth something from inside of me. I don’t want it to become commercial, so selling these isn’t likely.

Painted Wood

Posted on by Josef Havelka

This afternoon I decided to get back into painting again. I wasn’t overly happy with how my Black Canvas turned out this past summer. It wasn’t nearly as good as my Cherry Blossom Painting from last September. But today, instead of a canvas, I painted some winter scenes on wood.

The first one I completed rather quickly and was happy with the results. So I lacquered up the edges of the natural wood frame and began on another.

I’m really happy with how both pieces turned out. They are rather generic winter themes so they will work no matter where I put them. It has made me love the idea of painting again. Time to scour the wood shed and hope to find some more pieces like this.

The pieces even look good hung up on our walls as well. It’s going to be tough to take them down once spring arrives.

Marking Ice

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Speed Skating Ice requires marking at the start of the season. We share the rink with hockey and figure skating. Thursday morning, a few of the parents (and a coach) came out to do it. It’s more time consuming than I once thought. This is the third time I’ve helped out and the sixth time my wife has.

Marking the ice requires strict measurements so the the skaters can have accurate results for their times.

We each had a job to do. A few of us were measuring marking where we needed to place dots. One person was drilling holes for the dots, while two people painted the bottom of each one a different colour.

My job was to go around with a spray bottle and fill the holes back up with water once the paint began to freeze. I had to walk laps around the rink slowly filling each hole with water. A bit over a hundred holes and an hour and a half of walking. I began singing to myself “Watering the dots. I’m watering the dots..” to the tune of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland’s “Painting the Roses Red”.

It was a good feeling knowing that what we were doing will benefit the skaters all year. I like to think that our volunteering and support goes a long way. Now we are ready to start cheering and coaching the skaters for another season.

Black Canvas

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I took my daughter to the local craft store yesterday and I ended up buying some black canvases for the both of us. In exchange for me giving her a couple of canvases- she lets me use her acrylic paints and borrow her brushes. I’m not an amazing artist, but I enjoy experimenting a bit.

As I blended colours and tried to make my own version of the aurora borealis- I enjoyed the mix of whites and greens on the black background. Blending blues and purples to create the night sky added to my joy. When painting- I always see where I could improve. But I also have to know when to stop. Sometimes less is more, right?

I have some plans for the other canvases I bought and I hope they turn out. My daughter has chosen to make an outer space image which she is really proud of so far. Using a black canvas is different than a typical white. It really makes lighter colours pop.

Do you enjoy painting? Ever use black canvases? Or do you have any tips for using acrylic paints? Let me know in the comments section!

Painting Number 2

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I had never taken an interest in painting growing up. I did the occasional project in school- but I never bought any art supplies for myself. I tinkered a bit with pencil crayons and sketching, but never really with painting.

I enjoyed decorating my children’s rooms over the years, so I at least made some attempts at art on the walls.

On canvases however, I’ve only ever done two pieces- one was a pencil sketch I made for my wife years ago for her 40th Birthday. The other was my first real attempt at acrylics A month ago– A painting of some planets and a sun. I also used some spray paint on it to liven it up. I was rather pleased with the final results. So I decided to buy another canvas and steal my daughters’ paints and brushes today.

I’m rather pleased with myself this time around and remembered to take a few photos along the way.

I started with a quick background coat of primer gray spray paint. Then I pencilled in my idea.

Then I got started on my trees and bushes. I enjoy blending colors to give it a more natural feel.

For about an hour or so I added in my flowers and lanterns. I was starting to really enjoy the piece but knew it wasn’t quite finished.

With the final details added, the painting was ready to be hung up. I put it above my wife’s computer, maybe she will notice it later on.

I based the painting on a few photos from our trip to Tokyo. This one was my biggest inspiration:

I don’t think I did too shabby considering it’s my second piece. Of course I see many flaws and realize what I could’ve done differently. In the end, I think I may have a new hobby blossoming.

I Made a Painting

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Our daughters are really into painting and making art. My wife and I always encourage them to express themselves. And they express themselves quite often:

No matter what their skill level, if they like what they are doing- I encourage it fully. We also enjoy showcasing their pieces. More often than not, they keep their beloved work to themselves in their bedrooms.

Sometimes they allow my wife and I to showcase their work. Those are the times that I really cherish. When a piece of their soul is put out for the world to admire. As parents, it’s hard to tell them if it’s not good…

Ya. I said it. Not all of their art is good. But that’s okay. We’ve also taught our children to adapt and take criticism seriously. Not insults. But actual criticism- where they could improve and what they could try next time. And they do.

Personally, I haven’t really painted in years. This Saturday was me getting my feet wet again, so to speak. I’m not good by any means. I’ve learned some techniques over the years that I wanted to try. Most of the techniques are from artists I admire, especially those who work hard at conventions. Some of these artists blow me away.

Here’s my piece during the process (minus the first step, I forgot to photograph that). What you see first is lots of glossy black:

When I first started, our oldest daughter gave me a 5×5 inch canvas to play with. So I used some of their acrylic paints and smeared some colours around. Then I marked off some spots and spray painted a black acrylic gloss over it. Here’s the removal:

I tidied up the piece with some more colours and some other spray paints that I had. I wanted it to pop.

I added some minor details and kept wanting to add more. At one point, I had to stop and say it was complete.

I threw my usual signature on it and the date. All that’s left is to get back into painting again and make more art that I love. There’s an entire universe out there for me to paint.

May you be inspired by whatever brings you joy. For me- it was seeing my children work hard at creating art. They are my universe, my everything. I can’t even begin to create something as wonderful as they are.

Feel free to share your paintings with me. I need to get back into it. Like Bob Ross said:

Wine and Painting

Posted on by Josef Havelka

My wife is heading out this evening for her first “Paint and Sip” at the Glass House Estate Winery with a friend of ours. It seems to be a popular style of event. Drink wine while you paint a picture. It’s a way for adults, mostly women, to express themselves through art while getting a bit tipsy.

I love the idea.  I think painting is an expression of oneself. Having a glass or two of wine also loosens up the fear and doubt one may have of their artistic abilities. 


The painting tonight that they will mimic is called “Autumn Bounty”.  It looks challenging for a first piece. I’ve never painted still life or flowers before. The colors portrayed in the imagery connect the winery nicely with the country community they are located in. It also feels like a piece that would be hung in our home if we didn’t love our Comicon fan art.


Unfortunately, all I can see when I look at the photo of “Autumn Bounty” is the alien from “Mars Attacks”.  What’s funny about it is that my wife first pointed out the resemblance.  Of course, being the supportive husband I am, I have dared her to paint this tonight.


I can’t unsee the image. I am waiting to see if my wife decides to embrace her silly side or go with the flow. Pretty sure if she painted the alien, it will get hung up in our foyer of fan art. If she paints the original, it will probably end up in the back of a closet because it doesn’t really fit our home decor.

For the rest of they day I am just going to respond to all questions from my wife with “Ack! Ack! Ack!” to try and influence her decision.

I Wanna Know What You’re Thinking

Posted on by Josef Havelka

There are some things you can’t hide.

I wanna know

What you’re feeling.

Tell me what’s on your mind.

–Information Society.


Inside of my mind is a plethora of thoughts.  Thoughts I have shared daily for many days now. According to my stats- 595 days of blogging. I’m almost at 8000 visitors and 12,000 views.  I’ve also had readership from 80 different countries.  To me- these are some of the nicest numbers I have seen in my life.

The biggest take away from writing daily is the kindness people bring forward. Unlike social media, there is less negativity in this aspect of my world. It brings joy to my heart. Any comments or notes written to me about my posts are encouraging. It keeps me excited about writing.


Sharing my version of art gives me more purpose. It drives me to be a better writer and a kinder person. Inside of my mind is an entire world to explore. Sharing my tales are a way for family, friends and strangers to peer through the window of my soul and see something unique.

I encourage everyone to express themselves in an artistic manner. It can be hard to put yourself out there. Getting over the fear of rejection is a tough hurdle. 

Back to my title of today’s piece: I wanna know what you’re thinking.

Please share your works of art more.  Be it writing, drawing, singing, dancing, photography, or any other number of things- please share it.  The world needs more art.  More expression.  More beauty. More kindness.  We all have it inside of us.  Let’s make this planet a great place to live on.

Share. You may be as surprised as I am at how many people you can reach in the end.

Just Add A Coat Of Paint

Posted on by Josef Havelka

I want to do so much to our home.  Most of it is expensive and costly.  Like new tiles for the three bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, counters and appliances, new windows, plus all the trims… that’s just what I can think of while sitting in our family room. None of which I have money or time to accomplish this summer.

So instead I went out and bought paint.


Paint to clean up the look of the ceiling in the family room.  Paint for the ceiling in the kitchen to try and brighten it up.  Paint for the walls in the dining room to clean up the smears and fingerprints from the last 15 years of children and pets.  All of it in white.


Rant time:

I hate the act of painting.  Not the painting itself- that’s easy.  I hate the pre-cleaning, prepping walls/ceilings, taping off the edges, laying down sheets, all before you begin.  Then I hate the post painting clean up.  Washing rollers/brushes, removing the tape, putting socket covers back on, folding up the sheets, and making sure you didn’t miss any spots.  

End rant.


Usually I’m pretty proud of the final results.  The way the rooms look with a fresh coat of paint.  It’ll keep me from wanting to spend more money to replace the fixtures in the rooms for at least a couple of more years.  I’ll probably just end up painting some other rooms in a couple of years…