DARCY LEOPOLD POLNY - Blog

Burning embers

7/27/2025

Somewhere in all of us there is a burning ember that glows like a wood stove in a dimly lit cabin. Everyone is different in this need to have an inner glow and the fuel that feeds it. I have always tried to be creative in the art I produce in an attempt to keep that inner glow alive. As I have aged the embers seem to have more ash dimming that light. Taking a break from the pressures of everyday life can rekindle that desire. As a friend of mine said, "The Japanese immerse themselves in nature to revive the soul." so off I went to do exactly that. Of course it works even better when shared with friends.

Limited edition Prints

2/2/2025

Limited edition prints now available on line. Prints of my watercolours, acrylics, and pastels by Leopold (that's me too). Great gifts for birthdays, special occasions.
https://www.darcyleopoldpolny.ca/limited-edition-prints.html

Limited edition prints

1/31/2025

We will have limited edition prints of some paintings.available in 24" x 36", 18" x 24" and aprox 10" x 16"
You can contact me by using the contact button at the top of this page for sizes and cost.

Click on item to view full image

Art Show In St. Albert

6/28/2024

It's official, there will be an art show in St. Albert the month of August. I will have a few new paintings for the show. Details in their invitation card below.

Hope to have the lily pads finished for the show

FRIDAY, SEPT 8 TO OCTOBER 12 at the JEANNE & PETER LOUGHEED PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, CAMROSE, ALBERTA

10/2/2023

A reminder that the art show is up until the 12 of October

Had a great turn out for the Meet and Greet on the 20th of September. Lots of children's books were given away to excited grandparents and great grands. I enjoyed meeting many interested people and sharing creative passion with other artists.
Twenty percent of sales go to support the performing arts centre. All sales are looked after at the ticket office.

There is Still Life

9/8/2023

OPENING
FRIDAY, SEPT 8 to October 12
JEANNE & PETER LOUGHEED PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, CAMROSE, ALBerta

Excited to have a show of my art here in Camrose. The show starts September 8 and will have a meet and greet Sept 22, 5:00pm to 7pm. 20% of sales go to support the performing arts centre. I will be giving away free children's books to the first 50 children. Stay Away From the Barn and Jelly Bean Jake.

When the grand kids visit my wife and I set up painting stations and let them go at it. The theme of the show is reflected in their faces and actions. There is Still Life.

There is Still Life

5/11/2023

"The Stage is Set"
After a successful show last October in Edmonton, I am excited to announce the second showing of my watercolours here in Camrose Alberta. My wife Lea and I have strong ties to the community working on wayfinding signage for the city and brand identity. We have received 10 year recognition for supporting the historic restored Bailey Theatre. Camrose is our home and proud to be having the show here.

Opening reception
Friday, Sept 22, from 5-7
Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre, camrose, alberta

The show will continue to the end of October.

The title "There is Still Life" has taken on new meaning for us personally. The watercolours depict how nature is brought into our homes through man made objects. These objects are discarded by past owners and rediscovered in antique stores. I introduce them into a setting that gives them new life.

I was fortunate to have a podcast interview by Artists in Canada. The interview is one hour in length and allowed me the opportunity to talk about the creative process and some of the concepts of my paintings. If you are interested click on this link https://youtu.be/r1xnF-wGuhM

Setting up your own show

11/4/2022

Successful Show

A great deal of work goes into setting up your own art show . We could not have done it without the incredible support from family and friends. The undying energy of everyone that helped carry, unwrap, organize, and position paintings. (Watch for foot salts at Christmas, appropriately placed in your stockings.) Thanks for the emotional support when I was overcome with details and mental fatigue. My wife and I have always looked after ourselves and accomplished life's challenges together. This time in our lives and the magnitude of effort it took could not have been accomplished without your help. My wife, daughter and my brother need special recognition. Thank you from my heart, your effort made the event successful.

There are unseen roadblocks to consider when you set up your own show. Things you do not expect can derail your success. Check details carefully. We booked rooms at a country club thinking we could have access to their 10,000 members. Turned out they have artists members and it would not fit their policies to promote our show in their news letter. People at a club are used to private functions and feel like they are crashing the event so they tend to shy away. The rooms are for weddings and personal functions so extra cost went into lighting to properly showcase the paintings. In saying this it was well worth the effort with the facility size and ambiance adding to make the show amazing.
Look for another show? Absolutely! Negotiating with the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose for a one man show September 9 2023

Art Show

9/20/2022

There is still Life

Darcy leopold polny
Watercolours

Legs and art supports. Easel pieces are all cut and ready to drill. Yes you read that right. This must mean the the much anticipated art show is a go.

The show goes on!

After years of covid and family health issues the show title "There is Still Life", takes on new meanings. Five years in the making, the event is set! See you there with a large smile in my heart.

Oct 28th: 6 pm to 9 pm, Opening Reception
Oct 29-30: 1 pm to 6 pm
The Derrick Golf and Winter Club
3500 119 St NW in Edmonton AB

progressive steps

3/25/2022

The final image and the steps below showing the progressive steps in it's creation

Some people wait a life time for a moment like this. My wife said I should focus on the beauty of a painting not in what I don't like or could have done better. Every piece is a culmination of learned effects and mistakes that turn out to be the beauty transferred to the next work. I see the beauty and also see the progress. It is hard to separate the mind and the desire to achieve a goal from the final product. There is always the "Oh could I have done that a better way?"
I am happy with this one, "Oh but wait... I have to do another one!"