the tunnel

A final drawing from Riverdale Farm. I'm not sure why I picked a Peacock Green but there ya' have it. In this one I added some people, and a little puppy, just to bring some life to it. : )
The subjects at this farm are never ending!

little door

Here's another drawing from Riverdale Farm, with Sepia Prismacolor coloured pencil on newsprint. This time I remembered to take step by step pics along the way. ; )

Prismacolor Coloured Pencils

Some fellow artist and I from, the Toronto Plein-Air Group, met at the awesome Riverdale Farm to do some sketching. In order to take colour out of the equation and get back to basics, I decided to draw with Prismacolor Coloured Pencils on newsprint. 

 I used Sepia because it's a nice warm brown (although it's a bit hard to tell with my location photos). Newsprint is equally good and bad. It's soft so it's lovely to draw on. It 'takes' so many drawing media, like pencil, coloured pencil and charcoal, so nicely. But, it yellows over time since it isn't acid-free. Very  frustrating! So, I'm on the search for a paper than is smooth like newsprint and allows erasing as easily. I guess I'll have to go back to my favourite place... the art store. ; )

 Here's a detail. 

So great to be back out there plein-air drawing. I've only been twice this summer. That'll have to change!

Harry's Hat

 
$60 - 6x8" original gouache painting
I love it when the model wears a hat. The light, or should I say shadow, ; ) that falls on the model's face is quite a treat to paint.

slight smile

$60 - 5x7" original gouache painting with 8x10"mat

My paint box with gouache paints and grey paper palette... and the model's legs. ; )

detail. : )

bushy brows

12x6" original oil painting

Here's my paintbox with lots of white oil paint on my grey painter's palette pad.

Blocking in with yellow ochre and figuring out the shadow side first.

Trying to keep the paint on my grey painter's palette more organized!

Palette eventually gets kinda messy on the right hand side... oh well...: )

And here's a detail of the face. Cheers!

morning chickadee

$100 - 5x7" original oil painting on 1/8" panel.

This little chickadee loves to sing in the morning, sit high upon the tree tops and she pours lots of chocolate sauce on her sundaes. ; )

Portrait Practise and... 8 years today!!

I spent this morning practising portraits with coloured pencil. A fun thing to be doing on the 8th anniversary of my blog!! 

Thank you all for the ongoing support and encouragement. I appreciate all your comments. Having a blog is a great way to working consistently, especially when the blog community is so inspiring. 

Cheers y'all ; )

musical trio

I had a fantabulous time sketching a musical trio at life drawing today. They practised, we sketched. It was a great experience, mostly because musicians take 'poses' that life models never do, so it was all new to us. 

There were three of them with five instruments. Violin, viola, flute, bassoon and piccolo. They switched seats every 20 minutes (playing musical chairs literally!) so we all had a good experience. I used charcoal pencil and watercolour, oh... and I had a blast! ; )

on my easel

Presently on my easel. She was wearing a green shirt, hence the reflected light under her chin... but along the way, I changed the shirt from green to red. Now it's a little bit confusing. Hmm. ; ) 

I use a gray paper mixing pad when painting with oil, which is covered in paint in the pic so it's a bit hard to tell (!), but I find it's mid-value really helps when mixing colours. 
And here's a close up. : )

with confidence

$60 - 5x7" original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

We had a new model at life drawing and she gave off so much energy, despite sitting perfectly still(!). It's funny how some models are so dynamic and alive, while not moving a muscle. Incredible really. Also, it was nice to bring out the watercolours! ; )

here's a detail - 

Mary Jo

$100 - 5x7" original oil painting on 1/8" panel

This little birdie likes long flights through the park, sweet berries and Jake Gyllenhaal movies. ; )

red rocks

5x7" original oil painting on 1/8" panel

I love painting with red. It's such a warm wonderful colour. For some reason, it's kind of scary to use... but it often works great!

Award of Excellence for Portrait

The Don Valley Art Club Show opening went great last night. Tons of people showed up. Thanks to everyone for all their support. It was wonderful to see all of you! 

I was thrilled and honoured to receive an Award of Excellence in Portrait. There were 15 awards given amongst over 100 paintings. Also, my painting sold. So all in all a wonderful evening!