hidden door

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

Here's another one from Riverdale Farm. I saw this little hidden door and I thought it would be an interesting subject. I like paintings of door and/or windows. Below is a pic of my painting kit.

wee wee wee

$50 - 5x7"painting 

I went out plein-air painting with some friends to the Riverdale Farm which has the cutest little pigs. Super adorable! They were total sleepy heads... which made them a bit easier to capture with paper and paint.

Still working on how to paint bigger when out in the field. 

travelling along

SOLD

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

I spent the day plein-air painting with the Don Valley Art Club at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, also known as Edwards Gardens. Here is my step by step process...

I painted this waterfall, which I've painted before, but from the other side of the bridge. I worked from my trusty little paintbox. Here's the drawing in 6B pencil.

Half way there... I like to add darks early, so I can determine the values right from the beginning. Artists often do watercolour from light to dark however, when I do that it never seems to take forever to get dark enough...

All done. You can see the pink bulldog clip on the right of the box holding a rag in place. There's also a few paper towels, a compact mirror (to look at the piece in reverse while painting) and an 8x10"mat (under the box) to make sure it'll fit nicely into a frame when finished. Quite a challenge!

raspberry iced tea

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

Today is a holiday Monday, Victoria Day, so I did one of my fave things to do... spent time observing and drawing people at a cafe. Now I'm heading out to dinner for this summer's first outdoor patio meal!

distant call

$40 - 5x7"painting on 90lb paper with 8x10"mat.

I was out urban sketching today when I stumbled across a photo of this lovely red fox. So, I enjoyed the outdoor weather while painting this one. Just kinda happened that way... 

hummin' along singin' a song

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

This little fella was actually part of the same still life set up as the previous post. However, he was so colourful, he stole all the attention. I figured, he needed to be in a painting all to himself. I really wanted to let the watercolour blend and do it's thing in this piece. It's pretty much exactly what I'm going for when I work.

a little bird told me

SOLD

I spent the day with some friends painting a still life with 'birding' as the theme. : )

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat/ready for an 8x10"frame!

close ups-

Sheraton Centre Hotel

I went urban sketching with the Toronto Urban Sketchers (TOUSK) yesterday. About 15 of us ventured over the to lovely Sheraton Centre Hotel which has a wonderful courtyard full of plants, rocks and a waterfall. The rooftop view is quite grand, but unfortunately it was surprisingly chilly yesterday. I happily remained warm and painted the plants and pond. 
I'm also trying to work bigger lately, so this one is 11x14".
Other news: I'm now on Instagram for those who like to follow! 

nice view

$60  -5x7"painting wit 8x10"mat.

Well... it looks like most of the Cherry Blossom Trees are loosing their lovely pink petals this season. Until next year!

Instagram!

I'm now on Instagram! Check it out by clicking the Instagram icon below, and please feel free to follow me. Cheers!

curiosity

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

I've only got a few more days to capture the Cherry Blossom Trees. It's always a race against time during the two week blossoming of these gorgeous trees!

laze around

$60  5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

I love the look of a dark ink line when painting something light and delicate like a cherry blossom tree. It gives a nice strong contrast. Also, it came in handy when drawing the dog's hair. : )

blossoming

$60 - 5x7"painting with 8x10"mat.

It's that time of year again! The cherry blossom trees are happening. They last about 2 weeks so you have to capture them quick. 

Save the Rhino Day!

Today is Save the Rhino Day!

I drew this with 6B pencil on newsprint.